Ted Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, is 76 years old and has been in office since 1962. He is the second most senior member of the Senate and has been elected to seven full terms. He is considered one of the most influential members of the Democratic party.

UPDATE 5/17:

It wasn't a stroke suffered by Kennedy, but a seizure -- two in fact. One at his home, and another while in transport from Cape Cod Hospital to Massachusetts General.

Source: By The Freelance Observer

That was quite a scare! Fortunately the news isn't as bad as doctors had feared.

"Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was airlifted to a hospital Saturday after suffering a seizure at his home, and did not appear to have had a stroke as initially suspected, his spokeswoman said.

"Senator Kennedy is resting comfortably, and it is unlikely we will know anything more for the next 48 hours," she said. Kennedy's wife, Victoria, was with him at the hospital, Cutter said.