By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The U.S. Congress's 2008 drug & steroid investigation of pro sports, including WWE and TNA, was the subject of the Hearst Newspaper's major story this morning on what has happened since Congressman Henry Waxman released his findings and recommended independent government oversight in pro wrestling.

"Although Waxman acknowledged improvements, he said the current program lacked 'independence and transparency' and were unable to prevent use of steroids or other illegal drugs by wrestling talent," reported Brian Lockhart.

The story pointed out that has nothing has been done to follow up on Waxman's recommendation. Congress's investigation has come back to life with former WWE CEO Linda McMahon running for Senate in Connecticut and speculation rampant on why Waxman's recommendation was squashed.

The campaign for McMahon's Republican opponent, Rob Simmons, circulated portions of the Heart story this morning. I haven't seen the full text of the story, as it was contained to the print versions of several local newspapers in Connecticut.

However, Simmons is looking to discredit McMahon's ability to run for Senate by questioning her integrity and honesty in being transparent on the drug & steroid issue that has plagued pro wrestling for the last three decades.

"The very fact that a candidate for U.S. Senate has been under congressional investigation should set off alarm bells with voters, and of course the Democrats are just waiting in hopes she is the nominee before they pounce all over this," said Simmons campaign manager Jim Barnett. "The findings speak for themselves ... and they totally contradict everything Linda McMahon is telling Connecticut voters, calling into question her character and judgment."

Caldwell's Analysis: From everything I've heard, Brian Lockhart's story was the most investigative piece of journalism from the Connecticut press looking into McMahon's background as WWE CEO without pulling punches. The story opened the door to questioning how Waxman's recommendation was squashed and why nothing has happened since he recommended independent oversight and more transparency in pro wrestling one year ago.

Political analysts say it's a case of the issue caught in "political limbo" with Waxman's Congressional successors simply not following up or feeling the need to follow up. Perhaps the fall-out will be answers on how WWE and McMahon squashed the topic in Congress and whether we'll actually get an open-book, honest answer from McMahon on the topic.

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