Update On Senator Johnson
The Associated Press is reporting that South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson is recovering normally, according to doctors. Johnson did suffer a hemorrhage in his brain but the doctors are saying he came through the surgery well. One of his aides told the AP that the Senator is responding to spoken commands, a truly good sign.
The South Dakota lawmaker, 59, was on "an uncomplicated post-operative course," the U.S. Capitol physician said after visiting him Thursday afternoon. Johnson suffered a hemorrhage in his brain caused by a rare and sometimes fatal condition.
"He has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required," said the physician, Adm. John Eisold. He had said earlier, "The senator is recovering without complication."
The senator's spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher, was asked by The Associated Press in an e-mail exchange whether that meant Johnson was responding to spoken commands. "Yes," she replied.
I have refrained from mentioning anything else about this although many people are well aware of the speculation the press has engaged in. I will only say this: it is disgraceful to focus on political issues when a man is fighting for his life. Say a prayer for him or at least keep him and his family in your thoughts. This is a very tough time for them, too.
