The following was issued by the Associated Press:
Wrestling Exec Faces Tough Questions
Linda McMahon, chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., has survived round one in her nomination to Connecticut’s State Board of Education despite some tough questions by critics.
A legislative committee has approved her appointment, 11-2. Her nomination now moves to the Senate.
Some state lawmakers say her appointment sends the wrong message to impressionable students.
Rep. Shawn Johnston, a Democrat from Thompson, says he brought his sons to a WWE event and was surprised by what he called an “incredible sexual overtone” at the performance.
McMahon, who was appointed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, says she doesn’t believe the WWE product reflects on her ability to serve on the board.