We at Blue Herald - News You Can Abuse wish Sen. Johnson a speedy recovery.

The balance of power issue has me wondering something though. If Sen. Johnson cannot fulfill his duties, why is it the Governor of SD who gets to decide who the successor will be? Why not Johnson himself?

Senate control hangs on hospitalized member’s health

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was in critical condition Thursday after undergoing brain surgery, a George Washington University Hospital source told CNN.

David Boyd, in the nursing supervisor’s office, confirmed Johnson’s condition.

Johnson, 59, was out of surgery at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a source close to the senator told CNN. He was hospitalized Wednesday morning after he appeared to suffer stroke-like symptoms. The surgery was described as “successful.”

There was no formal announcement of the South Dakota senator’s condition, The Associated Press reported, but a person in the hospital’s media relations office, who declined to be identified, said the hospital was preparing to announce that Johnson’s condition was critical.

Should Johnson not be able to complete his term, which ends in 2008, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, would appoint his replacement, which could shift the balance of power in the Senate.

Source: CNN