The Crypt
Politico.com
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Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, one of the longest-serving Democrats in the Senate, has been rushed to the hospital with “stroke like symptoms,” according to cable news and wire service reports.
Kennedy, 76, was air lifited to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He has served in the Senate since 1962, and has become one of the leading surrogates for Sen. Barack Obama’s run for the Democratic presidential nomination..
The news is already dominating the cable networks, as commentators are reviewing Kennedy’s enduring public career.
Kennedy is a lion of the Senate, chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and one of the most skilled legislators in the chamber. He has had health problems, and his current condition was serious enough for him to be airlifted from the family compound on Cape Cod to Boston.
Here’s a statement from Kennedy’s office:
“Senator Kennedy went to Cape Cod Hospital this morning after feeling ill at his home. After discussion with his doctors in Boston, Senator Kennedy was sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for further examination. He is currently under evaluation, and information will be released as it becomes available.”
The Crypt will update with independent confirmation of Kennedy’s condition and any other news as it develops.
UPDATE: Politico has confirmed Kennedy’s condition, but Senate sources are being very careful about discussing the situation, given potential seriousness of a stroke for a 76 year old man.
The Cape Cod Times, is reporting that local rescue crews responded to an emergency call from the Kennedy compound at 8:30 this morning:
“Hyannis fire responded to the compound after a call was made around 8:30 a.m. It’s unclear what Kennedy’s medical condition is, but after he spent almost two hours in the emergency room a decision was made to transfer him to Mass General Hospital in Boston.
“Kennedy, 76, was placed on a stretcher and wheeled out to the MedFlight helicopter around 10:15 a.m. where it took off from Barnstable Municipal Airport.
“The Kennedy family is preparing to host the annual Best Buddies Challenge event in Hyannisport this afternoon, which is a fund-raiser for the organization. Best Buddies was founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver and helps people with intellectual disabilities.
“Hundreds are expected to participate in the event, which kicked off this morning with a 100-mile bicycle ride from the Kennedy Library in Boston to Hyannisport.
“A concert at the Kennedy compound is scheduled for tonight.”
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