KRGV.com

NAUGATUCK, Conn. (AP) Wealthy former pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon is shifting her image from groin-kicking CEO to grandmother in her second bid for a Senate seat from Connecticut.

Polls show the strategy seems to be working against three-term Democratic congressman Chris Murphy.

A Quinnipiac University survey shows the race virtually tied, and McMahon having narrowed her 20-point deficit among women in 2010 to just 4 points now. Democrats are pumping in money for attack ads to help slow McMahon's momentum.

The more motherly McMahon contrasts with her image in 2010, when a video showed her appearing to kick a man in the groin as part of a skit.

The Connecticut race is a bright spot for Republicans struggling to gain the four Senate seats they need to win the majority.