During a press conference, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has been a long-standing Republican leader, experienced another momentary freeze, raising concerns about his health and ability to serve out his term until January 2027.
The incident occurred at an event hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, where McConnell, 81 years old, paused for approximately 30 seconds while responding to a reporter’s question regarding his re-election plans.
This unexpected episode, similar to one that took place at the U.S. Capitol in July, happened in front of the cameras. McConnell had previously suffered a fall in March, resulting in a concussion, and had other falls undisclosed by his office.
While McConnell has downplayed past concerns about his health, speculation has resurfaced about the potential outcomes if he were to retire during his term.
In the past, Kentucky’s governor held the exclusive power to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incumbent’s departure. However, Republican lawmakers utilized their legislative supermajorities in 2021 to change the state’s law.
Under the new law, a state executive committee comprised of members from the same political party as the departing incumbent will present three candidates to the governor for temporary appointment. Subsequently, a special election will be scheduled, depending on when the vacancy occurs.
Initially, McConnell supported this measure introduced by G.O.P. lawmakers, while Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat facing re-election this November, vetoed the bill. Nevertheless, the Legislature overrode the veto.
If McConnell were to step down, numerous Republicans could potentially fill his place in a state that heavily supported former President Donald J. Trump. However, replacing him with a staunch ally of Trump could strain McConnell’s relationship with the former president, as McConnell has become a cautious critic of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
One notable figure to keep an eye on is Daniel Cameron, the state’s attorney general, who is currently challenging Beshear in the governor’s race and has been considered a potential successor to McConnell. Another contender might be Ryan Quarles, the well-regarded agricultural commissioner, who lost the primary to Cameron.
Kelly Craft, a former U.N. ambassador under Trump, who has strong political connections, could also enter the conversation. Additionally, Representative Andy Barr, who has drawn comparisons to McConnell, could be a contender, given his stance on Trump’s conduct during the Capitol riot.
Regarding McConnell’s health, his aides have explained that he felt lightheaded both times he froze up in front of the cameras. However, his office has not provided significant details about the causes or his overall well-being. McConnell had to miss several weeks in the Senate this year due to his hospitalization for the concussion incurred in March. Despite concerns about his health and occasionally frail appearance, McConnell has reassured reporters that he has no intention of retiring.
Although McConnell’s health has attracted attention, other members of Congress have also faced health challenges. The current Congress has an average age of 64 in the Senate, the second oldest in history, according to the Congressional Research Service. For instance, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the chamber’s oldest member at 90, has faced health issues this year, leading to calls for her resignation. She was hospitalized with severe shingles in February, causing undisclosed complications. Additionally, she suffered a fall in her San Francisco home this month, necessitating hospitalization.
It’s worth noting that it’s not just longtime senators grappling with health concerns. John Fetterman, a Democrat and former lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, endured a near-fatal stroke last May but managed to win a highly competitive Senate seat in the midterm elections.
In conclusion, Senator McConnell’s recent freeze during a press conference has drawn attention to his health and ability to fulfill his term. Kentucky’s change in state law allows for the governor to select from candidates provided by a state executive committee following a vacancy. Various Republicans could potentially succeed McConnell, but a replacement closely aligned with Trump could strain their relationship. McConnell’s health concerns remain largely undisclosed, while other lawmakers, such as Senator Feinstein, have also faced health challenges.
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