Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has demanded that Senator Mitch McConnell publicly prove he is fit to serve or resign. NBC News quoted Beshear's letter to McConnell stating, "It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization,"1
McConnell's office has issued health updates following his hospitalization, including a physician's statement referencing a fall, polio, pneumonia, and rehabilitation, and has said he is not yet medically cleared to return to the Senate. Axios reported that it's been more than 40 days since 84-year-old conservative stalwart McConnell has appeared outside of pictures released by his office after being hospitalized. McConnell has missed Senate votes and a major Kentucky political event during the absence.
Republicans have dismissed Beshear's demand as politically motivated. NBC News quoted a Republican reaction calling it a campaign ploy by Beshear to look relevant,
The episode has also drawn attention to Kentucky's special election law. The Daily Wire reported that with a Democrat occupying the governor's office, Republican lawmakers recently moved to eliminate the governor's appointment authority in favor of a special election process.
Fox News reported that McConnell's extended absence from the Senate and murky timeline for his return come as Republicans are sprinting to clear the decks of several legislative priorities where his vote could be needed, including advancing a Russia sanctions package and confirming blockbuster nominees.
