Bearing Drift Endorsement: 2nd Congressional District – Bert Mizusawa
By Bearing Drift | Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 | PoliticsScott Rigell is a decent, hardworking man.
From the moment he arrived in Hampton Roads in the 1990′s, he has built his business from next to nothing to become one of the premier locations in Hampton Roads to purchase a car for a fair price.
His business acumen and political skills have won him favor within political circles, including such conservative stalwarts as Jay Sekulow, Morton Blackwell, Republican Whip Eric Cantor and Governor Bob McDonnell.
For over a decade, Scott Rigell has contributed and supported the Republican Party, so much so that former Rep. Thelma Drake thought enough of him to personally ask him to run for Congress this cycle.
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Ben Loyola is a true conservative.
It is no mistake that the former Navy Captain received the endorsement of the Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Tea Party. His strong position on cutting government spending and taxes is exactly the kind of leadership Washington needs.
His well-developed positions on national defense, health care, transportation, energy and abortion also show him to be someone who will give Glenn Nye a run for his money, if nominated.
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However, while Rigell or Loyola, if nominated by the GOP, would be a good Congressman for the 2nd District, Bert Mizusawa will be a great one.
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Bert Mizusawa is a Virginia throw-back. He is a man straight out of the history books who exemplifies Virginia’s heritage of producing statesmen. Whether it is his proven military leadership under fire, sustained academic excellence, or superior business savvy, Mizusawa takes us back to an era when our leaders possessed an “all of the above” quality that left us all proud.
Mizusawa has had a career of service to his country – and in the service-oriented second, no candidate comes close to having the qualifications and regional ties that Bert does.
After growing up in Hampton Roads and graduating from Kecoughtan High School, he earned a presidential appointment to West Point and merely graduated first in his class.
He then served as a paratrooper in Europe during the Cold War, and, while stationed in Italy, made hundreds of drops along the “Iron Curtain.” His skills led to his selection to command the Army’s forward-most combat unit in the Korean DMZ where he earned a Silver Star. His efforts at leading soldiers in combat to rescue a Soviet defector were later recognized by President Ronald Reagan in the Reagan Diaries.
Following active duty, he earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and was selected a MacArthur Fellow in National Security. After spending some time on Wall Street, he was appointed by Chairman Strom Thurmond as a Professional Staff Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His responsibilities included oversight of the nascent Joint Forces Command – an effort which has led to the creation of more than 5,000 jobs in Hampton Roads – not to mention greater efficiency in manning, training and equipping the Armed Forces. After a mere three years working in the Senate, he was selected as the Army’s Senior Executive for interagency and international affairs.
While leading our country in government in a civilian capacity, Mizusawa has also been called to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan in a military capacity and is currently a Brigadier General in the Army Reserve, responsible for 4,000 soldiers.
But while his service to country is exemplary, over the course of the campaign, Bert Mizusawa has also proven himself to be a keen statesman, able to lead on ideas and solid policy.
Mizusawa has never shied from a debate; he has never allowed questions of his credibility; he has never wavered on his conservatism; he has only grown stronger as a candidate.
Bert Mizusawa has shown a depth of knowledge on the issues most important to the people of the Second District and is the one candidate most prepared to deliver results on day one. He brings the experience, credentials, knowledge and reputation to best serve the Second District and represent the people’s interests in Washington.
Bearing Drift is exceptionally proud to endorse Bert Mizusawa for Congress.
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61 Responses to "Bearing Drift Endorsement: 2nd Congressional District – Bert Mizusawa"
A very well written endorsement, however I will still not vote for him in the primary.
Just received word as well that Bert’s brother Rudi, also a West Point graduate passed away unexpectedly this past Sunday. Heartfelt condolences to Bert and his family, Rudi worked very hard on Bert’s behalf around the district and put up numerous 4x8s and knocked on hundreds if not thousands of doors personally. Again, sincere and heartfelt condolences to Bert and his family during this difficult time.
I am deeply troubled by this news, DJ, having just learned myself. My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Mizusawa family.
Scott Rigell had the class to post his condolences to Bert on his Facebook page as soon as he found out. From start to (almost) finish, Rigell has run a first class campaign.
I also extend my condolences to Bert and his family.
While I like Bert as a person, and I agree he is a well qualified candidate, I disagree that he is the best candidate for THIS district. I think most people in the 2nd district, upon hearing his name, say “Bert who?” There is simply no substitute for living in a community for the past 20 years. If he is not successful in this primary, Bert should consider running for office in Northern Virginia.
Sad for the Mizusawa family, pray for their loss. To lose one’s flesh and blood is pain beyond imagining.
Deeply sorry.
Bert has not lived in our district for the last twenty years but has been ever present, this is where he is from. If twenty years in the district were the criteria then I should run for office. I have lived in this district for over 40 years.
Seriously, Bert is the only candidate that can beat Nye. Give him a good look and ask yourself who should represent this district that has such a large, important military presence. Who has the leadership and managerial skill to represent us? Bert Mizusawa has those skills. I don’t think Rigell is in the same league nor is he capable of defeating Nye.
My sympathies to Bert and his family for their loss.
And let’s see…what do the endorsements in the 2nd and 5th have in common…
I am Jessica Sandlins son and I am deeply troubled by his brothers death.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Bert and his family.
Thoughts and prayers for the Mizusawa family this morning.
Hmm sunlight is a powerful thing.
I do feel bad for Bert’s family. Hope they find peace in this time of sorrow.
Wow, comments about public information get deleted.
Who’s moderating – Don Segretti?
Where’s that famous Bearing Drift credibility when we need it?
When Jessica first mentioned running for Congress I just shook my head but she persisted and I ran the numbers and talked to a few advisors who had run insurgent campaigns.
The women thing (Who knew women make up less then 17% of Congress!) and Jessica’s raw talent convinced me she had a shot. A long shot to be sure but still a shot and who knows what might still happen.
That said, I think Jim has hit the nail on the head with his endorsement of Bert.
The guy is freaking amazing. I dismissed him initially because I bought into the hype he lacked roots in the district. When I found he was the only candidate to actually grow up and graduate high school here I felt duped.
Most of my friends are supporting Rigell but I for one can’t forget the 2002 $10,000 contribution to the YES campaign.
Can you imagine our local sales tax at 6% (12th highest in the nation) right now?
Bert, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother and I believe he is still pulling for you, as am I.
Well, if you have an allegation — make it known.
Otherwise, I’d prefer my home address not be advertised. The last time this crowd employed that tactic, a gas line got cut.
Shaun, then maybe someone should’ve told the campaigns a different address to put on their FEC reports.
Rudi Mizuzawa and I were classmates and roomates at West Point. He was a good man and will be missed. Bert, I’ve met. Also a very good man and an exceptional leader. You’d be blessed to have him as your Representative.
David, is Jessica supporting Bert now too?
Loyola as “that former Navy Captain”… I believe Ben is still in the Reserves and is subject to recall.
Shaun, I need to apologize for posting your home address. I cut and pasted it from the FEC expenditure reports. I should have reviewed it more closely before pasting what I copied there. That being said, the last time anyone from my “crowd” visited your home it was to deliver a meal and groceries after the birth of a child, so no threat here. Again, I am sorry.
Bert should be ashamed of himself after the direct mail piece he put out today. I expected more class from him than pure distortion for personal gain. Thanks for taking this race to an unnecessary and shameful low.
Reid, and have you heard all of those “unnecessary and shameful” radio ads today? If Bert’s saying all those things about Rigell, it must be true!
On the mail piece. It is accurate. Also, it a wonderful endorsement from another of SR’s contribution recipients. Great picture of the President too!
I am so disappointed in Bert. So much for running a 100% positive campaign.
The mail piece itself is completely ridiculous. Bert should know better than that.
I would like to hear ALL 3 canidates,( Loyola-Musasawi-Ridgell), in a forum, where all 3 are asked questions by the citizens of Hampton Roads. And of the 3 canidates,which one is a Teaparty 1st, a conservative 2nd and principle 3rd and party affilation 4th?.
Nelson Seely
nelsonseely@cox.net
How many are going to the Lincoln Memorial,Washington DC on 8/28/2010, for the Patriot Rally, ALL Day.
Nelson Seely
nelsonseely@cox.net
It’s either Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson, but I’m going
Nelson Seely
nelsonseely@cox.net
Nelson,
Only one person you mentioned is running for office. Ridgell and Musasawi are not.
Now, if you want to see Rigell, Mizusawa and Loyola debate, then don’t hold your breath. And it’s six days before the primary, did you not attend any other debate or forum in the last five months?
Reid,
I have the feeling that ‘unnecessary and shameful low’ is an exaggeration. Unless Bert copied Rigell’s mailer and passed it off as his own. That would be the only possible way to bring this cycle lower then it’s already been.
I’d love someone to scan this mail piece and link to it, otherwise I’m gonna have to stop by Mizusawa’s campaign office on the way into work tomorrow to check it out.
Oh DJ…you will be surprised. I think that Reid’s expression of “unnecessary and shameful low” is actually an understatement.
What’s particularly sad is that it came from Bert Mizusawa, who was supposedly running a “100% positive campaign.”
Now if it had come from Loyola or Taylor, I wouldn’t have been too surprised. If Taylor and Loyola think that plagiarizing is ok, they simply have no shame.
@DJ – One side of the flyer simply said “thank you Scott Rigell” with a big smiling picture of Barack Obama. Classic.
Can we actually blame Bert for this email attack? I would hate to think he sank to that level. It seems to me from his note on Facebook that he is mourning the loss of his dear brother. I would look to see what his campaign personnel are up to. When the cat’s away, the rats will play.
So much for the “100% positive” campaign from Bert Mizusawa; it is unfortunate that he is engaging in negative campaigning.
Then again, most campaigns that are losing do, so I shouldn’t be that surprised.
Bryan R, Please be specific… Are you implying that anything stated or inferred in the ad was false, dishonest or fabricated?
The Rigell campaign blasted out a robocall today calling it “false and misleading” – so, call him and ask him what was false.
Really?
If you think this mailpiece was put together since the weekend, you simply don’t understand how the designing, printing and mailing process works.
Darn, that’s disappointing.
The question is: What is misleading about the mailer?
Giving partial informaion is misleading. This isn’t difficult to understand, especially if you have kids.
Why not mention his total donations to conservatives?
Why not mention he maxed out to Romney, prior to the Obama check, and then McCain after the Obama check?
Why not mention that he gave no money to Obama during the general election?
Of ocurse I know why-Bert and the others want to win, but that’s the point. They/you give partial information in order to mislead.
Portraying Rigell as an Obama supporter is misleading and false.
Stating he gave Obama $1,000 is fact. A point conceded time and again.
It begs the question-Why Mr. Rigell?
Well he’s answered it countless times. I’ll do it again.
Rigell responds consistently whenever asked about the check (at least six times I know of with all the candidates there). Rigell says plainly the donation was anti-Hillary and he justified it because he was moved by Obama’s rhetoric, which often sounded quite conservative (anyone remember the 2004 Democratic National Convention? Google the speech, that speech solidified Obama’s reutation in 2004 as a centrist democrat-if you bother to watch it you’ll see why. It made Obama, but never mind history-singular pieces of evidence are usually enough to support ridiculous arguments-why try to delve deeper?). Rigell also states that it would be a good thing for the country to have a minority in office over Hillary. That’s a philosophical argument not for this thread. Keep in perspective the donation was months before “Joe the Plumber” and Reverand Wright-but once again, the grand tapestry of history is irrelevant when sending out an attack piece. Rigell has never equivocated. He’s honest and forthright.
There is a native american saying that goes something like this-those who hear with their tongues are blind. Listen and understand before you speak and you might see-that’s my translation.
You don’t like his response-fine, but making an ad that only reveals partial information while also only using a partial qoute is false and misleading.
@ Richard Jenkins – I also joined the Anyone-but-Hillary campaign. I went to the open primary and voted. We all understand the anti-Hillary emotion, it’s the check that doesn’t pass the smell test. Sorry. I know this must be frustrating to you as a supporter, but your frustration, justification, and angst are no more compelling than Scott’s excuses … all of them, not just the ‘moved by’ portion.
@Brian Kerwin – 5 days is more than enough time to bang out a digital or offset print job for this piece. If I were a printer (I’m not), would have gladly and proudly worked the weekend for the General.
In my view, this is self-inflicted wound, a.k.a. ‘payback’. Rigell snipers have targeted each candidate; even a man like Bert has limits, a tipping point, and gets tired of ‘turning the other cheek’. For details, see my post on JR’s “Loyola, Mizusawa and Rigell bring Obama to Virginia”.
I first learned about Bert Mizusawa several years ago when I interviewed him while doing research for a book on the Cold War, and after several interviews, I have come to know and appreciate his many talents, and can enthusiastically endorse his candidacy. I will admit that I am not thoroughly conversant on all of the issues that face Virginia’s voters, but I’ve learned from experience that it is wiser to vote on the candidate and not the issues, as circumstances and stands on issues may change, but character is a constant. I believe that what Virginia needs, what Congress needs, what the Nation needs is leadership, as the future appears to be challenging us to move in new directions. What then are the essential qualities of leadership?
A leader should have experience in a variety of venues; Bert Mizusawa has proven successful in private industry, in the military and in government.
A leader should/must have a working knowledge of the military and national defense; Bert Mizusawa is a combat veteran and decorated soldier who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the US Army, was a professional civilian staff member for the Senate Armed Services Committee and was a MacArthur Fellow at Harvard’s Center for Science and International Affairs. As a special assistant to Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera, he was involved in the transition and return of the canal to Panama.
A leader should be educated. Bert Mizusawa has a Bachelors of Science from the U.S. Military Academy, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. He also has earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
A leader should have an understanding of, and a respect for the law. Bert Mizusawa is a Harvard-trained lawyer who has been admitted to the bars in New York and Washington, D.C.
A leader should have an understanding of business and budgets. Bert Mizusawa has served as the president of PaxCentric, Inc., a consulting firm and as president of a
technology firm.
A leader should demonstrate excellence. Like Douglas MacArthur and Wesley Clark, Bert Mizusawa graduated first in his class at West Point and has spent a life dedicated to public service.
A leader should have the courage to do what’s right. Bert Mizusawa was awarded the Silver Star for his rescue, under fire, of a Soviet Defector while commanding troops in the Korean DMZ on November 23, 1984, and has deployed to both Afghanistan in 2005 and Iraq in 2006, serving as Deputy to the Commanding General, Multinational Corps in Baghdad. He leads from the front.
Bert Mizusawa is precisely the type of individual we need in the Congress. Honest, ethical and not afraid to take a risk to do what is right. Now the voters of Virginia have the opportunity to do what’s right and elect Bert Mizusawa to the United States Congress.
Jay D,
Brian’s right. Direct mail pieces don’t work that way.
Scott,
Your words are inspiring. I have not yet had a chance to read your book (Dangerous Games), but look forward to doing so on a trip later this month.
For the record, our 2d District is fortunate to have a great slate of Republican candidates in this contest. Each candidate brings particular strengths and has something to offer and each one has made the party better.
In this forum, I have, at times, responded to attacks that appeared to be sponsored and/or hypocritical. I don’t suffer fools lightly. And, as one who believes in the philosophy that Tomahawk cruise missiles are the ultimate in drive- by shootings, I generally mass fires rather than snipe.
Bert Mizusawa is arguably the most eminently qualified freshman candidate –not just in this race, but actually the most qualified and experienced freshman running in any Congressional race anywhere in the nation. If anyone reading this can name one person who is more qualified and experienced, please feel free to do so and let us know how you came to the conclusion. Perhaps you can juxtapose it to Scott B’s post.
I applaud BD for endorsing Bert. Clearly these are dangerous, precipitous times for our nation. When times are the worst, we really need to send the best.
@DJ – Interesting. What am I missing? I’m calculating 5 to 6 days max for offset/ less for digital print, right? Or is there something about political mailers that add more time/extra step to the process? Curious to know and, if my previous post is in error, my apologies to Brian Kirwin and thanks to you for the correction.
First of all let me say there is a lot I like about Scott Ridgell.
Next let me say that this most interesting primary seems to be breaking down into a race between Scott Rigell, the man with the early momentum and the man to beat and Bert Mizusawa, the latecomer to the race and the man with the current momentum. Scott Ridgell has from the start defined this race. There are those who support him and those who have reservations about the strength of his “true believer” commitment to conservative principles. Those who do not doubt Scott should vote for him. At this point in the primary those beset with nagging doubt about Scott should now fall behind the one candidate who may beat Scott and of course that candidate is Bert Mizusawa. Even if the doubters are a sizable majority, if they split their votes then Scott will roll to victory on a minority vote. I hate to say this in light of the wealth of admirable candidates the second district has miraculously produced this season, but the doubters in these last few days of the campaign have to make this a two man race or else we may be sending a minority candidate who cannot arouse the enthusiasm of a good portion of the conservative grass root activists. And I do not have to remind any of you that it is conservatives this November and not “moderates” who have the best chance of beating statist inclined Democrats.
Now let me tell you about my particular journey as I set about trying to find a conservative champion who could slay Glen Nye and then ride on to do battle against Nancy Pelosi. When I first listened to all the candidates I liked all of them but I had to ask myself who had the best chance to beat Nye and who might prove to be as an unshakable conservative as a Paul Ryan or a Michele Bauchmann? I looked at Scott’s website and was most impressed with the endorsement of Morton Blackwell, the founder and leader of the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Va. To those of you who do not know Morton, he is the truest of the true “movement conservatives” and founded the Leadership Institute to train young conservatives in the fine art of political combat. (To get a sense of his ideas and passion see http://www.redstate.com/morton_c_blackwell/2009/12/17/conservative-republican-participation/ ).
I know that Scott has donated to a lot of conservatives over the years but was that to build up a favor bank knowing some day he too wanted to enter the political arena or was he a true movement conservative? My feeling was if Mort endorsed Scott because Scott supported an obscure but quintessentially conservative organization like the Leadership Institute then that would be a strong indicator to me that Scott was not just politically ambitious but a “conviction conservative” as well.
I happened to know Morton well enough to know that he is a very accessible guy and so I called him up and asked why he endorsed Scott. It turns out that as National Committeeman of the Republican Party of Virginia
he regards it as one of his duties to endorse candidates and at the time of his early endorsement his choice was between Kenny Golden and Scott and because Scott had donated to so many Republicans over the years chose Scott. The key for me was that Scott had never contributed to the Leadership Institute which for me would have been a potent indicator of interest in and dedication to the conservative cause. Just for the record,
while Morton has never met Scott, neither has he ever talked to Bert and knows little about him and Bert was not even in the race when Morton was asked for his endorsement.
The bottom line is that Morton Blackwell’s endorsement of Scott does not mean much so now I was still stuck with the problem of figuring out the depth of Scott’s commitment. Remember if we are going to send a white knight to Congress, we need a strong one. I asked Morton what he thought of Scott’s contribution to Obama and he was willing to excuse it as an attempt by Scott to strengthen Obama enough so that he and Hillary would bloody each other up throughout primary season. I then asked about Scott’s contribution to Mark Warner
and Morton did not know about it and could come up with no justification for it.
As I try to peer into the inner recesses of Scott Ridgell’s heart, it is the not the Obama contribution that bothers me the most because I can stretch a little and justify it but the contribution to Warner. This is an especially strong feeling for me after spending four hours with some other Virginians in Warner’s office trying to talk him out of voting for medical “reform”. We might as well have been talking to a brick wall. There was no way that man was going to cross Harry Reid.
Some of you in this blog string are saying that Bert’s blast at Scott for the Obama contribution is unseemly
but instead of thinking Obama think Warner. Why would you contribute to a candidate who is likely on critical issues vote the opposite of the way you would? It is a legitimate question and if I were his campaign staff I would prefer to put Obama’s face on the issue rather than Warner’s because Warner still maintains a fair level of popularity in Virginia while Obama does not.
Equally important for me was the issue of “Where does Bert really live?” Frankly I do not care if Bert lives in the Arctic so long as I can trust him but I know it can be an important issue for some voters and our goal in this endeavor is to send forth a candidate who can beat Glenn Nye. One of the contributors in a previous post claimed that he knew Bert personally, had been to his house on a specific street (which I will leave unnamed)
in Hampton Roads and Bert had purchased that house way back in 1994. I could not verify this at the tax accessors office because I lacked the street number so I called Bert’s campaign office and engaged in a discussion about Bert’s residence with a very reluctant staffer. In frustration I asked him to either confirm or deny that Bert had a residence on such and such street in Hampton Roads and this staffer choked and confirmed it. I then asked him to confirm or deny that Bert had owned the place since 1994 and the staffer choked again and confirmed it. The choking seemed to be sincere enough so I would surmise that the aforementioned contributor was telling the truth. I then asked the staffer what was the problem with laying all of this out in plain view and he said that that day that Bert announced his candidacy someone broke into his house in Hampton Roads. A mini-Watergate? I do know know. Please bear in mind that Bert owns a house in McClean, Va, his wife spends most of her time there because she works for the Senate and that their kids go to school in Fairfax.
But I think that Bert has enough “roots” in the second district to diffuse the “Where does Bert live?” issue especially since Glenn Nye is himself a little weak on local roots.
So I think this campaign has narrowed itself down between between a candidate who has a highly admirable record as a successful businessman and a candidate with a resume so extraordinary that it seems like something only a fictional writer like Tom Clancy could have dreamed up. As you all have probably surmised from this letter, I have just enough unease about Scott to induce me to vote for Bert. But if Scott does win this thing I am going to hold my breath, hope for the best, and do everything I can to help push Scott across the finish line. Needless to say I will do the same for Bert but I do not think I will not have to hold my breath.
I guess when you can’t run on the issues you launch a negative campaign. Go VB DEMS! You must be having a field day!
Can anyone provide a link as to Rigell’s contribution to Mark Warner. I have looked at VPAP (under Warner and SR, 97 – 10) and cannot find it. I looked at Warner’s FEC report (07 & 08) and cannot find a contribution either (from SR himself or Freedom Automotive) Thanks.
I thought I had read somewhere that the contribution was from Freedom Automotive…and that it was to Mark Warner’s Inaugural Committee….I looked on VPAP, alsol, and did not see it. I’ll look again.
Jeff B- a man after my own heart- I like the lengthy posts.
I do disagree, although not with too much.
We still live in a representative republic. I value the fact that my representative lives in the community and represents his friends, neighbors, fellow church members, business colleagues etc. It is a corner stone to our democracy. If we were to follow your argument we could institute a national merit test like China did and install those with the greatest aptitudes for service and government. It is a big deal to most of those in the 2nd district that our representative is one of us-so to speak. That is Bert’s largest drawback.
Scott Rigell donated to Warner’s inaugural committee-if you remember Jerry Kilgore was also inaugurated as Attorney General. People tend to forget that.
Scott Rigell has not donated over the past 20 years in hopes of running for office one day. I know because I was one of many who recruited him. Governor McDonnell asked him for 14 years to run for office and he always declined. Thelma asked him repeatedly. Randy Forbes recruited him. People truly drafted Scott to run. Jeff you seem to be an observer of the political process for many years, I’m sure you’ve seen the pattern of the wealthy who decide to enter politics. Rarely do any of these people have a 20 year plus record of activism and advocacy nor have they given in the amounts that Scott has. He gives because he believes in the principles. He gives because he sees it as his way of contributing because his job wouldn’t allow him to do all the things he used to be able to do-walk-phone bank etc.
Have you ever considered why so many local people who never received a dime are backing Scott Rigell? Talk to them-forget about the big names endorsements (they really mean nothing in winning an election). Talk to the party faithful over the past 20 years and you’ll find grateful activists who know and trust Rigell for his actions and deeds over good times and bad.
People on BD try to paint a portrait of a man that is buying an election. A man who does not have conservative principles. Those who know better ardently defend him because they know the character of the man.
Bert is an amazing man. He is an American hero. He is a gentleman playing a rough game. He’s a lot like Scott. I was glad to hear that Bert called and apologized to Scott about the hit piece. It shows me that he wasn’t convinced himself that the piece was necessary, but he deferred to his subordinate political officers who supposedly know the terrain of politics better. He obviously wasn’t confident in the decision.
Bert would be a great representative. If Scott falters I’ll wholeheartedly back Bert. I can’t say that for the others because I truly question their integrity, but I reserve judgment on them as people because I believe they are desperately fighting for values they hold dear.
I knew a man who ran for delegate locally as a democrat (his family and ours are very close). When he eventually lost his election he told me and my brother-the two most ardent republicans he knew-that he hated going negative. That was what he couldn’t reconcile about his election when it was all done. I’m convinced that this is why good men stay away. I’m also engaged like never before because I’m seeing the opposite in this race. I’ve longed for citizen politicians for a long time. Men and women of character drafted from within the party and called to service by their inner principles. I’m grateful for Bert’s entrance into this race. I’m grateful Scott decided to run despite his flaws and face the arrows of ignorance and political mercenaries who care more about winning than character.
New entrants to politics often get exposed and misled in this tricky arena to half truths presented as fact. They buy into the win at all costs mentality (by the way do people realize they are attacking Ford with that lemon image and not Scott-just a thought). I hope people reconsider Scott Rigell following the primary. He has been presented falsely to many.
Listened to this morning’s forum and would like to extend kudos to all candidates that, in Jeff Rubin’s words, showed up to debate “in the spirit of democracy”. It was a hard hitting 2 hours and I can certainly understand why one would NOT want to step into that studio!
However, by going head-to-head you communicate (by your actions, not “just words”) your respect for voters and the process, AND your grit, guts, and determination … it is noticed and appreciated. Thank you Ben, Bert, Ed, Jessica, and Scott Taylor!
Bert would be my choice as well, but it appears the Scott Rigell camp may have this. I pray Bert gives serious consideration to taking on Jim Webb in 2012.
Vince, by going negative (and I mean SO negative), I think Bert has effectively ruined his chances for any public office. Any man who could be talked into such attacks by his advisers, despite his better judgment, doesn’t deserve to represent us.
I’m seriously disgusted.
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.
George Orwell
Scott Rigell definitely would not get my vote.
As the only candidate I would rule out, all of the political rhetoric with regard to the other candidates needs to be sifted through and looked at closely. We have to separate the truth from the spewings of the usual spin on the facts.
As far as I can figure, politics equals deception and self interest. Who can we trust? For real!
Bert has no ruined any chance for public office; indeed, with this experience, he’ll be well suited for a run at any office he should choose in the future. I’ll support him whole-heartedly in any endeavor.
I think Bert can still get this one, but if not- Bert for Senate! (He’s still overqualified…)
LC – I’ve read the mailings; they are accurate and mild, compared to BD postings. Not sure why folks get bent out of shape by distribution -if you don’t like the naked truth, or conclusions reached by fact review, then maybe you should be angry with your candidate and his actions, rather than the messenger?
Jay D – The mailers are far from accurate. Small example: “Rigell donated $2,000 to Democrat Mark Warner” and cites vpap.org as the source. There is no such contribution. Go look it up for yourself. Let me know what you find. It is the same with several other contributions that are listed. Mizusawa is sending out total misinformation.
As for Rigell’s anti-Hillary donation to Obama, who cares. He’s explained that before. Looking at the 99.7% of his contributions shows that he supports conservatives because he is a conservative.
Again – Ronald Reagan: “Thou shalt not attack attack thy fellow Republicans.”
D.J. – Have you seen all 4 (yes, 4) of Bert’s negative mailers attacking Rigell and checked them out for yourself? If so, and if you would still “support Bert wholeheartedly”, then I’m very disappointed in you. I thought you wanted this campaign to be about the issues, not about nasty, negative attacks.
I love Bert’s nasty mail pieces. I hung them up on the wall in my office. They make me laugh.
Bert is clearly the most qualified candidate in the 2nd district GOP primary. I think he would be the most able to actually made a impact in the mess that is the “process” for getting things done in Washington D.C.
But Ben Loyola is my choice. Ben’s committment to smaller government, less spending, reducing debt, and his willingness to sign a clear pledge has earned my vote.
Bert is a individual that believes in working the system as it is – Ben understands that it is the system we have that needs to go.
Does anyone have the address of the property that Bert owns in Hampton? Or better yet, a link to property records. I do not show him owning any property in Hampton.
[...] (R-VA). Loyola believes he represents the tea party movement; while Mizusawa recently received the endorsement of Bearing Drift (we are still scratching our heads). Rigell’s opponents claim that he is a RINO (Republican In [...]
To: Richard Jenkins
From: Jeff Barrett
CC: The rest of the world
Date: The day of the primary
Richard,
Thanks for your response to my post. What I found most useful was your comment that the nature of Scott Rigell’s contribution to Warner was a contribution to the inauguration ball. There is a significant difference between a contribution to a let the good times roll party and a political party. My disquietude was also assuaged when you mentioned that Rigell has not appeared that anxious over the years to jump into politics even while he was contributing copious amounts of cash to politicians over those same years.
So I will have no trouble supporting Rigell and supporting him strongly should he emerge today triumphant.
The one overarching fact about this unusual primary is that no matter who one favored or voted for, no one was wrong. Any one of the six candidates would be a vast improvement over Glenn Nye. You see I do not believe there is any such thing as a “blue dog” Democrat. Pelosi has so much effective control over her blue dogs that they can only bolt from the kennel when she allows it. This is why Nye refused to tell his constituents how he would vote on the cap and trade and medical reform bills until the day of the vote when Pelosi “released” certain blue dogs when she was sure she had enough votes for the passage of her bills. It does the relatively conservative voters of the second district no good to send to Washington a Democrat version of a conservative if that representative is effectively controlled by a San Francisco socialist. This is why if we are disposed to send a conservative to Congress he or she had better be a conservative who means it and had better wear a Republican label.
So whoever wins today we had best get behind. We not only owe it to our district but we owe it to our country which as you well know is sailing at high speed toward a fiscal iceberg.
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