The House Republican caucus celebrated some good news Tuesday -- and this group has needed some.
House Republican Leader Steve Adams returned to the House chamber after a month of sick leave while he recovered from heart surgery. He jumped right into action, speaking up in the morning's debate on a prescription drug bill. (Check out the debate in story that will be published Wednesday.)
Adams described his return as bittersweet because of the empty seat next to him. That's where the late Rep. Cola Hudson, R-Lyndonville, used to sit.
At least one individual from Hudson's legislative district was hanging around the governor's ceremonial office Tuesday morning, presumably for an interview. Gov. Jim Douglas will make the choice of who completes Cola's term. That individual was Howard Crawford, who represented the district with Hudson until a few years ago.
The other good news for the Republican caucus was reported on the floor by Rep. Donna Sweaney, D-Windsor. Her update concerned Rep. David Clark, R-St. Johnsbury, who was hospitalized last week. Sweaney visited Clark, who is a member of the House Government Operations Committee which she chairs. She said Clark looked better and was asking about the campaign finance bill, which the committee is working on.
The House Republican caucus will lose an eight-year veteran in March when Rep. Loren Shaw of Derby steps down. He's resigning because of the fulltime nature of his work as a motor coach driver. Douglas will have to select someone to fill out his term.
-- Nancy Remsen
