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For the first time since Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized nearly three weeks ago
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the governor of Kentucky is publicly asking for answers. Governor Andy Beshear sent McConnell a letter Wednesday
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urging him to update Kentucky residents on his condition, writing, quote, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and well-being
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and ability to hold office. He goes on to ask the senator to fully update Kentuckians on his health
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McConnell, who's 84, has not appeared publicly since being hospitalized on June 14th
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His office says he's improving and continuing to work with staff, but it still has not said why he was rushed to the hospital or when he will return to Washington
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Paramedics had gone to his home in D.C. and reported that somebody was unconscious and had gone into cardiac arrest
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The silence since has fueled weeks of speculation online, prompting several Republican senators this week to say they've spoken with McConnell by phone and that he's alert and engaged
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The questions also carry political stakes. If McConnell's Senate seat were to become vacant before his term ends in January, Kentucky law no longer allows the governor to appoint a replacement
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Instead, Bashir, a Democrat, would call a special election. McConnell has already announced he won't seek another term
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But with the Senate set to return next week, questions about his health and whether he will be able to return are only growing
