Sen. John Kerry undergoing 2nd hip replacement

[January 04, 2010]  BOSTON (AP) -- Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts is undergoing a second hip replacement.

The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee will have his left hip replaced Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital. His right hip was replaced in August.

Kerry spokesman David Wade tells The Associated Press that Dr. Dennis Burke achieved such good results the first time that Kerry decided to have his other hip replaced. In both cases, the joints had become arthritic and inflexible from age and athletic activity.

Wade says the 66-year-old Kerry decided to have the operation now to ensure "he'd be back on his feet for the legislative period later this month."

That could include a vote on a national health care plan that will require all 60 Democratic Senate votes.

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz, is scheduled to resume breast cancer treatment this month.

[Associated Press]

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