Virginia governor candidate builds supporter list off Limbaugh's death

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin devised a unique way of building his supporter list this week: appealing to conservative sorrow over Rush Limbaugh’s death.

Youngkin, a wealthy investment executive and political newcomer, sent out a campaign email Wednesday just hours after Limbaugh’s passing inviting readers to sign a “sympathy card” for Limbaugh. A link in the email directed recipients to a page where they were asked to fill out their name, email address, and phone number — data that Youngkin’s campaign will presumably be able to use to reach supporters in the future with solicitations for donations, volunteer efforts and other campaign asks.

“I was so sorry, as I am sure you were, to hear of Rush Limbaugh's passing today. We're praying for his family and those to whom he meant so much. His decades of standing up for conservative values gave a voice to so many who felt silenced,” Youngkin wrote in the email.

Youngkin wrote: “I hope you will join my wife and me in extending our deepest sympathies and thoughtful prayers to Rush Limbaugh’s family and friends, before adding that “you can co-sign our sympathy card here.”

Online donations are increasingly powerful fuel for political campaigns, and "sign the card" appeals are common in the political world as campaigns and groups take every step possible to grow their email lists — and follow up with asks for cash later. "Birthday cards" for the likes of former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump have been powerful list-builders in both parties in the past. Circulating "petitions" on hot-button topics is also common.

But some Virginia Republicans said they were surprised by Youngkin’s decision to build has database off Limbaugh's passing, which they criticized as insensitive. The conservative world came together Wednesday to commemorate the longtime radio host, who passed away at 70 years old after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

A Youngkin spokesman declined to commend on the decision, but pointed to a tweet the candidate posted Wednesday honoring Limbaugh.

Youngkin is competing in a crowded Republican field for governor in Virginia this year. Other candidates include state Sen. Amanda Chase, former state House speaker Kirk Cox, and venture capitalist Pete Snyder. The GOP nominating convention is to take place in May, ahead of the November general election.