Speak or resign: Beshear ups demand for McConnell health status
Axios · LC · trust 41/100
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) demanded in a blunt letter sent to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and his staff that McConnell verbally address constituents and demonstrate his ability to serve or resign his seat.
The big picture: It's been more than 40 days since 84-year-old conservative stalwart McConnell was hospitalized and appeared outside photos released by his office. His lengthy absence and past health scares are fueling speculation about his capacity to serve.
Driving the news: Beshear wrote that he was also sending the letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), urging him to investigate McConnell's capacity to serve.
State of play: Under Kentucky law, Senate vacancies — which can occur due to resignation, expulsion or death — are filled by a special election.
Catch up quick: The letter, dated Monday, is the second that Beshear has sent to the senator's office requesting updates on his health.
Friction point: Rumors and conspiracy theories have snowballed in the wake of McConnell's absence from public view, fueled by influential MAGA voices .
Go deeper: Scoop: Democrat wants reckoning over McConnell, Kean absences
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