www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/14/johnson.ill/index.html

Senator in critical condition after brain surgery
Story Highlights•Capitol physician says senator suffered from "an intracerebral bleed"
•Johnson suffered from "congenital arteriovenous malformation," doctor says
•Senator's condition is critical after undergoing brain surgery
•If Democrat Johnson could not serve, change in Senate control could result


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Democratic senator from South Dakota was in critical condition Thursday after undergoing surgery to repair a brain hemorrhage.

Sen. Tim Johnson is being treated at George Washington University Hospital, about two miles from the U.S. Capitol where Johnson is set to be part of a slim Democrat majority in the Senate from next month.

Adm. John Eisold, attending physician of the U.S. Capitol, told CNN that Johnson had "an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation. He underwent successful surgery to evacuate the blood and stabilize the malformation."

"It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long term prognosis," Eisold said.

Johnson, 59, came out of surgery at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a source close to the senator told CNN. He was hospitalized Wednesday morning after he appeared to suffer stroke-like symptoms. (Watch CNN brain surgeon Sanjay Gupta explain how speech problems indicated what was wrong)

With Democrats' grasp of the Senate relying on the thinnest of margins, ultimate control of the chamber hung on Johnson's health.

Should Johnson not be able to complete his term, which ends in 2008, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint his replacement, which could shift the balance of power in the Senate.

Democrats gained a 51-49 Senate majority after last month's election. A GOP appointee would result in a 50-50 split and allow the GOP to retain Senate control through Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking vote.

Senate Democrats, however, squashed the idea that Johnson's illness would result in Democrats losing control of the Senate, noting that many senators have had extended absences throughout history.

"We're not changing hands any time soon," a Senate Democratic leadership aide told CNN.

Road to recovery could be long
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent and a brain surgeon, said a congenital arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of arteries and veins that have grown close together, often from before birth.

Johnson's slurred speech during his radio interview suggest that the congenital arteriovenous malformation bled and put pressure on the brain that affects language as well as strength on the right side of the body, Gupta said.

Gupta said Johnson's recovery would depend on where the bleeding occurred.

"We are not talking about hours and days of recovery, but rather days and weeks, maybe even months at a minimum," Gupta said.

"When he gets his speech back to normal, when he gets his strength back to normal that can take a long time, probably require physical therapy," Gupta said. "We're talking about a long road here, regardless of where this hemorrhage occurred, but because it was in such high priced real estate it makes it even longer."

Barbara Johnson, wife of Sen. Johnson, said, "The Johnson family is encouraged and optimistic. They are grateful for the prayers and good wishes of friends, supporters and South Dakotans. They are especially grateful for the work of the doctors and all medical personnel and GWU hospital."

Sen. Harry Reid, speaking at the hospital, declined to answer specific questions about Johnson's condition, but did say he was "so happy to see him this morning. He looked very, very good."

Johnson conscious when taken to hospital
Johnson was taken to the hospital Wednesday after he appeared to suffer stroke-like symptoms, although a spokeswoman for the senator said subsequent evaluation showed he did not suffer a stroke or a heart attack.

Staffers told CNN that Johnson was conscious when he was transported to the hospital.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, spent time at the hospital out of concern for Johnson, Reid's spokesman said.

Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said the senator was in the Capitol on Wednesday morning conducting a conference call with South Dakota reporters when "his speech pattern slipped off."

Fisher said the senator was able to walk back to his office in the Hart Senate Office Building, then began having problems with his right arm. He thought he was all right, she said, and went to his desk, but came out a few minutes later and "it was apparent he needed help."

Staffers put him on a couch in the office and called the Capitol doctor, she said. He was taken to the hospital shortly afterward. His wife, in the office to have lunch with him, rode with him, Fisher said.

"It transpired very fast," she said, adding the senator's staff was shaken by the incident.

But, she said of the hospital, "we keep reminding ourselves, this is where they take Dick Cheney."

Although the issue of incapacitation is not spelled out in state law, South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson said he believes there would be a "precedent at the federal level."

Nelson said an appointment would fill the vacancy until a general election could be held in November 2008. There are no restrictions on who the governor can appoint, beyond meeting the legal requirements for Senate membership, he said.

South Dakota has not faced the replacement of an elected office holder "in recent history."

Rounds issued a statement saying his prayers were with Johnson and his family. "We are hopeful of good news for our friend and colleague," the governor said.

Johnson battled prostate cancer in 2004, and after surgery, tests showed he no longer had the disease, according to his Web site.

We all wish Senator Johnson a full recovery. His health obviously comes before discussion of politics, and we wish him and his family well. His surgery was deemed "successful," and he's listed in critical condition now, but with no complications. Sanjay Gupta said that recovery from this type of surgery isn't a matter of days and weeks but rather weeks and months.

But as the media are all discussing, if Johnson's seat is vacated, it will be up to Republican Governor Mike Rounds to appoint a replacement, which would throw control of the Senate back to the GOP.

Dear friends, I must admit I've been worried about what might happen to our oh so fragile majority in the upcoming Senate. I've imagined that we might have to be concerned about Lieberman jumping ship, but obviously, there are a few Democratic Senators in Republican-governed states who might be in frail health. This is so scary! :!: Fox News of course has already made some ugly sounds about Johnson being replaced if incapacitated, BUT, please scroll down to the highlighted section of this article for something more hopeful.
Dinah

Key Sen. Johnson in critical condition By Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro
19 minutes ago


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) was in critical condition on Thursday after brain surgery, the U.S. Capitol physician said, an illness that could deprive Democrats of their precarious hold on the incoming Senate.

The party narrowly wrested control from President George W. Bush's Republicans in the U.S. Congress in last month's elections, gaining just a 51-49 majority in the Senate when it convenes in three weeks.

However, if Johnson, 59, were to leave office, Republicans could gain control of the Senate, leaving Vice President Dick Cheney in the key position of breaking tie votes.

"We're all praying for a full recovery, we're confident that will be the case," Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid told reporters.

Adm. John Eisold, attending physician of the United States Capitol, said Johnson had undergone brain surgery for a rare and often fatal condition, and was in critical condition. He said it was not known whether more surgery would be needed.

"Senator Tim Johnson was found to have had an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation," Eisold said in a statement. "The senator is recovering without complication. ... It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long-term prognosis."

He did not say if Johnson was in a coma or where in the brain the malformation was found.

Johnson, who had prostate surgery in 2004, was taken to George Washington University Hospital on Wednesday with stroke-like symptoms after he verbally stumbled and seemed confused in a radio interview with reporters.

The development caught the U.S. Capitol off guard, brought Reid to Johnson's hospital bedside, and raised the question of what would happen if Johnson were to die.

"There isn't a thing that's changed," Reid told a news conference after visiting Johnson and pronouncing: "He looked great."

If the senator had to be replaced, South Dakota law says Republican Gov. Michael Rounds would name someone to finish the final two years of his six-year term. An election for a successor would be held in November 2008.

If Rounds named a Republican, that would put the Senate at 50-50, with Cheney breaking any tie because he presides over the Senate, putting Republicans in charge.

Bush's party could therefore continue to set the agenda in the Senate, undermining the hopes of Democrats for more influence over Bush's policies.

Johnson's illness raised the issue of what would create a vacancy for the seat. The Senate historian's office said the only way there would be a vacancy to fill is if Johnson died or resigned, since even if incapacitated, he could remain in office.

(I also heard this on New England Cable news, who talked with a South Dakotan Constitutional lawyer, and learned that the S.D. Constitution allows a Senator to remain in office, unless he resigned or died. Let's think healing thoughts, and pray.) :bow: :bow: :bow:

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record) of California, the incoming speaker in the new, Democratic-majority House of Representatives, was asked what it would mean for the Democratic program if the Republicans maintain a majority in the Senate.

"That is a hypothetical that I really don't want to address," Pelosi told reporters.

Johnson's wife, Barbara, said his family was "encouraged and optimistic."

Bush received word about the surgery on Thursday morning, first lady Laura Bush said, adding their wishes for his speedy recovery. "I hope he's doing fine," she told CBS's "The Early Show."

A congenital arteriovenous malformation means Johnson was born with a tangle of blood vessels, in this case in his brain.

When they burst and bleed, such tangles often kill patients before they can get to the hospital, but quick surgery can correct the defect. However, brain damage can result from the bleeding, just as it can from a stroke.

(Additional reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky and Maggie Fox)

I'm merging this thread with the one I started on the same topic.

Oh, sorry, Karen, I hadn't seen your post until after I posted mine. Thanks for merging mine into your topic.

Actually, I meant to merge mine into yours, Dinah, but . . . oh well! :wacko:

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStor...LINE000953.htm&

Dec 14, 2006

2ND UPDATE: Surgery On Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson Called 'successful'

By

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones) -- Sen. Tim Johnson underwent "successful" surgery after falling ill Wednesday, his office said.

The Democrat from South Dakota, currently serving his second term, "is recovering without complication in the critical-care unit at George Washington University Hospital," said a statement from Adm. John Eisold, attending physician of the United States Capitol.

The Thursday morning statement was issued by Johnson's Washington office. Rumors about Johnson's medical status has circulated widely through the Capitol overnight.

"It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long-term prognosis," Eisold said.

At the hospital, Johnson was "found to have had an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation," Eisold said. "He underwent successful surgery to evacuate the blood and stabilize the malformation."

If Johnson's illness proves incapacitating, forcing him to leave the Senate midway through his second term, the Democrats could lose the 51-49 Senate majority they won in the November election.

Late Wednesday night, doctors at George Washington University Hospital estimated the 59-year-old Johnson would be in surgery for several hours, the New York Times reported.

On Wednesday, Eisold said that Johnson had been admitted "with the symptoms of a stroke," the Times reported.

Johnson's office initially reported he had suffered a possible stroke and was undergoing an evaluation by a hospital stroke team. Later Wednesday afternoon, a staff member told Associated Press the illness was undiagnosed, but that Johnson had not suffered a stroke or heart attack.

Johnson will turn 60 later this month. He's up for re-election in 2008.

However, Republicans could regain control of the Senate next year if Johnson is unable to serve.

As a result of last month's Democratic triumphs in the midterm elections, Democrats are poised to take a 51-49 edge in the Senate when the 110th Congress convenes next month. But South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint a successor if Johnson was unable to serve.

If Rounds appointed a Republican, the Senate would be divided 50-50, handing Republicans an effective majority due to Vice President Dick Cheney's tie- breaking role under the Constitution.

"Senator Johnson is a dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate," said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, in a statement. "Every member of the United States Senate sends our best to him and to his family at this difficult time, and we wish him a full recovery."

The Associated Press reported that Johnson became disoriented during a call with reporters at midday, stuttering in response to a question. Johnson appeared to recover, however, and asked if there were any additional questions before ending the call.

The senator walked back to his Capitol office after the call but appeared to not be feeling well, the AP report said. Johnson was taken to the hospital after he was examined by the Capitol physician.

Johnson, a low-key lawmaker, beat back a challenge by Republican Rep. John Thune in 2002 by a razor-thin margin. Thune went on to defeat former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle for South Dakota's other Senate seat in 2004.

Johnson holds the seat once occupied by Karl Mundt, a Republican who served from 1948 until 1973. Mundt suffered a debilitating stroke in late 1969, but remained in office for two more years as his staff took over responsibility for running his office. Mundt was stripped of his committee assignments and was unable to attend Senate sessions during his final year in office.

Hopefully a full recovery will happen, even if it takes awhile.

Then the seat is still his (even if he can't get to the office for a while).

I predict though- should the republicans steal that seat and the senate, one of the republicans will become independent (much like happened that led to Jeffords converting over). Think some of the centrist repubs liked the idea it would be in Dem hands

However, if that doesn't happen, and they steal it, I for one say (esp. if this happens before January), that Reid should kick Leiberman out of the committees, tell him to go over to the other side, and get the blackmailer out of here.
Did you see him so cuddly with McCain yesterday wanting to INCREASE the # of troops (not bring them home).
Call Joe's bluff, kick him out.
Because at that point, what would the difference be, and I think then the Dems would be in a better 2008 position anyhow.
The "CORE" group (esp. with Al at the head), would be all fired up about another theft.

Get well soon Sen Johnson.

Senator is responding well I read in this mornings papers. He ' reached out and took wifes hand" that is a good sign. DR's said he is responding well.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061215/ap_on_go_co/johnson

Johnson shows signs of surgery recovery

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writers

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) has opened his eyes and shown other small signs of recovery from brain surgery that are encouraging to his family, a spokeswoman said Friday.

Congressional visitors continued to come to the hospital and comfort family members as the South Dakota senator's progress was closely watched across Washington. His sudden illness raised questions about the Democrats' one-vote majority in the upcoming Senate session.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid visited Johnson, 59, at George Washington University Hospital again Friday and said he looked "good, fine." Senate Chaplain Barry Black also came by.

Johnson suffered a brain hemorrhage Wednesday that was caused by an uncommon and sometimes fatal condition, and underwent surgery late into the night.

He was responding to the voice of his wife, Barbara, and following directions a few hours after the surgery. When she asked him to open his eyes, he did, and then reached out to hold her hand, said Johnson spokeswoman Julianne Fisher.

"They are just very encouraged by the little things right now," Fisher said Friday.

The senator's two sons, Brooks and Brendan, who live out of town, flew in to be with their father. Johnson's daughter Kelsey lives in Washington.

"I can't imagine how important that was for Barbara to be there at a time in which they started to have him come around and that just makes us all feel better," said South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, who has been following Johnson's progress from Sioux Falls.

Rounds, a Republican, would be charged with appointing a replacement if Johnson were to leave office.

A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie and effectively allow the GOP to retain Senate control because of Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking vote.

Rounds said he was praying for Johnson's recovery.

"My first thought was, is my friend Tim Johnson in trouble, and then I thought about his wife and about his family and what must be going through their minds," said Rounds, who declined to talk about what he might do if he had to name a replacement.

The White House also offered hopes and prayers for Johnson.

Press Secretary Tony Snow said the White House has made a number of attempts to contact Barbara Johnson. He said the White House has not been in contact with Rounds.

"This is a time to pray for Tim Johnson's health, and I'll leave it to others to start doing political calculations," Snow said.

Reid, D-Nev., who is to become majority leader when the new Senate convenes Jan. 4, has visited Johnson at the hospital each day, sometimes more than once.

Other senators have stopped by. Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., visited Thursday, as did Sen. Byron Dorgan (news, bio, voting record), D-N.D., and former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D. Sen. Jack Reed (news, bio, voting record), D-R.I., was at the hospital Friday.

Johnson was in critical condition but was described as recovering and stable on Thursday. The senator was on "an uncomplicated postoperative course," the U.S. Capitol physician said after visiting him Thursday afternoon.

"He has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required," said the physician, Adm. John Eisold.

Doctors said it was too early to say whether further surgery would be needed later.

Democrats are preparing to take control of the Senate with a 51-49 majority when the new Congress convenes in three weeks. Democrats seized control of both the House and Senate from Republicans in the Nov. 7 midterm elections.

Johnson was rushed to the George Washington University Hospital at midday Wednesday after becoming disoriented and stammering during a conference call with reporters.

At the hospital Johnson was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, a condition that causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst. The condition often is present from birth.

Eisold, the Capitol physician, said doctors stopped bleeding in Johnson's brain and drained the blood that had accumulated there.

Dr. William Bank, who treats AVMs and other neurovascular disorders at Washington Hospital Center, said Johnson may need more surgery.

"It probably is not over," Bank said. "For a complete removal of an AVM, you need to be doing your surgery under ideal circumstances," not when the defect is actively bleeding.

On Thursday afternoon, Johnson underwent an additional procedure to prevent blood clots. The procedure is standard after surgery, said Julianne Fisher, Johnson's spokeswoman.

Senate historian Donald Ritchie said senators serve out their terms unless they resign or die. Senators have remained in the Senate even though illness kept them away from the chamber for long periods.

Arteriovenous malformation is believed to affect about 300,000 Americans, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The institute's Web site said only about 12 percent of those have any symptoms.

It's common to take several days to wake up after AVM surgery, said Dr. Sean Grady, neurosurgery chairman at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Someone who is awake and talking in the first day or two typically has a shorter recovery — in the range of four weeks to eight weeks, he said.

He seems to be showing good progress. i wish him the best.

As to the numbers game - I think its moot. The press was quick to get ghoulish - and of course if the problem had been worse and he had not survived the surgery, then there would have been something to talk about.

Now, though, it is a non-issue. He is recovering from surgery, and he retains his seat unless he resigns.

So the number available to vote while he is still hospitalized are 50-49 dem, which means the dems get the committee chairmanships. if he resigns (or worse) later, it does not matter. the chairmanships stay the same no matter who is appointed to fill his seat until a special election is held. that means the dems have all the gains from the elections, whether he is available to vote or not. 50-49 is just as good as 51-49.