McConnell's office says he won't be at Fancy Farm Picnic

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell's office released a statement on Monday saying he will not be attending the Fancy Farm Picnic on Saturday.

The statement said McConnell is focusing on physical therapy after he was hospitalized on June 14. 

The statement reads:
“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday.

“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton. When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic.

“As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”

The Office of the Attending Physician also released a statement on McConnell’s health on Monday.

“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls. His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

As of Friday, nine Republicans and three Democrats had confirmed that they would attend the Fancy Farm stump speech event that begins at 2 p.m.


(Photo provided by Senator McConnell's Office)