Jeanine is, at least….
Ben Tribbett called it “pathetic” and the governor-elect a “wimp” for “hiding behind his daughter.”
But that is if you accept the premise laid out in the Politico article:
In the Web ad, Jeanine McDonnell calls Rigell “a longtime friend of her family” — a sign that he’s the incoming governor’s preferred candidate for the Republican nomination.
Perhaps it’s true – and Gov-elect McDonnell does prefer Rigell. That would not surprise me one bit. But he did not make an endorsement and he did not put Jeanine up to doing this ad on his behalf.
Jeanine, after campaigning with her father this year, clearly is enjoying politics and is gaining her own voice. Just like those of us who blog enjoy participating in the conversation, I suspect the same is true for Jeanine. Would we deny her her independence and freedom to speak freely?
Fortunately, or unfortunately, for her, she carries the last name “McDonnell” and some will interpret anything she says as a reflection on her father.
It’s a dilemma for politically active children of politically successful parents. But we should be smart enough as political observers to allow the child to have their own voice.
I welcome Jeanine to the conversation – and I interpret her endorsement of Rigell for what it is – her’s.
