Well this kinda blows
US Senator Tim Johnson hospitalized
Tim Johnson, a United States Democratic Senator from South Dakota… was transported to George Washington University Hospital by ambulance, where he was diagnosed with a congenital arteriovenous malformation and underwent brain surgery. He is currently “recovering without complications” but it still being monitored.
Currently, the US Senate is controlled by the Republican Party; however, when the Senate reconvenes after the recent midterm elections the Democrats will have a one senator majority. Under the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, state legislatures can give their governor the power to appoint someone else to take over, but this power can only be used in cases where the senator vacates his seat. Historically, this applies to death or resignation, but serious illness does not count.
Should Johnson die or resign, the Republican governor, Mike Rounds, will likely appoint a Republican in Johnson’s place. This would bring the Senate to a 50-50 tie for organizational purposes and give Vice President Dick Cheney the tie-breaking vote, thus letting the Republicans control the Senate. This appointment would last until the end of Johnson’s term, in 2008.
The Rev said,
December 14, 2006 at 9:35 pm
Only 100 more heart attacks to go!