South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson is seriously ill

RainDog

Senator Tim Johnson had brain surgery yesterday after developing stroke-like symptoms. Doctors list his condition as critical.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-12-14-johnson_x.htm

From this and other articles I've read, it seems the doctors are at least positive. And for those who want a political bend to this, if he resigns or dies, the Republicans take back the Senate.

John Budge

How convenient for the cons.

PJPOWER

Let the conspiracy theories fly! Thought it had been a little too dull around here the last couple weeks. What Pearl Jammer is responsible for this? lol

miller8966

I dotn want to see anyone die...but if he goes its going Republican Baby!

Milhouse VanHouten

RainDog wrote:

From this and other articles I've read, it seems the doctors are at least positive. And for those who want a political bend to this, if he resigns or dies, the Republicans take back the Senate.

if senator johnson is unable to serve, governor rounds gets to appoint a replacement for the seat. the people of south dakota have expressed their desire to be represented in the senate by a democrat, and the governor should respect their wishes.

jeffbr

Milhouse VanHouten wrote:

if senator johnson is unable to serve, governor rounds gets to appoint a replacement for the seat. the people of south dakota have expressed their desire to be represented in the senate by a democrat, and the governor should respect their wishes.

I thought the people expressed their desire to be represented by Tim Johnson.

Maybe some of you are partisan enough that you'll vote for a party instead of a candidate, but I like to vote for an actual person, regardless of party (although if it is a tie in my mind I'll choose the Libertarian every time but that is a secondary consideration).

RainDog

Milhouse VanHouten wrote:

if senator johnson is unable to serve, governor rounds gets to appoint a replacement for the seat. the people of south dakota have expressed their desire to be represented in the senate by a democrat, and the governor should respect their wishes.

Ostensibly this is true. However, they also elected a Republican governor - and one of the governor's duties is to appoint Senators if a seat is vacated in an off year.

Most the people of South Dakota likely wanted Tim Johnson to represent them in the Senate regardless of his affiliation. They also wanted Rounds - knowing full well what his duties entail, they apparently trust him with the decision. So who knows? My guess is, he'll appoint a Republican.

But this is all vulture-ish speculation. The man isn't dead yet.

ledvedderman

miller8966 wrote:

I dotn want to see anyone die...but if he goes its going Republican Baby!

Yeah but you don't want anyone to die? I can tell from your "oh so solemn" respect for a mans life.

bryn_cmbs

miller8966 wrote:

I dotn want to see anyone die...but if he goes its going Republican Baby!

Way to show your respect. Ass.

miller8966

bryn_cmbs wrote:

Way to show your respect. Ass.

i was kidding.. i hope he doesnt die.

Ebizzie

South Dakota Statute:

"12-11-1. Special election to fill congressional vacancy--Time of election of representative. If a vacancy occurs in the office of a senator or representative in the United States Congress it shall be the duty of the Governor within ten days of the occurrence, to issue a proclamation setting the date of and calling for a special election for the purpose of filling such vacancy. If either a primary or general election is to be held within six months, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of representative in the United States Congress shall be held in conjunction with that election, otherwise the election shall be held not less than eighty nor more than ninety days after the vacancy occurs."