Penza, 12 August 2015. PenzaNews. Russian State Duma deputy from the Communist Party Vladimir Simagin, who entered into a valid marriage with Dina Bogatyryova in Penza last Thursday, August 6, said that a decision on a modest wedding in a family circle was made together with the bride.

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“The wedding took place in a fairly warm friendly atmosphere. And the fact that it was done secretly, proves that it has nothing to do with any election, any election campaign. It happened the way it happened,” he said during a meeting with journalists in the press center of PenzaNews agnecy on Wednesday, August 12.

Responding to a question whether the family life can possibly interfere with preparing for the gubernatorial elections to be held on September 13, Vladimir Simagin responded categorically.

“I do not understand how the family can interfere with anything? Family is the rear. Family is support. Speaking about modesty. Yes, I did not get very expensive watch,” the Russian State Duma deputy joked, hinting at his watch, presented by the Olympic champion in figure skating Tatiana Navka as a wedding gift to the groom — the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov.

The playful tone was shared by Yuri Afonin, deputy chairman of the State Duma of Russia on Physical Culture, Sport and Youth Affairs, member of the presidium and secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, who also took part in the press conference.

“In 2000 I was 23 years old. I was elected deputy of the Tula regional Duma in single-mandate constituency. I had rivals — five directors, including the head of Sberbank. I got married two weeks before the elections and won. I hope the wedding will mobilize your resources to win,” he said, addressing Vladimir Simagin.