Spokesman says Sen. Robert C. Byrd hospitalized

WASHINGTON — Sen. Robert C. Byrd was hospitalized Monday night at his doctor's urging after suffering from lethargy and sluggishness at the Capitol and, later, at his home, a spokesman for the 90-year-old Democrat said.

Press secretary Jesse L. Jacobs said the West Virginia senator would be in the hospital overnight for observation.

Byrd, who is the longest-serving senator in history, voted during a 5:30 p.m. roll call Monday, then went home. Jacobs said the senator began to feel ill less than an hour later.

He was found to have a fever, and at his doctor's request he was taken to a nearby hospital.

Jacobs added that he didn't know which hospital Byrd was taken to.

Byrd was hospitalized March 5 for tests after a reaction to antibiotics. A week earlier he was hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a fall at home.

Last month, Byrd gave an emotional speech on the Senate floor after hearing the news that Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., had a malignant brain tumor. Kennedy, 76, underwent 3 1/2 hours of risky brain surgery at Duke University Medical Center on Monday, an operation his surgeon pronounced a success.

Byrd has become significantly more frail _ and sometimes prone to emotional outbursts _ since Erma, his wife of almost 69 years, died two years ago. Earlier this year, rumors swirled that fellow Democrats thought Byrd was too feeble to remain at the helm of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Byrd silenced the whispering campaign with a strong performance at a hearing in April.

Comments

[Forest]

Senator Byrd is a national icon for his courage and honesty during a scary and compromised time in US politics. I pray he'll soon return refreshed to the senate floor where we need him.

[PigsOnSoma]

Oh no, not another one. I wish you well. What has always mattered, Senator, is that you have done the right thing.

[Smartestever]

He has leached off our tax dollars for far too long, and left us financially bankrupt.

He should have to pay his medical bills back, and then some.

I wish him good health, but he is still a corrupt politician just like most of the others in office. Rep & Dem.

We should demand that these thieves in congress DRILL MORE OIL, and KILL THE IRS once and for all!

[ObamaLover]

you may or may not have heard Democrat Senator
Robert Byrd's outburst of racist bigoted slurs, more specifically the
"n-word," on national television in March of 2001.

[ObamaLover]

is this the same byrd that was a kkk grand wizard?

[HBeachbum]

Speedy recovery Sen. Byrd. I know being wrapped-up under all those white sheets makes you feel at home.

[research]

Byrd gets sick the very day he criticizes Cheney's Virginia incest joke.

[campgranata]

and votes for obama and look what happened to ted kennedy.

[Raymondf]

Story of Byrds Illness made page 1 In West Virginia's Two largest Newspapers, but only made page 6 in the third largest, his Home town newspaper.

[LorettaSingbiel]

How quickly the resolution to authorize the use of force in Iraq was passed despite the measured, impassioned objections of 23 people, including Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.). "The immortal 23" is how the elderly senator describes his colleagues who voted against the war.

"The immortal 23" were the TRUE HEROES and PATRIOTS opposing the IMMORAL Bush Administration's CRUSADE to "spread democracy" one drop of blood (and OIL) at a time.

GET WELL SOON, Senator Robert Byrd!!!

OBAMA '08!
HOPE & CHANGE!

Stay safe, healthy and happy,
Love, Loretta

[speakingtruth2power]

With the "Last Lion" possibly gone and now our President Pro Tem,

there is a huge void in the Senate, that needs to be filled. What may

be next for Hillary is to now grow into the role of the "First Lioness"!!

[beaupritchard]

I too wish Robert Byrd well ... the senate would not be the same without him anchoring it in reality. He gives credence to the idea that one can transcend his humble beliefs and beginnings ... very Emerson Thoreau.

[Raymondf]

I pray for him also, but he is the biggest pork barrel spender in the senate al going to w.v.

[robiform]

Senator Byrd's transformation from a typical Solid South politician to fierce defender of the Constitution has been wonderful to observe over the years. Unlike members of the current Administration, he has admitted when he made mistakes (e.g. his membership in the KKK and his votes against civil rights legislation), and he has spoken out often about the illegal and immoral war in Iraq. Rest up, Senator, and please come back to the Senate when you are able!

[Loisebby]

Are you excusing him from his past?

[borisgoodenough]

No, simply acknowledging that growth is possible -- even in the US Senate -- and that the past needs to be viewed in light of subsequent actions.

[jsarets]

What kind of civil society doesn't let people seek forgiveness for their past sins? What kind of religion holds people to this standard?

[Big0725]

Apparently most Republicans forgave the Blow Monkey is sins of desertion, drug abuse and arrests for DUI. Is it such a hard thing to do to forgive an old fart you is really repentant? And how about Deferment Dick making incest jokes? What a guy! I'll take 10 Robert Byrds ove one Blow Monkey any day.

[priscianusjr]

Yes. You can't change the past, you can only change the present.

[busboy]

I am a middle aged African American Muslim male. As a child I experienced the Watts Riots, the chaos after the assassination of MLK. I remember experiencing racisim for the first time as a child born in the west and transplanted to New Orleans during the erosion of overt segregation in the south. I also remember of all people, George Wallace ,apologizing for his racist past. I remember that Chief Justice Brennan, also a former Klan member , was responsible for some of the most far reaching opinions in favor of social justice and civil rights. For all what we imagine separates whites and blacks in this country in particular, there are ties and bonds unseen that keep us together.Senator Robert Byrd has seen it all in his 90 years. As my grandma used to say.." What he has forgotten you could make a whole other world with". The capacity for someone raised in the times and environment he was is truly remarkable and testament to his great character and courage. I have ENORMOUS respect for the senior senator from West Virginia . May God bless him and give him long life as well as give him peace here and hereafter.

[robertsandimas]

Your eloquence and generous spirit brought me to tears. I am a senior, old radical from Berkeley ('64). Senator Byrd has spoken against the the most heinous suggestions, propositions and actions of the current administration. His true character changed as he matured and I, among others here, admire and wish the best for Senator Byrd, a noble, unselfish public servant. He's the best among the best. He'll be back.

[BillyShears]

One of the most eloquent and insightful posts I've seen in a really long time. Thank you

[Gemma08]

*gulp*

[Big0725]

Enough said. Amen sir!

[Ennealogic]

Senator Byrd wrote a serious and damning expose of the Bush administration in his 2004 book, "Losing America - Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency." He urged us to stop being passive in face of the destruction of the Constitution and the loss of traditional ideals.

He walks the walk. I do not think there is a more honorable man in the Senate today.

Please get well and stay well, Senator. My best wishes to you and your staff.

[MissingAmerica]

Senator is one of the remaining politicians in this country who remember what America is and makes every attempt to preserve it, always acting in America's best interest, whether it be against pork barrel spending or the Iraq war. Our prayers go out to the Senator and his family. Get better, Sir; you are definitely needed and loved!

[Kalima]

I'm sorry to hear this and hope for his speedy recovery. It must be so hard to lose
your spouse at such an advanced age. Get well soon so that you can continue
your work.