Washington – Sen. Tim Johnson’s condition has been upgraded from critical to fair, four weeks after he was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage, and he no longer needs a ventilator.
The South Dakota Democrat, who underwent emergency surgery Dec. 13, remains in intensive care at George Washington University Hospital, said his spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher.
A tracheotomy tube remains in his neck to guard his airway, and the senator still has not spoken, Fisher said. He is expected to leave intensive care but remain in the hospital when he begins rehabilitation. His office has said his recovery is expected to take several months.
The senator’s illness raised questions about the Democrats’ one-vote majority in the upcoming Senate session. South Dakota’s GOP governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement if Johnson’s seat were vacated.
