Bob Dole, 89, hospitalized at Walter Reed

Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., delivers his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, San Diego, 1996. / AP File Photo

Updated 5:23 p.m. Eastern Time

Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee and longtime leader of Senate Republicans, has been hospitalized at Walter Reed Hospital, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced Tuesday.

"He is at Walter Reed not for a checkup," Reid said on the Senate floor. "He is there because he is infirm. He is sick."

Shortly after Reid's comments, however, an assistant to Dole told CBS News in an email that Dole will leave the hospital tomorrow after a "routine" procedure.

"He checked himself in for a routine procedure and will discharge tomorrow," Dole's assistant said. "Doing well and watching the CRPD debate on CSPAN 2."

Reid spoke after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, read a letter from Dole urging passage of the Convention of Persons with Disabilities, or CPRD, which is focused on rights for the disabled. Dole, who is 89, sustained an injury in World War II that left his right arm shattered.

[ajk_cbsnews]

Dole is one of the few living, honorable Republicans!

[charbmoore]

After reading Mr Dole's biography, I am humbled at his true "American Hero" status. Whether or not you agree with the man's politics is immaterial; you owe him if you are living and breathing on free american soil. He deserves all the love, honor, praise and well wishes all of us can muster. If you want to know the definition of patriotism read the book on Dole.

[cbs_bull]

I wish Sen. Dole well. Comparing with today's partisan nuts such as McCain, et al, Dole is a very good GOP politician who has done a lot of good things to America.

[KE_Wolf]

I'm a liberal, I'll admit, but I'm not going to turn Bob Dole's hospitalization into something political. I may disagree with him on key issues, but I think it's despicable to outright insult the honor of a decent man who is ill. Routine check-up or not, it doesn't reflect well on any party if they're willing to mock someone for going to a hospital that he has, in fact, earned the right to use. I don't know how he feels about socialized medicine, but that is irrelevant. I'll be hoping and praying that he regains his health soon.

[hypnotoad72]

That's probably the best response I've read so far.

All I know is, I don't care for hypocrites or give them any respect, regardless if they are in the military.

So far, I see nothing so sleazy about Dole.

I will not mock him.

[mandyg238]

He's a veteran who was injured while serving. He's EARNED the right to go to Walter Reed. Stop being so ignorant!

[hypnotoad72]

You miss his point.

And respond to him directly, please.