PIERRE, S.D. - When contemplating the personal and political prospects of Sen. Tim Johnson, some people in South Dakota recall another congressman from this state who continued in office after he suffered a brain injury.
"We remember Karl Mundt," said Annette Jarratt, who was visiting the State Capitol Friday in this city along the Missouri River. "That wasn't right that he stayed in."
In 1969, Mundt suffered a severe stroke. He remained in office for a couple of years, however, with his staff performing the bulk of his responsibilities.
The Mundt experience has prompted speculation and concern among South Dakotans about the future of Johnson, a Democrat, and whether his brain trauma might significantly impair his ability to participate in Congress.
But some seemed willing to give Johnson the benefit of the doubt, partly because of encouraging reports about his condition.
"There are signs of improvement," noted Deb Gearhart, 52, while checking out an elaborate Christmas tree display in the Capitol. "I think they should give him time. I know what kind of a fighter he is."
And some seemed mildly irked about speculation that the illness could result in Johnson being replaced by a Republican, shifting the balance of power in the Senate.
"Everybody is jumping the gun," said Craig Brockmueller, 51. "It's going to take a while before we really know anything."