Idaho Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, underwent surgery Tuesday morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. to assess swelling in his brain that was diagnosed last week.
After a three-hour procedure—from which it was said Stennett is "recovering well"—it was determined that further tests are needed for a full diagnosis and prognosis.
Stennett is stepping away from his post in the Legislature to undergo treatment for the condition, which was labeled in a Monday, Jan. 28, news release as a "serious health condition."
The release stated that he recommended to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter that former Sun Valley Mayor Jon Thorson serve as temporary senator from Legislative District 25, which includes Blaine, Camas, Lincoln and Gooding counties. Thorson was sworn into that post Tuesday.
During a checkup last Thursday, doctors determined that Stennett required surgery to reduce what was termed in the press release as "minor swelling on his brain."
Stennett said he expects to make a full recovery and return during the current legislative session.
"I know that my replacement will do a great job filling in while I look forward to a steady recovery and full return to politics and public service," Stennett said. "This is one of those speed bumps that comes in life, but I am fortunate to have the support of my wife, Michelle, and my good friends in the Wood River and Magic valleys. I'm very positive about my health and the future and look forward to the day I can resume working for the people."
Stennett leads Idaho's caucus of seven senators in the Legislature and is the state's most senior elected Democrat. Assistant Minority Leader Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise, will take over the floor duties in Stennett's absence.
"I know I speak for all 34 senators on both sides of the aisle in passing along our best wishes to Sen. Stennett and his wife, Michelle," Langhorst said. "They are both in our thoughts and prayers."
House Minority Leader Rep. Wendy Jaquet, also a Ketchum Democrat, has served with Stennett for more than a decade.
"Clint is a trusted advisor, confidant and good friend," she said. "His love of the outdoors has given him a lifetime of health and vitality that I know will serve him well and have him back to the Legislature soon. In the meantime, my husband, Jim, and I will keep him in our prayers."
State Republicans, too, wished Stennett well.
"Sen. Stennett's respect eclipses political boundaries," they said in a press release. "We join our Democratic colleagues in our prayers for Clint and Michelle. We look forward to Sen. Stennett's full recovery and quick return to the Senate chamber."
Stennett grew up in the Magic Valley and attended Idaho State University. He owned and operated media outlets in the Wood River Valley for most of his business career. He was first elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 1990 and served two terms before being elected to the Senate.
Clint Stennett is taking a leave from his Senate post to undergo treatment for what is being termed as a ?serious health condition.?
Photo by Mountain Express
