Sen. Warner plans to return to work next week

Sen. John Warner. Credit: Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

by David Lerman

Virginia Sen. John Warner was treated Wednesday for an irregular heartbeat but planned to return to work in the Senate next week, his office said.

The 80-year-old Republican, who is retiring from the Senate when his term ends next year, underwent a non-surgical procedure known as ablation therapy, in which a thin wire is inserted into the heart and energy is directed into small areas of heart muscle to correct an abnormal heart rhythm.

Warner told his staff he completed the procedure ``with flying colors." On Tuesday, the senator was admitted to Inova Fairfax Hospital after feeling ill and underwent a procedure called electrical cardioversion, in which a low-voltage electric current is used to reset the heart's rhythm.

Doctors planned to keep Warner at the hospital through the night for observation, but the senator was expected to return home by the weekend, his office said in a written statement.

``Both his heart rhythm and rate are normal,” the statement said.

Warner's pending retirement from the Senate has triggered what many consider to be one of the most competitive and closely watched Senate races in the country. Former Democratic Gov. Mark Warner, who is no relation, is likely to face either Republican Rep. Tom Davis of Fairfax or former Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore.

If John Warner is unable to complete his term, Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine would appoint a replacement.

Carter Cornick, Warner’s chief of staff, said he spoke with the senator at least three times on Wednesday.

``His energy level is high,” Cornick said. ``He is full of instructions for us and he has been asking us questions about the appropriations bill.”

Warner went to work Tuesday and checked in with the Capitol physician in mid-morning after feeling ill. The senator resumed his work in the afternoon, but was taken to the hospital later in the day to treat the abnormal heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation.

Warner has shown no signs of ill health in recent years, although he appears to tire more easily than in the past and is a tad hard of hearing. In August, he announced he would step down at the end of his term, citing the rigors of Senate life for a man in his 80’s and the desire to make way for a new generation of leaders.