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Update on Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson

January 03, 2007 3:54 PM

ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf Reports: The day before his party party takes control of Congress, a statement released by Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson's (D-SD) office reveals that after the initial brain hemorrhage that sent him into emergency surgery three weeks ago, the Senator developed fluid in his lungs and he was breathing with the aid of ventilator.

Even today Johnson is still making use of a ventilator, but only at night, according to his neurosurgeon, Dr. Vivek Deshmukh. 

His wife Barb says in the statement that while Johnson has had some challenging days and the road ahead is a long one, "he'll be back at work as soon as he can be."

The statement says Johnson's overall medical condition has been steadily improving over the last three weeks and that he will be focusing on physical therapy and rehabilitation in the coming months.

Sen. Johnson was rushed to the hospital last month after suffering stroke-like symptoms and had brain surgery to stop dangerous bleeding.

The senator's sudden illness raised concern about the one-vote Democratic majority in the new Senate session.  According to South Dakota state law, if Johnson's seat were vacated, South Dakota's Republican governor would appoint a replacement which would create an even split between the parties.  In the event of a 50-50 tie in the Senate, Vice President Dick Cheney's vote would tip the balance in GOP favor.

With Johnson on a long road to recovery, Democrats will retain control of oversight committees and dictate what legislation is brought before the Senate, but they will not have the one-vote majority in floor votes.

January 3, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

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