Sen. Harry Reid Breaks Facial Bones, Ribs In Exercise Accident; Released From Hospital

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) suffered broken facial bones and ribs during a fall on exercise equipment at home. He was taken to St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, then transferred to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas where he was admitted, then released Friday after overnight observation.

The Senator is expected to be present when the 114th Congress begins.

Reid spokeswoman Kristen Orthman said the new Senate Minority leader is ready to return to work.

“”He will return to Washington this weekend to be ready for the Senate to convene on Tuesday. He spent the day with his wife, Landra, talking to fellow senators, friends and staff and preparing for the Senate’s return. He sends his thanks to all those who sent warm wishes and is ready to get back to work.”

Thanks to everyone for the warm wishes. I’m ready to get back to work.

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) January 2, 2015

White House spokesman Eric Schultz released a statement.

“The president was glad to hear the leader is doing well, and will be back in Washington this weekend.”

President Barack Obama also called to check on Reid the day he was released from the hospital.

Adam Jentleson, a Reid spokesman, gave an update on the Senator’s condition.

“”His doctors expect a full recovery.”

Republican Dean Heller of Nevada wished Reid well.

Wishing @SenatorReid a speedy recovery and healthy return to Washington.

— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) January 2, 2015

An aide said Reid, 75, who exercises regularly, was working out on exercise equipment when a resistance band broke, hit him and caused the fall. A decade ago, Reid suffered a mini-stroke, but since has generally been in good health.

Reportedly, the New Year’s day incident was the second “exercise” accident, Reid experienced in the last few years. In 2011, he bumped his forehead and dislocated a shoulder during a morning jog during rainy weather. He and staffers also had minor injuries in a car accident that occurred in October of 2012.

Last month, Reid spoke about wanting to visit his house in Henderson that he had not visited in months and was looking forward to spending holiday vacation time there. He and wife Landra recently bought the home after selling his childhood residence in Searchlight, Nevada.

He will assume the role of Senate Minority Leader after serving eight years as Majority Leader.

Reid has been a Senator since 1987 and will run for reelection in 2016.

[Image: Blaze]