Johnson's Recovery Clouds U. S. Senate Picture
U. S. Senator Tim Johnson's recovery from a brain hemorrhage and emergency surgery is expected to take months, his aides say, and that complicates the political picture in the Senate where Democrats have a one-vote majority.
Tests show that Johnson, 60, no longer has the tangle of arteries and veins in his brain that caused bleeding that sent him to George Washington University Hospital, where he has been in critical condition since December 13th.
His long-term prognosis is unclear. Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, the head of his surgical team, said in a statement that a tangle in Johnson's brain, called arteriovenous malformation, appears to be gone and that Johnson, D-S.D., "continues to be responsive to both his family and physicians -- following commands, squeezing his wife's hand, and understanding speech."
The statement from Johnson's office said he had developed fluid in his lungs as a consequence of the initial hemorrhage and has been on a ventilator to assist in his breathing. Deshmukh said, "His breathing has steadily improved, and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night." The doctor's statement said Johnson's overall medical condition has improved steadily. "The next phase of his recovery is expected to take several months and focus upon rehabilitation and physical therapy," it said.
Johnson's illness and continued absence from the Senate raises questions about the Democrats' one-vote majority in the next session. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint a replacement if Johnson's seat were vacated by death or resignation. A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, effectively allowing the GOP to retain Senate control because Vice President Dick Cheney would have a tie-breaking vote.
Tests show that Johnson, 60, no longer has the tangle of arteries and veins in his brain that caused bleeding that sent him to George Washington University Hospital, where he has been in critical condition since December 13th.
His long-term prognosis is unclear. Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, the head of his surgical team, said in a statement that a tangle in Johnson's brain, called arteriovenous malformation, appears to be gone and that Johnson, D-S.D., "continues to be responsive to both his family and physicians -- following commands, squeezing his wife's hand, and understanding speech."
The statement from Johnson's office said he had developed fluid in his lungs as a consequence of the initial hemorrhage and has been on a ventilator to assist in his breathing. Deshmukh said, "His breathing has steadily improved, and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night." The doctor's statement said Johnson's overall medical condition has improved steadily. "The next phase of his recovery is expected to take several months and focus upon rehabilitation and physical therapy," it said.
Johnson's illness and continued absence from the Senate raises questions about the Democrats' one-vote majority in the next session. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint a replacement if Johnson's seat were vacated by death or resignation. A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, effectively allowing the GOP to retain Senate control because Vice President Dick Cheney would have a tie-breaking vote.
Labels: Politics/National
posted by Mike McCarville @ 8:42 AM
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