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.
17 Comments
ryrybang@lemmy.world · 41 pts · 33d
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.
Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works · 21 pts · 33d
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.
disorderly@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 33d
Maybe. McConnell is a lot more to the Republicans than a vote, he's a beacon of soft power. Even the idea that he might return may be more valuable to them than some greenhorn state senator.
IHeartBadCode@fedia.io · 11 pts · 33d
Senators aren't impeached. They are expelled. Expulsion requires two-thirds vote in the Senate.
adarza@lemmy.ca · 24 pts · 33d
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.
dektep@lemmy.world · 17 pts · 33d
this asshole is already dead
50MYT@lemmy.world · 29 pts · 33d
SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 31d
Visit my lemonade and asparagus stand just a few steps away from his grave. We are franchising soon.
WatDabney@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 15 pts · 33d
And yes - just as I assumed when I saw that the change was made in 2024, the current governor is a Democrat.
Akasazh@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 33d
I mean how they have voted for this spineless fuckwit over and over is not giving me any hope for betterment
you_are_dust@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 33d
Hasn't he been in a catatonic state for over a year now?
switcheroo@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 33d
Just announce the turtle finally flipped on his back already! This anticipation is awful!
HazardousBanjo@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 33d
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.
doomchapel666@lemmy.zip · 5 pts · 33d
i'm sure someone will mistakenly add a journalist to the "trump is dead" group chat and we'll find out that way.
Astronut@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 33d
Vance is Sofa King nauseating!
foggy@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 33d
Death questions*
Batmorous@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 31d
We need to go in and see how he is actually. None of this red tape bullshit. That way the election can happen