Family says they're optimistic of Tom Ridge's full recovery
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The family of former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says they're cautiously optimistic that he'll make a full recovery from a heart attack.
A Monday statement issued through a family spokesman said Ridge remained in an intensive care unit in Austin, Texas. He had been attending a Republican Governors Association conference there Thursday when he called for help at his hotel.
Ridge's wife, Michele, says doctors are encouraged by his progress, although they caution there's a "long road ahead."
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They say Ridge has made steady progress since undergoing an emergency cardiac catheterization, and doctors have removed some of the machines used to stabilize him.
The Republican was a two-term Pennsylvania governor from 1995 to 2001. He was the first homeland security secretary, serving under President George W. Bush until 2005.