Sen. Blumenthal Praises Former Challenger, Linda McMahon, Following Trump Nomination
NEW YORK (CBSnewYork/AP) -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal had nothing but kind words for Linda McMahon after President-elect Donald Trump announced he's adding the former wrestling executive to his Cabinet as leader of the Small Business Administration.
McMahon and her husband, Vince, founded and built World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., now a publicly traded sports entertainment company. She stepped down as the company's chief executive officer in 2009 and in recent years began a start-up to encourage more women business owners.
She ran two expensive, contentious, yet ultimately unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. Senate in her home state of Connecticut. She's also a sought-after Republican donor.
McMahon and Blumenthal faced off in a sometimes brutal fight six years ago, when she challenged him for his long held U.S. Senate seat.
"Her sense of focus and drive are qualities much in need along with her devotion to jobs and economic growth which the Trump administration needs," Blumenthal told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau. "I'm hopeful she will create jobs and drive economic progress for the country."
Blumenthal said so far the president-elect's nominees are lacking in economic skills, which the senator believes must be brought to the incoming administration, Schneidau reported.
McMahon will be a "champion for small businesses and unleash America's entrepreneurial spirit all across the country," Trump said Wednesday.
In a statement, McMahon said she's honored to join an economic team that will "promote our country's small businesses and help them grow and thrive.''
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