Past Donations Ultimately Irrelevant in 2nd District Race
By D.J. Spiker | Thursday, December 31st, 2009 | PoliticsHeading into the official start of the 2010 election cycle, the 2nd District race remains as muddied as ever, despite the recent withdrawal of Chuck Smith, first reported here at Bearing Drift. Indeed, six candidates remain (five officially) and in our ever-present need to nit-pick and fact find over minutiae brings us to this post.
The single largest criticism of Scott Rigell has been his donation to Barack Obama’s primary battle against Hillary Clinton last year. Additionally, there have been comments made on this site about another donation to Louise Lucas back in 2001. On paper, this could be a troubling pattern. However, looking beyond and getting the actual circumstance shows otherwise. Of course, this is also looking beyond Scott Rigell’s $170,000+ donations to state candidates ($0 to Democrats) as well as the $130,000+ in federal donations to Republican candidates. Regardless, I asked the Rigell camp to respond. Their statement (full text can be found below in its entirety):
There were personal checks over that period totaling $1,500 that went to Democrats, including the $500 check in question, which was written in June 2001 to a person Scott understood to be a longtime, loyal Freedom Ford customer.
Over the years, Scott has given close to $20,000 to his personal friend Randy Forbes as he ran for public office, including his campaigns for state Senate, Lt. Governor, and United States Congress. The longstanding friendship that Scott and Congressman Forbes and their families enjoy is one based on their shared commitment to conservative principles in government and in the home. Scott greatly admires the work Congressman Forbes does representing Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. In fact, just earlier this month, Scott and Teri were honored to have Congressman Forbes as a guest in their home for a Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation meeting.
I pressed for details specifically regarding the donation, simple story is Lucas solicited the funds as a loyal Freedom Ford customer and ‘leader in the African-American community.’ After writing the check, Rigell immediately turned around and donated double to Randy Forbes campaign. A complete non-story.
Additionally, Bert Mizusawa also has a similar situation. While not as much as Rigell’s substantial Republican donations, Mizusawa has donated over $14,000 combined at the state and federal level. However, he too has a Democratic donation, to Jack Reed’s Senatorial campaign in Rhode Island back in 99. I’ve contacted the Mizusawa camp and am waiting on their response.
But at the end of the day, big picture time. Do Scott Rigell’s two donations, which equal less than a half a percent of his combined recent donations, show him to be a lesser conservative than Loyola, Golden, Taylor or Maulbeck? In this writer’s opinion, no. You may disagree. But I have repeatedly said, if the only thing we can find on Scott Rigell or now, Bert Mizusawa, is a campaign donation from the past, then that I can live with. Now, if it comes out that Rigell or anyone for that matter donates to liberal think tanks, or helps fund Planned Parenthood, then it’s a viable issue. But two campaign checks that equal less half a percent of donations total? The more digging that’s done, the more irrelevant they become, much to the chagrin of many dark horse supporters. Let’s start off 2010 with some substantial issues and move away from the nit-picking.
Full Rigell Statement:
“At Scott Rigell’s request, a summary of his full political contribution history was recently prepared. This report identified more than $400,000 in political contributions given by Scott, his wife, Teri, and their businesses over the past 15 years. Over 99% of their contributions went directly to Republican candidates, including such leading conservatives as George Allen, Michael Farris, Ollie North, Jim Gilmore, Jerry Kilgore, Mark Earley and Randy Forbes, and the Republican party. There were personal checks over that period totaling $1,500 that went to Democrats, including the $500 check in question, which was written in June 2001 to a person Scott understood to be a longtime, loyal Freedom Ford customer.
Over the years, Scott has given close to $20,000 to his personal friend Randy Forbes as he ran for public office, including his campaigns for state Senate, Lt. Governor, and United States Congress. The longstanding friendship that Scott and Congressman Forbes and their families enjoy is one based on their shared commitment to conservative principles in government and in the home. Scott greatly admires the work Congressman Forbes does representing Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. In fact, just earlier this month, Scott and Teri were honored to have Congressman Forbes as a guest in their home for a Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation meeting.
Scott remains proud of his giving record, both in volunteer time and money. His family’s giving has helped conservative, Republican leaders get elected and ably serve Virginia and America. In 1991, Scott served as Bob McDonnell’s first Finance Chairman in his initial run for the Virginia House of Delegates and walked door-to-door for our future governor. Two years later, Scott stood by George Allen as a delegate to the state Republican Convention and supported him in his historic win of the governor’s mansion. In 1994, he was a maxed out financial contributor to Ollie North in helping support the Republican Revolution of the same year. In 2008, Scott was a maxed out financial contributor to both Mitt Romney and John McCain in their presidential campaigns.
Scott’s message of job creation, controlling the growth of government, and energy independence has resonated with voters in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore during these difficult economic times. Furthermore, Scott’s verifiable track record of consistent and generous support of conservative candidates is only one of many reasons why his campaign continues to build incredible momentum in Virginia’s Second Congressional District.”
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Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...entrenched on the right as a member of the Establishment, proudly tattooed member of the Republican Party, bartender by trade serving both sides the libations needed to continue the debate and discourse. College student, ten years late, majoring in Public Policy and Administration with an eye to serving the conservative and Republican movement in the public or private sector. ducit amor patriae You can find D.J.on facebook, Twitter, or contact via email at gosport.conservative@gmail.com. You can find D.J.on facebook, Twitter, or contact via email at gosport.conservative@gmail.com.
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61 Responses to "Past Donations Ultimately Irrelevant in 2nd District Race"
I agree with DJ; this is a close to 10 year old check written by an individual who has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the GOP. 2010 should be about issues, and right now the #1 issue is the economy and jobs. Ollie North? Michael Farris? George Allen? Rigell has been financially supporting conservatives since the 1990s.
Scott Rigell’s background on meeting a budget and creating hundreds of jobs is much more important than 1/2 of 1% of his total giving history.
As DJ points out this is a non-issue. If anything it makes these two guys more viable in a general election with independent voters who don’t view it a sin to cross party lines. I think a democrat might argue $1,500 out of $400,000 isn’t crossing lines, but i digress. The election in the 2nd should be about who can defeat Nye. Who will mount a succesful campaign in November. The long and the short of it: Thank God it’s 2010. I can’t wait no matter who our candidate is.
Sharp take, DJ. The bottom line is Scott has been a long time supporter of the GOP and conservatives and his giving history reflects this. But what impressed me the times I’ve talked with Scott, besides his sincerity, his focus on this economic mess we are in.
Jobs has been the key issue in this race, and Scott Rigell’s success as an entrepreneur has me excited; his giving history is just that — history.
I’m about as conservative as it gets, and this is a total non-issue to me. Rigell has explained what happened. While it would be interesting to hear Mizusawa’s explanation of his donation, I agree with DJ – move on to the real issues.
P.S. Giving over $400,000 to Republicans? The guy deserves a standing ovation for helping to elect some solid leaders, especially over such a long period of time.
Much ado about nothing. Scott Rigell is the real thing. A fair and decent person in the right place at the right time. He is there when you need him, he is there for the community and is there for the country. I cannot count the different causes I have contributed to over the years and for this to be an “issue” boggles the imagination. The issue should be jobs, client/constituant service and individual rights. These, if researched, you will find are Mr. Rigell’s fundamental anchors.
So why did Rigell give Obama $1,000.00?
I could care less about $500.00 given to a Democrat in 2001. But if Rigell is such a conservative, why did he give money to the most liberal Democrat running for President in 2008? (At the time he donated, it was clear that Obama was receiving more super-delegate support. Most conservatives were arguing that we should have given to Hillary, not Obama.) I want the Rigell campaign to answer that question. Why donate $1000.00 to Obama? Their only response has been that it was an anti-Hillary check and to change the subject by highlighting how much money he’s given to Republicans. Maybe it has to do with the amount of TARP funds that his company has received and/or the Cash for Clunkers program (It’s hard to argue that Car Salesman have had a rough go under Obama). Personally, I could care less about how much money he’s donated to Republican candidates or how close his family is with Randy Forbes. If that is the basis on who you choose to vote for, that’s fine. But I refuse to vote for someone (or a campaign) that justifies the actions of the candidate by citing the amount of money he’s donated to other members of the party.
Just another example of another candidate buying his way into Washington.
Another personal pet peeve: It’s hard to argue that you’re a self-made business man when you’re father-in-law buys you a car dealership.
Ben,
Can you explain the TARP fund and CforC remark? While naturally I disagree with your opinion I respect it. However, I’m not sure what you mean about TARP and Cash for Clunkers; if the insinuation is that a $1000 primary check was rewarded by the C4C program or TARP funds it’s off base, in my opinion. Just trying to get clarification.
DJ,
I agree with you fully, but there are several other reputable candidates in this race. Solely pointing out Rigell and his past disregards the legitimacy of every one of the other candidates.
Happy New Year by the way.
What do the canadates think and say as I like them all!
Serious? $1500 < $300,000 by a LOT. There are real issues in this race we should focus on.
Wow, that’s a long article about something irrelevant.
Irrelevant???? Let’s hear the campaign’s”conservative” justification and rationale for a $10,000 contribution to the “Yes” campaign. The Yes Campaign was formed in 2002 to win passage of a ballot initiative that would have financed Hampton Roads road and transit projects through an increase in the state sales tax. Voters in the region rejected the measure nearly 2 to 1 on 11/5/2002.
Another view of Rigell’s political generosity is all about buying influence and lining his pockets.
Voters want to talk about the economy, jobs and the unemployment. Scott Rigell has created jobs by the hundreds, something that Glenn Nye, a career government employee, can’t claim.
These are articles are fun, are they not?
I’m still of the opinion that none of these minor things matter. Not when we’re nearing record unemployment and people are struggling to keep a roof over there head.
The only question that matters: Who can create the most amount of jobs in America, Virinia, and the 2nd district specifically. I still haven’t seen any evidence that someone can do that better than Mr. Rigell.
Randy Forbes isn’t bothered by the check and he was the only one potentially wounded here. Thus, I am not bothered and think we can all move on past this old news.
The things I am more concerned about is that Rigell is 100% pro-life, an NRA life-time member, and has signed the ATR no new Tax pledge. He can beat Glen Nye.
DJ,
I should have worded that part better. I didn’t mean to insinuate that a $1000.00 check led to the awarding of TARP and CfC payoffs. I just think that it would be interesting to see how his dealership has performed under Obama.
But back to the original post. I disagree with Saul and Eric. The Economy will NOT be the defining issue in the general election. This district has an unemployment rate that is consistently 3-5% lower than the national average. In addition, the unemployment rate has started to go down, the economy is getting better and Obama has BILLIONS of dollars to invest in contested (democratic) districts. By November, the economy will be an issue, but not one you can win on. You cannot run this race with the same talking points that Bobbie Mac used. Also, don’t underestimate the potential that Glenn Nye has to win.
DJ,
Once again you show your clear bias in favor of the liberal Scott Rigell. Scott is a liberal plain and simple. Anyone that would give money to Obama, Louise Lucas and the Yes campaign (especially this one) has lost all right to be called a conservative.
I am ashamed of the so-called “conservatives” in Hampton Roads that I know, who have abondoned their principles to support Rigell because he eitehr gave them money in the past or will give them money in the future. It is a disgrace that they are so willing to give up their principles.
I accept the fact that it looks like Rigell may ver well get the Republican nomination, but I believe he will have trouble rallying the conservative base, as McCain did, and is unlikely to be able to defeat Glenn Ney if it is a close race. However, there may be such an overwhelming wave of anti-Democrat votes by then that anybody could win, and that will certainly benefit Rigell.
On that day, I will certainly be ashamed to call myself a Republican. As I have always believe, I am a conservative, not a Republican, and I will gladly leave the Republican Party when I feel they have left me, just as the conservative Democrats did through the 60s, 70s and 80s.
If Scott Rigell is nominate, it may be time for another realignment, so the true conservatives can find representation.
I certainly applaud Ridgell for supporting the Yes Camapign which had it passed, would have prevented the serious degradation of our transportation system in Hampton Roads. The essence of conservatism is sustaining, preserving, and conserving precious assets, and what Gilmore did and others have followed has been on a daily basis, through lack of investment, destroy a system that once performed quite well. To suggest that strategy is “conservative” turns the definition on its head.
Hmm car dealer votes for a campaign to allow more cars on the road… Sounds to me he was doing it just for himself. Just like his donation to Obama again… for himself. I wonder what the other car dealers thought of the yes campaign. The Obama check looks to me to really be smoke but where there is smoke there is a fire. I think some clear tendencies are being show here folks. Besides if Scott again being a church elder is willing to give money to one of the most pro-abortion candidates to run for President to “Look Good” what else is he willing to sell his soul for? Wow daddy in law got him a car dealership… wow… the onion is being peeled away and guess what folks its gonna bring tears to folks eyes by the time we get to the middle.
To me the donation is irrelevant in and of itself. What is relevant is the lack of judgement it shows on Rigell’s part. So, he gave 1,000 bucks to a Obama, if it was a pure numbers game then I would agree, no biggy compared to what he has given to Republicans. HOWEVER – anyone who has such poor judgement as to think Obama (every conservative KNEW he was a socialist long before most lame brain media types caught on) would be better than Hillary shouldn’t be running for elected office. That or Rigell was greasing the wheels for their own benefit. We do not need anymore people who do either of those things in Washington DC.
I agree with you DJ. Scott Rigell is the real deal and the best leader for our district. His experience as a successful business man is just what we need. I’m really excited for a candidate who will focus on what matters, the issues!
I really don’t understand the leap in logic here. The argument is $1,000 to Obama equals money in Rigell’s hands. $10,000 support of the YES campaign also equals money in Rigell’s hands. I’m no marketing genius, but I do know that if Rigell invested $400,000 in marketing his dealerships instead of electing Republicans he would have a better return on his investment. These arguments are way too emotional and illogical. Oppose the man because he supported a tax increase, but accusing him of graft is an illogical argument.
I also don’t understand the beat down of McWaters and Rigell. Both these guys are self-made men. They employed conservative philosophies to build their businesses and succeeded. They then go on to give back to their communities through countless charitable donations, church donations, and political donations. They supported our guys for years. When they decide to run all the sudden thier corrupt men only about themselves? It makes no sense. Once again oppose them on priniciple. I thoroughly understand that, but baseless personal attacks and wild conspiratorial theories of corruption is just too much. We’re better than this as a party-at least we should be.
Govgirl, Rigell guided his company through one of the worst economies to hit our nation in decades. His judgment prevented him from laying off employees. Not one employee was laid off. I think the man’s judgment is more sound than you portray it to be.
Richard,
That was possibly the best comment i’ve seen on Bearing Drift. Wel said.
Scott,
I agree with you; I researched all candidates for this article, Mizusawa and Rigell were the only ones who qualified for it. I’m working on some other things for the other candidates.
John,
You’re quite mistaken in your comparison to Rigell and McCain. Rigell continues to earn conservative support; while he may not have yours, his donations, role and involvement in the community and his support for the party as a whole has earned him that respect. Donations may not sit well with you, but as Richard said, it’s a complete jump in logic to say he’s not a conservative as a result. And while you may feel i’m biased towards Rigell, you’ll look forward to an exclusive interview with another candidate I have upcoming..I wonder if i’ll be biased towards him after that one.
Wow, this is a fair and balanced post! Really? Somebody has a man crush on Rigell. Interesting how you just pronounce how past donations are irrelevant as if you speak for all conservative voters. Did you then call the Rigell camp and ask them all to post supporting your bad article?
It never ceases to amaze me in the naivety of those who confuse ideology and business acumen. Rigell’s generous political contributions was in fact a marketing ploy to offer prospective private and public customers leverage other than vehicular needs through his political contacts. For goodness sake, grow up and chuck this ideological rhetoric and select a banner carrier that is genuine. In the case of Rigell, follow the money, not the BS.
Most of us conservative Tea Party folks are not impressed with Rigell as we see him as more of the same. You have taken your eye off the ball because the discussion should be about who is the best candidate to defeat Nye, not a discussion trumpeting how much a Rigell donated to whom and when. Nye has voted more times than not with Rob Wittman and Randy Forbes and is posturing to run more to the center as an Independent than a hard line Democrat. If Rigell can, with his liabilities, sufficiently contrast himself with Nye’s voting record and positions, then he may have a shot. In any case, it is going to be a tough campaign and in our opinion, no one has emerged who doesn’t have the traditional GOP fingerprints all over them.
THERE is no reason for Ridgell to have given any money to Barrack Hussein Obama.
Dj should stick to the paoition in the club he started and not defend somone who supported Barrack Huessein Obama
While i would like Bert Mizusawa to win, I would rather have Kenny goldman win than him
Not to beat a dead horse but Rigell gave the anti-hillary check on March 10. 2008, right after Hillary swept the “mini Tuesday” primaries of Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island. Scott told me he couldn’t bear the thought of the Clinto Dynasty making a comeback and he put a nail in the Clinton machine.
You may not agree with his tactics to defeat the Clintons, but its a joke to call a homeschool dad, pro lifer, NRA member anything other than a conservative.
As far as the “Yes” campaign, don’t forget that it was also supported by then Delegate Bob McDonnell.
Finally, Scott cut his salary to zero when the recession hit last year rather then lay any of his employees off. That sounds like a man of character to me.
Saul, how can Rigell defeat Nye in the election? Rigell may be a great guy with all of the supporters who keep singing the praises and marching in lockstep in their support, but I don’t see much in his record or positions on the issues which will discriminate him from Nye. In this election, the “good guy” routine will only go so far, and if he wins the nomination and not the election then he will still be a “good guy” but a loser along with the rest of the party.
Saul said “As far as the “Yes” campaign, don’t forget that it was also supported by then Delegate Bob McDonnell.”
The Yes campaign was a consortium and PAC of developers and business interests bent on burdening regional taxpayer’s for their eventual personal gain through increasing regional traffic volume. Then Delegate Bob McDonnell had no association with this endeavor. Get your facts straight.
It will also be interesting to see how voters react to the fact that Rigell voted to keep women from serving as Elders in his Church (a vote that McWaters made as well). Especially when it’s highlighted in the General Election, something that Nye will most certainly do. Again, to me, the notion that Rigell is the most conservative option because he has given the most money to Republican candidates is laughable. Honestly, I plan on voting for the candidate who is not part of the Republican Establishment here in Hampton Roads. An establishment that finds it acceptable to donate money to Obama; an establishment that finds it acceptable to photo-shop pictures of their candidates standing next to Obama (Will Sessoms); an establishment that operates under a “pay-to-play” mentality.
At the end of the day, I’ll vote for whoever is the most conservative candidate. If it comes down to Nye and Rigell? I’ll have to hear some convincing arguments.
Saul, not to beat a dead horse, but you left out where Rigell wrote that he was inspired by Obama’s rhetoric. Convenient.
Ben,
My argument is not Rigell is the most conservative because he donated the most money. My argument is the sheer volume of donations compared to two minuscule donations before Rigell had any interest in running does not disqualify him or make him any less conservative. The nomination fight will be about issues and substance. My goal is to prevent and remove the mundane and minutiae that Republican politics frequently dissolve into (see: 8th District Senate, 5th District) By addressing the nonsense now (and make no mistake, the donation issue is nonsense, regardless of any false disdain) we can make sure the nomination process and fight is about legitimate issues and true conservative discussions.
Jared, glad to see even you acknowledge that the Rigell donation is a dead horse!
To put the Yes! campaign to rest, unless I’m blind, the only donation I see is by FREEDOM FORD, not by Scott Rigell. If anyone has any information showing the donation was by Rigell, show it; otherwise it’s a worthless argument that carries no traction. I’d rather not have to dedicate an entire post to debunking the idea that Rigell himself/the candidate donated $10,000 to the Yes! campaign when it’s not the truth. Unless anyone has any information to show Rigell personally made it rather than his company (which yes, is separate) then it should really not be mentioned again. That IS completely irrelevant.
DJ,
You’ve got something on your nose–might want to clear that up before it becomes permanent
Um DJ a car dealership isn’t exactly like a big publicly traded company. Freedom Ford and Scott Rigel is pretty much the same. However I do find such a letter of hard support for Rigel from you very interesting. You do make some very valid points but would it not be prudent to also disclose your relationship / friendship with Jeanine McDonnell and therefore a tie to the Rigel campaign. That very lack of disclosure does attack the credibility of the piece in my mind.
No relationship with Jeanine, Lee, just a friend. But I’m also friends with Rigell, Loyola, Golden and Taylor; would I need to mention those as well?
I disagree about the dealership vs the man, virtually every car dealership in the area donated $10,000, that seems more to be an agreement of Hampton Roads Auto rather than Scott Rigell the man saying this should go through. Additionally, Rigell clearly has never shied away from donations, why would put it through his company if he were that firmly attached to the idea? I just don’t think the Yes! campaign argument holds water when you actually look into it, rather than hearsay on a blog comment.
Saul,
If he is so prolife why write the check to a guy who is for late-term abortions. Cudo’s to Scott on the salary thing, but part of the responsibility of having the freedom of speech is to call “BULLSHIT” on things like that.
A friend is fine but still a connection. Nothing wrong with supporting your friends. This is politics after all.
As to your response about the other dealerships well if they all jumped off a bridge so should Scott is that what you are saying. Again to me it shows a willingness to at the first sign of profit toss ones principles to the side.
Btw DJ your statement about being a friend brings back some ol’ Biz Mark’e
“You say she’s just a friend… you say she’s just a friend.. O baby YOOOUUU got what I need…”
Happy New Year!
Still, ideology BS. Follow the money, follow the money. Analyze Freedom Ford and subs business fleet sales, business partner political contributions, Rigell success as a campaign financial chair, and peddling quid pro quo legislative influence. The only thing missing from Rigell’s back room are the cigars.
Wally,
You are dead wrong about McDonnell; I know because I was working that General Assembly Session. He voted for SB668 which put the tax referendum to voters in Hampton Roads. See this link
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?021+sum+SB668
and this link
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?021+vot+HV1518+SB0668
oh DJ,
“I just don’t think the Yes! campaign argument holds water when you actually look into it, rather than hearsay on a blog comment.”
Hearsay? Sorry, it’s documented! Who signed the authorization for a $!0,000 contribution? The receptionist?
So the question should asked, what epiphany overcame Rigell to sign a no tax pledge, seeking candidacy? Follow the money!
These Rigell relevations are sounding more and more like the money laundry which Alan Fuentes was running for Paul Trible back in the 80′s when Alan owned Computer Dynamics. Alan got caught giving his employees bonuses which he expressly directed the employees to use for political contributions. I certainly hope that Rigell isn’t trying to do the same thing as we know what eventually happened to Trible.
Uhhh Bryan, supporting legislation to having a referendum and contributing/advocating passage of the referendum is completely two different things. Can you show where McDonnell encouraged the electorate to vote affirmative on the question or contributed to the Yes campaign? I thought not.
This may be a blog, but accuracy speaks for itself.
Yeah still not buying it. Virtually every automotive dealer, big and small around Hampton Roads donated as a business. Additionally, nearly every business with transportation as a crucial part of their business donated as well. Unless someone shows me Scott Rigell the individual donated, not the corporation, the argument is worthless. A business decision made by the HRADA to donate is not the same as Rigell stroking a check. Sorry,
Tim I’m not sure where you jump from two campaign donations to money laundering, or what ‘revelations’ you’re speaking to.
Well DJ how about this. If you were running a business would you donate to things that would profit your business but violate your political or moral beliefs? I do believe consistency is a valued thing in a politician.
DJ, you are trying to carefully parse the relationship which Rigell has with Freedom Ford which like Clinton trying to define the word “is”. If Freedom Ford is a small business, and Rigell is the majority stock holder, then there is no difference Rigell and Freedom Ford. I heard a Freedom Ford commercial on WNIS talk radio on Thursday where Rigell was promoting that Freedom Ford was a proud sponser of the O’Reilly/Beck “Bold Fresh Tour”. Great media spot, but Rigell was front and center as the personality of Freedom Ford. As to the money laundering, just pointing out something that came to mind when reading the above posts.
I have to say it, Rigell/Freedom Ford’s support of the “Yes!” campaign is a strong negative. Hiding behind a company name or pointing a convenient finger at what some automotive organization voted for, doen’t change the donation. A donation supporting legislation to raise taxes. Company owner’s still have to take reponsibility for what their companies do.
Other people that donated to “Yes!” should take note of this and decline to support other future measures that unfairly burden the citizens. There will be consequences.
He can’t use his company as a justification for us to vote for him one day; then try to separate himself from the political decisions that the company makes the next day. Rigell can’t have it both ways. If he wants credit for the good work that his company does… he also needs to answer for the political donations that the company makes. I think that’s a pretty fair thing to ask.
The argument that he only donated to the Yes campaign because it was agreed to by the HRADA is even more telling (and laughable). The last thing we need is a Congressman who will compromise his political beliefs based on the views of an association he belongs to.
After meeting Rigell a few times at different events – he has impressed me with his Conservative views. He not only says he is a Conservative but he walks the walk.
I think that Mr. Rigell is the best candidate to defeat Glenn Nye. He can create jobs. Show me another candidate who has that experience. Seriously. He has lived that life since he started his business. What I care about is getting to Washington and making changes. That is what I trust Mr. Rigell to do.
As for the donations, I believe it is clear where Mr. Rigell’s heart lies. Look at a person’s checkbook. The man has give almost HALF A MILLION DOLLARS to Republicans. I’ll know where his morals lie — firmly on the right.
Enough about this and lets talk about the real issues — job creation and getting our economy moving. ON TO WASHINGTON, MR. RIGELL!
As some have stated Freedom Ford is not a publicly traded company. So any money given was donated by Scott Ridgell. He touts his bussiness every chance he can as his experience, but choses to to include it when his support of BO is brought up.
The issue is not that he donated money. Its the horrible tatse of him donating money to the most liberal candidate in decades and then deciding to run as a republican for congress
Randy Forbes’ name is tossed about like a ragdoll in this post. Randy would never endorse in a primary.
One other point made in a discussion with one of the district chairmen was that Rigell is disqualified from holding a chair position in the districts because of the BO contribution. The rules are fairly strict about this, so how can a candidate who isn’t qualified to hold a district chair qualify as a candidate?
I never said that Scott Rigell was a poor businessman, just that he showed very poor judgment in determining that Obama was more of a threat than Hillary. Rigell himself admitted he got caught up in the hype of Obama, what should I believe that he will not be caught up in the same sweet talking promises once elected to Congress?
[...] Past Donations Ultimately Irrelevant In 2nd District Race I heard a Freedom Ford commercial on WNIS talk radio on Thursday where Rigell was promoting that Freedom Ford was a proud sponser of the O’Reilly/Beck “Bold Fresh Tour”. Great… [...]
[...] ignore the very poorly written paragraph. I’ve said my piece on the YES! campaign previously, which you can find here buried in the comments section, but everyone who’s following the race at this point knows that candidate is Scott Rigell. [...]
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