According to several news sources, including Politico, Hollywood film actress Ashley Judd is looking into a Senate run against Mitch McConnell in 2014. Judd was very active in President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns.
While many Democrats are excited about the possibility of Judd running against McConnell because of her star power and fundraising potential, others are cautious considering, among other factors, McConnell’s strong standing in the very red state of Kentucky (Romney 61% vs. Obama 38% in the 2012 Presidential election).
I hope that she runs, not only because I truly believe that Mitch McConnell must go, but because she would add to the ranks of Democratic women in Congress, something that I believe is essential to make our government more balanced as we move our country forward. Ms. Judd is also an intelligent and articulate activist who has taken up important issues such as Aids, abortion rights and the environment and holds a Master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky), told Politico that Ms. Judd is “very, very knowledgeable on public policy issues.”
However, I am concerned that her lack of political experience, especially in running for office, might be a serious handicap against such a seasoned slimy opponent, especially one that feels so secure in his seat that he had no qualms to announce that his #1 priority was a one-term Obama presidency, back in 2010.
If Ms. Judd decides to run and wins, she will join another Hollywood-celebrity-turned-politician in Congress. After a drawn-out recount battle in the 2008 election, comedian and satirist Al Franken took his Senate seat from Minnesota and has proven to be a serious senator, or as The Daily Beast explained, in 2010, “The funnyman turned freshman senator has quietly made himself a force to be reckoned with in Washington.”
Imagine that, Hollywood entertainers going to Washington to govern competently and responsibly while lifelong politicians like Mitch McConnell entertain their political ambitions by making a mockery of bipartisanship and the greater good.
So yes, I want Ashley Judd to run for the Senate and this is what I would tell her:
“Ms. Judd, I think that you need to run. We need Someone Like You to put the Heat on Mitch McConnell and send him packing. He has and continues to commit High Crimes against our country by being one of the leaders of the most obstructionist Congress in the history of our nation, by putting political ambition for himself and his party above responsible governance, and by forgetting that he serves the American people.
This is A Time To Kill political gridlock and to remove from power those who through extremism have Twisted and distorted our political process and who have gone too far in their opposition to President Obama. You must go Where The Heart Is, but I am one who is hoping that yours will lead you to the U.S. Senate.”
I know it sounds overly dramatic, but that’s what happens when you try to make a political statement using movie titles. However, don’t misunderstand me, I might have used humor to make my point, but on my wish that Ashley Judd kicks Mitch McConnell out, I’m dead serious.
