MSNBC; Conflicting reports arise on senator’s condition .... & TPM [View All]

NBC, MSNBC and news services
Updated: 15 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was hospitalized Wednesday, weeks before his party was to take control of the Senate by a one-vote margin. But by evening, his condition was unclear, with conflicting reports over whether he had suffered a stroke.

The one thing that appeared to be true was that Johnson had some undiagnosed illness that has left him with difficulty speaking and moving.

Johnson, who turns 60 on Dec. 28, was admitted to George Washington University Hospital, said Julianne Fisher, Johnson's communications director. The illness was initially thought to be a stroke.

Fisher later said, however, that Johnson did not suffer a stroke or heart attack. Other sources, said Johnson had. In a statement late Wednesday, Fisher said, "Senator Johnson continues to undergo testing and procedures at George Washington University Hospital. We expect to have more information in the morning."

Admiral John Eisold, attending physician of the U.S. Capitol, issued a statement saying Johnson was admitted to the hospital "with the symptoms of a stroke." While many on Capitol Hill voiced frustration about the lack of immediate information, aides noted the senator promptly received medical attention after feeling ill earlier in the day.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16191212/

from Josh Marshalls site....

Another update on Sen. Tim Johnson's condition. Earlier we passed on the statement from the senator's office that tests showed he had not had a stroke or a heart attack.

However, CBS now has a report out which repeats that statement and then follows with this: "Sources close to the situation tell CBS News the situation is definitely not good."

I'm way out of my depth here in terms of what other conditions could be in play if it's true that a stroke has been ruled out. But the additional line from CBS is both troublingly ambiguous and ominous.

From what I can tell CBS is the only news outlet reporting something like this in the background. There's no point in my speculating. I'll just pass it on. We'll try to bring you more as we hear it.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/011554.php