KY. U.S. SENATE RACE McConnell Readying For Tough Re-Election Fight
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Mar. 3, 2013 3:53 PM EST
Updated: Mar. 3, 2013 4:00 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Frankfort, Franklin County
, Kentucky
U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is gearing up for a tough re-election fight next year in Kentucky.
He's also trying to prevent one.
McConnell is trying to head off a GOP primary challenge by cozying up to the tea party. And he's trying to scare off potential Democratic contenders -- actress Ashley Judd is one -- by providing a glimpse of his no-holds-barred political tactics.
The strategy seems to be working, so far.
No serious Republican opponent has emerged, and Democrats haven't yet fielded a candidate.
Judd is a Kentucky native who lives in Tennessee. She would have to re-establish a residence in Kentucky before she could challenge McConnell.
Defeating McConnell would be the Democrats' biggest prize of the 2014 election.
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