Scott Rigell
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2017
Preceded byGlenn Nye
Succeeded byScott Taylor
Personal details
Born
Edward Scott Rigell

(1960-05-28) May 28, 1960
Titusville, Florida, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseDeborah Horan
Children4
EducationEastern Florida State College (AA)
Mercer University (BBA)
Regent University (MBA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Marine Corps
Years of service1978–1984
Rank Sergeant
UnitUnited States Marine Corps Reserve

Edward Scott Rigell[1] (born May 28, 1960) is an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district from 2011 to 2017. He declined to run for re-election in 2016, and he left office in January 2017.[2]

A Republican, Rigell broke with the party establishment in August 2016, withdrawing his support for Donald Trump, the then-Republican nominee for President, endorsing Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson.[3][4] Rigell has been characterized as a "Never Trump" Republican.[5][6][7][8]

Early life and education

Rigell was raised in Titusville, Florida.[9] He served for six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1978 to 1984, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His father served in the Marines in World War II, landing on Iwo Jima, and his son is a Marine. He holds an A.A. from Brevard Community College, a BBA from Mercer University, and a M.B.A. from Regent University.[10]

Career

Prior to his election to Congress, Rigell and his former wife Teri established, and continue to own, two new car dealerships under the name Freedom Automotive, one in Norfolk and the other in Chesapeake/Virginia Beach.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

Rigell won the Republican nomination in a six-way race, defeating Bert Mizusawa. The Hill rated his primary race as one of the top seven Congressional primaries for that election cycle.[11] Rigell was considered by many to be the favorite in the primary,[12] because he had support from the National Republican Congressional Committee[13] and Eric Cantor[14] – at least after the primary,[15] and was endorsed by Republican Virginia governor Bob McDonnell.[16]

Rigell came under attack from his primary opponents for the dealerships he owns having sold 138 cars under the Cash for Clunkers program, which Rigell subsequently criticized as "reckless bailouts and an out-of-control federal debt." Rigell noted that buyers, not dealers, received program subsidies for trading up to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. A spokesman said that Rigell felt "an obligation to the people who work for him, and his customers."[17] He also came under attack for making campaign contributions to Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries and to Virginia Democrat Louise Lucas in her bid against Randy Forbes.[18] Rigell said he believed that Hillary Clinton would have been a worse option for president.[19]

Rigell states that his top priority is reducing government spending and that he supports replacing the health care law with market-based reforms.[20] As of June 4, 2010, Rigell had contributed $775,000 of his personal wealth to his campaign.[18] Rigell defeated Democratic incumbent Glenn Nye for Virginia's 2nd congressional district.

2012

Rigell was challenged by businessman and Democratic nominee Paul Hirschbiel.

2014

Rigell was challenged by Democrat Suzanne Patrick in the general election.

Rigell said he will focus on economic issues over social issues in the 2014 election. He stated, "I wake up every day not thinking about the social issues. I sought office because I know we can do better on job creation and I'm also concerned about our fiscal trajectory." He added, "I think as part of that we're strengthening things that are important to women and, of course, to men as well. Early childhood education, making sure that our children are safe and they have great opportunities once they get out of high school or college."[21]

2016

Rigell announced in January 2016 that he would not run for re-election in 2016.[2]

Tenure and political positions

Rigell took office in January 2011 as part of the largest Republican House majority since the 1940s.

In June 2012, Rigell was one of only two Republicans (along with Steven LaTourette of Ohio) who voted against a motion to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his handling of the ATF gunwalking scandal.[22] Billionaire Warren Buffett challenged the GOP that he would match any donations to the Treasury they give. Rigell had already been giving back 15% of his salary, and when he flagged this for Buffett, Buffett agreed to match it.[23]

Social issues

Rigell states he is "proudly pro-life",[24] he opposes gay marriage and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."[25] In 2011, Rigell cosponsored bills to prohibit abortion coverage under the national Affordable Health Care law, prohibit the use of federal funds for Planned Parenthood and prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion. Rigell voted for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.[26] Rigell has refused to endorse Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor E.W. Jackson in light of anti-gay comments made by Jackson.[27]

Military and foreign policy

Rigell's district includes the largest concentration of active duty and retired service members in the United States. He supported the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act, which the House and Senate passed. This bill increased the rate of compensation for veterans who were disabled in active duty.[28] Rigell supports the continued military effort in Afghanistan; he opposed a vote in 2011 to remove troops from the country. However, he also opposed deploying ground troops to Libya, and has joined a bipartisan coalition urging President Obama and Congress to resist "calls for a 'quick' and 'easy' military intervention in Iraq.".[29][30]

In 2011, Rigell called the President's use of force in Libya 'unconstitutional,' stating that the military action violated the War Powers Resolution of 1973 since Congress was not consulted. Rigell simultaneously introduced an amendment to the Department of Defense FY'12 Appropriations bill to defund U.S. military operations in Libya, but the amendment failed in the House.

In 2013, following an alleged chemical attack by the Assad Regime in Syria, Rigell wrote a letter to the President urging him to consult Congress, as prescribed by the War Powers Resolution, before authorizing the use of any military force overseas. He was joined by 139 Members of the House of Representatives, 21 of whom were Democrats.[31]

Rigell also supported a bipartisan congressional resolution advocating for the United Nations (UN) to create a Syrian War Crimes Tribunal.[32] The bipartisan resolution, introduced by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria and directed the President to work with the UN to set up a tribunal to investigate war crimes committed by both the Syrian government and rebel groups in the country.

Budget

Rigell supported Paul Ryan's budget plan, Path to Prosperity, which called for repeal of the 2010 Healthcare legislation. He vocally criticized Senate inaction on the House's budget plans in 2011, stating "Empirically we can show that the bottleneck is in the Senate – I hope every American stands up and says to Senator Reid: get these bills passed, we'll go to conference, let's work it out, we'll work weekends and get this thing moving again."[33] Ultimately, he voted in favor of S 627, the 2011 budget proposal which raised the debt ceiling and required a supercommittee to provide more concrete spending cuts.

Opposition to Donald Trump

During the 2016 Republican presidential primary process, Rigell strongly opposed the candidacy of Donald Trump, writing in March 2016 that he was a "con man" and a "bully" whose potential presidency would be "reckless, embarrassing and ultimately dangerous",[34] and that he would not support Trump if he became the nominee.[35] Rigell reiterated his concerns in August 2016, saying Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were "equally unworthy" of the presidency, and endorsed Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson.[36]

The week after he endorsed Johnson, Rigell resigned from the Virginia Beach Republican Party.[4] In a statement about his resignation, Rigell's spokesman said, "Because Scott refuses to support his party's current nominee for President, the local committee was expected to revoke Congressman Rigell's membership. Knowing that, Congressman Rigell resigned from the Virginia Beach Republican Party. While he is no longer a member of his local party unit, he remains a member of the Republican Party."[4]

Rigell signed an August 2016 letter to the Republican National Committee from over 100 Republicans urging the RNC to suspend its support for Trump's campaign and to spend its resources on congressional Republicans.[37]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Personal life

He married Deborah Horan in September of 2023.[39][40]

Electoral history

2010 Republican Primary, 2nd Congressional District[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Rigell 14,396 39.50%
Republican Ben Loyola, Jr. 9,762 26.78%
Republican Bert Mizusawa 6,342 17.40%
Republican Scott W. Taylor 2,950 8.09%
Republican Jessica Sandlin 1,620 4.44%
Republican Ed Maulbeck 1,372 3.76%
Total votes 309,222 100%
2010 General election, 2nd Congressional District[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Rigell 88,340 53.12%
Democratic Glenn Nye 70,591 42.45%
Independent Kenny Golden 7,194 4.32%
Independent Write-in candidates 164 0.09%
Total votes 166,289 100%
2012 General election, 2nd Congressional District[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Rigell 166,231 53.75%
Democratic Paul Hirschbiel 142,548 46.09%
Independent Write-in candidates 443 0.14%
Total votes 309,222 100%
2014 General election, 2nd Congressional District[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Scott Rigell 101,558 58.68%
Democratic Suzanne Patrick 71,178 41.12%
Independent Write-in candidates 324 0.18%
Total votes 173,060 100%

References

  1. ↑ "Representative Edward Scott Rigell (Scott) (R-Virginia, 2nd) – Biography from LegiStorm" (fee). Legistorm.com. Retrieved February 4, 2013.(subscription required)
  2. 1 2 "Congressman Scott Rigell will not run for reelection". WTKR.com. January 14, 2016.
  3. ↑ Burns, Alexander (August 6, 2016). "Congressman Backs Libertarian Presidential Candidate in Campaign First". The New York Times. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 Portnoy, Jenna. "Rep. Scott Rigell leaves Virginia Beach GOP after backing Libertarian for president". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Libertarian Gary Johnson Scores First Congressional Endorsement". Roll Call. August 6, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  6. ↑ Savransky, Rebecca (March 1, 2016). "GOP rep: 'I will not support Trump'". The Hill. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  7. ↑ "A list of Republicans opposing Donald Trump (and some who are voting for Clinton)". NBC News. November 6, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  8. ↑ Graham, David A. (November 6, 2016). "Which Republicans Oppose Donald Trump? A Cheat Sheet". The Atlantic. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  9. ↑ Blade, Rachel (November 3, 2010). "112th Congress: Scott Rigell, R-Va. (2nd District)". Congressional Quarterly. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Full Biography | Congressman Scott Rigell". January 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  11. ↑ Blake, Aaron (November 18, 2009). "Top seven primaries in Congress". The Hill. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  12. ↑ "McDonnell picking GOP favorite against Nye". Politico. December 4, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  13. ↑ "National Republican training program promotes two Va. candidates". The Washington Post. May 6, 2010.
  14. ↑ Giroux, Greg (April 19, 2010). "Virginia: Cantor Backs Rigell". CQ Politics. Archived from the original on April 24, 2010.
  15. ↑ Newton-Small, Jay (September 22, 2010). "Virginia's 2nd Congressional District: Glenn Nye vs. Scott Rigell". TIME. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  16. ↑ Walker, Julian (May 12, 2010). "McDonnell to endorse Rigell in GOP congressional primary". Virginian Pilot.
  17. ↑ Fritze, John (May 12, 2010). "Dealers-turned-candidates run into trouble". USA Today.
  18. 1 2 Gioroux, Greg. Wealthy House Candidate Digs Deeper Ahead Of Tuesday’s Primary. Archived June 6, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Congressional Quarterly. June 4, 2010.
  19. ↑ Pershing, Ben (May 25, 2010). "Rigell's survey says he's the clear frontrunner in GOP race to face Rep. Nye". The Washington Post.
  20. ↑ Payne, Kimball (June 6, 2010). "BIO: Scott Rigell". Daily Press.
  21. ↑ Bresnahan, John (December 5, 2013). "GOP men tutored in running against women". Politico. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Congressional Bills and Votes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Lawmaker calls Buffett's bluff". Fox News. April 5, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Where I Stand: Family Values". Scott Rigell for Congress. Archived from the original on May 22, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Scott Rigell Firmly Disagrees with Glenn Nye's Vote to Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Scott Rigell for Congress. Archived from the original on May 22, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Scott Rigell On The Issues". On The Issues. Retrieved November 19, 2013.
  27. ↑ Schlanger, Danielle (June 5, 2013). "Rep. Scott Rigell Refuses To Endorse E.W. Jackson, Citing Bishop's Views On Gays". HuffPost. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  28. ↑ "S. 894". GovTrack.us. Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  29. ↑ "H Res 292". National Key Votes. VoteSmart.org. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  30. ↑ Nichols, John (July 3, 2014). "Left-Right Coalition of 80 House Members Wants Congress to Check and Balance Iraq Intervention". The Nation. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Letter From Congress to the President" (PDF). Rigell.house.gov. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  32. ↑ "Weapons plan taking shape in Syria". The Columbus Dispatch. September 12, 2013. Archived from the original on September 28, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
  33. ↑ Hooper, Molly (October 4, 2011). "House GOP Freshman Slams Reid, Senate for Inaction on Budget". The Hill. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Candidates who want to replace Rep. Scott Rigell don't share his disdain for a Trump presidency | Virginia Politics". Pilotonline.com. May 6, 2016. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  35. ↑ Rep. Scott Rigell says he can’t support Donald Trump if he is the GOP nominee Washington Times
  36. ↑ Prominent Virginia Republican congressman supports Gary Johnson, says Trump represents ‘true risk’ Washington Times
  37. ↑ "GOP lawmakers urge RNC to cut ties with Trump". The Hill. October 24, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  38. ↑ "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  39. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/live/uGlnFNwSH1g?si=ecJnHkOx3YlRorgq
  40. ↑ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_6s3Enkpm8Zm_C0FwER12VAwmkK9RzqY?usp=sharing
  41. 1 2 "Election Results". www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Archived copy". www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  43. ↑ "November 4 2014 General Elections". Elections.virginia.gov. November 4, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
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