Wishing the best of health to Senatory Byrd

[question everything]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3041900

But.... who is the governor of West Virginia?

If something happens to Byrd - again hoping for long, healthy life - can the majority be jeopardize?

(Please don't flame, but when I see a topic with Senator and 90 on it...)

[TSIAS]

1. Manchin- a Democrat

Manchin might want to fill Byrd's seat oneday after he retires.

[question everything]

3. Thanks. A sigh of relief (nt)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. I've been sending him good vibes for over a year now...

he just looks so frail. :(

[Bucky]

5. Well, he is 89 (turns 90 in November).

We can't all be Bob Hope, you know.

[snowbear]

4. More on Manchin..

This is what they say on Wikipedia..

Manchin is considered to be one of the most popular Governors in recent West Virignia history.

Due to his strong roots in the state community and his immense popularity in the state, there is a widespread assumption that Manchin might run for the U.S. Senate if Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) retires in 2008 or Manchin might replace himself if Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) passes away.

Manchin would be able to do that, since the law requires the Governor to replace the vacant seat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Manchin



No one would flame you "QE".. You're right to be concerned about Senator Byrd.

Hopefully he's healthy and will stay that way! :)

[question everything]

8. Thanks. I like his smile

honest and spontaneous

[Lasher]

6. Senator Byrd says he has a condition called essential tremor

Essential tremor is a nerve disorder in which tremors (shakes) occur in a person who is moving or trying to move and no cause can be identified. It is a relatively benign condition, affecting movement or voice quality, but with no other effects. It is not considered life threatening.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000762.htm

I believe this is why he had to give up playing the fiddle many years ago. But if have watched him as closely as I, you will know his mind is still sharp as a tack. This is consistent with his condition that affects only motor skills. I should note that drowsiness is a possible side effect of a medication that can be used to help relieve symptoms.

It is true that current Democratic Governor Joe Manchin has the authority to appoint a replacement should Senator Byrd expire, and I am one who believes Manchin would appoint himself. But Governor Manchin certainly leans in the DINO direction - so much so that I have decided not to support him in any future primary. I say that with reluctance because his high degree of electability in the general. If you think Senator Byrd is more conservative than he should be, wait till you get a load of Manchin.

But like you nice folks, I hope it doesn't come to that.

Lasher

[snowbear]

7. Thanks for the info Lasher!

And if we do wind up with Manchin as the next U.S. Senator... I'll tell you what... just like Casey in PA, I'd rather have a DINO than a ReTHUG any day of the week!

Would've been AWESOME to see Senator Byrd playing the fiddle! Did he play bluegrass? Who knew!?!

[Lasher]

9. Other DUers do the same for me!

I don't know how I kept up before DU. Guess I didn't.

Notice, I was careful to say I wouldn't support Manchin in a Primary. In the General I'll go straight Democratic. The worst Democrat is better than the best Republican.

I have never heard Bobby play the fiddle but I know he payed bluegrass. But I do have a story to share.

I guess it was in the early 1980s when I was on a commercial passenger plane returning home to Charleston. And who was on the same little commuter flight but Bobby Byrd, and he was carrying his fiddle with him! As I recall he was sitting about 4 rows ahead of me. After we got airborne I shouted, "Hey Senator Byrd, how about playing us a tune on your fiddle?" He turned and replied that he couldn't because he didn't have his bow with him. Close but no cigar.

Although I really wanted to, I didn't get to see him when he made the rounds during his election campaign last year. But I was impressed by the pace he was able to keep up. He was everywhere. I told Mrs. Lasher that I didn't think I could have kept up with him and I'm only 57.

Thanks for the interest in one of the finest West Virginians of all time. :hi:

[snowbear]

10. Thank you Lasher!

Senator Byrd is awesome!!

Just like everyone else in your beautiful state! ~~

Except for the Wheeling Nailers hockey team when they're playing the Alaska Aces...

[Lasher]

12. I've never seen the Nailers play

I always thought it would be fun to play hockey - it's such a sincere sport. You get to slam your opponents up against a wall and they even give you a stick to whip up on him with. Alaska is one of the few states I've never visited. I always thought I would like to go. The closest I ever got was British Columbia.

If you go to Wheeling, go down to the fish market for lunch and get a fish sandwich.

Pleased ta meetcha! :hug:

Lasher

[silverojo]

11. My aunt has essential tremor, too

It's gotten increasingly worse as she's grown older (and weaker, due to her illness). Her voice isn't affected at all, even though that's a common problem with ET patients. But she can barely write anymore. :(

There are meds that are supposed to help reduce the symptoms, but most people with ET choose to get by without them, to avoid any side effects. :)

[Lasher]

13. Thanks for jumping in

I don't personally know anyone who has ET so your input helps me. Sorry about your aunt.

One thing that worries me some when I think about Bobby Byrd: It is rare but not unheard of for ET to affect the legs, but you might have noticed that he uses two canes when he walks. Hope there's nothing else wrong with him.