McGovern released from Florida hospital

• McGovern

In this Jan. 22, 2011, photo, former Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. George McGovern arrives for the funeral Mass for R. Sargent Shriver at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac, Md. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

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George McGovern has been released from a Florida hospital.

The longtime South Dakota politician was released from Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Fla., mid-afternoon Thursday, according to Patty McAnnally, a nursing supervisor.

McGovern was admitted Tuesday evening for tests to determine why he occasionally passes out and loses his ability to speak, according to his family. By Thursday morning, he was reported in good condition.

McAnnally said the 89-year-old McGovern was in the hospital for about 36 hours before he was released.

McGovern, who served 22 years in the House and Senate and was the 1972 Democratic candidate for president, maintains a home in Mitchell as well as one in St. Augustine Beach, Fla. He also spends time with his daughter, Ann, who lives in Sioux Falls.

On Saturday, McGovern was feted at the South Dakota Democratic Party’s annual McGovern Day. He met with the media, attended private, fundraising events and then delivered a 20-minute speech at the dinner that state Democratic Party Chairman and Executive Director Ben Nesselhuf described as humorous and inspirational.

McGovern was in good spirits when he was released Thursday, McAnnally said, and was able to speak.

“He’s such a nice man,” she said.

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