Kentucky Gov. Beshear presses McConnell to provide health update as speculation grows

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday asked the office of Sen. Sen. Mitch McConnell‘s, R-Ky., to provide an update on the senator’s health, escalating public pressure for more information as the 84-year-old remains hospitalized more than three weeks after being admitted.

“Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of Sen. McConnell,” Beshear, a Democrat, said in a statement. “As Governor — and a fellow public official who understands the commitment we’ve made to the people we serve — I am requesting the Senator provide an update on his current health status.”

Beshear said continued speculation “is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians,” adding that he hoped McConnell would share information “in a transparent manner, direct from the source.”

McConnell was admitted to a hospital on June 14, according to his office, which has released few details about his condition or the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization.

The former longtime Senate majority leader declined to seek an eighth term following a series of health scares.

Asked by CNBC on Tuesday for the latest update, McConnell’s office pointed to a brief statement it issued last week saying the senator “appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital.”

“The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session,” the statement said.

This is developing news. Please check back for updates.