BOISE - The first word Post Falls businessman John Chambers used Thursday morning to describe being at the Idaho Legislature - where he has been substituting for injured Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls - was "amazing."

"Just the process," Chambers said. "There's a lot more to it. There's a lot more heartfelt interaction than people realize. These people (state legislators) are here to do a job and their hearts and souls are here.

"It's an honor to be among 'em," Chambers said with a smile.

A Thursday news release from the office of Idaho Republican Gov. Butch Otter indicated that Henderson, who suffered a broken hip in December, plans to return to work at the Legislature "as soon as his doctors decide he's able."

Chambers started his legislative work Monday, the first day of the Legislature's 2014 session. He said filling in for the 91-year-old Henderson - Idaho's most senior lawmaker - has been a "humbling" experience.

Chambers, a 58-year-old Republican, said that he was with Henderson at the time of his Dec. 8 hip injury and noted that Henderson asked less than a week later whether Chambers would substitute for him at the start of the 2014 legislative session.

"And it kind of surprised me, because it humbled me, let's put it that way, that he (Henderson) had that much trust in me," said Chambers.

Chambers is an Alabama native, 12-year Post Falls resident and a semi-retired executive vice president for Post Falls-based Ground Force Manufacturing.

He contrasted a visit to the Idaho House and Senate about two years ago with actually working at the Legislature.

"It's easy to sit in the gallery and watch," he said. "It's not so easy once you get down here."

A Thursday news release from Otter's office included the following quote from Henderson about his substitute in the legislative District 3 position:

"I am confident that John has the right temperament and business experience to fill in for me and do a wonderful job representing my constituents as I continue to recover from this unfortunate accident."

In a statement from Otter's office, Chambers said: "I am looking forward to working closely with (House) Speaker (Scott) Bedke, his leadership team and the rest of Frank's colleagues in the House."