Senator Ted Kennedy Flown to Boston Hospital After Seizure
by John Little on 17/05/2008Stroke and seizure reports are circulating but there has not been an official statement:
Kennedy was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for evaluation after initial treatment at Cape Cod Hospital, a statement from his office said.
The senator spent less than an hour in the Cape Cod facility, hospital spokesman David Reilly said.
Massachusetts General said it had no information on Kennedy.
A well-informed Democratic source in Massachusetts said the 76-year-old senator had “symptoms of a stroke” at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port. Video Watch an update on Kennedy’s condition »
An official with the Hyannis Fire Department said it received a 911 call from the Kennedy compound at 8:19 a.m. and transported a patient to the hospital, arriving at 8:50 a.m. The official would not be more specific.
The Boston Globe’s report makes it sound quite serious:
Doctors believe that Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts suffered a seizure at his home in Hyannis Port this morning, then a second seizure as he was being transported by helicopter from Cape Cod Hospital to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, according to an official briefed on the situation.
His condition was unclear early this afternoon, as a special police security detail gathered at Mass. General. Kennedy family members were called this morning and told to rush to Boston, according to sources.
Update:
The Moderate Voice comments on the potential political implications:
The campaign of Senator Barack Obama had won his endorsement earlier this year and Kennedy had reportedly been planning to go out on the hustings and work for Obama’s election. Since he’s also a superdelegate, he was expected to be influential as the primary season was winding down and was expected to be influential at the Denver convention.
Obama and McCain have both issued statements:
“We are putting in a call to Vicki Kennedy and we are going to try to figure out as quickly as possible [how he’s doing]” Sen. Barack Obama, campaigning in Eugene, Ore., told reporters Saturday morning. “Obviously my thoughts and prayers are with Teddy Kennedy, he is one of my favorite people.”
Kennedy has been a key supporter for Obama, campaigning vigorously on behalf of the Democratic front-runner. Obama is expected to hold a rally in Rosewood, Ore., accompanied by his wife Michelle and their two young daughters. He will then make several local stops in the state which holds its primary Tuesday.
Presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain also issued a statement: “I was very sorry to hear that Senator Kennedy has taken ill, and like millions of Americans, Cindy and I anxiously await word of his condition. Senator Kennedy’s role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him. When we have worked together, he has been a skillful, fair and generous partner. I consider it a great privilege to call him my friend. Cindy and I are praying for our friend, his wife, Vicki and the Kennedy family.”
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