Former Virginia Beach GOP official linked to a second racist e-mail

[Derechos]

By Bill Bartel
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 20, 2010

A second e-mail linking a second Republican activist to racist comments was publicized Tuesday by a Virginia Democratic Party official, who suggested that GOP congressional candidate Scott Rigell indirectly condones such behavior.

A local Republican leader said the e-mail is a last-minute smear that has nothing to do with Rigell or his campaign.

"This kind of despicable last-hour innuendo is why people really don't like politics," said Gary Byler, GOP chairman in the 2nd Congressional District.

The e-mail, dated July 31, is attributed to Karen Beauchamp, a former Virginia Beach GOP chairwoman. It provided a link to a video that attacked President Barack Obama and used slurs against blacks and Hispanics.

Beauchamp's e-mail said of the video: "The language is a bit strong, but the sentiment is right! We will take America back."

A copy of the e-mail was posted Tuesday afternoon on Blue Virginia, a Democratic blog, and the blog was publicized in an e-mail sent to the news media and others by David Mills, the Virginia Democratic Party's executive director.

Rigell's campaign, which removed Beauchamp's name Tuesday from a website list of more than 75 Republicans who endorsed the candidate, denounced her e-mail and disavowed any relationship with Beauchamp.

"Let me be clear, racism has no place in our society and runs completely counter to Scott Rigell's values," wrote campaign manager Jason Miyares. "It should be noted that Karen Beauchamp is not in a position of leadership or an advisor to the Rigell campaign."

Beauchamp, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, was Virginia Beach Republican chairwoman from 1999 to 2002 and has been a frequent contributor to Republican candidates.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/10/former-gop-official-linked-second-racist-email

See e-mail at Blue Virginia here: http://bluevirginia.us/diary/2037/top-rigell-endorser-recommends-racist-barack-the-angry-negro-video