McMahon U.S. Senate Campaign Stops In Groton

The former World Wrestling Entertainment chief, down but not out, has re-entered the ring, ready for round two.

After spending $50 million of her own money in a failed 2010 bid for a U.S. Senate seat, Linda McMahon announced this week she’s seeking the Republican nomination for the seat soon to be vacated by retiring Senator Joe Lieberman, D-Conn. 

“This time I’m not starting from scratch,” McMahon said after a sit-down with employees at Columbia Air Services in Groton, part of a 3-day tour of small businesses across the state in advance of a job creation plan she said she’ll roll out in the next few weeks.

“I’ve learned so much. This time I do want to make more personal connections,” she said, especially with demographic groups that she failed to connect with in 2010. “I’m going to sit with different groups and women’s groups. I want people to see that I am not the tough, uncaring CEO.”

Democrats and others have accused McMahon of “putting profits” before the welfare of her employees.

“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said. “We’re really trying to take care of (employees of WWE). The truth is the first employee (of WWE) – from 1980 -- is still there.”

Thursday morning, McMahon sat with about 20 Columbia employees, made her campaign pitch and fielded questions, though few were asked.

“I’m not just talking about jobs, I have recommendations,” McMahon told workers, at least one of whom, while concerned about job creation, focused on current economic conditions and job security.

“I’ve seen this company on top but in the last few years coming down. My 401k is evaporating. We haven’t gotten a raise in three years. We’re pedaling as fast as we can. I’m 55 and have no chance of retiring.  I’m frustrated,” the 25-year Columbia Air veteran said.

McMahon echoed: “I’m frustrated, too.”

“You know when I was asked why I’m doing this again I said I just don’t think I can sit on the sidelines,” McMahon said. “The general unrest in the country, in the state will be more on my side.”

McMahon told workers and Columbia co-owner Harry Holt that she “pledges” to work on behalf of small business, especially struggling business.

“I get how this economy impacts small business. Our economy is on the wrong track,” she said. “We’ve got to put our house in order. I will work as hard as I can to make changes.”

Specific changes to promote job growth, she said, she will unveil in the coming weeks.

When she was asked by an employee about what, if any, impact she would have on state level policy she admitted that she would have little direct influence, but added that she would have some say in Congress when it comes to unfunded federal mandates. She pointed to No Child Left Behind, the Bush Administration education mandate, as an example of a mandate that states had trouble funding.

McMahon has said that during this campaign, she will accept campaign donations – in 2010 she used her own money and donations under $100. 

She said supporters will consider donating “because people will say, ‘I believe in what you’re trying to do. I’m willing to put my $5, my $10 there,’” she said.

Columbia Air Services was the first stop Thursday on a McMahon campaign sweep of small business across the state. Columbia employees 70 people in several locations, although the company general counsel said in better years, the company has employed upwards of 100-plus.