Rep. Packard Has Heart Surgery

Rep. Ron Packard (R-Oceanside), whose district includes southern Orange County, underwent triple coronary bypass surgery late last week and is recuperating successfully at Bethesda Naval Hospital, his office announced Monday.

The 62-year-old Packard felt chest pains during his normal exercise routine last Thursday, and a team of three surgeons on Friday operated to remove an arterial blockage.

Packard’s office said that the doctors were “extremely pleased” with the congressman’s condition after the operation.

“He’s up and walking around the halls,” said David Coggin, Packard’s chief of staff.

Packard was moved from the intensive care unit on Monday and is expected to be released from the hospital by the end of the week. He will recover at home during the next several weeks and is not expected to return to a full work schedule until after the Labor Day recess.

The exact date of his resumption of official duties will depend on the recommendations of his doctors, Coggin said.

Packard won his first term in 1982 on the strength of a write-in vote after having lost an 18-candidate GOP primary by 92 votes. His 48th congressional district includes San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Coto de Caza, and parts of Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo.

A Mormon who served as a naval dentist at Camp Pendleton in the 1950s, Packard has compiled a conservative voting record during his six terms. He now sits on the House Appropriations Committee.