Ill. Senate's top Republican released after stroke

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate's top Republican has been released from the hospital after suffering a stroke.

A fellow lawmaker says Minority Leader Frank Watson is doing well and making jokes.

Watson suffered a stroke Friday that aides described as very minor. He was hospitalized in St. Louis over the weekend.

Sen. Christine Radogno said Wednesday that Watson is undergoing rehabilitation and that his speech has been affected somewhat.

Watson is 63 and lives in Greenville. He was campaigning for another Senate candidate in southern Illinois when he fell ill.