The House got the message that a long-time lawmaker was not present because of medical reasons on Thursday morning.
Matthew Reichbach
The seal of New Mexico outside the state capitol building. Photo by Matthew Reichbach
House Minority Floor Leader, Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, took a moment let lawmakers know that he had “some sad news.” Egolf said Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela, D-Santa Fe had not been around for a few days.
He said Varela’s wife asked that Egolf let the body know that Varela would be going in for a “procedure” and that everyone keep him in their thoughts. Egolf did not say what procedure Varela would undergo.
Varela will undergo the procedure Thursday night, according to a House Democratic spokesperson.
In 2013, Varela collapsed and was taken to the hospital during the legislative session. He returned for the end of that session.
Varela was listed as excused on a committee report from early this week and was also listed as excused for a vote on the House floor on Wednesday.
During the 2014 Legislative session, two Democratic Representatives missed the entire 30-day session, both for medical reasons.
Phillip Archuleta was out for surgery and complications from the surgery that resulted in a leg amputation, while Ernest Chavez missed the session because he was reportedly recovering from a spider bite. Rep. Dianne Hamilton, R-Silver City, also missed some time in the 2014 session due to health issues.
Archuleta died late last year from complications of pneumonia.
