WWE CEO joins Senate fray

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.