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Kennedy returning to Washington

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 28, 2008 01:40 PM

By Bryan Bender, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON -- Aides to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who has been battling a severe form of brain cancer from his home in Massachusetts, said he plans to return to his second home in Washington this afternoon, a sign that his treatments have been progressing well.

The Massachusetts Democrat, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor about six months ago, will continue his treatments in the nation's capital.

"His doctors are very pleased with his progress, and he will receive his treatments here," Kennedy spokeswoman Melissa Wagoner said yesterday. The senator plans to remain in his northwest Washington home and return to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving, she added.

Aides declined to speculate on when Kennedy might return to his duties in the Senate, which is in recess for the rest of the year. But his return to Washington for the next several weeks could coincide with Democrats' plans to call a special session of Congress after the Nov. 4 election. Kennedy is also a strong supporter of Barack Obama, and left Massachusetts to deliver a keynote speech on his behalf at the Democratic National Convention in Denver two months ago.

Since his diagnosis, Kennedy has returned to the Senate just once, in July, to cast a tiebreaking vote on long-delayed Medicare legislation. He was briefly hospitalized last month after suffering a mild seizure, which doctors attributed to a change in his medication.

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HURRAY FOR TED!!!! I am so glad that he is well enough to go to Washington. We need him in the senate now more than ever!

Posted by Jet October 28, 08 02:09 PM
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GOOD FOR YOU KEEP GOING TED!

Posted by MS.BATES October 28, 08 02:23 PM
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HUZZAH!
HUZZAH!
WE NEED HIM THERE!!

Posted by SLF October 28, 08 02:47 PM
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God Bless you, Senator Kennedy. The lion of the senate still roars!

Posted by Lou October 28, 08 02:52 PM
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I added Teddy to my prayers 40 years ago. Not going to stop now.

Posted by Truk Nutz October 28, 08 02:59 PM
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Godspeed, Teddy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by TSRVT October 28, 08 03:09 PM
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We are Kennedy democrats - and proud of it!!

Posted by CE October 28, 08 04:00 PM
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Happy news for a change!
Go get 'em, Ted.

Posted by Mark October 28, 08 04:05 PM
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Too bad.

Posted by Bob October 28, 08 04:48 PM
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God Bless You Ted May the force be with You !!!!!!!

Posted by david October 28, 08 05:00 PM
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YOU ARE A CREDIT TO THE HUMAN RACE.MAY ALL OUR PRAYERS BE HEARD BY THE ALMIGHTY.

Posted by R.S.C.MURTHY. October 28, 08 06:27 PM
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God bless and keep you - you have carried the hopes and dreams of so many for so long - because of your lifetime of commitment to service, we are a better nation and better people. Thank you.

Posted by Rae October 28, 08 07:51 PM
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Go Ted!!!

Posted by Big D October 28, 08 08:32 PM
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God bless you, Ted. You have done so much for our country, and I know you will continue to do more of the same. You are in my heart and my prayers.

Posted by Karen October 28, 08 10:09 PM
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Our prayers are answered! We're so happy you're back in Washington. We really need you in the Senate. Your ideals and your will to fight are an inspiration to us all. Stay strong, Senator, and enjoy each and every day.

Posted by Jo October 28, 08 10:24 PM
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I am very happy to hear you are recovering so well and able to return to the Senate so soon. Take good care of yourself.

Posted by Mary Barrett October 28, 08 11:03 PM
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On a human level, I've sincerely glad to see that Kennedy's health has stabilized. I wish him many more happy and productive years of life. It's just unfortunate that he is devoting his energy to the espousal of a philosophy so corrosive to the the country's long-term well-being. I wish him all the best but he has proved time and again that he is manifestly ill suited to be entrusted with the powers of a senator. It's just a shame that the people of MA vote like sheep every election cycle; rarely is Kennedy called to account for championing a radical liberalism far to the left of even the median MA voter.

Posted by TB October 28, 08 11:41 PM
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Can't wait until he leaves.

Posted by Barb October 29, 08 02:40 AM
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Thats wonderful news that hes returning to Washington!

God Speed and Keep you safe.

Posted by betty October 29, 08 08:39 AM
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Ted, God bless you,
May He return you to full health swiftly. The world is in need of your wisdom.
From "the old country"

Posted by John Reidy November 2, 08 10:33 PM
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Thank you for all of your service, sir, now and in the future. The voices of sane, compassionate people will continue to overwhelm the mean-spirited, the selfish and the misguided: and just in time to save our country!

Posted by Terri MacMillan November 17, 08 04:25 PM
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