Ronald J. Hansen and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | The Republic
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would take U.S. Sen. John McCain’s seat off the November ballot if the six-term Arizona Republican, who is battling a deadly form of brain cancer, leaves office early.
The legislation at the Republican-controlled state Capitol comes as the ailing McCain, 81, remained hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic. Earlier this week, the 2008 GOP presidential nominee underwent surgery for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis, his family and Senate office said Monday.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Senate Democrats intend to try to block the legislation by voting as a bloc to ensure that its emergency clause can’t get the needed two-thirds approval.
The move at the State Capitol in Phoenix may intensify speculation about McCain’s health and could reflect fresh concerns from the Arizona Republican establishment. McCain previously was hospitalized in December for a viral infection and for side effects related to his ongoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He returned to Arizona on Dec. 17 and hasn’t been in Washington, D.C., since.
