Kenny Golden announces independent run for Congress
By JR Hoeft | Friday, April 9th, 2010 | Politics“Recent polling suggests a mood of frustration across the nation, highlighted by a disenchantment with and lack of faith in Congress. Yet, the two major parties offer only business as usual as their response to the people. The voters of the second district deserve a better choice, and that is why Kenny Golden has decided to seek the congressional seat as an independent. Leadership and vision are what he offers, not going along to get along. ” – Tom Holmes, Chief of Staff
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Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.
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94 Responses to "Kenny Golden announces independent run for Congress"
How much will this help Nye, if any?
Unbelievable; you would think that after 31 years of military service that Golden would understand the concept of loyalty.
Party bosses don’t decide a primary, the people do. This shows that Kenny Golden is about Kenny Golden.
Isn’t today those petitions the candiates have been pushing on us are due. I wonder if that has anything to do with it?
This is so outrageous on so many levels. All I heard from Golden when Peter Schmidt left the Republican party to run against Delegate Bob Purkey was what a traitor he was.
Now what does this make Golden? What does this communicate to all of the Loyola, Rigell, Taylor, Maulbeck, Muzusawa, Sandlin supporter? That Golden and his huge ego is beteer than them?
The other Republican candidates dispute your assertion, Mr. Golden, that this race is already over. They have chosen to play fair and square. You have decided you don’t like this game and have taken your bat and ball, and rather than go home, sit in the stands as a spoiler.
Shame.
It looks like Golden has made up my mind for me. Mizusawa appears to be the strongest candidate now. I don’t understand why Golden pulled himself out of the race.
I am all for conservatives running against RINO candidates (Like Doug Hoffman’s heroic run in NY-23).
There are no RINO’s running in the 2nd district and this will give Nye a huge boost from a split vote.
This is called “snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.”
And the plot thickens – I LOVE POLITICS
@Jason – some (including Mr. Golden apparently) would disagree that there are no RINOs in this race. In fact, pretty much anyone who is not a Rigell supporter would disagree that there is no RINO in the race. Your last name would not happen to start with an M would it Jason?
[...] Read more from JR Hoeft at Bearing Drift [...]
Kenny, in spite of my recent post levied at Chris who wrote in on your behalf on a separate thread, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say to you that I was more than satisfied with YOUR response. It stuck to the facts. It also solidifies what I have felt all along — you are one of two candidates in the running with the requisite experience and broad foundation needed to have a firm grip on military issues (at macro and micro levels) which impact here in this district. Any questions left unanswered are non-issues as it is clear that Chris was a bit confused in his post.
I’ll take a “rain check” on your invite to Happy Hour this week and next as I’ll be in Tennessee, but will make it to one of them as soon as my schedule permits. First round is on me. Consider the amends made already. Please allow me to offer that — in spite of any perception or notion generated by what I wrote as I countered Chris’s post, I maintain a high regard for you and your service. Clearly you have done more for the VB Republican Party organization than their support for your candidacy would indicate and I completely understand your decision.
I’ll fess up that I tend to be unkind with anyone whose words or misstatements are unfair or misleading. Yours are appreciated — especially considering all the demands on your time. I wish you Godspeed as you chart these new waters as an Independent candidate.
Let’s see, Golden is pro-choice, refuses to sign the anti-tax pledge, his own “legislative proposals” he sent out stated he would support raises taxes. Perhaps that is why he got out of the 2nd District race.
Kenny Golden = Peter Schmidt
It says a lot when the Former Chairman decided to leave the party. He obviously knows things that everyone else doesn’t. He knows where ALL the bodies are buried.
At least there is definitely going to be a real man in the race. When you put Kenny next to Rigell and Nye, there is no comparison.
If Rigell wins the nomination, I will be throwing my support behind Kenny. It is high time that someone stepped up and put the GOP in their place. We can’t afford politics as usual anymore.
So let me get this right … Kenny Golden attacked somebody who left the GOP to run as an Independent as a traitor and now he is doing the very same thing. Golden has no credibility here.
Kenny’s goal must be to keep NYE/PELOSI in power.
Navy guys like Kenny ought to know a thing or two about loyalty.
Actually, Kenny’s goal is quite clear. I thought Scott Rigell was running against Nancy Pelosi anyways.
Wow. Kenny Golden must have lost his mind. Must be because he was tired of Rigell kicking his butt at debates.
Kenny wishes he was half the man Rigell is, cause if he was, he would have never done such a stupid thing.
What a traitor. People like him need to be taken out behind the shed and shot.
Everyone needs to get behind Rigell, the real conservative in the race. He is the only man that can beat Glenn Nye.
Party unity used to mean something Kenny. Obviously not to you.
The real conservative? Does that kool-aid come in more than one flavor?
The reason he got out was because of Rigell being a horrible conservative but with the money to throw around at everything and everyone who got in his way. I would vote for Nye over him any day.
Dear Bryan R. Don’t know what you’re smokin but it must be more powerful than the stuff we had at UVA over forty years ago. Probably better than the stuff Clinton didn’t inhale at my former school Oxford. Never,never have I ever said I will raise taxes and never will. Obviously you didn’t take the time to come to the Golden-Rigell debate or you would be more “educated”. Let me further help you, Twice I helped put Peter Schmidt to bed for Bob Purkey while I was Chair, once in the Primary and last year in the election. He is done, thanks to folks like me. All that despite he remains a good friend, and my former Rugby Co Captain at UVA. Try desperately if you can to put out good information and don’t comment on someone you obviously know nothing about. I’ll do the same. No more taxes, less spending period and I don’t need a piece of paper from AFP to pledge that. r Kenny
This ultimately dilutes votes for both parties. Party affiliation by military members is not as skewed as it once was. The real question is will this appeal more to the DEM military voters and swing them away from Nye? If so, good for the REPUBLICAN Party candidate.
Finally somebody has the intestinal fortitude to buck the party when its getting out of line. Obviously the Rigell fanboys are oblivious to the fact that his (deleted by editor) donations will destroy his image in the general election, and with it the reputation of the RPVB. I wish Mr. Golden the best of luck in this brave endeavor.
If Rigell gets the nomination, Kenny Golden is definitely getting my vote. Can any of you honestly cast a vote of conscience for a man who donated money to B. Hussein Obama? (deleted by editor)
Any who, just my $0.02.
So, does this mean that Kenny has to start all over with getting his signatures? And also, aren’t members of City Committee barred from helping on his campaign in any way?
Golden Cannot get any support from any City Committee members or College Republicans
GG
From the modified Party Plan, adopted November 7, 2009:
A member of an Official Committee is held to a higher standard of support for nominees of the Republican Party than an individual who merely participates in a mass meeting, party canvass, convention or primary. Therefore, a member of an Official Committee is deemed to have resigned his Committee position if he (a) makes a reportable contribution to and/or (b) allows his name to be publicly used by and/or (c) makes a written or other public statement in support of a candidate in opposition to a Republican nominee in a Virginia General or Special Election. Such member may be re-instated by a majority vote of the other members of the Committee.
Mr. Golden, you should have no problem deflecting ‘traitor’ accusations.
Loyalty runs both ways. When the NRCC, by virtue of early anointment and selective funding, distorts a fair and ‘democratic’ process into a parody, it’s legitimate and justified to sever. I wish you luck and, should your running as an Independent put Nye back in office, so be it.
Perhaps it will teach the old guard a lesson, which they SHOULD have learned with their disastrous support of Dede Scozzafava in upstate NY last fall – just one example of inept meddling by the GOP establishment that infuriates rank-and-file Republicans. The Florida Senate campaign is another, with the NRSC putting in the fix for Charlie Crist 15 months ahead of the primary. GOP insiders appear to be clueless, incompetent, and tone deaf.
Republicans gave away the store during the Bush years; I don’t owe the GOP my allegiance. This is the election opportunity to earn back trust. Clearly not happening in the 2nd, where perception that the GOP establishment routinely rigs primaries, in favor of the well financed and connected, is alive and well and kicking!
I still have some hope left that, in the year when the party hopes to capture the populist movement of the Tea Party, the GOP leadership will understand loyalty is a TWO-way street AND it does NOT end well when grassroots’ preferences are usurped by political ambitions of party insiders.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to support our party’s nominee. If not, will be joining the many District 2 conservatives fed up with Washington AND the Beltway GOP – at your door with a check in hand, sneakers on, and ready to canvass on your behalf. Good luck to you, sir.
DEAR KENNY GOLDEN:
Email from you on February 22, 2010 entitled “Kenny Golden Releases First in a Series of Legislative Proposals”
“Pay As You Go Act – Requires new proposals to be either budget neutral, offset with budget cuts elsewhere, or PAID FOR BY A TAX INCREASE. This would ensure that no new spending or tax cuts will increase the deficit.”
Emphasis mine. So, Mr. Golden, did you not read your own press release before it went out? This further demonstrates a poor understanding of supply-side economics.
How can anyone read that proposal can see that you are open to using tax increases to pay for budget items. The fact that you REFUSE to sign a “No New Tax Pledge” only further confirms that you are open to raising taxes.
Kenny Golden reminds me of Arlen Specter. He used the Party to advance his own career and when it was no longer benefiting him he left to advance himself.
There is no way to rig a primary. It is the most democratic method of choosing a nominee. People who are upset that a majority of fellow 2nd District Republicans chose a candidate other than the one they preferred and bitch and moan about “party establishment” all they want, but it is ultimately in the hands of the voters, as it should be.
After realizing he couldn’t win a fair process, Kenny Golden is opting out to sabotage the Republican Party nominee… because why? There is literally no way he can possibly win as an Independent. The only way he factors into the race is by siphoning off enough votes to re-elect Glenn Nye, reduce the possibility of getting rid of the most liberal Congress in history.
Simple ego and sour grapes explains why the former VBGOP Chairman would do something like that. It doesn’t explain why anybody would join him on his effort to keep Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.
Kenny,
In previous posts I said I respect you. Now I think you’re a full out traitor.
And to claim “party boss’s” rigged ths election? Really? YOU WERE THE PARTY BOSS AT THE START OF THIS CAMPAIGN. Just because you couldn’t line yourself with a win you’re quiting the party?
Are you saying you weren’t that good at your job as party boss? And this is your revenge on all of us?
What a sham.
Dear Kenny, as my good friend, someone that has helped MANY people get elected and re-elected in the Republican Party, selflessly for as long as I have known you, I am sorry to see you leave the Republican Party. I know you feel a great call to serve on a higher level. I for one will not bash you or your decision. Regardless of party, remember who your friends are. I hope nothing but the best for you and Francie!!!!
“From the modified Party Plan, adopted November 7, 2009:
A member of an Official Committee is held to a higher standard of support for nominees of the Republican Party than an individual who merely participates in a mass meeting, party canvass, convention or primary. Therefore, a member of an Official Committee is deemed to have resigned his Committee position if he (a) makes a reportable contribution to and/or (b) allows his name to be publicly used by and/or (c) makes a written or other public statement in support of a candidate in opposition to a Republican nominee in a Virginia General or Special Election. Such member may be re-instated by a majority vote of the other members of the Committee.”
@DJ Spiker
Thanks for clarifying that. I suppose that following the logical implications of the modified party plan Rigell would be forced to resign his bid because of his donations to both Barack Obama and Louise Lucas? After all aren’t candidates suppose to be held to the highest scrutiny of all? Thanks for the detective work and I hope it is applicable.
@Bryan R. – Maybe you are unaware of how the legislative process functions or assume BD readers are as intellectually primitive as yourself, so I will elaborate for any other children who happened to wander onto daddy’s computer to offer their opinion:
The act forces new bills to be fully financed so they don’t add to the deficit. It would force politicians to raise taxes if they couldn’t allocate money to finance their fiscally irresponsible proposals elsewhere.
Obviously the bad guys have to raise taxes for their bad legislation and you can single them out and beat them.
Now apparently in your mind this is a bad thing because you probably have less than a rudimentary understanding of monetary policy and think that adding to the deficit just creates an imaginary number with no tangible impact. You’re probably one of those 30 second sound bite voters, so I suggest you supplement your vast FOX news intellect with some actual reading.
@Eric Dunn – Kenny Golden was 10 for 10 getting all his candidates into office in the last election. I’d say that makes him a pretty good party boss. But party leaders meddling in primaries to influence the outcome is the reason why people are starting to hate the party and more people identify with the tea party than either of the major parties in this country. Loyalty is a two way street.
And for those of you espousing rhetoric about party unity/loyalty being so important, I suggest you remember what separates Republicans from that other party and is more important — principles. Well, it used to anyway…
Until Republicans start painting with bold colors instead of these pale pastels the party leadership seems to prefer (puppets with $$$), they are going to be challenged on the right by real conservatives and libertarians.
Buying yourself a congressional seat because you have the most money and appear to be easily controlled isn’t going to fly in the 2nd District of Virginia. Not this time anyway.
Actual conservatives will have the ability to cast a vote with conscience and good faith this November for an honorable man.
Godspeed Commodore.
R. La Framboise
Ryan La Framboise, as I read the bylaws, Rigell would not have to drop out of this race. If he made a contribution to Obama after this amendment of the City Committee rules, he would no longer be a City Committee member. However, Rigell made the contribution before the City Committee bylaw amendment was adopted on November 7, 2009.
This decision is sad for all of us. To lose an over thirty year hard working Republican and now to have a three or four way split at the poles will only help Nye. Very sad indeed.
Hopefully Republicans won’t elect a candidate closely associated with Pat Robertson. That is a person moderates and independents will have an difficult to impossible time rallying behind in the general election. It’s going to be tough enough to win the election without that baggage. That’s one reason candidates other than Rigell appeal to me, not to mention I believe we need a candidate with substantial military experience in our district.
Kathy is correct, the party plan modification is not retroactive.
Where’s Gary Byler’s statement about this?
Kenny’s decision shocks me. Since I have been active with the Republicans in VB, I have seen his dedication and hard work. I would have guessed others would have broken out first. I’ll vote for the candidate who most closely mirrors my views and whom I trust. He is not high on my list right now but I respect him.
Ryan La Framboise,
Your logic is flawed at best. To claim Kenny was the party boss would got ten people elected isn’t anywhere near reality. While he certainly didn’t do anything to mess it up – he wasn’t the guy who hand delivered seats. Ask any of them – including the latest winner Jeff McWaters.
Secondly, its insane to say “party boss’s” or “leadership” and not admit Kenny is the biggest insider who couldn’t deliver for himself. If Kenny Golden had the ability to win 10 other people seats – surely he is the “leadership” himself. Otherwise, you’re basically saying he wasn’t a factor at all in others winning.
Third, there is a reason other conservatives in the country won’t stand by him. He actually is Dede. The difference in NY-23 is that you had a moderate (at best) control the nomincation. Here, Kenny is more like Dede. He’s open to tax increases, is pro-choice and doesn’t stand by the republican platform apparently.
Forth, you need to better understand the disaster that is paygo. Paygo is not a way to lower spending. The entire reason it was created by democrats was to raise taxes easier and faster. It basically allows for an automatic tax increase by basically saying that all new spending measures should be paid for immediately. And no, overwelcoming debt is not good. But deficits, in small quanities, is not always bad.
I don’t get it but I think I understand Kenny’s frustration with the party.
For the past few days I’ve been trying to find locally elected republicans, past or present, who have NOT endorsed Scott Rigell. It was like looking for a coelacanth in the James River. Turns out there is one and his office told me today:
“___________ will not be back in the office until Monday. You can call him any time next week at ___-_____. I can tell that ____________ feels that he as an elected official should not endorse a primary candidate. He does plan to fully support the Republican candidate that wins the primary. Historically he has remained neutral until the party has picked the actual candidate for the general election.”
At least one of our elected officials gets it!
With the exception of his good friend Bob McDonnell, Scott has gotten the endorsement of every local Republican alive or dead which is pretty sad considering the depth of the primary field. Kenny, your decision could very well hand the election to Glenn Nye. If things work out as you predict I’ll be voting for you in November too. Does that make me a RINO?
PS What does the 2nd District Chair have to say about this?
Is it true that the local Republican party has circled the wagons around Rigell? I know he has the most money and can largely self fund but is he the best we can do? The Democrats are going to have a field day with him. I have decided that Mizusawa will get my vote in the primary. He is a proven military leader, very bright, has worked many years in the private sector and above all has shown merit through his own abilities. Like Golden he is a very honorable man and will look out for our interests. Please dispute that if you can.
Let me point out the obvious: since the Rigell donation to Obama was before he had secured the Dem nomination, it would be legal under the modified Party Plan.
That said, Golden running as an Independent throws a nasty curve at Rigell if he wins the nomination. Golden would be in a position to go after TEA Party votes and those disgusted at the attempts to make a Rigell nomination a foregone conclusion.
Finally, I have to wonder how much credibility the previous RPVB Chairman will have running as an Independent. Many voters will probably view him as nothing more than a second Republican in the race.
It’s a waste of time voting for an independent, no matter how much you like them.
We should look for another Chairman as the 2nd District is spinning out of control. The District chair has shown and demonstrated repeatedly with scandals and now by division that he doesn’t have a clue of how to manage the party, campaigns, candidates or how to control the message or perform damage control.
He has turned a battle between candidates into a war within the party. This will now force many supporters to choose between loyalty to the party or to a former Republican candidate. Having an Independent taking pot shots at both Nye and the Republican candidate during the campaign is lose-lose proposition that won’t win the election.
Are you blaming Gary Byler for Kenny Golden’s decisions? Gary Byler had nothing to do with Kenny’s decision. Kenny is a mature grown man, he can make up his mind all by himself Tim. If Kenny thinks the only way for him to be able to stay in this race that he may feel is already predetermined by the support of elected officials is to become an Independent, that is his own thoughts, feelings and choices. No one can take credit for Kenny’s choices but Kenny.
I echo Godspeed, Kenny. We saw you once at IHOP, and ever since then my son has referred to you as “Chuck Norris” because you looked so formidable (a huge compliment). Anyone with an elementary school student knows this joke- “Jesus walked on water, Chuck Norris swims on land!” Stand tall.
Not blaming Byler for Kenny’s decision. Byler’s job is to get Republicans elected and now we are put in a position to vote Republican or vote Kenny. If Kenny felt that there was a fix in for the Primary, did he talk to Byler about getting to the bottom of it to control perceptions or is Byler in the tank for one of the candidates?
Kenny has been a solid presence here for many years and was a great leader for the District, and as I also recall, was a great Helo pilot.
Byler can’t be in control of perceptions either. That is up to the candidate. Just like I tell myself and my six children, we are responsible for our own attitude, actions, behavior and choices. Everyone of us.
I respect Kenny’s service and time as party leader. I called him today and told him so, but he put himself ahead of everything else with this decision. He apparently learned very little during his time in GOP leadership about how to buuild a political career. Kenny has ended a once promising political career, not with today’s announcement, but with a series of poor leadership choices that resulted in Kenny raising no money and garnering little support from within the party at large. That should tell all of you something.
There is no conspiracy here to deny access to Kenny Golden. He was granted full access as party chair. Kenny had every opportunity. He did not maximize those opportunities nor did he follow the advice of countless party leaders. I hate to say it. I wish him luck, but I fear this is the last gasp in an ill-fated political career.
Kenny also did what Bob McDonnell asked and not run while the campaigns last fall were still going. But apparently some people thought that they were above this and kept raising money and taking volunteers from the campaigns that were running in the fall. Kenny did as Bob wished and it hurt him in the long run but he stayed true to his word.
Also I guess the candidates running now don’t care about the city ordinances about signs since they are suppose to only be up 30 days prior to an election. It doesn’t matter if it is not enforced or not it is still the law.
What advice was the Richard?
All you could be referring to is Kenny not getting into the race sooner.
Am I not correct? What other advice could have been offered him?
You call it poor leadership for him to put the party before himself and stay chairman, recruit and train most of the candidates running, and work tirelessly for the statewide and local candidates in the 09 cycle? Your logic is a disgrace.
Kenny worked tirelessly for Chris Stolle and Ron V. They endorsed Rigell without so much as a phone call to Kenny beforehand.
Kenny has been in the race for 3 months, lest no one forget. Rigell has had all the elected officials and money locked up for more than 6 months at the very least. He just got out of the Navy in 2004; is it a crime to not have friends rich enough to donate a million dollars?
Again Richard, you prove correct everything that is wrong with this country. Money is everything, service means nothing, and leadership to you is putting yourself before everyone else.
Kenny doesn’t care about his political career. If he did, I seriously doubt he would have waited so long to get in.
No, this isn’t about Kenny putting himself for the party, this is about the party putting money before service.
To me, this is a statement to the GOP and a bold one at that.
Keep placing money above service and you will not keep men of honor like Kenny Golden.
Why would anyone want to be a part of a party structure that treats a man like Kenny Golden like he is worthless as a candidate because he cannot write $300,000 in checks. It is a disgrace and anyone who thinks otherwise is quite frankly part of the problem.
I say again, Kenny worked harder for every party leader that has endorsed Scott Rigell, every elected official. Scott Rigell stroked bigger checks. These so called leaders never gave Kenny the time of day, everyone in the political “know” knows this. Stolle and Ron V never even gave a courtesy call before endorsing, I don’t know what the other electeds did, but I seriously doubt they gave him the chance that he deserved.
The party leaders had a clear choice between a candidate who worked hard for the party and was clearly qualified and Scott Rigell who gave money and is an intellectual featherweight with no presence and no speaking ability. They chose the money. Kenny chose to send a message.
Dare you dispute this Richard Jenkins?
@ryan seems to not understand that in supply side economics you can cur marginal tax rates which leads to economic growth and increase revenue.
Anyone like Kenny that supports a tax increase doesn’t support Reaganomics.
Why hasn’t Kenny responded to Bryan R? He cut and paste from Kenny’s own press release!
Eric Dunn is right, Kenny was a party boss! He was Vice Chairman of the party for years before he was elected Chairman! It is more of testament to his flaws as a candidate that despite being the only real “party insider” in this race his campaign was never able to garner any significant support by any elected official or party elder.
“Chris” seems to be infected with a problem that so many posters on this blog have. Their view of party “history” only starts with when they got started with the party, not realizing that people like Scott Rigell were involved in the party, building the party, long before they ever got involved.
Fact: Scott Rigell walked door to door for numerous candidates, including Bob McDonnell when he first ran for House of Delegates in 1991. In the early 1990s when Owen Pickett was the Dem Congressman, the Democrats controlled the ENTIRE delegation from Virginia Beach (and having done so since the Kellam/Byrd machine), it was activists like Scott Rigell, who donated his time, money and treasure to numerous Republican candidates to help turn the tide.
All of these self-proclaimed blog posters have NO CLUE (and the fact they are so mad shows they don’t know history) that it was people like Scott Rigell, Catherine Colgan, Loretta Tate, Bob Purkey, Bob Tata, Leo Wardrup, etc that helped BUILD the Virginia Beach Republican party BACK WHEN THIS WAS A DEMOCRATIC TOWN.
Scott Rigell was a founding member of the Tusk & Trunk Club; back when the business community shunned the GOP, it was instrumental in turning the tide.
These self pro-claimed “experts” haven’t been around, don’t know how much Rigell has done for the party for two decades to build the Republican Party. They don’t remember how helped Mike Farris, Ollie North, Bob McDonnell and countless other conservatives over TWO DECADES.
Instead, they have short memories, and have no clue the long view of the party and its history and where the Virginia Beach GOP was in 1991 compared to what it is today.
To imply Scott Rigell is a “johnny come lately” to the party shows a level of sheer ignorance of local history that it just reminds me that so many of these posters THEMSELVES haven’t been involved in the party.
Kenny Golden was not a good leader of the Party; left it virtually broke financially, and that is the reason he hasn’t gotten more support.
And I would appreciate Golden responding to my post on his own legislative proposal opening the door to tax increases.
Richard, you are the last I would expect this kind of diatribe from. The answer to your argument about this being all about me is, if it were, I would have never have stayed on as Chairman until we won all ten positions we were seeking. I would not have helped my friend Scott Rigell start his campaign and found a Chris Kettner to coach all the Candidates, I would not have spent countless hours walking for Ron Villenueva, Chris Stolle and Bob McDonnell.
On my campaign efforts, we have run a very good campaign after starting just three months ago and have received many compliments from the same folks you claim to know I received advice from. On the charge of a conspiracy, I’m on the inside and always have been and fully understand what moves have been made and what efforts were not. You simply haven’t had the experience or the access. I’m very disappointed you have chosen to trash me and my candidacy. I have not,and will not do the same to the party. So you know I spent time with Scott this afternoon explaining my decision to him. He told me he fully understands and we both acknowledged that when this is all over we will still be the same friends we have always been since Sorensen. As for last gasp, I have never asked the party for any position, I have worked for every candidate in every field without asking or expecting any reward and if Thelma were still our Congresswoman, I would be busy working and planning for her just as we did two years ago. All I ever asked for was a chance at this seat, a seat I have great qualifications for. The decision was made early on Scott was the choice and the Primary is a foregone conclusion espcially now. I took you in confidence today as I always have done for you. I will not make that mistake again.
Chris-
Kenny had full access to the party “elite” he now decries for two years-really six if you count all his work. In that time he couldn’t win over the support of any of them to his campaign. Why?
It wasn’t money. Everyone needs to get over the money issue and analyze this for themselves. He didn’t build relationships. He didn’t further ideas.
A story for you-perhaps I shouldn’t tell it, but I will. Since Kenny has betrayed the party for his own ego I’ll go ahead and mention it here.
The elected periodically get together to discuss a myriad of issues and more accurately to generally build camaraderie. Everyone knows it, but hardly anyone knows when or where.
Kenny was asked to come to one of those meetings. He didn’t go. He fumbled the message and went to the wrong restaurant. He didn’t bother to call any of the elected who invited him and he blew it off. I only know because he came in late to a meeting that same night and trumpeted it to all of us. He clearly admitted that he lost the directions and went to the wrong restaurant. When asked if he called anyone. He got defensive and started saying he didn’t need to do that-they should give him more notice and better directions.
He stood up every elected official in VB. The men who built the party Kenny was leading. The men who were relying on him to help them get re-elected.
Any one want to fathom a guess if these guys remember that? I can’t say for certain that they hold a grudge-nor can I honestly say this was an isolated incident. It’s one of many. That’s one side of Kenny Golden most of you don’t know.
He was too arrogant and stubborn to call the elected delegation when he got the restaurant mixed up.
Now I ask you again. Why did he not garner support from his board, the party, the elected officials, or raise money in the district. If you want to be so naive as to believe it’s all about money-then keep your blinders on. It’s about relationships.
Kenny,
Your response is beyond insulting. Bottom line is over 40,000 people will vote on Primary Day on June 8th. How you can claim the “Primary is over” makes a mockery of the process. You are clearly upset that Rigell has raised money from the Virginia Beach Business Community.
Guess what? To beat an incumbent you have to raise money from the Virginia Beach Business Community.
Your “web video” making your announcement make it seem that the “Party Bosses” have essentially stolen the right of 2nd District Republican voters the right to vote their own party nominee.
They still have that right, 40000 will make that decision on June 8th. Trust me, they don’t care about endorsements, or who may have the backing of which former or current party chairman. This isn’t a convention where a select few may be able to decide who wins.
Richard Jenkins has been the most level headed of anyone and his comments are spot on.
Bottom line, all the supposed good work you did for the Party now doesn’t matter. You’ve turned your back on the Party, and the 40,000 Republican activists who will vote on June 8th BEFORE THEY EVEN CAST THEIR BALLOT. You have decided you would rather run as an Independent, and possibly siphon enough votes off whoever the nominee is be it Rigell, Taylor, Loyola, Mizusawa, Sandlin, etc than stay in the race.
You have decided that it is better to have a Congressman Nye (and increase the possibility of a Speaker Pelosi) than to have a Republican in that seat.
Don’t be surprised when Party faithful who supporter you run for Chairman, remember you blasting Peter Schmidt for leaving the GOP to run against Purkey, get tough with you.
Ronald Reagan ran for President in 1976 against Gerald Ford. Ford outraised him, had support of the Party leadership, countless endorsements, and by many tokens Reagan was shunned by the so-called Republican establishment. He didn’t go home when he lost, he didn’t complain that the process was rigged. He ran hard, ran to the best of his ability, lost in an honorable way and was able to run again in 4 years.
You have chosen the opposite path of Ronald Reagan because your ego is bruised.
Kenny-
I don’t speak for Scott Rigell.
I speak for myself.
If you think that a third party run won’t help Glenn Nye get elected then you’ve obviously taken a leap in logic I can’t follow or condone.
I’m simply tired of political campaigns trying to spin everything.
I’m tired of egos.
I’m tired of lies.
I won’t stand for it.
I have one voice and if you think I’ll tell my kids in twenty years that I didn’t fight for what i believed in when the country was on the precipice then you misjudged me.
Bryan, as for Kenny’s stance on taxes, this video says it clearer than anything. If you want to call Kenny a liar, then go right ahead.
Richard,
I’d like to meet face to face to discuss this.
Call me Chris. We can set it up.
757-620.2611
Bryan R, you are a completely wrong, and as I have said before while all this “party building” was going on some of us were out defending this country. In 1991 I was leading a squadron back from Desert Storm. Saying the party was broke at the end of my tenure is a complete lie. We spent down to the last $2000 knowing we had the Send off dinner in waiting with a $17,000 earning coming. We thought it was more important to spend the money on our candidates rather than keeping it banked. I’ll take 10 for 10 and the historical victories over money in the bank any day. With ten races going and Second District candidates also raising money the party comes last for fundraising. Just so you’ll know, I think the last $300 or so we spent was on chairs for volunteers for the Villenueva campaign. Money well spent. Currently as of this date the Republican Party still owes me over $2000. Eventually they will pay me but I will never pressure them or any of the leaders for the money as the party has always come first. Ask yourself if that was true when one of ours signed a check for the Obama Campaign. On the press release, it is not from my campaign period. You either inserted the words yourself or had someone else do it. I have all my releases and none, repeat none have ever spoken of a tax increase. As Chairman I came after any that voted for tax increases and recommended several candidates not to run because of their records on tax increases. Again you simply don’t know what you are talking about.
There are two indisputable facts:
1) It is impossible to rig a primary election; it is the most democratic method of choosing a nominee and whoever can put together a campaign organization that’s able to win the nomination should be the nominee. The fact that Scott Rigell has so much support sucks for other candidates, but it doesn’t represent a “rigged” outcome. It represents a candidate who other people have voluntarily chosen to support.
2) A Republican-turned-Independent candidate in the general election has zero chance of winning, and will only increase the chances that the Democrat wins.
You know a conservative gets angry when they starting bringing up Reagan/Ford references.
Well Kenny, if Rigell wins, you got my vote.
I vote Richard Jenkins for Unit Chair!
This is a ridiculous statement. It does not make any political sense. All of us know how important the November election is. We will elect a Republican no matter who that is. We have a good field of candidates for the primary. No one owns our votes. This year people are definitely aware, informed, and involved. We will make the decision, not party insiders, as to who will be our eventual candidate. However, make no mistake, when November comes, we will only support the Republican candidate. We understand about vote splitting and we will NOT waste our vote on any so-called independent. Mr. Golden, independent also means you are on your own. There won’t be anyone following you. On the off chance that Nye should win because you decided to be a spoiler, will you be willing to take ownership for that? If that should happen, we will know who to blame–YOU! By every calculation you can not win as an independent. No one can. You can only do harm to the main objective. Politically, you are finished. You should just sit this one out. There is nothing more I want to hear from you.
God Bless America
This has to be an April Fool’s joke. Only a fool would run for Congress as an Independent who cannot raise money, has no real support except for a few oddballs and as former party chair built no endearing friendships with the business community or main street. Kenny, I have news for you…despite your military service no one owes you anything in politics. You’re not winning because the people who know you best, for instance people on city committee, don’t like you and don’t want you to be their Congressman. Don’t you get it, you egotistical maniac?
While respectful of the hard work and experience of the party faithful (and those that are already locked into your candidate), many of us grassroots types are looking beyond the primary, to the general election against Nye, who is not as vulnerable as some may suggest.
And, what WE see is the apparent frontrunner IS “an intellectual featherweight with no presence and no speaking ability”. Plus he brings unnecessary baggage to the race that is surely damaging and likely to serve up a win to Nye.
I expect the first Nye commercial has already been written and targets a Rigell weakness that none, so far, want to acknowledge. Scott (as an Elder) abandoned his church because of events in New Hampshire surrounding the ordination of a gay minister.
This may play very well with hard righters in our party. However his actions, and the views of Trinity Church (where Scott holds a leadership position), will surely provide enough fodder to paint Scott as “another one of those bible-thumping religious extremists.”
This is already beginning to circulate on the net; the vultures are circling.
For the record: I am not making a judgment on Scotts’ personal religious views. This is NOT a statement on where Scott chooses to worship.
It will, however, be used by the Nye campaign, should Rigell carry the GOP banner.
Knowing this will cause uproar and invite many attacks and accusations, I provide a link to the Virginia Pilot article detailing the departure.
http://hamptonroads.com/node/238361
Oh yeah right, this election is going to be won or lost on “gay rights”, why don’t you just say it is going to hinge on the environmental issues while you are at it.
This election is going to be won or lost on the economy, the expansion of government into our personal lives and fiscal responsibility (or lack thereof). Everything else is just a distraction.
More to the point Jay D, even if your political observations were accurate (which they aren’t), how does siphoning even more votes away from Rigell help the cause? There is absolutely zero chance for Golden to win as an Independent. So the lower the chances of Rigell winning due to a third-party candidate, the greater the chances of Nye and Pelosi winning.
@Saul Simmons – Supply side economics are not difficult to understand… I subscribe to the Austrian school which requires no government intervention while supply side and demand side require some level of government manipulation of the markets… Understanding that lowering marginal tax rates on businesses and top earners creates jobs and economic growth is not complicated or disputed.
Kenny’s plan does not raise taxes, he even has given his word if he were ever to vote for a tax increase he would come back to Virginia Beach and resign. The point of the paygo is fixing the nearly 13 trillion dollar debt that will eventually destroy this nation. Besides the point is moot because PayGo is already signed into law, it just isn’t followed.
Don’t paint him as a tax hiker, it is simply not true.
PAYGO isn’t followed because nearly everything is exempted for it.
I would assume Kenny would support PAYGO with no exceptions. Either cut spending to make way for new spending or raise taxes. Since Kenny has clear said he won’t raise taxes, that means he will make sure new spending is offset with spending cuts.
To say Kenny supports higher taxes because he supports PAYGO is just ignorant.
As for Kenny having no shot at winning;
Did you see him debate Scott Rigell? Scotty boy was literally shaking in his boots. Rigell is terrified of Kenny, so is Nye. Both of them will look like ignorant children at any debates and the voters will have clear choice.
Why don’t you ask Rigell why he had canceled numerous events as soon as he heard Kenny was going to be there.
Sure, if Rigell and Nye decide to act like children and hide from Kenny, he won’t have much of a shot. But so long as they act like real men, there won’t be any contest.
No, J.M., that is NOT what I’m saying. What I AM saying is the anointed one has a big target on his back. If you and the party leaders think head-in-sand is the way to go, you mistakenly conclude his leadership position within this church (and his actions) will not be defined and mined by Nye to rally HIS base AND turn off moderates and Independents.
“Gay-rights” may not energize republicans, but you fool yourself into thinking it doesn’t arouse the ‘fairness’ gene within democrats.
The issues you raise are important to us. Elections are also won/lost by:
-which party attracts the moderate and Independent votes — that swing either way in Virginia elections.
-number of base voters each party can bring to the polls.
Add Rigell’s church departure (triggered by aversion to gays) to Trinity Church’s fundamental belief the bible is the exact word of God? There is no way I can say it without coming across as insulting, so I apologize on the front end… intelligent moderates view this belief as extreme, dogmatic, and conclude anyone who believes such must purposefully set aside historical facts… a “willing suspension of disbelief”.
Look, I’m Catholic, which many view as the next closest thing to devil-worshipers. I’m used to people not understanding our church. And again, this is not an attack on Scott’s personal religious beliefs. If he were simply a church member, there would be no kindling. He is an Elder, a position of leadership. You are fooling yourself if you think this will not surface early in the general election, if Scott Rigell is on the ballot.
Also note that in addition to fiscal and HC positions taken by winning candidates this year in NJ, VA, and MA, the other commonality between the three: none could be tarred with the “religious fanatic” brush.
I do recall McD getting skewered for his thesis which was based on religious principles.
“PAYGO” has been turned into “SPENDGO” because it has been so ripped full of holes and is now a political sound bite for those who are trying to use it as a position on fiscal restraint. Someone should come up with a position called “PAYSTOP” which would be a little more interesting to listen to.
If the “immaculate” campaign starts sounding like a Christian Jihad, then everything that the Republicans do will end up with an “extremist” tag and the voters will start jumping ship to avoid “branding”. Nye and the Virginia Pilot wing of the Nye campaign will have a field day.
Jay D- I agree. Moderate Republicans already don’t like the uber-rightness of our candidate choices. The contrast with Mr. Nye, who is in perception “voting conservative” could be devastating.
Kenny’s FB fans doubled overnight.. http://www.facebook.com/billbolling#!/pages/Kenny-Golden-for-Congress/235850915459?ref=nf
(JR, this link may need repair)
Reposting link to FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kenny-Golden-for-Congress/235850915459
This is amazing news. I hope Kenny splits it three ways with the disenfranchised liberals and democrats who hate Nye, the anti Rigell sentiment from the other republican campaigns who are still clinging to the illusion this primary isn’t rigged and the vast numbers of self identified independents.
Rigell is a complete joke, I would much rather have a democrat who votes surprisingly well than a republican who stabs us in the back. Everybody needs to mobilize and throw support behind Mr. Golden and force Rigell to become the NY-23 Republican candidate.
And Gary Byler’s management of the second district is atrocious. Even Bruce Meyer would do a better job, hell at least he wouldn’t meddle with the primary. Then again I guess all lawyers have the ethics of a rattlesnake crossed with a Tokyo businessman.
Jsy D is a moronic. There is ZERO chance of a Congressman attacking a candidate because of his religious beliefs or where he goes to church or what church he is an elder in. Are you taking crazy pills? Obviously you’ve never worked on a political campaign. Glenn Nye is a queer who got lucky and got elected bacause of the Obama wave. He has no chance against Rigell, who is a respected adult in the HR community. Nye is trying to figure out what to do next in his life. He is not thinking too hard about what he will do in the next congressional term.
Ron got Rigell religion in Mexico?
RINO HUner writes: Rigell is a complete joke
What do you base this on? How much momey he has raised? His many endorsements? His business experience? (How many jobs have you created, smartass?)
RINO HUnter, I have a suggestion for you – finish high school. Seriously, go back to high school and apply yourself and graduate. Then, maybe you can become a voter with the acumen and intelligence to comment on a blog as important as BD. Clearly you’re too bent to understand what goes on here.
I got all kinds of things in Mexico, but religion was not one of them.
Dear Ron, I went door to door by myself (sometimes in very cold rain) for Thelma Drake. Glenn Nye ran a campaign that said Thelma did not care for the military which was a complete lie. I am a Veteran so I will only support those running that are pro-military. You may think it was because of the Obama wave but don’t forget the lies. Politics can be very dirty. Unfortunately not everyone will speak to or take the time to know the candidates to find out the truth. They will only listen to the liberal media.
Mr. Golden, I am very happy you’ve decided to run, and you will have my support. I was extremely disappointed that the nomination was settled before it even started. Rigell should not have been allowed to buy the nomination.
Ron seriously. Endorsements? Money? Your the problem with the party. We need principles not people who are “enamored by barack obamas rhetoric” you are the reason the republican party is a joke. Work on a political campaign. Find out what goes on behind the scenes. Having an R by your name doesn’t make you a good guy. If you don’t think Rigell has baggage and you think Nye will be easy to beat you are drinking the kool aid. High school, if you ever went there, does not qualify you to be a political expert. Then again as the blaitant Rigell kool aid drinker you apparently are maybe you too are enamored by obamas rhetoric as well and believe in government education. Take your blinders off buddy you are dreaming.
40,000 people will decide who the Republican nominee is for the 2nd District.
Anyone who says “that its over” is displaying a level of political ignorance that is startling. Endorsements don’t sway 40,000 people, its the candidates and the message they bring.
If this was a convention and it was literally being decided by just several hundred people and the delegates were already slated and counted for, I can see why Golden and his supporters may have something to gripe about. However, a Primary allows 40,000 Republicans in the 2nd District to determine who they want leading their party. To pull out of the race with some incredibly lame excuse that its “rigged” by “insiders” defies all commonsense.
Bryan R, “40,000 Republicans” AND Democrats can vote in the primary because we don’t have a closed primary and Rigell is now courting Democrat voters with his Urban League appearance. With Rigell now getting the Obama voters, all the other campaigns are possibly doomed.
Bryan, I lova ya man.. Endorsing candidates serves to swing voters.
Most voters will hear select blurbs and see voter guides just like the one I saw this eve fresh from a tea’d off jobless loyal conservative over here in Harrisonburg. Some undecided voters decide at the last minute who they will vote for by holding their nose with one hand and voting with the other. Nothing new, no juicy stuff.. just words.
Rino Hunter – I’ve worked on a couple campaigns with a little success. This notion that Rigell is buying the nomination is hysterical. How else do candidate’s win? Should Rigell agree to not spend more money that any of his pathetic, whining opponents? He is winning support across the district because people met him and they like him. If the other candidates feel like they’re losing its because they are. None of them have been in the community for as long as Rigell has. None of them has the horsepower to run a real campaign – their inability to raise funds and get local well-respected GOP politician endorsements is the most obvious evidence. In the absence of votes, some people think that whether a candidate can raise money in the district or get endorsements from other politicinans are a reasonable way to determine how that candidate might do on election day. Call us crazy, but it is an insight that seems to have worked in the past. You can dismiss if you’d like, but you’re only fooling yourself. Regarding kool-aid, haven’t had it since I was a kid.
Tim J., Rigell is a business man. For him to court Republicans, Independents and Democrats makes good business sense. Everyone who is good in business knows how to court everyone. If Rigell wins the Primary, his courting Independents and Democrats will only help him have a chance of winning the November election against Glenn Nye. However, because Glenn did not vote with his own party and voted with his constituents wishes on the health care bill, whoever wins the primary will have an uphill battle against Nye. No doubt about it. All this hullabaloo within our OWN party will certainly be used against us.
Kathy, Rigell runs a business and he keeps telling us that he has lots and lots of employees working for him. So, as a CEO of a business, how can he all of a sudden become an “employee” of the District? If Rigell is running his campaign like a business, then he is still a CEO and has lots of employees who are working for him.
Unfortunately, Rigell won’t be at the BD debate where the most telling question would be: “How many of you Petition signatures did you go out and get yourself and how many did your “campaign employees” get?
We have too many bosses in Congress right now who are passing obscene laws with associated taxes and burdens that will go on forever. I would rather see someone in office who is used to being an “employee” rather than someone who tells us what they think we want to hear and then expect us to believe it.
Tim J, if you want an answer, be sure to post that question under the header where J.R. is collecting questions- by now on p2 of BD. VA-02 Candidate Forum I think…
Tim J,
You make great points. The point I have been trying to make all along is this;
Rigell is a businessman, a great one at that. Great businessmen find the best people for every job. Rigell, being a car salesman, knows little to nothing about the real public policy. Being a great businessman, he has no doubt hired top people in every field to tutor him on the issues.
Who are these people? Odds are they are NRCC hacks or elected officials with a horrible track record regarding conservatism.
Kenny Golden doesn’t need tutors, he doesn’t need people to tell him how to think. Rigell does.
Do we really want a congressman who must outsource his decision making process?
Dating myself here,
say whatever you want to about the man, but RM Nixon will go down in history as having one of the best foreign policies ever. (Please note I said foreign policy) Why? He surrounded himself with the best and the brightest of he day. Being able to pick advisors and knowing when to agree or not with those advisors are key for a leader. Does anyone think the Admirals and Generals in the Armed Forces make those decisions or even further a plan without staffing?
Amen Tim J
How many “petitions” did Bob McDonnell or Bill Bolling get? Does that make any sense to anyone?
So Scott Rigell has a ton of volunteers who go out (like I did) to their neighbors, churches and work friends and have them sign up. Isn’t it better that a candidate can have that many people generating that may petition signatures?
McDonnell and Bolling were running for a state office, not Representative. Maulback claims that he viewed all of Rigell’s notarized petitions and not one of them was notarized under Rigell’s name.
Great, you have lots and lots of volunteers, but at least make a minimal effort to give the appearance that you aren’t outsourcing the entire campaign.
There is a lot at stake this next election. We need to get rid of Nancy Pelosi. Has anyone run the numbers to see how many votes Kenny would need go get in order to throw the election to Nye? What if it comes out 49% for Nye 48% for Scott Ridgel and 3% for Kenny Golden.
Then Nye wins.
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