West, who once served as a divisional commander under Lingamfelter’s overall command, writes, “In the way he has conducted his life – his military life, his political life and his personal life – Scott has earned my highest endorsement many times over.”
The Lingamfelter campaign intends to notify delegates to the May RPV Convention of the endorsement via phone call this morning.
West, a frequent speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference, has proven to be an effective voice criticizing President Barack Obama, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and others for their straying from the Constitution; his methods typically galvanize conservatives and send the left into apoplectic fits.
“If there is one constant in the history of America, it is that this great republic always has risen on the backs of giants,” said West in the endorsement. “And I know firsthand that Scott is the giant we need in this race for Lieutenant Governor. He knows how to fight — and win — against the gun grabbers, the limousine liberals and the Democrats in Republican clothing.”
West sees Lingamfelter as the one candidate in the Virginia race who combines all the intangibles, including strong leadership, faithfulness to service, statesmanship, and a devotion to conservative values necessary in Virginia’s next lieutenant governor. He specifically mentions Lingamfelter’s ability to defend Virginians from a government infringing on an individual’s right to bear arms, property rights, and religious freedom.
“I’m endorsing Scott because he and I see eye-to-eye on the threats against our liberty and how to confront them,” he said. “Scott believes passionately that the Constitution was written to control the government, not the people. And Scott will restrain the government with an iron fist when it steps over the line and threatens our liberty.”
West says Lingamfelter’s abilities as an elected leader are embodied in the creed of the 1st Infantry Division where they both served: “No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, Duty First.”
Several LG campaigns are courting what is known as the “Tea Party-wing” of the Republican party, as they represent activists likely to attend what might be a convention of several thousand voters and will serve as a significant voting bloc.
The Tea Party, a loose coalition of independent-minded citizens, is committed to reigning in government overstretch, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to the Constitution.
Today’s endorsement by West of Lingamfelter will go a long way at helping solidify Lingamfelter’s Tea Party bona fides, which might not help him on the first ballot, as many activists are already committed to candidates, but will certainly help him on successive ballots if there is no initial clear winner at the convention.
From Del. Steve Landes:
“Scott Lingamfelter and I have served for a number of years together on the House Appropriations Committee, and he has demonstrated time and time again that he is a true fiscal conservative for state budgeting. Scott and I have fought each session to make sure that we are focused on the core functions of government, and unlike our federal counterparts we have worked hard to balance our state budget, keep taxes low, and eliminate waste in state government spending. Scott’s efforts to push for audits of state agencies is just one example of his hard work for a fiscally responsible and efficient state goverment. Scott has never been shy asking the hard questions of both Democrat and Republican Administration officials and in holding them accountable in how they spend the taxpayers’ hard earned dollars.”
From Del. Charles Poindexter:
“Southern and southwest Virginians know first hand the impact that Federal overreach has on our economic and constitutional freedoms. Virginians in the 9th District and the surrounding areas are looking for a leader who will not only be ready on day one to serve, but that will serve the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia with the integrity and honor that the office rightly deserves. Scott Lingamfelter is a man who has dedicated his life to upholding those values and I can tell you that the man I have come to know through our service together in the House of Delegates will not be afraid to fight for the very freedoms that we hold sacred today. Allen West’s endorsement is more evidence that Scott Lingamfelter is the candidate with the authentic conservative record that’s ready to lead.”
From Del. Tony Wilt:
“Scott is a man of integrity and principal. He does not just give great speeches, but the philosophy he espouses is displayed in his record as a Delegate in the General Assembly, during his service as a Colonel in the U.S. Army, and in his day-to-day life. I can think of no stronger champion of limited government, personal responsibility and our constitutional rights than Scott Lingamfelter. I am proud to support him for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor”
