SPRINGFIELD - Though he's still recovering from a stroke suffered last year, state Sen. Frank Watson has attended the impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The Greenville Republican skipped his own swearing-in ceremony earlier this month as he continued his recovery. That meant missing his last days as Senate minority leader, a post he held for six years.

Those six years aligned with the term so far of Blagojevich, and Watson said it was important for him to attend, even if it meant wading through hours of often-dry testimony at the impeachment trial.

"I wanted to be here to be part of this," the 63-year-old lawmaker said.

Watson has submitted multiple written questions of impeachment witnesses, though many go unanswered because of the nature of the trial.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont has taken over for Watson as the top GOP member in the Senate. He says he plans to serve out his term for now.

"I'm getting a lot of rest and I'm getting a lot of exercise," Watson said. "I need to do that."

Watson has served in the Illinois Senate since 1983.