WWE CEO Linda McMahon wades into Conn. Senate race By ANDREW MIGA, Associated Press Writer – 30 mins ago WASHINGTON – Pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon has never been shy about wading into the ring — and now she's plotting a smackdown of Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd.
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said Wednesday McMahon has resigned as the company's chief executive to seek the Republican nomination for Dodd's Connecticut seat, providing a show-business twist to one of the nation's marquee Senate races.
McMahon, 60, launched her candidacy saying the five-term incumbent Dodd has "lost his way and our trust." Dodd plans to run for a sixth term next year and is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats.
McMahon's candidacy recalls the move brash Jesse Ventura made back in 1999, jumping from pro wrestling to the Minnesota governorship...<edit>
...McMahon faces three other Republicans — former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, state Sen. Sam Caligiuri and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley. She is expected to tap her personal wealth to help pay for the race.
"Given that Linda McMahon would be the fourth candidate in what will likely be an ugly primary fight, we're more than happy to see her get into the ring," said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman Eric Schultz.
McMahon could face criticism for some unsavory aspects of WWE's programming, particularly its sexually suggestive and violent themes. There could also be questions about whether her candidacy is motivated at least in part as a public relations ploy.
"At some level it's not a surprise that someone with a lot of money who is bored in her job would run," said Roy Occhiogrosso, a veteran Democratic strategist and Dodd supporter. "It certainly lends itself to all kinds of interesting metaphors."
When McMahon was appointed by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell to the Connecticut Board of Education, she sparked criticism from some lawmakers who said it sent a wrong message to children. Her appointment was approved by the General Assembly this year... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090916/ap_on_bi_ge/us_wwe_ceo_senate
