Lawmaker treated for mild stroke

JUNEAU - State Rep. Richard Foster, D-Nome, is receiving medical treatment in Seattle after suffering a mild stroke.

The veteran state lawmaker, who also suffers from a genetic kidney disease and is awaiting a transplant, was undergoing regular dialysis treatment in Juneau when the stroke occurred Friday.

Foster was initially treated at a Juneau hospital before being transferred to one in Seattle. He was being admitted Wednesday to an inpatient rehabilitation facility in Seattle.

His aide, Larry Labolle, says the stroke left Foster with some speech and mobility problems, but he is improving steadily.

Labolle says the cause of the stroke has not been determined.

Foster has requested a two-week leave of absence from the Legislature.