Prove that Fetterman ‘is alive and well,’ Pa. GOP official demands
A western Pennsylvania Republican’s demand that Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman prove he is “alive and well” or resign is gaining traction in conservative circles across the country.
Sean Logue, the chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee, released a statement on Facebook on Feb. 27 headlined “Action regarding the absent Senator.”
Fetterman, who suffered a stroke in May 2022, voluntarily entered Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland on Feb. 15 for treatment of clinical depression.
In his statement, Logue said the Fetterman campaign lied about his health during the 2022 campaign and the Washington County GOP “refuses to take assurances from the Office of the Senator or Democrat operatives that Fetterman is able to carry out his duties as Senator.”
Logue went on to demand that Fetterman appear on camera “to show us he is alive and well.” If Fetterman cannot do that, Logue said Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14, should intervene.
Should Fetterman be “unable or unwilling” to serve his term, Logue said he must resign so that a special election could be held this year. “No more lies or games,” Logue wrote.
Fetterman’s office, which declined to comment, has released a handful of updates in the weeks he has been in Walter Reed. Most recently, Adam Jentleson, Fetterman’s chief of staff, posted three photos on Twitter of him meeting with Fetterman and discussing Senate business.
Logue, though, said he does not believe anything that Fetterman’s office releases. He questioned Jentelson’s photos, saying that the colors of the rooms are suspicious, as is the lack of closed captioning equipment to help Fetterman, who has suffered from auditory processing issues from his stroke, understand in-person conversations.
“If he can take staged photos, why can’t they release a 30-second video?” Logue asked.
Since its release, the Washington County GOP’s statement has ricocheted around conservative media and social media. Logue has also made appearances on Fox News’ Watters World and the One America News Network.
Fred Young III, the chairman of the Republican Committee of Franklin County, shared Washington County’s statement on March 1 on its Facebook page.
Logue said that other Republicans from around Pennsylvania have called to offer their support, as have GOP county committees from Georgia and California.
On Thursday, Logue, a criminal defense attorney, also responded to criticism that his statement attacks those with mental health issues by saying he is sympathetic to those struggling and that this is not about mental health but leadership for the state and country.
“All I’ve done is ask a question, Senator, can you go on video and tell me that you’re capable of serving?” Logue said. “Asking a question does not make me a bad guy.”