This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, Utah's longest-serving legislator, made his first appearance on Capitol Hill on Friday after being hospitalized for emergency lung surgery. About a third of his left lung was removed, just before the 2005 session started, after a growth was found during a spot check.
Fellow senators gave Dmitrich, D-Price, a standing ovation and applause. He thanked them for their support.
"Two weeks ago, I thought maybe I wasn't going to be here," he said, choking up with tears. But he said there will be no more treatments and the only thing affected was his golf swing, a problem he says is only temporary.
Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, welcomed Dmitrich back the floor, saying he had been missed.
"We're so glad to have you with us," Valentine said.
-Thomas Burr
