WWE CEO Linda McMahon wades into Conn. Senate race - Dodd's seat

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - WWE CEO Linda McMahon wades into Conn. Senate race - Dodd's seat

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:13:59 AM EDT

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.

WWE, which is behind such television shows as "Raw" and "Friday Night SmackDown" is known for its over-the-top performers, rowdy story lines and scantily clad women known as "divas."

McMahon
and her family have been occasional performers. McMahon, who typically
worked behind the scenes at the WWE, has said she's appeared in
portions of the shows at least several dozen times during her more than
25-year-career. One video on the Internet shows her in the ring,
appearing to kick a man in the groin.

Linda and Vince McMahon,
a professional wrestler, announcer and promoter, co-founded WWE
together. Linda McMahon has served as CEO since May 1997 and served as
the company's president from May 1993 through June 2000. Vince McMahon
has been chairman since 1980.

McMahon's husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, will assume her duties as CEO, the company said in a statement.

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.

The
WWE has been under fire in recent years following the unexpected deaths
of several former and active wrestlers, some which have been related to
substance abuse. Congress asked the WWE for answers after the 2007
murder-suicide deaths of one of the WWE's top stars, Chris Benoit, and his family.

The company in 2006 began a substance-abuse policy that requires tests for steroids and other drugs.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090916/ap_on_bi_ge/us_wwe_ceo_senate

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:14:59 AM EDT

[#1]

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:15:54 AM EDT

[#2]

Pretty much anyone would be an improvement.

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:16:04 AM EDT

[#3]

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:16:31 AM EDT

[#4]

She has my vote. Dodd is an A-hole and must go! Opps.. I forgot I don't live in CT.

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:18:47 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
She has my vote. Dodd is an A-hole and must go! Opps.. I forgot I don't live in CT.

It doesn't matter. Maybe I'll call up ACORN and tell them if they give me a ride up there I'll vote for Dodd.

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:21:36 AM EDT

[#6]

She is a rather large breasted woman. I don't see her going too far in the race, though.

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:23:55 AM EDT

[#7]

I guess I need to be the first to say this. Pics or GTFO.

Dealing with prima donna pro wrestlers with all their drama should be the perfect experience for dealing with congress.

Posted: 9/16/2009 10:25:24 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

I guess I need to be the first to say this. Pics or GTFO.

Dealing with prima donna pro wrestlers with all their drama should be the perfect experience for dealing with congress.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - WWE CEO Linda McMahon wades into Conn. Senate race - Dodd's seat

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