Posted on 09/10/2003 3:54:28 PM PDT by meg70
As Governor Frank O' Bannon began showing small signs of improvement following a debilitating stroke suffered this week, the Indiana Supreme Court formally transferred power Wednesday to Indiana's Lieutanant Governor.
Lawmakers recieved a written statement from O' Bannon's doctor and invoked a process spelled out in the State Constitution for officially handing over power to Lt. Governor Joe Kernan.
Doctors said O'Bannon 73, had emerged from a drug induced coma and showed some 'small but significant improvements.' He remained in critical condition Wednesday.
O' Bannon was found unconscious and in his pajamas in his Chicago, Il. hotel room on Monday. Doctors say there is evidence of brain damage but the extent is unclear.
Prompt treatment is critical and he didn't get it. If he survives, he may not be in much condition to know it.
Indianapolis Star article on his medical condition *here*. He reportedly struck the back of his skull when he went down, too. Not good.
-archy-/-
Lawmakers recieved a written statement from O' Bannon's doctor and invoked a process spelled out in the State Constitution for officially handing over power to Lt. Governor Joe Kernan.
Text of the letter from Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton and House Speaker Patrick Bauer asking the Indiana Supreme Court to transfer powers from Gov. Frank O'Bannon to Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan:
Dear Chief Justice Shepard:Governor Frank O'Bannon has been a friend and colleague of ours for 33 years. In addition to our immense personal affection for him, we admire his dedication and his service to our state. We both look forward to the successful completion of his term.
However, as you are aware, the Governor has sustained a massive stroke and is in a pharmacological coma. Hospital records indicate that the Governor has been incapacitated since 9:30 a.m., September 8, 2003. Attached to this letter are the latest reports from Northwestern Memorial Hospital detailing the Governor's condition. Therefore, pursuant to Article 5, Section 10 of the Indiana Constitution, we are filing with the Supreme Court our written statement suggesting that the Governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of this office, due to his current medical condition. We respectfully request that the Court meet to decide the question, as set out in the Constitution.
We hope that the Governor's condition is temporary, and we are praying for his speedy recovery. It is our understanding that, under the Constitution, if you determine that the Governor is unable to perform his duties, the Lieutenant Governor shall serve as Acting Governor. However, Governor O'Bannon remains in the office as Governor, and he and his family are entitled to receive his salary and other benefits and entitlements of his office. Upon the Governor's recovery, he may resume his duties by requesting the Court's ruling that no inability exists.
Along with all the citizens of the state, we are anxious to see our Governor back at work, doing what he loves most, leading Indiana toward a better future for all Hoosiers.
Respectfully yours,
(signed) B. Patrick Bauer, Speaker, Indiana House of Representatives
(signed) Robert D. Garton, President Pro Tempore, Indiana Senate
I suppose this is good news for his family, but I don't think I'd want to survive a stroke of this magnitude. Quality of life is important to me.
The Governor's stroke sounds much more serious, but one can not tell from the first few days how much permanent damage there will be.
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