It's no secret that a certain tension exists between editors of the Arizona Daily Wildcat and student government officials. And for good reason.

With issues like student elections, tuition and the implementation of new student fees, the Wildcat assumes the vital role of the media watchdog, ensuring that the student government's planning and decisions will help the people who should always benefit the most from government proposals: students.

But while student government officials might often take a beating on these pages, the criticism has never been aimed at the person behind the ideas, which is exactly why it is so difficult to see two senators set back by life's misfortunes.

In the past week Matt Loehman and Heather Spicer, both Associated Students of the University of Arizona senators, have been forced to take leaves of absence because of sickness.

Loehman, a strong-willed consensus builder whose small stature belies his impressive dedication, has achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism. He underwent spinal cord surgery to alleviate pain and to hopefully increase circulation to his arms and legs, but said he has every intention of returning once healed.

Spicer was hospitalized last week for a blood clot in her arm. She was released from the hospital on Friday and is now on a low-work regimen. She's hoping to do some of her senate work from home and plans to be completely recovered in about a month.

It's true; the Wildcat has frequently criticized student government this semester for spending money to send itself to leadership conferences and for wanting to publish Spanish articles in our pages. The unyielding stance of the Wildcat on these issues won't change.

Nonetheless, the parting of ways over such issues has little bearing on our concern for Loehman's and Spicer's health. Both deserve the thoughts and well wishes of the entire campus.

After all, the pair's dedication to UA students has never been in doubt. The Wildcat might question the direction of student senators' efforts, but never the efforts themselves. To Loehman and Spicer, the Wildcat wishes each a speedy recovery and healthy return.

We hope to see you back here doing what you do best. There's still plenty of work to be done.

Opinions Board

Opinions are determined by the Wildcat opinions board and written by one of its members. They are Lori Foley, Ryan Johnson, Damion LeeNatali, Aaron Mackey, Mike Morefield, Katie Paulson and Tim Runestad.