Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to either prove his fitness to serve in Congress or resign from his position. The demand comes after the 84-year-old senator was discharged from the hospital following a fall at his home in June and subsequent rehabilitation.
In a letter addressed to McConnell, Beshear urged the senator to "directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign." McConnell's office announced his discharge from the hospital on Monday, but stated he had not yet been medically cleared to return to the Senate. The senator's office also indicated he would miss a significant Kentucky political event and upcoming Senate votes.
McConnell's office released a statement indicating he is continuing intensive physical therapy. "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 stated. He added that his "bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility."
Beshear had previously urged McConnell to release more information about his health after weeks of no public comments. The governor also sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., requesting an investigation into McConnell's condition if the senator does not demonstrate his capability to continue his term. "All of this speculation and even this letter could have been avoided with a minimal amount of transparency," Beshear wrote to Thune.
Since his hospitalization, McConnell's office has provided updates on July 12 and July 27, each accompanied by a photograph. This situation arises amid increased public scrutiny of aging elected officials regarding concerns about mental acuity and health.