Connolly Released From Hospital

UPDATED Monday 8:20 p.m

Congressman Gerry Connolly was released from an area hospital over the weekend, as expected. His chief of staff James Walkinshaw released the following statement:

"Congressman Gerry Connolly has been released from the hospital and is resting comfortably at home.  During a routine exam by his physician late last week, Congressman Connolly experienced some discomfort and he checked into the hospital for some tests.  While hospitalized, he was treated for a blood clot in an artery. All functions are now normal and he is prepared to go back to work for the people of Northern Virginia.  Before returning to his Fairfax home, he stopped at his congressional district office in Annandale Monday to meet with staff."

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Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly has been admitted to a Washington, DC area hospital at the suggestion of his physicians. Connolly visited his doctor earlier in the week for a routine physical and was asked to stay for additional tests. Spokesman George Burke told Lorton Patch that Connolly will be released from the hospital this weekend.

The 60 year-old Connolly is in the midst of a  with Republican rival Keith Fimian. As of Friday, canvassing  and the difference between the two candidates was 968 votes. Fimian had not yet conceded the race, giving rise to speculation that he might ask for a formal recount.

Connolly released the following statement regarding the election:

"With the vote count complete, I want to reiterate my deep gratitude to the voters of the 11thCongressional District of Virginia for electing me to a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.  It is a great privilege to serve the citizens of the 11th CD, and I do so with deep respect for our citizens, our state, and our great nation.

I remain committed to fostering and growing the economy of Northern Virginia.  While our economy is the envy of the United States, thanks to our unique private-public partnership with the federal government, I acknowledge the underlying doubts and anxiety among the citizens I serve.

As we move forward, I plan to continue to work for common sense fixes to the economy that do not drown us in debt.  More than ever, it is important that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle strive to seek moderate, pragmatic, and bipartisan solutions to the issues we face, nationally and locally, including building our economy, reducing the federal debt, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Chesapeake Bay cleanup and restoration.

I do not intend to abandon my principles and my values, or those of the citizens I serve."