Former WWE wrestling executive becoming GOP mega donor

(AP) — Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who shook up Connecticut with two expensive and contentious, yet unsuccessful U.S. Senate races, has jumped into a larger political ring, becoming a sought-after Republican mega donor who's involved in campaigns across the country, including the battle for president.

During this year's campaign cycle, McMahon has attended the Republican National Convention and been a frequent guest at fundraisers for federal candidates, rubbing elbows with top GOP leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan.

McMahon, 67, who has focused a lot of her efforts on helping Republican women get elected, said the impetus for this new phase of her political life mirrors why she first ran for the U.S. Senate.

The company promotes leadership opportunities for women in business, public service and other careers through conferences, mentoring and eventually small investments in women-owned enterprises.

The Center for Responsive Politics ranks McMahon and her husband Vince — the current CEO of WWE, formerly known as World Wrestling Entertainment — as 78th among the so-called "mega donors" contributing in this election cycle to outside spending groups, such as super PACs, spending $1.17 million so far.