Sid
12-14-2006, 10:58 AM
The Democrats' razor-thin control of the next US Senate has been cast into doubt, with a senator undergoing emergency surgery yesterday after he developed stroke-like symptoms.
Senator Tim Johnson, of South Dakota, was rushed to hospital for surgery, a source said, after suffering what a doctor said were symptoms of a stroke.
Senator Johnson's condition generated widespread interest because of the potential to alter the balance of power in the coming Senate.
With Senator Johnson, the Democrats, who wrested control of the US Congress from Republicans in last month's elections, would control the Senate by a margin of 51 to 49 when the 110th Congress convenes on January 4.
If the senator had to be replaced, South Dakota law says Republican Governor Michael Rounds would name someone to finish the final two years of his six-year term. An election for a successor would be held in November 2008.
Health threat to Senate majority (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20930293-2703,00.html)
Senator Tim Johnson, of South Dakota, was rushed to hospital for surgery, a source said, after suffering what a doctor said were symptoms of a stroke.
Senator Johnson's condition generated widespread interest because of the potential to alter the balance of power in the coming Senate.
With Senator Johnson, the Democrats, who wrested control of the US Congress from Republicans in last month's elections, would control the Senate by a margin of 51 to 49 when the 110th Congress convenes on January 4.
If the senator had to be replaced, South Dakota law says Republican Governor Michael Rounds would name someone to finish the final two years of his six-year term. An election for a successor would be held in November 2008.
Health threat to Senate majority (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20930293-2703,00.html)