"Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada went to the hospital to check on Johnson. He called Johnson a "dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate."

The White House also issued a statement wishing him a speedy recovery. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Johnson and his family," said spokesman Alex Conant."

Our prayers are going out to Senator Johnson and his family, particularly his son who has served in Afghanistan and is currently in Iraq.