The Senate minority leader told a swarm of reporters Wednesday that he isn’t stepping aside over health concerns, as his Republican colleagues circled the wagons—at least, most of them. “Am I concerned?” said Missouri’s Josh Hawley. “Yeah.”
Even some former McConnell dissidents have thrown their lot in with the Kentucky senator after last week’s incident. In a twist, Florida senator—who unsuccessfully challenged McConnell for party leader and is a frequent critic—responded “absolutely” when asked whether he would continue to support McConnell as leader. “I’m sure he will continue to do his job.” Even when pressed and asked whether McConnell should step aside at the end of this Congress, Scott held firm.
that his remarks were regarding the medical explanation—not necessarily a comment on McConnell’s fitness. But Senatorwho didn’t back McConnell in the last leadership race, has been vocal about his concerns, which he said are shared by his constituents. “I just got back from a month at home where I was asked about this constantly,” the Missouri lawmaker told reporters. “This is just where we are. So is that a good thing? No. So am I concerned? Yeah.
Hawley fears that McConnell’s issues have become a distraction—and could continue to be as the 2024 election cycle ramps up. “That’s an important election cycle for Republicans in this body,” he said. “I just hope that we are 100% focused on that.” Late Tuesday evening, the Kentucky senator sought to quash the chatter. In his first public remarks since the second freeze,on the Senate floor. Running through an inventory of events he participated in during the recess, McConnell expressed chagrin: “One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, but I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth.
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