BREAKING: Senator John McCain has Brain Cancer

One of the Senate's titans, John McCain (R-AZ) has been diagnosed with brain cancer - sending a shock wave through an already tumultuous upper chamber that's grappling with how to reform the nation's health insurance policies.

McCain's office released an official statement Wednesday evening, quoting doctors from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, where the Senator underwent surgery.

“On Friday, July 14, Sen. John McCain underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye... Subsequent tissue pathology revealed that a primary brain tumor known as a glioblastoma was associated with the blood clot."

The former Republican presidential nominee is revered on both sides of the aisle, in part because of the years he spent locked up in Vietnam as a prisoner of war, but also because he's carved out a name for himself for bucking his own party throughout his decades long career.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) talked about McCain with Countable in a phone interview:

"He's one of those that always does what he thinks is right - regardless of party. He's obviously a war hero, having a very distinguished war record. But in Congress he's been an independent voice - one of the few you can bet to get it right."

While everyone in Washington waits on egg shells to hear how his health hopefully improves in the coming weeks, everyone is rooting for the tough Arizona Republican. They're optimistic that the former cancer survivor will make it through this time.

"John McCain will return to the US Senate and we will stand with him in this battle," Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) told Countable.

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) told Countable via a text:

"So sad to hear. Sen. McCain is a fighter and I'm sure his colleagues will all be wishing for speedy and vigorous recovery for him. His wisdom and outspoken voice is more important now than ever and I wish him well."

— Matt Laslo

(Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr / Creative Commons)