FRANKFORT, KY. (THECOUNT) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday called on U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell to publicly demonstrate that he remains capable of serving in a ‘verbal address’ or step down from office. The longtime lawmaker reportedly continues recovering from injuries suffered in a June fall.
In a letter addressed to McConnell, Beshear expressed concern over the senator’s prolonged absence from public duties and requested that he directly address Kentuckians regarding his medical condition and ability to continue serving.
|
Advertisement |
“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.
McConnell has been hospitalized or in rehabilitation since suffering a fall on June 14 that briefly rendered him unconscious. His office later announced that he was also treated for a mild case of pneumonia. According to statements released by his office, the senator remains engaged in an intensive physical therapy program and has not yet been medically cleared to return to his Senate duties.
On Monday, McConnell said he continues to work toward returning to his full schedule in Washington and Kentucky.
“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders,” McConnell said in a statement.
McConnell’s office also released a recent photograph of the senator and his wife, Elaine Chao, stating the image was taken Sunday, July 26.
Beshear additionally sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, requesting that Senate leadership investigate McConnell’s condition if the senator does not publicly demonstrate his capacity to continue serving. The governor also asked that Senate procedures be considered if circumstances warrant further action.
Under Kentucky law, the governor does not have the authority to remove a sitting United States senator. Should a Senate vacancy occur through resignation, death, or expulsion, Kentucky statutes provide for a special election process. State lawmakers previously enacted legislation preventing governors from appointing temporary replacements to vacant U.S. Senate seats.
McConnell, who has represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate since 1985, has not announced any plans to resign and continues to undergo rehabilitation while recovering from his recent medical issues.
Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city, is located between Louisville and Lexington and serves as the center of state government. The latest development follows McConnell’s announcement that he will miss this year’s Fancy Farm political event while continuing rehabilitation under his doctors’ orders.
DEVELOPING::