Kentucky Officials Clash Over McConnell Vacancy Rules After 46 Missed Senate Votes
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 3
Kentucky Officials Clash Over McConnell Vacancy Rules After 46 Missed Senate Votes
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 3
Summary
Gov. Andy Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams publicly split over how Kentucky would fill Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat if it became vacant during his extended absence.
Beshear said an Aug. 3 date cited by some observers has “no legal impact” and suggested the Kentucky Constitution could let him appoint a temporary replacement, while Adams said state law requires a special election and bars any appointment.
Kentucky’s statute says the governor must call a special election but, according to legal experts cited by CNBC, sets no firm deadline for issuing that proclamation; the seat would stay vacant until results are certified.
McConnell has not appeared in the Senate since a June hospitalization for a fall and pneumonia, has missed 46 roll-call votes since his last vote on June 11, and said on July 27 he remained in intense physical therapy.
The dispute remains hypothetical because McConnell has not resigned, but it has sharpened scrutiny of a 2024 Kentucky law that may face a constitutional challenge if a vacancy occurs.