By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office has released another statement about the senator’s recovery from a fall last month. It’s the first update on McConnell’s health since July 12.
In his statement, McConnell said:
“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday.
“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton. When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So, I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic.
“As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”
The Office of McConnell’s attending physician (OAP) added:
“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls. His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”
McConnell’s office also released a new photo of the senator with his wife, Elaine Chao (included in the story; it was reportedly taken Sunday, July 26).
He was taken to the hospital June 14 after McConnell said he suffered a fall and was “briefly unconscious.”
The 84-year-old McConnell, who has been in the U.S. Senate since 1985, is not seeking re-election this fall.
Republican Andy Barr, currently Kentucky’s 6th District Congressman and Democrat Charles Booker, a former state representative, are the major candidates to succeed McConnell. They are joined by Christopher Campbell of the Kentucky Party and write-in candidate Thomas Michael Murphy.