Mitch McConnell's recent hospitalization has renewed scrutiny of what would happen if Kentucky's longest-serving senator were unable to complete his term.

The speculation follows his recent hospitalization and limited information released by his office.

While there has been no indication that McConnell plans to resign, the episode has drawn attention to a major change Kentucky lawmakers made in 2024 to the state's Senate vacancy laws. The legislation eliminated the governor's ability to appoint a replacement senator and instead directed vacancies to be filled through a special election process.

all 17 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 41 points 2 months ago (3 children)

While there has been no indication that McConnell plans to resign

There's no indication that McConnell is capable of making any plans for anything right now. Step one is proving he's alive. Step two is proving he's mentally capable. If neither is true, he needs to be impeached, like yesterday.

  • source
  • hideshow 3 child comments
  • [–] 21 points 2 months ago (1 child)

    Does he? The Republican majority in the Senate is 53-47 right now. McConnell holds the seat but can't show up to vote on anything. He also can't participate in his committees. He's not an asset, he's a hindrance to Republican goals. A Special Election would likely result in a fresh new young Republican who could move the evil agenda forward and who'd then be the incumbent for the next 40 years. Unless you think there's such a groundswell of Democratic Socialism in Kentucky that you could flip the seat, but I have doubts.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
  • [–] 24 points 2 months ago

    major change Kentucky lawmakers made in 2024 to the state's Senate vacancy laws

    lemme guess. specifically because they don't want their relatively popular 2-term democrat governor to name even a temporary replacement for the aging and ailing turtle.

  • source
  • [–] 17 points 2 months ago (2 children)

    this asshole is already dead

  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 15 points 2 months ago

    And yes - just as I assumed when I saw that the change was made in 2024, the current governor is a Democrat.

  • source
  • [–] 8 points 2 months ago

    I mean how they have voted for this spineless fuckwit over and over is not giving me any hope for betterment

  • source
  • [–] 7 points 2 months ago

    Hasn't he been in a catatonic state for over a year now?

  • source
  • [–] 3 points 2 months ago

    Death questions*

  • source
  • [–] 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

    I've been seeing people suggest this is a dry run for when Trump croaks, which seems plausible.

    I suppose it all depends on just how much JD Vance would be willing to sit out becoming president. The couch fucker might immediately expose it the moment the big beautiful day happens.

  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 3 points 2 months ago

    Just announce the turtle finally flipped on his back already! This anticipation is awful!

  • source
  • [–] 3 points 2 months ago

    We need to go in and see how he is actually. None of this red tape bullshit. That way the election can happen

  • source