Ashley Judd Hints at Potential Senate Run

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Ashley Judd made a rare reference to her possible political aspirations today, saying her mother, country star Naomi Judd, can't wait to turn her garage into campaign headquarters.

According to Cincinnati station WXIX-Fox 19, Judd spoke about her future while giving the keynote address at the American Counseling Association's 2013 conference at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, which borders Kentucky.

Judd also tweeted about her speech, saying, "Heartfelt thanks to American Counseling Assoc for having me as your Keynote Speaker today. Thank you for your dedication to hope & healing."

According to the station, Judd referred to her potential campaign against Mitch McConnell and what is likely to be a large budget of attack ads, saying when she started counseling she didn't like to hear criticism, which she said was ironic because she's "about to get $40 million worth of it."

Judd has only rarely spoken publicly of her political aspirations, but is seriously considering entering the Democratic primary to take on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY-R), according to Kentucky political sources.

The ACA posted photos of Judd addressing the crowd, wearing a patterned dress and posing with a T-shirt that read, "Keep Calm and Call a Counselor," a take-off on the famous British phrase from World War II, "Keep Calm and Carry On."

The group also posted a Facebook message calling Judd's speech "truly inspirational," adding that she expressed "gratitude for the unique role that counselors play in shaping important life decisions for recovery."

WXIX reports that she spoke about her experience of seeking treatment in 2006 for a childhood issue that led to depression she suffered as an adult.