State senate president pro tem Cal Hobson dealing with good and bad

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Cal Hobson's first year as president pro tem of the Oklahoma Senate has been marked by legislative triumph and personal trial. <br><br>The Democrat from Lexington returned to

Sunday, July 20th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Cal Hobson's first year as president pro tem of the Oklahoma Senate has been marked by legislative triumph and personal trial.

The Democrat from Lexington returned to the Capitol two weeks ago after announcing he had an alcohol problem and going to a rehabilitation center.

Hobson has suffered health problems associated with an acid reflux condition. He blamed that condition for missing the last day of the 2003 legislative session.

Last Christmas Eve, Hobson was in a hospital after be began to hemorrhage when two non-cancerous polyps were removed from his colon.

The veteran lawmaker says he's satisfied about helping forge an early budget agreement last session and passing a bill to ban smoking in public places.

Looking toward 2004, Hobson says state government can expect another round of belt-tightening.