Argentine leader's governing bloc loses ground but holds onto Congress as oppo declares 'end of era.'
President Cristina Fernandez's ruling Front for Victory lost ground in Argentina's congressional elections.
No indication of how long gov't will be without its charismatic leader.
But many worried country's dominant political force is being sidelined.
President Cristina Fernandez will undergo procedure to remove pressure on her brain.
Cristina Fernandez and her late husband have masterminded a populist takeover.
Now the government is hoping for similar numbers in next month's salary negotiations with unions aligned with her political opponents.
Analysts blame brewing money laundering scandal and soaring inflation for Fernandez's numbers.
Opponents see Kirchner move as effort to end the separation of powers.
Argentina has until midnight Friday to propose how it would satisfy a $1.4 billion judgment won by plaintiffs who have insisted on getting full payment in cash.
