Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear says he has received “absolutely nothing” from Sen. Mitch McConnell in response to his repeated requests for a direct update on the longtime Republican senator’s health and ability to continue serving.
Beshear renewed his criticism during an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” Sunday, more than two months after McConnell was hospitalized following a fall at his Washington, DC, home. The 84-year-old senator has not participated in a Senate roll call vote since June 11.
“I’ve heard absolutely nothing back from Mitch McConnell,” Beshear said. While emphasizing that he wishes McConnell a successful recovery, the governor argued that Kentucky voters deserve to hear directly from one of their senators.
Beshear has known McConnell for much of his life but said their personal history does not change the Republican senator’s responsibility to the public. He argued that McConnell ultimately works for the people of Kentucky and should demonstrate that he remains capable of performing his duties.
The Democratic governor first formally requested information about McConnell’s condition in July as speculation intensified during the senator’s prolonged hospitalization. Beshear later called on McConnell to directly and verbally address Kentucky residents rather than relying exclusively on written statements from his office.
McConnell was hospitalized June 14 following a fall and later moved into a rehabilitation facility. His office announced Aug. 6 that he had been discharged and would continue an intensive physical therapy program from home while remaining involved with his staff and Senate business.
Beshear argued that a brief public appearance could resolve much of the uncertainty. He suggested McConnell could call into a television program or record a short video for Kentucky residents, criticizing the senator for declining to provide that kind of direct reassurance.
The governor also directed criticism at Senate Majority Leader John Thune, arguing that Republican Senate leadership has a responsibility to ensure its members remain capable of serving. Thune has largely deferred questions about McConnell’s condition to the senator and his staff while expressing hope that he will return to Washington.
McConnell’s allies have maintained that he remains engaged despite his absence. His office has released statements and photographs during his recovery, while longtime ally Scott Jennings has said he spoke with McConnell by phone and found him engaged and alert. McConnell is hoping to return when the Senate reconvenes Sept. 14.
McConnell has already announced that he will not seek another term, bringing his decades-long Senate career to an end in January. Until then, Beshear is arguing that Kentucky residents deserve more than written assurances about the condition of one of their two representatives in the U.S. Senate.
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