Moynihan Critical But Stable

Former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y. is in critical but stable condition Monday, suffering from an infection after an emergency appendectomy.

Moynihan, who turned 76 on Sunday, is in the intensive care unit of the Washington Hospital Center, said Paula Faria, a hospital spokeswoman. He underwent an emergency appendectomy March 11, according to former aide Tony Bullock, who was fielding media queries.

Bullock said the former senator and scholar was recovering well until Thursday, when an infection set in. Doctors "now believe they have the infection stabilized," said Bullock.

"The assessment of his doctors is there's been no irreversible damage to the senator....We're hoping for the best," Bullock said.

The New York Democrat has suffered a series of health setbacks in recent months. He was hospitalized in January for an intestinal disorder, and again soon after for a back injury.

Now a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Moynihan was first elected to the Senate in 1976 and retired after finishing his fourth term in 2000. Fellow legislators named Manhattan's new federal courthouse in his honor.

Former first lady Hillary Clinton was elected to Moynihan's seat - with his enthusiastic support, including during her campaign.