Republicans and media vultures are already drooling and ready to break out the bubbly over the prospect of the new senate reverting back to GOP control.
Nevermind that Senator Johnson is not dead yet.
Washington Post: Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) "underwent emergency brain surgery overnight after falling ill at the Capitol and was in critical condition early this morning, introducing a note of uncertainty over control of the Senate just weeks before Democrats are to take over with a one-vote margin."
Not only is there a well established precedent for senators to retain their seats despite taking extended leaves, it's quite possible that South Dakota's Republican Governor would replace Johnson with someone other than a Republican. "The pressure to appoint Johnson's son as a 'legacy' fill-in until the 2008 elections would be intense."
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