Tulsa World | June 2, 2009

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, who is fighting alcohol addiction, officially requested a leave of absence from Congress on Tuesday for the balance of the month.

Submitted in writing by House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, the Oklahoma Republican’s request was granted without comment.

Sullivan’s request was the first official indication as to how long the 44-year-old lawmaker could be away from the House of Representatives as he seeks treatment for his alcohol addiction.

Last week, the congressman’s office issued a message to constituents in which he revealed that he had checked himself into a treatment center on Thursday.

Sullivan’s statement, however, did not address how long he would be gone. An aide declined to comment.

The Web site of the Betty Ford Center in California, where Sullivan said he had gone to seek treatment, says the most common length of stay for first-time inpatient treatment is 30 days.

Sullivan spokesman John Tidwell expressed confidence earlier this week that the needs of the congressman’s constituents will be met during his absence.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Todd Goodman issued a statement supporting Sullivan.

“We wish him the best in his recovery from his illness, and our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Sullivan and his family as they attend to this private matter,’’ Goodman said.