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Kennedy released from hospital after seizure

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 21, 2009 11:48 AM

By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy left Washington Hospital Center this morning "in good spirits'' after suffering a seizure during a Capitol luncheon with President Obama and fellow members of Congress.

Kennedy's doctors are urging Kennedy -- notorious for his long work days -- to get some rest, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Democrat said.

The 76-year-old senator, diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor last May, collapsed during a luncheon on Tuesday to honor the Obama and Vice President Biden. Kennedy had attended the swearing in -- held outdoors in cold weather -- and looked remarkably well, smiling and joking as he witnessed the inauguration of a man he had helped win the presidency with a powerful endorsement.

But at a lunch about an hour later, Kennedy -- overcome by what a doctor said was fatigue -- was rushed to the hospital. Seizures are common for patients with malignant gliomas; Kennedy had a seizure in September and was released after a brief hospital stay in Massachusetts.

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Why doesn't this man retire? Seriously? I mean he can't work a full day. If he fatigues, he has a seizure.. Is this what we need for Massachusetts? You've put in your time, now gracefully step down & do what's good for the Commonwealth.

Senator Byrd should do the same. The man is not all there.

Posted by LN January 21, 09 12:38 PM
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Gotta love Boston Globe censorship

Posted by 1/20/13 January 21, 09 01:22 PM
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Senator Kennedy is exactly who Massachusetts needs right now. We have the opportunity with President Obama to finally bring Senator Kennedy's cause for health care to a reality. Senator Kennedy is the one man that can get it done for us right now. Please be respectful of his life long career of doing amazing work for Massachusetts and our country. Prayers instead of criticism are what is needed right now.

Posted by RB January 21, 09 01:52 PM
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LN-that was a very nasty comment. Ted Kennedy has been and continues to be committed to not only to the welfare of the people of Mass. but the nation. He is a brilliant politician. I do wish that he would cut back on his hours a bit for his own health. He is highly respected as a leader in the senate. Thanks to him for all that he is doing.

Posted by Nancy January 21, 09 02:01 PM
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It's easy to appear magnanimous with OTHER PEOPLES MONEY. I just hope the Senators don't "fix" Social Security again. I don't think I could afford it. AMEN to Globe Censorship!

Posted by XENOPHON January 21, 09 02:19 PM
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Kennedy is Massachusetts and we will miss him when he is gone. I don't think the kids understand what a true leader he has been and will be...

Posted by BB January 21, 09 02:23 PM
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I am in complete agreement with the last two entries. He deserves our respect, thanks and prayers.

Posted by CMS January 21, 09 02:41 PM
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LN - he doesn't retire because to him this is not work. It is his life. If he were to stop he would have very little left to live for. How about some suggestions as to who is best qualified to take his place after 46 years of service?

Posted by smbrooks1 January 21, 09 03:07 PM
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I have to agree with LN it is time for him to step down.
Nancy a US senator can not cut back his hours and still be affective. Tell me the last a part time senator has been able to push his agenda???
Of course I hope he is ok and my prayers are with him and his family but at some point you have to let go.If he were in the private sector he would have retired years ago.Let somebody else get in there and do the job.Steven Lynch comes to mind as a possible replacment I am sure he would do a great job filling Ted's shoes!

Posted by Sean C January 21, 09 03:33 PM
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Considering how many legislators now and in the past have persisted to work in spite of illness and/or insanity, I believe Senator Kennedy has every right to keep at it as long as he sees fit. I admire his courage and am happy he has lived long enough to witness this much needed change in administrations and the legislature. He has earned it!

Posted by ted bowers January 21, 09 04:37 PM
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Obviously the writer asking for Senator Kennedy to step aside has no idea how much clout the man has. He delivers for Massachusetts. It would take decades for his replacement to come close to what he brings to this state. If the Senator works part-time he is more productive than a rookie that works triple time. Your arguments make no sense at all when the state needs all the clout it can possibly muster during these trying economic times. On top of that, have you ever heard of FMLA. It's the law, after all these years he's entitled to it. Have some compassion, seeing that common sense is out of reach for you.

Posted by urbandweller January 21, 09 04:56 PM
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LN, what we had yesterday is called ahem, dropping two old birds (pun intended) with one stone.

Oh and Nancy? Get over yourself. Seriously.

Posted by dave January 21, 09 06:17 PM
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