Congressman Moakley hospitalized in 'grave' condition

BETHESDA, Maryland (CNN) -- Family members of Congressman Joe Moakley of Massachusetts gathered Saturday at his bedside as he fights incurable leukemia.

"The congressman's condition is grave," said Bethesda Naval Hospital spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Edward Austin. "He is resting comfortably with family, staff and friends by his side."

Moakley, 74, was admitted to the hospital on May 21.

"He's a tough guy, and we're hopeful that he'll bounce back," Rep. Martin Meehan, D Massachusetts, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "Joe's on our minds. It's been an emotional few months for all of us in the delegation."

The Democratic lawmaker announced February 12 that he had an incurable form of leukemia and would not be seeking a 16th term in the House.

Moakley has been plagued by health problems over the years. He has had a liver transplant, had most of his kidneys removed and had his right hip replaced.

In 1995, he almost retired from the House when his own health began to fail and his wife, Evelyn, was suffering from a brain tumor. She died later that year.

Moakley is a World War II veteran, enlisting at age 15 in the U.S. Navy and serving in the South Pacific.

After the war he became a lawyer and later served in both houses of the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Moakley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 and served as chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee from 1989 to 1994.