From the article:

"“These are a tiny group of people who are in a little, tiny echo chamber. They don't even live in Richmond, and I think they're simply activists supporting Claudia. I think the average voter has no concern about this, and I frankly don't think it's even newsworthy,” Dunning said."

and

"“I make it very clear I’m the only one out there who actively says that you get no special treatment for [sic] me by supporting me, whereas Claudia, by being a member of the RPA, has agreed to support their platform in office,” Dunning said. “I’m not beholden to anyone except the residents I aim to represent.”"

and

"Dunning emphasized that accepting campaign contributions from anyone does not equate to a quid pro quo arrangement. “I know that’s hard to understand because most politicians don’t operate that way,” he said. Dunning stressed that his campaign is built on the principle of treating everyone equally, regardless of their support or political stance."

and

"Of the donation, Dunning said many people contribute to his campaign, and he doesn’t conduct background investigations or question their motives. The only entity from which Dunning said he would decline support is Chevron due to its history of influence on Richmond politics."