Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says fellow Sen. Rand Paul�s absence while recovering from an assault in which his neighbor is charged creates another challenge in what�s become a daily �Maalox moment� while trying to keep together his slim Republican majority.

McConnell on Monday wished his fellow Kentuckian a speedy recovery from the attack Friday that left Paul with five broken ribs.

It�s unclear when Paul will return to work.

McConnell told reporters in Kentucky �it�s potentially a challenge� any time a Republican senator is absent from the Senate. He acknowledged that his 52-member majority caucus isn�t �always totally in lockstep.�

McConnell said he plans to talk with Paul later Monday.

Police in Bowling Green, Kentucky, arrested one of the senator�s neighbors who is accused of tackling him from behind at Paul�s home.

(AP)