It may have been a throwaway line – then again – maybe it was a personal challenge.

Auditor Adam Edelen, addressing the junior senator from Kentucky Rand Paul, said, “Senator, if you’re listening to me – you’re next.”

The remark came in the middle of a passionate speech to Democrats at the Alben Barkley Democratic Dinner in Paducah on Thursday evening before one of the most watched Fancy Farm Picnics in recent memory, First there was silence – then applause.

The crowd was hearing Edelen’s taunt as an announcement that the Kentucky Auditor who had just announced he would not run for governor was going to challenge Paul in two years.

Senator Paul has not officially announced his intentions yet – but trips to Iowa and New Hampshire are clear signals that he has his eye on the White House. Under present Kentucky law, Paul can only run for one office at a time. He will have to choose his race. A bill filed in the last session to allow candidates to run for two offices passed the GOP Kentucky Senate, but failed in the Democratic House.

Edelen has said he intends to run for another term as State Auditor. But he hasn't filed for any office yet.

If he’s talking about Rand Paul following Senator McConnell out the door, then he may be seriously considering a run for the US Senate.

Maybe it was a personal challenge - or maybe it was just a throwaway line. Whatever it was, the answer won't be clear until after November 4th.