South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond released from hospital

By Dana Bash/CNN

May 11, 2000
Web posted at: 1:59 p.m. EDT (1759 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- After two days in the hospital, Strom Thurmond, the eight-term Republican senator from South Carolina, was released Thursday morning and proceeded straight to the Senate to cast a vote on a key Africa trade bill.

Sen. Strom Thurmond was released from the hospital Thursday.

Thurmond, 97, checked into the Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Tuesday after feeling dehydrated and complaining of a stomach ache. He stayed two nights for treatment and rest, according to his spokeswoman.

Thurmond, who convened a hearing Tuesday morning and then attended about a half-dozen appointments, complained of stomach distress later that afternoon.

He went to the attending physician at the Capitol, who said he believed the senator was dehydrated and might have a stomach bug, an aide said.

Thurmond then checked into Walter Reed. He was hospitalized several times last year for prostate and dehydration problems.

Thurmond, who ran for president in 1948 as a "Dixiecrat," is the Senate's oldest-ever and longest serving member. He was first elected in 1954.