Senator Johnson Shows Improvement After Brain Surgery, Senator Reid Says

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Senator Johnson has shown significant improvement after brain surgery, and doctors say, “Everything is going to be just fine,” the Democratic leader, Senator Reid, said yesterday.

Yet when asked whether the 59-year-old Democrat of South Dakota was conscious, Mr. Reid said in a television interview: “I’m not a doctor. I have heard and talked to his family. You should talk to them. It’s not appropriate to talk to me about that.”

Mr. Reid, who has visited Mr. Johnson frequently after the surgery Wednesday following a brain hemorrhage, said, “He’s doing very well. … His improvement has been significant.”

Mr. Johnson has responded to voices, opened his eyes, and moved his limbs.

Surgeons at the George Washington University Hospital have said Mr. Johnson was experiencing post-surgery swelling in his brain, but they said that was normal.

“Doctors tell us everything is going to be just fine,” Mr. Reid said.

Mr. Johnson’s spokesman, Noah Pinegar, said yesterday that the senator remained in critical condition. “The goal has been rest,” Mr. Pinegar said. He said he could not answer whether Mr. Johnson is conscious or sedated.

Mr. Johnson has been diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, a condition that causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, become tangled, and sometimes burst. The condition often is present from birth.

Governor Rounds, a Republican of South Dakota, would appoint a replacement if Mr. Johnson’s seat were vacated by his death or resignation.

A Republican appointee would create a 50–50 tie and effectively allow the GOP to retain Senate control because of Vice President Cheney’s tie-breaking vote.

There is ample precedent for senators to continue to hold office while incapacitated.


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