Representative Michele Bachmann steps aside.

I am disappointed to learn Rep. Bachmann has stepped aside in race for the Republican Conference Chair position.

She has been a dynamic and well versed spokesperson over the last few years. She has proven herself and raised awareness on issues many times while the GOP apprears to sit on thier hands. She brings a style and panache to an otherwise boring establishment while also being rock solid on the issues.

In addition, I believe the GOP would be well served to actively seek individuals as well spoken as Representative Bachmann to lend a new ‘face’ to the GOP.  Perception is reality and in most ranks of the GOP the perception of a ‘good old boys’ club still remains.  That Representative Bachmann is well qualified and also happens to be a woman should be a bonus for the GOP.

Is Hensarling more qualified? I believe they may be equally qualified in most respects. Michele’s strength and appeal lie in her ability to garner media attention while also being an incredible spokesperson. It doesn’t matter how good your ideas might be, if the American public never hears about them the GOP will remain being thought of as the party of ‘NO’ instead of the party of ‘KNOW’.

Congratulations Representative-Elect Scott Rigell (VA-02)

Congratulations are due to, Scott Rigell, an incredibly hard-working and well qualified Congressional candidate in Virgina’s Second District.   He easily won the seat with a double-digit lead over the incumbent, Rep. Glenn Nye.

If you live in the Second Congressional District of Virginia, Representative-elect Scott Rigell will be your new Representative in Congress as of January 2011. He is an honest, hard-working, true American. Regardless of whether you voted for him or not, take the time to get to know who he is, what he believes and wha…t he hopes to accomplish for not only our District, but also our Country. http://www.scottrigell.com/

In a recent interview Rep.-elect Rigell stated, “I truly believe if the other members of Congress – Republican and Democrats and a couple of independents – would live out by example true congressional reform, I think we would be better off as a country.”

Rigell said he is optimistic that the new GOP majority will enact changes to lower taxes and cut federal spending and that he will speak up if they do not.

“I will become increasingly vocal. Actively vocal,” he said, adding that he expects other new Republicans to do the same. “If I feel betrayed in any way, if I feel that I was misled or my trust wasn’t warranted, then there will be a natural… and strong reaction from me to hold them accountable – just as I’m being held accountable.”

After raising four children, accumulating a personal fortune and being involved in many community projects, Rigell said he doesn’t worry about hurting his political career if he goes against his party’s leadership.

“I have a full and complete life,” he said. “I was brought up to respect authority… but not be intimidated by them. There’s a difference.”

Read the entire story at the Virginian-Pilot.

Virginian-Pilot editorial board endorses Scott Rigell for Congress!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT RIGELL FOR SECURING THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT EDITORIAL BOARD!!!

“But this race will not be decided entirely on paper, and that is largely of Nye’s own doing. His decision not to hold town hall meetings to discuss the health care bill deprived constituents of a chance to engage him in the defining political battle of his term. Worse, he remained coy about how he would vote on the bill, even into the night before the vote and just moments before his staff issued a statement saying he would oppose it.

Throughout his term, Nye has offered little in terms of vision, either for the country or for the people of the 2nd District, and he has shown no willingness to take political risks or assume political leadership on difficult issues. This has made it exceedingly difficult for his constituents, and this board, to know what he stands for and when he’ll stand for it, or whether his votes have been based on principle or political calculation.

This much is certain: In his independent quest to be all things to all people, Nye has made himself into an unsatisfying representative.

Rigell understands that this nation’s financial predicament can’t be assigned solely to Democrats and the Obama administration. And he has staked out positions that prevent him from marching lockstep with the extreme wing of the Republican Party. … But Rigell has a close and powerful friend in House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, as well as several others in the GOP. Those alliances, along with his success in business, could provide him with leverage in the next Congress as this country tries to dig out of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

If elected, Rigell should understand that voters expect him to think critically on issues and demonstrate a willingness to stand up to his party when necessary. He also should be willing to talk and meet with constituents – even those who disagree with him – about his vision and agenda at organized town halls.”

Read the full article here: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/10/scott-rigell-2nd-district 

Scott Rigell has held numerous Town Hall meetings all across the Second District INCLUDING the Eastern Shore!  Nye has not held even ONE Town Hall.  Further, he has attempted to restrict access to meetings and refuses to allow organizers to take open questions when he does attend a meeting held by another group.  Nye is not a leader and makes a poor Representative.

Would YOU like to volunteer to help on election day?  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Please email me or give me a call.

Godspeed to Scott Rigell!

Businessman, Scott Rigell, inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame

Another reason to support this outstanding individual for Congress in Virginia’s Second District:

Businessman, Scott Rigell, inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame.