US Senator Johnson still critical, spokesman says

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) US Sen Tim Johnson's condition remained critical, but he was stable while resting in recovery from emergency brain surgery three days earlier, a spokesman said today.

The South Dakota senator's progress has heartened fellow Democrats who said yesterday they were optimistic that he will be able to remain in the Senate, and enable his party to retain its narrow control of the Senate when the 110th Congress convenes on January 4.

Johnson was taken to George Washington University Hospital on Wednesday and had brain surgery to stop dangerous bleeding from a malformation he probably had since birth.

''Sen Johnson remains in critical but stable condition, resting. At this point, no news is good news,'' a spokesman for the senator, Noah Pinegar, said via e-mail.

The Democrats narrowly won an advantage in the Senate in November elections. But if Johnson has to leave the Senate, South Dakota Gov Michael Rounds likely would appoint a fellow Republican to fill the last two years of Johnson's term. That could give Republicans control of an evenly split Senate since Republican Vice President Dick Cheney can cast tie-breaking votes.

Doctors have said Johnson will remain hospitalised until his brain swelling subsides and he will need physical therapy for weakness on the right side of his body. They also have not ruled out the possibility of further surgery.

REUTERS DKA BST0010