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Wrestling CEO Linda McMahon to Run for Senate

Says Chris Dodd has 'lost his way and our trust'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 16, 2009 12:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – In an announcement sure to inspire a barrage of “stepping into the ring” cracks, Linda McMahon, wife of Vince McMahon and until now CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, is seeking the Republican nomination to take on Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, the Hartford Courant reports. McMahon promised to be “a different kind of candidate,” touting her success as a wrestling executive as a major qualification.

“I’ve spent the past 30 years growing what began as a 13-employee small business into a publicly traded, global entertainment company hat now provides over 500 jobs here in Connecticut,” she said in a statement yesterday. “I understand what it takes to balance a budget, create jobs and grow the economy.” McMahon, who will personally foot the bill for her campaign, will resign her position to make the run. Though typically a behind-the-scenes force for the WWE, she's made several dozen appearances in the ring.

[Images (2)]

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WWE CEO Linda McMahon and her husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, appear in the ring during Vince McMahon's 64th birthday celebration at the WWE Monday Night Raw show in Las Vegas, August 24, 2009. (Getty Images)

Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Federation, speaks during an interview at the company headquarters in Stamford Conn in this March 28, 2001 file photo. (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)

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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. - Linda McMahon

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Wrestling CEO Linda McMahon to Run for Senate