Blumenthal, McMahon Come Out Swinging in First Debate

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, clashed in the first of three debates Sunday night, with Blumenthal criticizing McMahon's leadership in a company that "markets sex and violence" and McMahon calling attention to Blumenthal's past claims that he served in the Vietnam War.

Blumenthal, a Democrat, and McMahon, a Republican, are vying for the U.S. Senate seat held by Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, who decided not to seek re-election this year after five six-year terms. They debated in Hartford's Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Blumenthal criticized McMahon for what he said was her plan to lower the minimum wage. He also chastised WWE's hiring of lobbyists to influence legislation.

"She's made money on a company that markets sex and violence," Blumenthal charged.

According to Politico.com, WWE worked with the 'Girls Gone Wild' enterprise for a pay-per-view event.

McMahon called attention to Blumenthal's lack of business experience, his support of repealing Bush-era tax rates, and the controversy surrounding his military service in the Vietnam era.

For a state with an 8.9 percent unemployment rate, the economy ranks high among voters on the list of things that need changing.

While Blumenthal advocates government presence to attract and keep jobs, McMahon favors slashing the 35 percent corporate tax rate in Connecticut.

But neither candidate offered many specifics during the debate on exactly how they would create jobs.

To underscore the race's negativity, the moderator aired ad footage from each side. Both candidates then responded.

McMahon's new ad, which aired hours before the debate, shows footage of Blumenthal misleadingly referring to his service in Vietnam. In it, Blumenthal says, "We have learned something important since the days I served in Vietnam."

Blumenthal never actually served in Vietnam during wartime. Instead, he deferred several times before joining the Marine Corps Reserve.

Blumenthal responded to the ad saying that he remains proud of his service.

"I described it inaccurately. I am sorry, particularly to our Vietnam veterans," Blumenthal said. "I have championed their cause for more than 20 years and will continue to do so."

Blumenthal called the health care legislation a good start, while McMahon repeated her call for a repeal of the health care legislation approved by the U.S. Congress. "We need to repeal it or start over from the beginning, or continue to see doctors leave the profession or not take Medicare," she said. McMahon said tort reform also should be on the table.