BOSTON - A statement from Democratic Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy’s office says the lawmaker has been rushed to a hospital in Massachusetts after suffering a seizure.

The 76-year-old senator was taken Saturday from the Kennedy family’s estate to Boston.

Kennedy’s office says he is undergoing a series of tests to determine the cause of the seizure, and notes that he is resting comfortably.

Kennedy has suffered many health problems in the past. He had surgery last year to relieve a blocked artery in his neck.

Ted Kennedy, a U.S. senator since 1962, is the youngest brother of the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated almost 45 years ago.

The liberal lawmaker is an outspoken critic of President George Bush. He also has been one of the most prominent supporters of Senator Barack Obama’s campaign for the Democratic Party’s nomination in this year’s presidential election.

Obama told reporters that his thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family. His Democratic rival Senator Hillary Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Senator John McCain have both made similar comments.

Kennedy is the only surviving son of a famed political family. His oldest brother Joseph Kennedy Jr. was killed in a World War Two plane crash. Another brother, Robert was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for president.

Source:  VOA News