Mulling Senate bid, Ashley Judd meets with Democratic officials

It seems Ashley Judd is taking to the next level her "close look" at a Senate bid against Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: Earlier this week, the Hollywood actress reportedly met with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington.

According to Politico, the meeting was Judd's first with the DSCC, which heads the recruitment of competitive contenders as well as fundraising efforts. But it's certainly a step forward from her remarks on the matter last month, when while in Washington for President Obama's inaugural events she said there was "no time frame" for when she will decide whether to run in 2014.

• Ashley Judd taking a "close look" at Senate bid
• Karl Rove's PAC readies attack against Ashley Judd

Rumors sprouted in November that Judd was mulling a bid to unseat McConnell, who having served since 1985 is the longest-serving senator in the traditionally conservative state's history. In a statement at the time, McConnell spokesman Jesse Benton said the minority leader is open to the challenge, and apparently a fan of Judd's movies, which include "Kiss the Girls," "Where the Heart Is" and "Dolphin Tale."

Judd, who was a Kentucky delegate at September's Democratic National Convention and has been a longtime humanitarian and environmental activist, already has some Democrats rallying in her camp, including Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., who has cited as assets her high-profile name recognition and presumed fundraising prowess. But some have predicted her opposition to mountaintop removal mining will set her apart from most other Kentucky politicians who are allied with the Blue Grass State's mining industry.

If Judd does decide to jump into the fray, Republicans will be ready. Earlier this month, the Karl Rove-backed PAC American Crossroads spent $10,000 on an online ad campaign, featuring a video that ridicules the actress for being a self-identified liberal "radical" and for calling Tennessee "home," despite that her potential Senate bid would be in Kentucky.

[tiredofliberals]

What are her qualifications? How can she run she's not a lawyer

[bilrobi1]

Who ever said you had to have a law degree to run for any office? Your conservative darling Sara Palin has no law degree and you all ran her the vice presidential candidate.I'm not sure she has any degree at all.

[knsn_for_cmn_sense]

JV1970 replies: No, we don't! She's a great actress and should stick to acting and stay out of politics!
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TJphoto replies: It's OK for Ronald Reagan to be an Actor seeking office but not OK for Ashley? To be a Senator you must be: At least 30 years of age
A citizen of the US for at least 9 years, A resident of the state your representing. I think she meets the requirements.
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iam4honesty replies: JV, do you think the same of Reagan?

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I cant wait to hear this one JV. She is smart and well educated. Is it a free country ?

[sjc_1]

Reagan was never mayor of anything and the SAG in NOT a public post.

[bobw101]

GECK05 replies:

Nope she lives and is quite active in Kentucky.

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So how did she manage to be a delegate from Tennessee at the DNC last year?

[HarshestReality]

If you are hanging your hat on Judd beating Mitch in 2014 then you are truly desperate. About as desperate as the GOP was in believing Romney would beat Obama. The only difference between the elections two will be that Mitch will beat her by bigger numbers. Kentucky is not Minnesota and won't be made a fool of over a divorced Tennessee actress.

[duzmafuzt]

Yep, but we are fast becoming a nation of government dependents, and nothing will the harsh reality of human nature. Nothing can change it. Ms Judd or Mr. Mitch won't make a difference. We will not give up on our champagne appetite, and our beer budget, even as we continue to lower our own standard of living. But, cool to see an outsider try, and not another lawyer type.

[frankie2fing]

Man, GOP really hurting. Couldnt beat the <whispers: black> president in two tries, now their beloved turtle is likely to lose to a SMART woman. What's the world coming to?

Tea Party, the but crack of the political process...

[bobw101]

Shouldn't she be running against Lamar Alexander? I thought she lived in Tennessee, I know she was a delegate at the DNC for Tennessee.

[HarshestReality]

She was born in CA, went to college in KY and now lives in Lieper's Fork, Tn. She's lived in TN since 1993.

[ReallyPeopleReally]

She does not live here in KY...plus if KY citizens knew her stance on GUNS, I would put my life savings she would lose.

She doesnt just want gun control, she wants no guns.
You can try and take a gun from a resident commonwealth but it would never happen!

[nightsky1039]

Go Mitch!!! KY: You rejected Obama and his liberal agenda, dont send Obama another lapdog!!

[BuckeyeChuck]

McConnell is a total frailer, he tried to force America back into depression, he couldn't do that. Number one goal was to defeat Obama in reelection, failed. Time to get him out!