Sudden Uncertainty in the U.S. Senate

S.D. Sen. Johnson in Critical Condition, AP

“Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was in critical condition Thursday after late-night brain surgery, creating political drama about which party will control the Senate next month if he is unable to continue in office. The Democratic Party holds a fragile 51-49 margin in the new Senate that convenes Jan. 4. If Johnson leaves the Senate, the Republican governor of South Dakota could appoint a Republican _ keeping the Senate in GOP hands with Vice President Dick Cheney’s tie-breaking power.”