As Jo Mannies wrote earlier this year, one of the worst kept secrets in Jefferson City has been the chilly relationship between two go-it-alone Democratic leaders, Claire McCaskill and Jay Nixon.

But, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

With McCaskill earning a national reputation in Washington — and no longer pining to becoming Missouri’s first female governor — and Jay Nixon enjoying the backing of a unified party, their rivalry has eased into camarederie.

Now, McCaskill has a new role in Nixon’s campaign for governor: fundraiser.

The senator sent a note to supporters this week, urging them donate to Nixon’s campaign by Monday, the deadline for quarterly financial reports.

McCaskill, who was narrowly defeated by Gov. Matt Blunt in 2004, said she expects another close contest — “Missouri governor’s races always are.”

“I know just how tough the road ahead is,” McCaskill wrote,  “for my good friend Jay Nixon.”