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WY-SEN: Craig Thomas Diagnosed With Leukemia
The AP reports that GOP Sen. Craig Thomas, recently reelected, has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. The 73-year old Thomas was hospitalized in the Washington area with pneumonia Tuesday night, when he was re-elected with 70-percent of the vote. We here at Election Central wish him a speedy recovery.
Update: Thomas's office released a statement, expressing optimism about his condition. Key quote:
It is expected that Thomas will be able to perform all duties of his office following treatment. Dr. Brian Monahan, Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the National Naval Medical Center, said “The majority of people with Craig’s great physical condition and general health attain remission.”
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Leukemia has increasingly good survivability ratios these days, but age and pneumonia could well tip the scales in this battle.
I know this is incredibly gauche, but who would be a likely replacement if his health prohibited a return to the senate?
November 9, 2006 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
If his health should force retirement, the question is whether Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal, who won overwhelming reelection Tuesday, wants the seat. If he does, the best way to get it is to appoint an elder statesman or other attractive candidate who is not interested in running, and then run in the special election in 2 or 4 years. If he doesn't, Gary Trauner, who just finished a strong race for the House, would be a fine choice.
November 9, 2006 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sad that this is announced on the same day the great Ed Bradley died from leukemia. I hope the treatment is successful.
November 9, 2006 7:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's entitled to the best healthcare in the world, courtesy of the taxpayers. I wonder what his stand on healthcare for the uninsured is.
November 9, 2006 7:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
It doesn't matter if Dave Freudenthal wants the seat. If Thomas is unable to complete his term, WY State Law requires the governor to go to the party's central committee and ask them to pick three possible candidates. Freudenthal would get to choose among the three Republicans named. He could try to pick the weakest candidate to run against in 2012 but he couldn't make Trauner a placeholder or anything.
http://casperstartribune.net/articles/2006/11/10/news/top_story/bf13aa3eb4b01b0987257222000940fd.txt
November 10, 2006 1:46 PM | Reply | Permalink