Tom Kean Jr. Misses 2 Months in House as Father Says Serious Illness Is Temporary
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 15
Tom Kean Jr. Misses 2 Months in House as Father Says Serious Illness Is Temporary
5 articles · Updated · CNN · May 15
More than two months after his disappearance from Washington drew alarm, Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s father said the New Jersey Republican is under a doctor's care for a serious but temporary illness and should return soon.
March 5 was Kean's last recorded House vote, and his office has offered only that he is handling a personal health matter, declining to identify the condition or his location.
Mike Johnson said he spoke with Kean about two weeks ago and heard he was out on a medical issue, but senior House Republicans and even some close colleagues say they still lack details.
The prolonged absence is straining Republicans' razor-thin House majority and clouding Kean's hold on New Jersey's 7th District, a top Democratic target ahead of the June 2 primary and November midterms.
What does a lawmaker's prolonged absence reveal about the stability of a narrowly divided legislature?
How should government function when one member's health can impact national lawmaking for months?
Where is the line between a public servant's medical privacy and the public's right to full representation?