Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is asking Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition after three weeks of silence since he was hospitalized in Washington. Beshear, a Democrat, sent a letter to McConnell, the state’s most powerful figure in Congress, saying “Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and well-being, and ability to hold office.”

McConnell’s Hospitalization

McConnell, 84, was hospitalized on June 14. His aides have disclosed nothing specific about his condition, other than to say last week that he “continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.” The lack of detail has fueled speculation about his prognosis and whether he will return to the Senate when it reconvenes next week.

McConnell is retiring at the end of his term in January, and the campaign to elect his successor is already underway. Kentucky’s Senate succession law does not give the governor a role in picking a temporary successor should McConnell’s seat become vacant before his term ends.

Beshear ended the letter by wishing McConnell “a safe and speedy recovery.” The letter comes as Republican Senate leaders made public statements saying they had talked to McConnell and that he was alert and discussing current events.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.