Kentucky Gov to McConnell: 'Verbally Address' Us, or Step Aside

Kentucky's Democratic governor is publicly pressing the state's most powerful Republican to prove he's still up to the job—or step aside. In a sharply worded letter, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Sen. Mitch McConnell to speak directly to Kentuckians and show he is capable of serving, or resign his seat, reports Axios. Beshear also asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune to formally examine McConnell's fitness for office. Per ABC News, Beshear cited ongoing issues like the Iran war and rising prices that are happening "all while you are absent and refuse to communicate clearly and directly to the people 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 resign," he added.

McConnell has said he will retire when his term ends in January 2027. In the event that he steps down, his seat will be filled by a special election, not Beshear. McConnell, 84, hasn't appeared in public for more than 40 days, aside from photos released by his office. A statement from Congress' physician says he's still recovering from a June fall and undergoing intensive physical therapy, with lingering effects from childhood polio affecting his mobility. McConnell says "still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky." His office and Thune's did not comment.