Posted on 07/28/2026 9:44:09 AM PDT by Miami Rebel
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) hit ailing Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with an ultimatum in his latest demand for transparency about the current state of his health.
In a new letter sent to McConnell on Tuesday, Beshear’s ultimatum is simple: Speak up, or resign.
The letter comes a day after McConnell’s office released a new proof-of-life photo of the senator alongside his wife, Elaine Chao, and a vague update.
“It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization, ” Beshear writes. “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.”
It went on: “I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.”
In a scathing final blow, Beshear said he would ask Senate Majority Leader John Thune to “begin the process” of expelling McConnell from the Senate.
“If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capactity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted,” the governor wrote.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) in letter to Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
“I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.” https://t.co/ZkSyebQ36M pic.twitter.com/jcOS3FO7vP
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) July 28, 2026
A message left for McConnell’s office was not immediately returned on Tuesday.
It’s the second time this month Beshear has demanded answers from McConnell. In the first, dated July 8, Beshear said: “As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health.”
He added: “As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent. I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve.”
In response to that letter, McConnell’s office released the following statement: “Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital. The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
McConnell, 84, was rushed to the hospital on June 14 after he was reportedly found unconscious in his home.
Despite two proof-of-life photos and several Republican figures who claim to have spoken with McConnell since, speculation over his condition has continued to swirl across social media.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said he hasn’t talked to McConnell and has “no idea how he’s doing.”
Hey Andy, as much as we can’t stand McConnel you’re far above him on our shitlist. So STFU.
Its not like the Democrats wouldn’t do the same thing but we’re supposed to be better than them. August 3rd is when Andy is going to hear from Mitch.
We need a picture of him holding up todays news paper.
They aren’t casting his vote. No vote on his part is being cast. He had to be personally present to vote.
The 17th amendment essentially nullified the compacts clause, which was the vehicle that Senators were expected to operate as they negotiated business compacts between states with common local interests. States that were not parties to the compact would have no reason to interfere with them.
Post-17th amendment, everything became nationalized as the party interests superceded individual state interests. The fililbuser rule became necessary to prevent a majority of party-controlled states from negating the smaller states.
Repealing the 17th amendment and returning control of the Senate to the states would go a long way towards nullifying the filibuster.
-PJ
-PJ
He’s dead, Jim.
If he doesn't present himself, he can assume he is dead and appoint a replacement, that would stir the pot for sure.
They can just refuse to accept him since they have the sole responsibility to determine the suitability of an elected member. Congress has done it several times, don't know if the Senate ever has.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said he hasn’t talked to McConnell and has “no idea how he’s doing.”
Oh please, Donald Trump knows exactly how he’s doing or not doing.

He's in there...
“I’ve got him downstairs, under a John Doe”
Andy, we’ll get back to you in a couple of weeks....
“As for Beshear, this arsehole can’t wait to violate Kentucky law and appoint a far left Democrat to serve.”
The senate would refuse to seat him.
If the turtle is dead, then he is duly unelected.
Of course Beshear is just posturing since he knows that Thune won’t try to have McConnell expelled (and it would take 2/3 of the Senate to expel him).
Two popularly elected houses of Congress.
WHY?
Our Framers got it right.
So you want the DEM Gov to
force a KY Dem Senator in right now.
The Dem gov is running for Pres in 28/
The Dem gov has threatened to ignore the new law and just appoint a Dem and have the gop
fight it in court after the dem been seated .
Who side are you on again ?
Senator Bryd rule is in place .
How many years was he supposedly sick in bed ?
Gop is playing hard ball .
Do you have a problem with that ?
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