Andy Beshear escalated his monthslong push for transparency around Sen. Mitch McConnell's health, sending a letter this week demanding the senator verbally address constituents and prove his capacity to serve, or resign his seat. McConnell's office declined to comment further on Beshear's latest letter, and Thune, asked about Beshear's call for an investigation, said Tuesday it was not his issue to resolve. The letter drew a pointed rebuttal from Kentucky's junior senator, Rand Paul, who has had a strained relationship with McConnell but defended him against Beshear's demand. "I think it's a campaign ploy by Beshear to look relevant," Paul told reporters. Whether McConnell's office responds with the verbal address Beshear is requesting remains to be seen, as does whether Thune will act on the governor's call for an investigation.