MSNBC is reporting that Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), only 59 years old, suffered a stroke<\/a> today on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n There is no word, currently, on the Senator’s condition.<\/p>\n A call from RAW STORY to Johnson’s office has not yet been returned.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Obviously, our thoughts and best wishes are with Johnson and his family.<\/p>\n In a secondary political context, and without so much as a hint of knowing the seriousness of Sen. Johnson’s stroke, I thought I’d add that if the senator were no longer able to serve, state law<\/a> mandates that the governor, in this case Mike Rounds (R), call for a special election. It does not appear that Rounds would name a replacement (who, presumably, would be a Republican and shift the balance of the Senate).<\/p>\n Stay tuned.<\/p>\n Update<\/em>: CNN reports<\/a> that Johnson was taken by ambulance to a hospital after experiencing “stroke-like symptoms.” He is undergoing a “comprehensive evaluation” by the stroke team at the hospital, according to a statement from Johnson’s office. Johnson’s office is not classifying it as a stroke at this point because they say that is not known. They do say he was conscious when he went to the hospital about 1130 a.m. ET this morning.<\/p>\n Second Update<\/em>: I’ve seen conflicting information<\/a>; now it appears Rounds may be able to name a replacement, should it be necessary.<\/p>\n Third Update<\/em>: OK, maybe here’s the resolution<\/a>: Rounds would name a temporary replacement, but that would only last until a special election was held.<\/p>\n