In the run-up to the announcement of a possible Senate run by actress Ashley Judd, questions swirl around the political landscape. First and foremost is …will she run? Judd has been drawn into advocacy by her work as a global ambassador for YouthAIDS. Polling shows her within spitting distance of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Judd, as YouthAIDS Global Ambassador, speaks at an event in South Africa (January 2005) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Do these results indicate anything other than high name recognition for the actress? Is she seriously considering a run for office or is she just taking advantage of this opportunity to get some free publicity?
Much has been made of Carl Rove’s preemptive attack ads which paint Judd as an out-of-touch poser who does not even live in the state. “Turtle Man”, as McConnell is known in progressive circles, is thought to be the most unpopular office-holder in the senate. Is he afraid he might lose his seat? Or can this consummate political operator be turning this to his advantage? Is he trying to “select” his opponent… one he feels comfortable running against? He could be trying to bait Ms. Judd into a campaign.
During the last election cycle, Claire McCaskill of Missouri shaped the race in her favor, going so far as running primary ads in support of the Republican she wished to face in November. This strategy proved successful. Her seat had been considered threatened, yet she won by a wide margin. Could The Turtle, preparing for a sixth senate run, be taking a page from this playbook?
Ms. Judd has promised a decision by the date of this year’s Kentucky Derby. As for the Turtle, a wise man once said “Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.”
The Looney Lefty 
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