West’s sidelined for treatment…
"His heart is here, but he has to do what's most important for his health," said one of West's lieutenants, Sen. Pat Hale, R-Kennewick.
Still, knowing West's workaholic tendencies, his colleagues figured that he was probably watching Wednesday night's budget debate on TVW, Washington's public-affairs TV network.
"God bless you," Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard said in a brief floor speech intended for West's eyes back in Spokane. "We're praying for you every day."