THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 25, 1995 TAG: 9507250264
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DALE EISMAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
U.S. Rep. Herbert H. Bateman of Newport News has suffered what an aide described Monday as a ``mild heart attack'' and is expected to spend the rest of the week undergoing tests at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Dan Scandling, a spokesman for the congressman, said Bateman is in stable condition and has been told by his doctors that he should make a complete recovery.
Scandling said Bateman felt extremely fatigued Friday and went to a clinic in the Capitol to be checked over. Doctors sent him to Bethesda for a more thorough examination. Tests there showed that he had suffered a heart attack one or two days earlier.
``I personally feel able to return to the office and desire to do so,'' Bateman said in a statement. ``The doctors insist that I should remain under observation through this week. Each day in the hospital will increase their difficulty in keeping me here longer in view of the way I feel.''
Bateman, who turns 67 next month, had coronary bypass surgery in 1989. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992, but doctors pronounced him cured after he completed a series of radiation treatments.
Scandling said there is no indication of any return of the cancer. Doctors have advised Bateman, a heavy smoker, to give up cigarettes, the aide said.
A Republican, Bateman has represented the 1st District since 1983. He is best known for his advocacy of maritime interests and the shipbuilding industry, particularly Newport News Shipbuilding.
A senior member of the House National Security Committee, Bateman became chairman of the panel's military readiness subcommittee when Republicans took control of the House in January. The position has put him in the center of GOP efforts to increase the defense budget.
Bateman indicated last year that he would retire after his current term.
Since shortly before the November election, however, he has been backing away from that commitment. Scandling said Monday that Bateman will make no decision about his political future until later this year. ILLUSTRATION: Rep. Herb Bateman says the way he feels, he's ready to head back
to the office.
by CNB