by David Lerman

Virginia Sen. John Warner was admitted to Inova Fairfax Hospital today after a scheduled appointment revealed he had a ``low-grade infection" from surgery two weeks ago in his leg.

Warner, 80, ``is undergoing observation and such treatment as may be required," his office said in a statement. ``Doctors expect the senator to fully recover and return as early as next week to his regular work schedule in the United States Senate."

The veteran Republican lawmaker, who plans to retire at the end of his term next year, was hospitalized earlier this month after suffering from an irregular heartbeat. He underwent a non-surgical procedure known as ablation therapy.