Johnson improving

Talking to Ron Gaskill of American Farm Bureau today, he said there is every expectation Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., will recover from brain surgery and serve in the Senate next term. If Johnson dies from complications from the surgery, South Dakota's Republican governor could appoint a Republican replacement and thus tip the balance of power to the Republicans with a 50-50 tie and Vice President Dick Cheney holding the tie breaking vote. Though he won't be on hand when Congress convenes the first week of January, Johnson's recovery is said to be ahead of schedule. A brief story on Johnson's status - and speculation whether he is conscious or sedated - adds a few details.