Nation in brief: Wrestling executive to challenge Dodd

Washington – Pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon has never been shy about wading into the ring – and now she’s plotting a smackdown of Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said Wednesday McMahon has resigned as the company’s chief executive to seek the Republican nomination for Dodd’s seat, providing a show-business twist to one of the nation’s marquee Senate races.

“I never do anything half-heartedly,” McMahon said Wednesday. “I am 100 percent serious about this race.”

McMahon, 60, launched her candidacy saying the five-term incumbent Dodd has “lost his way and our trust.” Dodd plans to run for a sixth term next year.

McMahon’s candidacy recalls the move brash Jesse Ventura made back in 1999, jumping from pro wrestling to the Minnesota governorship.

Vote would permit guns on trains

Washington – The Senate voted Wednesday to permit passengers on the Amtrak passenger railroad to transport handguns in their checked baggage.

The proposal, approved by a 68-30 vote, seeks to give Amtrak riders rights comparable to those enjoyed by airline passengers, who are permitted to transport firearms provided that they declare they are doing so and that the arms are unloaded and in a securely locked container.

The measure would deny the railroad its $1.6 billion taxpayer subsidy unless it changes the gun policy.

Current Amtrak policy, put in place after the bombings of passenger trains in Madrid five years ago, prohibits weapons, including firearms, from being carried on its trains.