The Vultures are Circling as Dem. Senator falls ill

Betsy · Post by **Betsy** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:17 am

S.D. Sen. Johnson in critical condition

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was in critical condition Thursday after late-night brain surgery, creating political drama about which party will control the Senate next month if he is unable to continue in office.

The Democratic Party holds a fragile 51-49 margin in the new Senate that convenes Jan. 4. If Johnson leaves the Senate, the Republican governor of South Dakota could appoint a Republican — keeping the Senate in GOP hands with Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking power.

story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061214/ap_on_go_co/johnson

Post by **Dardedar** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:37 am

I hope his surgeon was a Democrat.

Barbara Fitzpatrick · Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:07 pm

It's bad enough having Liebermann our 51st "Democrat" as the MSM keeps calling him. Is this one of the "no atheists in foxholes" moments when everyone hoping to get out of the mess America is in lights candles (says prayers, or whatever)? I'm with Darrel. I hope his surgeon is a Democrat, or at least a "left-leaning independent".

LaWood · Post by **LaWood** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:20 pm

Many times death and illness cause strange turns. In Senator Johnson's circumstance another development counters it:

"Wyoming’s Republican Senator Craig Thomas is currently suffering from leukemia and may resign, in which case that state’s Democrat Governor, Dave Freudenthal, would appoint his replacement."

Barbara Fitzpatrick · Fri Dec 15, 2006 10:58 am

Best of both - the R resigns and the Dem survives (taking Lieberman out of the catbird seat).