Gov. Beshear Demands Sen. McConnell Provide 'Proof of Capacity to Serve'

McConnell issued a statement this week as he continues to recover from a fall in June

The photo on the right shows Mitch McConnell during his recovery from a fall in June.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Governor Andy Beshear has sent another letter to Senator Mitch McConnell demanding 'proof of capacity to serve'. 

The first letter came on July 8 after Sen. McConnell was injured in a fall at home in June. At that time, Governor Beshear requested that McConnell fully update Kentuckians on the current status of his health. 

On Monday, Sen. McConnell released the following statement regarding his recovery: 

“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”

The Office of the Attending Physician (OAP) says McConnell is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office. 

"Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls," reads a statement from OAP.

Governor Andy Beshear responded to McConnell's health update with a letter to the Senator. 

"It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization. During that time, you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activity, and aside from two photos and corresponding statements, have made no effort to communicate with your Kentucky constituents or the nation. Even the attending physician's written statement does not discuss your actual condition, including whether you can speak, reason, or carry out your duties as senator. I understand anyone's desire for privacy, but when you run for office and serve as one of a state's two U.S. senators, you willingly abdicate much of your personal privacy," said Gov. Beshear. 

Beshear added that he is calling on McConnell to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of capacity to serve. If he is unable to do so, Beshear is calling for McConnell's resignation. 

"Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself. If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted," Beshear continued.