Former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell has experienced several health emergencies over the past couple of years, which is likely what led to his decision to call it a career after his current term expires in January.
In fact, McConnell was hospitalized after a reported “cardiac arrest” involving CPR to revive him late last week.
Since then, there have been sketchy reports about his disposition including questions about whether he’s competent and able to complete his current term or worse, whether he’s even alive.
There have been updates from the Kentucky Republican’s office but they have been vague and sparse.
Now, the governor of the Bluegrass State has grown concerned enough that he has reached out to the senator to inquire about his health.
“As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health,” Gov. Andy Beshear,a Democrat who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, wrote in a letter to McConnell on Wednesday.
“As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent,” Beshear’s letter continued.
“I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve,” he added.
Several top Republicans were asked about McConnell’s condition on Tuesday, and their responses were not reassuring.
Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee has said that even members of Congress are in the dark about McConnell’s current condition.
Speculation has surrounded the health of the 84-year-old McConnell since the Kentucky senator was found unconscious and required CPR at his home in Washington, D.C., weeks ago.
McConnell’s staff has provided no significant update on his condition since he was hospitalized June 14.
The secrecy has fueled speculation that there is an effort to keep the full extent of the Republican’s condition from the public and has raised questions about whether he will be able to return to office.
On Monday night, MAGA social media user Mila Joy wondered why other senators haven’t spoken out about McConnell’s condition.
“Because they are ALL in on it together. That’s why,” Joy posted to her 571,000 X followers.
In reply, Sen. Lee posted: “Many of us aren’t speaking about Mitch McConnell’s condition because we know nothing about his condition.”
But Lee’s assessment contradicts earlier comments from Senate Majority Leader John Thune after McConnell was first hospitalized.
Thune said he had spoken to the 84-year-old and that he “sounded good.”
“He wants to be back, but I’ll defer to his staff on when,” Thune said on June 15.
Popular conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed recently that sources told her that McConnell is in a “vegetative state,” dismissing Thune’s version of events.
“I was in South Dakota all week, and a Thune staffer told a source close to me and the White House that Mitch McConnell is in extreme organ failure,” Loomer posted.
Things with McConnell have gotten worse by the day.
Emergency dispatch audio indicating that an individual at McConnell’s Washington, D.C., residence suffered a reported “cardiac arrest” earlier this month has renewed questions about the former Senate Republican leader’s health and whether he will return to the Senate.
Since the reported incident, McConnell’s office has provided scant details on the former Senate GOP leader’s health condition, except to say that he allegedly “appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital.”
His office last week also said the 84-year-old senator “continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
Al Cross, a veteran Kentucky political journalist who has interviewed McConnell extensively in recent weeks, said the senator’s office has disclosed few details about the medical emergency, a lack of information that has fueled rumors and heightened public speculation about his health.