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Beshear Vows Lawsuit to Preserve McConnell Appointment Authority

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Andy Beshear said he may sue to protect his constitutional power to appoint a replacement for Senator Mitch McConnell.
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized after a fall and is recovering from mild pneumonia.
Beshear said a Republican supermajority passed laws blocking his ability to fill the vacancy without a special election, citing a Kentucky constitutional provision that lets governors appoint state officers and questioning its relevance to a federal seat.

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Story summary

Governor Andy Beshear said he may sue to protect his constitutional power to appoint a replacement for Senator Mitch McConnell.
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized after a fall and is recovering from mild pneumonia.
Beshear said a Republican supermajority passed laws blocking his ability to fill the vacancy without a special election, citing a Kentucky constitutional provision that lets governors appoint state officers and questioning its relevance to a federal seat.