Sen. McConnell says he plans to serve his full time period as chief regardless of questions on his well being

WASHINGTON — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has repeatedly stated he’s “fine” since he froze up midsentence throughout a press convention on Wednesday. And now his workplace is making an attempt to tamp down hypothesis that he may not fill out his time period as chief due to his well being.

In an announcement, his workplace stated McConnell appreciates the continued assist of his colleagues and “plans to serve his full term in the job they overwhelmingly elected him to do.”

The assertion, first reported by Politico, comes after McConnell, 81, has suffered well being issues in current months. At his weekly press convention, he froze and stared vacantly for about 20 seconds earlier than his GOP colleagues standing behind him grabbed his elbows and requested if he needed to return to his workplace. He later returned to the information convention and answered questions as if nothing had occurred.

When requested in regards to the episode, he stated he was “fine,” an announcement he repeated in a hallway to reporters later that day. Neither McConnell nor his workplace would reply questions on whether or not he obtained medical assist afterward.

Even as McConnell tried to brush off the issues, the episode raised new questions amongst his colleagues about his well being and likewise whether or not McConnell, who was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and has served as Republican chief since 2007, would possibly quickly step apart from his management submit.

He was elected to a two-year time period as chief in January by a big majority of his convention, regardless of an rebel problem from Florida Sen. Rick Scott. He could be up for re-election as chief once more after the 2024 elections.

By then, he should resolve additionally if he needs to run once more for one more Senate time period. He is up for re-election in 2026.

In March, McConnell suffered a concussion and a damaged rib after falling and hitting his head after a dinner occasion at a resort. He didn’t return to the Senate for nearly six weeks. He has been utilizing a wheelchair within the airport whereas commuting backwards and forwards to Kentucky. And his speech has sounded extra halting in current weeks.

But McConnell, famously reticent and sometimes personal about his private life and well being, has stated little or no about what’s going on.

Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota stated after Wednesday’s episode that McConnell’s job as chief requires extra transparency than it will for others.

“We should find out, you know, fairly soon what happened and how serious it is,” Cramer stated. “But I don’t have to tell you, Mitch is also, as an individual, a pretty private guy. So we’ll see.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, stated he talked to McConnell on Wednesday evening and he appeared “strong and alert.” But he stated what occurred on the information convention on Wednesday was disturbing to observe.

“Mitch is strong, he’s stubborn as a mule,” Cruz stated. “My prayers are with them. I hope that – we’re going into the August recess – I hope he has time to fully recuperate.”

GOP senators who’re seen as potential successors have been cautious of their strategy to questions.

“He’s fine, he’s back to work,” stated South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican and one of many senators standing behind McConnell when he froze up.

“I support Senator McConnell as long as he wants to serve as leader,” stated Texas Sen. John Cornyn, one other potential alternative.

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 3 Senate Republican and a former orthopedic surgeon, guided McConnell again to his workplace to relaxation in the course of the information convention. Afterwards, he informed reporters that he has been involved since McConnell was injured earlier this yr, “and I continue to be concerned.”

Barrasso then added: “I said I was concerned when he fell and hit his head a number of months ago and was hospitalized. And I think he’s made a remarkable recovery, he’s doing a great job leading our conference and was able to answer every question the press asked him today.”

Several different GOP senators projected confidence within the Republican chief.

“I do have confidence in his leadership,” stated Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis. “At lunch yesterday, he spoke. He was completely on his game using numbers that were pulled out of his head and he was completely with it. So I don’t know what precipitated the freeze, but he’ll be careful to evaluate his own capabilities.”

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall stated he was “a little concerned” after the information convention.

“He said that he got a little overheated, a little dehydrated,” stated Marshall, who can be a health care provider. “That’s what it looks like to me. I can tell you, he’s got a strong, strong voice in our conference. He’s providing steady leadership. And I think he’s doing a great job as leader.”

McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has lengthy acknowledged some problem as an grownup in climbing stairs. In addition to his fall in March, he additionally tripped and fell 4 years in the past at his dwelling in Kentucky, inflicting a shoulder fracture that required surgical procedure.

The Republican chief carried on together with his full schedule after the episode on Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated he spoke together with his Republican counterpart at an occasion for Thursday night for Major League Baseball homeowners.

“I said I’m so glad you’re here,” Schumer stated. “And he made a very good speech.”

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