McDonnell endorses Rigell?
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.
Category: Campaigns and Elections
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Well said, Jim! It is unfair how the children of our elected officials cannot have their own voice. I think that it is great to see Jeanine out promoting her choice for the 2nd. More people need to do just that -express their opinion and support for their candidate of choice. I am supporting Ben Loyola and I believe he will be the best candidate to run against Glenn Nye. That is my choice and express that choice freely. That is what makes our Country great – the freedom to choose and speak our minds without fear…
Jeanine is a strong woman with a mind of her own. She has been raised to be strong, independent and anyone can tell she is gifted in her speaking ability. After serving our country, she is walking into a new calling and I stand up and applaud her.
What’s the controversy? Who wouldn’t rather have THIS McDonnell’s endorsement?
Gov. elect Bob McDonnell is wise to focus on his new job and avoid the upcoming fray in the 2nd District.
I hope we see and hear a lot more from Jeanine! Smart, confident, young women are exactly what the GOP needs.
I agree, I think Jeanine is great. I just wish she’d stick to giving her own endorsement instead of implying her father’s preferance; it’s like a roundabout way of Bob giving an endorsement. No way she did it without his permission. If he were mad about the implication, he’d make Rigell take it down. Seems like it’s more of a clear endorsement from Bob to me.
But what will happen when the well discussed (in his own car dealership circles) affair Scott Rigell had becomes fodder for the democrats?
Jay,
There is absolutely no truth to that rumor. Anyone who knows Scott Rigell personally knows this. If someone brings it up, nothing will come of it, because it is not true.