In an effort to drum up more Republican support in the Richmond metropolitan area heading into the midterm elections less than three weeks away, Vice President Mike Pence will appear at a rally in downtown Richmond on October 20. Former Republican Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will also be in attendance at the Suntrust Center located at 919 East Main Street this Saturday afternoon.
While the campaign event is open to the public, there will also be a private fundraiser for Fourth Congressional District Republican nominee Ryan McAdams, a Williamsburg minister and Charles City resident. He currently trails far behind first-term incumbent Democratic Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-4) in fundraising, but remains confident that he can flip the district which leans far to the Democratic side.
The vice president, former governor, and Republican congressional nominee will also be joined by State Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield) and Bishop Leon Benjamin, an area church leader recently elected chairman of the Richmond City Republican committee.
“We believe we’re going to win this,” McAdams said in an interview Tuesday according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “The vice president coming is an indication he believes we can win,” he added.
Pence’s appearance may give a much needed funding boost to McAdams who raised $77,749 in the most recent financial reporting period as stated by the FEC. McEachin, the vice chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) raised $139,175 during the same time frame, according to FEC filings.
Nevertheless, McAdams said, “Elections aren’t won just on money.”
According to the invitation, couples who pay $5,400 get to meet the vice president, pose for a photograph with him, receive “event recognition,” and priority seating at the rally. Couples may receive a picture with Pence and access to the private reception for $2,700, or access to the reception only for $1,000.
Vice President Pence will appear with McAdams and former governor McDonnell at the public rally that will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the SunTrust Center. While the rally is underway, Pence will headline for the private fundraiser at 1:30 p.m. in another room within the building where they will greet supporters.