Conn. Republicans endorse former wrestling exec McMahon for US Senate run against Blumenthal

Conn. Republicans endorse McMahon for US Senate

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Republicans have endorsed former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Chris Dodd.

McMahon beat out former Congressman Rob Simmons and Fairfield County money manager Peter Schiff for the Republican nomination on Friday night.

Simmons, a Vietnam veteran, said Friday that he would force a party primary in August. He received enough votes at the convention to do so.

The winner will face state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal in November. Blumanthal received the Democratic party’s endorsement for the Senate seat earlier Friday.

McMahon has acknowledged that she provided information for news reports that Blumenthal had distorted his record of military service during the Vietnam War.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Republicans have endorsed former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Chris Dodd.

McMahon says she’s going to “lay the smackdown” on Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal in November. Blumanthal received the Democratic party’s endorsement for the Senate seat earlier Friday.

McMahon beat out former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons and Fairfield County money manager Peter Schiff for the Republican nomination.

She stepped down as chief executive officer of WWE last fall to run and pledged $50 million for the race.

McMahon has acknowledge that she provided information for news report that Blumenthal had distorted his record of military service during the Vietnam War.