Ex-WWE exec wins GOP primary for Conn. Senate seat

HARTFORD, Conn. – Former wrestling executive Linda McMahon has fended off a late challenge from former Congressman Rob Simmons to win the Republican endorsement for Connecticut's U.S. Senate seat.

McMahon on Tuesday defeated both Simmons and Weston financial expert Peter Schiff in the GOP primary.

Simmons had led the race back when U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd was still planning to seek re-election. He suspended his campaign in May after losing the party's endorsement to McMahon, then restarted his efforts in recent weeks with TV ads reminding voters his name was still on the ballot.

But McMahon, who spent more than $20 million of her own money on the primary race, largely ignored his re-entry. She now faces Democratic Attorney General Richard Blumenthal in November.

Susan Haigh, Associated Press