Breaking: Sen. Tim Johnson suffers stroke; Update: Spokesman denies Update: Underwent surgery
posted at 4:14 pm on December 13, 2006 by Ian
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Senator Tim Johnson (D – SD) has reportedly suffered a stroke. His condition is unknown. Please keep his health and safety in your prayers. If the Senator does step down, or God forbid, passes away, the majority part of the Senate could change as South Dakota has a Republican Governor.
MSNBC.com has a video report.
Raw Story describes the report:
MSNBC is currently reporting that Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) has suffered a stroke.
There is no word, currently, on the Senator’s condition.
If Johnson were to pass away, or be forced to retire, the US Constitution delegates the task of appointing a replacement to South Dakota lawmakers, who in turn, often turn that task over to the Governor. The Governor of that state, Mike Rounds, is a Republican, and both houses of the state legislature are dominated by Republicans.
Reuters picks up the story.
Update (Allahpundit): Fox just broke in to say that Johnson’s spokesman denies it was either a stroke or a heart attack.
Update: Johnson underwent surgery.
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I’m with Ian. Prayers for Senator Johnson and his family.
mikeyboss on December 13, 2006 at 4:18 PM
Whooooaaaa!
A stroke can mean a lot of things. Give the guy a chance!
Wander on December 13, 2006 at 4:19 PM
Your report leaves it a little unclear about what we’re supposed to be praying for, Ian. Surely we’re not supposed to be praying for his passing?
Christoph on December 13, 2006 at 4:19 PM
Absolutely not.
Ian on December 13, 2006 at 4:21 PM
Sometimes when the stakes are high enough the only prayer that makes sense is “God’s will be done.”
bdfaith on December 13, 2006 at 4:23 PM
To add on to that … I would never pray for someone’s death, especially in a situation like this. The political implication is news and should be noted. However, the priority in this situation should be his health and only his health.
Ian on December 13, 2006 at 4:24 PM
One things for sure… the Democrats (especially at DU) have suddenly “found God”.
Skywise on December 13, 2006 at 4:24 PM
Prayers for a speedy recovery. Another reminder how precious and fragile life is.
infidel on December 13, 2006 at 4:25 PM
One things for sure… the Democrats (especially at DU) have suddenly “found God”.
Skywise on December 13, 2006 at 4:24 PM
——————————————–too funny !
God works in mysterious ways sometimes.
stenwin77 on December 13, 2006 at 4:28 PM
Our prayers are with him and his family. No sense to discuss politics here.
BobK on December 13, 2006 at 4:30 PM
I wouldn’t wish a stroke on anyone. I’ll add him to my prayers.
I don’t have the stomach to wade through either Kos or DU, but I wonder if some of the more deranged posters are already blaming Bush for this.
Physics Geek on December 13, 2006 at 4:30 PM
This is wrong on every level and I know it, but I’m going to admit it anyway. I’m praying he’s okay and suffers no severe long term damage, but that he has to retire anyway.
dementia unbound on December 13, 2006 at 4:30 PM
I question the timing.
blogRot on December 13, 2006 at 4:31 PM
You beat me to it. This thing has Rove’s fingerprints all over it.
RightWinged on December 13, 2006 at 4:34 PM
Rove is resourceful…According to Drudge: “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.’”
Ropera on December 13, 2006 at 4:35 PM
My dad had a stroke in November 10 days after finishing a marathon in 4h15m.
Strokes are very frightening.
I wish him and his family the best and am praying for his full recovery.
JadeNYU on December 13, 2006 at 4:37 PM
I say we invesitgate Haliburton and Rove. this is just too fishy.
Truthers Untie.
;^]
mattshu on December 13, 2006 at 4:40 PM
G-d’s Will, not ours, be done.
Misha I on December 13, 2006 at 4:42 PM
Can’t say it better than Ian.
steveegg on December 13, 2006 at 4:43 PM
How sad – no time for politics here. He is a young man by my standards and from the Jewish side of the aisle my prayers for his – r’fuah shilaimah – “complete healing” are going his way.
Let me say – MSNBC is digraceful. this is from their website –
In addition to concern about Johnson’s immediate health, his illness draws political concern in that the Democrats currently hold a 51-49 advantage in seats, giving them control of the Senate.
Should Johnson, 59, not be healthy enough to be resign from the Senate, according to the South Dakota Secretary of State, the governor of South Dakota may appoint a replacement. The appointment would last until the next general election — in this case, 2008. Johnson’s term happens to expire in 2008.
The governor of South Dakota is Republican Mike Rounds. Should there be a vacancy as a consequence of Johnson’s illness and Rounds appoints a Republican to fill the term, that would make the count 50 Demorats and 50 Republicans. Under the rules of the Senate, ties votes are settled by the vote of the vice president – currently Republican Dick Cheney – effectively giving control of the Senate to the Republicans.
iam7545 on December 13, 2006 at 4:45 PM
Go ahead and pray for his death. It’s not like there’s a God to answer your prayer…
Enrique on December 13, 2006 at 4:45 PM
Prayers and well wishes to Senator Johnson and His family. And wishes for a full and complete recovery.
William Amos on December 13, 2006 at 4:46 PM
How sad – no time for politics here. He is a young man by my standards and from the Jewish side of the aisle are my prayers for his – r’fuah shilaimah – “complete healing” going his way.
Let me say – MSNBC is digraceful. This is the trash from their website – Couldn’t wait-
In addition to concern about Johnson’s immediate health, his illness draws political concern in that the Democrats currently hold a 51-49 advantage in seats, giving them control of the Senate.
Should Johnson, 59, not be healthy enough to be resign from the Senate, according to the South Dakota Secretary of State, the governor of South Dakota may appoint a replacement. The appointment would last until the next general election — in this case, 2008. Johnson’s term happens to expire in 2008.
The governor of South Dakota is Republican Mike Rounds. Should there be a vacancy as a consequence of Johnson’s illness and Rounds appoints a Republican to fill the term, that would make the count 50 Demorats and 50 Republicans. Under the rules of the Senate, ties votes are settled by the vote of the vice president – currently Republican Dick Cheney – effectively giving control of the Senate to the Republicans.
iam7545 on December 13, 2006 at 4:47 PM
The Kos Kids are not taking it well.
JammieWearingFool on December 13, 2006 at 4:56 PM
Ian,
I’m not sure if the Govenor of North Dakota is a Republican or not but it’s not really relevant since Sen. Johnson is from South Dakota (and yes, SD has a Republican Govenor).
Hopefully Sen. Johnson will beat this as he’s beaten several other setbacks in his life.
KCSteve on December 13, 2006 at 4:57 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Polonium found on Sen. Johnson’s heart in the shape of Karl Rove’s fingerprint.
blogRot on December 13, 2006 at 5:04 PM
Well, to be fair to MSNBC, I wouldn’t have even thought of this side of the story if they hadn’t reported it. And it is kind of interesting to say the least.
But as someone else said, it is a bit premature to thinking of death. Strokes don’t always kill people. No one wishes for that anyway.
Something tells me that if the case had been the opposite, The DU crowd would have been openly wishing for the death of a Republican.
It doesn’t surprise me (and it makes me proud) that no one here said anything of the sort.
Rightwingsparkle on December 13, 2006 at 5:11 PM
Some apparently-good news from AP (H/T Michelle) -
Hopefully, it is a minor thing that got caught quickly.
steveegg on December 13, 2006 at 5:12 PM
Ian’s correct. Time to put partisan politics aside and put life first.
…Praying for Senator Johnson & his family.
Corky on December 13, 2006 at 5:13 PM
What’s the difference between a stroke and heart attack?
Rightwingsparkle on December 13, 2006 at 5:13 PM
Sheesh. The left started peddling their conspiracy theories on this before I even had time to post a comment.
CyberCipher on December 13, 2006 at 5:14 PM
Stroke victims often have a full recovery, especially when treated early. All the best to the Senator.
jdpaz on December 13, 2006 at 5:14 PM
A stroke is a blockage of a blood vessel to the brain. A heart attack is a blockage of a blood vessel to the heart.
steveegg on December 13, 2006 at 5:17 PM
A stroke can also occur with a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain area.
steveegg on December 13, 2006 at 5:19 PM
He doesn’t need our prayers, the demos are on there knees praying. The one time the ACLU would allow public prayer is now.
How ya doin Pelosi.
right2bright on December 13, 2006 at 5:25 PM
Stroke is a “brain attack”.
mikeyboss on December 13, 2006 at 5:28 PM
Many people with stroke symptoms have some other cause, and many of those with true vascular disease have only temporary symptoms (called a transient ischemic attack or TIA). It’s like a heart patient having chest pain. Many can then undergo a procedure to correct the underlying problem. Here’s hoping one of these situations is the case here.
mikeyboss on December 13, 2006 at 5:30 PM
My prayers with his family at this time, i’ll leave politics for another day
Defector01 on December 13, 2006 at 5:32 PM
Michelle has on her website a link to the DU thread; and they say we invest politics in personal tragedy
Defector01 on December 13, 2006 at 5:38 PM
Re: KCSteve on December 13, 2006 at 4:57 PM
Thanks. I did note (D – SD) earlier in the post. I admit the mistake, I was in a rush. :)
Ian on December 13, 2006 at 5:42 PM
Ian, could you please check spam to see if I am caught up in it? I tried to link and it didn’t show up.
Thanks
Pam on December 13, 2006 at 6:01 PM
There is also a ’stroke shot’ which, if administered soon after a stroke, can reverse any damage caused by the stroke.
It’s not available at all hospitals, but, I’m assuming the DC hospital that cares for all of our Washington politicians should have it.
JadeNYU on December 13, 2006 at 6:09 PM
Yes, and they are probably wishing Mr. Cheney not so well.
Entelechy on December 13, 2006 at 6:13 PM
Prayers for him and his family. Hopefully it is minor and he can make a speedy recovery.
Stormy70 on December 13, 2006 at 6:18 PM
Ditto.
GT on December 13, 2006 at 6:19 PM
Pray, ladies and gentlemen, for him, his family and all who are suffering this Advent Season. Prayers for each other are one of the few things that make us Humankind.
Zorro on December 13, 2006 at 6:29 PM
I’ll go for a compromise: I’ll wish for his recovery, but also wish he can’t serve any more.
There…consensus!
SouthernGent on December 13, 2006 at 6:41 PM
After reading those pukes over at the DU Im sure Tim johnson if he recovers will switch parties.
The vitriol over there is spew worthy.
William Amos on December 13, 2006 at 6:49 PM
Mildly off-topic, but this is a very controversial issue. The medication is a clot dissolver that may cause more harm than good (e.g. hemmorhage).
mikeyboss on December 13, 2006 at 6:56 PM
hemorrhage.
sorry
mikeyboss on December 13, 2006 at 6:56 PM
I’ll add my Prayers for Senator Johnson speedy recovery, and prayers to aid his family at this time.
Marvin on December 13, 2006 at 7:00 PM
Via the KOS idiot
What is wrong with these people? It’s just sick.
Topsecretk9 on December 13, 2006 at 7:00 PM
Spam cleared.
Ian on December 13, 2006 at 7:05 PM
I’m not considering politics until it’s necessary, and just feel terribly bad for a man so young and for his family if he has suffered a stroke – debilitating or slight.
It’s horrible and shame MSNBC…we don’t even have a clear picture of his actual condition and they are already worried GOP might get the edge.
DemStreamMedia and the left– if they are making the accusation it usually means what they would do or do do.
Topsecretk9 on December 13, 2006 at 7:05 PM
Geez hope the guy is ok. Gotta be rough for the family. Hopefully it was nothing too serious.
Dash on December 13, 2006 at 7:08 PM
Not that this isn’t tragic, but what is all this “young man” talk… he turns 60 in a couple weeks. I mean, yes if he died, the “young man” discussion goes along with that, but I think strokes happen at all ages, and in “stroke world” I don’t know that 60 is that young, is it?
RightWinged on December 13, 2006 at 7:21 PM
Hm, Fox reports now that Johnson’s people say he’s suffered neither a heart attack nor a stroke. Might be a whole lot of nothing.
Blacklake on December 13, 2006 at 7:23 PM
RightWinged – I think it’s because people think of strokes as something that is a cause of death for the truly elderly (i.e. He died of a stroke at 94) or something that afflicts people that live an unhealthy lifestyle.
While 60 might not be young, it also not old enough for most people to ‘expect’ those sorts of illnesses. My dad had one in November (mild and he’s fully recovered, thank goodness) and he’s 56 and a marathon runner.
Alright….not sure that entirely made sense. What I’m getting at is that, with people living to 80 and 90, 50 and 60 are now the new 20 and 30.
Yes, that makes much more sense….I’m going to stop now before I dig a deeper whole for myself. :)
JadeNYU on December 13, 2006 at 7:57 PM
I have read that Senator Johnson has had cancer before. Could be related to that.
William Amos on December 13, 2006 at 7:59 PM
According to the Argus News, it was not a stroke or a heart attack, but he is hospitalised with an “Un-Diagnosed Illness”:
Sen. Tim Johnson hospitalized with ‘undiagnosed illness’
Rudeseal on December 13, 2006 at 8:08 PM
So the reports were false? Perhaps the left was attempting (and failed) to get us to behave the way they do, everytime Cheney goes in for tests or any issue is raised regarding his health.
RightWinged on December 13, 2006 at 8:16 PM
Shades of the Wellstone memorial service.
We pray for his health, period. Politics is a distant second.
Mojave Mark on December 13, 2006 at 8:27 PM
A friend had a stroke in his 20’s. I hope this is not the case here. Yes, prayers for his health and family.
CrimsonFisted on December 13, 2006 at 8:44 PM
May God take care of him like the Senator would take care of us the American people first..
alyce on December 13, 2006 at 9:19 PM
This is a man that has survived cancer..let’s hope it was just exhaustion…
Pam on December 13, 2006 at 9:25 PM
A stroke can happen in other places than just the brain. I’m a disabled veteran (paraplegic) and one of my physical rehab buddies had a stroke in her spinal cord that caused her paralysis.
Just sayin’.
V5 on December 13, 2006 at 9:36 PM
Strokes have a wide range of severity. From the description his sounds very minor. My wife had a stroke about 2 years ago. It was a short (10 minutes) of blurred vision, dizziness, and light headed feelings. For the next couple days her speech was slow. Initially the doctors thought it was a “TIA” (not quite stroke level brain attack). She is fully normal today and is simply on some different meds. Considering the reported events with Sen. Johnson it is likely he will be fine.
That being said – prayer is always in order.
JA6601 on December 13, 2006 at 10:30 PM
CNN just reported that he is in surgery and that he had something “similar” to a stroke.
Scot on December 13, 2006 at 11:20 PM
What is
wrong with these people? It’s just sick.
The DUmmies aren’t faring any better check out this response:
Yeah, who cares about him, his wife or his kids: as long as the Senate remains in their hands?
I’m with you; these pieces of crap are demented beyond any semblance of humanity and have the unmitigated gall to refer to themselves as progressive “humanists” (or whatever the latest hippie lexicon rage term is at the moment).
God help us all.
kiakjones on December 13, 2006 at 11:21 PM
10:1 the drive-by media will spend more time on the implications of the Senate divide than they will on the injury.
Agreed, the Koskids and DUmmies are the embodiment of hatred.
rightside on December 13, 2006 at 11:43 PM
kiakjones:
Translation: “It’s all about me!”
These people are textbook cases of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Look at the diagnostic criteria (5 required):
1. has a grandiose sense of self-importance
2. is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by other special people
4. requires excessive admiration
5. strong sense of entitlement
6. takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. lacks empathy
8. is often envious or believes others are envious of him or her
9. arrogant affect.
Paging Dr. Phil!
The Monster on December 14, 2006 at 12:02 AM
kiakjones
I noted is a subsequent post…if dems are alleging things…that means they are thinking it , plotting it, or would never think twice about it…they are just sick…
Prominent Democrats pondered and celebrated putting a bullet between Bush’s eyes to get what they want
If they are thinking it, then they are prolly engaging in it – worry of Senate Balance over the mans well being
Typical Dirty Democrat.
Topsecretk9 on December 14, 2006 at 12:41 AM
My mother passed away in August from lung, bone, and brain cancer. She suffered several stroke-like incidents because of the brain cancer several months before she passed away. I’ve seen up close the trauma such a thing inflicts on a person’s mind. I hope Senator Johnson recovers fully. Sure, I’d like to see the guy retire, but not this way.
jaleach on December 14, 2006 at 2:41 AM
I’m not a neurologist, but I think Senator Johnson may have suffered an internal brain aneurysm that either burst or was on the verge of bursting. If that’s the case, he is in need of serious prayer. The survival rate has vastly improved over the last few years, but it is still a very frightening condition.
Aunt B on December 14, 2006 at 4:57 AM
I had the same thoughts as Aunt B. Stroke like symptons followed by surgery might mean aneurysm. Whatever it is, all my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
bopbottle on December 14, 2006 at 5:37 AM
My father suffered two major strokes. The first robbed him of control of his left side and gave him partial speech aphasia. While undergoing rehab, he suffered a second stroke. The second robbed him of being able to swallow and control of his right side. As he could no longer swallow, he had to be fed with a feeding tube and was bed ridden for the rest of his life. It was a terrible time for my wife and my mother. I wish that his family is spared such pain.
I pray that the Senator recovers from his illness. May His will be done.
georgej on December 14, 2006 at 6:31 AM
Fox is reporting that he is in Critical condition. He’s been in my thoughts and prayers.
amerpundit on December 14, 2006 at 8:21 AM
Not in terms of a stroke. The drug (TPA) administered quickly after a stroke can prevent serious irreversible brain damage by preventing the affected area of the brain from being blood/oxygen starved. It’s also very short acting, and only given in a setting where the patient is being monitored anyway. It’s also used in patients who have ports implanted and find them clogged.
Given that they did surgery, this was likely either a serious stroke or an aneurysm. A mild stroke would probably not rate surgical intervention. Let’s hope he’s in skillful hands. Brain damaged is a horrible way to live.
Get well, Senator. As for the politics, I’d far rather see the R’s take over because Joementum jumps ship. That would be poetic justice. This would just be sad.
Pablo on December 14, 2006 at 8:40 AM
God help him and his family!
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on December 14, 2006 at 8:54 AM
On the bright side, if it was an aneurysm and it didn’t kill him, his odds of recovery should be good.
Pablo on December 14, 2006 at 8:55 AM
Ian,
I knew it was just a common typo-like error but I thought it was worth pointing out.
Here’s hoping Sen. Johnson has a full, complete, and speedy recovery. There are a lot of other Dem. Senators I’d rather see leave the Senate.
KCSteve on December 14, 2006 at 9:38 AM
This case is a classic example where TPA would cause more harm than good. If someone was gung ho about using TPA early, and didn’t recognize bleeding on the CT scan, the drug could have killed him.
mikeyboss on December 14, 2006 at 11:37 AM
My best friend had an aneurysm 2 years ago. It damaged the vision in his left eye, but other than that he’s fine.
Scot on December 14, 2006 at 12:20 PM
Really Scripture doesn’t bear you out, nor does history.
Recently, I read about the Pilgrim’s trip on the Mayflower. There was a sailor who was extremely abusive to the Pilgrim’s and how he was excited to be able to stitch one of them up and toss them over board. It was prayed by the pilgrims that God either change his heart or remove him. Guess what? He was the first to die.
Scripture often has Prayers for one’s enemies to be destroyed and God grants the request.
Now, I do not wish Johnson to die or suffer, but after all it is God’s will either way.
That being said, I hope Tim makes a full recovery. I watched my Grandfather suffer with Alzhiemer’s and I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer brain damage.
Tim Burton on December 14, 2006 at 1:27 PM
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