Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called on Senator Mitch McConnell to provide verbal proof of his capacity to serve in the Senate or to resign from Congress. Beshear, a Democrat, sent a letter to the Republican senator stating that "important events are happening in our country right now during your absence."
McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14 after a fall that resulted in a brief loss of consciousness. His office also reported he had "a mild case of pneumonia." Beshear’s letter, obtained by ABC News, pointed to ongoing national issues including political discord surrounding former President Donald Trump, rising prices, and actions by the Supreme Court and Congress impacting voting rights.
"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 stated in the letter.
In response to the growing concerns, McConnell's office issued a statement Monday indicating the senator would miss an upcoming Kentucky political event to continue his rehabilitation. "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 the statement. His office also released a recent photograph of the senator with his wife, Elaine Chao, taken on Sunday.
Governor Beshear also sent a separate letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, urging an investigation into McConnell's condition. Beshear proposed that if McConnell cannot demonstrate his ability to continue serving, Thune should initiate proceedings to potentially expel him from the Senate.
"If Senator McConnell is unwilling to voluntarily show that he still has the capacity to serve, I will insist that you as the Majority Leader of the Senate fully investigate his condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted," Beshear wrote to Thune. According to state law, a Senate vacancy arises from death, resignation, or expulsion. While Beshear, as governor, lacks the authority to appoint a temporary replacement, he would likely be responsible for calling a special election should McConnell's seat become vacant. Previous legislation enacted by Kentucky lawmakers removed the governor's ability to appoint a temporary successor.