Published January 6, 2011

Paul Cellucci (AP)

On the day Massachusetts’ 71st governor is inaugurated, sad news about the health of the 69th governor.

Paul Cellucci has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Associated Press reports:

The 62-year-old told The Associated Press on Thursday he has a relatively slow case of the illness. […]

The disease progressively attacks the brain and spine and leads to complete paralysis. It is incurable and fatal.

Cellucci said he’s experiencing some weakness but otherwise feeling well. He’s maintaining a full work schedule as an attorney in Boston.

Cellucci resigned in 2001 to be President George W. Bush’s ambassador to Canada.