I've previously written about Scott Rigell - who I suspect is a Ken Cuccinelli clone trying to campaign as a "moderate" - as he attempts to buy the GOP nomination for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District with his own personal wealth. Rigell is in a six way contest with only one gay friendly candidate, Jessica Sandlin (pictured at left and who I will vote for), in the fray. Also in the contest are a tea party candidate and far right extremists of the type one would expect to find in Mississippi or Alabama. With the primary on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, the rhetoric is heating up and the ultra far right contenders are in a feeding frenzy going after Rigell. Actually, it's something that's fun to watch and I personally hope that Rigell doesn't win. If he does prevail, many will by default support incumbent Glenn Nye rather than see a Cuccinelli clone go to Washington. The fact that Rigell is supported by Bob McDonnell and Eric Cantor ought to frighten voters. It is critical that all registered voters vote on Tuesday and stop Rigell - anyone can vote in the GOP primary since voters do NOT register by party in Virginia. Here are some highlights from the Virginian Pilot on the free for all:*
With the Republican primary in the 2nd District days away, several of the six candidates are stepping up efforts to weaken the contender who has the biggest bank account and the backing of state party leaders.
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In mailings, radio spots, Internet videos and speeches, their focus is Scott Rigell, founder of Freedom Automotive, whose $1 million-plus campaign - funded in part by more than $600,000 of his own money - far exceeds the combined expenditures of the other candidates.
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Rigell has the support of Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, the House whip.
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"We're really trying to take a bunch of dings at Scott Rigell because his hope is to float above the five of us like we're all fighting against him," candidate Ed Maulbeck said during a debate Thursday on 1650 WHFT-AM. "We need to basically destroy him as a group."
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All voters in the district, which includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore and parts of Norfolk and Hampton, can participate in the primary Tuesday. The winner will take on U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, a first-term Virginia Beach Democrat, and independent Kenny Golden in the November general election.
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Rigell, who has been critical of the federal economic stimulus plan, said he participated in the Cash for Clunkers program because if he hadn't, customers would have bought cars from his competitors and his employees would have suffered. His business sold 107 cars under the program, he said.
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In mailings, radio spots, Internet videos and speeches, their focus is Scott Rigell, founder of Freedom Automotive, whose $1 million-plus campaign - funded in part by more than $600,000 of his own money - far exceeds the combined expenditures of the other candidates.
*
Rigell has the support of Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, the House whip.
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"We're really trying to take a bunch of dings at Scott Rigell because his hope is to float above the five of us like we're all fighting against him," candidate Ed Maulbeck said during a debate Thursday on 1650 WHFT-AM. "We need to basically destroy him as a group."
*
All voters in the district, which includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore and parts of Norfolk and Hampton, can participate in the primary Tuesday. The winner will take on U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, a first-term Virginia Beach Democrat, and independent Kenny Golden in the November general election.
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Rigell, who has been critical of the federal economic stimulus plan, said he participated in the Cash for Clunkers program because if he hadn't, customers would have bought cars from his competitors and his employees would have suffered. His business sold 107 cars under the program, he said.
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