Mitch McConnell remains out of the Senate while recovering from a June fall, but a familiar voice now says the longtime Kentucky senator is doing better. Scott Jennings said McConnell personally called him Tuesday, offering a glimpse into the 84-year-old lawmaker who has largely stayed away from the public spotlight.
Scott Jennings says Mitch McConnell personally called him while recovering from his June health scare
Scott Jennings, a longtime Mitch McConnell ally and CNN commentator, said on The Arena that the senator sounded alert and politically engaged during their conversation. McConnell reportedly discussed the Michigan Senate race, Republican election prospects, the farm bill and protecting the Senate filibuster. Jennings said “being at home” has clearly helped compared with his time in the hospital.
McConnell fell at his Washington, D.C., home on June 14, lost consciousness and later entered rehabilitation. His office announced last week that he had returned home to continue recovering. However, McConnell has not personally addressed the public since the health scare, leaving Kentucky constituents wondering when they might see him again (via NewsWeek).
Jennings said McConnell hopes to return when the Senate reconvenes September 14. He also said the senator has continued working behind the scenes, communicating with staff and other lawmakers while following major legislative matters. According to Jennings, McConnell remains particularly interested in the farm bill and upcoming defense legislation.
The senator’s silence has drawn criticism from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Speaking to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in July, the Democratic governor argued that McConnell should personally inform public that “he’s doing all right.“ Beshear said that if McConnell can speak “17-minutes“ privately with Jennings, he should also be able to offer voters a brief public update.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul separately urged people to give McConnell time to recover. Speaking in Louisville, Paul said the Senate has managed without McConnell so far but acknowledged his vote could matter when lawmakers return. “He’s struggling,” Paul told the Louisville Courier Journal, adding that people should “wish him well and hope he gets better soon.”
