Sounds like it might not be as bad as we feared. Still let's hope for a speedy recovery with few, if any, complications.

Raw Story :

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) has apparently suffered a mild stroke, according to various news sources.

Political Wire's "Insider" blog reports that Johnson "is speaking and is expected to be fine," with more news upcoming.[..] (T)he office did issue the following statement to the press:

"Senator Tim Johnson was taken to George Washington University Hospital this afternoon suffering from a possible stroke. As this stage, he is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team. Further details will be forthcoming when more is known."

If Johnson were to be forced into retirement, the US Constitution delegates the task of appointing a replacement to South Dakota lawmakers, who in turn, often turn that task over to the Governor. The Governor of that state, Mike Rounds, is a Republican, and both houses of the state legislature are dominated by Republicans. Read on...

UPDATE: LA Times is now reporting that Johnson did NOT suffer a stroke and that the doctors are still evaluating what is wrong.