Subject: Stewart McKinney, 9-Term Congressman, Is Dead From AIDS
Date: Published: 5/8/87 47 lines
Source:  WALL STREET JOURNAL. Copyright Dow Jones & Co. Inc. 

   Stewart McKinney,
   9-Term Congressman,
   Is Dead From AIDS

   WASHINGTON -- Rep. Stewart McKinney of Connecticut, the
second-ranking Republican on the House Banking Committee,
died yesterday of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
   The death of the 56-year-old Mr. McKinney, a nine-term GOP
 moderate from one of the most affluent congressional
districts, is likely to intensify support for AIDS research
and other programs.  It was the first known death of a member
of Congress from AIDS. 
   Dr. Cesar Caceres, who was Mr. McKinney's physician, said
in a statement that he believed the congressman acquired AIDS
as the result of blood transfusions he received in 1979
during multiple heart bypass surgery.
   "The congressman said he wanted the cause of his death
known after he passed away, in hopes that this information
 might help others to deal with what is becoming a national
crisis," Dr. Caceres said.  He emphasized that the
transfusions occurred before blood banks began testing for
the AIDS virus.
   Mr. McKinney, who was married and the father of five
children, tested positive for the virus that produces AIDS
some 18 months ago, but wasn't diagnosed as having developed
AIDS until he entered the Washington Hospital Center April
22, his doctor said.
   As of May 4, AIDS had been diagnosed in 35,219 Americans.
While most victims have been homosexual men or intravenous
drug users, an estimated 600 individuals contracted AIDS from
blood transfusions, according to Red Cross spokeswoman Terry
Gautier.  All but two of these cases were from transfusions
received before AIDS antibody testing of donors began in the
spring of 1985.
   An independent "Gypsy Moth" Republican, Mr. McKinney
played important roles in the formulation of loan guarantees
 for New York City and for Chrysler Corp. 

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