State senator hospitalized with heart problem

OLYMPIA — The vice chairman of the state Senate minority caucus, Republican Dan Swecker of Rochester, is in the hospital with a heart problem.

GOP caucus staff say he was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia by ambulance after what seemed to be a heart attack Saturday night.

According to a caucus news release Tuesday, tests show Swecker has a congenital heart valve abnormality. An operation to fix the problem is planned Wednesday or Thursday.

Swecker underwent surgery last Wednesday for a hip replacement and went home Friday to recuperate.

According to the news release he’s in critical care but stable condition and good spirits.

Swecker is a former fish farmer who was appointed to the state Senate in 1995. He’s running for re-election to a fourth term this year.

Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com

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