Edward Kennedy, Feb 2008

A spokesperson for Democratic Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy says the lawmaker has been rushed to a hospital in the northeastern state of Massachusetts after suffering a seizure.

The 76-year-old senator was taken Saturday from the Kennedy family's estate on Cape Cod to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Kennedy's office says he is currently under evaluation.

Kennedy has suffered many health problems in the past. He had surgery last year to relieve a blocked artery in his neck.

Ted Kennedy, a U.S. senator since 1962, is the youngest brother of former President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated almost 45 years ago.

The liberal lawmaker is an outspoken critic of President George Bush. He also has been one of the most prominent supporters of Senator Barack Obama's campaign for the Democratic Party's nomination in this year's presidential election.

Obama said in a statement that his thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family. Presumptive Republican nominee Senator John McCain praised Kennedy as a "legendary lawmaker."

Some information for this report was provided by and Reuters.