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.
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