West Virginia Dem hospitalized in serious condition, office says
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/27/art.byrd0627.cnn.jpg caption="Sen. Robert Byrd, age 92, is the longest-serving Congress member in history."]
Washington (CNN) - Sen. Robert Byrd, the 92-year-old Democrat from West Virginia who is the longest-serving Congress member in history, has been hospitalized in serious condition, his office said Sunday.
Byrd was admitted to a Washington area hospital last week and his condition is "seriously ill," according to the statement by his office.
Initially thought to be suffering from heat exhaustion and severe dehydration, Byrd was expected to remain in hospital for "not more than a few days," the statement said.
"However, upon further examination by his doctors, other conditions have developed which has resulted in his condition being described as 'serious,' " the statement concluded.
Updated: 3:35 p.m.
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While it is unfortunate that an old man is ill, exactly why is this shell of a man in the US Senate? The business of the American people is much too important to have the Congress become a life-long employment center and old folks' home. Term limits should be on the ballot in November for We the People to decide how long these "public servants" can serve us!
The man should have resigned 5 years ago.
He has been unable to do his job for the last 5 years.
RETIRE, RESIGN...the Governor can appoint a replacement and the state can hold a special election.
Step down.
Why in the world dosen't someone put a limit on those people. He is 92–for God's sake make him retire. He has been unable or years to perform his duties. I wish him well but GO HOME.
He did a lot to further the goodness in WV, but I have to agree he should have been replaced several years ago.
More than 2 terms is too much. It's power-building that is not right.
He is the classic example of why we need term limits!! How long has it been since he has actually worked as a Senator?
Virginia's vacancy law states: "if the vacancy occurs less than two years and six months before the end of the term, the Governor appoints someone to fill the unexpired term and there is no election". Byrd's term ends January 3 2013. If he stays in office another week, there's would be an appointment and no election. Virginia's Governor, Joe Manchin, is a Dem.
Although I agree he should have retired long ago, I wish him well.
This "shell of a man" (Albo58) has more guts and wisdom than all the Republicans put together! Just as WV.
I pray for Sen. Byrd. I also pray that teachers will teach children that West Virginia and Virginia are two completely different states.
Sen. Bryd's mind continued to be sharp although his body wasn't willing he continued to serve, he's tired.
Even though I am a Republican, I have to give Byrd a lot of credit for what he has provided my home state of WV. He probably should have stepped down a few years back, but since there are no term limits I can't blaim him for sticking around. And for all of you who keep referring to Virginia and not West Virginia you might want to look at a map. They are two different states, and there was a little war fought about 146 years ago that created WV. Maybe you heard of the civil war??
Jeff-
Byrd and Manchin hold offices in West Virginia NOT Virginia. FYI...WV became a state June 20, 1963.
Pardon me-1863.
he is old and senile and needs to step down from office. i like the guy but his presence at this point makes a mockery of the senate.
Thurmond was 100! Byrd is 92! After a certain point in life, can you still really be effective. I remember pictures of Thurmond sleeping in meetings. But who is at blame the Senators or those who keep voting them back in? At the same time, I do hope he gets better!
Gary – you speak somewhat true. However, there are others not as old that hate and lie and divide us that ALSO make a mockery of the U. S. Senate and House.
Let's be fair in our discussions. Thanks