Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda E. McMahon, an extraordinarily wealthy political rookie who just one year ago was largely unknown outside of her industry, has emerged as the victor in Tuesday's three-way Republican primary.
By a decisive margin, McMahon defeated Republicans Rob Simmons and Peter Schiff. She now faces Democrat Richard Blumenthal in a November battle to fill the U.S. Senate seat long held by Christopher Dodd.
The race drew national attention as much for its lavish spending as for its bizarre, sideshow qualities. McMahon already plowed more than $21 million of her vast fortune into her campaign and has said she is prepared to spend up to $29 million more.
Her critics combed YouTube for embarrassing footage of her in the ring; one clip of her kicking a wrestler in the groin wound up in a Schiff ad. Opponents also attacked WWE for the sexually provocative nature of some of its content as well as its failure to prevent wrestlers from abusing steroids and other drugs.
But McMahon successfully portrayed herself as a savvy businesswoman who will bring a fresh approach to Washington. It was a message that resonated, especially in a year when many voters appear to have grown weary of D.C. insiders. She also assembled a skilled campaign team and top-notch opposition research. And she turned out to be a skilled campaigner who connected with voters on the trail.