This may explain why they are hiding Mitch McConnell's condition

[Chasstev365]

"In Kentucky, a special election to replace a Senator will NOT be called if it’s closer than 3 months till the next election,” Cochran wrote Saturday in a social media post on X. “If McConnell’s condition is clearly unfit for office, they’d hide that to avoid being forced to submit a resignation letter until after that date.”

A cheater even on his death bed.

https://www.rawstory.com/mitch-mcconnell-2677159427/

[hatrack]

1. I can only hope that the Gravedigger Of American Democracy hears the sound of shovels . . .

[calimary]

73. LOVE how you put that!

[wnylib]

2. For all we know, he might be already dead, leaving us

cheated out of our celebration parties.

[Tree Lady]

19. I have someone in my family right now

A cousin who had cardiac arrest last week, I believe they are going to unplug the machines this coming week.

I bet it is something like that except they will keep him on the machines until after the 3 month time politically.

[wnylib]

37. That's, what I thought initially and it could be true.

OTOH, even if he was dead and off of machines, MAGAs would keep it secret, if they could. But the chances for leaks then would be greater than if they leave him on machines, even without hope of recovery.

[cab67]

60. Something like that couldn't be kept secret.

Not for very long.

Too many people at the hospital would know.

[Attilatheblond]

64. Those people need their jobs and could be prosecuted for violating HIPPA

Gotta figure Mitch's room is very private with layers of security and baffles to keep out any noisy employees.

[LeftInTX]

66. Does HIPAA apply to dead people?

Once you're dead, I think it goes away. You're now public property. Your death is recorded elsewhere and is not just a medical record. Doc pronounces you dead. Then you are removed from the healthcare facility. Your body goes to a funeral home, (if KY is like TX, McConnell, will go straight to a funeral home due to his age and ongoing health issues) Meanwhile legal documents are filed such as death certificates etc.

Death isn't an illness. It is a legal status.

Although your treatment status may be subject to HIPAA after you die, your death status is not.

[progressoid]

68. HIPAA Privacy Rule protections continue for 50 years after a person's death

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/health-information-of-deceased-individuals/index.html

Background

The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the individually identifiable health information about a decedent for 50 years following the date of death of the individual. This period of protection for decedent health information balances the privacy interests of surviving relatives and other individuals with a relationship to the decedent, with the need for archivists, biographers, historians, and others to access old or ancient records on deceased individuals for historical purposes. During the 50-year period of protection, the personal representative of the decedent (i.e., the person under applicable law with authority to act on behalf of the decedent or the decedent’s estate) has the ability to exercise the rights under the Privacy Rule with regard to the decedent’s health information, such as authorizing certain uses and disclosures of, and gaining access to, the information. With respect to family members or other persons involved in the individual’s health care or payment for care prior to the individual’s death, but who are not personal representatives, the Privacy Rule permits a covered entity to disclose the relevant protected health information of the decedent to such persons, unless doing so is inconsistent with any prior expressed preference of the deceased individual that is known to the covered entity.

How the Rule Works

The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to the individually identifiable health information of a decedent for 50 years following the date of death of the individual. The Rule explicitly excludes from the definition of “protected health information” individually identifiable health information regarding a person who has been deceased for more than 50 years. See paragraph (2)(iv) of the definition of “protected health information” at § 160.103. Thus, for example, a HIPAA covered entity that maintains health or medical records, correspondence files, physician diaries and casebooks, or photograph collections that contain identifiable health information on individuals who have been deceased for more than 50 years may use or disclose the information without regard to the Privacy Rule because the information is not considered protected health information.

During the 50-year period of protection, the Privacy Rule generally protects a decedent’s health information to the same extent the Rule protects the health information of living individuals but does include a number of special disclosure provisions relevant to deceased individuals. These include provisions that permit a covered entity to disclose a decedent’s health information: (1) to alert law enforcement to the death of the individual, when there is a suspicion that death resulted from criminal conduct (§ 164.512(f)(4)); (2) to coroners or medical examiners and funeral directors (§ 164.512(g)); (3) for research that is solely on the protected health information of decedents (§ 164.512(i)(1)(iii)); and (4) to organ procurement organizations or other entities engaged in the procurement, banking, or transplantation of cadaveric organs, eyes, or tissue for the purpose of facilitating organ, eye, or tissue donation and transplantation (§ 164.512(h)). In addition, the Privacy Rule permits a covered entity to disclose protected health information about a decedent to a family member, or other person who was involved in the individual’s health care or payment for care prior to the individual’s death, unless doing so is inconsistent with any prior expressed preference of the deceased individual that is known to the covered entity. This may include disclosures to spouses, parents, children, domestic partners, other relatives, or friends of the decedent, provided the information disclosed is limited to that which is relevant to the person’s involvement in the decedent’s care or payment for care. See 45 CFR 164.510(b)(5). For uses or disclosures of a decedent’s health information not otherwise permitted by the Privacy Rule, a covered entity must obtain a written HIPAA authorization from a personal representative of the decedent who can authorize the disclosure. A decedent’s personal representative is an executor, administrator, or other person who has authority under applicable State or other law to act on behalf of the decedent or the decedent’s estate. See 45 CFR 164.502(g)(4), as well as guidance on personal representatives available at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/personalreps.html, for more information.

[Attilatheblond]

83. I had to jump thru some hoops to get certified copies of my husband's death certificate so I could take care of details

like the cremation he wanted, getting a copy of the coroner's report, going into probate, selling a property, and provide certified copies of the death certificate to life insurance company, federal employee pension and health insurance, etc. Since I did not take his surname when we married, there were a few more hoops than usual.

HIPAA does count for the recent dead.

[cab67]

81. They'd be prosecuted only if they can be identified.

I understand there would be all sorts of security, but the number of people involved would all but ensure a leak.

[popsdenver]

46. He could well be on life support

and they are keeping him that way, as to not detract from Trump's 250 celebrations...........

If they announced it, the 250 celebrations would be overwhelmed by the massive number of Americans, out in the streets celebrating McConnells passing........

His burial plot needs to be surrounded by acres and acres of concrete pavement with surface drains.....same for Trump's burial site, and many other Republicans graves.....

[Dulcinea]

53. That seems most likely.

If he was dead, that wouldn't be kept under wraps for long. Someone would let that news out.

[Bengus81]

59. Yup...unconscious when they hauled him out of the house

Bet they've had him hooked up on life support the entire time. This BS is ghoulish.

[Attilatheblond]

62. Staffers wanna keep their jobs?

Wife wants to keep her perks?

[popsdenver]

78. I think she doesn't need them

I may be mistaken but I am pretty sure that her parents are Chinese oligarchs, who actually sent a chunk of money via the NRA to Republican candidates in 2016??????

[Attilatheblond]

82. Her perks include influence with US government officials which can be rewardeing to the SHIPPING COMPANY

her family has.

By the way, read, just this morning, that she went to China 3 days after Mitch was treated to CPR and a ride to the hospital. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/elaine-chao-traveled-to-china-days-after-mitch-mcconnell-s-hospitalization/ar-AA27cHLu]

Think it's possible the shipping company heiress has some international business details to tie up before she has Mitch's life support unplugged?

You know, if I had her resources, I could probably have kept my beloved late husband on life support indefinitely and kept both his and my Social Security pensions while machines kept his heart and lungs going even after his brain had shut down and couldn't operate its own life support. But then, I am not a money triggered ghoul, so I kissed him on the forehead and wept as the machines stopped fighting reality. These 9 years since, I still weep.

[erronis]

45. Maybe they've already quick--frozen him and will resurrect only when a vote is needed.

Could possibly get 10 more years and 100s of votes out of him.

"Mitch - we are going to pass 10,000 volts through you. If you jerk, we'll call that a 'YES' vote for our party."

[Pinback]

69. They'll put a tarp over him. (nt)

[harumph]

3. Then someone needs to get near to him and obtain the proof.

you can be sure the g-damned republicans would do that.

[Ponietz]

18. A "Carhartt" riot might do the trick

[allegorical oracle]

39. Maybe the Governor could casually ask around. nt

[SSJVegeta]

4. There should be some kind of requirement for weekly proof of life

Especially since these people are on payroll

[Bengus81]

61. Rules are only for Democrats............

[Attilatheblond]

63. And staffers are paid while doing whatever without proper chain of command & responsibility

Gotta figure a BIG reason the Geezers on the Hill won't step down is partly due to staffers who like power and know where the skeletons are refusing to allow retirements.

[Tetrachloride]

5. So, an election before the 3 months is a good thing in Kentucky??

[RandomNumbers]

25. possibly. in general, low turnout elections favor the most motivated.

you will get more straight-ticket Rs in November of a midterm or presidential year, and this is a mid term year.

[Crunchy Frog]

6. Is there any way to force the issue? No reason to play nice with him at this point.

Demand proof that they're not pulling a Weekend at Bernie's.

[InstantGratification]

31. Actually it is better for us if they pull this off and keep it hidden

For all the horrendous things he has done over the years, he has been a solid NO vote on the SAVE act. If KY replaces him in a special election, the replacement will almost be guaranteed to be a YES, I don't want to risk that YES being the one that passes it in the senate since it has already passed in the house.

[ToxMarz]

34. Between the R Senators who have lost primaries or who are not running for reelection

might it be possible they don't have the votes to confirm a new Supreme Court nominee before the new Congress is seated. Most of them hate Trump enough they might just want to send him a big Fuck You. And if they're dead or dying, that works too. At least we can hope then we take the Senate.

[Sector 001]

36. It's similar to the movie Dave.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106673/

[cpamomfromtexas]

7. Where can you find death certificates?

[ColoringFool]

12. One cannot, unless one is permitted by or is a member of immediate family.

[Wifes husband]

24. That is not true

[allegorical oracle]

40. It likely varies by state. In Florida, when I tried to look at the death certificate

of a high-ranking person, I was told I couldn't because I was not a family member.

[LeftInTX]

67. Death certficates contain private info. (Cause of death, address, spousal address) Death index does not.

In Texas, I think they are publically available after 60 years.

Death index is pretty much daily.

Anybody who is sent to the Medical Examiner where I live is put on a public roster availble online. However, ME handles cases which an autopsy is required.


https://deathrecords.bexar.org/

[ColoringFool]

56. Oh, yes, it is. Unless you know of an exception?

[SergeStorms]

8. Where's the MSM coverage of Turtle's condition?

Plenty of coverage about Paul Pelosi hitting a parked car, though, isn't there?

"Liberal" media my ass!

[Attilatheblond]

84. Hitting a parked car results in a police report which is likely public domain

Medical conditions are not the same and are HIPAA has some teeth

[the_liberal_grandpa]

9. Either way you look at it its

One less vote in the Senate for the repubs

[allegorical oracle]

41. Can't recall whether Thune is empowered to permit proxy votes. Anybody? nt

[rampartd]

52. no

[newdeal2]

10. This doesn't make sense

Who exactly is going to determine he is unfit for office and force him out?

He is clearly unwell but they are hiding him to protect his image, not due to a special election.

And there’s not much benefit here because Republicans have one less vote while he is MIA.

[karynnj]

11. I don't think this is to the Republicans or Kentucky's benefit unless he is alive

He can't vote remotely. If he is alive, they could a la Strom Thurmond bring him in a wheelchair to vote up or down. If he is dead, they have one less vote.

Now, there already is a Democrat and a Republican who have the nominations for November. I wonder if Kentucky law would allow both parties to skip the primary and have an early election. It seems they changed the law twice recently. The first time was to have the Governor pick one of the people on the Republican list (McConnell's party), then to cut the governor out altogether to have a special election. I bet they regret the last change.

I would have thought they would want to get a Trumper replacement in ASAP. Remember, McConnell is a strong defender of the filibuster and is against the SAVE Act. Fortunately, even if they wanted to I don't think they can replace McConnell fast enough to pass and implement the SAVE Act. It does mean if a special election is called Democrats should demand primaries.

[Fil1957]

13. I don't understand why or why not having a special election makes any difference.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

14. The Kentucky GOP has a strange law that only a republican can be named to replace McConnel

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/31/1191034037/mcconnell-facing-health-questions-says-he-ll-serve-full-term-keep-leading-senate

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Senator Mitch McConnell's freeze-up at a news conference last week is raising questions about how much longer he can serve as the senior U.S. senator for Kentucky. A spokesperson says McConnell plans to finish his term, which ends in 2027, but lawmakers are wondering what could happen if he were to step down. Back in 2021, Kentucky's Republican-led legislature passed a law ensuring that McConnell's possible successor would be a Republican. The state's Democratic governor, Andy Beshear, vetoed the bill, but he was overruled by the legislature. For more, I'm joined now by Austin Horn, who is a politics reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Austin, so what is Governor Beshear's argument against the current law?

AUSTIN HORN: Good morning, A. The argument against, presented in the governor's old veto message, is based on the U.S. Constitution's 17th Amendment. It's kind of one of those amendments we often forget about. And in 1912, it allowed voters to cast direct votes for U.S. senators. And prior to its passage, senators were chosen by legislatures. The governor's office has been careful to not make a comment on this front in recent days. But it's kind of the consensus among Kentucky Democrats and those in the capital that Beshear would be inclined to push back either by appointing a Democrat, unlike the law says, or stalling and challenging the law. Or, you know, he could always follow the law, but that's not expected.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

26. I forgot about that one...

...eom.

[Callie1979]

35. That law was changed in 2024; special election is now required.

[DFW]

49. Oh, what a shame!

It seemed so easy.............

[Callie1979]

74. Odd how it ws changed when a Dem won the Gov office.

Its almost as if they KNEW the topic would come up in the next 4 yrs

[DFW]

80. Republicans pull schemes like that nationwide.

A friend of mine is the state auditor of Iowa. A former D.A., he ran for a job that used to be used to cover up Republican corruption in his state. He won, and so the majority Republican legislature immediately reduced the scope of the job of the state auditor, so that he would not be able put too many of the dirty state officials in prison.

[DFW]

48. I was thinking about that. But we could use Republican-style tactics against them, as well.

Get some obscure, under-the-radar Kentucky Democrat to switch his party registration to Republican, get named by Beshear to fill out the rest of McTurtle's term, and just vote with us (after all, if Fetterman can vote with them, and they raise no objection....).

[Capt. America]

15. Perhaps the governor should bring some flowers and

Perform a “wellness” check on McTurtle before he shuffles off to hell.

[Martin68]

16. That sounds very plausible.

[OGBuzz]

17. The sooner the better!

[dlk]

20. His wife, Elaine has close ties to the highest echelons of the Chinese government

There’s more to this than McConnell being ill.

[allegorical oracle]

42. She just returned from a visit to China. Thought the timing was odd -- it could've

signaled that he's doing well -- or had bitten the big one.

[ShazzieB]

44. Or maybe she heard he doesn't have much time left...

...and hurried to get home before he gives up the ghost! 👻

[FakeNoose]

21. Yes we've been speculating that he might have kicked the bucket already

They know that Gov. Beshear will appoint a Democrat and they don't want to see that happen.

Poor Moscow Mitch, no fancy state funeral for him. Maybe they'll scatter his ashes over the Lincoln Reflecting Pool?

[karynnj]

30. Ky changed the rules. The governor has no ability to pick anyone.

[mercuryblues]

22. This doesn't make sense, to me

In Kentucky, the rule is that Governor has to replace him with a member of their own party.

Right now, there is a non-voting, Senator. Having him replaced would give them not only a voting Senator, but also a few months of name recognition. Increasing his chances of winning an election.

[Callie1979]

29. Just more GOP stupidity. nt

[mercuryblues]

38. There is something odd about this.

It just isn't what was put forth here.

[Callie1979]

75. Turns out they changed the law in '24 to require a special election.

Almost like they knew this would happen while a Democrat was Gov.

[hedda_foil]

23. But the next election is now 4 months away.

[Callie1979]

27. Not the first time this has happened. Wont be the last.

[Gaytano70]

28. In the meantime...

Moscow Mitch will keep leaking formaldehyde and they'll keep pumping him full of drugs 😡

[Johonny]

32. Zombie Mitch as worthless dead as alive

Truly a scumbag human that will goto hell.

[C Moon]

33. " A cheater even on his death bed."

Wow. Great phrase. And I hope it is glued down to his legacy.

[calimary]

57. That IS a good epitaph.

But they’ll never use it. Republicans don’t seem to have much of a relationship with the truth. Unless they can “modify” it to suit their overriding agenda.

Just for the record, I don’t trust Republicans anymore than I can pick up my house and throw it down the hill.

[31j20b3]

43. Excellent catch. R's just have to keep the body away from a corner for 3 more weeks

[dave99]

47. Brain dead corpse in one person luxury hospital room, tax dollars draining away

just like Republicans

[twodogsbarking]

50. Maybe he just needs flipped over.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QPNs85BKNw8

[The Roux Comes First]

51. Perhaps He Can Buy a Scrap of Integrity on the Open Market

[drray23]

54. I dont think he will make it to August 9th.nt.

[SunSeeker]

72. They found him unresponsive and had to do CPR, and he is now in a coma.

Sounds like he’s already brain dead.

[ImNotGod]

55. I can just picture him sitting next to a pool sipping on formaldehyde cocktails. nt

[Blue Owl]

58. Oh FFS

There’s gotta be a way to force the hand on whether he’s alive or not.

[dlk]

65. One thing for certain

Strategic planning is afoot.

[Akakoji]

70. If McConnell is still alive, he can't speak

He ws found unconscious, possibly not breathing, due to a heart attack. It's incredibly rare someone his age with a previous history even survived. If he did. I want to se a picture with him talking.

[AdamGG]

71. 3 months before an election...

That's about 2 months more than he allowed Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

[The Wizard]

76. When Strom Thurmond was circling the drain

they'd wheel him in for the vote and poke him in the ribs so as to effect a guttural sound that was translated by his staff to mean whatever suited their needs.

[BH liberal]

77. Spot-on, hatrack! McConnell has indeed been...

one of the chief gravediggers of American democracy. He cynically instituted the constant use of the filibuster after the GOP lost control of the Congress in 2006. He rolled the dice because, as one of his own GOP congressional caucus members noted, the Republican brand had become "dog food". And nobody stopped McConnell. The gridlock that we have seen since has only worsened to the point Congress barely gets anything done. Mitch infamously torpedoed normal procedure for supreme court picks, packed the judiciary with right wing idealogues...among his many other sins. He helped create the Trumpenstein Monster. Maybe, like the German politicians of the 1930's who thought they could control Hitler, McConnell thought the GOP could do the same with the Orange Menace. People who don't learn from history...

[NoRethugFriends]

79. Well, that makes zero sense.

The Republicans are minus one vote in the Senate now. If he was reported dead then there would be a special election and the Republicans would get that vote back. A Democrat is not going to be elected to the Senate there.