McConnell faces fresh calls to come clean about health issues

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, called on the ailing lawmaker to reveal his condition to constituents in a letter sent to the 84-year-old on Wednesday.

"As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health," Beshear wrote. "As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent."

"I believe this requires clear communication about one's ability to serve," he continued. "We wish you a safe and speedy recovery."

McConnell's office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Since then, his office has kept details of his health and a timetable for his return close to the vest. 

The only public insight into his condition has come from leaked emergency dispatch audio from a June 14 call the day McConnell was sent to the hospital, which revealed the longtime Senate Republican was "unconscious" and may have suffered a heart attack.

Over time and with a lack of clarity on the lawmaker's health, the rumor mill has been running at full speed online, speculating about the exact nature of his condition.

Meanwhile, McConnell's wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, traveled to China shortly after his hospitalization and remained there until this week. Her office cited that McConnell's health "did not warrant an immediate return to the U.S."

While the fog around his condition thickened, McConnell did speak with top Senate Republicans.