Monday, the Republican Party of Washington County, Pennsylvania, released a post on Facebook requesting that Senator John Fetterman come on video to “show he is alive and well.”
Washington County, located in southwestern Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, is home to around 200,000 people, or 1.5% of the state’s population. In November, Mehmet Oz won the county by a margin of more than 13 points, while Fetterman beat him in statewide polling by almost 5 points.
“Because of the now confirmed lies that were told during the 2022 general election regarding the health of Senator John Fetterman, as well as the threats made against a journalist who interviewed him, the Washington County Republican Party refuses to take assurances from the Office of the Senator or Democrat operatives that Fetterman is able to carry out his duties as Senator,” party chairman Sean Logue wrote on Facebook.
“Thus, we demand that Senator Fetterman come on television to prove he is alive and well; if he is unable to do so, we demand that our elected representatives in Washington, Senator Casey and Representative Reschenthaler, act immediately.
“Ultimately, if Fetterman is unable or unwilling to carry out his duties as a United States Senator, then we ask for his resignation and call for a special election to be held this year; no more lies or games,” it concluded.
Monday’s report from Fetterman’s office said that he remains at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
In May, Fetterman, age 53, suffered a stroke.
According to CBS, he was assessed on February 16 by Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician of Congress, and admitted himself for signs of severe depression.
According to Adam Jentleson, the senator’s chief of staff, Fetterman has suffered from depression “sometimes” throughout his life, with the frequency increasing.
“We don’t have a lot to update folks with since there’s no real news to report except that John is doing well, working with the wonderful doctors, and remains on a path to recovery,” Joe Calvello, a representative of Fetterman’s office, said in a statement, according to The Washington Post.
“He is visiting with staff and family daily, and his staff are keeping him updated on Senate business and news,” he said. “We understand the intense interest in John’s status and especially appreciate the flood of well-wishes.”
“However, as we have said this will be a weeks-long process and while we will be sure to keep folks updated as it progresses, this is all there is to give by way of an update,” he said.
Calvello stated that office operations were normal.
“Our team is moving full speed ahead and working tirelessly for the people of Pennsylvania,” Calvello said. “Just last week we opened a new office in Erie and will be opening several more offices in the coming weeks.”
NBC cited a “close senior aide” as saying Fetterman’s hospital stay would likely be extended until physicians were confident they had determined the right dosage for the medication he would be taking.
According to his assistant, Fetterman has been dealing with the changes in his life and questioning his self-worth.