Glasscock recovering, still leaning toward run

? House Speaker Kent Glasscock returned home Monday after being treated for a partially blocked artery, and a spokesman said the he still is inclined to run for governor.

Glasscock, R-Manhattan, underwent a balloon angioplasty Thursday night to clear an artery to his heart and had been recovering at the St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Topeka.

His doctor discovered the blockage during a routine checkup and said there was no damage to his heart.

The speaker was hospitalized as speculation built over whether he would re-enter the GOP governor’s race.

Glasscock began running last year but abandoned his bid to become Atty. Gen. Carla Stovall’s lieutenant-governor running mate. However, Stovall quit the race a week ago, leaving moderate Republicans without a candidate.

Spokesman Scott Holeman said Glasscock was doing well and considered the angioplasty “like a tuneup.”

“His inclination is still to get in the race,” Holeman said.

However, Holeman said Glasscock’s recovery would delay an announcement about his plans.

“He’s going to take the advice of his doctor and stay at home and rest for a few days,” Holeman said. “I would not expect any formal announcement this week.”

Glasscock’s brother has had a heart attack, and his parents have both have had similar procedures. In addition, his father is battling cancer, but still goes to work each day.

Doctors at St. Francis described the balloon angioplasty, which is designed to keep blood flowing to the heart, as a common procedure.

The speaker was hospitalized during the Legislature’s two-week recess, following completion of 90 days in session on April 13.

Legislators are scheduled to return to the Statehouse for a wrapup session May 1, and Holeman said Glasscock will be present.

Glasscock was elected to the House in 1990 and has been speaker since 2001. His wife, Joyce, is secretary of administration. They have one son.