Linda McMahon, the former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO and now Connecticut Republican Senate nominee, says she will continue to self-finance her campaign — and she’s not ruling out the idea of spending $50 million or more.
“I started out against men who — Rob Simmons first, as a Republican, had many years with the exposure to the state of Connecticut, people knew him — and now with Richard Blumenthal who has a 20-year head start,” said McMahon, appearing on Good Morning America. “So I’ve said from the beginning that I would spend what it would take for the people of Connecticut to know who I am and what I stand for. It’s money I’ve earned, it’s money I’m willing to invest, to be a public servant for the people of Connecticut.”
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“So if it takes $50 million or more, you’ll spend it?” asked George Stephanopoulos.
“Well what I want to do is to make sure that I don’t have to sacrifice any of my independence,” McMahon answered. “I’m not gonna take any special interest money or any PAC money, and when I get to Washington I want to be the voice of the people of Connecticut, and not owe special favors.”
[TPM SLIDESHOW: Bringing The Smackdown: Linda McMahon’s Campaign For Senate, And Her Colorful Pro-Wrestling Past]
The TPM Poll Average, composed at this point of pre-primary data, gives Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal a lead of 51.4%-39.6%.
The key moment comes at the 2:00 mark:
