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Sen. Byrd Hospitalized
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ShareJune 02, 2008 9:50 PM
ABC's Z. Byron Wolf reports: On the same day the second longest sitting senator had brain surgery, the longest sitting senator was hospitalized with a fever.
Ninety-year-old Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., was hospitalized tonight after staffers noticed he was lethargic at work and a caregiver discovered he had a high temperature.
He is remaining overnight on the advice of his doctor, according to his spokesman, Jesse Jacobs, who said he was unsure which hospital his boss was at.
It is unclear at this point if the hospitalization is anything more than precautionary.
Byrd, who has had a spate of health problems recently -- he fell and also had a bad reaction to antibiotics, both of which led to hospital stays earlier this year.
And he has been seen on the Senate floor giving speeches from a wheelchair of late.
But today he was at work and was the lone Democrat to join 13 Republicans in opposing a motion to consider a bill that would cap the amount of greenhouse gas U.S. companies can unleash.
Ever the representative of his coal-mining state and still the husband of a coal miner's daughter even though his wife Erma died in March of 2006 after 69 years of marriage, Byrd is very protective of the coal industry.
Rumblings from earlier in the year that he might be too infirmto maintain his chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee seemed to have quieted recently.
Staffers may have noticed lethargy, but his wit was on full display today when Byrd issued a stinging written rebuke to Vice President Cheney for an off-color remark Cheney made about West Virginians and the fact he is distant cousins with Barack Obama.
"That a man who has ascended to the seat of Vice President of the United States would openly display such contempt and astounding ignorance toward his own countrymen is an insult to all Americans," Byrd wote. "Now that he or the Administration he represents no longer needs their vote, Mr. Cheney apparently feels that he is now free to mock and belittle the people of West Virginia. With his trademark arrogance, the Vice President even added ‘You can say those things when you’re not running for re-election.’
"This pitiful comment is not entirely surprising when you consider the source. Vice President Cheney’s words reflect the attitude of an administration and a party that says what they must to get elected and then turns their backs on those they promised to represent."
June 2, 2008 in Veepstakes | Permalink | User Comments (27)
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God Bless Bryd: Dear God please give Mr. Bryd healing and comfort. Lord Jesus you ask us to pray for our leaders and tell us that by prayer we can help others. Teach us to pray and wish well for others, even our enemies. You tell us as we judge and measure out to others so we will receive. Help us be generous and kind to others for you, the world, and our selves. Bless Robert Bryd and his family, who worked to serve us, and bless us all as we too feel our bodies failing and returning to dust. God help us to love,
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Posted by: Graham P. | Jun 3, 2008 1:17:17 AM
At 90 i hope to be still playing on the wing scoring in the corner,then kicking a goal from the Touch Line after the Full time Siren....JUST TO BE A CROWD PLEASER......Don't laff..IT COULD HAPPEN.But maybe not in my life time.
Posted by: Whale In The Desert | Jun 3, 2008 2:44:49 AM
Sen. Robert Byrd, 90 years old is hospitalized and I am sure the Obama people will blame that on Hillary too. The old ex-KKK-man has taken a dive after the illness of friend Ted Kennedy and having to work so hard to get an unelectable man nominated. In spite of his state voting for Hillary by +41%, he came out for Obama. I's baffling too me these old geezers are going to decide our next president is not going to be a woman.
Voters kept her in, superdelegates may push her out.
If the younger superdelegates don't take charge soon, this election might just be over.
Posted by: Sylvia Johnsen | Jun 3, 2008 3:47:53 AM
If you think these bozos are bad wait until the next empty suit is in there your beloved Obama is far worse because he is young and will like these bad apples be around for a long time. these people are not real men just bozos in the public dole line. Cut and Run....Tax and spend.......
Think about the future.......
Posted by: James C. Karmer | Jun 3, 2008 5:54:41 AM
I was still in high school in West Virginia when Robert Byrd and jennings Randolph were elected to the Senate. For those who find fault with Byrd's association with the KKK, I would urge you to look at your own past and ask yourself if there are things that you regret and which you are now ashamed of. If you have lived a perfect, sinless life, then go ahead and criticize the man. Otherwise, respect the man who in an era when we elect presidents who have been married more than once, and who have serial affairs, remained faithful to the same woman for their entire marriage.
Posted by: sister marie | Jun 3, 2008 8:41:08 AM
Senator Byrd has a past he regrets and for which he has apologized. However, he has merit and good character for which he should be respected. He has done well by the state he represents. He has listened to those he serves and then has done what is needed. One example are the highways needed by all who traverse the state of WV. Thse country roads now give access to all who live or travel through this beautiful state. Regarding whom he supports for president, though most West Virginians have offered support to Sen Clinton, not all have. So, Sen Byrd has seen fit to support the constituants who are in the minority, and supported Sen Obama.
Blessings on your head, Sen Byrd, and thank you for the good things you have done for the state and people of West Virginia.
Posted by: Linda Lou | Jun 3, 2008 5:31:10 PM
Robert Byrd represents an old and dark side of American politicians. He fought hard against the civil rights amendment along with Al Gore senior. Then when it became politically expedient Mr. Byrd was deeply remorseful of his past as a Klan leader. A true politician
His and Ted Kennedy's behavior has led to our current wildy leftist democratic party. Todays Democrats will say and do anything that a poll tells them to realizing that they have (through leftist policies) dumbed down the population to the point where they can get away with anything.
So while the majority of you lunatic leftists lionize Ted K. and Robert Byrd, I wonder what happened to the party of social responsibility that JFK represented...
Posted by: NY Kid | Jun 3, 2008 9:39:46 PM
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