Linda McMahon resigned as CEO of Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., leaping into the ring to grab the Republican nomination to run against U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd.
Her husband, WWE Chairman and co-founder Vince McMahon, becomes CEO.
In a campaign press release, McMahon indicated she would focus her campaign on fighting government spending and debt, and any government-run health insurance program that could emerge from Congress this year.
“I have spent the past 30 years growing what began as a 13-employee small business into a publicly traded, global entertainment company that now provides over 500 jobs here in Connecticut,” she said. “Washington is out of control, and sadly, Sen. Chris Dodd has lost his way and our trust. I can”™t sit by on the sidelines anymore knowing that I have both the experience and the strength to stand up to special interests and bring badly needed change to Washington.”
McMahon said she would not accept any contributions above $100, and would largely self-finance her campaign.
This summer, Gov. M. Jodi Rell appointed Linda McMahon to the Connecticut State Board of Education. McMahon is also a trustee of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and herself is a graduate of East Carolina University.
