The head of the Connecticut Democratic Party has filed a complaint against World Wrestling Entertainment with the Federal Election Commission. The Wednesday filing
claims that recent WWE ads and promotions amount to improper coordination in support of Republican candidate Linda McMahons bid for the U.S. Senate.
Linda McMahon maintains a close personal, familial and financial connection to the WWE, and is relying upon the resources of that company to advance her campaign in an apparently coordinated manner, said Nancy DiNardo, chair of the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee, in a letter to Christopher Hughey, FEC acting general counsel.
We therefore request that the FEC open an investigation into these WWE events and broadcasts occurring just prior to and during the upcoming election and impose any appropriate civil penalties.
McMahon and her family own a majority interest in WWE, which is headquartered in Stamford. McMahon is running against Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic candidate, for the senate seat being vacated by Chris Dodd.
In her letter, DiNardo cites several examples of what she says are inappropriate uses of WWE corporate resources to support McMahons campaign. They include scheduling of a Fan Appreciation Day in Hartford on Oct. 30, launching a rapid response campaign to aid McMahons Senate bid by quickly rebutting attacks, and purchasing commercial time in Connecticut to broadcast ads touting WWEs and, by implication, McMahons philanthropic work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
WWE addressed DiNardos complaint Wednesday on its Web site, where McMahons husband, Vince McMahon, is quoted as saying, World Wrestling Entertainment will not be bullied or intimidated by whining allegations intended to censor our freedom of speech.
The site states that WWEs recent promotional campaign, Stand Up for WWE, was launched in response to malicious and misleading attacks reported by some members of the media.
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