DFL Sen. Gary Kubly in critical condition

Sen. Gary Kubly was in critical condition late Wednesday, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"Sen. Kubly had a medical crisis this morning and currently is in critical condition in Regions Hospital," Senate Democratic spokesman Amos Briggs said Wednesday night.

A chaplain opened the Wednesday night House session praying for Kubly, who himself is a minister. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2010 and on the first day of this year's legislative session used his iPad to thank fellow senators for their support after his voiced all but failed.

Kubly, 68, has been assisted this year by his wife, Pat, and attended Senate floor sessions and committee meetings.

Earlier this year, as Kubly began his 16th legislative session, he said doing the work in the Capitol would be more difficult.

"I had thought of resigning, but they talked me out of it,'' Kubly said.