Swecker to undergo heart surgery

Sen. Dan SweckerState Sen. Dan Swecker (R-Rochester), the Senate Republican Caucus Vice Chair, was hospitalized over the weekend after experiencing a "cardiac episode" at his home on Saturday, according to a press release from the caucus.

"Dan is in stable condition and in good spirits, but he cannot have visitors yet," his wife Debby Swecker said in the statement. "He appreciates the messages and prayers from others during this difficult time."

Swecker was found to have a congenital heart valve abnormality and will require open heart surgery, which is likely to take place Wednesday or Thursday in Olympia.

Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla) released the following statement about his colleague:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family today as they face this difficult time. So many of us admire Dan for all kinds of reasons - his gracious heart and gentle spirit, the deep love he has for his family, and how much he truly cares about the people he represents in the Legislature. He's an incredibly valued member of our caucus, and a big part of our legislative family. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.