Gov. Otter in hospital with flu-like illness

BOISE — Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter is in a Boise hospital undergoing treatment for flu-like symptoms. Spokesman Mark Warbis says the 67-year-old governor was taken to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Monday for flu symptoms including dehydration and is undergoing tests. Officials say Otter did not report to his office in the Capitol Monday morning, opting instead to stay at his ranch in Star. “They determined he was dehydrated,” spokesman Jon Hanian said. “They decided to run some tests. It’s really more precautionary than anything else.” Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa said he spent Saturday with Otter, attending a Lincoln Day banquet in Ontario, Ore. Ysursa said Otter looked “extremely tired” and was coming off a week of traveling in northern Idaho. Late last week, Otter, a Republican seeking a second term, mixed state and campaign business during a swing through North Idaho. He met Thursday with state lawmakers and business officials in Coeur d’Alene and crossed the border to speak at a tea party rally in Spokane then on Friday visited Lewiston.