Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is back in the hospital after undergoing two back surgeries.
Otter first underwent surgery for a ruptured disc July 7. According to his office, the governor went home the following day but was still experiencing numbness and pain in his back. After more tests, he went through a second surgery last Friday. He briefly went home Saturday but then quickly returned after developing infection symptoms.
A spokesperson for Otter says he’s alert and in good spirits, and has been doing state business by phone Monday while hospitalized at St. Alphonsus in Boise.
This is not the first time the 75-year-old Governor has undergone surgery. In 2015, Otter had hip replacement surgery. According to the state constitution, in the case of a governor's "inability to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the powers, duties and emoluments of the office for the residue of the term, or until the disability shall cease, shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor."
Otter’s office says it’s not clear when he’ll return to the capitol, but that he’s expected to make a full recovery soon.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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