By Nick Wing
Actress Ashley Judd continued to stoke speculation about a potential Democratic Kentucky Senate run over the past week, holding meetings with key political players on both the national and state level.
Politico reports that Judd sat down with officials from the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee for a private meeting in Washington, D.C. earlier this week. A source told Politico that it was her first official meeting with the DSCC since expressing interest in challenging Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and a strong sign that she was serious about laying the groundwork for a 2014 campaign.
Judd has also reportedly attempted to strengthen her ties to Kentucky, making an appearance at a well-attended dinner late last week featuring the state's top Democratic politicians and operatives.
Judd, a Kentucky native and active supporter of President Barack Obama, has been a fascination in the Bluegrass State since first being floated as a possible contender shortly after the November elections. Recent rounds of polling have shown McConnell to be highly unpopular and particularly vulnerable as he seeks a sixth term, though a February survey testing a McConnell-Judd matchup showed the Republican leading the actress by nine points.
While she's received support from some political operatives and elected officials in the state, not all Democrats are excited at the prospect of Judd's entrance into Kentucky politics. Her skeptics have expressed concern that her status as a strong advocate for liberal policies and a current resident of Tennessee could damage her viability. Others claim that she would be a divisive presence in the state, and could damage Democrats' broader chances in state and local elections.
More: Ashley Judd Takes Further Steps Toward Kentucky Senate Run With Key Meetings
