Kentucky: McConnell expects healthcare bill on Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) expects to have a “discussion draft” of the bill to repeal-and-replace Obamacare on Thursday, reports Roll Call. He said the public will have “plenty of time” to consider the bill. Meanwhile, President Trump has been on the phone with McConnell and other Senators advocating for a bill that “has heart.” ……. North Carolina: McHenry now the vote-counter. US Rep. Patrick McHenry (R) of North Carolina’s 10th District will now take over the vote counting functions for House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) until Scalise returns to the House chambers. McHenry has served as Scalise’s chief deputy since Scalise was elected Majority Whip three years ago and chose McHenry, reports The Hill ……. Alabama: Brooks in shooting spotlight. US Rep. Mo Brooks (R), who is candidate for the US Senate, received a major amount of TV time as a result of being on the baseball field at the time of the shooting of Steve Scalise, and it’s not likely to stop. Brooks told the Washington Post on Monday that he plans to introduce legislation to allow members of Congress to carry concealed weapons. Brooks is challenging incumbent-by-appointment Luther Strange (R) in a special election that begins with party primaries on August 15 …….