From the Scott Rigell campaign, confirming what we first reported yesterday here…
Chuck Smith Announces Withdrawal From His
Campaign For the 2nd District Congressional Seat
Endorses Scott Rigell for CongressVIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Chuck Smith, candidate for the Republican Party nomination for the 2nd District
Congressional seat, announced his withdrawal from the race today. The former Chairman of the Virginia
Beach Republican Party, ex-Navy JAG Officer and Marine issued the following statement today:“Today I am announcing the end of a journey and the start of a new one. When I announced my campaign
for Congress, it was to offer a new and committed path to rebuild and strengthen our communities through
conservative principles. I believe strongly in the principles of duty, honor and love of country. My
conservative principles are what lead me to serve my country, first as a United States Marine and
then as a Naval JAG Officer. This campaign has always been about putting God, country and family
first. And these are the same reasons why I am ending my candidacy for the Republican
nomination for the 2nd District congressional seat.Over the past year, spending in Washington has been out of control, and it is only getting worse. We
must help turn the tide by taking back this congressional seat in 2010. To win, we need a
candidate who is conservative, principled and can provide a clear vision for voters on how to get our
economy moving again.That man is Scott Rigell. Unlike the freshman incumbent, Scott has literally created hundreds of
jobs right here in Hampton Roads. As a successful entrepreneur, he has turned around a business,
started new businesses, created good jobs, and balanced a budget. Scott Rigell doesn’t just talk about
his conservative principles – he’s lived them, making tough decisions to keep his businesses growing.
And as a fellow Marine, he will always be dedicated to our veterans and our military.Scott Rigell has the strength and conservative grounding to stand up to the runaway agenda now driving
Washington. That is why I am proud to stand with him and support his candidacy for United States
Congress.”Scott Rigell issued the following statement on Friday:
“It is a true honor to receive the support of my friend and colleague, Chuck Smith. As a former
Chairman of the Virginia Beach Republican Party, he led the party with firm resolve and a clear vision.
Chuck has spent over three decades serving his country as both as a Marine and former
Navy JAG Officer and is a successful local attorney, Republican Party leader and conservative. Chuck
leads from the front, and it is a privilege to have him stand by my side.My campaign is about creating jobs for Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore families that are hurting,
bringing accountability to Congress, and leading America to true energy independence. It is vital
we unite the Republican Party to win in November. I am both humbled and honored to receive
Chuck Smith’s endorsement for my campaign for the Second Congressional District.”
