Senate Dems headed for a Smackdown

WWE CEO Linda McMahon wades into Conn. Senate race
By Andrew Miga, Associated Press Writer

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.

Well the Democrats just better go ahead and hand back control of the House and Senate. I was already concerned the GOP would be making a comeback when Tim Tebow eschews the NFL to go into politics, but if the WWE gets involved we're talking about the demolition of the DNC as we know it.

In fact, with the GOP out of a reliable candidate for President in '12 I think they should go with Hulk Hogan against Obama. Even if Obama starts with a huge lead, Hogan can 'hulk' up in the middle of the race and come from behind.

But back to Linda McMahon. I'm excited she's made this decision. I think she could be good on Capitol Hill. She drinks a damn good beer even if she can't take a Stone Cold Stunner.