Betty Montgomery hospitalized with temporary paralysis
May 22, 2006 by Conservative Culture
Filed under General
It has been in the news for several days that Betty Montgomery is in intensive care at OSU’s hospital with Guillain-Barre syndrome. This syndrome causes temporary paralysis; it could be weeks or it could be months before she is released.
I have been hesitant to comment on the political implications of this story too quickly. I wanted several days before even commenting on another blog, and several more days before referring to it here.
If Betty Montgomery is physically unable to campaign, will she stay in the race?
She must withdraw by August 23 if there is to be a Republican replacement on the ballot. If she chooses to withdraw, who would replace her?
GOP Establishment people would like to see Petro be put in her place. I, for one, would prefer her primary opponent Tim Grendell, a committed conservative (unlike Montgomery and more so than Petro). But I am realistic enough to know that given the present party leadership, that will not happen.
Matt Dole on Tue, 23rd May 2006 8:02 am
Daniel - first of all, the severity of the syndrome varies. Montgomery drove herself to the hospital and was only feeling the beginning symptoms of anything when she was admitted. Suggesting paralysis isn’t even close to an accurate portrayal of the situation.
Secondly, there is no need to wonder about Tim Grendell or Jim Petro. The story was written out of imagination. Montgomery is fully awake and working in between treatments, and will be back on the campaign trail as time allows.
Asking the “if” question for Betty Montgomery would be the equivalent of asking if Ken Blackwell can’t campaign will he stay in the race? It is ridiculous to speculate such scenarios based on information available about her condition.
Daniel J. Mount on Tue, 23rd May 2006 10:01 am
As I understand, the disease can cause paralysis, even if its effects have not been fully felt in this case.
There’s a big difference between Montgomery and Blackwell. Montgomery is in intensive care at OSU; Blackwell is not.
Matt Dole on Tue, 23rd May 2006 11:03 am
And Jim Petro is overseas… And each is running their office. Montgomery and Blackwell’s campaigns continue to be active.
The syndrome can cause paralysis, and Ken Blackwell, you or me can get into a car accident tomorrow. I am telling you that the facts in this case are routine and any speculation isn’t worthy of reasonable people.
Conservative Culture on Tue, 23rd May 2006 11:53 am
What really catches my interest in this is one question yet unasked and will probably remain unanswered. When did she really find out? Who was aware of this condition prior to the primary? Did she get put on the new ballot spot knowing this was the case?
If I was her opponent I would certainly be curious. If this turns out to be problematic… the seat could be lost to a dem?
Perhaps it won’t result in anything… but one still wonders.