Mitch McConnell, 84, releases new 'proof of life' photo

Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, released a new photo of himself and his wife, Elaine Chao, in an email late Monday morning, but he has still not spoken publicly in the 44 days since his hospitalization.

In the message, McConnell expressed regret that he could not attend a picnic in Western Kentucky this week. An attached note from his doctor said the senator continues to recover from a June fall and has kept up a strenuous course of physical therapy since his discharge.

Though McConnell has stayed silent in public, several prominent figures say they have spoken with him by phone. Spokespeople for Senators John Thune and John Barrasso confirmed each had a substantial conversation with him, and commentator Scott Jennings said the same. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said she spoke with someone who had visited McConnell and described him as clear-minded.

The Monday photo, dated July 26, resembles one released two weeks earlier amid mounting speculation about his health. Senator Ron Johnson fueled conspiracy theories by claiming a source told him the first proof-of-life image was older, though he later walked the claim back.

McConnell was first hospitalized on June 14 after a fall he said left him briefly unconscious.