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A Political Career May Still be in Heather French Henry's Future

Heather French Henry may enter politics one day, but not now.And, if she does, it could be at the state, federal or local level.Henry, a former Miss America and the wife of former Kentucky Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, had indicated that she may be interested in challenging Senator Mitch McConnell in the 2014 election.But she wrote on her blogthat she’d decided to forego the race following Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes’ entry on Monday.Henry said she’d rather focus on her family, business and advocacy for military and veterans issues.For now.“I wouldn’t rule out a political movement in the future from me, but, again, I’m not quite sure," Henry said following an event commemorating construction at the Parklands of Floyds Fork. (Where, incidentally, McConnell was a speaker.)"I have no specific target at this point. I still feel like I’m young enough to have a lot of life in community and with my business and with my family. So that may be a projection that’s down the road.”She said she enjoys being involved in legislative work, stemming from her time as Miss America 2000. But, she added that she thinks she's able to work with "all sides in the political spectrum" as an advocate and that it's "a lot easier to navigate a bipartisan support for things when you’re not in political office."Henry noted that she may even be interested in running for local office because it would have an effect on the people immediately around her.“I’m, again, a big community supporter," she said. " I don’t even know if something local I wouldn’t rule out. I enjoy being able to spend time with my family. I think a federal seat would take that away.”She also said that Grimes will make a strong candidate for the U.S. Senate seat that the former Miss America had considered seeking.“I certainly think it’s great when any woman enters into politics," Henry said. "I think we need more young women entering into the political scene. I think she’s going to do a great job whether she wins or not. I think she’s a strong force, especially within the Democratic Party in Kentucky.”Henry added later: “I think Alison is a very intelligent young woman. I think she’ll be an excellent candidate. I think Mitch McConnell is a formidable candidate, obviously, with a lot of experience. He’ll have a treasure trove, certainly.”

Joseph Lord is the online managing editor for WFPL.