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Kentucky governor calls for Mitch McConnell to disclose health status or resign

The Independent (UK) · back to the audit
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has demanded that Republican Senator Mitch McConnell be more forthcoming about his health status or resign from his position after being hospitalized for six weeks. In a letter addressed to McConnell on Monday, Beshear asked the 84-year-old senator to 'directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.' '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,' Beshear wrote. McConnell has been missing from Capitol Hill for weeks as he recovers from a fall and a case of pneumonia. He said Monday his absence from the Senate would continue as he is not yet medically cleared to leave a rehabilitation facility. Though McConnell's office released a short statement and photo of him Monday, it's unclear whether the senator will address Beshear's concerns separately. In his letter, Beshear criticized the senator for not being transparent with constituents about his physical and mental state. 'It has not been 43 days since news of your hospitalization,' Beshear wrote. 'During that time you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activities, and aside from two photos and corresponding statements, have made no effort to communicate with your Kentucky constituents or the nation.' '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. That's the deal, and we all know it when we run,' the governor added. Beshear went on to note that 'important events' were occurring in McConnell's absence, including President Donald Trump's continued war with Iran, rising costs and recent Supreme Court rulings. It is the second letter Beshear has sent McConnell demanding more transparency about his health.