The McLean Ear: President, Governor Visit McLean, McLean Couple Makes Generous Hospital Donation

Virginia Governor Visits McLean: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell stopped by an undisclosed location in McLean Tuesday evening to attend a fund-raising dinner for the Independence Virginia PAC.                              

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported in March that this super PAC was organized by Paul Bennecke, who formerly worked at the Republican Governors Association as the political director. Bennecke now has his own consulting firm, according to a spokesman for the Governors Association.

Politico reported also in March that Bennecke said he was creating the PAC to raise money to support George Allen, a Republican former senator and governor, who is running for the Virginia Senate seat against Democrat Tim Kaine, also a former Virginia governor.

The PAC has reported contributions of $1,000 according to its July report to the Federal Elections Commission according to Open Secrets, a website that tracks campaign contributions.

President Visits McLean: President Obama made his second fundraising visit to McLean Friday appearing at back-to-back fundraisers at the Georgetown Pike home of Earl and Amanda Stafford.

Marine One flew Obama to Madeira School where he got into a limousine to motor a short distance to the Stafford estate, according to White House pool reports.

At the first event at about 6 p.m. Obama President spoke with about 20 people who reportedly paid $35,800 each to attend, according to White House pool reports. Then at 7:35 p.m., Obama spoke to an estimated 270 supporters who had paid $2,500 each, according to the pool report.

This was similar to a by Obama and former President Bill Clinton at Terry McAuliffe's McLean home April 30. This was the first of handful of joint fund-raising appearances by the two presidents.

McLean Couple Increase Support for Inova Research. Betty and Guy Beatty, of McLean have made a  $5 million "trust commitment" to support research Inova Health System, according to a press release from Inova.

The couple has previously supported the Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research at the Inova Fairfax Hospital Campus, according to the press release.