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Friday, Dec. 29, 2006

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WASHINGTON -- South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, whose brain surgery fueled speculation about upcoming Democratic control of the U.S. Senate, has improved and is being taken off sedatives, aides said Thursday.

The statement, released on Johnson's 60th birthday, said he remains in critical condition at George Washington University Hospital after an emergency operation on Dec. 13 to stop bleeding from a malformation of blood vessels in his brain.

"Senator Johnson's overall general medical condition has improved and he is gradually being weaned from the sedation," said neurosurgeon Vivek Deshmukh. "He is opening his eyes and is responsive to his wife."

When the new Congress convenes on Jan. 4, Democrats will hold a narrow majority.

Even if Johnson faces a long recuperation, he can hold onto his Senate seat during that time.

But if he were to die or could no longer serve, Gov. Michael Rounds would appoint a successor - undoubtedly a fellow Republican - to fill out the last two years of Johnson's term.

That would result in a 50-50 split, with Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, who is president of the Senate, able to cast tie-breaking votes.

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Johnson's aides said he will undergo further testing in coming days. They did not estimate how long he could be hospitalized.

© 2006 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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