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Blumenthal has surgery after breaking leg in parade

Connecticut Democrat says on Twitter he expects full recovery

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., speaks outside the Capitol on May 26, 2022.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., speaks outside the Capitol on May 26, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Daniela Altimari
Posted April 9, 2023 at 12:48pm, Updated April 10, 2023 at 8:27am

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal underwent surgery Sunday after breaking his leg during a parade in Hartford celebrating the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team.

The 77-year-old Democrat said he fractured his femur after a fellow paradegoer tripped and fell on him during a victory celebration for the NCAA champions Saturday.

“Routine surgery tomorrow just to make sure everything heals properly,” he tweeted Saturday night. “I expect a full recovery!”

On Sunday, he tweeted that the surgery “was completely successful” and he plans to be back in the Senate for votes next week. The Senate is in the midst of its Easter recess and is not due to reconvene until April 17.

He is the latest member of the Senate, where Democrats hold control by a 51-49 margin, to have a health issue this term. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has said he expects to return April 17 after being hospitalized for treatment of depression. 

Democrat Christopher S. Murphy, Connecticut’s other senator, tweeted that Blumenthal “got back up, dusted himself off and FINISHED THE PARADE” after breaking his femur. “Most Dick Blumenthal thing ever.”

Blumenthal responded on Twitter: “What can I say, I love a parade!”

Blumenthal’s son, state Rep. Matt Blumenthal, said on Twitter that his father is “tough as nails and on the mend.” 

Blumenthal, who won his third term in the Senate in November, is known for keeping a relentless public schedule and never turning down an invitation.

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