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Kirk gives first public message since stroke in video

Illinois Senator Mark Kirk in a video statement released May 8.
(via YouTube/SenatorKirk)
Illinois Senator Mark Kirk in a video statement released May 8.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has issued his first public remarks since suffering a stroke.

In a video released Tuesday, Kirk says he can't wait to get back to work and is walking again. The 52-year-old senator suffered a major stroke in January and underwent emergency surgery. He entered a rehabilitation center in February and was discharged last week.

Here's that video statement:

http://youtu.be/WpBoYmKX-QQ

Kirk says his goal is to climb the 45 steps from the parking to the front door of the Senate. The video includes footage of Kirk working with therapists.

Doctors have said the stroke was expected to limit movement on his left side, though they expected him to make a full mental recovery.

Kirk has declined news media interviews since the stroke but his office has continued to work on constituent issues.