[Update 1/6/10] Interview with Scott Rigell:
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Bearing Drift is reporting live from the Scott Rigell campaign kick-off from the Westin in Virginia Beach!
[Update 8:35 PM] That’s all from me for now, hope you enjoyed it, look forward to visiting Ben Loyola and Kenny Golden’s campaign kickoffs in the near future as well.
[Update 8:31 PM] ‘I ask you for your support, your encouragement and your prayers; thank you very much for being here tonight! Together we will set American on the right track in 2010!’ Thanks for the crowd again. Jeanine back on stage. Crowd filtering out.
[Update 8:30 PM] Mentions Bob McDonnell, rousing applause. Camera tries panning the crowd to find McDonnell..unsuccessfully. One of the few missteps thus far.
[Update 8:25 PM] Rigell wants drilling off-shore. Good to know. Saves me a question.
[Update 8:20 PM] I have an advance copy of Rigell’s speech; for the most part he’s sticking to it, but wanders off and embellishes certain points; far better performance than his early outings. Noteworthy: unlike President Obama, no teleprompter.
[Update 8:15 PM] Rigell working the crowd with Pelosi-bashing, mentions Hugo Chavez. ‘My favorite modern-day President, Ronald Reagan…’ uses four young volunteers to quote Ronald Reagan on freedom.
[Update 8:11 PM] Scott takes the stage to a rendition of ‘Grand Ole Flag’ by a brass band, walking through the crowd and shaking hands with supporters and staff along the way. Takes the stage, wearing a lapel mike so not confined to the dais. Rigell moves more often than not it appears.
[Update 8:09 PM] Justus reviews before ‘just a car dealer.’ Justus it the primary narrator throughout this video. Jason Miyares, Scott’s campaign manager is swaying nervously repeatedly beside me. This has to be stressful, can’t even imagine. Video ends with Teri lauding Scott, then fades to a standing ovation for Scott Rigell’s introduction. Whoops, Teri Rigell is on the stage, introducing Scott Rigell.
[Update 8:05 PM] Showing introduction video for Scott Rigell. Endorsements from James Church, Jeanine McDonnell, Harvey Bryant, Jeff McWaters, Thelma Drake, Maureen McDonnell. Son Justus highlights family military background, three generations. Bob McDonnell, on video, walking down the hallway with his arm around Scott Rigell. Hmmmm.
[Update 7:59 PM]
Boy Scout Pack 700 presents the colors, Shannon Rigell singing America the Beautiful. Missed the pastor’s name who gave the invocation. Jeanine back on the dais. Encourages everyone to pick up cards beneath their chairs, put the bumper stick on their car; go on facebook and join their facebook group.
[Update 7:55 PM]
Bob McDonnell’s visit here speaks volumes for the candidate that he prefers. McDonnell will not be endorsing any candidate, but it’s not a stretch to read between the lines.
[Update: 7:51 PM]
Jeanine McDonnell takes the stage. Introduces VIPs and special guests, with last mention for ‘stopping by, my dad, Bob McDonnell.’ Pledge of Allegiance and America the Beautiful.
[Update: 7:40 PM]
Jeanine McDonnell is the MC for the campaign kickoff. Bob McDonnell is in the building, along with Bruce Smith and Chuck Smith (no relation).
Right now the last minute preparations are being made; volunteers are getting yelled at…repeatedly (these Seventh Point people are INTENSE). Jeanine McDonnell is at the dais for preparation, Scott and Teri Rigell are in the VIP reception. Over 500 RSVPs, and Governor-elect Bob McDonnell will be in the building this evening making a special appearance.
Plenty of time to kill, but check back for regular updates throughout the event. Videos and pictures as I can take them. Enjoy!
[Picture Update 8:15 PM]
[Picture Update 7:53 PM]
[Picture Update 7:37 PM]
Plenty of pictures below from the VIP area. Bob McDonnell makes his appearance.
[Picture Update: 6:44 PM]
See that tiny white table in that back of the room? That’s us.
