Tom Ridge, Ex-Homeland Security Secretary, Out Of Hospital

AUSTIN, TX — Tom Ridge, former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, is out of the hospital after suffering a heart attack two weeks ago in Austin. He is continuing his recovery in a rehabilitation facility.

A Tuesday statement issued through a family spokesman quoted Ridge, 72, saying he's making great progress and feeling much better.

Ridge was at a Republican Governors Association conference on Nov. 16 when he called for help at the JW Marriott Hotel. Ridge underwent an emergency cardiac catheterization and needed machines to stabilize him.

Ridge was hospitalized in critical condition at Dell Seton Medical Center.

Ridge's wife, Michele, has said doctors have cautioned that there's a "long road ahead" for Ridge.

The Republican served two terms as Pennsylvania's governor, from 1995 to 2001. He was the first homeland security secretary, serving under President George W. Bush until 2005.

Photo credit: Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press