Ashley Judd meets with Democratic officials over possible Senate bid

Ashley Judd, whose potential Senate candidacy has some Republicans worried enough to start releasing attack ads, is moving even closer to a bid for Mitch McConnell's Kentucky Senate seat.

The 44-year-old actress and activist met with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee officials for the first time in Washington, D.C., this week, Politico reported Wednesday. The DSCC is dedicated to supporting Democrats running for Senate.

Last week, Judd dined with Democrats in Louisville, including Rep. John Yarmuth and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, reportedly telling them that she planned to come to a decision by Derby Day, May 6.

McConnell, who has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985, said in November that he welcomed Judd's efforts to spur young people's interest in the political process. He also said he liked her movies, which include "Kiss the Girls," "Double Jeopardy" and "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

Karl Rove's super PAC, American Crossroads, couldn't wait for the official announcement, releasing an attack ad earlier this month that depicted Judd as a Hollywood radical.

According to Politico, McConnell has already conducted internal polling in preparation for a race against the actress. A December poll had her four points down.