Senator Edward Kennedy Hospitalized

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was airlifted from the family's summer residence in Hyannis, Massachusetts to a local hospital

BOSTON, Mass. (Catholic Online) - Sources confirm that Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was taken at 8:19 A.M.by ambulance from the family's summer residence in Hyannis, Massachusetts to a local hospital in response to a 911 emergency call.

Anonymous reports indicated that he had initially complained of "flu-like" symptoms.The symptoms were later called "stroke like" by anonymous sources.Repots in Washington DC indicate that this is a serious medical situation.

Later, the Senator was airlifted to Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital where he is currently being evaluated for these "stroke like" symptoms.

The long time Senator was first elected in 1962 to fill the unexpired term of his brother John who was elected President. He has served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 46 years as a consistent and strong voice for what is considered to be the "liberal" wing of the Democratic Party.

Senator "Ted" Kennedy has been an strong advocate for raising the minimum wage and immigration reform in the most recent Senate term. He has always been a strong advocate for educational and health care causes. Throughout his long Senate career he has been highly respected, even by his opponents.

Senator Kennedy wields substantial power in the Senate, currently serving as the Chair of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

He is a vocal and strong supporter of the Presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama, along with other members of his family, and has served as a surrogate on the campaign trail.

In October of 2007, Kennedy had surgery to remove blockage in a carotid artery in his neck. The blockage was detected when he underwent a routine examination of his back and spine. The Senator injured his back in a plane crash in 1964 and has difficulties since.

He is the last surviving brother of President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963. The Senator also made an unsuccessful run for the White House in 1980.

The most recent,unconfirmed reports, indicate that the Senator may have had a seizure rather than a stroke. Reports indicate that he is now resting comfortably. Officials at Massachusetts General Hospital will hold a Press Conference as soon as the diagnosis can be reported.

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