The Hill: Sen. Thomas diagnosed with leukemia

[Adlai Stevenson]

By Jim Snyder

Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Thomas was diagnosed with pneumonia on Sunday, after experiencing energy losses in recent weeks, his office said. He then underwent further tests at the Bethesda National Naval Medical Center this week, including a bone marrow biopsy that revealed that he has leukemia. Doctors recommended he begin treatment immediately, according to the senator's office.

Thomas will remain at the Naval Medical Center for the treatments, which could last four to six weeks, to avoid the risk of infection.

Dr. Brian Monahan, the director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Naval Medical Center, said the majority of people in Thomas's "great physical condition and general health attain remission."

Thomas said he expects to be back by the start of the next Congress in January. The senator easily won his third term on Tuesday.

[Adlai Stevenson]

Does anyone else think Thomas might be forced to retire from Congress in the next few years?  If so, paradoxially, the Democrats might be in a stronger position than thought.  Potential candidates for the seat could be Governor Dave Freudenthal and Gary Trauner, who is obviously already well known statewide. 

[Verily]

Thomas has said that he will not retire, but, if he becomes too ill, he may be forced to do so. In that case, Freudenthal would probably appoint Trauner, but I think Wyoming law then requires that a special election be held in the next November.

[WalterMitty]

someone is diagnosed with a serious illness and all posters around here can think about is potential replacements.

classy.

[Joe Republic]

This was also discussed here.