Emergency Heart Surgery For Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell

FREDERICKSBURG, VA —Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) underwent emergency heart surgery Tuesday night and is recovering at Mary Washington Hospital intensive care unit, according to a statement from spokesman Matthew Moran. Howell experienced chest pains late Tuesday afternoon.

"The surgeons report the procedure went well (and) the family is asking for prayers for a quick and strong recovery, as well as privacy so the Speaker can continue to rest," Moran said in the statement.

Howell, 74, announced last February he will retire this month at the end of his term. He's been in the House since 1988 and became speaker in 2003.

Photo: William J. Howell