The Legislature interrupted business in both the House and the Senate on Monday to remember former state Sen. Clint Stennett of Ketchum.
"Clint viewed public service not as a hobby or occupation but as a way of life," Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, told her fellow legislators. "He served by one solid principle—always check your gut."
Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, recalled Stennett on both a personal and political level.
"His laugh was something I won't soon forget," Cameron said.
After telling stories about how she and Stennett met his wife, current state Sen. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, Cameron recounted Stennett's great political abilities.
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Cameron said Stennett continued the legacy of public service begun by former Sen. John Peavey, whose seat Stennett filled in 1994.
"He was cut of the mold of previous minority leaders," Cameron said. "He was immediately regarded as a potential for statewide candidacy."
Stennett was memorialized as part of a larger service commemorating state senators and representatives who lost their lives since the last legislative session.
Stennett served in the Idaho House before being elected to the Senate, and so was honored by both chambers. He was the longest-serving minority leader in the Idaho Senate, and served in the Legislature for nearly 20 years.
Stennett died in October after a long battle with brain cancer.
Katherine Wutz: kwutz@mtexpress.com