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Edward Kennedy taken to hospital Edward Kennedy taken to hospital
(about 1 hour later)
US Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy has been taken to hospital suffering stroke-like symptoms. US Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy is resting and undergoing tests in a Boston hospital after experiencing what his office says was a "seizure".
Senator Kennedy, 76, was taken by ambulance to hospital in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and then by helicopter to Boston, the Cape Cod Times reported. Mr Kennedy, 76, had been rushed from his family compound at Hyannisport to Cape Cod Hospital before being flown to Massachusetts General Hospital.
His condition was not immediately clear - he is said to be under evaluation. Earlier reports said he was suffering stroke-like symptoms.
Mr Kennedy, brother of ex-US President John F Kennedy, is one of the most prominent members of the Democratic Party and a leading reform campaigner. The youngest brother of assassinated President John F Kennedy, he is one of the best-known Democratic politicians.
He has been an active supporter of Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for US president.He has been an active supporter of Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for US president.
Mr Obama, widely expected to win the Democratic nomination, described Mr Kennedy as "a giant in American political history". His office said in a statement that he was "resting comfortably".
"He's done more for health care than just about anybody in history. We are going to be rooting for him. I insist on being optimistic about how it's going to turn out." "It appears that Sen Kennedy experienced a seizure this morning," it said.
EDWARD MOORE KENNEDY 1932 Born, youngest of nine siblings1962 Becomes country's youngest senator1963, 1968 Brothers President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert F Kennedy both assassinated1969 "Chappaquiddick incident" - Kennedy flees scene after road crash in which his young passenger dies1980 Runs unsuccessfully for Democratic nomination against sitting President Jimmy Carter "He is undergoing a battery of tests at Massachusetts General Hospital to determine the cause of the seizure."
The presumptive Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, said: "Senator Kennedy's role in the US Senate cannot be overstated. He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him." It was unlikely that there would be any updates for the next 48 hours, his office added.
Preventative surgery
Mr Kennedy had preventative surgery in October to unclog a partially blocked carotid artery in his neck - a condition that can lead to a stroke.Mr Kennedy had preventative surgery in October to unclog a partially blocked carotid artery in his neck - a condition that can lead to a stroke.
His latest illness came as the Kennedy family prepared to host a major charity event at their estate in Hyannisport, Massachusetts. EDWARD MOORE KENNEDY 1932 Born, youngest of nine siblings1962 Becomes country's youngest senator1963, 1968 Brothers President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert F Kennedy both assassinated1969 "Chappaquiddick incident" - Kennedy flees scene after road crash in which his young passenger dies1980 Runs unsuccessfully for Democratic nomination against sitting President Jimmy Carter
It includes a music concert, scheduled for Saturday night. His latest illness came as the Kennedy family prepared to host a major charity event at their estate in Hyannisport.
Mr Kennedy is the second longest-serving member of the Senate.Mr Kennedy is the second longest-serving member of the Senate.
He was first elected senator for Massachusetts in November 1962 - shortly after turning the requisite 30 years of age - to replace his brother, who had been elected president in 1960.He was first elected senator for Massachusetts in November 1962 - shortly after turning the requisite 30 years of age - to replace his brother, who had been elected president in 1960.
Since then he has been re-elected seven times.Since then he has been re-elected seven times.
Mr Obama, widely expected to win the Democratic nomination, described Mr Kennedy as "a giant in American political history".
"He's done more for health care than just about anybody in history," he said.
The presumptive Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, described Mr Kennedy as a "legendary lawmaker".
Tragic historyTragic history
Born into a rich and powerful Irish-American Catholic family, the son of powerful congressman Joseph Kennedy, he became the head of the clan after the death of his three elder brothers. Born into a rich and powerful Irish-American Catholic family, the son of powerful congressman Joseph Kennedy, Edward "Teddy" Kennedy became the head of the clan after the death of his three elder brothers.
The eldest, Joseph Jr, was killed while flying a bomber during World War II.The eldest, Joseph Jr, was killed while flying a bomber during World War II.
John was assassinated while president in 1963, and Robert was shot dead while running for president in 1968.John was assassinated while president in 1963, and Robert was shot dead while running for president in 1968.
Edward, or Teddy, as he was known, ran against sitting President Jimmy Carter in 1980, but failed, after struggling to put the infamous "Chappaquiddick incident" behind him.Edward, or Teddy, as he was known, ran against sitting President Jimmy Carter in 1980, but failed, after struggling to put the infamous "Chappaquiddick incident" behind him.
He had, in 1969, crashed a car off a bridge, and while he escaped, his young female passenger drowned in the water below. He fled the scene and was later convicted of doing so.He had, in 1969, crashed a car off a bridge, and while he escaped, his young female passenger drowned in the water below. He fled the scene and was later convicted of doing so.
Mr Kennedy is also the father of Congressman Patrick J Kennedy.Mr Kennedy is also the father of Congressman Patrick J Kennedy.