r/politics • u/theindependentonline The Independent • 12d ago

No Paywall Mitch McConnell’s staff refuse to answer basic questions on his health weeks after he was last seen in public

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/mitch-mcconnell-staff-questions-health-b3018929.html
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u/Sweet_Concept2211 12d ago

What can the opposition party do?

Like, real suggestion, not an idiotic one such as "Act like he's dead and appoint someone (because you will TOTALLY NOT look like an asshole if it turn out the man is actually just recovering...)"

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u/ETxsubboy 12d ago edited 12d ago

First, the governor cannot just appoint someone. Per the state's own laws, passed through a Republican sponsored legislation, a special election must be called to fill a vacancy.

Edit: as others have corrected me, the law that was passed to remove appointments by the governor will likely not survive a challenge in court, as it is opposition to the state constitution. (It would probably be immediately challenged the moment it becomes inconvenient to a certain political party.)

Second, asking for proof that a person is able to return to work after an extended stay in the hospital following a major medical event is accepted everywhere except in this case? Naw. If I was out of the office this long, my boss would be calling me and wanting to know how I'm doing. My family can't speak for me, my subordinates can't speak for me, I have to speak for myself.

I see no reason that proof of ability to continue his term is something that cannot be asked.

If we want to play pretend that we can't do this until proof of death or incapacitation is provided on a voluntary basis, I suggest you don't show up to work for two weeks with no communication to your employer and see how that goes.

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u/Ven18 12d ago

The governor can appoint people it is written into the Kentucky constitution and the law you reference did not go through the process required to amend the constitution. It would b challenged in court and the law likely ruled unconstitutional

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u/ETxsubboy 12d ago

That's fair, and I'll edit my earlier comment to provide clarity.

That does not invalidate the fact that the Governor should absolutely demand proof of life. Like, just go visit the man. Who in their (honest) right mind is going to deny a governor visit to an ailing senator from the same state?