Sen. Ted Kennedy [3] (D-Mass.)was recently hospitalized after suffering an apparent seizure. Paramedics responded to his home on Saturday, and the senator was then airlifted to a Cape Cod hospital. Doctors have since diagnosed the Democratic fixture with a malignant brain tumor. His physicians have said a normal prescription would include radiation and chemotherapy, but said a specific treatment would be worked out with Kennedy when his condition is further analyzed.

Kennedy is the Senate's second most senior member, following Robert Byrd [4], and has long been a champion of liberal issues and priorities. He reached across the aisle early during President George W. Bush [5]'s first term to enact education reform. Earlier this year he announced his support for Sen. Barack Obama [6]'s presidential bid, and campaigned alongside the candidate in California and Massachusetts. His son, Patrick Kennedy [7], is a seven-term congressman representing Rhode Island's [8] 1st congressional district.

Kennedy returned home Wednesday morning following a 5-day hospital stay.