Who The Heck Is Vern McKinley?
May 10th, 2008 by joe
And what does he think he’s doing challenging Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf for the Virginia 10th District Republican nomination?
10th District Republican primary candidate Vern McKinley (center) with Dick Heller, plaintiff in District of Columbia v. Heller, and McKinley’s wife, Nona, at the April, 2008 Nation’s Gun Show in Chantilly.
Folks, I am taking Vern McKinley very seriously because anything can happen in a publicly invisible election as the June 10 GOP primary certainly will be - and Vern has a valid message. If he gets a scintilla of the money he needs to get that message out, Frank Wolf will be toast, and we may get a true citizen-legislator representing us in the House of Representatives.
It is not insignificant that Dick Heller, plaintiff in DC v Heller - the case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court which may have an immense impact on 2nd Amendment policies throughout the nation - spent most of a weekend last month visiting with attendees at the Nation’s Gun Show event in Chantilly … in the general vicinity of Vern McKinley’s booth. Heller was not campaigning, but there was a clear common interest between McKinley’s supporters and Heller, who might understandably have taken offense at Frank Wolf’s refusal to support the effort by Virgil Goode to overturn DC’s gun ban.
Prior to meeting him at the gun show, my only familiarity with Vern McKinley was based on a local Republican event where he addressed the local committee, and my impression was that Vern speaks like a regular guy - not a “political orator.” For me, this is not a negative, because I am more and more interested in the notion that our government is supposed to be one where regular citizens make the decisions. Furthermore, our current political leadership in America is a minefield of “orators” whose heads are firmly implanted where the sun don’t shine.
Vern carries a well-worn copy of the U.S. Constitution in his jacket pocket, and in our conversation he noted first of all that “home rule doesn’t override the Second Amendment.”
But his disagreements with Frank Wolf extend far beyond the issue of gun rights.
Vern is an attorney whose focus is on macroeconomics, advising a client base of international financial institutions. While home from business travel before the 2006 elections, he happened to see a debate between Frank Wolf and Democratic challenger Judy Feder. In the following months, Vern did some online research at Vote Smart and found he only agreed with Frank on 20-25% of his votes.
Vern’s assessment: “It’s an urban legend that Frank Wolf is a good conservative.”
Frank Wolf’s failure to sponsor Duncan Hunter’s Life At Conception Act was a key indictment of the 10th District congressman. But Frank Wolf also opposed the Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006 which was a response to the Supreme Court’s reviled Kelo decision.
In addition, a search of the OMB database revealed that Frank Wolf was responsible for roughly 50 earmarks costing $50 million. Vern queried Frank Wolf’s office for clarification on these expenses and received no response (those of us in Wolf’s district know the congressman is usually extremely efficient at responding to every constituent communication.)
Further research revealed possible connections between earmarks and contributions to Frank Wolf’s campaign. On the whole, Vern said, Frank Wolf appeared a classic example of a once-conservative legislator who had “gone native” after nearly three decades in the halls of power.
Vern McKinley concluded, “If you lose your principles, it’s a lot worse thing than to lose your seat.” And that’s when he decided to run against Frank Wolf.
Everyone who watched the outstanding John Adams series on HBO last month will appreciate the impetus to return to the original idea that our government was envisioned as an exercise in service rather than a “profession.” This is what Vern McKinley represents.
Vern has picked up an assortment of supporters, including the Virginia Gun Owners Coalition.
He is also a favorite among the Ron Paul supporters.
On the latter, Vern notes he was a “Ron Paul” Republican before Ron Paul was on anyone’s radar. Vern decided to challenge Frank Wolf before Ron Paul announced his candidacy for president.
On the question of illegal immigration, Vern has the uniquely informed perspective of one who has experienced the mechanics of the issue firsthand: His wife, Nona, is Armenian, and the McKinley’s have spent years traversing the required U.S. bureaucratic obstacles to gain her citizenship. I did not perceive an abundance of congeniality in the McKinley household for giving special status to those who cut in line, while so many are going through the process to enter the U.S. legally. I would categorize the McKinley’s as supporters of the rule of law.
Go here to contribute to Vern McKinley’s campaign.
Much more on Vern McKinley here.
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 1:58 am and is filed under 2nd Amendment, Campaign 2008, immigration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
May 10th, 2008 at 7:49 am
[…] Read the full article at NOVA Townhall. […]
May 10th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Constitutionally run government has not been talked about for some time, at least not in this district. This will certainly shake things up.
Vern will not be the first outsider conservative constitutional candidate in National politics - Reagan came first. Hopefully more Vern’s will follow.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I have now had an opportunity to talk to Vern McKinley on several occasions. This is exactly what needs to happen in the Republican party. Competition and pressure from the right in primaries is the only way to get the party back in line with its conservative core principles.
Regarding issues surrounding guns and the second amendment Frank Wolf gets an F. Frank Wolf, Senator Warner and Tom Davis pay lip service to advocates of gun rights when it is election time, yet throw us under the bus at every opportunity when it is in their best interest. Those who cherish the second amendment as I do, should support Vern McKinley in the primary.
May 10th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Frank Wolf has infuriated many people with some of his votes. He’s been in there for what, 28 years? Time for a change. We need progress on expanding Second Amendment rights, not going along to get along with the liberal intelligentsia.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I like this guy, but will Vern win in the general with the tide going the way it is going? Wolf needs to go, but is this the cycle to do it?
May 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Where is he on immigration ?
May 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Good questions. RE: immigration, see the last paragraph. Greg S has spent time talking with Vern and I believe vouches he will be good.
Jacob, if the Dems nominate Judy Feder I think it really will be possible for any Republican to beat her. Since one of the only good arguments she has is “time for a change” Vern McKinley - as a Ron Paul Republican - would nullify that argument.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Yes, I read your comments re your opinions formed when meeting them.
But could not find any meat on his web site on this issue.
May 12th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
If it is Judy, the go Vern!
May 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I believe he would add material to the Web site if someone offered it (he spent a good amount of time, unsuccessfully, last year trying to get meetings with HSL people). Unfortunately I just don’t feel like doing that sort of thing this year. I did shoot him a little money.
You are right, all I have to base the recommendation on is my opinions formed from the conversation.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Vern seems like a good ‘regular’ guy but he does not seem to have “What it takes”. His speech at the Republican Mass Meeting proved that. Although I agree Wolf is vulnerable, I fear Vern’s campaign style could lead to a Feder victory.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
“he spent a good amount of time, unsuccessfully, last year trying to get meetings with HSL people)”
Too bad he did not come in, I would have enjoyed seeing what he is all about.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I think the competition is good for my congressman. Only the arrogant resent a challenge. And, I probably agree w/ Vern on a good many things. But, I’m sticking w/ Wolf for one more round. I think he’s our best bet for keeping the 10th Republican. And, compared to a real leftist like Feder, Wolf is conservative, even if he is not as thoroughly so as I’d prefer.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I do not doubt for a second that Vern is a very decent man that means the best for the tenth district. I have worked with joe and greg over the last year and respect both of the conservative values and stances on the second amendment. the second amendment, however, is certainly not the only one as they might lead you to believe. I have also worked directly for Congressman Wolf and can assure you that he is a true conservative. He genuinely cares about the tenth district the people in it and his conservative ideals.
While Mr. McKinley may lean more right than the Congressman on a number of issues, I believe it takes a hint of compromise to be a valued, successful Congressman. He has been a very, very successful legislator during his tenure. He has never waivered on his ideals and is a true citizen legislator - he never once has even considered higher office.
And let’s all be perfectly honest here - Mr. McKinley would have no chance at all at defeating either Mike Turner or Judy Feder in the general election. No chance. Judy Feder has 750,000$ in the bank. If Vern should win the primary then the Democratic Party would consider the seat theres and throw all the money in the world to whoever the candidate might be to make sure they pick the seat up. Mr. McKinley simply does not have the funds or name ID to even come close. Both Joe and Greg know that in politics - money makes the world go around - as unfortunate as it might be.
Our country is the finest democracy int he world and everyone reserves the right to vote for the candidate that best suits their own personal beliefs. My hope is that when the primary is over we all come back together and vote for whowever the Republican candidate might be. I certainly would vote for Mr. Mckinley over the ughhh Judy Feder anyday of the week and twice on the second Tuesday in November.
Without hesitation, my vote is for Congressman Wolf a seasoned legislating veteran that has lead our district for almost 30 years down the right path. Feder has raised too much money for us to be clowning around with an unknown, under financed candidate like MCkinley.
There is nothing wrong with being realistic.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
“Jacob, if the Dems nominate Judy Feder I think it really will be possible for any Republican to beat her”
I wish I could share that sentiment with you Joe but after the last election and the way this state is turning blue (from lack of oxygen to the brain) I believe it just won’t be that easy. As has happened with the most recent elections, you don’t need a platform-just D after your name which seems to be enough.
May 13th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Woody :
You are indeed correct in most of your observations. But here comes the however. However, those in power such as congressman Wolf find a certain comfort zone over time. With that comfort zone comes the bad habit of swerving or leaning to the left in order to create the largest swath of consensus. Consensus and compromise can sometimes be a good thing. It is often required in order to move government in a forward direction. There is a big difference in consensus and cutting a deal with the village idiot. The compromise with the village idiot always leads us back to- Half of a stupid idea is still a stupid idea.
Senator McCain call your office.
Congressman Wolf is a good man who has served us well for sometime. I have my differences with the Congressman on a few issues. These specific issues are central to my conservatism. The second amendment and immigration are two issues in which the Congressman is simply on the wrong side. His attempt to play the middle and placate those on the left do us no good, stalling forward momentum in the name of consensus.
A primary challenge from the right is exactly what is needed. This is how it should be done. The congressman needs to know that the Joe’s and the Greg’s of the 10th district are not happy.
May 13th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I’m tired of supporting politicians who do things that really tick me off.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Is there any other kind?
May 13th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Money is important, though I would disagree with Woody’s statement that, “money makes the world go around” - God does that. Money is merely a useful commodity. It is how this commodity is utilized that matters, not how much of it there is.
If merely having money and spending it answered the world’s problems, than there would be no more war on drugs, terrorism, or poverty within the borders of the United States. - And Marxist Socialism would work.
A key principle that differentiates good leaders from poor leaders is not how much they have, but how they use what they have.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Huh ? Wolf on the wrong side of the immigration debate. I had thought that NumberUSA had given him an A- rating.
McKinley is an unknown, who first and foremost seems to be having difficulty in getting his message out, assuming of course that he has one. Quite frankly, I never heard of the guy until this thread.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Vern McKinley has clearly demonstrated that he upholds the principles of good government. His philosophy is quite evidently based upon what the Founding Fathers envisioned. This philosophy does not require billions, nor even millions, it relies upon wisdom. - Using every penny to the maximum effect.
In contrast to his opponent, Vern McKinley presents an entirely different approach. Though, he is not the only candidate in Virginia to do so. Keith Fimian’s neighboring congressional campaign, for example, demonstrates just how clear the contrast really is. Though Keith Fimian has raised comparable funds to Frank Wolf, Keith has spent less than 17% of what Frank has. - A half million less.
Looking at the numbers, Frank will have to raise much more in order to continue as he has, perhaps even a half million more for the primary alone. Unfortunately for him, he is barred from using any congressional money. Otherwise, he could once again raise taxes to meet his spending habits, or perhaps he could slip in another earmark.
Frank Wolf will be forced to reconcile with the fact that Vern McKinley is running a grassroots campaign, which thrives upon volunteers who believe in the cause. Though for everything else there may be Mastercard, that is something that money cannot buy.
With minimal funds, McKinley has already displayed just how effective one can be when upholding conservative spending principles and maintaining fiscal responsibility. - Working within one’s means by doing what needs to be done with what one already has.
This leaves both voters and donors with one clear choice in the 10th Congressional District. They no longer need to worry about their vote or their hard earned money going to waste. Candidates like Vern McKinley are a safe investment.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Think Vern needs to spend more time talking about himself, and less about Frank Wolf. His web site seems to talk more about Frank than Vern.
Maybe I am over reacting to what appears to be somewhat of a negative campaign, maybe I’m not..
Come on Vern, your campaign needs to tell us about you, not Frank Wolf !
May 14th, 2008 at 6:21 am
“Keith Fimian’s neighboring congressional campaign, for example, demonstrates just how clear the contrast really is. Though Keith Fimian has raised comparable funds to Frank Wolf, Keith has spent less than 17% of what Frank has. - A half million less.”
What a bizzare statement.
Keith Fimian did NOT enter the race until a few months ago. Fimian will need to drop twice the money Wolf needs in order to win his race. Campaign spending is reflective of good political fundraising NOT, I repeat NOT your ideology.
As for Vern,lets see he has no money, no support from Republicans and Republican leadership that actually live in the district, and just gives speeches blasting Wolf. You need much more to be a legitimate candidate. Verns probably a decent guy but I like Wolf, he seems to be a great guy who has always been scandal free. In addition, he has taken a strong stance on illegals. Thats good enough for me.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Scandal free? Great guy? That’s me! Maybe I should run for congress. Of course I BELIEVE in the Constitution of the U.S. and the State of Virginia-good and bad. If there are candidates that will support these documents, not just empty retoric at campaign time, I will support them. I supported Wolf all these years but the boy is tired and failing. Time for a changing of the guard.
If GOD had not given us free will then we would know the good candidates from the bad. The bad ones, if elected, would die from a bolt of lightning as they swore their lie on the Bible!
May 14th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Hey nice get together of the “shooting club” last night. Thanks to everyone who attended. Even the frickin’ moderate.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Joe, yes it was a good time. Glad the uber-conservatives showed up late as that gave us more than ample time to talk about them.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Dan, I didn’t particularly care for your moderate uncle busting into our debate on the way to the bathroom. I think his cue was both ill-timed and crass. Show some respect for others next time, will ya?
May 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Dan,
You should have heard what ACT said about YOU after you left.
May 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
hahahahaha.. he left before I, did he reload and return ?
“I didn’t particularly care for your moderate uncle busting into our debate”
Score : ACT 1 Dan 0
May 14th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Vern..the guy that lost to Wolf. Hugely.
May 14th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
There is no reason to avoid the issues. That is what campaigns are, or at least should be, about. - The issues!
Vern McKinley will have to talk about the issues. He must address exactly how he and Wolf disagree. He must give voters a reason to vote for him over the long term establishment.
Frank Wolf should be forced to defend how he voted, he’s a public official. - That is how we keep them accountable. If he did right in all his votes, then let him say so.
Vern McKinley does have a case. A strong one. Labeling his case as “negative” campaigning for talking about the issues is evidence of an attempt to hide a poor record.
May 14th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
One sign of a strong Republican primary campaign is local party grassroots endorsements and finances. Any party chairs endorsing Vern? How much has Vern raised?
I may be biased since I have always appreciated Wolf’s stance on human rights and appreciation for low taxes but Vern needs support from more than Ron Paul people and libertarians to even make a dent in the primary. I have not seen any sign in these two areas whatsoever that Vern is making any headway within the 10th. Do I agree with Wolf on everything? No, but I think he has been a good for Northern Virginia. The two times or so I have heard Vern he has not even come close to making any sort of case either for him or against Wolf.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
When a candidate chooses to disparage another, as opposed to promoting his positives, I and many like me do believe that is negative campaigning.
“That is what campaigns are, or at least should be, about. - The issues!”
Precisely !!! The issues are more than “Frank did this, Frank voted this way on this”.
Examples of what we need to hear from Vern :
Frank Wolf has signed the discharge petition for the SAVE Act. What would Vern have done ?
Frank Wolf procured funding to allow the startup of a sorely needed regional task force on gang violence. Would Vern have done this ? Will he work to procure necessary funding to keep this program going ?
How would Vern vote if the assault weapons ban comes back to the House floor ?
How would Vern vote if handgun registration is brought to the House floor ?
How would Vern vote if the Brady requirement of a waiting period for firearms purchases comes back ?
Would Vern vote to continue the Bush tax cuts ?
Why does Vern believe voting to prohibit Internet gambling is the wrong vote ?
What does Vern feel can be done in Congress to adequately define the jurisdiction clause of the 14th Amendment ?
Nation building is an unfortunate side effect of any war. How does Vern propose that we can fight a war, and fight to win, w/o a plan for reconstruction ?
Wolf’s earmarks, what exactly were they ? Is it Vern’s view that they were necessary (like the anti-gang funding), or unnecessary for our area ?
Frank has 26 years of experience in the House. What does Vern bring that will offset the loss of this ?
If Vern feels Wolf’s NCLB vote was the wrong one, why ? What alternatives would Vern propose ?
Sorry if I am seeming overly pragmatic. But my vote doesn’t come cheap. I am sure you agree that it shouldn’t.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
You make good points, Dan, as usual. You know where I’m coming from, though.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Joe, yes, I do..
May 15th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
From what I have seen and heard from Vern, there is no doubt about where he stands on the issues. As far as I am aware, he has clearly addressed every major issue that can be seen on the National level. His website, McKinleyforCongress.com, is very helpful if anyone has not yet visited it.
His platform clearly states that he is a Constitutional Republican, basing his decisions off of what the Constitution outlines. Thus, as I overheard him tell voters at the Gun Show, he firmly believes in the Right to keep and bear arms. Not just because it sounds good to him, but because it is clearly outlined in the Second Amendment of the Constitution. He will vote in support of any bill that protects and assures this Right and against any bill that infringes upon it. - That’s how he approaches the entire Bill of Rights.
As far as spending is concerned, I have heard Vern read sections straight out of the Constitution to help explain where he stands on the issue, which solely encompasses defense and infrastructure. “Journey Through Hallowed Ground” certainly cannot be found anywhere within the Constitution.
Furthermore, as Vern stated in his interview with the Loudoun Times Mirror, “‘Your oath as a congressman,’ he said, ‘is not to get as much money for your district as possible.’” - I am sure that Vern would be more than happy to take his copy of the Constitution out of his front pocket and read line for line what the Oath actually does say, as he did for me. - It’s quite enlightening.
As far as experience is concerned, it is no small thing that Vern has spent years as an economic and financial advisor to the US Government and several foreign governments. He has even testified as an expert before Congress on bankruptcy. He is who Congress, which includes Frank Wolf, listen to for decision making on many financial and economic issues.
If anyone is unaware of what the Constitution states or the intention of its writers, ask Vern. - He knows.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Last Reagan makes some strong points for Vern. Dan raises good questions as the devil’s advocate (moderate style). Frank started out without and Vern would be doing the same. As I stated previously, a changing of the guard is due. It would be nice to have young, new and energetic-staying power if you will.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
For more with Vern on the issues see the following (read the palm card graphic, especially the back.)
http://libertynewswire.com/2008/04/24/new-vern-mckinley-palm-card-arriving-soon/30
Also check out the Liberty Maven interview:
http://www.libertymaven.com/2008/02/16/vern-mckinley-virginia-congressional-candidate-interview-part-1/903/
I read somewhere that Vern is getting a new issues page up because he thinks it focuses on Wolf too much. I hope he does it soon!
-Johnny Law
May 15th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
So does Judy Feder’s supposed $750,000, as reported by Woody above, automatically give her a victory over a less funded Republican?
I don’t know. It feels like the fulminations we got from our GOP “leaders” in 2006 about “Speaker Pelosi.”
Translated: You BETTER vote for us, no matter what we have done.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
10 proof,
Didn’t see you sneak in. Trying to be cute AND invisible I see! Get it? Are you making a prediction or are you personally going to work your special magic to fix the election as you see it? Please inform us now so that later you can receive the praise and gratitude you would so richly deserve.
May 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am
[…] while Frank Wolf’s challenger, Vern McKinley, had to play by the rules, the incumbent did […]
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:40 am
10 proof,
Is there an answer for #40 above?