A Republican candidate for reelection in Virginia, Rep. Bob Good, found himself in hot water on Saturday after his campaign called the police on a group of Trump supporters. The incident occurred during the grand opening of a Trump store in Farmville, Virginia, owned by Karen Angulo, the former Appomattox GOP Chair.
Angulo had invited another candidate from the area, Sen. John McGuire, to attend the event, citing his unwavering support for President Trump. However, tensions arose when Good showed up uninvited. According to Angulo, Good attempted to make the event about himself and was repeatedly asked to leave. Eventually, he did, but not before causing a scene.
“Once he finally relented and left our store, Bob and his paid campaign staff stood out front for over four hours trying to block people from entering our store,” Angulo stated. “The whole thing was very embarrassing behavior for anyone, let alone a sitting member of Congress.”
After being asked to leave, Good’s campaign made a call to the police. Audio exclusively obtained by the Daily Caller captures the conversation, in which a woman claiming to be with Good’s campaign alleges that four young men were getting “belligerent” and getting in the congressman’s “personal space.”
The 911 dispatcher asks for a description of the individuals, to which the woman responds, “Yes. I have pictures and videos.” She also confirms that they are still present at the scene when asked by the dispatcher.
Good’s support for Trump has been questioned in the past. While he currently endorses the president for reelection, he initially supported Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign. Good’s campaign claims that he was invited to the event via text message, but footage shows Angulo repeatedly asking him to leave and stating that he was trespassing.
Jake Matthews, spokesman for Virginians for Conservative Leadership PAC, condemned Good’s actions in response to the audio. “Bob Good has been trying to deceive voters from day one,” said Matthews. “His history of selling out his constituents and saying one thing but doing the opposite highlights his disastrous tenure in Congress.”
The Good campaign has yet to respond to the audio or the comments made by Matthews. However, they may face further backlash if it is confirmed that Good’s staff were attempting to block people from entering the Trump store.
This incident is just the latest in a tumultuous primary race between Good and McGuire. Both candidates have been endorsed by various Republican leaders, but the Good campaign has faced backlash for its tactics, including sending out a mailer with a misleading quote from President Trump.
In the 5th district of Virginia, which covers a large portion of the state, the primary race has become a key battleground for the Republican party. With a strong base of Trump supporters, both candidates are vying for a chance to represent the district in the upcoming election.
The use of the police by Good’s campaign further highlights the tensions within the party and raises questions about his ability to unite and lead the Republican base. The audio of the 911 call may also affect his chances of reelection in a district that heavily favors Trump and his policies.
The incident has sparked debate among voters, with some questioning Good’s actions and loyalty to the president. Others believe that Good was justified in calling the police to handle the situation. However, the timing of the incident, just months before the primary election, has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
As the primary race heats up, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Good’s chances. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in political campaigns. Both candidates should focus on the issues that matter to voters rather than resorting to tactics that may alienate potential supporters.
