Linda McMahon has front row seat for Malloy’s budget address

Former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon, ex-CEO of Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment, is at the capitol this afternoon for new Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy’s budget address.

“I’m here to listen to the governor and say hello to old friends,” said McMahon, whom many consider a strong contender for U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman’s seat in 2012.

Lieberman, an “independent Democrat” from Stamford who a long time ago had issues with WWE programming but in more recent elections received donations from Linda and husband Vince, announced his retirement last month.

During her self-financed campaign last year for U.S. Senate, McMahon said she wanted to make job growth a priority.

I asked her for her thoughts on some of the budget info, particularly economic and taxation policies, the Malloy administration has been unveiling in recent days prior to this afternoon’s address.

“I’m going to leave commentary right now to Mr. Cafero (state House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, R-Norwalk),” McMahon said.

McMahon is sitting in the front row, reserved for guests of Cafero, next to Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and near Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia.

Brian Lockhart