Rand Paul’s wife says they had not spoken to Kentucky neighbour in 10 years before attack

WASHINGTON – The wife of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says her husband hasn’t taken a single breath without pain since what she calls “a deliberate, blindside attack” by a Kentucky neighbour earlier this month.

Authorities say the Republican was attacked Nov. 3 by Rene Boucher while mowing his lawn. Kelley Paul writes in an essay published by CNN that her husband suffered six broken ribs and fluid in his lungs. Paul says he was diagnosed with pneumonia after returning from Washington last week.

READ MORE: Rand Paul’s neighbour pleads not guilty in attack that left senator with broken ribs

Boucher is charged with misdemeanour assault. His attorney blames the attack on a “trivial” dispute and says it wasn’t politically motivated.

WATCH: U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s injuries from assault at his home more severe than first thought

0:50 U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s injuries from assault at his home more severe than first thought

Kelly Paul says neither she, nor her husband, have spoken to Boucher in 10 years. She writes that “the only ‘dispute’ existed solely in the attacker’s troubled mind.”