Attack Ad Launched Toward Linda McMahon, Ripped For Past Ties To WWE

Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy is taking Linda McMahon to task over her past ties to WWE as the Connecticut Senate hopeful released a new television advertisement Wednesday accusing the wrestling executive of laying off employees while her company hauled millions in tax credits.

The ad also accuses McMahon of denying Medicare, Social Security and unemployment to her wrestlers.

"McMahon laid off workers while taking millions in tax credits. Denied them health care," the advertisement says.

In response, WWE said to NorwichBulletin.com that its full-time employees have always had health insurance, while its wrestlers are responsible for acquiring their own health insurance.

According to Murphy's campaign, McMahon laid off 10 percent of her work force in 2009 and then received about $10 million in tax credits designed to create jobs.

"Since day one, McMahon has been running on her record as a 'job creator,' but the truth is that McMahon is a job killer," said Murphy spokeswoman Taylor Lavender.

WWE said after reducing its work force by 10 percent, the tax credits enabled the company expand its work force by almost 30 percent.

The ad also states, "Linda McMahon took home $46 million a year. Now she's proposing to give herself an up to $7 million tax cut. That's the real Linda McMahon. She takes care of herself, no matter who pays the price. Linda McMahon, profits before people."

McMahon campaign spokesman Todd Abrajano said of Murphy's attack, "This new ad from Chris Murphy is just a desperate attempt to distract from the issues that come to light in his campaign."