Mitch McConnell: “Today freedom of speech is threatened as it has not been in many decades.”

But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red.

So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic.

Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I've received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff.

On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period.