Illness Not Expected to Hurt Mink’s Campaign
The hushed-up hospitalization of Rep. Patsy T. Mink, 74, has caused a slight stir, although the Democrat is expected to win reelection.
Mink’s hospitalization Aug. 30 was kept secret for a week, until her office acknowledged she was suffering from viral pneumonia resulting from a case of chicken pox.
Mink has no need to campaign for Saturday’s primary, as she faces only token opposition. She also has long been considered a sure winner in the general election in a state that has been under strong Democratic control since shortly after statehood in 1959.
Her leading Republican challenger this year, state Rep. Bob McDermott, and her Democratic primary challenger Steve Tataii both said they were holding back any criticism of Mink and hoped she quickly recovers.
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