GenQ - For the not so straight individual

With less than a month until the Democrats are poised to take control of both the House and the Senate, their power may be slipping. Over night, South Dakota Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson underwent major surgery to stop internal bleeding on his brain.

Now the 59 year old Senator is "recovering without complication," according to the US Capitol physican. The Associated Press is reporting that Johnson suffered from a hemorrhage in his brain caused by a rare but sometimes fatal condition. Doctors say it could take days to wake up from the surgery.

If Johnson were to leave office, the Republican Governor would appoint his replacement thus causing a 50-50 split in the house with Vice President Cheney holding the tie breaking vote.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., majority leader elect said he has visited with Johnson and reports that he "really looks good."

It is not uncommon for Senators to take long leaves from the chamber in the situation of an illness, so it is likely that Johnson would have to die or resign to lose his seat.