State senator has heart bypass

The senator's successful surgery was Monday.
GREENVILLE, Pa. -- State Sen. Robert Robbins of Greenville, R-50th, was supposed to be in New York City this week at the Republican National Convention but is spending the time in an Erie hospital instead.
Robbins, 60, underwent successful heart bypass surgery Monday in St. Vincent Health Center.
Robbins, 60, is in his fourth term as a state senator.
A press release issued by his office said he is looking forward to getting back to work serving the residents of his district, which includes Mercer, Crawford and parts of Butler and Lawrence counties.
Dr. Fred Holland, Robbins' cardio-vascular surgeon, said the surgery was a success, and Robbins is expected to make a full recovery and resume normal activities within the next few weeks.
'As planned'
"Everything went as planned, and, because of his age and excellent health, we expect a full and quick recovery," he said.
Robbins was elected this spring as a delegate to the Republican National Convention going on this week in New York City but chose not to attend and to have the surgery instead. Alternate delegate Ann Coleman of Hermitage is taking his place.
"Since having this surgery was recommended by my doctor, this was the right time to proceed," Robbins said in a prepared statement. "With the Senate in recess until Sept. 20, I can focus on my recovery without missing session in Harrisburg."
Robbins' offices in Greenville, Meadville and Harrisburg will remain open for normal operations. The senator said his staff will fill in for him at various functions and maintain his schedule during his recovery.