Cantor endorses Rigell in Republican Primary
By JR Hoeft | Friday, April 16th, 2010 | PoliticsRepublican Whip Eric Cantor (VA-07), Congress’ #2 Republican, adds his name to the list of Republicans coming out in favor of Scott Rigell’s candidacy for the GOP nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.
Congressman Cantor said of Rigell:
“Scott Rigell has the business sense and conservative leadership we need in Washington. As an entrepreneur, he has real world experience in creating jobs, meeting a budget and setting the right priorities. I’m proud to stand with Scott Rigell and support his candidacy for U.S. Congress.”
Rigell is enrolled in the National Republican Campaign Committee’s “Young Gun’s” program and has achieved “contender” status – one level shy of being a “Young Gun”.
The program was founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Congressmen Cantor, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), as “a Member driven organization of House Republicans dedicated to electing open seat and challenger candidates nationwide.”
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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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54 Responses to "Cantor endorses Rigell in Republican Primary"
I sincerely want to thank Eric Cantor for helping me with my decision. If Rigell is acceptable to the “Just Say No” wing of the republican party, and we can expect Rigell to be welcomed by him and join the cadre of republicans for whom obstructionism and obfuscation is their strategy for moving our country forward, then I certainly could not vote for Rigell. On the other hand, if Rigell has heard the message of the tea party, and realizes that they have as much disdain for the republicans who brought up a hyper debt, hyper deficits, and more for the rich and less for everyone else, then as he accepts this endorsement, he had better make it clear that if nominate and elected, he will be different. To me, that means working for America’s great middle class, reducing income disparity, forging effective regulation of the out of control financial institutions that caused the fiscal collapse, and most of all, stopping this insane partisanship that is destroying Congress. I will be reading and listening. MJB sends!
I sincerely doubt you’re sincere or you were likely to vote for Rigell either way MB
Wow, that’s a pretty big endorsement! Rigell is just cleaning up on endorsements. He seems to have all the local elected officials on board with his campaign, too. It is great to see a candidate pull it all together!
Awesome news!
In an answer as to who “won” the debate last night, “kingsmoothie” said “Rigell”, who didn’t even show up.
Now that Cantor has endorsed Rigell, Kenny’s comments on the “Establishment” candidate are confirmed and the 2nd Primary is going to be a one act play. The Republican theme song this year should be “Money” by Abba as the lyrics fit almost perfectly.
Well Daniel, I face the record of every incumbent in an election in which I plan to vote with an open mind. Frankly, I have much in common with many of the candidates in the primary election. I am a businessman, I am a member of many business and civic groups, I have served in the military, and I continue to be most optimistic about our nation, our state, our region, and our city, and want a candidate to be elected who will serve all of those interests. I abhor partisanship which ill serves the political body in which the candidate wishes to serve. Frankly, I can find common ground with just about anyone if they share a basic commitment to the public interest. I don’t think any candidate has written people like me off, so I am surprised that you would. MJB sends!
Tim J-
It has always been a one act play. It’s just that some of us knew it before others.
Rigell is clearly the strongest candidate. Once he decided to run it was over, but don’t believe me or the countless others that have been involved in politics for years. Their experience and foresight should all be thrown out the window in favor of supporting a loose cannons like Kenny Golden-too sarcastic?
I really admire the way Eric Cantor conducted himself during the so-called “health care summit” and by standing up to Obama. Big name, very impressive, hopefully Scott Rigell can be the deciding GOP pick up vote that will change Cantor from “Republican Whip” to “MR. SPEAKER”
Thanks, Eric for stepping into the breach and showing leadership. Finally the adults in the party establishment are getting involved. This isn’t high school student government folks – this is the real deal. In all seriousness, what other candidate has put it all together? Only Scott Rigell. We need to win this seat back and Rigell has proven steady throughout this campaign. He can raise the money, rally the GOP faithful and appeal to Independents and moderates who have been watching him on their televisions for 15 years as a well-respected car dealer and philanthropist. Let’s go folks. Let’s rally around the eventual nominee and go win this seat back for the GOP.
Mike, you now have a candidate who you can support in Rigell, as he is reaching out to “progressives” like the Urban League who support our President and his budget, has donated to the President’s campaign as well as other Democrat initiatives and campaigns and will “reach across the aisle” with a bipartisan handshake to break this cycle of “just say no”.
Truly, Rigell is above politics and will be the man of all parties who will unify the 2nd District using the model our President promised during his campaign.
If you can’t support Eric Cantor then you’ll never support a GOP conservative. That’s your choice, but I think it’s very telling about that person’s political ideology. Cantor’s leadership is exactly what has sustained conservatives over the past few years. This endorsement is huge.
Rigell embodies the new generation of GOP leaders, as lead by Cantor. I understand the apprehension with the GOP brand, but that’s why we support individuals within a political party. and nbot the party blindly. Scott Rigell is the real deal.
If you haven’t decided yet about Rigell or still have questions then the onus is on you to now take the next step. If you still have questions then where have you been and what have you done to get answers?
Congrats Scott this is big news for you.
More importantly this is big news for conservatives in the district. With Scott Rigell as our nominee we are guaranteed a competitvve race with national support to unseat Nye and reclaim Congress. This is big.
Eric Cantor is an all around Reagan conservative. He knows that VA-02 is crucial if we have any chance to take Pelosi out of the Speaker’s chair. Rigell can beat Glen Nye and win an election that is focused on jobs/the economy/repealing health care.
Perhaps Tim, that is true, but there is a long way to go. And if Rigell is willing to work in a bi-partisan way to move forward, then he will recieve my further consideration. But is he accepts Cantor’s endorsement and becomes just another soldier in the Cantor just say no obstructionist army, I will have no use for him either. I will look for an indication in Rigell’s support for reform of the financial regulatory system which becomes more and more apparant as the books and articles describe what actually happened in the years that preceded the collapse of the banking system as we knew it.
Come on people, just as there was nothing wrong with past Republicans like George W. Bush or Newt Gingrich or Phil Gramm or Eric Cantor attending NAACP dinners or reception to reach out to the African-American community, there is nothing wrong with Scott Rigell attending an Urban League reception.
Eric Cantor would be a wonderful Speaker of the House and I’m both stunned and delighted that he came out for Rigell. I agree with him, we need more business leaders in Washington.
JR, when will Bearing Drift endorse Rigell?
Yeah, because Bearing Drift hasn’t taken its own shots at Rigell
http://bearingdrift.com/2010/03/25/mayor-sessoms-officially-endorses-rigell-the-day-after-he-proposes-tax-increase/
If Scott Rigell were elected to the U.S. Congress, I hope he wouldn’t use the same judgement as Eric Cantor on financial issues. Keep in mind Eric Cantor voted to bail out the banking institutions during the financial crisis.
Stearns, kind of an ignorant statement. Some banks failed – Lehman. Some no longer exist alone – Wachovia, IndyMAC, Countrywide, Washington Mutual, Bear Sterns, Merrill Lynch. As it turns out the government made quite a pretty penny off of Goldman, Bank of America, etc. If all of the country’s major banks had failed and the European and Pacific Rim ones had too do you have any idea what kind of world we would be living in right now? Neither do I, but I know it would not be good for American business or the American people. No one liked what happened with the banks, but it was an extraordinary time. What upsets so many folks is when the TARP funds were then used to buy GM and Chrysler, with huge gifts to the unions which was real bs – that was not the intent of the legislation. Eric and those who voted for the bill were under tremendous duress. It was a close call, but not one that should end a politician’s career, considering all of the other great accomplshments in Eric’s case.
I don’t have issue with Rigell’s “Republicanism”, his conservatism, or his ability to reach out and play well with others. But I do want as much of a Constitutionalist as can be elected and I am not sure of his sincerity in this regard. But then I am not really sure of the others either. Cantor doesn’t influence my decision any more than all the other endorsements.
It’s interesting that while Mr. Rigell clearly has a national backing, his website demonstrates he has local support from local candidates who live, work and raise their families in the district.
Endorsements aside, one has to be drawn to a person who A) is attacked so vehemently by his opposition and B)stands against adversity for what he believes in.
The Sioux Nation assessed their strength on many factors; one being directly related to the strength of their enemies. Interesting analogy when reading various BLOG replies vs. Mr. Rigell.
Citizen,
A couple good points there, but I am not sure what adversity he is standing against.
Until we have the results of the Primary, there isn’t a nominee, but Cantor in the mean time has placed a huge target on Rigell for Pelosi and the Nye Democrats. The Dems may keep their powder dry until after the Primary, and then the barrages begin.
If you think Rigell has been treated a little harshly with some questions about his ability to translate his campaign into a victory, you haven’t seen nothing yet.
Ron… Call my statement what you will, but the philosophy of fiat money, central economic planning, and bailing out failed institutions doesn’t pair with individual liberty.
I’m sure if the various financial institutions hadn’t been bailed out, the situation would be significantly worse – that’s pretty obvious. However, the debt has to be liquidated at some point, be it through a legitimate default or through the creation of new credit. We are delaying the inevitable with the bailouts and easy credit.
Additionally, I’m aware of the fact that the Feds made a few dollars from the bailout. However, was it worth the influx of new credit? Will it be worth it when consumer prices rise steeply? I think the answer is pretty clear.
It all depends on what believe the role of government is. If you believe the government should bail out private institutions that have made poor decisions, provide healthcare to everyone, police the world, etc., that’s one thing. Personally, I believe the role of government is to protect individual liberty.
King,
Thank you. Didn’t want to use “attacks” twice (old Eng 101 habit I know)in a paragraph! “Stands” to me means does not waiver, does not bow to pressure and is convicted in his/her beliefs.
Stearns,
I am with you on the role of government. Unfortunately, few people will stand for that principle at even the low price of inconvenience, much less a longer and deeper recession.
While this is a coup for Rigell, the fact remains the voters get to vote. Endorsements are great, but the people who go into the booth choose. I will say I was quite impressed with his candor and honesty this week at the BSRWC luncheon. He seems like a very humble guy and I like his wife very much. Whoever wins this first round will have my complete support.
There are times (like this) I read BD posts and swear I drank too much tequila and awoke in Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. You know the tale: The king hires two weavers. They promise him the finest suit of clothes – made from a fabric that’s invisible to anyone unfit for his position or just hopelessly stupid. They make the clothes, he parades around, all the court ministers and subjects fawn, and …one lone kid cries out, “But he isn’t wearing anything at all!!”
1) I like Cantor. He understands numbers and articulates well. And, since he argued on behalf of my position at the HC summit, I think he was a real asset.
2) Cantor co-founded the Young Guns program.
3) Rigell is in the YG club and, if press releases are any indication, is the ‘chosen one’, a.k.a. ‘front runner’.
4) Numbers seem to indicate Rigell support is loosing ground.
5) Cantor is very much a party guy; RNCC (and the local party) have strong motivation to protect personal reputations and investment.
6) Rigell supporters insist ‘money raised’ should not be held against Scott; it’s the best indicator of public support.
Recent FEC reports, when analyzed beyond simple ‘total’ line, reveal, on a per month basis, Mizusawa has out-raised Rigell by over 57% in individual contributions. (see #6 above)
I doubt the Rigell campaign, the local party, OR the RNCC have missed this FEC data pointl.
Add all of the above to:
- info trickling out from Golden and Maulbeck,
- which has not been countered as false by Byler or Drake, and
- Scott’s latest preference for one-on-ones …
… my interpretation is: someone recently hit the panic button (NY 23 all over again?). I suspect the Cantor endorsement is one of many we’ll see fall from the heavens over the next few weeks, in order to shore up the RNC candidate.
Wonder if it will have same effect as Martha Coakley’s Obama endorsement?
Richard,
You said, “Rigell is clearly the strongest candidate. Once he decided to run it was over, but don’t believe me or the countless others that have been involved in politics for years. Their experience and foresight should all be thrown out the window in favor of supporting a loose cannons like Kenny Golden-too sarcastic?”
I would ask; How good of a job have these people done?
How long have Republicans controlled Virginia, at least in the legislature?
How is Virginia doing right now? I know Bob is fixing stuff, but the people supporting Rigell helped cause all this.
How is America doing? Was it not the very same leaders who failed to stand up to Bush?
My point is that you say trust the GOP leaders experience. Their experience has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be flawed and bad for the country. By your very own logic in the statement above, Rigell is not the candidate we should support.
What response do you have to that? I anxiously await it.
Stearns, I agree with a lot of what you said but your own post confirms what I said…that had not the bailout happened things would be a whole lot worse. Now Obama comes in and starts spending money on items that TARP was not intended to do – save the car companies, give money to underwater homeowners, etc. Eric didn’t support that. As for a longer and deeper recession, if the bank bailout bill had never passed it would be a worldwide financial cataclysm and people would be marching in the streets at 1000x more than there are now. Sometimes, just sometimes, really dramatic times call for answers that are very unpalatable. Eric cast a tough vote. He is a tremendous and loyal and effective person who sells the Republican ideal very well. I think we agree on the big points, but my point is that its a cheap shot at Cantor to dredge up the bank bailout vote while failing to give the man his props.
As for Chris’ post that the Cantor endorsement is a sign of desperation…give me a break. Have you seen the FEC reports? Who else is a serious candidate? Loyola raised $11k – his crack communications staff put out more activist emails (at least 15) than thousands of dollars raised (11) this past quarter. As for comparing how each candidate has raised each month, that’s patently ridiculous. Look at the totals – Rigel raised his low hanging fruit last year. Bert is raising his this past quarter. It’s also fascinating how much money Bert raised out of the district. My God, where has this guy been for the last 10 years? He could have helped raise those funds for other GOP candidates in the Second District. He still has no real fundraising support in VA-2. I know all money spends the same, but a lack of funds from VA-2 is a real signal of a lack of support in the district. Even a washing machine can’t spin that. He ought to be running against Jim Moran – that’s where he lives and that’s where his money is coming from.
Oh and Virginia is doing pretty darn well, actually. We need to create more jobs, but so does every other state.
This is a great endorsement for Rigell! Eric Cantor is a solid conservative and I respect his leadership. Way to go Scott, on to victory!
Ron,
Your understanding of monetary policy is elementary at best. While I don’t want to get into a drawn out discussion on the minutia, the fact is; if our government and elected officials, like Eric Cantor, actually followed a logical, democratic monetary policy, they would have let the cataclysm happen and then would have used it to remove centrally controlled credit creation and move towards restoring the credit commons.
Our current system of privately controlled credit loaned at interest is the most undemocratic system imaginable. People like Eric Cantor would never lift a finger to change any of that and that is the point. They are too beholden to the monied interests; and i don’t just mean people who are rich. I mean the small elite group of individuals who control the powers of credit creation for nearly the entire world. Greater than 9/10ths of the money supply originates with bank credit.
Go find the book “The End of Money and Future of Civilization” by Thomas Greco for an amazing discourse on the essence of money and credit and a draft scheme for mutual credit clearing systems that would eliminate the up and down business cycle, depressions, recessions, etc..
If you want a more theoretical background to understand monetary policy, look up Social Credit by CH Douglas. You can get a PDF copy here;
http://douglassocialcredit.com/resources/resources/social_credit_by_ch_douglas.pdf
Ron, I never said it was desperation. My only point is that Richard said, in a nutshell, trust the GOP leaders, they have the experience and knowledge, they have made the right choice.
The issue is that these leaders played a huge part in destroying our country because of their lack of leadership and lack of a backbone.
I don’t think this endorsement is a sign of desperation. Rather the opposite. Rigell is clearly the strongest candidate in the sense that he has the best shot at being elected. But being electable has little to nothing to do with being the best able to govern and make decisions. Rather, history has shown, that the two are nearly mutually exclusive.
Now I would say that the most electable may be the one able to work best with others to achieve “things.” However, again, history has shown that those things have not been good for the country by any means.
The moral of the story is; the strongest most electable candidate is rarely if ever the candidate most qualified and able to make the best decisions to do the most good for the country.
You can say I am wrong all you want, but I have hundreds of years of history on my side of the argument, you don’t.
Chris, two things – are you one of those guys who wants to get rid of the Federal Reserve? And, you can gripe all you want about whether people who get elected are actually best able to govern. Being able to govern and being are mutually exclusive? What kind of drivel i this? Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, TR, FDR, IKE, Reagan – these peple were electable and damn good presidents, too. What choice is there? A technocracy? Who chooses the technocrats? You know, you folks can complain about “the system” and “the man” and “the bankers who control 9/10ths of the world’s money”, but at the end of the day the system we have has given us the greatest and most powerful country the world has ever known. We are a representative democracy. Sometimes we elect good people, sometimes we don’t. And, yes, I am amazed that the government functions at all, but it does. This is a blog, so I don’t have time or energy to discuss my incomparable knowledge of monetary policy. If you think Scott is the candidate that might win or should win, but he’s all wrong on monetary policy or whatever, then pick up the phone and set a meeting and go talk to him. That may be a good first step to getting America on the right track.
Ron,
Everyone you cite as being a good elected, I agree with, the problem is, they were all elected when people still read and payed attention to politics and how government worked. Except for Reagan, but he came after Carter, so the combination of him being amazing and Carter being horrible made the perfect storm to get a great guy in office. Maybe that will happen after Obama, maybe not.
Now a days, the best candidate is the most marketable one and the one most able to market himself. 9/10 the best qualified and one best able to make decisions is unable to be marketed because of the ignorance of the electorate and/or the unwillingness of donors to contribute because they would rather have a puppet than a real leader. This is exactly what the founders were afraid off.
Yes, I would like to end the FED as we know, nationalize it, and return, at least for the time being, the money creation powers back to congress. Eventually I would like to move to independent competitor currencies via mutual credit clearing systems, but that will be at least 50-100 years in the future.
I don’t think Rigell should win, but I am almost certain he will. His campaign is top notch in every regard, except that which matters most; policy. Many of his ideas are the same old superficial solutions and generalities that are required to win election. Do I fault him for it? Of course not. I hate the game, not the player. And trust me, when he wins, I will be there to give him a thorough intellectual schooling on what real monetary policy should be.
Ron:
“My God, where has this guy been for the last 10 years? “
Well, in 2007, Rigell went to the Automobile Association convention and Mizusawa attended Harvard University/ John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Black Sea Security Program who’s mission is: “to bring together leading policy makers in the Black Sea region with senior US officers to gain a deeper understanding of issues affecting the region and to encourage problem solving in areas of common interest.” Check out the program’s goals and attendees:
http://www.harvard-bssp.org/bssp/about
http://www.harvard-bssp.org/files/2007/presentation/html/roster3.html
“Have you seen the FEC reports?
No, I just made it all up. Where do you think I pulled the numbers???!!!
FEC report – through 3/31/10
Scott Rigell: 55.75% candidate funded/ 43.06% individual
Bert Mizusawa: 23.83% candidate funded/ 73.22% individual
Scott Rigell:
$1,075,045 (total raised)
43.06% (from individual contributions) = $462,914
In the race for 10 months =
$46,291/per month receipts (individual contributions)
Bert Mizusawa:
$397,829 (total raised)
73.22% (from individual contributions) = $291,220
In the race for 4 months =
$72,822/per month receipts (individual contributions)
Bert’s per month receipts are 57% higher than Rigell’s.
And, in 4 months Mizuswa raised 63% of what Rigell has raised in 10 months.
By any calculations, other than totals, the General is kicking tail and on track to out-raise Rigell. The numbers are … what they are.
Chris Meeropol, We may not always agree, but I enjoy your posts. I appreciate intelligent analysis.
I’m curious about something I see on BD, but don’t understand and maybe you can help educate?
So many BD posters feel passionate about national issues (taxes, debt, HC, national security) yet when assessing/endorsing candidates for a national office, revert back to local – who stumped for who, who helped elect city council members, etc. I don’t get it.
Any insights into this bizarre departure from logic? What am I missing?
Jay D:
Let’s see, fund with #s? This last report Bert had 133 Donors. Donors in the district? 3
Rigell had 157 Donors: Donors in the District? 115.
Since the race started Rigell raised $475,000 from donors compared to $280,000 for Mizusawa.
So, Rigell has raised more money, from more people, period than any other candidate in the race.
Bert doesn’t even live in the district! Perhaps, that is why since he started he has found a grand total of 10 people that actually live in the 2nd to donate to him?
Jay, I’ll answer, although I may not have Chris’ intelligent analysis (hopefully your question isn’t rhetorical). Many people feel more comfortable voting for someone who has proven that they are dedicated conservatives and Republicans. Someone who has a track record. Some also believe that you have to earn the honor of running by having served and sacrificed for those who have gone before you. I can understand the viewpoint and agree to some degree. But I have no problem with someone who has worked hard and suddenly realizing he or she needs to step up and try to make a difference.
Ron… Ultimately, it boils down to principle and a decent understanding of econmics. The debt has to be liquidated in the marketplace, not by the government. Once that occurs (and taxes and regulation are more tolerable), we can begin to have a prosperous and productive economy once again. The financial meltdown will occur because it has to occur. Governments and central banks can only delay the inevitable.
Eric Cantor does not have enough integrity to satisfy my political taste – and I mean that with all due respect.
We are trillions of dollars in debt, yet he still votes for trillions of dollars of consumption.
Chris-
Responding to your earlier statement about how well these people have done.
In VB the overwhelming majority of the CIty COuncil, including the mayor, affiliate with the GOP. The school board is also dominated by the GOP. The constitutional officers, all except Phil Kellam (the last remnant of the Kellam/Byrd machine) are longtime republicans. The two state Senators from VB are republicans and every single House of Delegates seat is held by the GOP. You might have also noticed that the current Governor hais from VB. Thelma Drake lost for a variety of reasons, but no one can claim she lost because she was a RINO or an unprincipled leader. She voted against the bailout and TARP on pure principle.
The GOP in VB has one of the strongest track records of conservtavie leadership in the commonwealth-I’d go as far as saying the nation.
The men and women who crafted the rise of the GOP in VB strongly back Scott Rigell. This fact should not be taken lightly by keen observers.
So the short answer: the GOP in VB have down an amazing job.
Kindsmoothie, Thank you. My question was anything but rhetorical and I appreciate your response. I must have more of the idealism of youth left than I thought!
Our country’s in such a precarious position; the next 2 years are critical. I would think that, as Americans, we want the best and the brightest. Period. Those most qualified to deal with complicated, complex, transcendent, profound and almost unfathomable affairs. Instead, we debate who’s ‘the local’, the richest or the most marketable in the bunch. As if by virtue of a physical address, bank account, or ability to deliver talking points, you’re somehow better qualified and prepared to engage, reason, interpret, and figure out the best solution, from a choice list of non perfect solutions.
The reality is that after the primary, address, bank account, or name/face recognition all become moot, as the party coalesces, funds, and promotes the winner.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Sadly, it’s exactly what I thought. I will remain hopeful that voters in June expect – and have set the bar a bit higher – than D2 party leaders. Thanks again for your insight and answer.
Richard,
On a side note: I have been attending the VB breakfast and the city committee meetings frequently and done some volunteering and other events. I haven’t run into Blevins that I know of. Is his slice of VB so small that he isn’t concerned about us? The only events that I know he had, were ones you have to pay to attend, so I haven’t met him. Signed up for a newsletter and got nothing. I didn’t like one of his votes that I know of, although he switched his position and vote on his second chance. What is the story with this guy?
Blevins has a very small slice of the Beach-a few neighborhoods along the city border. He usually hangs with the majority of his district in Chesapeake.
I too have had little interaction with him, but from what I hear he’s accessible and a solid republican. Like each representative, no one representative will line up completely with our viewpoints-nice to hear he changed his mind on that issue for you. I’m sure that he would make time to talk to you. Newsletters are going the way of newspapers-I think BD would agree with that-see if you can find him on FB.
In short, Richard, you completely missed the point.
The GOP has done an amazing job in Virginia and in fact in Virginia; an amazing job winning elections.
Winning elections is not implementing good policy.
I think the record of the Republican Party speaks for itself to anyone who is actually paying attention.
Think people; would you trust these people’s judgment in picking a candidate?
The question is how do we repair the damage to the REPUBLICAN ticket once the 2nd district has decided. Thank goodness so far, the candidates have not launched vehement attacks against each other. Only here in this BLOG is vulgarity and innuendo allowed.
I have seen some really personally offensive attacks on many candidates. I know this goes along with politics. I’m not use to seeing us eat our young here. You will have to give me the rules on how to degrade others unabashedly.
I have to admit I was a senate paige for Stenny Hoyer in the 70′s so I know what it’s like to get my car windows knocked out and death threats.
I’ve never met blevins…and I’ve only seen him at a few Republican events. But he seems like a good guy overall:
from randy forbes’ website “As a senior at Great Bridge High School, Randy’s principal, Harry Blevins, first encouraged the lifelong Virginian to pursue a career public service that would one day lead him to service in the US Congress.”
Also interesting to note, I believe Blevins currently holds the state Senate seat that was previously held by Forbes…and before that he held the house of delegates seat that was previously held by Forbes.
Bryan R,
I understand and concede your point. Yes, Scott Rigell has raised more money, from within the district, than has Bert Mizusawa. One would hope so, since he’s been at it 6 months longer than Mizusawa.
My point was: the General is fast gaining traction, according to the numbers, and it has not gone unnoticed by the RNCC – hence the Cantor endorsement.
As far as district connections … guessing it’s safe assumption there were many moments in the last 30 years, as Rigell enjoyed the stability, safety, and camaraderie of the Beach community, the General (and several other D2 candidates) would have vastly preferred stumping for beach politicians & ‘paying party dues’ to dodging bullets in the DMZ, Iraq, or Afghanistan.
Roger, Richard and king – Senator Harry Blevins has been my Senator for quite some time and we’re lucky to have him. If I have one fault with him, it is his mass communication with constituents. He rarely puts out his hard copy newsletter and hardly ever uses any franking privilege; however, he has recently started the foray into social media. Most importantly, he is exceptionally accessible to his constituents.
Knowing Harry and his legislative aid well, I’ll mention the desire of folks at the beach to see him at a morning breakfast. Maybe he didn’t feel wanted or perhaps the beach hasn’t invited him lately? I don’t know – that’s a hypothetical question.
I do know that Harry, in the past, has attended VB events.
He is as open, easy-going, transparent, forthright, honest and respectable an elected official that you’re going to find.
As for who has held the seat here in Chesapeake – it was Earley, then Forbes, then Blevins. Forbes became the Senator from being our Delegate when Earley went on to run for higher office; Blevins was elected Senator when Forbes ran for Congress.
The seat is, as you say, largely and mainly Chesapeake – so, understandably, the people of Chesapeake and its Republican City Committee, have had a significant impact on nominating and supporting the GOP candidate.
Chris-
What policy points do you have problems with coming from VB GOP representatives?
The record of the VB GOP is strong conservative leadership-please be more specific. What are you talking about?
You seem to be vaguely criticizing the local party for national problems with the GOP.
I agree accountability is required, but you must be specific in order for us to unite and hold our representatives acccountable.
JR,
Thanks for the info. I feel better knowing more about Blevins now. I did get an email and letter response from him and/or his staff for one issue I brought up to him. I have to say Sal is much quicker to respond and since I have seen him so often, I feel I have easy access to him. I have no big issue with Blevins. I suppose I could go Chesapeake once in a while to see him, but I only have so much time. Maybe VB Republican Party spoils me.
Jay D,
But the “General” (weird way to refer to a many seeking public office) has been back from overseas quite some time and is in the reserves. Perhaps the real reason that he is such an unknown entity is that he DOES NOT LIVE IN THE DISTRICT. He is a DC Lawyer, his wife is a Federal Reserve Lawyer, he told me himself his kids go to public schools in NOVA.
HE DOES NOT LIVE IN THE DISTRICT. The fact that he can’t even find TWELVE people that actually live, work and VOTE in the district speaks volumes. Did Bert just get tired of waiting for his NOVA Congressman to retire or something?
Bryan R, Got it. You’re a single-issue voter – and zip code IS your issue. With a beach zip code, Scott’s a shoe in – uniquely qualified to beat Nye.
How could I have missed it? Thanks for the enlightening dialogue and critical assessment.
Gee, Jay D, my issue is who can win against Glenn Nye. If you don’t think they won’t have a field day pointing out that Bert doesn’t think our public schools are good enough for his children, or the fact that he doesn’t live here, you are crazy.
The man’s home is in DC; he gets elected to Congress, how often would any of us actually see him?
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