Six Republicans will run in Virginia’s 2nd District; Seven in the 5th
By JR Hoeft | Saturday, April 10th, 2010 | PoliticsJust got back from the Republican Party of Virginia Beach Saturday morning breakfast, and the Second District GOP met there afterwards as well.
Got word from Gary Byler, chairman of the 2nd District GOP, that all six Republican candidates still in the race – Scott Rigell, Scott Taylor, Ben Loyola, Ed Maulbeck, Jessica Sandlin, and Bert Mizusawa – have their petitions in order and will be certified to be placed on the ballot June 8.
Here on BD on Apr. 15, five of those six candidates will be participating in a forum at ODU.
The eventual Republican nominee is set to take on incumbent Rep. Glenn Nye and independent Kenny Golden.
Gary Byler and Ben Loyola will be a guests on Sunday’s podcast.
All seven Republican candidates in the 5th District have also been certified for their primary for the right to challenge incumbent Rep. Tom Perriello.
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About the author
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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59 Responses to "Six Republicans will run in Virginia’s 2nd District; Seven in the 5th"
Gary on podcast is going to be EPIC!
Gary did well. I think you’ll enjoy the interview.
Loyola is the only one advertising on BD, what happened to Rigell’s ad?
It was both amusing and sad to see Ed Maulbeck put Ben Loyola on the spot for Dupligate. Ben was an early favorite of mine, but now has two strikes against him as far as I am concerned. It seems that Ed is the only one in the race who doesn’t have some stain on him. I just wish he had a more in depth understanding of the issues or rather just agree with me more. Plus he is not exactly a strong contender. I am rather frustrated by the field of candidates at this point. Ed may get my vote in the primary by default and after I will have to support Rigell since he seems to have all of the inside support.
Based on the VNS article, Maulbeck was in attack mode today. On taxes though, he “said he can’t sign a ‘no tax’ pledge and he can’t support the ‘fair tax’”.
Also the revelation that Kenny did a “Chuck Smith” kind of move by asking him to drop out so Kenny has “a better shot at Rigell”. Another example of campaigns talking and scheming with each other to gain an advantage.
Maulback seems to be the “loose cannon” on the heaving deck of the Party right now, but is making it interesting.
Who the hell is Maulbeck? The same guy who refused to work the polls for Chris Stolle and Bob McDonnell last year. Gimme a break.
Kenny is persona non grata now. A man without a party, money or friends…
It’s Rigell’s for the taking now.
Nye is toast. Glenn, you better start voting liberal so you can get one of those Ambassadorships like Stupak is going to get. Maybe you’ll head back to Macedonia where you faked a hostage rescue. LOSER!!!
Ron….I know you’re a Rigell supporter and are one of the first to contact me when there is an unsubstantiated accusation against the candidate. So, unless you have some proof about what you accuse Congressman Nye of doing in Macedonia, let’s not go there.
It is easy to spot a man without a party, money or friends..
Ron, Kenny Golden is apparently not that man today. While you were stroking your ego, the man you have chosen to mock, a tough as nails no BS right of center republican son, family man and former party chairman has chosen to not turn his back on Va-2 right of center constituents by running as an independent. In the process of announcing His decision, He has shared his intimate knowledge of the party’s inner sanctum and in the process exposed a little more clearly to the members of the public who are interested that the republican party is fractured but they will have a 3rd choice. Wanna talk about winning back supporters? Republican supporters with compelling concerns that the VB republican party is betraying constituents are indicating they are pleased with Kenny with their pocketbooks and wallets.
Kenny Golden is a gifted leader. Kenny has proven his capacity to lead many souls defending our great country while under fire figuratively and literally. Kenny would be the first congressman in our area with his unique worldy perspective hewn from hunting down terrorist perps militarily, organizing within the military, navigating through government beauracracy and commanding honorably up until retirement.
Ron, please be careful, don’t hurt yourself and slander an honorably decorated strong war theater proven retired military leader in the process.
Kenny Golden has an inclusive and empowering life story. Americas best leaders don’t succeed by excluding “little people” who do not have the luxury of vetting potential candidates immersed in party activity because they have to work and pay taxes. Kenny was like a big brother who looked out for 10 successful runs for office, all of which were successful unless you measure republican ambitions in some negative way. There is a lot of unhealthy anger directed towards Kenny Golden and it is nauseating… It’s not a scandal, its a disgrace.
Less government, lower taxes, The FAIR TAX, audit the fed, cut every government department budget 2% per year until the budget is balanced, abort Obamacare (the Obama presidency too) and reach a compromise to minimize the tragic number of abortions using common sense.
Republican for a reason, Independent out of necessity..
Kenny Golden for Congress 2010
Turbo:
So, how do you explain Kenny’s own “Legislative Proposal”?
“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.”
Number 1, it shows he is open to raising taxes. Number 2, it shows he is not a supporter of Reaganomics / supply side economic theory. Kenny is under the false belief that tax cuts increase the deficit, when in reality tax cuts that fall on the Lafler curve stimulate economic growth and actually increase revenue (as seen between 1981 to 1989).
Kenny is pro-choice and not anti-tax.
That isn’t conservative.
Bryan R, If you read the clear position as written by Kenny, not the shopped version of it, you would know his position. Kenny posted last night.. It is still there in the comment section of this blog.
Go read it for clarity.
Kenny is on the record as not being pro abortion and not being pro tax. Meet Kenny sometime, in public with microphones and cameras no less and ask these and other question. No screening, no scripting..
The Following is Not Safe For Work or Family:
Come june 8, it gets interesting to watch Glenn and Scott “doing it live”
“Turbo”– Kenny Golden has stated publicly countless times he is pro-choice, he announced in in May of 2008 at the Virginia Beach Republican Party Mass Meeting when he was elected Chairman. In fact, he was so adamantly pro-choice that he was challenged that day by French Mackie for the Chairmanship over that very issue.
But, I guess you weren’t involved in the party in 2008, and never attended the 2008 Mass Meeting so you wouldn’t know, you didn’t hear of Kenny’s acceptance speech as Chairman when he re-affirmed his pro-choice views.
And, you still can’t explain to me how anyone can possibly read the below “legislative proposal” issued from Kenny on February 22, 2010:
“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.”
He’s pro-choice on abortion, announces that he’s open for any new federal spending proposals can be paid for by a tax increase, and REFUSES to sign a No New Tax Pledge by the Americans for Tax Reform.
GEE, he’s REALLY CONSERVATIVE.
I thought that I was supporting the man , turns out it was really the HAT that I was so fond of………I think it took a ton of courage to make the move Kenny’s made, I’m with him untill its over
Nepotism
nep·o·tism [ népp? tìzz?m ]
A noun
Definition:
Favoritism shown to relatives: favoritism shown by somebody in power to relatives and friends, especially in appointing them to good positions.
nep·o·tist noun
nep·o·tis·tic [ nèpp? tístik ] adjective
nep·o·tis·ti·cal·ly adverb
@Turbo;
Thank you for conceding that I won the argument.
Bryan R, I was a democrat until Bill Clinton lied to me under oath then Al Gore disarmed tax credits for automakers and suppliers to offset the huge costs associated with developing and demonstrating ultra low pollution natural gas and LP (in my case liquid phase) fueled vehicles. The progressive unfunded public mandates drove a stake in what was up until then a rapidly expanding privately funded alternative fuel refueling infrastructure and vehicle demonstration fleet that had the potential to benefit Americas energy security within a decade.
I Had to pull the wool off my eyes myself when oem’s stopped ordering more fuel injectors and the reckoning began for me.. Democrats, neo environmental politically corrupt politicians to be more precise, removed the stimulus that was at the foundation of industry interest in promoting domestic energy.. The first Republican I campaigned for was John McCain. I had and still have Bush Cheney 04 stickers on my 2 remaining alternative fueled test mules, the remaining ford, chevy, chrysler and mercedes cng vehicles went to the crusher with McCain 2000 stickers on them that I placed there to let the democrat whom I previously allowed to borrow my company (Motorbyte) test vehicles that were provided by every major automaker in the USA at the time. The LP liquid fueled 1996 truck has the original R&D components that ironically wound up in the Roush system retrofitted by ford in their newest truck lineup. Outstanding technology I might add that was developed for chrysler by Siemens Bendix right here in Hampton roads. I digress… I campaigned heavily in 08 for McCain and again for Bob..
Energy politics had to be acknowledged and I reckoned by shifting my support to spite the democrats who distorted them and in the process upon using my brain to register as a republican and vote right of center for the first time ever.
Ironically, Bush is demonstrably the most environmentally responsible president we have had and I have plenty to back that up with.. Got the data, blogs, tour and t shirt.. again I digress. Thanks for the tour W
Back to the OP.. Bryan R, you lie!
Does anyone know how Kenny plans to get on the ballot as an independent?
He has to start his petition drive over as the petitions clearly indicate that those signing are petitioning the named person to be a candidate for the Republican nomination.
As a non-party candidate, he has until June 8 to file petitions, so there’s time left, but I don’t envy whoever has to run his 2d petition drive.
And the State Board of Elections is much tougher about checking signatures than the Party. I know most party chairs spot check a couple on each page. The SBE checks every signature.
Nye’s staff will probably help him get the signatures.
I don’t know what he is saying now and I wasn’t at the 2008 mass meeting (I wasn’t a Virginian), but I specifically heard Kenny say that the reason he ran for chairman in 2008 was because of the pro-life vs. pro-choice issue. I also heard him say he didn’t understand why so many limited government people in the Republican party want to force their pro-life views on others, since it is not a limited government point of view. I did not hear him say the words “I am pro-choice”, but it was clear that he was. I saw on his website that he said this issue should be determined at the state rather than the Federal level, which is line with my views (although I am not pro-choice). This is one issue that differentiates him from other candidates, so if this is a big one for you…
On Ed, I need to read the wording on the no tax pledge. Does the pledge prohibit adding any new tax such as the Fair Tax and eliminating the income tax? Does it prohibit getting rid of tax credits, like the Earned Income Credit? Ed says he is worried about the transition to the Fair Tax. I think he is overcomplicating it.
Isn’t the party so much nicer now that ‘adults’ have taken it back over?
No need to worry about candidates in your district, The Party will pick one for you. And if you have too many whiny wannabes, well the party has the answer for that too. Our winners have been fully vetted down at the country club bar to ensure they have the money, power, and political connections to lead us to victory. Best of all, our Beach Masters are mobile. In mere moments we can
stick our noseposition your candidate to sure success. Just ask Marty Williams.We are your party of the people, you would be stupid to vote for anyone else. And if you don’t like it then hit the bricks. Adults only, pal. Yep, the party sure has changed since the dark days at the Hillbilly Hideaway. Too bad the rank and file are still huddling in the outhouse hoping someone will open the door to relieve the stench. I wonder when people will finally be fed up with the AFP plantation politics? Sounds like Golden already has and I’ll bet that first breath of fresh air was overwhelming.
Darrell in Chesapeake: are you involved in your local party? If not, will you be attending your local mass meeting? The information can be found here: http://www.chesapeakegop.org/pages/massmeeting
Put your time and energy where your mouth is – and if you are involved, and dissatisfied, then why don’t you run for Unit Chairman (not intended as a slight at the current chairman, but I live way over yonder in the 5th and don’t know the person). There’s been turnover in at least Henry County, Martinsville City, Danville City, and Campbell County this cycle. Maybe you could add Chesapeake to the list.
Darrell-
I’m a republican for a variety of reasons. Two of the primary reasons I am a republican are: fiscal sanity and entreprenneurship. I grew up in the Reagan revolution. I remember my father sitting me down watching the Reagan/Mondale returns. He said, “son-this is what they call a landslide. Mondale couldn’t win his own state because he doesn’t understand business.” I remember that clearly. I was nine years old-thanks dad.
Darrell, and countless others like him, don’t understand business. Sure you’re pro-business enough. You’re in the right camp. I’m glad you’re here, but pay attention to your surroundings here in the party. We are surrounded by pro-business entreprenneurs. A quick laundry list for you: Sen Wagner, Del Villanueva, Del. Knight, Sen. McWaters and soon to be Congressional candidate Scott Rigell to only name a few. Even within the congressional race our party’s other nominees boast several entreprenneurs.
The republican party at its core is pro-business and pro-entreprenneur. When you are successful you are normally rewarded with financial security. You are also looked toward for leadership and mentorships (We read Lee Iacoca’s book not Floyd the well intentioned but failed HVAC man who went out of business because he didn’t know how to market in his hometown).
These men in our party have experienced success, That is why they are our leaders because they have demonstrated leadership through succesful business ventures, which the GOP values immensely. Darrell and his ilk might decry this, but I’d call them fools. It is foolish to undermine succesful business leaders in our party. It is the work of a fool. That comes across harsh, but I don’t suffer fools within my party.
I assume these recent attacks of the country club-esque variety are targeted solely at Rigell in this case and not our other elected-mind you they pay attention to these things too. I find it a travesty that so many within the party don’t comprehend the core principles that our party has built itself upon. I begrudge none of these men their success. I look to them for leadership and as examples for myself. I hope to follow their examples and utilize core republican principles to one day find my own measure of success. Furtehermore, if you dig a little deeper you’ll find most of these deeply principled men do more than sip martinis on a yacht. They are active in business organizatins, charities, and church groups. They are solid stewards to our community and that is what most of you are forgettting about Rigell-go ahead, but i gurantee you the countless people he has helped will not forget so readily.
Why we have this level of disdain for men and women who succeed using the principles we-and the tea party- advocate is startling to me.
The party has not ordained a candidate nor is the process complete. I know five men and one woman who’d argue that point vehemently with you.
The party chose…(as far as not donating, endorsing, or volunteering for Kenny) they chose that Kenny Golden wasn’t their man after watching him and working with him for six years-the last two as chairman. Kenny Golden had every opportunity to prove himself and he did not.
As a pro-business entreprenneur an opportunity is all we can ask for. Kenny had a great opportunity-he blew it. Businesss types know an opportunity is up to us-what we do with our opportunities determines our success or failure.
That’s the truth-now go ahead and start to spin-if you can.
Richard I appreciate your passion but as a mouthpiece of the Rigell campaign, Scott should send you and the faithful to remedial grammar and spelling classes so as to not so directly offend the delicate sensibilities of voters out here who have an appreciation for our language:
“entreprenneurship” – entrepreneurship – misspelled 1 time
“entreprenneurs” – entrepreneurs – 3 times
“entreprenneur” – entrepreneur – 1 time
“Iacoca’s” – Iacocca’s – Once
“succesful” – successful – 2 times
“club-esque” – what the hell does this mean?
“Furtehermore” – Furthermore – 1 time
“organizatins” – organizations – 1 time
“forgettting” – forgetting – 1 time
“i” – I should have used a big “I” referring to yourself when you used a little “i” as a pronoun
“gurantee” – guarantee – 1 time
“Businesss” – Business – 1 time
You can use this handy guide as a crib sheet for your English spelling test.
Darrell,
We have everything taken care of in Chesapeake, thanks.
-A.R.
Tim J – you tend to be very rude. I read all the comments and don’t post very often; I moved here from Northern VA and am interested in the local party. Richard Jenkins doesn’t attack you but you attack him.
Also, I’m going to vote for Rigell in the primary. Came to that decision after going to one debate and just realizing what it takes to win. Rigell seems to have the complete package. HOWEVER, I won’t get involved. If the people involved are like the commenters on this blog then I will not join the local party nor will I do much more than vote. It is pretty pathetic.
Tim J-
I’m not as worried with th espelling & typos as much as I’m concerned with the content. I understand that details are important. I’ll make a better effort next thyme-just for you. I understand I write in a stream of consciousness style. It has seeped into my posts-too much Jack Kerouac in my youth. (Did I spell his name right? Better yet-do you know who he is?)
What do you think about the content?
KAS82-
Welcome… and get involved. The VB GOP Mass Meeting is coming up tomorrow night, Bearing Drift is hosting a candidates forum on the 15th at ODU-Rigell won’t be there, but it will be worth your while to attend (Rigell has an urban league dinner), the local Tea Party is having a potentially huge event at Town Point Park in Norfolk, and each campaign is always looking for help. There are several ways to get active. Hope to see you around.
KAS82, thanks for the complement and at least you can spell. I have little tolerance for partisans posting campaign advertisements in an attempt to propagandize and package a specific candidate. It appears that I have been promoted to the “Kirwin Level” with your comment, and here’s some more “rude”… quite frankly, I don’t care what “complete package” you are supporting or if you decide to get involved or vote for that matter.
My concern is the Party which has been fractured due to some self serving candidates and their staffs as well as the “leadership” problems in the District. Richard and “turbo” are setting up a breakfast date with Scott so if you need absolution from your sins, you can confess and receive a blessing from the “anointed one”, and I’m sure he would also spring for another Happy Meal.
Tim, I assume you meant “compliment” instead of “complement”… No worries – the spelling errors happen to the best of us.
Yep, spell checker missed that one, and thanks for not being “rude”…
Tim J-
Why so bitter?
Let me clear something up for you. I talked to James “turbo” Cohen. He adamently said that he would have dinner, lunch or breakfast with Scott Rigell, but only in an open setting where as many others who wanted to come could attend. We talked for 45 minutes. It was rational debate. He offerred lucid thoughts and valid critiques based on his perspective. I have a great deal of respect for Jim. I look forward to meeting him face to face one day.
I’ve been thinking about this… People who have money don’t blindly waste it. If they think your campaign is a waste-then you’re not getting any money. And don’t think donors are mindless fools who only commit because someone “asked them first” or “they’re the anointed republican.” That’s ridiculous. A stark reality of life-sometimes you’re not good enough to win.
The big donors in VB and throughout the 2nd District wouldn’t donate to Scott Rigell if they thought Scott was a risk-they’d find someone else in the race because they are concerned about this election as much as you are. Give them credit as free thinking people. They’re successful for a reason. Giving away money for no good reason isn’t a key to their success.
Or did you ever think of that? I mean did you ever think that political donors care as much as you care? Did you ever think that they don’t just stroke checks when summoned?
Did you ever consider all political donors aren’t wealthy-because they all aren’t wealthy? I guess wealth is all relative, but look at the individual donor reports on the FEC website-see for yourself. But hey, why should I destroy the illusion for you-just keep believing politics is only run by a few fat cats at the beach. It’s easier that way-right?
Do you guys think that these business owners and donors don’t care? Do you think they are apathetic and ignorant to what is happening today?
NEWS FLASH: Business owners and traditional political donors are as worried as you are about the direction of this country. They are backing Scott Rigell because he has ideas and he has proven his integrity and competency in business and politics and in the community over the past 20 years.
Am I really off base on this? I sincerely want to know.
If you really believe the business community is worried about the “direction of this country” then I have a bridge to sell you. The business community is not worried about the direction of the country except for the success of their business and its profit. They might be concerned if they have to provide for their employees in stable earnings, benefits or retirement by the Federal government regulations. What does any business operator care about? My income, my success and my future… Not my employees, their families or the success of my community, state or country. I’ve seen business owners take the money and run when it looked like times might be difficult ahead leaving employees hanging in the breeze with nothing. Enron or any number of compaines come to mind?
It is a shame to say it but a successful businessman doesn’t get to be successful unless he is extremely lucky or uses his employees to the maximum to increase his own profit. Rigell is probibly a nice guy but lets not forget he is a CAR SALESMAN… Anyone have a great car salesman story about dishonesty, getting taken on the deal or just flat being ripped off by the dealers? I’ll bet if you are honest with yourself, you’ll know its true. But frankly you all are so wrapped up in “your candidates” that facts and reality have no meaning. Well you asked and I replied. Take care and good luck!
Whoa William-you’re dangerously close to a socialist economic/political philosophy. I don’t think you realize how close you are.
Richard, a democracy can have whatever economic system it wants. Look what our so called free banking market did when the regulations came off and the greed took over. It tried to take our financial system off a cliff. Neither our Republic or its citizens benefitted from that disaster.
John-
The United States of America is a Constitutional Republic and not a Democracy. There is a major difference. Plato feared democracy. He said that in a democracy the people would, “vote for bread and circuses.” The great philosophers that our founders read and studied, ranging from Plato to John Locke and most importantly economist Adam Smith, all advocated one thing: fear democracy. Rule by the massses is not a good thing…
…getting back to Adam Smith. Smith advocated capitalism or free trade. Free Trade is what built our Republic from a disjointed sprawling country that was largely shut off from the world into the greatest nation to have ever graced the earth. America spreads freedom and wealth to all who engage in her philosophies of governance and economics.
I won’t get into a prolonged discussion of economics-largely because I doubt you know the diffference between classical theory and John Maynard Keynes. You obviously misunderstand supply side economics or you wouldn’t have such a cursory understanding of what caused the latest Wall Street meltdown. I’ll direct you to one man who can be heard three hours a day: Rush Limbaugh. Listen to him. He should stimulate enough thought to make you seek out your own political philosophy. Limbaugh is bar none the best at layiing out the complexities of our economy into manageable chunks for the lay person. Limbaufgh is not my soothsayer nor do I listen to him daily-not even weekly, but I give him his due. He can convey economics well to most of us. And he hates the ealth envy crowd-rightfully so.
Between John, William, and Tim J-I’m concerned about our party on an entirely different level today. It’s one thing to fight over who will best represent our commonly held GOP core principles-it’s a whole new ball game when you don’t even know them. I think we need to hold basic econ, govt and poli sci courses for party members. My liberal govt teacher in HS had a better handle on conservative economic thought than you guys seem to have. I’m exacerbated by these comments bordering on socialism, wealth envy and core republican beliefs. I really hope you guys are democrats-at least then it would make sense.
Regretfully, the candidates running in the 2nd district for the republican nomination are not addressing the needs of most citizens, workers, nor owners of businesses. They are very narrowly focused on the small fringe of partisans who want to debate culturally and socially divisive issues to a fine point in order to gain political advantage over a person of similar persuasion, none of which means much of anything to the broad citizenry. That is a real shame, because these candidates have the education and experience to actually discuss the questions that were submitted to J.R., but frankly, the far right and evangelical tilt to this republican primary leaves most of the voters wondering…”Who are these people?”
Tim J is an angry man.
I just found this site recently when a friend of mine suggested it to me. I have been a regular reader ever since.
Richard,
Classes are not a bad idea at all. That RPVB headquarters sits empty quite a bit of the time. Make sure it includes a heavy dose of the Founding Fathers, the men who influenced them, and the Austrian school of economics. The 5000 Year Leap may be a good place to start.
Richard, I stand corrected for being imprecise and will restate, a Constitutional Republic can have whatever form of economic system it wants. I agree that Plato did fear a democracy, he was an aristocrat who had no interest in the lower classes. In the Republic, he advocated a ruling class of guardians who rose to their positions by merit. This ruling class did not own property to keep them from material desires and the conflicts that arose from these desires. Their only reward was honor and a sense of service to the group. This was a class of rulers who achieved their position through long schooling, and merit. Plato believed that the guardian class would be soiled and corrupted by money and property. That doesn’t exactly sound like the state of politics in the US, does it? Big corporations hire hordes of lobbyists and throw vast sums of money into influencing our political system. Men like Rigell, Gore, Bush and Kennedy with the most money tend to win. We rarely elect based on merit. Is this any better than a democracy?
Thanks for letting me know about Rush Limbaugh. That drug addled polemicist is only good for limited entertainment, I went to university to learn and go to more balanced sources for my news and perspective. He may hate the wealth envy crowd but he is a wealthy man and is suspect. The fact that you bring him up at all makes me want to dismiss you out of hand, but I will attempt to educate you anyway. By the way, why do you defend the wealthy unless you are wealthy? I thought it was every man for himself in your America.
I believe the Southern slave owners believed in free trade as well and look where it got them. If allowed, many men and their corporations will do anything in their power, go to any measure, to make a buck. Corporations aren’t happy democratic institutions with people’s best interest’s at heart either. I have worked for quite a few. We have laws to reign in corporate power, just as we reign in our democratic government with the Constitution. Jefferson and the other founding fathers were concerned about the power of corporation as the tea the Bostonians threw into the harbor was owned by the British East India Company. The Coercive Acts to follow were a main instigator in the Revolutionary War. And we have to keep reigning in the power of corporations just like Teddy Roosevelt did when he went trust busting in the early 20th century. Free markets have to be regulated because they are destructive as we recently saw in our financial sector. I understand that unregulated and manipulated markets caused our financial sectors and banks to implode. There doesn’t seem to be much doubt about that. I would love to hear your explanation.
I don’t understand supply side or Keynesian economics very well but I read articles by people who do and there are endless debates about which accurate. Of course, we are talking economics which, like sociology is not a very accurate science. There have been endless debates about whether Reaganomics was successful or not. Many attribute his economics as having been started by Carter. Regardless, Reagan sure created a big deficit and substantially increased the size of government.
Richard, don’t be concerned about the Republican party on my behalf. I no longer consider my self a card carrying Republican because the party’s lurch to the right and alignment with born again Christians and their wacky views alienated me years ago. As does any litmus test of so-called core values. I now vote independently and I think the Tea Baggers are hypocrites (try taking away Social Security and Medicaid). If you represent the Republican party then there is another reason for me to vote independently. I don’t have a handle on conservative political thought because I am not a pol who blindly follows the party line or party doctrine. I can think for myself and do. I am also very well off so am not a “wealth envier” but I do care about my fellow citizens. We have fundamental differences in how we envision our society and we shall have to go to the polls to decide what that is. We are both Americans with a different view of what our country should look like. Thanks for your reply.
Substitute Medicare for Medicaid.
Mike, I was asking a Navy Captain friend of mine the other day some of the questions submitted to J.R.- a man who has 2 graduate degrees and listens to the radio shows, etc. HE could not answer them or found them pretty irrelevant in terms of what a single Congressman could do. Everyone can promote the 10th amendment all they’d like, but it will depend upon the 434 other folks in the House to make a real change.
Richard Jenkins: You ask, “Am I really off base on this? I sincerely want to know.”
I do believe you miss what others see clearly. ?With real respect for your passion and personal commitment to Scott Rigell, who I’m sure is promoted quite accurately in terms of being a good guy, a hard worker, compassionate, respected by his friends and peers, and is a terrific example of the American Dream.
I also own a business, sign paychecks, build a product, work 60+ hour workweeks, hire employees – and belong to a country club. I do not begrudge Scott his success, his money, or his community stature. It’s well earned through sweat, sacrifice, and helping friends, neighbors and colleagues.
I currently support Bert Mizusawa – and the accolades used to describe Scott ALSO apply to the General, and likely several other candidates … and, perhaps Nye.
Running for office IS the political equivalent of applying for a job. Most employers review the resume first, compare it with the job description (required skill sets) and then make a pragmatic decision based upon that criterion – and comparison to other applicants for the position. So lets compare:
Resume of Bert Mizusawa (from BertMizusawa.com):
- #1 Graduate, West Point
- Army Airborne Ranger (served in the Korean DMZ)
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard MacArthur Fellow
- Wall Street Attorney
- Brigadier General, USAR (led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan)
- Decorated Combat Veteran
- Silver Star recipient
- Small business president – Founder of Paxcentric, Inc: “ …engages in business strategy and national security consulting…supports national security through the aggressive, principled application of private sector solutions to public sector needs by helping businesses bring their products to the right place.”
- Senior Executive at the Pentagon (oversaw the U.S. Army’s interagency and international affairs operations),
- US Senate professional (Senate Armed Services Committee)
- Community volunteer
Scott Rigell, Resume: (from ScottRigell.com)
-Small business president – Founder of Freedom Ford Automotive: “…committed to providing unequaled excellence in automotive service, resulting in a completely satisfied, lifetime Freedom Automotive customers.”
- Masters degree from Regent University
-“Served 6 years reserves, never activated.”
- Community volunteer
- Financial contributor, friend, and supporter of GOP candidates
Credential comparison is where I begin. Am also savvy enough to know that without funds, a campaign dries up – most often PRIOR to the first ballot cast. Therefore, “Politicians are not elected by voters – they are elected by Contributors.”
After comparing resumes, am completely dumbfounded – why is the guy with palest resume … the one with largest war chest?
Jay D, in Bert’s resume from the “Small business president” on down, did he do any of that stuff in the 2nd District?
Do we really want to elect someone (Bert Mizusawa) who doesn’t live in the district? His wife works in DC, he works in DC, his kids go to Fairfax public schools? Ask Bert, he’s very honest one on one that his wife and kids don’t live in the district!
That bothers me; if he wants to represent the 2nd District, why doesn’t he want to live here?
Tim J and Bryan R,
If you honestly feel that ‘current resident’ trumps all other credentials, then Mizusawa is likely not your choice.
I see it differently. I see a guy that grew up in the district, then took an exceptional life path, beginning with an appointment to West Point (pretty good start!), followed by continued progression of distinguishing himself and doing exceptionally well in arenas where you compete with some of the best and the brightest. It’s obvious to me ‘average’ isn’t part of this guy’s vocabulary.
The General is now doing what many of us have also done (including myself). After spending a career swimming in some pretty big ponds… he’s coming home. And I, personally, think that’s terrific and fortunate for us all.
Where is Bert a “Community Volunteer” and what does he do for the community? If Chuck Smith can do it for the 3rd, then Bert can do it for the 2nd, or so it seems.
Sorry Tim J, I should have been more specific.
According to the “About Bert” page on his site: “Bert has served in a pro bono capacity as President of two Veterans Organizations”.
As a member of a military family, I consider any veteran, in any district, part of my community and work on their behalf to be a significant community contribution.
I can not speak to what I believe you’re asking … boy scouts, church, etc. (similar to Scott Rigell)? Perhaps someone with closer relationship to the General can provide this for you.
Also, I forgot to mention, the General has a Masters Degree in Public Policy, from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Jay D, so you are saying that the General has punched all the tickets and Rigell has all the money, so who is the Party supporting as the best candidate against Nye? Is Bert on Eric Cantor’s “Young Guns” list? Ultimately it’s up to the voters, but the local party and the NRCC establishment have already decided.
How is Bert “coming home” when he told me personally his kids and wife live in NOVA. My assumption is that is also where he pays his property taxes, where his cars are registered, etc.
I, for one, don’t trust anyone from inside the Beltway who hasn’t actually lived in this community trying to represent this community in Washington.
You heart is where you spend your time, and Bert doesn’t spend his time here except when he’s campaigning. I never saw him anywhere at any local party functions or chamber of commerce functions until he started running.
If this is his “home” why is his “business” also in DC?
Bryan, Bert Mizusawa was in the military. His father was in the military just like my father was. Bert Mizusawa had to move many times from Hampton, where he grew up, to serve in the military in places as far afield as Korea. Just like Kenny Golden had to live on a ship for long periods or change duty stations. Bryan, are you going to penalize Bert and Kenny for having to move because they faithfully served our country? Just asking.
In Googling “Paxcentric Inc.”, the company website only refers to Bert as CEO and no one else. Is Paxcentric Inc. a one man band? In further searching for “Paxcentric” I found Bert’s campaign website, a “Linkedin” listing for him and his wife, a Facebook page and he also pops up on a lot of business directories and campaign contribution lists.
Google maps shows the address given on the VSBE for “Paxcentric Inc.” (5847 Aspen Wood Ct – Mc Lean – VA – 22101) as a house in a residential neighborhood and the overhead imagery shows lots of nice houses. Google Maps shows that the VBSE Hampton address (1273 N. King St – Hampton – VA – 23669) is in a mixed use neighborhood but other than restaurants, a tire store and a grocery store and a hair salon, the search ended on top of another residence. You use the “street view” function and look around at that address and you see only residential houses.
Unless someone can give some more specific information, it appears as though Bert’s is using residential addresses as a business address and there is no information available as to whether he has employees, a payroll, a Paxcentric Inc. business office in the 2nd District or even an office in Northern Virginia.
Just trying to get some more info about the candidate, not coming to any conclusions as of yet.
Does anything characterize this group of six as a whole? Yes, they all are pandering to the far right of the political spectrum as represented by the tea pary, the anti tax zealots, and the constitutionalists who seem to believe most americans are concerned about debating the difference between democracy and a constitutional republic. Frankly, most of us simply want an efficient system of government and a private sector that works and does not implode with greed and corruption. And while this gang of six is out there tearing themselves apart, the world, this nation, and our region have started to heal. In fact, some are giddy at the improvement so far and the prognosis for this Fall. So in the 2nd, our candidates are debating secession or revolutionary change, while most americans are watching their 401k go back up, jobs starting to reappear, retail stores coming back, restaurant sales increasing, visitors coming back, and port activity moving upward. Will citizens who see the economy most of the way back, who see that the stimulus worked and the bail outs are being paid back, and who actually pay less taxes now than they did a few years ago, bet the farm on a radical right representative who just spent six months pandering to the tea party?
Mike,
I missed the secession and revolutionary change debates. I would have enjoyed them. Lower taxes- yes until next year. Watch as healthcare costs go up as never before because of that monstrousity of a healthcare bill. That will push people into wanting a single payer system. You won’t have to worry about the radical right, once most people become European socialists.
Where they lived then isn’t germane to the question.
Mike Barrett, calm down. We are actually having a civilized and exploratory discussion on how/why each of us chooses a candidate.
I will let others debate whether/not the stimulus ‘is working’. I do know Virginia has one of the country’s highest counts of Federal/ Public Sector employees plus billions in defense related contracts and work, which blunted the hit and accelerate our pace of recovery.
Plus, every dollar of stimulus money borrowed is another dollar of debt (plus interest) for the next generations to pay off. Yahoo. What a legacy! We dig ourselves out of a mess WE made, and dump the bill on the kids. Makes me feel just great about recovery.
Tim J. : I’m not finding much tonight w/ google. Perhaps JR knows? Your questions are valid. Will keep looking, maybe make some phone calls, and try to find more info.
Well Jay D, you miss the main point. Since it now appears increasingly possible that the bail out has acuaally worked and if the economy turns around even more quickly than it has, that the Treasury may be paid back completely. So how does that possibility effect the major talking points characteristic of the six candidates and the one independent in the race, all of whom have been fervent in their condemnation of this administration, and by extension, the Bush administration, on their handling of the financial crisis? All these presentations on the record, railing against incumbents and moderates in each party, suddenly looks a bit foolish if the scenario has changed. And the tea party folks can melt away quickly as well.
Mike, unless government interference makes a mess of things, the economy will always recover after a recession. The normal business cycles have highs and lows. Basic economic theory. Whether the bailouts “worked” or not is irrelevant to the hard core tea partiers. What matters is the proper role of government.
On a side note, I would love to do some reading on how government interference can prevent recession, so if anyone knows any good references please provide them.
That is an interesting delusion, that is, calling the devastation of the fiscal collapse we just experienced simply a recession. The point is, it would have been a depression, perhaps as deep as the great depression, but it was averted by strong action. Many experts will argue for decades about whether different actions would have been produced a better or worse result, but I have seen no credible expert that has said if we had done nothing that we would have recovered as we have today. Now, it may serve your political interest to say so, but from an economic standpoint, I think you are simply dreaming.
It is well known that Scott RiggIe is the candidate for the second Congressional district handpicked by the Republican party. He had the money, and is willing to follow along with whatever they tell him to do/say/vote. Now this maybe wouldn’t be such a bad thing, except for two facts. Both the Republican and Democrat parties are out of touch with the people, with the Democrats of course being way, way out there. And secondly, Riggle is a poor choice. He claims he is running as a successful businessman, who started with nothing. Well, his wife’s family provided the money. And I’ve heard complaints from customers as to how well his car dealership treats them. For example, I was at a candidate debate hosted by the Tea Party, and one woman said, “I had serious problems with my Ford, and no one at his dealership would listen to me. I nearly got killed in that car.” If that is how he runs his business, I don’t want him representing me.
I think the best two candidates are Ed Maulbeck and Bert Mizusawa. They are both in the race because they truly care about the direction this country is going, and have the moxy to stand up to the political powers for what the people want and the country needs. Ed lives in, and his company is based in the 2nd District, while Bert does not. So my first choice now is Ed Maulbeck. He is a constitutional conservative.
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