Idaho Sen. Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, announced Friday that he will miss the start of the 2010 Legislature as he continues to recover from brain cancer.
Stepping in for the senator will be his wife, Michelle Stennett, who will serve as his temporary replacement until he is able to resume his duties at the Statehouse. Stennett represents District 25, which includes Blaine County.
Stennett, 53, was diagnosed with brain cancer nearly two years ago. In a news release, his office reported that "his tumors are gone" and that he completed his final chemotherapy treatment in November.
"Although the senator still hopes to regain enough strength to serve during the session, he acknowledges that recovery from such a long illness has delayed his return," the news release states.
In an interview, Michelle Stennett said she is unable to give an estimate as to how long she will be in her husband's seat at the Capitol, as it is impossible to accurately predict the time of an individual's recovery from the treatment.
Mrs. Stennett said a general consensus from doctors is that it generally takes from four to six months to see a marked change, but that it varies.
"He had two years of therapy, so it's obviously going to take a while to recover," she said. "The general sentiment from other patients is that it just takes a while before the fog clears."
Mrs. Stennett said that in the run-up to the start of the next legislative session, which convenes Jan. 11, she has been traveling with state Reps. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, and Donna Pence, D-Gooding, around the district to familiarize herself with current issues.
Depending on the speed of her husband's recovery, Mrs. Stennett said, she could find herself at the table for the entire session, which traditionally wraps up in the beginning of April.
"I wanted to make sure I'm up to speed and as informed as possible," she said of her visits to the different counties in the district.
Jaquet said she has been spending time with both Stennetts to make sure they are kept up on current events and that Michelle Stennett has been an excellent addition during the trips in the district.
"Michelle's been contributing a lot at the meetings and is asking great questions," she said. "I think she'll do a great job."
Mrs. Stennett said her husband would continue to mentor her throughout her time in Boise and that she would be "doing his wishes" during her time there.
"I am so grateful to be looking forward on this journey and must keep my health and wellness as my focus," Mr. Stennett said in the news release. "In the meantime, I am confident that Michelle will do a great job representing District 25. She travels the area with me and has a clear understanding of the issues affecting our communities."
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
Michelle Stennett, left, will sit in for her husband, Sen. Clint Stennett, right, to start the 2010 legislative session, which will convene Jan. 11 in Boise. Photo by Willy Cook
