WP: Democratic Sen. Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery

[kskiska]

Friday, December 15, 2006; Page A01

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) was in stable condition yesterday after emergency brain surgery, prompting optimism among family and friends and at least temporarily stanching speculation that the Democrats' narrow control of the next Senate might be in jeopardy.

But Capitol aides predicted tough negotiations between the two parties early next month over the rules for organizing the new Senate, particularly those that would address the possibility that a Democratic seat could be vacated because of illness or death.

Even if Johnson recuperates fully, aides and advisers said, Democrats will be painfully aware that they remain one fatal illness -- or one party switch -- away from a Republican claim on their majority, which has stood at 51 to 49 since the Nov. 7 elections. The two parties may clash in particular over an agreement made in 2001 that enabled Democrats to seize the majority after one Republican senator switched parties. Republicans are likely to try to revive the precedent, according to the congressional aides, and Democrats are likely to fight it.

(snip)

If Johnson's or any other Democrat's seat switches to the GOP after the new Senate is underway, however, even Cheney's tie-breaking powers could leave Republicans facing a difficult-to-impossible battle to seize control. Barring an agreement to the contrary, Democrats could filibuster efforts to reorganize the chamber and proceed to assume committee chairmanships.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/14/AR2006121400379.html

[pinto]

1. Good news that his condition's been upgraded to stable. And this quote

from the physician is heartening:

"He underwent successful surgery to evacuate the blood and stabilize the malformation," said the physician, Adm. John Eisold. He later said that Johnson "has continued to have an uncomplicated post-operative course. Specifically, he has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required."

:thumbsup: Sen. Johnson

[Warren Stupidity]

2. "tough negotiations between the two parties early next month over the rules "

Hmmm... perhaps we ought to just toss their rule change rule proposal right back at them.

Nah, that wouldn't be fair.

[regnaD kciN]

3. Negotiations...? We don' need no steenkin' negotiations!

Let's all remember the "bipartisan" way in which the Repugs ran Congress the last four years.

At this point, we've got the majority. We don't need to "negotiate" with the minority party. :spank: