Of course he's running against Barr for McConnell's seat.
We do deserve to know what's going on
Booker calls for answers on McConnell's health, says his continued work is 'elder abuse'
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
Charles Booker, the Democratic candidate running for Sen. Mitch McConnell's seat in November, is calling for greater transparency about the senator's health.
It comes after reports that emergency responders were sent to his Washington, D.C. home last month for an incident that included mentions of 'cardiac arrest' and 'CPR.'
In a statement released Thursday, Booker said he is concerned about McConnell's health and is keeping the senator and his family in his thoughts.
"Like every Kentuckian, I am concerned about the health of Senator Mitch McConnell. While I am certain he is receiving excellent care, I know from personal experience the fear and uncertainty our family and loved ones feel in the wake of a medical emergency," Booker said.
He went on to say that while McConnell's health is personal, Kentuckians have the right to know whether their senator is able to fulfill his duties.
Booker questioned how the reports of the medical care he received on the day of his hospitalization align with earlier statements from McConnell's communications team, which said the senator was receiving excellent care and quickly returned to Senate business.
"Those two accounts are hard to square. Kentuckians and Americans deserve to know which one reflects reality," he said.
Booker also criticized McConnell's continued service in the Senate, saying he believes the senator lacks the capacity to effectively represent Kentucky and calling on him to step aside.
"Continuing to ignore this is not leadership. It’s elder abuse. And it’s time for him to relinquish the business of Kentucky back to the people," Booker said.
Booker concluded by saying Kentuckians deserve clear and honest answers about McConnell's condition, adding that while the senator deserves excellent medical care, the public also deserves transparent leadership.