Sen. Craig Thomas Dead at 74

From Rueters:

Republican Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming, who had been battling leukemia, died on Monday evening at the National Naval Medical Center at age 74, his family said in a statement.

Thomas was in his third six-year Senate term. He had been battling cancer since his reelection in November 2006, and had been receiving chemotherapy treatment, the senator's family said in a statement issued by his office.

"The family wants to thank everyone for their prayers during this time," the statement said.

Thomas's death would not alter the balance of power in the Democrat-led U.S. Senate. Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal is a Democrat and would likely appoint a Democrat to fill the remainder of Thomas's term.

My condolences to the Thomas family.