Rumors are swirling that Mitch McConnell may be near death after a three-week hospital stay, raising fresh questions about aging politicians who can't do the job.

• McConnell was hospitalized June 14th after an apparent cardiac arrest at his home, and his office won't explain why he's been gone for weeks.
• Unconfirmed rumors claim he is brain dead and on life support, though Senate colleagues insist he's alert and engaged.
• Keeping him in office avoids triggering a special election to replace his Kentucky seat.
• In Maine, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is losing party endorsements fast after sexual assault allegations, with Warren and others telling him to quit.
• The broader complaint: Congress is old (Senate median age near 65) and both parties cling to unfit members instead of finding replacements.

Outlook: McConnell's status will likely become clear within days, and if he's declared unable to serve, Kentucky faces a scramble to fill his seat.