S.D. Democrat hospitalized, did not suffer strokeBy Noam N. Levey, Times Staff Writer
5:39 PM PST, December 13, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., was hospitalized Wednesday, but tests indicated that he did not suffer a stroke, his office said.
Johnson, a centrist who has largely avoided the spotlight since being elected to the Senate 10 years ago, became disoriented during a midday conference call with reporters. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he was evaluated for a "possible stroke," his office said.
A spokeswoman said later that doctors had found no evidence that Johnson, who turns 60 in two weeks, had suffered either a stroke or a heart attack, but he remained in the hospital.
Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who will take over as Senate majority leader next month, issued a statement wishing Johnson "a full recovery."
"Sen. Johnson is a dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate," Reid said.
If Johnson is not able to serve when the 110th Congress convenes early next month, the Senate -- which the Democrats narrowly captured in November's elections, 51 to 49 -- could revert to Republican control.Under South Dakota law, Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint a replacement, presumably from his own party -- giving each party 50 seats. Because a 50-50 tie would give the tiebreaking vote to Vice President Dick Cheney, Republicans would control the chamber if it is evenly divided.
