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Samantha

(9,314 posts)
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:27 AM Nov 2012

Ashley Judd to run against Mitch McConnell in 2016?

Just presented by Fineman on Chris Matthews' show is the rumor that the monied people in Kentucky want Judd to defeat McConnell in 2016. He said she is from Kentucky and the movement is on to get her to run.

That would be a political dream come true.

What great news!

Sam

62 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Ashley Judd to run against Mitch McConnell in 2016? (Original Post) Samantha Nov 2012 OP
Excellent actress - I don't know more about her than that.. Cooley Hurd Nov 2012 #1
She is very smart. Good idea! Inspired Nov 2012 #6
Thank you for your great contribution to this thread Samantha Nov 2012 #10
I'll never forget this dance Voice for Peace Nov 2012 #34
Okay, I missed it Samantha Nov 2012 #49
Frida grantcart Nov 2012 #51
Beautiful Samantha Nov 2012 #61
No where in that list is Barack Obama loyalsister Nov 2012 #57
That would be fantastic to get that old tortoise out of the senate meadowlark5 Nov 2012 #2
That is what I was thinking this morning Samantha Nov 2012 #12
She won't win the eastern part of the state... Comrade_McKenzie Nov 2012 #3
I agree about her possibilities for winning Eastern KY.... CherokeeDem Nov 2012 #8
Indeed. We need someone that will make Mitch sweat. Comrade_McKenzie Nov 2012 #23
Not sure why she would run? JDPriestly Nov 2012 #28
Would she be interested? Is this just idle speculation? nt Tennessee Gal Nov 2012 #4
There have been rumors for some time now Samantha Nov 2012 #13
She was on Andrea Mitchell's show at the DNC IL Lib Nov 2012 #60
I live in Kentucky... CherokeeDem Nov 2012 #5
Does Ashley now live in Kentucky? FarPoint Nov 2012 #9
Fineman said she is from Kentucky Samantha Nov 2012 #14
she is from ky blueknight Nov 2012 #19
She also owns a home in Lexington, KY obamanut2012 Nov 2012 #37
McConnell is up in 2014, he faced a serious challenge in 2008 Hippo_Tron Nov 2012 #7
Thanks for the facts, 2014... n/t winstars Nov 2012 #11
I am not sure if Fineman misspoke or if I misheard him but thanks for the correction (n/t) Samantha Nov 2012 #17
I've seen her in interviews. Le Taz Hot Nov 2012 #15
And she is a smart capable woman with great name recognition. That would be amazing. glowing Nov 2012 #16
It is almost too good to be true Samantha Nov 2012 #24
i live in ky blueknight Nov 2012 #18
If that's all true, her chances are poor. speedoo Nov 2012 #27
The Pukes absoutely hate her. She is an active Liberal. Walk away Nov 2012 #20
This thread is worthless without.... Wounded Bear Nov 2012 #21
Yes, that is a great contribution to this thread Samantha Nov 2012 #25
Sorry to be a bit tongue in cheek....she is lovely... Wounded Bear Nov 2012 #33
That is what I was thinking -- money would not be a problem Samantha Nov 2012 #40
What a happy vote that woud be! TheKentuckian Nov 2012 #22
now that would be interesting bodudedem2959_lib Nov 2012 #26
I saw her recently MoonchildCA Nov 2012 #29
That would be awesome. Justice Nov 2012 #30
And you could get Wynona singing on the stump. That would be a plus in Kentucky. Are_grits_groceries Nov 2012 #31
Wynonna has estranged herself from Ashley obamanut2012 Nov 2012 #38
I can't keep up. Are_grits_groceries Nov 2012 #39
That would be really great Samantha Nov 2012 #41
Intelligence and beauty Rocky888 Nov 2012 #32
We should make it a priority to get rid of (I'm crapping my pants right now) Mitch. L0oniX Nov 2012 #35
She'll kick his ass obamanut2012 Nov 2012 #36
I think so too Samantha Nov 2012 #42
She's smart and articulate RainDog Nov 2012 #43
Yes, she is Samantha Nov 2012 #44
We could make the senate much less Rethug and much less ugly at the same time. Double score! nt Takket Nov 2012 #45
It would be great! Samantha Nov 2012 #48
Regardless of who democrats put up against McConnell, we need to end his political career. bluestate10 Nov 2012 #46
I totally agree Samantha Nov 2012 #50
Oh yes! Please make it happen! ananda Nov 2012 #47
If it happens, it would be a fascinating race to watch Samantha Nov 2012 #53
Would her Conservative Mother Support HEr ? JI7 Nov 2012 #52
McConell is up in '14. JRLeft Nov 2012 #54
Yes, that has been corrected above. Samantha Nov 2012 #55
She's certainly a hardcore UK fan jsmirman Nov 2012 #56
I follow her on twitter.... RichGirl Nov 2012 #58
Thank you for posting this -- it is nice to read on election eve Samantha Nov 2012 #62
She'd be like the Arnold Schwarzeneggar of Kentucky Bucky Nov 2012 #59
 

Cooley Hurd

(26,877 posts)
1. Excellent actress - I don't know more about her than that..
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:29 AM
Nov 2012

...but ANYONE would be better than the Chinless Wonder.

ON EDIT: I'm liking what I'm reading, so far:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Judd#Humanitarian_work

Humanitarian workAshley Judd's humanitarian work has revolved around becoming a global ambassador for YouthAIDS, a prevention program under the Population Services International. She has been a member of their Board of Directors since 2004, also. Judd has travelled with YouthAIDS to places affected by illness and poverty such as Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda, and many others.

Inspired by her travels, which allowed her to witness the life of the poor and uneducated, she has since become an advocate for preventing poverty and promoting awareness internationally. She has met with political and religious leaders, heads of states, diplomats, and leaders on behalf of the deprived to convey the message to those who have the power to bring about political and social change.

Judd has also narrated three documentaries for YouthAIDS which aired internationally on the Discovery Channel, in National Geographic, and on VH1.

In 2011, Judd joined the Leadership Council of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW).

Other organizations Judd has been involved with include the Women for Women International, and Equality Now, along with other non-governmental organizations which center around bringing attention to social, educational, health, economic, cultural, and financial funding of the unfortunate.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
10. Thank you for your great contribution to this thread
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:46 AM
Nov 2012

I knew she was involved, I saw her at the Democratic convention, and rumors have been quietly circulated over time that she was going to become more involved. What I did not know was that she was being looked at as a challenger to McConnell. I think she could take him. She is very smart, and as Fineman said, the monied people want HER, so evidently there is some backing starting to line up.

What a beautiful political day it would be to wake up one morning and see that McConnell was gone, gone, gone from our political legislature.

Sam

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
61. Beautiful
Mon Nov 5, 2012, 10:15 AM
Nov 2012

Thanks for sharing. I can see why you will never forget this dance.

Thanks for posting it.

Sam

loyalsister

(13,390 posts)
57. No where in that list is Barack Obama
Mon Nov 5, 2012, 01:10 AM
Nov 2012

That is a good thing for a KY candidate. McCaskill's election has done well, largely because President Obama has stayed away. She's an educated woman who has been successful and benefited but didn't build most of her opportunities. She's "one of them" and she's willing to admit she got lucky.

When a women hits her mid- thirties or fortys they get fewer opportunities. Maybe she wants a valuable job where she can shut Mitch McConnell down.

She has charisma, an interesting climbing from the bottom story, and a history of philanthropy that could appeal to republicans.

If we get 2 years into a second term people see an actual functioning congress, Mitch McConnell's leaderdership of the past congressional mess may make him unpopular.

meadowlark5

(2,795 posts)
2. That would be fantastic to get that old tortoise out of the senate
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:31 AM
Nov 2012

He needs to go. All of those angry white men just need to go.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
12. That is what I was thinking this morning
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:48 AM
Nov 2012

They are just out of step with the times. They impede the progress we could be making. It is time to clean house.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

 

Comrade_McKenzie

(2,526 posts)
3. She won't win the eastern part of the state...
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:32 AM
Nov 2012

Because of her outspokenness on coal mining. They despise her here as much as a politician already.

But there has also been talk of Secretary of State Alison Grimes running against McConnell.

CherokeeDem

(3,709 posts)
8. I agree about her possibilities for winning Eastern KY....
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:40 AM
Nov 2012

but it is a traditional Republican area anyway, although many Dems have won there. She would run well in Lexington and Louisville and likely do alright in Western Kentucky. Hard to say...not sure why she would want to run.

As for Alison Grimes....I've heard that as well...not my choice...I don't think she's strong enough. A good SOS but I don't know about her challenging McConnell. However, I would work for her.

 

Comrade_McKenzie

(2,526 posts)
23. Indeed. We need someone that will make Mitch sweat.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:17 PM
Nov 2012

I don't know if either of these two can pull it off, but would gladly support anyone against Mitch.

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
28. Not sure why she would run?
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:23 PM
Nov 2012

Judd attended 13 schools before college, including the Sayre School[7] in Lexington, Kentucky, Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Kentucky and Franklin High School in Tennessee.[8] She briefly tried modeling in Japan during a school break. An alumni of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Kentucky, she majored in French and minored in anthropology, art history, theater and women's studies. She spent a semester studying in France as part of her major, a move that mirrored her role as Reed in the television series Sisters. She graduated from the UK Honors Program and was nominated to Phi Beta Kappa, but did not graduate with her class.[9] Forgoing her commitment to join the Peace Corps, after college she drove to Hollywood, where she studied with well-respected acting teacher, Robert Carnegie, at Playhouse West. During this time, she worked as a hostess at The Ivy restaurant and lived in a Malibu rental house, which burned down during the great Malibu fires of fall 1993. Around that time her half-sister Wynonna Judd gave her a historic farmhouse and some land in Williamson County, Tennessee, so she moved to Tennessee. That farmhouse has been her primary residence in the US ever since.

Judd was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky on May 9, 2009. Judd subsequently earned a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2010.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Judd

Clearly, politics is not just a whim for Ashley Judd.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
13. There have been rumors for some time now
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:51 AM
Nov 2012

but no specifics as to what spot. This is the very first time I have heard this stated on the MSM, and I felt elated.

I just can't stand Mitch McConnell.

But to answer your question, I think she definitely is interested. She did make an appearance at the Democratic convention and she has for years been specifically involved in types of programs Dems care about. In other words, she is not just another pretty face.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

IL Lib

(190 posts)
60. She was on Andrea Mitchell's show at the DNC
Mon Nov 5, 2012, 02:32 AM
Nov 2012

and spoke on others asking her to consider getting into politics. She seemed to be very open to it. In fact, after that interview I'd be surprised if she doesn't.

CherokeeDem

(3,709 posts)
5. I live in Kentucky...
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:36 AM
Nov 2012

and I haven't heard this...but I could get behind her in a run against McConnell. She is extremely intelligent and issues oriented, but as to whether she would run, who knows. Unfortunately, the Dems in KY do not have a plethora of strong candidates but our Lt. Gov Jerry Abramson could be a strong candidate. I don't want Jack Conway to run for senate yet...I'd like to see him as the Lt. Gov or even run for governor. He wasn't seasoned enough when he ran against Rand Paul...but he has been a very good AG for KY.

At this point, I'd work and vote for anyone against McConnell and Paul.

FarPoint

(12,409 posts)
9. Does Ashley now live in Kentucky?
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:43 AM
Nov 2012

She attended the DNC Convention 2012 as a Tennessee Delegate. I realize she has lived in Kentucky and her family roots are Kentucky. Of course, she can move...there is plenty of time.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
14. Fineman said she is from Kentucky
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:54 AM
Nov 2012

which did surprise me, because I thought her home was in Tennessee. I am not sure where her official domicile is. But it is possible that the place in Tennessee is her family home, and her specific home is in Kentucky. We will have to find out. But there is still a lot of time for her to establish residency from where ever she chooses to run, if she does in fact do so.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

Le Taz Hot

(22,271 posts)
15. I've seen her in interviews.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 11:56 AM
Nov 2012

She seems to be a perfectly bright young woman. Personally, I think it's time to have many more bright women in government seats.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
24. It is almost too good to be true
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:17 PM
Nov 2012

But the good people of Kentucky deserve much better than someone like McConnell "representing their interests." So I will be watching this story with the hopes that it does turn out she decides to take him on. I think she can win.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

blueknight

(2,831 posts)
18. i live in ky
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:05 PM
Nov 2012

and i love ashley, but she could never win. she alienated so many kentuckians with her campaign against coal, also the abortion issue

speedoo

(11,229 posts)
27. If that's all true, her chances are poor.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:22 PM
Nov 2012

To win a statewide race in KY, a Dem would have to be at least center or center right and would have to run a perfect campaign.

Walk away

(9,494 posts)
20. The Pukes absoutely hate her. She is an active Liberal.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:07 PM
Nov 2012

Every mention of her usually draws the most hateful and disgusting comments from right wing freaks.
I haven't seen anything like it since the DU comments about Hillary Clinton in 2007 or the right wing attacks against the President every day.

Wounded Bear

(58,670 posts)
21. This thread is worthless without....
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:11 PM
Nov 2012



If she's a good progressive, I'd love to see her do it! She's been in some great movies, but I don't know much about her politics. From what you guys are saying, it sounds like she could be a good one.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
25. Yes, that is a great contribution to this thread
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:20 PM
Nov 2012

That is who we are talking about. Ashley Judd: involved, smart, aggressive, name recognition, issue-oriented.

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

Wounded Bear

(58,670 posts)
33. Sorry to be a bit tongue in cheek....she is lovely...
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:59 PM
Nov 2012

But it sounds like she's got what it takes, too.

One of the things the Repubs have been doing over the last several election cycles has been beheading the Democratic party, so to speak. They have targeted races for high ranking Reps and Senators with national money and resources and ousting them.

Time to pay them back, in a big way.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
40. That is what I was thinking -- money would not be a problem
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 01:52 PM
Nov 2012

and she could have her good friend Morgan Freeman campaign for her. That would be interesting.

Sam

MoonchildCA

(1,301 posts)
29. I saw her recently
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:44 PM
Nov 2012

on a talk show. She did not rule out running for office. I'm racking my brain trying to remember which show I saw her on.

Are_grits_groceries

(17,111 posts)
31. And you could get Wynona singing on the stump. That would be a plus in Kentucky.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:55 PM
Nov 2012

Loves me some Wynona! She can solid wail.
Not sure if Mama Naomi is well enough to help.

In addition, neither Ashley nor Wynona would take any shite. They made it through rough childhoods, and the businesses they are in are not for pushovers. They are harder than steel if need be. I imagine Ashley could tell you to go to hell nicely or like a sailor.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
41. That would be really great
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 01:54 PM
Nov 2012

I can see it now.

You guys are really painting a great picture of what an Ashly Judd campaign in Kentucky would look like so well I am going to be really let down if it doesn't happen.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

Rocky888

(297 posts)
32. Intelligence and beauty
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 12:57 PM
Nov 2012

Ashley Judd is very intelligent and would be one of the best assets for women and democracy.

obamanut2012

(26,080 posts)
36. She'll kick his ass
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 01:26 PM
Nov 2012

Hometown girl, sharp as a tack and politically savvy (follow her twitter), was a delegate at the Dem Con this year, graduated from Kentucky, and also has an MPA from Harvard, does work for the UN in Youth AIDS and other children's charities.

Also, she is 100% self-made.

on edit: She also shouldn't rule out a Congressional Rep run in either KY or TN.

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
46. Regardless of who democrats put up against McConnell, we need to end his political career.
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 03:15 PM
Nov 2012

The man is a treasonous bastard.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
50. I totally agree
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 05:46 PM
Nov 2012

I don't understand how he's been there as long as he has. It does not appear to me he has ever represented the best interests of the people of Kentucky.

Imagining Ashley Judd taking his seat is just too wonderful. I hope she challenges him and sends him packing.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

ananda

(28,866 posts)
47. Oh yes! Please make it happen!
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 03:16 PM
Nov 2012

I like Ashley Judd's politics! She's sharp, brilliant, human,
and liberal!

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
53. If it happens, it would be a fascinating race to watch
Sun Nov 4, 2012, 10:49 PM
Nov 2012

The contrast between the two is startling.

I believe that there is a huge sleeper vote in Kentucky. I do know that not too long ago, six people were tried and found guilty of manipulating elections there for DECADES. I had always wondered why anyone would vote for Mitch McConnell. He obviously does not serve the best interests of Kentucky. Perhaps he has had "help" in getting where he is today.

A race between a liberal and someone like McConnell in the public eye would be very telling. I truly hope this happens.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

RichGirl

(4,119 posts)
58. I follow her on twitter....
Mon Nov 5, 2012, 01:20 AM
Nov 2012

She has been working hard for Obama. She came to my city and spent a day phone-banking and canvassing.

She tweeted that she was spending the day today making calls from Kentucky.

Samantha

(9,314 posts)
62. Thank you for posting this -- it is nice to read on election eve
Mon Nov 5, 2012, 11:41 PM
Nov 2012

Looking at the possibilities of all the Republicans who may lose their offices, such as Cantor, Bachmann, West, and seeing bright faces appear on the horizon gives me a lot of hope for this Country's future.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

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