Riggleman and Brat get mentions in Trump’s error-laden Twitter endorsements

Around 11 p.m. Monday night, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to update followers on his endorsements in several tight congressional races across the country.

Among them was a second endorsement for U.S. Rep. Dave Brat, who is running against Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the Richmond area’s 7th District; and a tweet in support of Denver Riggleman, who is running against former journalist Leslie Cockburn in the 5th District, which runs from northwest Virginia to the North Carolina border.

“Congressman @DaveBratVA7th is a fighter who is doing a great job for Virginia and for our Country.,” Trump tweeted. “Border, Military, Vets, 2nd Amendment and all else.”

He said Brat had his “strong endorsement” — which may or may not be even better than the initial “full endorsement” he gave Oct. 18.

Congressman @DaveBratVA7th is a fighter who is doing a great job for Virginia and for our Country. Border, Military, Vets, 2nd Amendment and all else. We need Dave in D.C. He has my Strong Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2018

Brat is also getting help, whether he wants it or not, from Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, whose says he wants to get the GOP base “jacked up” in a race that is seen as a near dead heat.

Riggleman, who briefly pursued a gubernatorial run last year, gained national attention when his opponent claimed he was into Bigfoot erotica. 

The 5th District is typically a Republican stronghold, but recent independent polls show a tightening race.

Trump tweeted Riggleman is a “popular guy” who could “really big help with tax cuts, the military and our great vets.”

.@Denver4VA of the 5th District in Virginia is a popular guy who really knows how to get the job done! Really big help with Tax Cuts, the Military and our great Vets. He has my Total Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2018

Evidently, Trump, who first referenced the wrong Denver Riggleman, did not realize Riggleman was not an incumbent, appearing to credit him for votes he did not take. It was one of several errors Trump made in his flurry of Twitter endorsements.

In June, Trump tweeted support — but not quite a full endorsement — of Senate candidate Corey Stewart after he won the Republican primary.

“Congratulations to Corey Stewart for his great victory for Senator from Virginia,” Trump tweeted. “Now he runs against a total stiff, Tim Kaine, who is weak on crime and borders, and wants to raise your taxes through the roof. Don’t underestimate Corey, a major chance of winning!”