Within a few minutes of returning from work today, I heard that Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) had a stroke, and then read a report denying he had a stroke. Now the Associated Press is saying he was hospitalized with "an undiagnosed illness," whatever that means. I don't know what to make of it yet, but earlier this evening, those who had heard about it were sure he had had a stroke.

The Associated Press, however has already started talking about the repercussions of Johnson becoming incapacitated... namely, the Republican governor of South Dakota being in a position to name a replacement, potentially appointing a Republican, bringing the Senate to a 50-50 split, making Dick Cheney the effective tie-breaker, and essentially handing the majority back to the Republican Party.

If Johnson did truly have a stroke, or is incapacitated by another illness, and the governor of South Dakota has to make an appointment, you can fully expect a huge bloody battle... lawyers and lawsuits, all trying to establish whether or not the governor has to appoint a Democrat to fill the seat -- which he does not have to, but you can certainly expect Democrats to attempt to make the case that he does.

Still, it's too early to start this debate. We don't know what the situation is yet.

We hope for the best of Senator Johnson's health.

UPDATE: Johnson in critical condition after brain surgery...

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