Get Well Soon, Senator Johnson

Sorry. If you're looking for good news this morning you may have to wait awhile.

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota is in critical condition after having brain surgery.

Johnson suffered from bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital malformation, the U.S. Capitol physician said, describing the surgery as successful. The condition, present at birth, causes tangled blood vessels.
"The senator is recovering without complication," the physician, Adm. John Eisold, said. "It is premature to determine whether further surgery will be required or to assess any long-term prognosis."

[...]

Democrats hold a fragile 51-49 margin in the new Senate that convenes Jan. 4. If Johnson leaves the Senate, the Republican governor of South Dakota could appoint a Republican — keeping the Senate in GOP hands with Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking power.

Hmmm.