If Rep Tim Johnson doesn't survive?

Question

First of all let us all say a prayer for Rep Johnson and his family for a speedy recovery. I must however ask this question:

1. How long before the Democrats and media begin to hint that Dick Cheney poisoned the Representative, starting yet another ridiculous conspiracy theory (not unlike those related to Paul Wellstone).

2. Will the Dems fight the selection process in court (possibly forever) in an attempt to hold power regardless of rule of law. Consider the multiple recounts (which all showed Bush won) but that the Dems kept pushing for "one more recount", finally leading the Supreme court to say "Enough!"

Should the Rep. survive but remain incapacitated:

1. Will the Dems hold the seat, regardless of the fact that the Rep. cannot attend a single vote? If so, how will this help America?

Answer 1

If for some reason Senator Johnson cannot carry out his duties, the Governor of South Dakota, Mike Rounds can appoint his replacement. Rounds is a party Repubican and will more than likely select a Republican replacement.

This would give the Senate a 50/50 split with the VP casting the tie breaking vote if needed, hence the Republicans would be in control.

This is something that would not be so bad for the country because it will keep all Senators in check and evens out the balance of power.

I work in a building downtown where Sen Johnson's office in Sioux Falls is located and he's a well respected Senator as well as a person. The next 24 hours are important to his health and well-being. Although I'm more of a conservative, I do not wish anything bad to happen to one of our leaders. It was ashame to hear his speech patterns on the conference call yesterday, you could tell something was wrong at that time from what I heard.

Answer 2

Yes hopefully for his and his family he will recover.

1) The conspiracy nuts have already started but even they are having a hard time coming up with believers on this one.

2) More than likely since the Governor is Republican. and according to the laws of that state he is suppose to appoint a new Senator if Mr. Johnson, Democrat can not fulfill his duty. Highly unlikely he's appoint an other Democrat to the position but they will sue saying the people wanted a Demo in that spot etc...

3) Yes, they will hold the seat until it's all resolved...heck not unusually for our elected representatives to absent for quite a few of the votes.

Answer 3

If the dire predictions for his well being come true, it will be a blessing in disguise for the Democrats, I am sure that they will fight in some fashion to retain the majority in the Senate but they will lose. The consequences of the Senate returning to Republican control based on an appointment of a senator thus again thwarting the electorate for arguably the third time in the last 6 years will be devastating on the Republicans going in 2008 - and will result in the Democrats will not have to bear the trauma of leadership in dealing with the morass that the republicans have gotten us into in Iraq. The political right are down but not out, the political ramifications of them again usurping power will devastate the party.

Answer 4

Regarding only one part of your point #2:

The Supreme Court did not just say "Enough!" to the re-count system in Florida. The Supreme Court claimed that the system of re-counting was unconstitutional. That declaration by the Supreme Dictators of the United States is an absolute, total fiasco. There are even Republicans -- like retired Judge Robert Bork -- who are embarrassed at what the Supreme Dic-, ... the Supreme Court said in its main opinion.

I used to be a Republican. I voted for Bush in 2000. But there was nothing at all unconstitutional about the re-count system in Florida. It was exasperating, but not unconstitutional. And I decided that I would no longer support the GOP because of that case, Bush v. Gore, as requested by Bush and granted by the five out-of-control conservative Supreme Dictators.

Answer 5

If the rep is unable to vote it is a no vote. You have to be on the floor to vote. not in a coma. And the Dem's will keep him on life support for his entire term if it means they get keep control. And the conspiracy theory's have already started.