Fimian and Rigell make top GOP list
By JR Hoeft | Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 | PoliticsKeith Fimian in the 11th Congressional District and Scott Rigell in the 2nd Congressional District have made it onto the “top 40″ list of the National Republican Campaign Committee.
The so-called “Young Guns” program was established by Reps. Cantor, McCarthy and Ryan in 2007 in order to recruit and elect Republicans in open-seat and challenger campaigns.
“These candidates have become formidable contenders by meeting the rigorous goals laid out by the Young Guns program and putting in place the pieces for a winning campaign,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions. “The early progress of these candidates is not only a testament to the Young Guns program, it is a sign of the changing political environment that Democrats will have to face next year. As these challengers continue to meet the benchmarks we have set for them, they are preparing themselves for tough campaigns to hold Democrats accountable for the big-government agenda they are inflicting on American families.”
For Rigell, this is particularly good news as it shows the strength of his campaign early in the nomination process.
(Yes, Virginia, we’re only six days away from beginning a new political season…excited? Yeah…me too.)
In related news, Charlie Diradour, a Democrat living in the 3rd District, dropped his bid yesterday to challenge Republican Whip Eric Cantor (VA-07).
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Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.
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33 Responses to "Fimian and Rigell make top GOP list"
That is great news, I’ve been impressed by Scott Rigell and both the campaign team he’s put in place and his potential as a candidate. It looks like he’s starting to get national recognition as a result. Congratulations, but there is a long way to go to beat Nye.
This reconfirms that Scott Rigell is the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination as he is the only candidate with the grassroots support, financial ability and community name ID to beat Glenn Nye. We need clear winners in 2010 not candidates in training. There will be another time for future leaders like Ben Loyola.
It’s great to see that the NRCC is getting behind Scott Rigell. We know that he’s the best man for the job here in Hampton Roads and its great to see that confirmed by the NRCC. Nye certainly has a formidable challenger in Rigell, who already has a large amount of local support, not to mention his name ID from being a successful business owner. This is going to be a great race! Go Scott!
The Loyola campaign informs me that he is “getting enrolled” in this program next week. He wanted to wait until after the 2009 Virginia General Election to do so.
Oh, of course he wanted to wait. Out of “respect for the McDonell campaign” I’m sure. Well isn’t it interesting that 8 days after Chris Woodfin released the statement to Bearing Drift on October 15th that the reason why Loyola only raised a pitiful $47,000 was because they weren’t going to take money from McDonell’s potential donor pool, he sends out a mass direct mail piece asking for money from that exact group!
People need to know what is going on here. It is a disgrace that Loyola is already misleading people and running a dishonest campaign. The truth is he came in second place, attacked Rigell for succesfully raising money, and is now doing exactly what he said he wouldn’t do, which is raise money from potential McDonnell donors. It’s such a joke. It’s clear who is going to run their campaign with integrity and it isn’t Loyola.
Don’t be so quick to blame Loyola. He’s a nice guy with a good heart. The problem is that he was stupid enough to hire Aaron and Chris. He could have been a good candidate, but when you surround yourself with people as bad as those two, it shows your judgment is less than stellar. The real problem is that there is a big lack of qualified, ethical consultants. If Loyola had better people around him this could turn into a good positive race. Rigell shouldn’t be allowed to sail through the primary. A good, positive race will be better for the party and better for whoever the eventual nominee is. I hate to make a comparison to Obama, but it would be hard to say the fight between him and Hillary did not make Obama and his campaign team into the machine that won the eventual election. Better to work out the kinks within your own party then run into your first problems with the incumbent.
Max,
When I say “Loyola” I’m referring to “Team Loyola” not Ben Loyola as a person. I should have made that more clear. I agree with your point about his choice in consultants but the candidate must be held responsible for the decisions made by his staff. I think it’s a stretch to imply Ben is totally naive to the ways of his staff, and if he is what does that say about his discernment and leadership abilities? I’d love to see a good race in the primary, but right now, I just don’t see any candidates that are close to the level Rigell is at. I think the sooner we make our pick, the better off we’ll be in defeating Nye.
Hilarious how someone comments that Scott Rigell is the only one with grassroots support. Are you insane? He had 130 individual donations. 15 or so of those are from family and extended family. Of course they are maxed out as if this is not his own money, which he then matches the total. Really? I can’t wait till Scott Taylor holds one event. You will then know what grass roots is about. Ben Loyola had 30 individual donors since June. Support? I don’t think so. We the people do not care about the NRCC. We care about who best represents us in this district, and that friends is Scott Taylor…
Rigell has been running since Thelma talked him into it in the winter. Officially since July. Are his donors from the other people who made money of cash for clunkers? His donation of $1000 to Obama has sure paid off. Real Republicans know he obviously lacks judgment.
Max,
So what else is Aaron and Chris responsible for? Swine Flu, 9/11, the Spanish Inquisition… what? I see your favorite candidate Catherine Crabill is still in the race. Can’t you get a consulting gig with her. Since I hear you and her share some of the same conspiracy theories.
We are arguing over a race thats hasn’t even officially started. Give it time folks. Ben Loyola has a terrific story to tell. Scott Taylor has lots of folks too and I’ve got to give Kenny Golden credit for staying out of all this BS and just getting his team organized. Let’s give it time to simmer.
Lee,
Aaron and Chris are responsible for initially screwing over John Amiral and trying to steal all his money. They are responsible for rumors about Scott Rigell and Jeff McWaters. They are responsible for refusing to help Norfolk candidates and abdicating their duties as party officers. You want to doubt me? Go ahead. But after this election cycle is over I’m coming for Chris’s head as vice chair. Let that be notice to you boys. I have enough votes to take the entire Norfolk city committee, you want to play games with peoples lives? Go ahead, I’ll ruin yours.
What exactly is the criteria for making this TOP 40 list?? Make enough donations to the right people (oh and Obama) and it will pay back nicely just at the right time. Taylor for VA-2!!!!
Jared,
Just to be clear, the person you mentioned said:
the only candidate with “grassroots support, financial ability and community name ID to beat Glenn Nye.”
No one is denying that each candidate has their own grassroots supporters. Of course they do! But to be a successful candidate, you have to have more than that. You have to have a combination of the things listed above. If any piece is missing, it won’t work.
I not trying to start another debate here, I just didn’t like that you completely misconstrued the other person’s comment.
Max, hyperbole is one thing, but publicly saying someone “tried to steal all his money” is something else.
That’s a pretty strong accusation to make.
Max, what are you 19-20 years old? You don’t attend college that I am aware of. Yet you say you have enough votes to take over the Norfolk Party. I would think that Pam Brown might have a few words to say to that. I doubt you have the ability to raise enough money for a Chairman’s race to buy yourself a happy meal at McD’s. I highly doubt that reasoned adults, who have an education or life experience and political experience, are going to entrust the Norfolk GOP to a neophyte and narcissist like you. I would strongly recommend that you gain some more life experience, before you make ignorant statements on this blog again.
Chris Woodfin was Amiral’s treasurer. They had a contract, Woodfin and Aaron did not fulfill that contract in several areas. They failed to do work that they were charging tens of thousands of dollars for. When Amiral called them out, Woodfin and Aaron repeatedly threatened to close his campaign committee, sabotage his campaign, and give direct aid to his opponents. Stealing was an over-simplification, my apologies. What they did is basically extortion.
Oh, and just as if that wasn’t enough…
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/65081-rep-nye-challengers-sale-catches-ethics-groups-ire
Watchdog organizations say the sale of a division of Ben Loyola’s business, Loyola Enterprises, to a Swedish company could lead to questions about whether it represents an illegal campaign contribution. Loyola also must explain why the division sold for far more than he had estimated the value of his business, they said.
Loyola’s campaign said competition drove up the sale price and no violations occurred.
When asked about the apparent heavy spending by the candidate, a Loyola spokesman explained that Loyola sold the spatial systems division of Loyola Enterprises to the Swedish company Hexagon last month for well more than he had estimated the value of his business. On his disclosure form, Loyola valued his business at between $500,001 and $1 million — the bulk of his net worth.
As for you Mr. Ripley,
You obviously don’t know me. Pam Brown has done nothing at all to help candidates in Norfolk, at every stage she has stood in our way. If you don’t know how I would know this, then you obviously have no room to speak. Try asking around.
Reid,
I’m sorry, I did not mean to misconstrue any statement. I completely disagree that Rigell has a big grassroots following. I also believe that he has a weak chance at defeating Nye in the general as he has given money to Obama and a Pac that was formed to increase taxes. Rigell will need hardcore republicans like myself and he won’t get them due to his lack of judgment. He even stated on a blog that he was “inspired by Obama’s rhetoric” Really? Inspired enough to donate $1k? Obviously I support Scott Taylor. He has the community ID, great background, and tons of grassroots support.(real grassroots). Hopefully he can raise the money he will need. He is also the best fit to defeat Glen Nye.
Republican cannibalism at its best!! My God, how about we elect a new governor first… before killing each other in another primary.
But then again, attacking each other (instead of our true opponents) is what we do best.
Ben:
The best and most accurate post on this thread yet. There are a lot of obstacles and milestones (and candidates) between now and Nov 2, 2010. But not much serious interest until after this Tuesday.
Hey Max,
Why don’t you ask your lawyer buddy over there Gary about Slander and Libel law sometime. Unless you have said documentation thats really hearsay. And really running down a class act like Pam Brown is just sad. How old are you.. really… 5 maybe a immature 6… grow up whack job!
Max is upset with Chris and I because Max was caught at a Norfolk GOP event explaining to High School kids as to how they could grow marijuana. Concerned what about what would happen if the young adults went home and told their parents that they learned how to grow cannabis at a Norfolk GOP event, Chris and Pam made the immediate decision to ban Max from the Norfolk GOP and Chris swiftly enforced it.
Max Shapiro is a known and self-admitted potsmoker who is probably high as he writes his comments. Max is a Libertarian on the drug issue and has a right to his opinions. However, he does not have a right to promote illegal activity and that was why he was banned from Norfolk.
As to the John Amiral stuff, look up VPAP. Amiral was not fleeced and his services were provided in full. http://www.vpap.org/committees/profile/money_out_vendors/2780
And JR was worried about the OTHER post getting out of hand….wow
Yes Aaron, I am banned from the Norfolk GOP, this is why nearly every campaign in Norfolk has shunned you and been masterminded by me. The Norfolk GOP and the Norfolk candidates have nothing to do with each other. They all can’t stand the party and they all can’t stand you. This is why I say that after this election, the house will be cleaned.
Would you like me to post your contract with Amiral and circle the parts you neglected? E-strategy? Charging 5 grand per month for texting? You butchered his business cards, his website was delayed several months and looked like a 2 year old did it. I also have the text you were going to use for his palm card and website. “Campaign with the passion of the Christ” Come on now Aaron. You know you’re a joke. Woodfin tried to physically assault me at that event because he was scared of me putting this information out.
Masterminded? Please tell me you don’t bite your pinkie finger and hold a cat.
I hold a kitten that bites my pinkie finger. Hes adorable.
Hope you’re enjoying this Brian, I’ve heard some things lately that indicate you should be.
I hate when people hijack threads and make it about themselves.
Except, of course, when it’s me.
“Republican cannibalism at its best!! My God, how about we elect a new governor first… before killing each other in another primary.
But then again, attacking each other (instead of our true opponents) is what we do best.”
Yes. I posted this again, because either some of you can’t read or blatantly ignored my post. At this point, I would hate if any of my elected officials employed any of you; mainly Max and Aaron for acting like 13 year old boys, remember, it’s election season. Time to act like men.
Hey Max do your friends in Va Beach know your pot smoking proclivities? Which ones over there condone your illegal behavior? Which candidates of the campaigns you’ve “Masterminded” condone this? I’ve been quoted on here and other blogs refering to libertarians as Pots Smoking members of NAMBLA… Well lets go down the list… 1. Libertarian. 2. Pot smoker … so thats 2. Are you also a member of NAMBLA? Will you complete the trifecta? I’m sure the cops when they come investigate you for possession will surely want to check the hard drive of your computer also…
“Republican cannibalism at its best!! My God, how about we elect a new governor first… before killing each other in another primary.
But then again, attacking each other (instead of our true opponents) is what we do best.”
Yes. I posted this again, because either some of you can’t read or blatantly ignored my post. At this point, I would hate if any of my elected officials employed any of you; mainly Max and Aaron for acting like 13 year old boys, remember, it’s election season. Time to act like men.
Ben, I think you are way off base. How do you construe someone posting on a blog as taking time away from electing the GOP ticket on Tuesday and attacking other Republicans over future primary fights. The thread was about a declared 2nd congressional district candidate that had a successful fund-raising period. Some folks called that into question (if it is a true indication of grass-roots support). I called into question some of the comments made by Max as being highly inappropriate. The guy is 20 y.o. at most, yet states that he is the mastermind behind all the HOD races in Norfolk and that he is going to brush the current Norfolk GOP Chairman and other leadership aside in some grassroots takeover. Incredibly narcissistic in my opinion. Aaron had every right to present his side of the story involving issues with Max and the action that the Norfolk GOP took against him for his behavior and statements since Max questioned his and Chris Woodfin’s integrity on this blog. I can’t believe the audacity that you have to question what any of us have done for this year’s election. Both Aaron and Chris are paid political consultants and have client’s in this and next years primaries/races and obviously hold positions of authority in the Norfolk GOP. I know they are doing what they can for this year’s ticket, balancing their paid professional duties between volunteering for the statewide races. They are and have acted as men. According to you no one should be planning and/or preparing for next years races, until this one is decided. Campaigns and political parties have to plan this stuff out. In the beach there is going to be a primary fight for the 8th state senate seat (barring a Ken Stolle meltdown) about a month after this election, then the actual special election will be about a month after that. There is no way this stuff can be put on hold and not planned for and discussed until after Tuesday. Get an f*****g grip on you holier than thou attitude.
I’m guessing it took you five minutes to write that post. I’m sure Bob would love for you to spend five minutes making recruitment calls or writing a blog post in his favor. Excuse my holier than thou attitude… sometimes my halo gets in the way.
Ben
Sarcasm is a tool of a feeble mind.
Again you don’t know what I have done for this campaign.
Thank you, Jeff.
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