McConnell makes lengthy calls to GOP colleagues amid health speculation

Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, has been on the phone with several Republican leaders in recent days as he recuperates in a Washington hospital. On Tuesday, July 7, he held a roughly 20-minute conversation with Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the Senate majority whip, discussing upcoming Senate work, recent Supreme Court developments and the Maine Senate race, according to Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes. > "Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate," Noyes said.

The day before, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota also spoke with McConnell about national-security matters, a discussion described by a Thune spokesperson as long and substantive. McConnell’s office has said he continues to improve but has offered few specifics about the incident that led to his hospitalization nearly a month ago. > "Senator McConnell appreciates the support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital," spokesperson David Popp said. "The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session."

The health concerns arose after an emergency dispatch audio from June 14 indicated a possible cardiac arrest at the senator’s Washington residence. When asked to comment on the audio, McConnell’s office neither confirmed nor denied that the calls involved him. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene next week.