Published: September 16, 2009 11:50 am      

Linda McMahon running against Dodd

GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) — World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. says Linda McMahon is stepping down as chief executive officer to seek the Republican nomination to run against Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd.

WWE said in a statement Wednesday morning that McMahon's husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, is assuming her duties.

Linda McMahon formally announced her candidacy Wednesday morning. She says Washington is "out of control" and Dodd has "lost his way and our trust." She says she has the strength to stand up to special interests and bring change to Washington.

The 60-year-old Greenwich resident is up against three other Republicans — former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, state Sen. Sam Caligiuri and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley. Dodd plans to run for a sixth term next year.