Strom Thurmond Moves Into Hospital

Sen. Strom Thurmond, the nation's oldest and longest-serving senator, has moved into a Washington hospital to allow doctors to monitor his health while he continues to work.

Thurmond, 98, moved over the weekend from his Virginia town house to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the advice of his doctor, according to a statement from Thurmond's family. His office said he is not ill.

"This has been under consideration for many, many, many months," the senator's estranged wife, Nancy Thurmond, said. "We want to make sure he has the best possible care available on a regular basis."

The Thurmonds have been separated since 1991, but still are married.

The senator's office said the move was temporary, but could not say when he might leave the hospital. Thurmond continues to work and vote in the Senate.

He can receive visitors at the hospital and is free to come and go, spokeswoman Rebecca Fleming said.

The Republican has become increasingly frail in recent months. Last month, he was treated overnight at Walter Reed for dehydration after fainting in the Senate chamber.

Thurmond turns 99 on Dec. 5. He was first elected to the Senate in 1954.

He has said he will not run again and Rep. Lindsey Graham is seeking Thurmond's seat in 2002.

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