Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming dies

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The Washington Times incorrectly reported in this article how many children survived the late Sen. Craig Thomas. Mr. Thomas and is wife had four children.

Sen. Craig Thomas, serving his third term as a Republican U.S. senator from Wyoming, died last night after battling leukemia.

Mr. Thomas, 74, passed away surrounded by his family at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. He had been receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

"The family wants to thank everyone for their prayers during this time," the Thomases said in a statement last night.

State law will allow Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal to appoint a successor from among three finalists chosen by the state Republican party. It was not clear last night whether the successor would serve the rest of the six-year term or just a portion. Mr. Thomas was re-elected last fall with 70 percent of the vote.

Earlier yesterday, Mr. Thomas' office announced he had been listed in serious condition as he struggled with an infection on top of the cancer, which was resisting treatment.

"At this difficult time, all we can do is give him as much love and support as possible," his wife, Susan, said this afternoon. "The support and prayers of Wyoming folks have made a tremendous difference to us. It has meant everything to Craig, and I know it helps him today."

Senate aides last night did not want to discuss the political implications for such a closely divided chamber out of respect for the Thomas family. The Democratic caucus has a 51-49 edge in the chamber.

Sen. Tim Johnson, South Dakota Democrat, who suffered a brain hemorrhage in December, has not been on Capitol Hill since, but is expected to return soon. His fragile state of health in the winter after Democrats won control of Congress sent some politicians into a panic for fear they might lose what they had just won.