(WKYT) – Questions remain surrounding U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health after several weeks of hospitalization, with his office offering limited details about the reason for his stay.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to McConnell’s office requesting a full update on the senator’s health, saying Kentuckians deserve clear communication about his ability to perform his duties.
Beshear’s letter
The governor wrote directly to Kentucky’s senior senator, requesting that McConnell fully update Kentuckians on the current status of his health. Beshear also wished McConnell a safe and speedy recovery.
Inside that brief letter to Senator Mitch McConnell — Governor Andy Beshear asks that McConnell fully update Kentuckians on the current status of his health, and that as public officeholders — they’re required to be transparent with Kentuckians and that requires clear communication about the ability to do their job.
Republican lawmaker responds
State Rep. T.J. Roberts (R), who represents House District 66, said he last saw the 84-year-old senator on May 29 and described McConnell as mentally sharp at that time. Roberts said he believes there has been fearmongering surrounding McConnell’s condition.
“The reality is officials have been hospitalized in the past before — this coming right up on the cusp of an election, right on the cusp of a presidential election as well — and our governor is pouring gasoline on the fire as a means to help rally his base for his inevitable run for president as well,” Roberts said.
McConnell’s office statement
McConnell’s office has released the following statement multiple times in the past week: “Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital. The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
Democratic nominee weighs in
Charles Booker, the Democratic nominee for McConnell’s Senate seat, said the senator’s office response is not sufficient given McConnell’s recent health history.
“It’s not good enough, especially because we all know in Kentucky and nationally that his health has been declining, that he has had some health challenges and medical emergencies that have already raised questions,” Booker said.
Booker said he respects the senator’s privacy but is calling for greater transparency.
“He’s missing votes. He’s not being able to be accountable to the people of Kentucky, and that’s a big part of why I’m running anyway. We know change is needed. He still has the remaining months of his term. We expect him to be there,” Booker said.
Republican Senate nominee responds
On Wednesday, reporters requested an on-camera interview with Congressman Andy Barr, the Republican nominee for McConnell’s Senate seat. His office provided a written statement saying, in part, that Kentucky is praying for a speedy recovery for Senator McConnell and that Congressman Barr is looking forward to continuing to work alongside Senator McConnell.
Political analyst says secrecy fueling speculation
Political columnist and professor Al Cross said he has never seen a situation like this play out in politics before. He said the secrecy surrounding McConnell’s health is creating more speculation than necessary.
“In the absence of information, speculation and conspiracy theories fill the vacuum, and that is not good for democracy because that just increases distrust in the political system and the people in it. So I think Mitch McConnell probably ought to think about that,” Cross said.