I really hate having to say this, but....

UPDATE 01/09, thanks again to ACK:

From the office of Jim Kyle:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 9, 2008
ADVISORY: KYLE AVAIL ON DISTRICT 29 BILL NASHVILLE -- At 8:45 a.m. CST on Thursday, January 10, Democratic Leader Senator Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, will hold a media availability in the Legislative Plaza Press Gallery to discuss legislation related to the situation in Senate District 29.
WHO: Senator Jim Kyle
WHAT: Avail on District 29 legislation
WHEN: Thursday, January 10, 8:45 a.m. CST
WHERE: Legislative Plaza Press Gallery

Ruh-roh.

If Senator Ophelia Ford (D-29) is going to be absent from her Senate duties for an extended period of time, as her attorney has advised, then the question must be asked: What is her long-term prognosis?

I'm not the first to ask this question; Senator Jim Kyle (D-28), her party's Leader in the Senate, has apparently asked this as well. From his perspective, he needs to know whether he can count on her vote at any point in the legislative session, which begins tomorrow.

As you know, I supported her in her first election, and through the fol-de-rol of whether it was legal or not. I don't want to throw her out in the snow if there is a reasonable chance that she will return soon. However, her constituency has a right to know if they are going to have representation this spring, or ever. I believe that someone with a knowledge of her condition needs to make a public explanation, so that the citizens of Senate 29 can determine if they need to request that she resign in order to take care of her health and that they can replace her.

This is not meant with any disrespect to Senator Ford or her family or anyone connected to her. Her constituency needs to know what the prognosis is for her recovery, as her physical inability to perform her duties effectively disenfranchises them while session is going on.

Personally, I think I speak for everyone in the Democratic family when I am hoping and praying for a speedy and full recovery for Senator Ford. She has a good heart and the best intentions for District 29.

However, it is becoming apparent that she simply may not have the physical health necessary to perform her duties at the level her constituents require. There is no shame in this whatsoever, and I wish her only the best.

If this in fact is the case, it is incumbent on those around her to make this public, or at least explain the situation and make clear that she can recover, if possible.

I believe this is in the best interest of Senator Ford and her constituents.

Thanks to Kleinheider for the hat tip.