Rep. Ben Cline’s (R., Va.) likely Democratic opponent, Beth Macy, is a nationally-renowned bestselling author of books like Dopesick and Truevine. But in her longshot congressional campaign targeting Cline, she is leaning on local supporters, including one who wore an “8647” hat in a campaign video she posted.
Macy, an Ohio native, is leaning on local supporters of hers like George Payne, a veteran, to make the case that voters in Virginia’s 6th District should oust the incumbent. On Macy’s campaign Facebook page, she posted a video in which Payne is clearly wearing a hat that reads “8647,” which many view as a call to assassinate President Donald Trump.
“George Payne, retired US Marine from Broadway, has a message for an administration and Congress that want to cut veterans services,” Macy posted. “‘If you want to thank me for my service there, Ben Cline … vote Democrat!’”
When prominent anti-Trump antagonists, like former FBI Director James Comey, have posted about “8647,” Republicans, like Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) condemned it as an incitement to violence. “James Comey is either threatening to kill Donald Trump or suggesting someone should,” Johnson said at the time. “This is as outrageous as it is dangerous.”
But Macy’s reliance on Payne as a surrogate goes beyond a one-off video. In campaign emails obtained by the Washington Reporter she again uses Payne’s words to rally supporters — months after he said them in the initial May video.
In a July 6 fundraising email, Macy puts Payne center stage: “My friend George said it best,” the subject line reads.
“My friend George Payne — a retired Marine from Broadway, Virginia — said it best: ‘If you want to thank me for my service Ben Cline, vote Democrat.’” That email is a carbon copy of another fundraising email, obtained by the Reporter, which Macy sent on June 21.
Both emails feature Payne photographed in his “8647” hat, which can be easily read. Macy’s campaign did not respond to request for comment.
