 In May 2009, Wright met with then-Attorney General Bill Mims to discuss requesting an exemption from the requirement to register, but on 18 August 2009, the USNVA received a letter stating that the Attorney General concurred with not granting the organization an exemption.Following that letter, Thompson, who was a Florida resident, began to donate to Virginia politicians.In 2009, Mr. Thompson made $78,375 in political contributions.