The rest of the story about Scott Rigell

This is an update to my previous article in support of Scott Rigell. Since I wrote that article he has been inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame and also received the endorsements of Governor Bob McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling. There have also been numerous news articles that do not give a true picture of this mans character or accomplishments.

For those that do not know my background, I am not your typical political junkie. Prior to 2008 I will readily admit that I never used to pay much attention to politics. But that Presidential race and the lack of adequate news coverage changed my perspective. I no longer trusted the media to cover the whole story and I no longer trusted the elected politicians to represent my interests and protect our Constitution. Instead, I watched a Presidential election become ‘American Idolized’.

Following that Presidential election, I became involved to the level that I started hosting a conservative political talk-radio show. I was engaged to the point that I eventually ran for elected office. In 2009 I was the first woman to run for the House of Delegates in the 100th District. If you have never run for office you have no idea what it takes and what it takes out of you. I commend all of the candidates for being willing to step up to the plate.

My campaign gave me the opportunity to really get to know all of the gentlemen now running for the VA-02 Congressional seat. Most of them regularly attended my rallies and functions on the Eastern Shore. They recognized my functions would be an easy way for them to meet Republican voters. All of the Eastern Shore 100th District of Virginia is in the VA Second Congressional district. (Ms. Sandlin did not get in the race until much later.)

Scott Rigell made his very first political speech on the back of a flat-bed trailer at one of my rallies. Most of the other VA-02 Congressional candidates were also there along with then-candidate for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

During this time and following my race, I did get to know these candidates. To say that Scott Rigell ‘represents the GOP establishment’ is simply not true; at least not in the derogatory way it is being bantered about. While it is true that he has been honored with the most endorsements, you should note that the other candidates were actively courting any GOP endorsements they could garner.

Scott Rigell, on the other hand, was fortunate to receive many unsolicited endorsements because these individuals knew and respected him and his accomplishments. It is easy to recognize the positive difference between he and the other candidates after spending even a short amount of time chatting with him. Indeed, Mr. Rigell was just recently inducted into the Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame. The individuals that support him are doing just that, supporting Scott Rigell – the individual, AS INDIVIDUALS who happen to hold elected office.

While Maulbeck has been the most outspoken against GOP endorsements in the primary; when asked on a local radio show if he would have turned down the endorsement of Governor Bob McDonnell – he stated he could not say that he would. Of course, Ed – you would have been honored to have our Governor’s endorsement. But that honor was bestowed on Rigell. As far as the Young Guns rating of the NRCC; this rating was available to ALL the candidates. (But they don’t tell you they did not meet the qualifications.) Only one other candidate received any notice and that was Mizusawa. The only reason Mizusawa did not move higher up on the NRCC radar is because his campaign did not meet the same benchmarks as Rigell’s.

Scott Rigell has never held elected office. I do not believe any of these candidates have. He no more represents the ‘GOP establishment’ then any of the others. Has he worked harder to help get conservatives elected than any of the others? YES! Has he donated more to help conservative candidates than any of the others in this race? YES! Does that make him part of the ‘GOP establishment’? I don’t think so. But it seems he will be attacked regardless of to whom he makes a donation. You can’t have it both ways; attack him for a small donation that was clearly done in protest and also attack him because he donated ‘too much’ to conservative candidates. Scott has been there supporting those taking the risk to run for office – more than ALL of his competitors combined.

He is an Elder in his church. With his wife, Teri, he has homeschooled all four of their children. And most important, (to me anyway) he is a savvy businessman. I’ve been self-employed since I was 23. I do understand how hard it is to establish and grow a successful business. I believe part of the reason Congress is such a train wreck is because most of those in Congress have no idea how to run a successful business. One that doesn’t have the luxury of printing its own money.

Scott Rigell understands. He understands how to excel in business; be a husband and father and also how to put God and Country first. I can say firsthand, from the vantage point of actually having run for office, I understand how much the party can be the problem. Scott Rigell also understands. He will not let Congress change or control him. He is a man of unflinching character. He has my support and I trust him to represent me in Congress. I hope you will join me in supporting him on Tuesday, June 8th in the primary. Voting will take place at your normal voting locations.
Melody Scalley

I trust Scott Rigell to represent me in Congress VA Second District

Are you worried about Cash for Clunkers and donations to Democrats? Or do you understand what happens when the government interferes in the private market and what it really means to support conservative candidates?

If you fall for the media hype attacking Scott Rigell you are allowing yourself to be lost in the smoke screen his opponents are floating to cloud your judgment. They are hoping you’ll focus on their negative message and half-truths about Rigell; instead of paying attention to their own lack of qualifications. And they certainly don’t want you to focus on Scott Rigell’s business acumen, years of dedication to his community and his support of conservative candidates; not only through his wallet, but also with hours of his and his wife Teri’s volunteerism on many campaigns.

Only someone who has no grasp of how the private market should work would attack a businessman that plays by the rules the government gives him in order to keep his business open and satisfy his customers.

‘Let’s be clear’, I am against government bailouts and the takeover of, and interference in, the private markets. But once the government interferes, everyone ends up having to play the game. I would like to the meet the individual that believes you should not play by the financial rules the government passes and let their business go under to spite the system because they are philosophically against the fiscal path we are being forced to follow.

I know that not everyone is self-employed. Let’s compare this to something most of us can relate to: Who among you can say: when you do your taxes you will not take one single tax deduction — even though you qualify for those tax deductions?

You should also remember that Scott Rigell and his car dealerships PAID their taxes into the system. Just like all the other car dealerships that participated in the government program.

If Scott Rigell had been our Congressman he would have voted against the Cash for Clunker program. Nevertheless, the program was passed. Now some want to confuse the issue and pretend Scott is not a conservative because his dealerships participated in this program.

So you are saying: if I am a Real Estate broker and you want to use the $8,000.00 tax credit; I should not sell you a house? If I own a grocery and you want to pay with food stamps; I should not sell you food? The child care provider should not accept the funds you receive for child care credits? The school your child goes to should not accept the scholarship for which your child qualifies? A parent with no alternative, whose child qualifies for Head Start should keep their child out of the program because it is provided by the government?

And, oh yes — with sales spiraling to zero and my staff facing layoffs, I should decline to participate in a program that I do not agree with — knowing that to do so would be suicide for my car dealership because MY CUSTOMERS will shop at the dealership where they can get the credit? Customer loyalty will only go so far when your pocketbook is empty. I’m sure my staff members would appreciate my philosophical beliefs while they stand in the unemployment line because I refused to participate in the twisted market the government decided to interfere with and give my competitor the advantage.

When the government interferes in the private market, if you do not follow the new rules as laid out by the government YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR EMPLOYEES, and YOUR CLIENTS & CUSTOMERS will be put at a disadvantage to the rest of the marketplace. The government has made this choice for you.

As a shrewd business person you must understand what it takes to STAY in business.

I’ve seen the smoke screen being floated about his contributions. No one has mentioned that Rigell has contributed MORE to Republican candidates than all of the other ‘republican’ candidates in this race put together. That he made a donation to a Democratic campaign after Hilary made a strong showing in two different primary’s is inconsequential when in the same race he maxed out to Romney AND McCain. The donations that he has made that you take issue with are less than 1% of his total CONSERVATIVE donations.

While the amount you take issue with may seem a large amount to you; the amount he has given in the other side of the column far outweighs the 1% you take issue with – but no one is mentioning that.

I’ve been self-employed since I was 23. I UNDERSTAND how detrimental government regulations and interference in the private market can be to a small business owner.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with, speak with, and get to know all the fine men running in this race. I thank them all for their service to our great Nation.

My decision to support Scott Rigell for Congress in Virginia’s Second District is not based on only one issue. It is based on my religious beliefs because I understand our Nation was based on Judeo-Christian values and beliefs — Scott Rigell’s faith in God is rock-solid and unshakeable. He knows that all life is precious, no matter how young or how old.

My decision to support Scott Rigell for Congress is based upon my concern for the protection of our Constitution as our forefather’s intended – Scott Rigell will protect our Constitution, as it was written.

My decision to support Scott Rigell for Congress is based upon my concern for government interference in the free market. Scott Rigell is a businessman who knows what it takes for business to prosper and CREATE JOBS. He understands the downfall of big government and how it will kill business interests.

Last, but not least, I know Scott Rigell as an honorable man. He is a husband, father and leader in his church and his community.

Scott Rigell has my support because he is the person I trust to protect our Constitution and I trust him without question to represent me and the interests of the Second District. I know his purpose for running and his concerns are for the right reasons.

So when you see the negative attacks, just remember one thing: The candidates that are attacking Scott now, instead of telling people what they want to accomplish; are the same candidates that were more concerned with trying to confuse you about what Scott is not, instead of telling us who they are and what they want to accomplish from the beginning — and they still have nothing worthwhile to tell us.

Meanwhile, Scott Rigell has run a completely positive campaign. He has told us his main objective is to control the spending in Congress; he will strive to get the government out of the way to let our economic engine run full steam ahead; and to change Congress rather than let Congress change him.

Godspeed, Sir.
Melody Scalley

Politics On The Edge Now Streaming Live

This will be a VERY QUICK post just to let you know that you can listen to the show via the internet at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/politics-on-the-edge STREAMING LIVE THIS EVENING (Thursday, February 11, 2010) !!!

This is a test run and the first time we are streaming live since last summer.

ENJOY!

New Member Welcomed To ODBA

I would like to thank the Old Dominion Blog Alliance for allowing me to be a part of the ODBA. This is my first foray into state politics. I was blogging and doing a radio show before I ever thought about running for office. I hosted a conservative political talk show on a local FM station for three hours every Thursday night for six months before deciding to run for this seat in the VA-100th HOD. I kept pleading with my audience for someone to ‘step up’ but to no avail.

 I am the first woman to run for this seat. Yes, there are still firsts to be won in 2009. I have been very outspoken about politics being a large part of the problem. I am not politically correct and I do not pretend to be politically correct. It’s not about left, it’s not about right, it’s not about democrat or republican. Just a few years ago I was still tooling down the road in my rose colored glasses totally oblivious to politics or the effect it plays in my life. Then I was appointed to and I served on a local planning commission. This was the beginning of my wakeup call. I was the minority on the commission fighting against the government taking of property rights through the guise of ‘planning’. The roots of the planned society start at the local level.

My conservative values are best aligned with what I believe the Republican party was supposed to be, but perhaps not what I believe it currently is. I am one that believes that, “the people did not leave the party; the party left the people”. I believe that we are still a ‘center right’ nation. I would rather give someone a ‘hand up’ instead of a ‘hand out’.

It is about creating OPPORTUNITY not entitlement. “A rising tide lifts all boats” could not be more true than on the Eastern Shore of Virginia; where we have been one of the poorest areas in the state for a very long time. Standing in the way of progress and killing opportunity for some results in the loss of opportunity for all.

The current feeling across my district reflects what we are seeing across the state and the country. The majority of Americans have reached the level of government control and interference that they are willing to accept in their lives. We are simply not willing to mortgage any more of our future and our children’s futures to government spending.

It is truly eye opening to run for office. . . I now understand why they call it ‘running’ for office!

We are fortunate to live in the greatest nation in the world. Godspeed to all those Conservatives running for office this year, the current is changing and the wave starts here in Virginia this year!

 Melody Scalley

http://www.melodyscalley.com

Melody Himel Scalley for Delegate Eastern Shore / Norfolk (part) VA-100th District

Michael, a blogger at Monoblog, recently had a post about my campaign, here is an excerpt.  

“But 2009 has a completely different political landscape as the economy hasn’t improved despite President Obama’s promise it would. Perhaps a fresh political face and some hard work may combine with a solid, limited-government philosophy to carry the day along the largely rural Eastern Shore of Virginia.”

Thank you Michael, I couldn’t have said it better myself!

If you are a conservative minded voter on the Eastern Shore ~ I NEED YOUR HELP!  This will be a boots on the ground campaign and I will need all the support from every Eastern Shoreman and woman who can help volunteer with my campaign.

I am ready to fight for our way of life on the Eastern Shore, but that is not all that is in jeopardy. The core of what it means to be an American is now being challenged and our Constitution is at stake. 

We need strong, conservative leaders at the state level who are not afraid to stand firm against bigger and ever more controlling federal government.  I am willing to take that stand. We need a Delegate who will not only stand against increasing federal control but also protect our individual rights against increasing state regulation, taxes and permitting.   Government spending will lay a burden on our children that no generation has ever left to their children before.  Who is willing to stop this uncontrollable spending and admit that every dollar spent by the government is one borrowed from your future and your children’s future?  I am ready to stand up for our state’s rights, protect our individual rights, and the rights of the next generation!

If you have a church, civic or business group I would be happy to come and speak to your group so you can hear firsthand why I am willing to fight to represent the Eastern Shore and Norfolk that make up the 100th District of Virginia.

Thank you for your support!
Melody Scalley
melody.scalley at gmail.com

Approved by Scalley for Delegate – Melody

A post by a Christian, Conservative, Man of Color

“The Black faith-based community has reached a political cross-road: We profess a great and abiding belief in God, but still cling to an outdated belief that the Democratic Party – with its massive funding of “social programs” – represents the best interests of our community.  The overarching (and erroneous) belief is that we might have to “fudge a little” on matters of faith, but the end justifies the means. “God will understand…” I’m sorry, but I don’t find anything that supports that frame of reference in my Bible.

We suffer under a misconception that the conservative movement is for “old, white people” and that antiquated notion will keep us from aligning ourselves with those who espouse the traditional values embraced by our Creator. I am a Christian, I am a conservative, and I am of color. I seek to please God, and will vote according to the things that I know God wants. I will not say I am a Christian and vote for something He abhors”. . .Please Visit African American Conservatives for the rest of this post.

The Conservative African American Voice

“In keeping with the consciousness of it’s past; Freedom’s Journal magazine looks forward to offer the latest in international, national and regional information. Also covering and commenting on current events, editorials and topics of interest, etc. which conserve traditional African American values, as well as provide a much needed platform for issues and concerns pursuant to ensuring our rights (and those of generations to come) to “life liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.

No – you don’t have to wait for Michael Steele or the RNC to find the right ‘message’.  If you are African American and Conservative you will be happy to learn about this wonderful magazine (as many others have recently discovered). 

 Dr. Eric Wallace is the publisher of Freedoms Journal Magazine and he is adeptly offering enlightening and timely coverage of conservative issues from an African American viewpoint. 

I was fortunate enough to garner an interview this week with Dr. Wallace.  My listeners definitely appreciated hearing from him.  There are simply not enough conservative African American leaders bringing their voices to the fore.

 Kudo’s to you Dr. Wallace!