Updated – Leatherman Had “Seizure” Prior To Fainting Spell

New details emerged today about the medical emergency that befell powerful S.C. Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman yesterday.

According to sources at Doc’s Gumbo Grill in downtown Columbia, S.C., the 77-year-old Senator collapsed and experienced a “seizure” during a late lunch yesterday afternoon at the restaurant – which is just across the street from the S.C. State House Complex.

A 911 call was placed and emergency personnel arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, but by that point Leatherman had regained consciousness and refused medical treatment.

Moments later, however, the Senator experienced a fainting spell in his office -which is the incident we reported on yesterday.

At that point, Leatherman’s staff prevailed upon him to seek medical attention.

Leatherman’s health issues were the real reason that a meeting of the state Budget and Control Board was abruptly canceled yesterday afternoon, although state officials have yet to confirm that.

In fact, according to the Budget and Control Board website, Leatherman requested that the meeting be canceled for other reasons:

In light of the clear and definitive action of the General Assembly today to resolve and avoid the projected year-end deficit, Senator Leatherman has asked and other Board members have agreed to defer the Thursday October 23 meeting of the Budget and Control Board to a future date if needed.

Obviously, whatever you think of Leatherman’s political inclinations (and believe us, we think plenty), we hope you’ll join us in wishing him the best as his doctors seek to determine what caused his seizure and collapse yesterday.