WASHINGTON — Sen.
, who suffered a severe stroke in January, met Thursday with Rep.
, who said he is “back on his game” and even wisecracking about his treadmill — which he calls his “dreadmill.”
Biggert, a Republican from Hinsdale, met with Kirk for 75 minutes at his home in Highland Park. She said that since the stroke she had talked to him once by phone, but this was her first face-to-face visit.
"He looks great and we had a great conversation," she told the Tribune on Friday. "He's back on his game. He's doing well. I think he's eager to get back, but I imagine that he will return (to the Capitol) whenever the doctors tell him he can.
"He's just the same old Mark. Same old person. And he always has a lot to say … and he had a lot to discuss."
Kirk's office on Friday released a statement from the senator on his recovery.
“I am grateful to Dr. George Hornby, the physical therapists and other personnel of the walking research trial at the
The Kirk statement did not detail what he discussed with Biggert. She said their conversation focused on "politics — who's doing what." They also talked about Kirk's Women's Advisory Board, which Biggert addressed Friday in Naperville in his stead.
She, like others, could not predict when Kirk would be back in Washington. He has not made any public appearances in the six months since he was stricken, nor has he said when he hopes to return to the
Biggert said Kirk is meeting with his aides “every night after his
Kirk, 52, suffered an ischemic stroke Jan. 21 and underwent three brain surgeries at
Biggert said the fluency of his speech was "great" and that his mood was "great for somebody who's been through that. It's positive. He's really looking forward to being back in the game."
An aide to Sen.
Rep.
Kirk was elected to the Senate in 2010 after nearly 10 years representing Chicago’s North Shore in the House. Biggert, 74, entered the House more than 13 years ago and faces Democrat
Biggert said her meeting with Kirk came after the House adjourned for the week and an earlier planned meeting "didn't work out."
Tribune reporter Todd Lighty in Chicago contributed.