U.S. Senator Tim Johnson in critical condition

[Regit]

US Senator Tim Johnson, a Democrat from South Dakota, was rushed to the hospital a few hours ago with symptoms of a stroke. His office has said he did not have a stroke or heart attack.

They did say that they would issue a statement if they had good news. So far there has been no statement. When asked if the Senator is conscious, they chose not to answer.

Obviously, the political implications are enormous.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/13/johnson.stroke/index.html

[Brent]

Yep... if he has to resign or dies, the Republican Governor would appoint someone new.

Very interesting and potentially big. I'm slightly disturbed by the lack of info about it.

[JenBayles]

Brent, remember HIPPA laws. Health matters are now something to be kept under lock and key until the patient decides what is to be made public. Gone are the days when reporters can just ask a nurse about a patient's condition and get an answer. They are forbidden by federal law to answer such questions.

[Brent]

His spokesperson said he did not have a heart attack or a stroke. No details on his condition though.

[wx247]

The MSNBC article I just read sheds no additional light on the subject either. Apparently, however, the blogosphere is going nuts.

My thoughts and prayers are with him.

[Brent]

CNN reports that he is in surgery and may have suffered something similar to a stroke.

Take from that what you will, but the surgery part kind of alarmed me.

[Brent]

CBS News has an ominous statement inserted into the same AP article every other site has:

Sources close to the situation tell CBS News the situation is definitely not good.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/ ... 8875.shtml

[HurricaneBill]

CNN reports that he is in surgery and may have suffered something similar to a stroke.

I wonder if that means a cerebral hemorrhage.

[cycloneye]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16199440/from/RS.1/

Surgery is over and his condition is critical.

[wx247]

Prospects seem better than they did 24 hours ago according to MSNBC. He is progressing "without complication".

[southerngale]

My prayers go out to him and his family. Although I realize the political ramifications, I can't help but find it sad that every article talks about that, no matter where I stand politically. His health and what his family and friends are going through right now is high above how this affects any of us politically.

[vbhoutex]

My prayers go out to him and his family. Although I realize the political ramifications, I can't help but find it sad that every article talks about that, no matter where I stand politically. His health and what his family and friends are going through right now is high above how this affects any of us politically.

AMEN Kelly!!! That is what I was thinking this morning when this war being reported on. More about the possible political ramifications than his conditon and his family. Sad statement imo.

[Lindaloo]

My prayers go out to him and his family. Although I realize the political ramifications, I can't help but find it sad that every article talks about that, no matter where I stand politically. His health and what his family and friends are going through right now is high above how this affects any of us politically.

Well said. They were even discussing about "if he dies" on CNN last night and the affects it would have on the Democrats. I was mortified!