Sen. Johnson recovering after surgery

WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was recovering without complications from emergency brain surgery to repair bleeding in his brain.

Family and colleagues were encouraged by his progress Thursday, yet doctors said it was too early to say whether further surgery would be required.

Johnson suffered a brain hemorrhage Wednesday that was caused by a rare and sometimes fatal condition. His illness came just weeks before Democrats are to take control of the Senate by a one-seat margin.

Johnson was in critical condition at George Washington University Hospital but was described as recovering Thursday. The South Dakota lawmaker, 59, was on "an uncomplicated postoperative course," the U.S. Capitol physician said after visiting him Thursday afternoon.

"He has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required," said the physician, Adm. John Eisold.

Johnson was responding to the voice of his wife, Barbara, and following directions after the surgery, the senator's office said in a statement.

What, was Harry Reid in the room too?