Nov. 2nd district election heats up

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - With Scott Rigell's nomination Tuesday night, the race for Virginia's 2nd district Congressional seat is officially on.

Entertainer Heather Crossman had not entertained the idea of supporting an independent candidate for Congress until Tuesday night.

"I'm concerned [Rigell is] getting in because he has a lot of money," said Crossman.

And when Scott Rigell secured the Republican party's vote in its primary election Tuesday night, the party lost Crossman's.

"From what I understand, he sent $1,000 to Obama," said Crossman "He's not able to let his voters know why."

The party also recently lost voter Kenny Golden. The former Virginia Beach Republican party chair has parted ways with Republicans. He says the party will have a problem come November.

"You're looking at the problem they're going to have...they've got a problem and he's standing right in front of them," said Golden.

Second district Republican party Chair Gary Byler says the party is as unified as ever.

"I think it's inappropriate for someone to take a party leadership position and then leave simply because the field makes it impossible for him to win the nomination," said Byler.

Byler's walls are a who's who of Republicans. He says his candidates "don't always win, but they usually do."

"If Kenny was unable to compete in the primary, I'm not sure how he thinks he can compete in the general," said Byler.

Playing on what he sees as a divided party, Golden hopes anyone who did not vote for Scott Rigell will vote for him in November.

"When you make that shift to go independent people really aren't going to talk to you until after the primary is over, well the primary is over now so we'll see," said Golden.

Second district Democratic Congressman Glenn Nye was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but issued 10 On Your Side the following statement:

"I congratulate Scott Rigell on winning the Republican Nomination last night. I look forward to a spirited campaign in the fall with Kenny Golden and Scott Rigell."