In 2nd District, Rigell relies on self, Nye taps PACs

Republican Scott Rigell continues to be the single largest contributor to his $3 million-plus congressional campaign, providing $6 of every $10 raised, according to the most recent Federal Election Commission filings.

His Democratic opponent in the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, has raised $2.1 million, relying on political action committees and on groups affiliated with the Democratic Party for more than 40 percent of his campaign money.

Both candidates have raised significant cash from individuals, with Nye reporting $1.1 million in individual contributions and Rigell $1 million.

The campaign finance information is based on spending and fund raising up to Sept. 30. The reports reveal the source of funding for the barrage of political advertising and campaign events that have been the mark of the region's most aggressive political contest this fall.

The reports show the incumbents in South Hampton Roads' three congressional districts have the edge in collecting donations from PACs.

But only in the 2nd District, which includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore and parts of Norfolk and Hampton, is the funding more evenly matched between the two major party candidates. The third candidate, Kenny Golden, an independent, reported raising a total of $116,046 and had $1,648 cash on hand.

Rigell has raised about $1 million more than Nye but spent close to that amount to win a six-person Republican primary in June.

Rigell, a multimillionaire who founded Freedom Automotive and owns three car dealerships, has vowed to match private donations to his campaign. He has contributed almost $1.3 million and loaned his campaign an additional $625,000.

"That shows that Scott Rigell is his own man " and not beholden to special interests, said Jason Miyares, Rigell's campaign manager, on Monday.

Rigell reported having $713,000 on hand but would likely spend more if necessary, Miyares said.

"Scott Rigell will not allow Glenn Nye's D.C. PAC money determine this race," he said.

Leah Nelson, spokesperson for Nye, said the incumbent's donations are from individuals and groups that support his efforts to help develop jobs programs and assist military veterans.

"On the flip side," Nelson said, "Scott Rigell is self-funding his campaign.... He's literally trying to buy this election. We expect that voters can see that."

Rigell received $196,000 from political action committees, including several Republican groups, compared with Nye's $903,000. Large chunks of Nye's PAC money was from groups operated by Democratic congressional leaders or party-affiliated groups.

The district is viewed as a pivotal contest by both major parties as the Republicans seek to regain control of the House. Nye, a first-term Democrat and former foreign service officer, is campaigning as a moderate who said he's demonstrated his independence by voting against such signature Democratic proposals as the new health care law and failed cap-and-trade environmental legislation.

Rigell, who is making his first bid for elected office, is running as a conservative who wants to repeal the health care law and cut regulations on businesses.

In other races in the region, the differences in fundraising were much wider.

U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, a Chesapeake Republican who is seeking re-election in the 4th Congressional District, reported raising almost $890,000 compared with the $151,000 raised by his Democratic challenger, Wynne LeGrow, a retired physician from Emporia. The district includes Chesapeake, Suffolk and stretches west and north to Powhatan County.

In the 3rd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, raised almost $340,000 compared with $56,000 raised by his Republican opponent, Chuck Smith of Virginia Beach. The district includes Portsmouth, part of Norfolk and stretches north to Richmond.

Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com