Ashley Judd still eyeing Senate campaign

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Actress Ashley Judd said she was still considering running for the U.S. Senate against powerful Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The political novice told The (Louisville) Courier-Journal and Politico she was "taking a close look" at challenging McConnell for one of Kentucky's Senate seats next year.

The Courier-Journal said Judd made her comments while attending the Bluegrass Ball, a high-end party in the heart of the Beltway sponsored by Kentucky Society of Washington.

Judd had not made any statements on her political aspirations in person before Saturday's soiree, the newspaper said, but was sounding much like a candidate.

"The people of Kentucky need a fighter," Judd said. "And certainly going back 10 generations, I've got some fighters from those hills in my family."

McConnell, who has been in the Senate since 1985, did not attend the Bluegrass Ball and could not be reached for comment.