South Carolina Congressman John Spratt Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis

Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.) announced he has Parkinson's disease, saying the condition is in its early stages and won't interfere with his re-election bid.

Spratt, 67, made the announcement in a written statement released on his campaign Web site, in which he also said he would run again for the congressional seat he has held since 1983.

The chairman of the House Budget Committee said his main symptom is "an occasional tremor in my right hand, which responds to medication and is mostly a nuisance."

"The other symptom is in my posture, which is bent a bit, but I hope to correct it with exercise," Spratt wrote, adding that he has not been affected mentally or physically. He said he received the diagnosis in December during a visit to his neurologist, Dr. Marc Stacy.

"Dr. Stacy was pleased with the status and slow progression, and told me, 'If you are looking for a reason not to run again, this is not it,'" Spratt wrote.

Spratt didn't say why he waited more than three months to reveal the diagnosis, but he did say there had been rumors about his health that he wanted to resolve.

He has represented South Carolina's 5th District for 14 terms.

Read Spratt's full statement here.