Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is shown in a file photo from Jan. 7, 2006, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Johnson suffered a possible stroke Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, and was taken to a Washington hospital, his office said.

AP: S.D. Sen. Johnson in critical condition

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) was in critical condition early Thursday, a hospital official said, after late-night brain surgery that followed hospitalization for stroke-like symptoms.

Johnson was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, just weeks after his party gained a one-seat Senate majority in midterm elections, effective Jan. 4, 2007.

A person in George Washington University Hospital’s media relations office said the hospital was preparing to announce that Johnson’s condition was critical. The employee, who declined to be identified because a formal statement was pending, would not describe the surgery.

The surgery lasted past midnight Wednesday, and was disclosed by another official who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of the subject.

Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson’s illness carried political ramifications. Democrats emerged from last month’s elections with a 51-49 Senate majority. If he were forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota’s GOP Gov. Mike Rounds.

A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

Stay tuned for a news conference later in the morning .

Say a prayer for the Senator and his family……

Update (6:19 AM PST):

Fox News is reporting Senator John is recovering from successful brain surgery. His stroke like symptoms are a result of arteriovenous malformations.

As Flap surmised last night. Johnson was either bleeding in his brain or it was imminent for a bleed – aneurism.

Update (6:37 PST):

Fox News is reporting that surgery successfully removed a blood clot and bleeding is stopped in Senator Johnson’s brain.  But, it is uncertain whether more arteriovenous malformation remains and what area of the brain has been affected.  And if effects of the previous bleed will permanently impair the Senator or whether he will make a complete recovery.

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Reuters: Sen. Johnson undergoes surgery: source

Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota underwent surgery on Wednesday, a source said, after suffering what a doctor called “symptoms of a stroke.” The actions prompted concerns about his fellow Democrats’ razor-thin majority in the incoming Senate.

While there was no immediate word on the condition of the 59-year-old senator, the source, who is familiar with Johnson’s situation, said surgeons sought to remedy an unspecified medical problem.

Just hours after Johnson was admitted to George Washington University Hospital, a spokeswoman for him said the senator had not suffered a stroke. She provided no other details.

In a statement later, Johnson’s communications director Julianne Fisher said: “Senator Johnson continues to undergo testing and procedures at George Washington University Hospital. We expect to have more information in the morning.”

John Eisold, attending physician of the U.S. Capitol, issued a statement of his own, saying Johnson was admitted to the hospital “with the symptoms of a stroke.”

Former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle went to the hospital to check on Johnson, a party aide said, as did the current Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid of Nevada.

Tumor or uncontrolled bleeding in the brain comes to Flap’s mind.

Say a prayer for Senator Johnson.

Stay tuned……..

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Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is shown in a file photo from Jan. 7, 2006, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Johnson suffered a possible stroke Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, and was taken to a Washington hospital, his office said.

AP: Spokesman: Johnson Did Not Have Stroke

A spokesman for Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson said the politician did not suffer a stroke or heart attack, contrary to initial reports after Johnson was taken to a Washington hospital, weeks before his party was to take control of the Senate by a one-vote margin.

Johnson, who will 60 on Dec. 28, became disoriented during a conference call with reporters at midday Wednesday, stuttering in response to a question. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where doctors were evaluating his condition.

So, if not then how about TIA?

Before he ended the call, Johnson appeared to recover and asked if there were any additional questions.

Spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said he then walked back to his Capitol office but appeared to not be feeling well. The Capitol physician came to his office and examined him, and it was decided he should go to the hospital.

He was taken to the hospital by ambulance around noon, Fisher said.

“It was caught very early,” she said.

Sounds like Transient Ischemic Attack to Flap.

Stay tuned……

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Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke

Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota

Fox News is reporting that Senator Tim Johnson D- South Dakota has been hospitalized with an apparent stroke.

The Freepers have the story.

Biography of Senator Tim Johnson is here.

Drudge has:

REPORTS: Sen. Tim Johnson (D, SD) has suffered an 'apparent stroke'... NBC Affiliate WHDH in Boston: 'If he were to die or resign, he could potentially create a tie between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. That is because South Dakota's governor would be able to appoint a replacement for Johnson and he is likely to be a fellow Republican.' Developing...

Tom Delay being interviewed on Fox News calls Washington a tough town and wishes Senator Johnson good health and calls him a nice man.

Update:

Keloland Television: Senator Johnson Hospitalized

Senator Tim Johnson’s office has confirmed that the senator has been taken to the George Washington hospital in Washington D.C. to have some tests done. His office tells KELOLAND News he wasn’t feeling very well after his morning conference call at 11:15 eastern time, which would have been shortly after 10:00 here. So his wife, Barbara took him in to be checked out.

We’ve been told Senator Johnson is still hospitalized. His office told CNN he was experiencing stroke like symptoms. We’ve contacted George Washington hospital. They are not releasing any information at this time.

The Democrat Underground thread is here

Update #2

AP: Sen. Johnson Suffers Possible Stroke

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota suffered a possible stroke Wednesday and was taken to a Washington hospital, his office said.

Johnson became disoriented during a call with reporters at midday, stuttering in response to a question. He appeared to recover, asking if there were any additional questions before ending the call.

If he should be unable to continue to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota’s governor, who would appoint any temporary replacement, is a Republican.

Stay tuned…..

Technorati Tags: TimJohnson, SouthDakota