From Eric Dondero:

Republican primary candidate and former CT Congressman Rob Simmons has been on the defensive over a letter of praise he wrote in 2005 to Jimmy Carter. Rep. Simmons was thanking the former Democrat President for helping to keep open a submarine base. But he went over the top in praise:

"I can only say, Mr. President, that the courage, character and integrity you have shown over the many years of your extraordinary career makes us all proud to have voted for you so many years ago, and makes us proud to be Americans."

According to the Hartford Courant, the letter was uncovered by self-described "libertarian Republican," D. Dowd Muska.

No word on whether the hit came from the libertarian Republican campaign of Peter Schiff or the libertarian-leaning Republican campaign of wrestling entertainment wife Linda McMahon. But Simmons took the opportunity to take a shot directed at only McMahon.

Continuing from the Courant:

Questions about the letters roiled the Simmons campaign into firing buckshot at Republican competitor Linda McMahon, who has made hefty contributions to Democrats, declaring she and her husband "have dodged federal authorities and come under congressional investigation" in their wrestling empire.

"Dodged federal authories and under investigation" by a Democrat-controlled Congres?

That could actually serve as a great positive for McMahon in the GOP primary, particularly with staunchly conservative and libertarian Tea Party minded primary voters.

Recent polls show all three potential GOP candidates to be comfortably ahead of embattled incumbent Democrat Christopher Dodd.