Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear found himself in a precarious position when questioned about a state law concerning the replacement of ageing Senator Mitch McConnell.
The governor, a Democrat, faces a pressing issue that involves navigating the intricate web of state legislation and political dynamics.
The subject of appointing a replacement for Senator McConnell arose at a presser, with the governor being asked what will follow should McConnell leave office before the end of his term.
However, Governor Beshear appeared to try avoiding answering the question, pointing out that the Republican Senator is still in office and he cannot make remarks about a seat that is not vacant.
“There is no Senate vacancy. Sen. McConnell has said he’s going to serve out his term, and I believe him, so I’m not going to speculate about something that hasn’t happened and isn’t going to happen,” he said as reported by NBC News on Saturday, September 2.
Beshear’s approach was a diplomatic one, seemingly aimed at avoiding controversy and respecting Senator McConnell’s intentions.
Mitch McConnell, at 81 years old, recently became the longest-serving party leader in Senate history.
McConnell’s office has blamed his latest freezing incident on momentary lightheadedness.
Concerns about his health have been on the rise, particularly after moments during July and August news conferences when he appeared to freeze up for more than 30 seconds, raising questions about his health and ability to complete his term.
In late July, Senator McConnell publicly declared his intention to complete the six-year term he secured in the 2020 election.
When pressed further on this matter during the news conference, Governor Beshear emphasized his respect for McConnell and his health, asking people to stop politicising his situation.
“Well, I respect Sen. McConnell and his health not — first of all, to not sensationalize it and, second, there is no vacancy. So he has said he’s going to serve out his term and I fully believe him.”
The complexity of the situation is underscored by the state’s evolving laws regarding congressional vacancies.
In 2021, the Kentucky General Assembly modified its procedures, curbing the governor’s power to temporarily fill a Senate vacancy.
Under this amended law, the governor would be required to select a Senate appointee from a list of three names submitted by the state executive committee of the outgoing senator’s affiliated party.
This change is a significant departure from Kentucky’s previous laws, which allowed the governor to appoint a replacement for a vacant Senate seat until the next general House election, which occurred every two years.
by: Wasp-News