Sen. Burns Hospitalized
Former U.S. Senator Conrad Burns Has Stroke
Sen. Burns is hospitalized, his son reports.By Amy Linn, 12-10-09
Former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, 74, suffered a stroke Wednesday night at his home in Arlington, Virginia, according to reports from Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg. Rehberg’s office released the following statement from Burns’ son, Garrett Burns:
“At approximately 9 p.m. last night, Senator Conrad Burns was found disoriented by his wife Phyllis at his computer in their home in Arlington, Virginia. Senator Burns was taken to Virginia Hospital Center. Subsequently, he was transferred to a Washington, D.C. hospital where he remains in intensive care. Doctors indicate he suffered an atrial fibrillation [abnormal heart rhythm] and had a stroke.
“The encouragement and support we’ve received are a tremendous comfort to my dad and the rest of the family. Right now, we’re focused on getting Dad healthy.”
A long-time U.S. senator, Burns, a Republican, was elected in November 1988 and served until January 2007. He was unseated in November 2006 by Democrat Jon Tester, who won the hard-fought election by some 3,000 votes.
After leaving office, Burns went to work for Gage, a lobbying firm founded by his former chief of staff Leo A. Giacometto, according to USA Today.
A Marine veteran, Burns first launched his political career in the 1980s as a Yellowstone County Commissioner. He served for two years before making a successful run for the U.S. Senate, defeating Democrat Sen. John Melcher.
Rehberg, a friend of Burns’, wrote in a statement that he and his wife had been “in close touch with Conrad’s family since learning he was admitted to the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” the statement said. “When I saw Conrad this weekend, he looked as strong as ever, and if I know anything about old Marines like him, they’re fighters.”
Senators Tester and Max Baucus also released statements, saying they sent their prayers, support and best wishes to Burns and his family.
Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.
Comments
Add your comment below
A stroke is an evil thing, let's pass the Senator some good wishes for a full recovery.