DEMOCRATIC SENATOR UNDERGOES SURGERY, POWER COULD SHIFT

As awful as it seems to speculate, the story notes “South Dakota state law says that the governor can appoint a replacement when there is a "vacancy," but Secretary of State Chris Nelson tells CBS News political producer Steve Chaggaris that it's unclear whether a seat held by an incapacitated senator would be considered "vacant." Unless Johnson dies, the state of South Dakota is unsure of how to proceed if he's incapacitated. If he dies, however, the governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement who would serve until the next general election in 2008, Chaggaris explains.” Mike Rounds is a Republican. (CBS News) CNN said it was brain surgery. (CNN)