Statements on Sen. Kirk's medical condition

The following statements regarding the health of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) were released Monday:

A spokesperson for Sen. Mark Kirk today released the following statement regarding the Senator's medical condition: 

"On Saturday, Senator Kirk checked himself into Lake Forest Hospital, where doctors discovered a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck.  He was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where further tests revealed that he had suffered an ischemic stroke.  Early this morning the Senator underwent surgery to relieve swelling around his brain stemming from the stroke. The surgery was successful. Due to his young age, good health and the nature of the stroke, doctors are very confident in the Senator's recovery over the weeks ahead."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.):

"I was stunned to learn that Mark suffered a stroke. He is young and in good physical condition and I have no doubt he will make a speedy recovery. I have reached out to his staff and offered to do anything I can to help with his Senate duties. Loretta and I will keep Mark and his family in our prayers.”

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14):

“My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kirk and his loved ones. I hope that he makes a complete and speedy recovery and quickly returns to serving the people of Illinois.”

Gov. Pat Quinn (D):

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the senator and his family as we wish him a swift and strong recovery. We can all take comfort knowing that as a Navy commander, Sen. Kirk knows how to fight and he will fight through this to return to his work on behalf of the people of Illinois as quickly as possible.”

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka (R):

"Like anyone who knows Senator Kirk, I am stunned and saddened to hear about his recent stroke. But if there is one thing I have learned about Mark over the years, it's that he is a fighter and relentless in his efforts to accomplish a goal. Those attributes will serve him well in working toward a rapid recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with him."