- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called on Senator Mitch McConnell to “verbally address” his constituents or resign as questions swirl over whether McConnell will return to the Senate.
- McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14, when he suffered a fall at his home. He is undergoing rehab and his office released a new photo and statement Monday, detailing his recovery and planned return to Washington, D.C. Also Monday, Beshear demanded McConnell provide proof of his capacity to serve or resign.
- “As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” Beshear wrote in a letter obtained by CNN and The Hill. “Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself. If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted.”
- He continued, “President Trump is stuck in a war of his own making and has greatly strengthened the very country he claims is a threat. Prices continue to rise, crushing Americans who are working hard but not getting ahead. Americans’ voting rights are being eliminated by the Supreme Court and threatened by congressional action. All while you are absent and refuse to communicate clearly and directly to the people you serve.”
- Beshear acknowledged the new statement from McConnell and his attending physician in his letter but said it wasn’t sufficient. “I understand anyone’s desire for privacy, but when you run for office and serve as one of a state’s two U.S. senators, you willingly abdicate much of your personal privacy,” Beshear wrote. “That’s the deal, and we all know it when we run.”
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