NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid (search) of Nevada made his first public appearance Wednesday since suffering a mini-stroke, joking with reporters and saying he's eager for Congress to reconvene next month.
"I feel like I could go a couple of rounds with all of you," Reid, a former boxer, said as he entered a faith-based community forum. "I'm anxious to get to work."
Reid, 65, canceled several public appearances in Nevada last week and spent the weekend with family and friends after experiencing dizziness Aug. 16 at home in Searchlight, about an hour south of Las Vegas.
Aides disclosed his medical condition Friday, saying doctors at a Las Vegas hospital determined Reid suffered a transient ischemic attack (search). The condition is described as a brief interruption of blood supply to part of the brain.
Reid, who said he's been taking it easy, looked rested when arriving for the event at Nevada Partners, a community organization that works on job training and placement. But about an hour later, Reid appeared somewhat tired as he left following a short speech welcoming the estimated 200 forum participants.
Reid, a popular figure in Nevada, received a standing ovation from the crowd.
"God has blessed me with a loving family, wonderful friends," said Reid, whose wife, Landra, also attended the event.
The mini-stroke left no noticeable effects, and Reid told reporters he did 100 push-ups and 85 sit-ups earlier in the day.
"He looked just as healthy, strong and upbeat as he always has," said state Sen. Steven Horsford, who met with Reid prior to his speech. "He looked like the Sen. Reid I know and have dealt with for many years."
According to aides, doctors placed no physical limits on the senator, but advised him to take advantage of the congressional recess to rest. Reid has no other events scheduled before Congress reconvenes Sept. 6.
"So he'll stick to what was already scheduled, which was just some vacation time anyway," said Reid spokeswoman Tessa Hafen.
Reid became leader of the Senate's Democratic minority in January. He has represented Nevada in the Senate since 1987 and was re-elected last year with 61 percent of the vote. He served in the House from 1983-87.