Update: Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes announced Monday that she will challenge U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in 2014. In May, apoll stated that Grimes—Kentucky's Secretary of State—was evenly matched against McConnell, who was first elected in 1984. Grimes, an attorney, was elected Secretary of State in 2011.
"I agree with thousands of Kentuckians that Kentucky is tired of 28 years of obstruction," she said in her announcement.Grimes has been a long-rumored possibility for the Democratic primary—especially after actress/activist Ashley Judd declined to run.WFPL is following the developing story and will have more information soon.Earlier: Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is meeting with supporters on Monday afternoon and will make an announcement regarding the U.S. Senate race against Republican Mitch McConnell.Since March, Grimes has been considered the best Democratic choice to run against McConnell in next year’s election at the urging of state and national party figures.Even though she isn't in the race officially, Grimes hasn't been spared attack ads.The McConnell campaign, national Republicans and GOP-leaning super PACs have criticized Grimes in recent weeks trying to link her to President Obama's agenda.Grimes is meeting with a group of regional coordinators at her Frankfort campaign headquarters at 2 p.m., and will talk with the media an hour later."I don't know what she's leaning towards. She hasn't told me," says Jonathan Hurst, a Grimes spokesman. "I couldn't make a guess on it and be honest about it."Republicans were quick to throw cold water on the prospect of a Grimes candidacy, however.Brad Dayspring, a spokesman with the National Republican Senatorial Committee says the start of the July 4 week is an "extremely odd day" to announce a Senate bid. A staffer with the McConnell campaign told WFPL: "Grimes's people are pretty smart. I can't seem them making this her rollout."At least three other Democrats have formally declared their candidacies; Owensboro contract Ed Marksberry, University of Louisville professor Greig Leichty and Louisville music promoter Bennie J. Smith.This post will be udpated
