Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican, is expected to re-emerge in public after months of speculation about the unspecified medical condition he says has kept him away from Washington.
Background
Kean, 57, a second-term lawmaker, represents a battleground district that includes President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club. He’s missed more than 100 votes in Congress this year and hasn’t been seen publicly in Washington or his district despite winning the Republican nomination to serve another term.
Kean’s spokesman promised the congressman would return to work and be transparent about what has kept him away. Last week, Kean answered the door of his home when a New York Times reporter visited, but declined to be interviewed, saying only that he would speak to them later.
Implications
The mystery over Kean’s absence carries potential implications for the Republican Party’s narrow control of the House. His office has said he is still running for reelection and is set to face Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, in New Jersey’s most high-profile contest in November.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
