WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., was moved into a Washington hospital Wednesday on the advice of his physician, though the 98-year old will continue his work in the Senate, according to a statement from his family.
The stay is only "temporary," according to the statement, and will allow better monitoring of Thurmond's medication. The senator will commute to work from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Early last month, Thurmond was rushed to the same hospital for precautionary treatment after suffering a spell on the Senate floor. Thurmond has appeared increasingly feeble, but continues to diligently attend votes on the Senate floor.
He has also suffered a series of ailments over the past year, including dehydration that has required hospitalization.
The statement Wednesday said that Walter Reed, "will provide a place that is convenient, offers privacy and security as well as closer medical monitoring while still giving the senator the freedom to come and go and have visitors as he pleases."
Political observers have watched Thurmond's health closely, particularly in a Senate split among 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans and one Independent.
South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, a Democrat, would appoint a replacement for Thurmond if he were forced to leave his seat for any reason. Thurmond has said he would not seek re-election in 2002.
Thurmond is considered one of the most enduring and conservative figures in American politics after first being elected to the South Carolina House as a Democrat in 1932. In June 1944, he parachuted into Normandy after receiving an exemption because he was over age.
In 1957, Thurmond filibustered over 24 hours against a civil rights bill, and became a Republican after switching parties in 1964 to support Barry Goldwater.
In March 1996, at 93, Thurmond became the oldest person ever to serve in Congress and he is the longest-serving senator in U.S. history.
