GALLEGOS UNDERGOES LIVER TRANSPLANT

(AUSTIN) — Houston Senator and current President Pro Tem of the Senate Mario Gallegos had liver transplant surgery late Friday evening, January 19th, into early Saturday morning. According to Senator John Whitmire, who visited Gallegos in the hospital this weekend, the Senator is conscious and alert, and is feeling optimistic about his prognosis. Doctors have restricted Gallegos' visitors until at least late in the week, and Gallegos could be back in Austin as early as two weeks.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst said Gallegos told him he is anxious to be back in Austin as soon as possible. "He's still optimistic that in roughly 13 days to 18 days he'll be able to come back," said Dewhurst, "Of course, our first concern as friends and colleagues is to make sure he's healthy, and then come back as quickly as he can."

Dewhurst added that Gallegos has requested that the Senate will wait until he is well enough to participate in floor debates and votes before moving forward on legislation, and Dewhurst said the Senate will likely be able to accommodate his wishes.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, January 23, at 10 a.m.

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