Cross one more star off the political path. Ashley Judd has decided not to run as a Democratic challenger to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky.
In a statement posted on Twitter today, Judd thanked supporters “for the months of remarkable support and encouragement,” but said she isn’t going to make the run.
“After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family. Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate.
“I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader. While that won't be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people and their needs, dreams, and great potential," Judd said. "Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!"
The possibility that Judd was seriously entertaining a run became readily apparent in two events.
First, Karl Rove’s American Crossroads PAC began running a small Web ad campaign targeting Judd. Then, Judd came to Washington to meet with the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.
their needs, dreams, and great potential.Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people &
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
~ who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader.While that won't be me at this time, I will continue to work as ~
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate.I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months ~
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family.
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
