Posted on 06/28/2010 5:17:25 AM PDT by Kaslin
Virginia’s Second Congressional District is home to one of our country’s most vital national defense centers and the state’s biggest city, and is one of our best opportunities to elect a Republican to Congress in November. This coastal district encompasses Virginia’s Eastern Shore along with all of Virginia Beach and parts of Hampton and Norfolk, where the largest naval base in the world is located.
The historically Republican-leaning district, where George W. Bush won easily during both of his campaigns, went narrowly for Obama in the 2008 election, handing him 51% of the vote. However, in 2009, the citizens of Virginia’s Second Congressional District sent a clear message to Washington by voting for Governor Bob McDonnell with nearly 62% of the vote.
Riding Obama’s coattails in 2008 was Democrat Glenn Nye, a mystery man of sorts with no record and without deep roots in the community. Now, after just one year in Washington, Nye’s established a voting record that reflects a politician more interested in voting the party line than representing his constituents’ interests. In fact, he’s voted with his liberal leadership over 84% of the time since he was elected.
GOP nominee Scott Rigell served in the Marine Corps Reserves and is a successful businessman with strong local ties. Rigell even knocked on doors volunteering for now-Gov. Bob McDonnell’s first campaign for state legislature in the early 1990s. Scott’s business, Freedom Automotive, has grown from a small business to operating a number of respected car dealerships in the area. Scott’s message of cutting spending and creating jobs – just like he’s done with his business – and his strong campaign has earned him a spot at the top level of the Young Guns program.
Before becoming a local business owner, Scott served the country in the Marine Corps Reserve where he rose to the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. Since leaving the Marine Corps Reserve, Scott has been extremely active in local philanthropies. He spent six years on the board of Horizons Hampton Roads and he helped found the Friends of St. Johns University group. Scott will use his local community experience to represent the values of the constituents in Hampton Roads instead of the wasteful spenders that make up the Democrat leadership.
This district has a Cook PVI Rating of R+5. Rigell outlines his clear policy positions on his website; more importantly, though, he outlines his 10 promises to his constituents that he’ll uphold once he’s in office. You can find out more about Scott’s 10 commitments here.
You can find out more about Scott Rigell’s campaign here. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter. You can watch videos from Scott’s campaign on Youtube.
First, full disclosure: I don’t have a dog in this fight as I’m from next door (4th District) and we have a true conservative congresscritter, Randy Forbes. That said - while Rigell would be infinitely better than the incumbent (Nye), he did not earn Tea Party endorsement in the Pubbie primary. Hopefully he will win the election. Then, the good people of the 2nd District will need to watch him closely and hold his feet to the fire. We’ll be watching.
It’s going to be an upill slog for him. Kenny Golden, the former GOP chair, is running as an independent. Kenny has lots of favors he can pull in and he’s staying in the race. If it’s a 3 way race I see Nye winning in November.
Over in VA-1, we're really happy with Rob Wittman (whose Dem challenger for the fall is named Krystal Ball). I don't have a dog in the VA-2 fight either, but I do have concerns Rigell damaged himself by donating to the 0bama, Louise Lucas and Mark Warner campaigns. My gut feeling, and I hope I'm wrong, is the presence of Kenny Golden (I) will likely draw too many votes away from Rigell to mount a serious threat to Nye, which is a shame because this should be a winnable race.
“If it’s a 3 way race I see Nye winning in November.”
Agreed.
Why is this a 3 person race?
Rigell donated money to the campaigns of several Democrats, most notably Pres. 0bama. At best he’s an establishment candidate of the very RINO GOP in his area.
I agree with other posters; if Mr. Golden stays in the race, Rep. Nye wins re-election. I don’t think we’d see all that much of a difference if Rigell won the seat anyway.
Because Kenny Golden presents himself as the "conservative alternative." Fine, but it hands the win to Nye.
If nothing else, we need to ensure Kenny Golden is totally finished as far as politics goes. I’m reminded of our former Senile Senator John Warner recruiting one of his country club pubbie brethren to sabotage Ollie North, giving the race to the Dem.
Looks like the primary failed in this district, and all should cut their losses. The local Tea Party should come out in support of Rigel.
There's always 2012.
Why would he donate to 0bama, Warner and Louise Lucas in their campaign. He does sound like a RINO to me
Uh, end of story.
Who? I live in the 2nd District and I've never heard of this chap until reading about him here on FR.
Pigs will fly before the TP endorses Golden. I guarantee it. If you want to reelect Nye, that’s your choice. Stupid, but your choice.
“Why would he donate to 0bama, Warner and Louise Lucas in their campaign. He does sound like a RINO to me”
Rigell claimed he donated to 0bama’s campaign early on because he didn’t want to see Hillary win the dem nomination. No reasons given for donations to Lucas and Warner.
Stupid. Then Golden is to blame for the socialism we get.
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