Nation in brief: Senator’s condition upgraded to fair

Sen. Tim Johnson’s condition has been upgraded from critical to fair four weeks after he was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage, and he no longer needs a ventilator to help him breathe, according to his doctor.

The South Dakota Democrat, who underwent emergency surgery on Dec. 13, remains in intensive care at George Washington University Hospital, said his spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher.

Johnson was diagnosed with the arteriovenous malformation, a condition, often present from birth, that causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst. He was rushed to the hospital after becoming disoriented and underwent surgery hours later.

His long-term prognosis is unclear. The senator’s sudden illness raised questions about the Democrats’ one-vote majority in the upcoming Senate session. South Dakota’s Republican governor, Mike Rounds, will appoint a replacement if Johnson’s seat is vacated by his death or resignation.

RICHMOND, Va.

Former governor exploring ‘08 bid

Jim Gilmore, Virginia’s former tax-slashing Republican governor, on Tuesday took the first step in a long-shot bid for the presidency.

Gilmore filed papers with the Federal Election Commission in Washington to form the Jim Gilmore for President Exploratory Committee, said his aide, Matt Williams. He is the sixth Republican to form an exploratory committee – a year before the first primary votes are cast.

Like several other Republican hopefuls, Gilmore said he entered the race because the GOP field lacks a true conservative.

The one-term governor, little known outside his state, faces an increasingly crowded field. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Arizona Sen. John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson and Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas also have taken the initial steps in a White House run.

COLUMBIA, S.C.

Dispute continues over Brown estate

The body of soul singer James Brown has yet to be buried as attorneys and his children work to settle issues surrounding his estate, including where he will be laid to rest.

For now, his body lies in his home on Beech Island, said Charles Reid, manager of the C.A. Reid Funeral Home in Augusta, Ga., which handled the services.

Brown died of heart failure Dec. 25 at age 73. His will has yet to be filed, said Buddy Dallas, an attorney for the singer.

The room where Brown’s body lies is being kept at a controlled temperature, and security guards keep watch, Reid said.