BOISE - A long-time state lawmaker has temporarily stepped down for medical reasons. Others are experiencing ailments or recovering from them. And on Tuesday, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter successfully underwent hip surgery.

So, is serving in state government unhealthy?

"It makes you wonder, doesn't it?" Sen. Tom Gannon, R-Buhl, a prostate cancer survivor, asked with a grin. "You better watch out. Something might be contagious."

Joking aside, Gannon is included in the current crop of lawmakers with ongoing health concerns. He said he has stomach-related problems - which he says are unrelated to the cancer - but insists he's improving each day.

Meanwhile, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston, recently overcame prostate cancer, as did Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover. And Rep. Janice McGeachin, R-Idaho Falls, has been hobbling around the Capitol Annex after tearing her ACL while skiing.

The idea that a governor and state lawmakers require medical attention is not uncommon, but the timing is likely a result of having older elected officials, said Jasper LiCalzi, a political science professor at the College of Idaho. In fact, a study from last year found Idaho to have the nation's oldest state Legislature.

"I don't know if it's especially dangerous," LiCalzi said of serving in the Legislature. "This is typical kind of stuff that you're going to have. We just see it more because they're public figures. But this stuff happens to everyone."

On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, announced he would temporarily step down to have surgery for swelling in his brain. He released a statement Tuesday night saying the procedure was a success, but it's unclear how long Stennett will be away from the Legislature.

"It's just the way it's fallen," said House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, who has worked with Stennett for a decade. She said she understands the surgery called to shave his head and added lightly: "I can't wait to see him because he may be bald."

Otter's hip resurfacing surgery - less invasive than a hip replacement - lasted about two hours, according to his office. His office didn't inform media of the governor's surgery until shortly before it was performed. Several state lawmakers said they didn't know about it until Tuesday.

State law provides for Lt. Gov. Jim Risch to serve as interim governor until Otter returns, said spokesman Jon Hanian. Hanian said that Otter's surgery is not indicative of the toils of public life, but rather what happens as an individual.

"That's life, man," Hanian said. "Stuff comes up and you gotta deal with it."

Still, medical conditions affect the Legislature, LiCalzi said. Not having Gannon, who is chairman of Agricultural Affairs, or the seniority of Stennett can affect the workings of state government, LiCazli said.

Meanwhile, it being an election year often places additional pressure on lawmakers. Gannon said health will be his primary factor on whether to seek re-election. He expects a fully recovery but said he hasn't decided whether he'll seek a fourth term.

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 631-793-5717 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com