State Rep. Edmund Kuempel returns to the Texas House
Monday, June 1, 2009
Robert T. Garrett
AUSTIN — Rep. Edmund Kuempel, who suffered a near-fatal heart attack almost three weeks ago,returned to the Texas House this morning amid thunderous applause.
Kuempel, one of the Legislature’s most popular members, rolled onto the floor in a wheelchair. He then used a walker to get to his desk, where he kissed hands and greeted colleagues and staff members for more than a half hour.
The visit, widely anticipated, brought joy, laughter and a much needed lift to lawmakers on the final day of a session some criticize as light in accomplishment.
The Senate stopped work to rush over to greet him. Kuempel’s family joined in a procession of greeters to his desk.
Everywhere, people dabbed tears.
Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown, was one of the first to greet Kuempel.
Brushing tears from his cheeks moments later, Gattis recounted, “He was talking about all the weight he lost. He said his underwear won’t stay up.”
Kuempel kidded House colleagues John Zerwas, a doctor, and Donna Howard, a nurse, who helped save his life after a House employee found him collapsed in an elevator during a late night session on May 12.
Rep. David Swinford, R-Dumas, referred to Kuempel’s near-death experience with a joke about House members’ pushing each other’s voting buttons.
“You know who’s in charge of ghost voting around here,” he told Kuempel.
Kuempel, 66, a Seguin Republican who has served in the House for more than two decades, nuzzled noses with his twin grandsons, Will and Sam Kuempel, 7, of Austin.
Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, told Kuempel, “It’s so good to see you.”
Kuempel shot back, “Nice to be seen.”
Rep. Terri Hodge, D-Dallas, placed in front of Kuempel two Capitol posters that House members have been autographing for several days as keep-sakes.
Kuempel tried to sign just over the dome, as Hodge directed but had trouble with a pen.
“Run out of ink? … Must be a state pen,” Hodge said. The two lawmakers shared a laugh.
Kuempel’s trademark gesture as he greets every soul on the House floor each morning is to bow his massive 6-foot-4 frame and kiss women’s hands.
Stacey Branch, wife of Dallas Republican Rep. Dan Branch, circled back to go through the receiving line a second time, this time accompanied by her husband.
“I came back for seconds,” she said, offering Kuempel her hands.
He beamed.