[Updated with interview] Bearing Drift Live! Rigell Campaign Kick-Off
By D.J. Spiker | Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 | Politics[Update 1/6/10] Interview with Scott Rigell:
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.
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About the author
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.
Comments
49 Responses to "[Updated with interview] Bearing Drift Live! Rigell Campaign Kick-Off"
I am saddened that this guy is a blogger on Bearing Drift. Why wasn’t he at Taylor”s energetic campaign kickoff and I wander if he will be at Loyola’s. This is the 3rd straight post for Rigell from him. Bearing Drift, what are your standards?
Jared, there was no one available to be at Taylor’s campaign kickoff; JR and I were originally intending to be here, JR had another commitment come up. I will assuredly be at Golden and Loyola’s kickoff events, when they take place. Same with Mizusawa and Maulbeck, despite my feelings about their campaigns. Our standards are unflinching. Recognize.
And regardless who you’re supporting, Rigell’s campaign kickoff, with Bob McDonnell in attendance is conservative news, whether it were posted by me, JR or Brian.
I hope that someone is at the other campaigns for their campaigns. I recognize JR has been pretty unflinching in standards. You on the other hand, have been completely biased in the 2nd district race. Recognize.
We’ll have to live with your disappointment Jared. Scott Taylor can tell you otherwise personally.
Bearing Drift is not and does not have to be impartial. I have news for you. If you don’t like what they do or how they do it stop logging on or start your own blog. Take your pick. No one, by the way, cares which option you choose.
Looks like a enthusiastic crowd out there! Thanks for covering this event for Bearing Drift, DJ. Scott seems to have gained some momentum in this race. Of course there is always a downside to that (Hint: Rudy Guiliani). The “X” will be on his back now, if not already. Ben Loyola and Kenny Golden will also be strong contenders. Remember to do the research, study each candidate and their platforms. As a School Board Member here in Portsmouth I want to know each candidate’s stand on education. Is that a priority for them? Will they properly fund it to allow our children (our future) to excel? Where do they stand on Charter Schools? Homeschooling? Merit Pay for outstanding teachers?
Jim, I have an exclusive interview with Kenny Golden tomorrow afternoon; I will ask him that directly, thanks for your questions!
DJ,
Glad to see you’ll be doing an interview series with the candidates. It’ll be interesting to see what each of them has to say.
Just a thought, think about asking them all the same questions. That way we can compare their responses.
Wow! Great report DJ. What a great event this was! High-energy, 400+ supporters there, Scott was on fire. Having Governor-Elect McDonnell there was awesome too. This event speaks for itself, the Rigell campaign is on the way to victory! Go Scott!
Anything substantive on how he is going to defeat Nye other than chucking “Motherhood and Apple Pie” at him?
Sorry to say I LOST a little bit of respect for Bob McDonnell tonight – an implied endorsement in a primary is just as bad a real one when you are the defacto leader of the party. Then again – considering the substantial bankroll Rigell provided the McDonnell campaign this fall, it was too much to hope that he would stay out of it completely. Party leadership (within the state) should not take sides in nominating processes – period.
Govgirl, I don’t disagree with the point at all, you’re 100% correct. McDonnell’s ties to Rigell go far beyond money however; Rigell and McDonnell have been close for nearly 20 years. Rigell also bankrolled far more for Bob’s AG race than his Gubernatorial. And to be fair, McDonnell did not appear before the crowd, just in the VIP room. However, I believe you are still correct, it shouldn’t take place.
I was very disappointed that Scott used the word fierce. I hate that word.
What an incredible evening, incredible crowd, incredible messaage. Nye has to be shaking in his boots!
DJ-
Great post. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there or at Taylor’s kick-off. Wanted to be at both, but, yes, I do have things that occasionally come up that are more important than political blogging. Thanks for being there tonight.
Regardless, I have your interview with Rigell and will try to get that posted sometime this morning.
Great work.
So where did the press and bloggers sit?
Under the podium?
I asked and there were 380 seats all filled plus at least 150+ standing and even out in the hallway that couldn’t get in. 500+ people at a kick off event; I was blown away by the people, the speech, the energy and the intro video of Scott Rigell was incredible.
I’ve been at kick-offs for statewide campaigns and this blew them away!
There is absolutely no problem with Governor-elect McDonnell endorsing a candidate in a primary. It happens all the time. The only reason you don’t like it is that it wasn’t your candidate. Grow up.
Aside from his friendship and assistance, McDonnell pretty much endorsed Rigell because Bob feels that Rigell is the best candidate for VA-2. Plain and simple!
Brian, MSM were given seats in the front. Seventh Point (the organizers) at the last minute banished new media to the back, behind the standing room only and volunteers, blocking views to the stage. I took umbrage and let the campaign know that while last night was fine by me, future events need to be far more accommodating for new media. I received assurances that there will not be a repeat at future events, or at least what I took as assurances haha.
David A. – You are wrong, but why am I not surprised. I would have just as big a problem if he endorsed any other candidate – oh, and by the way, who do I support since I am pretty sure I have never said anything about supporting any particular candidate in this race. The quasi-endorsement of Rigell by McDonnell REEKS of politics as usual, follow the money – even if McDonnell believes that Rigell is the best guy for the job. It taints McDonnell far more than it helps Rigell. Plus should Rigell not get it McDonnell is expected to come out and now say that some other guy is the best for the job. He is better to keep out of it, both officially and unofficially.
According to the Virginian Pilot, “During the actual kick off event, the governor-elect stayed hidden behind a black curtain. The only acknowledgement to the crowd that he was even there came near the end of Rigell’s speech when he congratulated McDonnell on his win and flashed him two thumbs up.” Why was the Gov.-Elect hiding behind a black curtain since he was obviously at the event on purpose? Since the Rigell campaign is already hiding Governors behind black curtains, what else are they planning to hide?
GovGirl, get off your high soapbox. In this nation, we have something called Freedom of Speech. If McDonnell wants to endorse a candidate he can. It’s his prerogative…just like any other person. It just so happens that he has Governor-elect before his name.
This has nothing to do with “politics as usual.” Why can’t you just chalk it up as McDonnell endorsing the candidate he think is best and move on. It’s just another endorsement that Rigell has racked up and far more important (and impressive) than those of Burton or Diaz-Balart.
The Pilot got it wrong, the Govenor-elect was not “hiding” behind the curtain during the event. I saw him leave the room through a side-door with his security team right around the time the program was officially getting started to get back on the road.
Yes, reporters don’t always get it right.
O Please. The statewide officers should stay out of this race. There are a ton of McDonnell supporters who (shocking, I know) DON’T support Rigell. They support Loyola, Golden, Taylor, and even Nye. The last thing we need is Gov. McDonnell endorsing Rigell and then Rigell loses.
Despite the cockiness that his campaign espouses, he doesn’t have this election “in the bag” yet. We’re five months out and it’s hard to run with a target on your back.
One more thing. Despite the Rigell campaign spinning this otherwise, McDonnell has NOT endorsed Rigell. Simply showing up to an event on his way to another (corporate) event does not equate to an endorsement. Until McDonnell shows up at a fundraiser for Rigell, he’ll have to continue to hide behind Jeanine McDonnell for her “endorsement”.
Quite exciting and uplifting; full of energy.
Loved the “Wrong Track / Right Track” metaphor and budgetary responsibility message. His business experience is what we need in DC regardless of economic conditions. Anyone can get lucky and score a field goal in hard times and win the game. Scott’s day in and day out sound business practices keeps luck out of the equation.
The attendance by the 18-22 demographic was inspiring!
Go Scott!
Bryan, you have your interpretation of what happened, but the reporter wrote it in the paper and posted on their website for all to see. It’s also gone viral on the web. So to all of us casual readers of the Pilot story in newsprint and on the web, the facts are that the “the governor-elect stayed hidden behind a black curtain.” Hiding, black curtains, and now you say he left through a “side door” doesn’t inspire confidence that the gov-elect is completely under Rigell’s thumb. The image presented in the article of Rigell flashing two thumbs up to a black curtain is hilarious!
The fact is Scott and Bob are close personal friends. Bob’s support of his friend speaks a great deal to his character. If he had stayed out of it many people would have thought less of Bob as a person. The problem is Bob McDonnell is too honorable a man to throw one of his closest friends overboard to score a few political points from the jackals that inundate politics.
When you’re in politics for 20+ years you build allinaces, but more importantly friendships and relationships are built that go beyond the latest campaign. You begin to find the men and women whose opinions and advice you trust. It is not all about money. It just isn’t. You short change your elected officials when you advoacte and prop up this stereotype. These guys have experienced a lot together. To claim Bob is “hiding” behind is daughter is such a dishonorable statement to make-I can hardly believe it was written and submitted. If you can’t support Bob McDonnell as a conservative then who the hell meets your rigid standard for leadership? Your altruistic and narcissitic view of politicians is completely disconnected from the realities of governance. It’s staggerring that so many people think this way. It is insulting to our new governor and you should be ashamed to write such ill-conceived bitter bile.
As far as the event last night goes.,, no one has come close to a kick off event like that in 20 years. Scott Rigell is a force to reckon with in the party-not because of his money, but because of his people. The attendance was 500 strong last night. Nobody who attended left unimpressed-and you can bet Nye took notice.
Was Nye behind the black curtain also?
Richard-
I understand that Scott and Bob are personal friends and their families are close. I think that this puts Bob in an interesting position. It’s NOT politically smart to endorse before the results of the primary are in. I think that Bob knows this and will NOT endorse Rigell until after the election. The fact is, despite Jeanine’s independence, her endorsement has been interpreted as subtle and backdoor endorsement by her father. That’s a fact. The truth is irrelevant when it comes to the interpretations that the media and average voter makes.
I also find your assertion that I don’t support Bob as a conservative odd and illogical. I made the argument that Bob will do everything but directly endorse Rigell. How does that equate to me not supporting Bob? In fact, I worked seven days a week, for more weeks than I can count, during the 2009 election to make sure that Bob and his running mates were elected. Trust me, Bob is more of a conservative leader than Rigell will ever be and he has never lost my support. Despite what the Rigell campaign has misled you to believe, my opposition to the Rigell campaign doesn’t mean I’m against McDonnell. As I posted, there are a TON of McDonnell supporters who support Loyola, Taylor, Maulbeck, etc. Shame on you for implying that they’re somehow less conservative because they don’t endorse or support Rigell. This campaign is not about McDonnell; it’s about the person who is best suited to lead the 2nd District. In my opinion, it is not Scott Rigell.
I won’t even touch your comment concerning the “realities of governance”. If you think that money doesn’t matter and that his support his based only on his “people” then you need to re-evaluate your perceptions of “political reality”.
On the topic of Nye, he’s probably too busy living the single life to even notice. Nye will have financial, administrative and political support from the Democratic Party and Establishment. (Not to mention that he’s the incumbent) I think that Nye isn’t at all worried about his re-election hopes if Rigell continues to be the front-runner of this race.
I have been to a lot of Presidential campaign events and the Rigell kick off was that same quality including the 500+ crowd. An impressive campaign that is primed to beat Glen Nye.
It was also nice to see Bob McDonnell standing with his friend of 20 years at the reception.
Ben.
Forgive me if i misread your support of Bob in your comment that he was hiding behind his daughter. I do believe a statement like that is a swipe at Bob-even if it is not intended to be. I take offense to that comment in particular. I’m sure you’re a loyal party worker, but comments like those are not welcome to most of us.
Money is extremely important. It’s number one and number two out of the top three things required to win a political campaign, but what I meant was that money is not always the motivating factor for what a politician decides to do. It just isn’t. If people here think that every decision made in govt is based on financial supporters then there is nothing I can write to sway that opinion. Too many people have implied that Bob is in Rigell’s back pocket or that Scott is benefiting from graft due to his political donations. Both of these positions have been advocated on this blog, if not by you then by others-so I apologize for lumping you among those posters. I will oppose that notion every time it is presented because it is patently false. It demeans two very good people. We shouldn’t stand for it.
Finally, Nye is paying attention to the race. If he wasn’t he wouldn’t be raising money the way that he is. I’ve never met a republican or democrat that was not worried about the next race-no matter how far fetched the opponent appears to be. Your argument that he’s living the single life doesn’t hold water with my personal experience in politics. I hope he isn’t because it will make it much easier for Scott, Ben, Kenny, Ed or Scott to win-but somehow I believe those staffers whose jobs depend on re-e;ection were paying attention last night. Call me naive if you like.
I find this discussion very interesting. Richard jenkins clearly has an agenda and appears to want to name call those who question him. I would turn the question ask with such an adversarial attitude towards other republicans, it appears that richard Jenkins may epitomize the problem with local republicans, they allow their blind faith to cloud the real issues that the voters will look at, and I’m sure less than 0.001% will ever read any of this blog, but they will see the in-fighting and bought seats. They saw it with Thelma and her undeserved rise in local politics. It takes more than a loyal party member to be an effective representative in Washington, and until the lcal republicans see that, we will continue with the Drake – Rigell mentality that money contributed equals deserving of election. Its about time we look at the candidates and how they get their money, not about who they have contributed to for their so-called right to a seat. Lets ask ourselves if a car dealer who had his father-in-law set him up in business really constitutes a self made man that voters want representing them in Washington. Regardless of how much money one spent supporting a governor-elect or other politicians, to the voter that does not translate into ones right to a seat in congress. No matter how sweet (i divert as I remember george sweet and his resume, until the truth came out) the resume is written, when the truth is looked at by the voters will they really want someone in congress who made their fortune over-charging people for cars, inflating the banks’ buy-rates for car loans and taking huge profits from the car loan, life insurances and warranty after-market sales, often adding hundreds in profit to the car sale and thousands to the purchase. Is this integrity? If you want to talk about integrity, talk about how one makes their money, not who they contribute to.
Ben I appreciate your position. I hope to meet sometime where we can debate face to face where the nuance of language temper our speech. Sarcasm and inflection rarely convey well on blog posts.
TruthaboutRigell, integrity begins by standing up and being held accountable for what you say and do. I use my real name for that very reason. I don’t hide behind clever usernames. I try to make my arguments based in fact. As far as adversarial tone goes-yes, I am passionate about my beliefs. I might make arguments that seem over-aggresive; however, I will not back down when people claim that Scott is a corrupt politician based on weak logic. Yes, I support Scott for a myriad of reaons. I will also support any other candidate if they win and I will not temper my passionate defense of their integrity either. I know Ben and Kenny too well to check out of the game if my man loses. The other guys I will also strongly support. It’s a competiton. We can compete based on ideas and facts. Too often these posts are conjecture and conspiratorial fantasy. I feel compelled to speak when I see something outrageous. Also, on the issue of integrity: call Scott. His number is on his website-his personal number. I realize he might not want to defend capitalism, banking, and the auto industry with you, but I know he will if you call. My question for you: do you have such admonitions for real estate professionals, investment bankers, or other retailers like Wal Mart or Krispy Kreme? I don’t understand why you singled out auto dealerships-lol. Surely there are lots of other people who make money that you could also go after. I guess it’s just more expedient to go after the auto industry.
Thanks Richard…finally a comment with some common sense.
The best thing to do to unseat Nye is get behind one candidate and start taking Nye on now.
Of course…that candidate is Scott Rigell.
When will republicans learn that supporting the rich candidate instead of the best candidate isn’t working with the electorate anymore. Just ask Thelma. Bob McDonnell won because he worked his way through civil service, he did not buy it. I do not oppose a wealthy candidate, but I do oppose the notion that because one can buy air time and consultants that put on a smooth presentation, that equates into a good candidate. How can Rigell claim to be a self-made businessman when allegedly his father-in-law bought the dealership for him and his wife? How is that self-made? He’s a car salesman that married well.
There’s nothing wrong with getting angry. Political discourse in this country has become too PC, too “mainstream” and too bland. What’s wrong with knowing who you support, who you don’t support and arguing about it? It’s a primary. Parties are supposed to rip themselves to shreds with debates over their nominees, their platforms and their futures. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with supporting your “guy” (or gal) 110% while also fighting against your opponents. I don’t think that Rigell will make a good Congressman, but I’m pretty sure he’ll do a better job than Nye. Does that mean I’m a bad Republican? I think some of you would say “yes”.
The problem is that when I (along with those who support Loyola, Maulbeck, Taylor, Golden, etc) make arguments against Rigell, his campaign throws its arms up in the air in disgust about how we’re “tearing the party apart”. Instead, I’d rather see them fight back and tell me why Loyola doesn’t deserve to be elected. Why shouldn’t Golden be our next congressman? (He was the VA Beach chair after all…) Isn’t Taylor the best man to beat Nye? He’s young, successful and has military experience. Shouldn’t a Brigadier General represent us in Congress?
I wish that someone would give me a reason to vote for Rigell, instead of telling me that I should because “it’s the best thing to do” “for the sake of the party”…
The reason I singled out car dealerships is because the nature of the profit in a car dealership includes bumping up the interest rates on car loans financed through the dealership. One expects a car dealer to make a profit from the car sale, but noit from the loan itself. Lets say Ford Credit has approved a customer for a rate (buy rate) of 10% for a car loan, then the dealership can increase that rate without disclosing to the consumer that they are sharing in the profit of the loan interest and the dealer profit is the difference between 13% and 10%. So the dealer may increase it to 13%, whereas they could have left it at 10%. Thus misleading the consumer on the terms of the loan they were supposedly working to get for them. They act as the agent to get a loan for the customer, when in fact it is a whole separate profit center for the dealership which is not disclosed to the consumer. That is not integrity.
1. He’s a businessman. Regardless of how he started this business, he’s been successful.
2. He understands job growth and what it takes to accomplish it. Through his dealership, he’s created hundreds of jobs in the community.
3. He understands budgets. He knows that he cannot spend more money than he takes in.
4. He understands how to make a payroll. It’s surprising how many members in Congress have never had to meet a payroll.
5. Has military experience since he was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
6. Gives back to the community, whether it be through Horizons Hampton Roads, the United Way or the Boy Scouts
7. His stances on most of the major issues is representative of the 2nd district.
8. He is a good, decent, character-driven individual who has raised a family.
9. He has cultivated relationships throughout the state with many key leaders. Regardless of his contributing to their campaigns, the fact is he still maintains these relationships. This is why you see many of them endorsing his candidacy.
I have work to do, but the list can continue later. As far as I am concerned, I believe Scott is the best candidate to defeat Nye and represent the 2nd district.
David A.
While that is quite the impressive list – but there is one small problem, there is little on that list that is not also true of every other candidate in this race, particularly the military and business experience. I believe all of the candidates have military experience, and I know that at least Taylor and Loyola have started (on their own) and run businesses, sometimes more than one. You can look at that list and like anybody in this race if those are your reasons.
Yes, I am well aware of all the candidates’ backgrounds. I did my research before picking a candidate.
When it comes to business experience, Rigell’s experience is unparalleled. Your referencing of Taylor, I find surprising. Didn’t he foreclose on one of his properties? Additionally, if he wants to be taken seriously as a candidate he needs to stop hanging out at local watering holes. It seems every picture I see lately has him at some bar.
Vote for your man based on their merit. Don’t vote against your opponent based on negative representations put forth in attack ads and blog posts. The beauty of our local party is you have ample opportunity to meet and discern for yourself who’s best for you. You don’t need to tear people apart to win (perhaps Rosemary would like to post on that-a joke-I firmly believe she lost many more votes than she won with that campaign and apparently Ben agrees-but I digress).
We have several strong GOP candidates, but alluding to rumors, implying graft etc. isn’t how we do it-or it shouldn’t be how we do it. I can give you ten good reasons to vote for Loyola, Golden and Taylor because I’ve seen what they can do and they’re proven leaders in our party. It’s why I’m a republican-we can get eight qualified guys up against their one unqualified incumbant. Furthermore, I will not insinuate one thing that is untrue or unproven on any of our guys. I’ll analyze and tell you why they can’t win or why I think another person is better based on fact. In a nutshell Kenny can’t raise the money. He got in too late. Loyola doesn’t have deep enough ties to the commmunity to mount a succesful challenge to Nye (or Rigell for that matter) and Scott Taylor upset too many high dollar donors in his run against Sessoms plus the electorate is looking for proven experience to guide us through the current debacle were in as a country and Scott Taylor appears to them to be too young. My assessment doesn’t attack their personalities, their business practices, any runors, which I know none, or grandiose conspiracy theoiries involving seizing power. Can they all win in a general election-possibly-I hope so, but Rigell is the full package. He has deep roots in the community, he’s hugely respected in business circles, he has the support of nearly every elected GOP official since Lincoln and he can raise the $3-4 million required to unseat an incumbant-albeit a weak incumbant. The NRCC has no money to dump in the district. We are on our own in this race. We better have a candidate who can get it done without relying on a virtually bankrupt NRCC or RNC. That might seem negative, but those are the realities that face Ben, Kenny and Scott Taylor. If they win the nomination we’ll hopefully be able to overcome the obstacle together, but if we choose one of these three good men then we make our task much more difficult. Meanwhile the knock on Rigell is one check to Obama (which will help in a general-get over it-it will help win over independents) and we also have rumors and insinuations that he bought influence. No proof of this crap. We just have baseless accusations-that’s underhanded dirty intra-party politics, and we all know it. Finally, if you don’t want to finance through the dealership. I suggest a Credit Union-much better rates. They’ll even call the dealership for you (just trying to lighten it up).
Kenny, Ben and Scott Taylor I wish you all good luck moving forward. It is a difficult road that you must overcome, but rest assured I will never say anything on this blog that I would not say to you personally. I sincerely wish you the best and hope you tout your stregths in your respective campaigns. Separate your campaigns based on your accomplishments and you’ll do fine.
David, GovGirl is right about Loyola and Taylor in that they have started businesses and have some serious military experience. I found out in talking with Loyola that he is still in the reserves as a Navy Captain, and was a former Commanding Officer of Southern Command.
I asked him if he was in danger of being reactivated and he said no, that his flight billet was for the A-6 Intruder which has been decommissioned. He said that he crossed communities to a Joint billet where he served at USJFCOM in Suffolk, CINCLANT Fleet and SUBLANT in Norfolk. He said that he still has to take flight physicals to maintain his wings.
Loyola also mentioned some interesting diplomatic experience he has in being the military liaison between the US Military, State Department and foreign country Embassies which impressed me. I have yet to talk to Scott Taylor to get some more details out of his experience in a diplomatic capacity, and in talking with a Rigell campaign staffer I drew a blank.
Actually Bob McDonnell asked Kenny to not resign his Chairmanship (to run for Congress) until after the election, because he wanted stable leadership at the beach, since VB is/was the key to winning Hampton Roads for the statewide ticket.
Kenny did the honorable thing and gave his word to Bob and worked hard to get him elected, to the possible detriment of being able to run a viable campaign. However, I doubt Kenny would get in this race if he didn’t think he could raise the funds to be competative. The campaign reports came out in October with Rigell and Loyola raising tons of money, yet Kenny made the decision to get in the race knowing this information.
TruthAboutRigell,
Where do I begin with you? How about your handle. Interesting the accronym is TAR, as your motive is obviously to do just that to Mr. Rigell. I wonder if you’re opposed to opposition candidates hiring consultants that post misleading comments.
I cannot speak to the allegation that Scott’s father-in-law may have seen fit to invest in him. In my experience, a man must be self-assured to get a woman the calibre of Teri, further getting a father-in-law to believe in you is no easy task. In that sense Self-made must apply. supposing Scott was “set up” in his business, that would not guarantee its success. to evoke Fraklin: we’ve given you a republic, if you can keep it. Regardless of whose aide may have been solicited in starting Freedom, it’s been a success for 20+ years now. I don’t think any of the other candidates can say that. further, Rigell’s business-unlike most of the other candidates’- has not relied upon appropriations from gov. for its success.
your premise that dealerships about the car dealerships is completely off base. Many vehicles today are over-priced, but thats largely due to unions demanding workers be paid $35 an hour-with cadillac healthcare plans-to install windsheild wipers, or ocassionly, to do nothing at all. I digress. Dealers make little, if anything, of the cars themselves. It seems like most dealerships have been charging little in the way of interest on new vehicles over the last decade. you’re example of 13% rates might apply to people whose history deserves such a rate. perhaps if people were charged the rates in line with their credit history on morgages we wouldn’t see the Foreclosures we have lately. Again, I digress. In claiming dearship practice are un-fair and misleading, you over look that people are free to enter these contracts if they believe the terms are fair. If not, they don’t have to-unlike the forthcoming healthcare mandates.
J.M.: Dealers make little off the car? Please. They don’t sell a car unless they make something. Whether its from the car, the financing, the after-market or the hold-back money from the manufacturer. The profit center for a car dealership from interest rate mark-up and extended warranties alone usually amounts to an average of $500 PER CAR for a poor finance manager to $1100 per car for a good finance manager. The deception comes in using bank or finance company paperwork and letting the consumer think the bank is charging that extra point or extra 5 points, without disclosing the mark-up was done by the dealer. Deceptive, though legal, practices. We aren’t even discussing the sub-prime car market. Nor does this address the hold-back profits and incentives given to the dealers from manufacturers, etc. Free market capitalism – yes; deceptive business practices – no. You also speak of mortgage foreclosure problems in our economy and the financial industry didn’t suffer from only over lending on homes, but also over lending on cars. Banbks lent 100% of the car loan, PLUS plus registration and taxes, extended warranties, rims, pinstriping, life insurance, etc., etc. Who made money off that? Which of the candidates contributed to that problem? Not Nye, nor any of the “under-dog” republican candidates.
“TruthaboutRigell” seems to be a Democrat posting on this site the way he has a problem with the free market capitalism.
Second, the bottom line is that “Freedom Ford” has won countless awards, including the Presidents Circle, from Ford Motor Co. for year after year after year after year. It is a superbly run company, has received the recognition to prove it, and my guess is that “TruthaboutRigell” has never run a company, started a business or created a single job in his life.
Kudos to Richard Jenkins for pointing out what many of these “posters” don’t have the guts to do. Scott Rigell posted his home number inside of his dealership for years so any customer who has a problem with any aspect of his business could call him personally. If you go to his campaign website, his home number is posted as well. Why doesn’t “TruthAboutRigell” actually call Scott and talk with him or meet with him? I’ve been amazed how the Scott isn’t afraid to meet with any of his detractors face to face. Clearly some people who post aren’t man enough to do likewise.
Nice!, found your site on Ask.Glad I finally tested it out. Unsure if its my Safari browser,but sometimes when I visit your site, the fonts are really small? Anyway, love your blog and will return.See Ya
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