Senator Johnson, the hospital, the Senate

Gruesome but required...political ramifications of Johnson's stroke or whatever Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson’s illness carried political ramifications. Democrats emerged from last month’s elections with a 51-49 Senate majority. If he were forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota’s GOP Gov. Mike Rounds. A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control. Now, it seems to me that the only reasonable this to do is for the Govenor to appoint a Democrat. A Democrat got elected, a Democrat should replace him. Anything else is usurping the electoral process. Unfortunately, that would probably end his career with the GOP. Replacing Johnson with a Republican would, effectively, give the control of the Senate back to the Republicans (50-50 with ties broken by the V-P). To pass up this opportunity would be political suicide. So, the question is… Is the Govenor a man of integrity who respects the electorate, or is he more worried about his career. Tags:Johnson Senate