The Senate Lost?
December 14th, 2006 | by Jersey McJones |From USA Today:
…By Kathy Kiely, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson remains hospitalized today after undergoing overnight surgery for stroke-like symptoms — just weeks before his party, with only a one-vote majority, was to take control of the Senate.
…Officials told the Associated Press that Johnson underwent surgery, which lasted past midnight.
If Johnson were unable to complete the remaining two years of his term, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, a Republican, could appoint a replacement, presumably another Republican. That would deadlock the Senate at 50-50 with Vice President Cheney, a Republican, holding the tie-breaking vote.
…
Word is now that the Senator is in critical condition and C-Span picked up a rumor this morning that the surgery was brain surgery. Now, if the Senator can so much as be rolled onto the Senate floor and blink his eyes for “ayes” and “nays” then he can keep his seat. But if he can’t do at least that there can be no doubt that the GOP will take back the Senate. We shall see over the next few days.
There will be rumors and conspiracy theories, of course, as there were swirling around the death of Paul Wellstone, one of the greatest progressive Senators of our time. Undoubtedly, any investigation of these will be futile. Just the same, if the GOP appoints a GOP replacement, confidence in our electoral system will be once again diminished, and the voice of the people once again stifled by the Elite Right. Nothing new to America there.
If you’re a praying person, pray for Tim Johnson - and pray for America.
JMJ
7 Responses to “The Senate Lost?”
By Nelson on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but the Repubicans have bred so much mistrust in me that when I first heard this news I couldn’t help but think that Rove & Co. were somehow behind it. It’s a truly sad day in America when I mistrust our politicians enough to think that an assassination could happen just for the control of the Senate. I sincerely hope that I am wrong, but sadly I am afraid that I may be right.
By Steve O on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
I want shotgun Cheney to disclose his exact whereabouts over the last couple of days. This is very fishy
By Publicus on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
In 2000, the American people chose a Democrat for president and got a Republican. In 2006, the American people chose a Democratic Senate and they may get a Republican one.
What are elections for?!
By Publicus on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
In 2000, the American people chose a Democrat for President and got a Republican. In 2006, the American people chose a Democratic Senate and now may get a Republican one.
What are elections for?!
By Publicus on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
In 2000, the American people chose a Democrat for President and got a Republican. In 2006, the American people chose a Democratic Senate and now may get a Republican one.
What are elections for?!
By steve on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
It’s proof God is a Republican… Now for the Pelosi sex scandal!
By Craig R. Harmon on Dec 14, 2006 | Reply
I pray for his recovery. I think that there should be a special election to replace him if it becomes clear that he cannot do his job because of his health. That would probably mean a temporary replacement until such time as the election could be scheduled and occur but that would at least allow the electorate to replace him with a person of their choice.