Ashley Judd's Potential Senate Run Moving Forward
Ashley Judd
It seems as though Ashley Judd's previously reported potential political career is no joke. The Missing star is "seriously exploring" a 2014 run for Senate in Kentucky, Politico reports.
According to the website, Judd has already met with Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, talked to a Democratic pollster and started opposition research in preparation for the potential race.
Remember when Justin Timberlake had curls? Check out the most dramatic celebrity makeovers
"She is doing all the things that a serious candidate exploring a race should do," Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) said after speaking with Judd. "I think there are a lot of people, and I was one of them, who wanted to let her know that her candidacy would be an exciting prospect for us. That's what I wanted her to know. A lot of the labor unions, they were telling me that too."
Judd might wait to run in 2016 against Sen. Rand Paul, according to Politico, but if she does run in 2014, she'd be going up against Sen. Mitch McConnell. The Republican, who is up for his sixth term, will make a fierce opponent against any candidate. McConnell's campaign manager, Jesse Benton, has already thrown down the gauntlet, warning the Democrats, "We're going to drive your negatives up and very aggressively and publicly litigate your record before the citizens of Kentucky."
Matthew McConaughey's so skinny! See other celebs who transformed their body for movie roles
A rep for Judd declined to comment to Politico beyond an earlier statement in which Judd said she was "very honored by the consideration."
Judd is untested politically, but she has become quite the liberal activist over the years, speaking out on the AIDS epidemic, abortion rights and controversial mountaintop coal-mining techniques.
Would Judd have your vote?