Democratic US Senator Takes Ill, Could Change Congress Control

by reposts

Wed, Dec 13, 2006 6:39PM

A Democratic US senator took ill Wednesday afternoon with a possible stroke, raising a chance that his seat could become Republican in the event he cannot continue in office.

Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota, 59, was taken to George Washington University Hospital "suffering from a possible stroke," a statement from his office said.

The centre-left Democrats barely eked out a majority in the US Senate in November elections, with 51 seats to 49 for the centre- right Republicans.

In the vote, Republicans lost control of both chambers for the first time in 12 years. Public anger over the lack of progress in Iraq helped fuel the Democratic takeover.

If Johnson is unable to serve out his six-year term, which ends in 2008, the governor of South Dakota, who is a Republican, would appoint a replacement.

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http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_5264-Democratic-US-Senator-Takes-Ill-Could-Change-Congress-Control.html

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§U.S. Senator suffers possibe stroke; could throw off balance of power

by reposted

Wed, Dec 13, 2006 6:40PM

CAPITOL HILL -- South Dakota Democratic Senator Tim Johnson is being checked out at a Washington hospital after suffering a possible stroke.

A statement issued by his office said he's been taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team.

Johnson turns 60 later this month.

If he were to become unable to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. South Dakota's governor, who would appoint any temporary replacement, is a Republican.

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http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=0cda295d-e914-4ef5-938f-bf1790abca57&k=84031

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§Democratic senator hospitalized as party prepares to take 1-vote majority control of Senat

by reposted

Wed, Dec 13, 2006 6:41PM

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 — Senator Tim Johnson, a Democrat from South Dakota, was hospitalized today after what his office at first called a “possible stroke,” leading to concern among Democrats that their new one-vote majority in the Senate could be in danger.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/13/washington/13cnd-senate.html?hp&ex=1166072400&en=b662587dc711778a&ei=5094&partner=homepage

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