Rigell says “no thanks” to sharing stage with Sarah Palin
By Brian Kirwin | Saturday, June 26th, 2010 | PoliticsMultiple sources have confirmed that Second District Congressional Candidate Scott Rigell has turned down a speaking role at Sunday’s Freedom Fest with Sarah Palin, Ollie North and others at Norfolk’s Ted Constant Convocation Center.
This was learned just after the Shad Plank posted an article titled “Poll says Palin endorsement could hurt GOP nominees – Decision time for Rigell”
The lineup had included Rigell’s speech, with an introduction from primary opponent Ben Loyola (a tough act to follow?), but although Rigell will be attending the event, his speech is canceled. One source said Scott’s wife, Teri, will speak in his place, but that is not confirmed by either the campaign nor the event organizers.
Rigell’s campaign cited FEC rules in explaining the decision, since other candidates in the 2nd District weren’t offered equal time to speak at the private event.
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The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
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16 Responses to "Rigell says “no thanks” to sharing stage with Sarah Palin"
Is Kenny the spoiler in this latest “no show”? And Rigell sitting there as the Republican Candidate while “outsourcing” his wife to speak for him? Maybe Ben should have given Rigell’s speech. The Dems are going to have a field day with this one…
Scott Rigell has established a pattern. When the heat is on, he stands down. Scott does not want to face conservatives and the independent conservative candidate Kenny Golden at the same location.
So Mr. Rigell, tomorrow May I ask you to please explain why you are so timid at public appearances when conservative opposition voices are present? If you are not willing to answer may I publicly ask your spokesperson?
Respectfully, turbo
Yawn, I still can’t believe some people haven’t gotten over the Primary.
Rigell participated in 6 debates, and I attended or listened streaming on-line to three of them. He more than held his own with his 5 fellow Republicans.
I don’t claim to know what FEC rules Rigell could have violated if he spoke, but it makes sense to me that violating the FEC is never a smart idea.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vivian J. Paige, bearingdrift. bearingdrift said: Web: Rigell says “no thanks” to sharing stage with Sarah Palin http://bit.ly/daDyr5 [...]
Bryan R, Scott was shaking at one debate. But you are right, the primary is over.. This is the general.. Literally.
I am checking out the FEC excuse and so far it does not wash. In otherwords.. someone is calling the gop candidates bluff.. any one else smell Bull Manure or is that Elephant dung?
Who held their own in 6 debates? Uh, last time I checked, those were over moderated pseudo debates.. oh yeah, the primary is over. OK, the not the general has gotten underway and there is pelenty of time to cop out of participating in debates with the Nye, who donated to Obama, and the independent conservative candidate who did NOT donate to Obama. There are plenty of excusapaloozas expected in the future to bow out of yet to be scheduled debates that your fearless leader will not partake in. Maybe he is wise not to enter into a debate with Kenny or Glenn for that matter.. Scotty might go RPN again.
Palin is an IDIOT. She is arrogant, self-centered, ego-maniacial, uneducated, unethical, moronic, a pathological liar – and clearly is interested only in getting rich.
But, I guess she does have a pretty face (as long as she pays her make-up folks…) and a standing Fox News/ Rush endorsement – which is pretty much all you shepple need in a “leader.”
Patriotic Americans come from all over the map Capt Freedom. Palin is vibrant, confident, strong willed, well schooled, principled and she calls it like she sees it. And have you noticed she is among the more attractive women in political circles?
Yeah polls say keep your distance but I don’t buy that BS. There are many voices out there and Sarah is one of the good ones. She is on the speaking circuit as are several others from both sides of the aisle and even if they are not my cup of tea, I respect their right to peacefully motivate voters regardless of their party affiliation including the party of “none of the above”.
Peace & Harmony, T
Rigell’s camp can’t even determine what excuse to use for his non-appearance “appearance.”
A legitimate poll would show Palin more favorably than Rigell in VA-02. Perhaps Palin has asked Rigell to steer clear of her conservative friends. (More than 60% of republican voters voted against Rigell June 8).
Rigell needs to decide what his campaign is about and stop rubber-stamping Bob McDonnell’s playbook (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/10/republican_bob_mcdonnell_repea.html). McDonnell’s plan was built around the experience of an accomplished political leader.
Can Rigell man-up and capitalize on his strengths-not his checkbook? Americans are ready to return to true leadership by men and woman who can make the tough decisions to move our nation forward. If Rigell can’t decide how to not attend an event of modern day mavericks, how then will he report activity in Washington if he secures the privilege to serve?
FEC 101: A federal campaign cannot accept contributions from a corporation – in kind or otherwise.
The ORGANIZERS of the event chose to invite Rigell to speak. It was THEIR decision to exclude Glenn Nye and anyone else.
The event was organized by a corporation. If Rigell alone spoke at the event, it would have constituted an in kind contribution from a corporation…which is illegal.
Rigell has run a first class campaign from the start; they do not make many mistakes.
Rigell isn’t speaking simply because it would have violated FEC law. Did you honestly expect the organizers to invite Glenn Nye? Geez.
LC, how many candidate are there? This is not a trick question. Glenn Nye is one of them, Scott Rigell is one of them.. who else is there?
Ask the organizer if they will choose to allow another candidate to speak if that will nullify their FEC concerns. After all, Byler bought a ton o tickets.. It would be unfortunate to deny any candidate a fair opportunity at this event..
[...] Read more at Bearing Drift [...]
Turbo – There are only two candidates that have a chance…Rigell and Nye. That is not meant to be a slight on you or Golden; it is simply the truth. Golden’s only potential in this race is as a spoiler (although I’m confident that will not happen). Why would the organizers want to give a microphone to anyone else?
I’ve read your posts, and I appreciate your advocacy on Kenny’s behalf. I have to say, though, that I think it’s illogical to hope that Golden has any legitimate shot when he couldn’t even win the Republican primary, despite being the former chair of the Republican Party in Virginia Beach (the largest part of the district). Just my humble opinion.
No, it will be Nye and Tom Barton according to George Allen.
LC, If this were a two way race, Rigell would win the right of right of center and nye would walk away with the the center and everything left of that.. Many conservatives would stay home. I abandoned Scott Rigell’s campaign that I was initially proud to support and donate to. After I found out about the disloyal infidelity with the most radically un-conservative pro abortion politician in US history in the form of a large donation, I independently performed my own due diligence at my expense. My findings indicated a win for Nye and anything that empowers Obama via Pelosi is not acceptable. So, I was left with 3 choices.. 1. become a mindless robot and ignore my inner voice so I could woop it up for someone I discovered is a rino, 2. completely disengage from the primary and general or 3. research the leadership qualities of the other candidates. Since Obama and Pelosi are the ongoing nightmare they are, 3 was my only option.. Can’t sit this one out and can’t ignore the findings.
And LC, Lets be frank.. Nobody but Rigell could win the republican primary after Scott announced he was running. The fix was in from day 1 and Kenny Golden was experienced and mindfull enough to figure that out. The Va-2 GOP allowed the other candidates to spin their wheels knowing all along they had their man and they were going to endorse as needed when needed to help their guy Scotty. The result won him a whopping 39%.
My heart goes out to the other candidates who were led down a rosy path. If they have the courage of their convictions they will not disengage from the RPVB, they will take it over from the rino’s who are disgracing it today. I stand by my words.
Hey, idiots… how about these pictures of Rigell proudly talking to Sarah… why should he risk legal problems by appearing on stage when he and his wife can have a good chat with Sarah backstage.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=232228&id=118236167641&ref=mf
Capt Freedom, who ever you are; Gov. Palin doesn’t need a makeup person. I drove a car for her children on the trip down here two years ago and she bumped into me as we all exited the Suburbans, she is really that attractive. As for the other comments, she was a very successful Governor and mayor but lacks international experience but I don’t see her as self centered etc. but you have a right to your opinion.
LC, as I have often said before, if I wrap my Harley around the biggest tree in Va. Beach, Scott Rigell stills loses. His numbers in the primary were very poor, Glenn’s popularity, and the fact that 42% of American’s consider themselves Independents, make this a good year to be an independent. I look forward to November. r Kenny
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