Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, will send a stand-in for the start of the legislative session on Monday as he rests up from the latest phase of his brain cancer treatment before resuming his full-time legislative duties. "It is hard to know all the obstacles such an illness may place before you, but you tackle them one at a time, and continue to look forward," Stennett said in a statement. "I am still positive about my health, and look forward to working hard again for District 25." Stennett is recommending former Sun Valley Mayor Jon Thorson, who filled in for him for a week last year, as a temporary replacement. Click below for the full press release from the Senate minority office on Stennett's announcement today. Meanwhile, Sen. Edgar Malepeai, D-Pocatello, also is sending a stand-in due to his wife's continuing illness. Former Idaho State University Dean Richard Sagness, who filled in for Malepeai last year, will do so again.

Senator Clint Stennett seeks a temporary replacement in the Senate while he undergoes his  latest cancer treatment.
          
BOISE, Idaho - Idaho Senate Democratic Leader, Clint Stennett announced today that he will not be attending the first part of the Legislative session, beginning January 12th.  Stennett is recommending to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter that Jon Thorson, former mayor of Sun Valley, serve as temporary Senator from Legislative District 25 until he is able to resume his duties.
 
Senator Stennett was diagnosed with brain cancer nearly a year ago.  Although the prognosis remains positive, the latest part of his treatment, which he began in mid-December, has left him with adverse side effects, such as extreme fatigue.  Doctors are recommending that Stennett take additional time to rest, and adjust to the overall side effects of the treatment before resuming his full-time legislative duties.
 
"I am very disappointed that I will not be able to kick of the legislative session, but I know that my replacement, Jon Thorson will do a great job filling in.  He stepped up last session for about a week while I underwent surgery.  He caught on quickly, and did very well," Stennett said.
 
"It is hard to know all the obstacles such an illness may place before you, but you tackle them one at a time, and continue to look forward.  I remain very fortunate to have the support of my wife, Michelle, and many good friends across Idaho, especially in the Wood River and Magic Valleys.  I am still positive about my health, and look forward to working hard again for District 25," Stennett said.
 
This session marks Senator Stennett’s 20th legislative session.  He is the state's longest serving Senate Minority Leader.  The Assistant Minority Leader, Senator Kate Kelly of Boise, will take on Senator Stennett’s leadership duties during his absence.
 
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