RANCHO MIRAGE – Former President Gerald Ford was released Tuesday evening from the hospital after what his chief of staff called routine medical tests. Ford, 92, was admitted to Eisenhower Medical Center late Monday. “He’s in for medical tests, routine tests,” Ford’s chief of staff, Penny Circle, told The Associated Press by telephone from Ford’s Rancho Mirage office about 110 miles east of Los Angeles. “He’s had a horrible cold and he still hasn’t gotten over it.” Ford returned to his Rancho Mirage home Tuesday evening, according to a statement read by hospital spokeswoman Elizabeth Wholihan. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORERose Parade grand marshal Rita Moreno talks New Year’s Day outfit and ‘West Side Story’ remake Circle said Ford undergoes medical tests each December. He had two days of hospital tests in January to follow-up on last year’s annual physical. “We wish President Ford well and a speedy recovery,” White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. In May 2003, Ford was hospitalized for a night at Eisenhower after he got dizzy while golfing in hot weather. Five years ago, Ford suffered two small strokes while attending the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and spent about a week in the hospital. Doctors said there was no apparent brain damage or permanent disability. After the death of former President Ronald Reagan in June 2004, Ford became the nation’s oldest living former president. Ford was House minority leader when Nixon chose him to replace the resigned Spiro Agnew as vice president in 1973. Ford became president on Aug. 9, 1974, when Nixon resigned amid the Watergate scandal. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!