Connecticut Dems Smackdown: File Complaint Alleging WWE-McMahon Coordination

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http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/10/connecticut-dems-file-complain.html

The Connecticut Democratic Party filed a formal complaint with the Federal Elections Commission today alleging "illegal coordination" between Linda McMahon's (R) Senate campaign and World Wrestling Entertainment.

The wrestling organization, led by her husband, Vince McMahon, launched an initiative Monday to retaliate against criticism from Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal about steroid use among wrestlers and the organization's treatment of employees.

(snip)

"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," state party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo wrote in a letter to the FEC. "We therefore request that the FEC open an investigation into these WWE events occurring just prior to and during the upcoming election and impose any appropriate penalties."

(snip)
DiNardo alleges coordination in several areas, including WWE's first-ever "Fan Appreciation Day" in Hartford the Saturday before the election and the potential interference of an election night WWE event in Bridgeport, one of the state's Democratic strongholds. The WWE initiative also repeatedly references the candidates in the Senate race.

[Angry Dragon]

1. Settle it in the ring

[gratuitous]

2. Oh, please

Just because WWE is having its first-ever "Fan Appreciation Day"? They're just getting with the program blazed by so many other sports and franchises. They're having it where? Oh. Bridgeport, Connecticut? I was not aware that Bridgeport had a particular affinity for professional wrestling. Well, I'm sure it's just a coincidence that Mrs. McMahon is running for office in Connecticut. A mere coincidence.

Yeah, this looks like it crosses the line. The WWE may find out that not every adjudicatory body is quite as oblivious as the referees it hires for its matches.