POLITICO is reporting that ambulances and fire trucks were rushed to the Northern Virginia home of Sen. Robert Byrd. The 91-year old West Virginia Democrat has been missing from the Senate for much of the year because of illnesses. He is the longest serving senator in history, having first been elected in 1958.

A spokesman for the senator is quoted as saying:

Byrd apparently stood up too fast this morning in his home and fell down. To err on the side of caution his caregiver called an ambulance. He was taken to the hospital where he is currently being checked out. At this point in time there is no indication that he will be admitted.

NPR's David Welna points out that Byrd failed to deliver his annual Constitution Day floor speech last Thursday. He adds, "I think the last time he spoke on the floor was when he delivered a tearful eulogy to Ted Kennedy."

This post will be updated.

Tags: Washington Senators