Speculation over Nancy Pelosi’s daughter’s close relationship to Dianne Feinstein has caused questions about if her refusal to resign is politically motivated.
US Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the 89-year-old official who recently missed 10 weeks due to complications from a shingles infection, was sicker than previously disclosed, a spokesperson for her office confirmed after a report in US media exposed the situation.Feinstein left Washington in February and was hospitalized “for a short time” in March, according to a statement by her office. She returned to the Senate last week after a two-and-a-half-month absence in a wheelchair and with half of her face appearing paralyzed.US media has indicated she had several complications related to her shingles infection, some of which were not publicly disclosed. The shingles spread to her neck and face, causing a condition known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can result in vision and balance problems and facial paralysis.She also suffered from encephalitis, a rare shingles-related complication that can cause lasting memory and language issues, sleep disorders, bouts of confusion, mood disorders, headaches and difficulties walking.A spokesperson confirmed to US media that Feinstein suffered from both issues but said that the encephalitis cleared up on its own. Feinstein’s office also confirmed she is still suffering the effects of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.The spokesperson reportedly refused to comment any further and pointed to a statement from Feinstein stating: “I’m back in Washington, voting and attending committee meetings while I recover from complications related to a shingles diagnosis. I continue to work and get results for California.”The report also states Feinstein refused to meet or take calls from California Democrats while she was recovering in San Francisco, including Governor Gavin Newsom and fellow Senator Alex Padilla.She did take several calls from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who encouraged her to follow the advice of her doctors, but Feinstein made it clear to Schumer that she had no intention to resign.
