Several lawmakers are out sick these days, a phenomenon that's not too surprising considering the close quarters and all that hand-shaking. It's like an adult version of daycare.
Among the sick: Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, was home with the flu Tuesday. Rep. Alex Wood, D-Spokane, is sidelined by pneumonia. Some controversial bills, with each side needing every vote they can get, are stalled until the lawmakers recover.
A few lawmakers are working sick. Laryngitis-stricken Sen. Don Carlson, R-Vancouver, managed to rasp and croak his way through a brief speech on the Senate floor Tuesday morning.
"I did notice it shortened his speech considerably," teased Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Bellingham. "And I would encourage him to continue that for the rest of the session."

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