Scarborough returns to Congress after back surgery

11-17-99

PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Joe Scarborough said he has returned to Washington, D.C. after a seven-week absence to recuperate from back surgery with a new appreciation for life back home in the Florida Panhandle.

The Pensacola Republican injured his back when he fell about 6 feet after a plank on the steps of his sons' backyard treehouse gave way.

``Being home for six or seven weeks and seeing what I miss around the neighborhood and around my boys' school certainly drove home the point to me that this is not a permanent occupation for me,'' Scarborough, 36, said.

He said he plans to seek re-election next year but would be ``very surprised if I ran in 2002.''

As Congress rushes to pass the final spending bills of the year, some members of Scarborough's own party may not be happy to see him back.

``I'm not sure I'm going to vote for the bills they are going to bring on the floor,'' said Scarborough, who frequently votes against large spending measures.

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