Quick Newbie Question

[Josh]

Can Python be used on one Linux machine to drive another Linux machine 
through SSH? I am currently running Putty on my XP box to run tests on a 
Linux box. I need to automate these tests and thought it would be fun to 
  do so from a Linux VMWare Image I recently setup. Does this sound 
do-able without too much effort? I already know the Linux commands I 
need to run but just need an interactive shell connection through SSH. 
Again is Python a good choice for this or something else?
Thanks,

JR