Still ailing, Senate leader Courtney may miss session start

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Legislature may convene its 2020 session on Monday without Senate President Peter Courtney, who has been in a Portland hospital for nearly a month receiving treatment for a staph infection in his replacement hip and other complications.

The 76-year-old Salem Democrat told the Statesman Journal his condition — first described as a workout accident — was worse than even members of his staff knew.

Courtney said he has seen at least 10 doctors in the past month, undergone two surgeries, received a new component in his replacement hip and dealt with blood clots.

Courtney said his doctors were pleased with his progress and they hoped to send him home this week.