Byrd, Kennedy taken from luncheon with Obama

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sens. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., have been taken from an inauguration luncheon for President Barack Obama.

A Capitol police officer stood up at the luncheon and said medical attention was needed.

The 76-year-old Kennedy, who had been attended Obama’s oath-taking on the Capitol’s West Front, has been battling a brain tumor.

During a talk to members of Congress and others, Obama called attention to Kennedy, saying “I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy.“

Obama said that Kennedy “was there when the voting rights act passed, along with John Lewis, was a warrior for justice.“

“And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him,“ Obama added. “And I think that’s true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it’s also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and (Kennedy’s wife) Vicki.“

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.