Tennessee’s Republican lieutenant governor checked himself into a hospital in Nashville on Thursday after suffering a concerning heart condition.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after experiencing symptoms of an abnormal heartbeat.
According to the Tennessean, McNally, the state’s senate speaker, needed a pacemaker to control his pulse.
McNally, 79, explained his dilemma on Twitter late Thursday.
After experiencing symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, I checked into Vanderbilt hospital earlier today. Tests indicate I will likely need a pacemaker to help regulate my cardiac issues. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I hope to be back at work as soon as possible.
— Randy McNally (@ltgovmcnally) February 10, 2023
“Tests indicate I will likely need a pacemaker to help regulate my cardiac issues,” McNally informed his constituents.
“I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I hope to be back at work as soon as possible.”
On Friday, McNally provided an update.
“Happy to report my pacemaker surgery went smoothly,” he posted. “Currently in recovery and resting comfortably. Thank you to friends, family, colleagues and citizens across the state for your messages, prayers and support. Looking forward to getting back to work!”
Happy to report my pacemaker surgery went smoothly. Currently in recovery and resting comfortably. Thank you to friends, family, colleagues and citizens across the state for your messages, prayers and support. Looking forward to getting back to work!
— Randy McNally (@ltgovmcnally) February 10, 2023
McNally is “one of Tennessee’s most influential politicians,” according to WBIR-TV.
He is the state’s longest-serving active legislator, having held his District 5 state Senate position since 1986.
He has been lieutenant governor since 2017, a position that requires him to concurrently be speaker of the state Senate under Tennessee law.
Tennessee Republican leaders have taken an active stance on social issues such as abortion and drag performances in the state.
According to WKRN-TV, Gov. Bill Lee is requesting $100 million in state subsidies to assist pro-life pregnancy clinics.
During his recent State of the State address, the governor proposed allocating the funds in the form of grants “to partner with nonprofits that serve mothers, fathers, and families during a crisis pregnancy.”
Some, such as UGA assistant professor of public health Andrea Swartzendruber, consider such financing to be highly substantial.
“This amount of funding from a single state in a single year is extraordinary,” Swartzendruber said.
“And to my knowledge, the most funding that any state has provided in such a short time frame to the centers.”
According to the professor, Lee’s plan would position Tennessee as a leader in supporting such pregnancy clinics.
To become a reality, the measure would need to be approved by the GOP-dominated legislature.
State legislators are also looking at drag events and where they might be held.
According to NBC News, the measure would prohibit such “adult cabaret” on public land and anywhere kids may be present.
“We don’t want to have the door open that they can go see advertent nudity and sexual acts or the depiction of sexual acts,” explained GOP state Senator Becky Massey.
“I’m sorry, that’s not what Tennessee is about.”
The legislation has already passed the state Senate with unanimous GOP support, with the state House poised to do the same, albeit with some possible amendments.