Kentucky Governor Demands Clear Health Update from Senator McConnell
According to Forbes, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged Senator Mitch McConnell to provide a clearer public update on his health, noting that recent photos were insufficient to end speculation. NBC News reported that an emergency call described an unconscious person at the senator’s Washington residence, coinciding with his admission to a hospital. WDRB confirmed the senator was found unconscious and taken to a hospital, where he remained for more than two weeks, as noted by Forbes. The Daily Beast said he suffered a heart attack and received CPR. Despite the silence, the senator’s office offered no new information for three weeks, according to WLKY.
Republican leaders John Thune and John Barrasso each said they spoke with McConnell by phone, AP News reported. Later, NPR quoted McConnell attributing his hospitalization to a fall that caused brief unconsciousness and mild pneumonia, and he said he would resume duties when able. The Daily Beast cited Senator Shelley Capito saying McConnell is recovering in a rehabilitation facility, without further details. Earlier, Beshear had already sent letters demanding a health update, NBC News and CNN reported, and CNN noted his demand for a public explanation or resignation.