An announcement officially launching Linda McMahon's second U.S. Senate campaign is imminent, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Jerry Labriola told the New Haven Register.
McMahon, the former chief executive officer of World Wrestling Entertainment, spent more than $50 million of her own money during an unsuccessful campaign against Democrat Richard Blumenthal in 2010.
McMahon will be one of several Republicans who will seek the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Labriola said. She's on the "eve" of announcing and it will come before the end of the month, he said.
Lieberman has decided not to run for re-election in 2012.
"She has a distinguished career as a businesswoman and a job creator and I believe she will make a strong candidate," Labriola told the newspaper.
When it comes to the May 2012 party convention and August 2012 primary, Labriola said he will be "an honest broker" for the U.S. Senate nomination and for the other candidates pursuing various congressional seats.
"I expect the party to have a healthy debate and, after it is over, I expect we will be united going into the election," Labriola told the Register.
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Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays will launch his campaign next month, Labriola said. Former Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy has filed an exploratory committee and Brian Cahill of Hartford has formed a candidate committee.
David Walker, the former comptroller general, and former LT. Gov. Michael Fedele are weighing their options, party officials said.
