Linda McMahon Brings Listening Tour to Danbury

Linda McMahon heard about soaring insurance costs at Danbury Square Box Thursday, part of the kick-off to her campaign for U.S. Senate.

Michael Allen and Chris Ann Allen at Danbury's 105-year-old box company answered McMahon's questions about the economy by telling her their insurance premiums rose 37.9 percent right now for the rest of 2011 and 2012

McMahon started her political career with her 2010 run for former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd's seat, but lost to then Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

McMahon now set her sights on the U.S. Senate seat held by Joseph Lieberman, who is retiring from the senate in 2011. The start of this year's campaign appears to be focusing on McMahon's entrepreneurial background and how that might benefit business owners and the economy. McMahon formerly worked as an executive in World Wrestling Entertainment, her family's business.

McMahon asked Michael Allen if there were any federal regulations that were hurting the company, and he responded no. He said the box company employs fewer than 50 people, so many federal laws don't apply, and he said it doesn't work with dangerous chemicals.

McMahon's strategy is to meet people early (the election itself is 14 months away) and find out what is on their minds.

Michael Allen said he bought a new GopFert paper cutter for about $500,000 and that same year the economy collapsed. Growing the business is on his mind.

He said the nearly 40 percent increase in insurance costs, combined with the new press payments makes hiring more workers difficult.

"These aren't the right conditions to grow," McMahon asked.

"No," Michael Allen said.