So apparently these are Linda E. McMahon's qualifications to be a U.S. senator - she became very rich by promoting a debased form of entertainment, she is willing to spend a good chunk of that fortune on advertising, and she is not Chris Dodd.

Linda E. McMahon and her husband, Vince McMahon, obtained dominance over the professional wrestling entertainment industry by offering a product that was more violent, outlandishly melodramatic, tacky and sexually exploitive than the programming produced by opponents. The McMahons certainly know how to sell a sensational brand, but how does that qualify Ms. McMahon to be a senator?

Ms. McMahon contends that her business success, growing the Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from a modest enterprise to publicly-traded company that employs 500 people, proves that she will get things done in Washington. Sorry, but I don't see the connection.

It was perplexing when Gov. M. Jodi Rell nominated McMahon for a vacancy on the state Board of Education back in January. Violence and bullying are the last things we want in our schools. So why was the governor appointing the chief executive officer of the WWE - an entertainment business that glorifies violence and bullying - to the board of education?

The intent now appears clear. The appointment provided McMahon with a sliver of credibility, something else to put on the resume, besides former WWE CEO, when she announced her plans to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

Her candidacy should prove a good test case whether money alone is enough to be successful in 21st century U.S. politics. McMahon is already advertising heavily in newspapers and on TV and radio. But her message, so far, is about as shallow as a kiddie pool: She's a different kind of leader who will reduce government spending, attack the bloated bureaucracy and make Washington work for us.

To her credit, McMahon has used her riches and influence to support some good causes - Make-A-Wish Foundation, literacy programs, the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra, the latter apparently an attempt to offset the cultural decline attributable to the WWE.

Take away the money and McMahon would in no way be a credible candidate, but that money has opponents nervous. Her fellow candidates for the Republican nomination, including former Second District congressman Rob Simmons, are already aiming fire her way, pointing out she did not bother to vote in several elections and has lavished campaign donations on Democrats as well as Republicans.

And Democrats are not waiting for the general election either. Colleen Flanagan, communications director for the Connecticut Democratic Party, put together a video of some WWE lowlights to remind folks how McMahon made her money.

While McMahon's soothing voice is heard describing the WWE as "scripted episodic television" offering "a very unique form of entertainment," the video shows just how unique. A wrestler and Victoria Secret-dressed woman have simulated, rough sex in the middle of the ring. In another scene a wrestler pulls the underwear off a corpse and then climbs atop the coffin to have intercourse. That's correct, necrophilia - unique entertainment indeed. Readers can view the video on the pro-Democrat Web site myleftnutmeg.com (that name is evidence poor taste knows no political bounds).

It is hard to imagine someone associated with the type of programming peddled by WWE winning a Senate election, but maybe that's just me being naïve and old-fashioned. McMahon states on her Web site that "she is committed to spend what it takes from her personal resources to send a message that our Senate seat isn't for sale."

If it is not for sale, why is McMahon trying to buy it?

Paul Choiniere is editorial page editor.