Lanman Hospitalized After Minor Heart Attack

Out-going Secretary of State in stable condition

MAVOCKE, CEA--Secretary of State Richard Lanman is recovering in the hospital after suffering a minor heart attack last night.

A department spokesman says the secretary was at his Mavocke home Saturday evening when he complained of shortness of breath. EMT crews arrived at his home at approximately 9:30 pm, and he was transported to Macbeth-Gowan Hospital in Mavocke's southwest.

Dr. Marianne Edi-Rice, the physician overseeing the secretary's stay in the hospital, says the 67-year-old Lanman is in stable condition, and will likely return home in a few days.

"Mr. Lanman is recovering well, he is in stable condition, and his spirits are good," Edi-Rice said. "We fully expect him to recover completely and be back to his normal routine sometime next week."

Saturday's incident is the second heart attack the secretary has suffered in the past nine months. In April 2007, Mr. Lanman suffered a heart attack at his home in Damoign. That attack was more serious, however, with the secretary having stayed in the hospital for eight days and undergoing several weeks of therapy.

As with the 2007 hospitalization, President Byelle and Vice President Martinez paid the secretary a visit to his hospital room and offered their get-well wishes. At a press conference Sunday morning, the president said he wishes the secretary a "speedy recovery." He also said he is thankful Mr. Lanman will be stepping down in just weeks.

"I'm grateful that Dick's tenure will be ending now, because being Secretary of State takes a toll on anyone, and I believe that retirement will be a welcomed respite for Dick and will give him a chance to recover and gain his strength."

While the secretary is in the hospital, Under-Secretary of State Andy Spottford will temporarily take over until Lanman can return to work.