Tim Johnson (D) South Dakota has had stroke.
Let me say first that I wish the Senator well and would not revel in his death or disability.
I remember that it was the death of a South Carolina Republican in 1991 that allowed the democrats to take over the Senate briefly when Jumpin Jim crossed over the isle to the dems.
God works in mysterious ways.
UPDATE: Captain’s Quarters reports that it was not a stroke.
Posted by Republicanpundit
December 13th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Praying for his swift recovery…
December 13th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
That was a Georgia Republican who died, and it was in 2001. I remember because we were in Hawaii at the time. Paul Coverdell died and was replaced by Zell Miller. It worked out well for us except for organizing the Senate, but this transcends politics.
My prayers and best wishes to Senator Johnson for a fast and full recovery.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I just read about this on Powerline–definitely wishing the best to Senator Johnson as well as his family and praying he gets the best medical care possible.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
They did hover around Strom Thurmond praying for his death. The Republicans even had Bill Frist sit near him in case he had to resusitate him. The old geezer hung in there for the rest of his term and then we got Lindsay Graham. That was a loss for us.
December 13th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
I wish the senator well and send wishes of comfort to his family.
December 13th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Democratic Sen. Johnson Suffers Possible Stroke
If he should be unable to continue to serve, it could halt the scheduled Democratic takeover of the Senate. Democrats won a 51-49 majority in the November election. South Dakota’s governor, who would appoint any temporary replacement, is a Republ…
December 13th, 2006 at 9:41 pm
Well, I guess it’s up to me to say it. I want Tim
Johnson to get better, too - just not in the Senate.
I’m sorry. I know that sounds callous. But I’m just voicing want some people are thinking and not saying.
December 13th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Actually, I would hope he gets better, then retires, realizing that the job is not worth his health.
That is what I would do if faced with a second heart Attack.
December 13th, 2006 at 10:01 pm
You and me both, RP. I’m sure he’s thinking less about his party and more about his family right now. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Jeanette is right though. The Dems were almost morbidly hoping for Strom Thurmond to keel over in the Senate. I remember and story back when the GOP were holding their all-night filibuster and Joe Biden offered to stay on in Strom Thurmond’s place and allow him to go home and get some rest. Well, Hillary, Dick Durbin, and Tom Daschle said that would not be acceptable. Imagine that. The man was in his late 90s, very physically tired and they wouldn’t let him go home.
Well, judging from the comments on this thread, we are not nearly so cruel and insensitive.
December 13th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
One thing I can guarantee you, the dems are thinking more about their party than his health or family. They’re more worried about their precious majority, you can count on it.