by Ben Whedon
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is set to skip an annual political picnic in his home state while he recovers from a major medical episode at his Washington, D.C., home.
McConnell was hospitalized last month after a serious fall. The former Senate leader has attracted considerable scrutiny over his fitness to serve in recent years, with a number of on-air incidents contributing to his decision to step down as Senate GOP leader. He is not seeking reelection.
McConnell’s office confirmed on Monday that he would not attend the Fancy Farm picnic, a major political event in the Bluegrass State.
His office said the senator is “working hard to get back” to his full Senate work schedule. Due to doctors’ orders to keep up with “intense phsyical therapy,” the senator’s office said he would not be be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky.”
“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,” he said in a statement. “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,” he added. “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.”
McConnell’s attending physician said the senator “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,” the physician said.
The physician also confirmed in a statement that “[h]e is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”
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Ben Whedon is a reporter for Just the News. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
