Goldwater Not Near Death, Wife Says

Former Sen. Barry Goldwater’s wife downplayed a newspaper’s report that the conservative icon was near death. Susan Goldwater told Phoenix television station KSAZ that Goldwater’s health has been declining, but his condition hasn’t taken a turn for the worse. Several colleagues and friends said they hadn’t heard or were awaiting word about Goldwater’s condition. Some said they met with Goldwater recently and found him in reasonably good health. However, others told the Mesa Tribune that Goldwater, 89, was failing. The Tribune reported earlier that sources close to the family said Goldwater has been in declining health for months and was near death.