Today is a day for distress for John Fetterman, the new Democrat senator of Pennsylvania. Reports confirm he is suffering from severe depression and has been checked in to Walter Reed Military Medical Hospital. With the diagnosis, some are asking is this the end of his Senate career? If so, who would the Governor of Pennsylvania appoint to take his place? The pressure is certainly on Fetterman right now, with his Senate seat standing on the precipice of possible euthanasia. Will the departure bell finally toll its requiem for Fetterman’s political life? Only time will tell.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is being treated for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
His chief of staff Adam Jentleson released a statement, explaining that though Fetterman has experienced bouts with depression throughout his life, the severity of in recent weeks was too much to bear. This begs the question: is this the end of Fetterman’s short-lived Senate career? Only time will tell but we hope he is able to make a full recovery.
The Statement reads in-part, “on Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis.”
Fetterman was hospitalized last Wednesday after feeling “light-headed.” According to his chief of staff, last year’s campaign may have caused permanent brain damage. The aide’s admission directly contradicts Fetterman’s doctor’s note, which insisted Fetterman was fit to serve in the US Senate despite concerns raised about Fetterman’s health in conservative media.
The New York Times is reporting that Fetterman is faring worse than originally anticipated. It is understood that his transition to elected office has been a trying time for him due to existing physical disabilities and mental health difficulties.
During his tenure as a Senator, his staff implemented several measures to support him, including live closed captioning, however, now that the government has gone so far to provide him with technology that is specifically designed to assist him in his role, serious concerns are being raised about his ability to perform his duties.
Fetterman had a stroke last year and has since appeared disoriented in public speeches and debates. His public speeches and debates are often characterized by confusion and disorientation.
In the event of Fetterman resigning from his Senate seat, the Governor of Pennsylvania would have to appoint a new senator. The appointment process can be complex and time consuming, as it requires feedback from both parties in order for an appropriate candidate to be chosen.
In the meantime, Pennsylvania has been holding a series of special elections to fill vacant spots on various boards and committees. It is possible that these special elections may provide insight into who will be appointed as the new senator if Fetterman resigns.
The governor could also turn to experienced political figures such as former state legislators or even local mayors to fill the spot should Fetterman’s career come to an end. Ultimately, it would depend on who was most qualified
John Fetterman’s political career hangs in the balance following his severe depressive state that has landed him in Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Reports that he may be unable to represent Pennsylvania in Congress have left some wondering if replacing him with another candidate was the plan from the beginning. This would certainly explain why Fetterman is currently under so much pressure as his Senate seat threatens to be euthanized. We will have to wait and see whether or not Senator Fetterman’s career ultimately comes to an end, but it appears that possibly replacing him was the plan all along?
Let’s continue this conversation, in the comments below.
