Kentucky Gov.Andy Beshear is giving Sen.
Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., an ultimatum, demanding that he prove he’s still capable of serving in the U.S.Senate — or resign.“As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or reign,” Beshear wrote.Failing that, the Democratic governor said he’ll call on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to “investigate” McConnell’s condition and “begin the process if warranted” of replacing him in the Senate.
Beshear wrote a separate letter to Thune outlining the same demand.The letter from Beshear comes after McConnell was hospitalized in Washington on June 14 and hasn’t been seen in public since.McConnell’s office has released two photos and written statements saying he suffered a fall, amid public pressure to be transparent and conspiracy theories about the nature of his condition condition.“It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization,” Beshear wrote to McConnell.
“During that time you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activities, 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 a senator.”Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky, in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 7,.KC McGinnis / Bloomberg via Getty Images fileMcConnell’s office declined to comment on Beshear’s letter.Asked to comment on Beshear’s calls to investigate McConnell’s condition, Thune said Tuesday that it’s not his issue to resolve.“I’ve seen that letter, but in any event, I think that’s an issue really that’s between Senator McConnell and the people of Kentucky,” Thune told NBC News.
“I mean, if the governor wants to, I’m not sure what his prer...