Simmons and McMahon: BFFs Now?

Rob Simmons waged a bitter primary battle against Linda McMahon in 2010, but there are signs that the former congressman and the one-time wrestling magnate are mending fences.

First, Simmons defended McMahon on “Face the State,” the WFSB public affairs program hosted by Dennis House. The show, which airs Sunday morning at 11, was taped Thursday night.

Now comes word from author Ron Winter that Simmons will be appearing at a GOP unity rally in Groton early next month with McMahon.

“Among the many reasons that McMahon’s event is such bad news for Murphy is the scheduled attendance by retired Army Colonel, Vietnam Veteran, and former 2nd District Congressman Rob Simmons, who ran against McMahon in 2010,” writes Winter, a Vietnam veteran who is close to Simmons.

Simmons, who represented the 2nd District in Congress from 2001-2007, now works for the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, a position that prohibits him from endorsing political candidates. However he is permitted appear at political events and discuss the issues of the day, Winter writes, and will attend the rally on Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Mystic Marriott.

“Simmons’ appearance in Groton next Wednesday is a major boost for McMahon’s campaign, even if he can’t make a formal endorsement of her candidacy,” Winter writes. “His popularity among eastern Connecticut voters can certainly be counted on to make up the minds of undecided voters and further energize a base that already has shown it is significantly on board with McMahon.”