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

[LeonBNJ]

While like many I am sorry to hear of him being ill, it does bring out the question of having persons of such advanced age in political office.

[Ariesjill]

Shame on you, Leon! YOU, whatever yr current age, should apsire to a tiny percentage of the chops he has RIGHT NOW. WHICH, GIVEN YR POST, it is clear you are at a great distance from.

[qofdisks]

Robert Byrd is still lucid.

[Raymondf]

He has Huntingtons desease, dementia, but I still pray for him because I've known him personally for 50 years.

[lisakaz2]

Hope it's precautionary. Get well soon, Senator.

[Lucille]

I did not know that Senator Byrd was a former Ku Klux Klan member. I regrettably wrote some kind words about him when he cried for Senator Edward Kennedy a couple of weeks ago. I formerly take those kind words back.

[Topfeeder]

Lucille,
That was a long time ago and he has learned much in his lifetime. Time for you to learn forgiveness. Sen. Byrd is now a friend to ALL.

[Namaimo]

Well, I posted a comment a while ago, but it did not go through, so here again, Senator Byrd, please, please get well soon. We need you so much in the Senate, and here on earth!

[RadicalConservative]

My prayers are with him.

[Mort]

I wonder if this is a case of Byrd flu. (That was a fowl joke!)

[Zentomato]

Sen Byrd I have always held you in the highest of esteem. Your speech on the floor of the Senate in the run up to the Iraq War is one that students of history will discuss for years. You were so prescient and spot on in your observations. "This chamber is ominously silent. Where is the debate?" Thank you kind sir for all your years of public service. My prayers are with you to get well soon.

[HumeSkeptic]

Get well quickly and back to work, Senator. We need you in the Senate for at least another fifty years. I will never forget your bold stand against this fraud called Iraq war before it started.

[Ariesjill]

I could not ditto more. Only wish they hadn't broken the mold when they made him.

[Ariesjill]

And that was only recent....­preceeded by one of the most remarkable human metamorphoses in history...­..and a stuning crescendo which is NOT OVER.

[HumeSkeptic]

Get well quickly and back to work, Senator. We need you in the Senate for at least another fifty years. I will never forget your bold stand against this fraud called Iraq war before it started.

[nirek]

speedy recovery , Sir

[nanotubz]

Depending how bad Byrd is, and with Kennedy out for at least a month, the Senate democrats could wind up treading water until January.

[Raymondf]

It will be a lot longer than a month.

[springsm]

You know this? He can still work and have chemo...bu­t they did talk about 6 weeks of intense chemo and radiation and chemo for a year. It sounds like none of the vital issues were hurt during the surgery. Gosh. Two of them. That is sad.

[Ariesjill]

Not very warm and fuzzy, WAS THAT?

[Namaimo]

Well, I am very sorry to hear this, and I hope it is just a momentary swoon. Senator Byrd, we CAN'T do without you, or Senator Kennedy, so you had better shape up, right now. OK?

[2liveNdie]

Hope all is well! A true leader!

God Bless!

[luvthelaw]

Best wishes, Senator. Hopefully you and Ted will be back on the floor of the Senate very soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And thank you for all you have done for us.

[1PALady]

Rest Senator Byrd and get well, best wishes to you!