Geithner hospitalized to have kidney stone removed

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If a major financial crisis breaks out in the next day or two, the Obama administration will find itself temporarily shorthanded as Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner was hospitalized Friday to undergo treatment for a kidney stone.

Geithner was admitted to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, said Treasury spokesman Steve Adamske.

“He will have a minor surgical procedure this afternoon to remove the kidney stone, and his physician expects that he will be discharged tomorrow with orders to rest this weekend,’ Adamske said.

Geithner, 49, is one of Obama’s top economic advisors, and he recently helped lead the administration’s negotiations with congressional Republicans over a deal to extend the Bush-era tax cuts.

Geithner also is one of the youngest Treasury secretaries in U.S. history, and is in good physical shape. His staff has said he takes part in a variety of activities, including running, swimming and biking, and plays tennis and basketball.

Adamske said Geithner should be able to return to work on Monday.

-- Jim Puzzanghera