2010 US Presidential Election

[Marky Bunny]

All orginial castings stand.
As for show cannon, such as Vinick winning Vermont & Santos winning SC in 2006, I had no control over those. Blame the shows Series 7 writting team, not us but when writting this thread it was going to be a carry on from the show, NOT A RETROCON!
The one key thing for everyone to remember is this.... and its a quote from Aaron Sorkin "The show is set in America like our own, but one thats not quite our own"!!!

Mark
Thread Creator
Main Thread writter & Joint story editor

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Tuesday June 5th 2012

Arkansas Democratic Governor Primary race turns ugly

With a week to go until the Democratic Primary election for Governor in Arkansas, the race between Christopher Rimmer, the son of current term-limited Governor Bobby Rimmer, and former Governor Jack Griffith has turned increasily ugly and bitter over the last few days.

At a rally on Saturday, Griffith called Rimmer "a daddy's boy who has no qualifications to be Governor, other than his dad's name" he added "in America, we don't do things that way".

Yesterday Christopher Rimmer hit back calling his opponent a "drunken womennaiser" over his addmission that liked to drink and date women whilst at college. "Being Governor isn't just about policy, it's about moral values as well, and Governor Griffith doesn't have either"

The GOP front runner Carol-Anne Slater slammed both Rimmer and Griffith saying both men where "unfit to hold the office of Governor" and that Arkansas "deserved better"

[Marky Bunny]

SeattleTimes.com

Tuesday June 5th 2012

Haffley & Boone agree to live TV debate

The two candidates to be the GOP candidate for Governor, incumbent Sean Boone and former House Speaker Jeff Haffley have agreed to an hour long debate on NBS TV and on the Seattle Times website this coming Saturday evening at 8.00 PM (PT).

Both campaigns said that where looking forward to the debate "We are looking forward to this debate, Governor Boone will able to show he is a man of substance and ideas for this state" said a Boone spokesman, whilst the Haffley campaign said "Speaker Haffley welcomes the chance to put forward his vision for a proper conservative Washington".

[Marky Bunny]

Augusta.news.com

Tuesday June 5th 2012

Kate Crossley endorses State Senator Willie Katt for Senate

Former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley has today endorsed State Senator Willie Katt in Maine for the Senate.

Katt is running un-challenged for the nomination, and today he praised Governor Crossley "Governor Crossley is showing herself a true leader of her party, and I am very proud that she has endorsed my campaign to get real change for Maine". Governor Crossley said "Willie is the type of man we need in the Senate, we need someone to defend the interests of the Middle-class".

[disputed]

bbc.co.uk, Tuesday June 5th

Carter To Confirm EU Referendum

With the country focused almost entirely on the long weekend to mark the Queen’s jubilee Prime Minister Andrew Carter has chosen his moment to confirm that he will hold and in or out referendum on the UK’s membership in May of next year.

Carter has long been thought to favor a referendum but increasing speculation over the future of the Euro and the knock on effect of Carter’s decision to refuse to further fund the Eurozone bail out fund last month appears to have brought the decision to a head. The Prime Minister found support from many of his more euro-sceptic colleagues but came under heavy fire from the Labour opposition.

Labour leader Ed Miller said that Carter had “lurched to the right” and was introducing a bill to “distract the public from the grim future his savage spending cuts has ensured.”

Downing Street refused to confirm the exact timing or question that the referendum will pose - nor have they indicated whether the Prime Minister will back the In or Out campaign.

[Marky Bunny]

Bismarktimes.com

Tuesday June 5th 2012

Mattock & Gillette held talks over the weekend

A story has broken tonight that Democratic candidate for the Senate Jay Mattock has held talks with Progressive Alliance Senator Seth Gillette, it is believed that the talks where in regards to one of the men of dropping out of the race, in fear of handing the general election to the popular GOP former Governor George Simms.

Polls shows in a 3 way race Simms would beat both men, but a single united candidate would would beat the former Governor.

Gillette who has been Senator since 1989, left the Democratic party two years ago, has continued to vote with his former party.

A spokesman for Senator Gillette confirmed a meeting had taken place "The Senator held a private meeting with Jay Mattock on Sunday for two hours, it was very friendly but very frank". No-one from the Mattock camp has made any comment.

[disputed]

nbs.com, Tuesday June 5th

Jobs Report Boosts Walken’s Case

The latest job figures released last Friday have had a positive effect on President Walken’s approval rating as the 371,000 new jobs created saw the unemployment rate drop to 7.3% - a number that has been seized upon by Republicans as a sign that the President’s economic strategy is working.

The new numbers have given Walken an immediate boost with his approval rating edging up to 57%, the highest it has been in over a year.

Republican strategist Colt Marchant told Fox News Sunday that “this is a clear indication that the President’s economic plan is working. We shouldn’t get complacent but it’s a clear sign that lowering tax rates and tackling the long term deficit is the way forward.”

The news was tempered by some contrasting input from Democrats. Former Vice-President Robert Russell said that “whilst these numbers are encouraging, we can’t lose sight of the fact that President Walken is paying for his tax cuts for the rich, and attempting to balance the budget by attacking the middle class - if he doesn’t balance his plan this will be nothing but a short term fix.”

[disputed]

politico.com, Wednesday June 6th

Governor Rimmer Breaks Truce To Defend Son Against Griffith Attacks

Arkansas Governor Bobby Rimmer surprised many last night as he broke a self imposed promise of neutrality by jumping into the Democratic race for his successor and all but endorsed his son Chris.

Governor Rimmer was said to be outraged by the venomous attacks by Griffith on both his own record and on the qualification of his State Senator son. Sources close to the Governor suggested that an ad run over the weekend attacking the younger Rimmer for the manner of his departure from the US Army pushed the Governor over the edge.

At a press conference yesterday he jumped into the race with both feet. “I find his (Griffith’s) tactics to be deplorable. My son served his country with distinction and has decided to run for Governor for the same reasons he wanted to serve in the armed forces – he is a committed patriot who wants to make things better for the people of this country – the attacks on him are despicable and I won’t stand by and let them go unchallenged!”

Local analysts suggest that Rimmer, who retains a strong approval rating, may have a strong positive impact on the campaign of his son – with many believing that his failure to back his son has led to questions over his viability as a candidate.

[disputed]

thehill.com, Wednesday June 5th

Braun Confirmed As White House Chief of Staff

White House Spokesman Bill Bradley told confirmed that Jane Braun has been confirmed as the White House Chief of Staff replacing outgoing Evan Drake from the 1st of August.

Braun, who is currently serving as a Senior Advisor to Walken was previously Chief of Staff for Vice-President Liz Clark and has held a number of senior political roles with the Republican Party.

The move is being seen as one designed to restore some stability in the Senior White House team that has been rocked by departures of Pete Ross, Drake and Ann Stark over the past few months.

The move drew some criticism from Democrats with South Carolina Senator Tim McCord telling Capitol Beat that he was “disappointed that he (President Walken) has felt the need to make such a partisan appointment, I don’t doubt Ms. Braun’s capability but she has an agenda that might make bi-partisanship more difficult.”

McCord’s view was supported by RNC Chairman Josh Lyman, who has clashed with Braun in the past. Lyman told Meet The Press that “I was hoping for a more bi-partisan appointment.” The former Santos Chief of Staff’s comments sparked a row with Republican Governor of Florida James Ritchie, who was also a guest on the show. Ritchie scoffed at Lyman saying “ The very idea that Josh Lyman is accusing someone of partisanship would be laughable if it weren’t so ludicrous. There is little doubt that history will find him to be one of the most nakedly partisan and aggressive holders of that office.”

[disputed]

phoenixsuntimes.com, Wednesday June 5th

Polls Show Marienhoff Ahead for First Time in 2012

If you hear a collective sigh of relief in Democratic circles in Arizona this week it’s likely emanating from the campaign headquarters of former minority leader Bill Marienhoff, who for the first time in 2012 has polled ahead of his insurgent challenger Robbie Mitri in the race for the Democratic nomination for the Senate.

Marienhoff has been struggling to beat back Mitri’s surge in popularity but a Pew Poll over the weekend gave him a 5 point lead by far the best numbers he has had since State Senator Mitri entered the race. The former Minority Leader has spent much of the past month hitting Mitri on his record in the state legislature and the move appears to be paying dividends.

The Marienhoff campaign are also confident that they have seen off the possibility of a high profile endorsement of Mitri by either former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley or former Union boss Bob Hagen – moves that could have catapulted Mitri into an insurmountable lead.

[disputed]

nbs.com/politics, Wednesday June 5th

NEW MEXICO RACE SET FOR NOVEMBER SHOW DOWN

The Land of Enchantment has a Senate race worthy of the state moniker after Michael Rojas trounced the Republican field to set up a November battle with incumbent Lloyd Russell, who easily despatched former Youth In Revolt President Liam Dickson in the Democratic primary.

Rojas, the former State Treasurer, used his acceptance speech to turn his attack on Russell saying that re-electing “an out of touch, liberal with no understanding of the real world isn’t likely to move the state forward.”

Russell for his part kicked off his campaign strategy accusing Rojas of being “yet another Republican extremist who wants to work in government but doesn’t think it has any value.”

Ahead of the primary the race was flagged as “too close to call” with the RCP average for the race giving Russell a 0.4% lead.

[disputed]

washingtonpost.com, Wednesday June 6th

Brace: “Calabresse Would Be A Disaster”

New Jersey Senator Mike Brace, long considered the prime target for Democrats in this years election cycle used his primary victory yesterday as a launch pad to attack State Senator Cameron Calabresse, the man who the Democrats nominated to challenge the beleaguered Senator this November.

Brace, who won an uncontested primary, told supporters at this acceptance party in the Parsippany Hilton that “tonight we being the fight for New Jersey. Our opponent would be a disaster for the state and for the country – we must do everything possible to ensure he doesn’t get the opportunity to pursue his ultra liberal agenda in Washington.”

Calabresse was more relaxed after his victory, thanking his supporters and again pushing his position that “Senator Brace has been an embarrassment for the state, we need true leadership in Washington and that’s what I’m offering.”

State Senator Calabresse received a boost when former Governor Kate Crossley confirmed that she would campaign with him over the course of the campaign.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday June 6th 2012

EU Referendum will offer 3 choices on May 2nd 2013

Downing Street has confirmed in the last few minutes that the EU Referendum on the UK's future in the European Union will take place on Thursday May 2nd next year, the same day as planned local Government elections.

The referendum will offer voters three choices:

1. keeping the status quo
2. reforming the terms of membership
3. complete withdrawl

It was announced that Prime-Minister Andrew Carter will hold a full press conference at 11.00 am on Thursday.

[Marky Bunny]

New Jersey Senator Mike Brace after being confirmed as the GOP nominee once again last night.

(photo by Brent Spiner)

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Thursday June 7th 2012

Carter "EU has reaching tipping point, we have to decide"

Prime-Minister Andrew Carter has defended his decision to call a nationwide referendum on May 2nd next year to decide the country's future in the European Union.

"It has become clear to me over the last few months, that we need to take a decision, the EU has reached a tipping point, we have to decide our future in Europe".

He confirmed that three questions would be on the ballot paper, stay in, withdrawl and re-forming the terms of membership. Asked what he supported "I can confirm that I will be supporting the question of re-forming our terms of membership of the Union". He also said that he would be suspending Cabinet collective responsibility for the referendum, allowing different members of the cabinet to campaign for the three different campaigns. He said the decision had been the "toughest call I have had to make" and admitted cabinet discusions had been "very heated at times".

He denied the claims of Labour Leader Ed Miller that he was holding the referendum to deflect away from the governments spending cuts plan "utter rubbish, the leader of the Labour party is entitled to his opinion, but one suspects he may have bigger problems now" hinting that the Labour Shadow Cabinet and the Labour Party as a whole is as split on the issue of the EU, as the Conservatives.

Ed Miller and Emma Dean, the Liberal Democratic leader are both to hold press conferences on Friday morning.

[Marky Bunny]

Bismarktimes.com

Thursday June 7th 2012

Gillette & Mattock to hold joint press conferance on Friday

A joint statement has been released by the campaigns of Democrat Jay Mattock and Progressive Alliance Senator Seth Gillette. It comes after several days of rumours that one of the two men would withdraw from the senate race in favour of the other to present a united candidate to defeat retiring and popular Governor George Simms.

As discussed boefore in a three way race Simms would easily win the senate election, but in a straight fight with either Mattock or Gillette, the race is "too close to call".

[Marky Bunny]

SeattleTimes.com

Thursday June 7th 2012

Boone had "six hours" of debate prep ahead of Haffley debate on Saturday

The campaign for Governor Sean Boone has confirmed this afternoon that the Governor has had "six hours" prep for the debate on Saturday night to be shown on NBS and Seattle Times.com.

"The Governor belives that this is his chance to show that he is the right to candidate to be the GOP nominee in the General election". It was also confirmed that Vermont Senator Matt Skinner has been playing former House Speaker Jeff Haffley in the debate prep. It is well know that there is little love lost between Skinner and Haffley strentching back to Skinner's time as Congressman when Haffley was Speaker of the House. Skinner was one of the first prominent GOP figures to endorse Governor Boone.

[Marky Bunny]

Seattle.Times.com

Thursday June 7th 2012

Haffley out campaigning "I don't need debate prep, I know my answers"

Jeff Haffley was out campaiging in Seattle today, and told reporters "I don't need debate prep" this coming after his opponent Governor Boone had six hours of prep for this Saturday's debate.

"I am ready for the debate, I know my answers, and frankly I don't require six hours to prepare to take on this failed Governor".

The comments have caused even some Haffley supporters concern, that they show the former house speaker over confident ahead of the debate, espically with him holding a narrow 3% lead over Boone in the majority of the latest opinion polls.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Friday June 8th 2012

Miller "EU referedum is a distraction"

Labour leader Ed Miller said that the decision by Prime-Minister Andrew Carter to hold a referedum on the future of the country in the european union next May was a "distraction" and was being held to "hope that no-one sees this Governments savage and brutal public spending cuts".

"He is doing it to appease his own right-wing back bench MP's, whilst the Cabinet is totally divided over the issue". Miller said that he would be supporting the vote for the country to remain in the EU, asked if he would suspend Shadow Cabinet collective responsibility he replied "no" saying that the Shadow Cabinet was "united" and "determined to put the case for the UK staying in the UN", although he admited that "several" of his back-benchers would support the "withdrawl" or "re-forming the terms of membership".

[Marky Bunny]

Bismarktimes.com

Friday June 8th 2012

Gillette drops out of Senate race and endorses Mattock

At a joint-press conference a few minutes ago, Senator Seth Gillette has withdrawn from his attempt to be re-elected as Senator as a member of the Progressive Alliance, and endorsed Democrat Jay Mattock.

Gillette who has served for four terms, apart from the last two years as a Democrat, had been expected to seek a fifth term, but with the opinion polls showing a spilit race between him, Mattock and GOP Governor George Samms, would almost certinly give the race to Samms, Gillette has withdrawn "Jay is a good man, he belives in many of the same causes as me, espically environmental reforms and big multi-national companies", he also said "I understand now, that my political career is now over, but its been a great ride, and my honour to serve the great people of North Dakota in the Senate".

Jay Mattock praised Gillette "Seth has been a great Senator for this state, and for this country, I hope I can follow in his footsteps".

GOP Governor George Samms said "he (Mattock) is more of the same left-wing anti-business bashing and poliices we have had from Seth Gillette for the last 24 years, we need a change in Washington, and the people know from my record as Governor what they will get from me".