Senator Mark Kirk upgraded to fair condition

Senator Mark Kirk is alert and talking, according to doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Illinois' junior Senator's condition has been upgraded to "fair," more than a week after he suffered a major stroke.

Neurosurgeon Richard Fessler says doctors are very pleased with Kirk's progress. He's expected to make a full mental recovery: however, he may not recover full physical use of affected areas.  The stroke affected his left side, particularly his arm and face.

The Republican from Highland Park is in the second year of his term. Before that, he represented the 10th Congressional District, beginning in 2000.