GET WELL SOON … Sen. Tim Johnson, Democrat of South Dakota, age 59, has been hospitalized with an apparent stroke. As Reuters notes:
South Dakota’s governor, Michael Rounds, who would appoint any successor if there is a vacancy, is a Republican.
UPDATE: The Washington Post has a more detailed account. Johnson first became disoriented during a midday phone call with reporters, then walked back to the his office, still feeling poorly. The Capitol physician recommended he go to the hospital for evaluation by a stroke team.
Also, Steve Benen has been tracking details of South Dakota law. If there were a vacancy — a premature “if” — it seems the governor would be required to call for a special election, but would name a replacement in the short term.
