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Mitch McConnell: The leading Republican in the U.S. Senate suffered a concussion in a fall in March
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JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell is determined to remain in office until the end of the legislative period. After two lapses in public appearances, the leading Republican in the U.S. Senate is trying to dispel concerns about his health.
On Wednesday, McConnell again stated that he wants to finish his term as party leader. As the AP news agency learned from those present, the powerful politician assured other senators of his party at a weekly lunch behind closed doors that he was still up to the task.
"I'm going to finish my term as party chairman and I'm going to finish my term in the Senate," McConnell told reporters, rejecting questions and requests for more information about his health. Instead, he referred to his doctor's explanation.
The all-clear from the doctor
Last Thursday, McConnell had a misfire at an event in his home state of Kentucky. For the second time in two months, he had simply stared into space instead of answering a reporter's question. The incident had raised new questions about the state of health of the long-time leader of the Republicans in the Senate.
The all-clear came from the senator's doctor at the beginning of the week. From a "medical point of view," the 81-year-old politician was able to continue his work, said the U.S. Capitol doctor after consulting with McConnell and his neurological team.
"Occasional bouts of dizziness are not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration," the doctor added. McConnell's office had previously stated that his freezing was due to lightheadedness and dehydration. In March, McConnell suffered a concussion and a broken rib in a fall, and in April he returned to the Senate.
asc/AP