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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Welcomed Back to the Senate
This video image provided by Senate Television shows Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D. left, greeted by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnelll of Ky., on the floor of the Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Johnson returned to the Senate on Wednesday physically weaker but saying he anticipates running for re-election next year.
Sen. Johnson welcomed back to work
Dozens of staffers, photographers and reporters greeted Sen. Tim Johnson outside his Capitol Hill office Wednesday morning, his first day back at the office since suffering a brain hemorrhage last December.
Amid applause and cheers, Johnson mouthed the words “thank you,” as he moved along in a motorized wheelchair.
The South Dakota Democrat paused for photos with his wife, Barbara, and told the crowd, “I’m anxious to get back to work.”
Johnson, 60, was rushed to the hospital Dec. 13 after becoming disoriented during a late-morning conference call with reporters. He had emergency brain surgery hours later after being diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes arteries and veins in the brain to grow abnormally large and sometimes break.
Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D,, right, accompanied by his wife, Barbara, left, arrives at his office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.
Apparently, the Senator WILL run for re-election this next year which poses a dilemma for Senator John Ensign (R-Nevada), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. Will the GOP be able to recruit and aggressively contend a Senate seat with such a sympathetic politician? Also, Johnson has amassed a re-election campaign fund of over $1.2 million.
Flap thinks it is overly optimistic that Senator Johnson will be able to serve, run for re-election and serve an additional six years in the Senate without some physical duress on the Senator.
Flap questions that when the filing period opens whether the Senator indeed runs.
Others feel otherwise and say he is a GO for another term.
We will see……..
Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: I’m Back
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson To Head Home to South Dakota
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Tim Johnson’s or Tom Daschle’s Return?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: Tim Johnson
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: I’m Back
Senator Tim Johnson, D-S.D. and his wife Barbara acknowledge the crowd as Johnson takes the stage for a homecoming event, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Tim Johnson, speaking slowly and slurring some words more than eight months after experiencing a life-threatening brain hemorrhage, announced Tuesday to state residents: ‘I am back.’
In the Senator’s first public appearance since last December’s brain bleed the 60-year-old Democrat spoke for about 15 minutes to a cheering crowd at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Johnson hinted that he would run for re-election:
The senator, who has not officially said whether he is running for re-election in 2008, hinted he would. “My will to keep fighting for you has never been stronger,” he said.
Tuesday’s celebration was a carefully choreographed gathering that took on the appearance of a campaign event; choirs, religious leaders and a string of politicians praised Johnson.
Sen. Johnson, right, assisted by Clinical Supervisor, Physical Therapy Service, Marti Carroll at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, May 16, 2007.
Flap continues to believe the Senator will NOT run for re-election. Look for him to continue to raise money for a campaign but ultimately WILL withdraw in favor of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.
Stay tuned……
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Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson To Head Home to South Dakota
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Tim Johnson’s or Tom Daschle’s Return?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: Tim Johnson, South Dakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson To Head Home to South Dakota
Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., (right), seen with his wife, Barbara, in this photo released by his office in March of 2007, has not yet announced any plans for re-election, but fundraising efforts go on while he continues his recovery efforts.
Senator Tim Johnson, D-S.D. recovering from a brain bleed and emergency surgery last December will return to South Dakota for the first time and make his first public appearance since being stricken.Johnson was discharged from the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington on April 27. On June 11, 2007, his doctor said that he would be able to resume his full duties in the Senate.
So, will Johnson announce a bid for re-election to the Senate? Or Retire?
Stay tuned……….
Linked to Electric Venom
Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Tim Johnson’s or Tom Daschle’s Return?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: Tim Johnson, South Dakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Tim Johnson’s or Tom Daschle’s Return?
Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., (right), seen with his wife, Barbara, in this photo released by his office in March of 2007, has not yet announced any plans for re-election, but fundraising efforts go on while he continues his recovery efforts.
Remember Senator Tim Johnson from South Dakota who had a brain bleed and brain surgery last December?
Johnson was discharged from the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington on April 27. On June 11, 2007, his doctor said that he would be able to resume his full duties in the Senate.
His wife is quoted in the South Dakota press that he will be returning to his Senate duties sometime after the August Senate recess. In fact, he is making so much progress that he will remain in his Washington area home even though his son will add two adopted grandchildren to his family soon.
Now, no one has seen the Senator since his brain hemorrhage last December and he has been absent from the Senate since then. It seems unlikely that his speech therapy is the likely reason that he cannot make a routine trip home to South Dakota from Washington.
Flap has been dubious from the start that Senator Johnson would make more than a token appearance to resume his Senate duties. Fund raising aside, Senator Johnson will probably retire and NOT run for re-election.
The only reason why he has not quit is because the Senate Democrat majority hinges upon his retention in the Senate. South Dakota’s Republican Governor Rounds would more than likely appoint a Republican replacement and tip the Senate majority back to the GOP.
Today, Robert Novak supports Flap’s hypothesis.
Solicitations for a Sept. 12 fund-raising reception in Washington on behalf of ailing Sen. Tim Johnson give the impression he will be present at the event, but in fact there are no such plans.
Sources close to Johnson say he will not decide his schedule until he is back in the Senate, and there is no firm schedule yet for that. Johnson has not been seen publicly since suffering a brain hemorrhage last Dec. 13, but his staff has been raising funds for his re-election campaign in South Dakota. His campaign has $1.75 million cash on hand.
The $1,000-to-$2,300-a-ticket reception will be held at the home of Johnson’s fellow South Dakotan, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and his wife, transportation industry lobbyist Linda Daschle, on Foxhall Road millionaire’s row in Washington. It has been speculated that if Johnson cannot run, Daschle could attempt a political comeback.
The South Dakota GOP best be prepared. A crippled and weak Johnson will NOT be running to retain his seat.
Watch for former Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle’s return in 2008.
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJ ohnson, South DakotaTom Daschle, Robert Novak
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Condition Improves
ABC: Sen. Tim Johnson’s Condition Improves
“Senator Johnson is actively making decisions about his healthcare and expressing his opinions about his daily activities,” said Dr. Philip Marion, medical director for the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine at George Washington University Hospital.
“He continues to initiate more conversations and questions. His therapy now includes computer exercises and problem-solving activities,” said Marion.
Sen. Johnson’s wife, Barbara Johnson said, “Our family continues to be impressed with Tim’s progress . . . even though there is a long road ahead to complete recovery, we feel that we have gotten ‘our Tim’ back,” she said.
The Senator’s office said Sen. Johnson has been reading the newspaper and following news, especially news from South Dakota, and has requested more updates from his staff.
Good news for the Senator and his family.
But, the question is: will the Senator want to come back to active and very stressful political life?
Flap knows what his decision would be………
Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at NightSenator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator’s Condition Upgraded From Critical to Fair After Brain Surgery
CNN: Senator’s condition upgraded after brain surgery
Sen. Tim Johnson’s condition has been upgraded from critical to fair, four weeks after he was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage, his office said Tuesday.
The South Dakota Democrat, who was rushed to the hospital December 13 and underwent emergency surgery, remains in intensive care, said his spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher.
“The senator continues to make progress,” Fisher said. “The next step would be rehabilitation and we hope that would happen within the week.”
Johnson’s office has said that his recovery is expected to take several months.
He underwent surgery to correct a condition called arteriovenous malformation, involving tangled arteries in his brain.
The senator’s doctors said last week that Johnson was improving but still needed a ventilator at night to help him breathe. The ventilator has required a tube to be placed down Johnson’s throat, making it impossible for him to talk.
His long-term prognosis is unclear. He has been responsive to his family and physicians, following commands, squeezing his wife’s hand and understanding speech.
Good news for Senator Johnson. But, still bad news for Senate Democrats and Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Just as I said before, Senator Johnson will not be back to the Senate or a regular political life anytime soon. Many votes will pass with Johnson not being present.
Moroever, the length of his rehabilitation time will affect whether there is ANY chance of Senator Johnson being a viable candidate for re-election in 2008.Stay tuned…..
Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) makes a stop on a drought tour at the Oahe Grain Elevator in Onida, South Dakota, in this August 9, 2006 file photo. Johnson, whose brain surgery fueled speculation about upcoming Democratic control of the U.S. Senate, has improved and is being taken off sedatives, aides said on Thursday.
AP: Doctor: Johnson improving after surgery
Weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage, Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) is improving but still needs a ventilator at night to help him breathe, his doctor said Wednesday.
In the most detailed update yet on Johnson’s condition, his doctor said a test Wednesday revealed no evidence the tangled arteries that triggered the senator’s stroke remain. “This angiogram shows that there is no further surgery needed at this time,” Dr. Vivek Deshmukh said in a statement released by Johnson’s office.
The doctor said Johnson no longer needs a ventilator full-time. “His breathing has steadily improved and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night,” said Deshmukh, the neurosurgeon treating the senator.
The ventilator requires a tube to be placed down Johnson’s throat, making it impossible for him to even attempt to talk.
Johnson, who turned 60 last week, had emergency surgery last month to correct a condition called arteriovenous malformation. He underwent the angiogram Wednesday at George Washington University Hospital, where he has been in critical condition since Dec. 13.
His long-term prognosis is unclear. Deshmukh said his recovery is expected to take several months.
As Flap thought weeks ago, Senator Johnson’s recovery would be slow and require many months of rehabilitation. It is uncertain if he will ever be able to resume full senatorial duties or if he would desire to do so, if capable.
The Senate will be governed by the Democrats as a result of last November elections holds a slim 51-49 margin, including Johnson’s vote and the votes of two elected independents.
Frankly, it does not seem appropriate to count Johnson’s vote or reduce the 100 member majority if he fails to attend the reorganization of the Senate tomorrow. It is obvious that Johnson will not be attending any Senate session for months.
Why or if the GOP agrees to this is beyond me.
Stay tuned……
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
AP: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition
Sen. Tim Johnson turned 60 on Thursday, two weeks after emergency surgery to repair a brain hemorrhage that has left him in critical condition.
Julianne Fisher, a spokeswoman for the South Dakota Democrat, said Johnson won’t be present in the first days of the new Congress next week but is continuing to improve. She said he is responsive to directions from his wife but has not yet spoken.
It’s too early to tell how long recovery will take, Fisher said.
In a statement Thursday, Johnson’s doctors said he remains in intensive care at George Washington University Hospital. They have released few new details about Johnson’s condition and prognosis since the days after the Dec. 13 surgery to stop bleeding in his brain.
Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, head of Johnson’s surgical team, said in a statement that the South Dakota senator’s overall condition has improved and he is gradually being weaned off sedation to help his brain heal.
It is obvious that Senator Johnson will not participate in the reorganization of the Senate and without him voting the Democrats are in the minority – 48 Democrats, 49 Republicans and 2 Independents. No party has a majority of the Senate which is 51.
So, what kind of deal is looming?
Will it be the 2001 deal (brokered by Daschle and Lott)?
Or will the Democrats have the audacity to force a majority with a Senator who cannot function or even speak? Moreover, Senator Johnson may never enter the Senate again.
Stay tuned……
Previous:
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) is seen in an undated file photo. Johnson was critically ill but stable on Thursday after brain surgery for a potentially deadly bleeding that could deprive his fellow Democrats of their razor-thin hold on the new Senate.
Washington Post: Democratic Sen. Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) was in stable condition yesterday after emergency brain surgery, prompting optimism among family and friends and at least temporarily stanching speculation that the Democrats’ narrow control of the next Senate might be in jeopardy.
But Capitol aides predicted tough negotiations between the two parties early next month over the rules for organizing the new Senate, particularly those that would address the possibility that a Democratic seat could be vacated because of illness or death.
Senator Johnson will not be well enough to vote at the organization meeting, January 4, 2007. There is little doubt about this fact. He may never return to the United States Senate.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) (R) walks into the George Washington University hospital in Washington December 15, 2006 to visit Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) who is recovering from brain surgery. If Senator Johnson is unable to return to work in the U.S. Senate, Republicans could effectively regain control, with Vice President Dick Cheney casting tie breaking votes.
On the other hand, after many months of rehabilitation he may again be a productive United States Senator. But, will he desire this? Also, he would have to begin soon to run for re-election in a red state.
The best case for the Democrats is to agree to the 2001 deal (brokered by Daschle and Lott). If they do not, then how will they justify a majority leadership when in fact they are in the minority (48 plus two independents vs. 49 GOP Senators)?
Even if Johnson recuperates fully, aides and advisers said, Democrats will be painfully aware that they remain one fatal illness — or one party switch — away from a Republican claim on their majority, which has stood at 51 to 49 since the Nov. 7 elections. The two parties may clash in particular over an agreement made in 2001 that enabled Democrats to seize the majority after one Republican senator switched parties. Republicans are likely to try to revive the precedent, according to the congressional aides, and Democrats are likely to fight it.
Let the Democrats fight the agreement.
An already gridlocked Senate will grind to a complete halt as rule change after rule change is filibustered while Senator Johnson languishes in limbo.
And what about Lieberman?
Stay tuned……..
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?
AP: Senate Back to 50-50 With Johnson Out
The last time the Senate convened with a perfect balance of 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats, the two parties struck a power-sharing agreement.
Republicans got control of the Senate, but gave Democrats equal representation on the committees that drive the legislative machinery.
Six years later, with Democrats poised to take power with a 51-49 edge in the incoming Senate, the possibility of another evenly divided chamber hovered over the Capitol Thursday as Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota recovered from brain surgery.
If Johnson is unable to serve, South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds, a Republican, would appoint someone to fill his vacated seat. A Republican appointment would split the Senate anew, giving Vice President Dick Cheney the tie-breaking role and handing control of the chamber to Republicans.
Will the pressure be placed on Lieberman to swtich over like Jeffords in 2001?
You betcha
Does it look like Johnson will be able to resume a normal political career?
No
He probably will defer and resign even if he makes a complete comeback/recovery. Why endure the stress at his age? For Harry Reid and the Democrat caucus?
Please
Harry Reid may be the Senate Majority leader in January 2007 but will he be able to hold it and a Democrat majority?
Doubtful……..
Stay tuned……
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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke
Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke
Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota