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GOP Lukewarm on Wrestling CEO's Senate Bid

McMahon has money to burn, but may not be able to unseat Dodd

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2009 8:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – With Linda McMahon eying him as the ultimate takedown of her takedown-filled career, Sen. Chris Dodd has reason to be nervous. The former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment has sharp business acumen, star power—and, perhaps most significantly, $30 million she’s willing to spend to wrest his Connecticut Senate seat from him. But McMahon makes Connecticut Republicans nervous, too. If she becomes the candidate, her past with the WWE could prove a political liability.

Liberal blogs are already cracking wrestling jokes at every opportunity, the New York Times reports. And if she loses, McMahon will have put the eventual nominee—perhaps Rob Simmons, a former congressman favored by the Republican establishment—through an expensive and taxing primary battle.

Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Federation, speaks during an interview at the company headquarters in Stamford Conn.
Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Federation, speaks during an interview at the company headquarters in Stamford Conn.   (AP Photo/Douglas Healey)
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. listens to witness testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. listens to witness testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP photo/Harry Hamburg, FILE)
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There are going to be people who will make a clear case against her — that she has built her business by objectifying women and promoting violence. That will significantly weaken her ability to win against Dodd.
- Sean William, Conn. Republican

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
NickFromL.A.
Oct 5, 2009 8:59 AM CDT
The only candidate that makes sense is Peter Schiff. www.schiffforsenate.com. Check him out on youtube.
cornelison
Oct 5, 2009 7:50 AM CDT
Just for laughs I'd love to hear Jesse Ventura's take on this topic - including late night comedians. I also wonder if she'll hire some wrestlers to be her bodyguards.
LoudProudLib
Oct 5, 2009 3:58 AM CDT
"if the national gop doesnt like her, I do already"...now theres some words of wisdom..NOT! How can she even without suppprt from the gop? Your crowd of haters do not number enough to win city dog catching elections let alone local state and national elections...really....Where do you plan to get voters from...really....

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