I’m hearing that Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) has suffered a stroke. No word yet on how serious it is, and here’s hoping that it’s minimal, and that he recovers soon.

But if it’s serious, and he dies or has to step down for health reasons, Republican Governor Mike Rounds would almost certainly appoint a Republican in his place, giving control of the Senate back to them (or rather, if it happens before new Senators are sworn in in January, allowing them to retain control, since the new leadership hasn’t been elected yet).

[Evening Update]

Good news for the Senator and his family (and yes, incidentally, for the Dems)]

It appears that it wasn’t a stroke. Glad to hear it, Senator. Get well soon.

[Morning update]

Not so good news. Sounds like it was an aneurysm, or some other kind of brain hemmorhage. He just had surgery, which was reportedly successful. No word on the prognosis, but right now he’s in critical condition.