Mink has been in the intensive care unit at Straub Clinic and Hospital since Sept. 1 with viral pneumonia brought on by a case of chicken pox. Her family has withheld information on her exact medical condition and her staff has only said Mink is "serious but stable."

Today is the deadline for the state Democratic Party to name a replacement for a candidate who withdraws for medical reasons. A party official now serving as the Mink family spokesman this morning said he believes she would not be replaced.

"If she was to withdraw, today would be the deadline," said Andrew Winer, director of the Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign. "If you can read between the lines, you can reach a conclusion as to what it means. She is not coming off the ballot."

But Winer then said: "I am not guaranteeing that 100 percent. But if there was going to be a replacement, it would have to happen by 4:30 today and there is no meeting of the Democratic Party scheduled."

The party's central committee, which has a membership of more than 100 people, would have meet in order to make any decision on a replacement, Winer said.

The 74-year-old Mink has not issued any personal statements since being admitted to Straub Aug. 30. Winer, who as of today has replaced Mink's own staff as spokesman for her condition, said the congresswoman's condition remains unchanged and would not provide further details.

Winer also could not say if Mink's condition was improving.

Mink easily won the Democratic nomination for her 2nd District seat in Saturday's primary election. She will face state Rep. Bob McDermott in the general election Nov. 5.