2010 US Presidential Election

[disputed]

cnn.com, Sunday November 8th

Breaking news: Debate On!

After a flurry of activity this evening at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the New York Police Department have confirmed that tonights Republican Primary debate will go ahead as planned.

An NYPD spokesman told reporters a few minutes ago that they had fully investiaged this evening's security breach and has concluded that they were had determind that the debate could continue as planned. "We had a credible security threat that we had to work through. After our investigation we have briefed the candidates and they have decided unanimously that they will go ahead this evening. We are taking necessary precautions and are confident that the debate will pass off without incident."

None of the candidates has made any comment as of yet.

[disputed]

politico.com, Monday November 9th

Fuller Makes His Mark On GOP Race

New York - Senator Hawk Fuller made his mark on the Republican race for President last night during his first debate appearance at the latest engagement in the battle for the party's nomination for President at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

The event, which was in doubt until the last minute due to what the NYPD described as a "specific threat against one of the candidates", saw all eight of the remaining candidates debate everything from foreign policy to healthcare, but much of the debate seemed to focus around the suitability of each of the candidates to be President.

Fuller, for his part, focused heavily on his experience and showed a strong grasp of the challenges facing the country around the world "We have failed to show the necessary leadership in Gaza, and waited too long to do so in Kazahkstan. I strongly believe that the United States is the one country in the world that can show the moral leadership in todays world. We can not and should not wait for the threats this world offers to come to us."

The former Senator for Kentucky clashed with the notional front runner Governor Ray Sullivan, who most polls show holding a narrow lead. Sullivan accused Fuller of being "erratic" and as having changed his positions on key social issues. Fuller responded insisting he would accept no "lectures" from Sullivan.

It fair to say Sullivan needs to continue to make solid performances between now and the start of the primary season to be a strong contender for the nomination. He will have been happy with his nights work.

Another who will be pleased with his performance is former acting President Glen Walken. The Missouri congressman showed all his wit and flair whilst dismissing General Nicholas Alexander's claim that his conservative credentials had been endorsed by President Santos. "The President would have considered Harry Truman as being too far too the right" Walken said as he laid waste to Alexander's arguement.

For the first time a more civil tone overtook a part of the debate with both Walken and Fuller speaking of their respect for each other. The civility was soon interupted as Sullivan took the opportunity to paint both as "Washington insiders incapable of delivering the change we need."

Of the remaining candidates Governor Marcus Blakemore showed some fire but will have disappointed many of his supporters with a dramatic lurch to the left on immigration policy. Surprisingly he made little attempt to engage in the foreign policy debate between Fuller, Walken and Haffley about half way through the debate.

Haffley is harder to analyse, he will have played well to the base with his continued insistance on talking about social issues, promising a consitutional amendment banning gay marriage. He took some big hits on foreign policy, he struggled in particular to refute allegations of "appeasement" from Glen Walken over his policy of withdrawl from Gaza and continues to suffer from comparisons with Walken, Sullivan and now Fuller.

The race is nearing the stage when the talking will have to stop, the Iowa caucus is only eight weeks away, on tonghts evidence the Republican Party have some tough decisions to make.

[disputed]

foxnews.com, Monday November 9th

Republican Debate Coverage

The leading Republican contenders for President met again last night in New York with the focus of the debate turning more and more to the experience and character of the eight remaining candidates for the Presidential nomination.

The event started ninety minutes later than scheduled due to what local police described as a "security breach", later revealed to have been a credible threat against the life of former Michigan Governor Marcus Blakemore.

The debate saw a more civil tone than previous encounters, but still saw the candidates diverge on a number of key issues. In the most heated exchange of the evening former acting President Glen Walken accused his succesor as Speaker of the House Jeff Haffley of being "an appeaser" and claiming that the Washington Congressman was "irresponsible" on foreign policy. "We have a large number of enemies all of whom would happily destroy this country. Congressman Haffley has shown that he favors a policy of isolation from our global challenges - I think that's a very dangerous road to go down.

It was a good night for Walken, he seemed to get the better of his chief rival Ray Sullivan on a number of occasions most memorably mocking the 2006 vice-presidential nominee for comparing his experience to that of former President Owen Lassiter when he took office "Governor, President Lassiter was a friend and hero to me, and you, I'm afraid, are no Owen Lassiter."

Former Kentucky Senator George "Hawk" Fuller marked his first debate appearance with an assured performance, brushing off criticism from Governor Marcus Blakemore that he was joining the race at the very last minute to avoid scrutiny "I've been in public life for thirty year, I'd be surprised if there was anything left for people to know."

Fuller also clashed with Sullivan and Walken, both of whom expressed concerns that the 69 year old Senator was too erratic to be President. He responded well to Sullivan's claim that he had changed positions on stem cell research and his defense of marriage. Fuller replied saying "You sir, are the last person I'll accept a lecture from regarding changes in my positon."

Sullivan, for his part will be satisfied with his night. He continues to struggle to dominate proceedings against political heavyweights like Walken and Fuller, but he should a strong understanding of policy and has an undeniable fire in his belly. Ultimatley he doesn't need the debates to be game changers, and this one wasn't.

That is much worse news for the rest of the field. Haffley, Blakemore and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Nicholas Alexander needed big performances and none of them delivered. Alexander struggled to shake off Fuller's mocking introduction early in the debate and his lame claim that he must be a Republican because President Santos says he his was ruthlessly exploited by Walken.

Blakemore may have been shaken by earlier events but he made little of his opportunity tonight - he showed a definite tack to the right, unveiling a much greater focus on border control and saying he had no intention of looking into immigation reform. He also promised across the board tax cuts by the end of his first term. This raised the ire of Walken, who said that a new era of fiscal conservativism had to mean no tax cut promises that couldn't be funded, he then talked up his own plan to cut tax to small businesses which he announced had been fully costed by the CBO.

For all their disagreements the candidates also found a number of points to agree on. They all answered the first question by refuting claims by the President that the economy is on the mend. Walken and Fuller agreed that Santos is following the right path in Kazahkstan and that US troops should remain in Gaza.

[disputed]

nationalreview.com, Monday November 9th

Editorial: Walken For President

Every member of the conservative movement have been debating for months who to support in the upcoming Presidential primaries, many are finding it difficult to choose between some very strong candidates. All of the men running for the nomination has strengths, and none is perfect, but then we'd have said much the same about Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Owen Lassiter. Various conservatives have reached, different judgments as to who they will support. There are fine conservatives supporting each of these Republicans.

Until now we have held our council but always following our guiding principle that the nominee must have strong conservative credentials and must be a genuine contender in a general election.

Following last nights debate in New York we have reached our decision. In our judgment, the outstanding candidate in the field is Glen Walken, the former Speaker and acting President. Unlike some other candidates in the race, Walken is a full-spectrum conservative: a strong supporter of free-market, supply-side economics, a firm belief in limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest. While he has not talked much about the importance of resisting ethnic balkanization — none of the major candidates has — he supports enforcing the immigration laws and opposes amnesty. All of this is coupled with the fact that Walken is a politcal force of nature. At his peak, as he was last night, we feel he will make an outstanding President. He has outlined a much clearer agenda than any other candidate, he is a great campaigner and has rediscovered the drive and charisma that made him such a force in the early years of this decade.

It is for all these reasons that this newspaper is today endorsing Glen Allen Walken for President of the United States.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Monday November 9th 2009
Santos gets criticism for not attending Berlin Wall celebrations
President Matthew Santos has come under criticism for not attending the celebrations in Berlin today, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The President who has been visting states, key to his re-election campaign, will spend Monday at his new second home on the outskirts of Houston, before flying to Ohio late Monday evening.
"The President seems more interested in getting re-elected than celebrating a shining example of American lead democracy" said GOP Presidential Candidate George Fuller "I belive it is an insult that he will not be attending. British Prime-Minister Green is attending, so why can't our President" he added.
Some question whether the decision not to go was a nod to Russia, with which the Santos administration is trying to mend relations, espically regarding Kazahkstan and getting the Russians to stand down more of its forces.
White House Press Secretary Maria Lopez said that a "very senior delegation" of U.S. officials would attend.
That delegation is led by Secretary of State Arnold Vinick and includes Former President DW Newman, and Former Vice-Presidents Piearce and Eisenhower.

[Marky Bunny]

UK.Politics.com Monday November 9th 2009
Preview: Southampton West & Lyndhurst By-Election- Thursday November 12th 2009
The Southampton West & Lyndhurst By-Election on Thursday seems to have almost slipped below the radar. It was caused by the death of Liberal Democrat MP Roger Anderson in a car crash back in August.
Stephen Connor, 48, a Local Councillor is defending the mere majority of just 298. The Conservatives have re-selected Former MP Tony Graham, who lost the seat to Mr Anderson in the June 2007 General Election, after he had won it from the Liberals in 2000, by just 126 votes, before being re-elected in 2004 with a majority of 643.
The NDP who have lots of support on the south coast, have been campaigning hard, Harry Lesile, is a Former Labour PPC, who defected to the NDP in 2002, after saying that the Meyer Government had "sold the Country down the river to Europe". he belives he has a real chance of winning the party a first elected seat (not counting the five defectors, four from the Conservatives and one from Labour back in 1995, when the Party was formed).
Labour have no chance, and the best candidate, Sally Gray can hope for is avioding finishing in fifth place, with the NPP sensing a chance to overtake Labour. That would probably spell more trouble for Prime-Minister Green.
Local polls suggest a Conservative win between 1,500 to 2,000 votes, we will of course see on the early hours of Friday Morning.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/LONDON Monday November 9th 2009
Greens to hold Press Conferance on Tuesday to announce Mayoral candidate
The Green Party in the capital have announced that they will be holding a press conferance at 10.00 am Tuesday to announce there Mayoral Candidate for next May's election.
It is believed to be the 2006 candidate, and the Leader of the Party in the London Assembly Roxanne Daniels.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Monday November 9th 2009
Blakemore "I am not worried"
Presidential Candidate Marcus Blakemore, the first African-american with a serious chance at the White House, said he was "not worried" about last nights threat against his life prior to the GOP debate in New York.
"I come from rough streets, and I have been shot before" refeering to when he was wounded preventing an armed robbery in Detriot as a 20 year old Police Officer in 1978.
"The poilce, FBI, and Secret Service have been excellent, and my campaign will carry on as normal".

[Marky Bunny]

Foxnews.com Monday November 9th 2009
Poll suggests Walken won the debate
A poll today based on 5,000 on-line and phone surveys suggest Former Acting President won last nights Presidential debate in New York.

1. Walken 40%
2. Fuller 28%
3. Sullivan 17%
4. Blakemore 7%
5. Alexander 4%
6. Haffley 3%
7. Skinner 1%

The poll will also be a big boost to former Senator Fuller, who was in his first debate since joining the race.

[disputed]

townhall.com, Monday November 9th

Sullivan Lodges Formal Complaint With CNN

Ray Sullivan, the leading Republican candidate for President, has announced that his campaign have lodged an official complaint with CNN over there handling of last nights debate.

Sullivan's campaign manager Colt Marchant told reporters this afternoon that the former West Virginia Governor was concerned at the performance of moderator Jackson Winters who Marchant described as "extremely unbalanced" in his approach to the debate.

Marchant pointed to a number of answers where Sullivan was cut off by the moderator for exceeding his time limit, but then pointed to a number of examples when both Glen Walken and George Fuller were allowed extra time to complete answers. He also pointed to a number of occasions when Walken was allowed to talk over Sullivan during answers to his question. "Glen Walken is extremely clever in debates, he is keen on engaging in debate on questions asked to other candidates but is quite insistant on being allowed his full time to answer his own questions."

The 2006 Vice-Presidential nominee has made it clear in his statement to CNN that he expects the rules to be followed more closely in future debates.

We didn't have to wait long for a response from the other candidates for the Republican nomination. Jane Braun, the political director of the Walken campaign, pounced on the complaint saying "This is clearly a attempt by Governor Sullivan to deflect attention from that fact that President Walken comprehensivley won last nights debate. Once again Glen Walken showed he is head and shoulders above the rest of the field, I'm afraid Governor Sullivan is just showing himself to be a bad loser."

Walken's response was echoed by Senator Hawk Fuller who said "Governor Sullivan clearly feels that rules are more important than us all making it clear to voters what we stand for. I couldn't disagree more."

Sullivan's concerns were given some support by Congressman Matthew Skinner who claimed that CNN offered the leading candidates far more time than he was alloted pointing out that he was only given first response on two questions whilst Sullivan was given ten, Fuller nine and Walken seven.

CNN responded through their lawyers saying "We fully support the performance of Jackson Winters. He followed the flow of the debate and allowed, as best he could, every candidate the chance to answer the questions."

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News Tuesday November 10th 2009
Greens shock as they endorse Stanley for Mayor
The Green Party caused a major surprise today by announcing that they would not be putting forward there own candidate, instead Roxanne Daniels, Leader of the party in London, and the 2006 nominee, and who was widely expected to be the candidate next year, announced the endorsement of former Mayor Ben Stanley who is running as an independent.
“Mayor Stanley achieved a lot in his eight years in office; we supported his congestion charge scheme, and his efforts to reduce car use, as well as his excellent recycling programme. We do not agree with him on all the issues, these differences are small, and so rather than me standing, and drawing votes from him, the Green Party today endorses Ben Stanley’s Independent run for London Mayor next year, and I urge all our supporters to cast there vote for him”.
Stanley has already gained the endorsement of the Socialist Labour Party and Socialist Workers Party, but in the expected close three way battle with the current Labour Mayor Gerald Fox and the former Conservative Prime-Minister Henry Reed, this endorsement by the Greens who did win almost 44,000 votes in the last election could be vital for his campaign.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News Tuesday November 10th 2009
Stanley pleased by Greens support
Independent Mayoral Candidate Ben Stanley said he was "pleased but suprised" with the endorsement of the Green Party earlier today.
On a walk-out in in Harrow On the Hill, he said "I am very pleased if a little suprised by the support of the Green Party today, but it shows to me we are building a campaign of all the people of all party's not just the Labour Party. People don't want another four years of a Downing Street, Yes-man in the job, and they certainly don't want a failed Tory Prime-Minister either".

[disputed]

politico.com, Tuesday November 10th

Virginia Result Confirmed As Hutchison Withdraws Legal Challenge

Almost a week after the intial result was announced, Congressman Robert Buchanan has been confirmed as Governor - elect of Virginia. The result was announced officially at the state house in Richmond, less than an hour after former Secretary of Defense Miles Hutchison announced that he was ending his legal action to the results of the second recount.

Hutchison's insistance on a recount backfired on him when the second result extended Buchanan's lead from 2,324 to 4,611. The second recount did reduce the gap but Buchanan still led by over 3,500 votes. Hutchison's team were still questioning the exclusion of a number of ballots from traditionally democratic areas in the north of the state, but after taking advice from key advisors it was announced that Secretary Hutchison would not pursue further legal avenues.

Shortly thereafter Hutchison called Buchanan to finally concede. The Congressman from Virginia's 10th district then issued a statement saying he was "delighted" that the lengthy process was at an end. He thanked Hutchison for his gracious concession and hoped that he could work with his administration to solve the problems that face the state.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Wednesday November 11th 2009
Libby Lassiter "Sullivan is nothing like Owen"
Just when she had been quiet for three months, the Former First Lady, who is always good for a quote or two, has decided to speak out again, this over remarks by Governor Ray Sullivan during the GOP debate on Saturday, in which he compared himself to her husband and Former President Owen Lassiter.
"Glen is right, Governor Sullivan is nothing like Owen. Owen was a man of old-fashioned values, who said what he believed and stuck to it, and didn't change his view just to make himself more popular or to try to win an election, Owen kept the same views all his life, Governor Sullivan can't say the same thing. If anyone in this race, is like my Owen, than it is Glen, he has those values, and he always said Glen would make a great President".
She was also asked about the fact that her late husbands, Former Senior adviser Colt Merchant was running the Sullivan campaign "Colt is a family friend, I like him as did Owen, but I think he has made a mistake by joining the Sullivan campaig, and have told him so".

[Marky Bunny]

FOX.News.com Wednesday November 11th 2009
Haffley "I am guided by Washingtons Farewell address"
Former Speaker Jeff Haffley who was given a hard time in the GOP debate on Sunday night, espically by Glen Walken over his Foreign policy, and that he was an "appeaser" and that he stood for "not getting involved in World affairs", on the night Haffley struggled for an answer, but today speaking at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, he hit back.
"Everything I believe in comes from one document in our nations history. It comes from George Washingtons farewell address to the nation. The majority of what I stand for is in there. The authority of the Constituation, and the importance of checks and balances between all branches of our Goverment, Seperation of powers, the importance of Religion and morality in American life, strong support for a balanced budget, and low Government spending, and the dangers of getting involved in Foreign Alliances, and the affairs of other nations. He said " the American people should take advantage of their isolated position in the world, and avoid attachments and entanglements in Foreign affairs, which he said have little or nothing to do with the interests of America".That is what I believe, now others think it is wrong, Washington didn't , and I certainly don't".

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Wednesday November 11th 2009
Fuller laughs at Haffley's attempt to link himself to George Washington
George Fuller was in Berlin, New Hampshire when heard of a speech made by Former Speaker Jeff Haffley in which he said his ideas all came from George Washington's famous 1796 farewell address to the nation.
"Well, my friends, people have said I am old, and I have no new policies, but I tell you something my policies are not 213 years old, like Speaker Haffley.
Now you know, I have been around the political arena a long time, well I say to Speaker Haffley, George Washington was a friend of mine, I knew him, Jeff you are no George Washington".

[Marky Bunny]

NewYork Times.com Wednesday November 11th 2009
Owen Sullivan back partying
Owen Sullivan has risked the anger of his Father and Presidential Candidate Ray, after looking worse for wear outside a bar in Huntington, West Virginia during the early hours of Monday morning.
Sullivan 17 was photographed outside the bar, dancing with his shirt unbuttoned and his jeans soaked by drink. He then continued the antics by running up down the street, attempting to chat to groups of girls.
The images of a dishevelled looking Sullivan are unlikely to please his parents. The Sullivan Family appeared on TV back in August after Owen had had a string of drink related incidents during the summer.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News Friday November 13th 2009
Conservatives win Southampton West & Lyndhurst by-election
The Conservatives have won the Southampton West & Lyndhurst by-election taking the seat from the Liberal Democrats.
The election was caused by the death of Liberal Democrat MP Roger Anderson in a car crash back in August.
Former MP Tony Graham was re-elected to the seat he served between 2000 and 2007, he edged out the Liberal candidate Stephen Connor by 1,797 votes.
It was a bad night for Labour, as they where beaten into fifth place by both the National Democrats and the National Peoples party.
Speaking after the result had been announced Graham said "This a great Victory for the Conservative Party, we have won a good victory. It shows that the people are fed-up with this Prime-Minister and this Government, and they know the only way to get it out is to vote Conservative".
Full Results
Tony Graham Conservative 10,219
Stephen Connor Lib Dem 8, 422
Harry Lesile NDP 3,194
Phil Duncan NPP 3,076
Sally Gray Labour 2,824
Karen Webb Green 964
Peter Thompson Socialist Labour and Workers Party 437
Harold Murphy End Tax Party 108
Reggie Kerr Happy Sunshine Party 12
Rejected Ballots 38
Total Votes Cast: 29, 256
Majority 1,797

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Monday November 16th 2009
Phillipines Government to re-open inquiry into the US Peacekeeping mission
The Manilla Government has today announced it was re-opening the inquiry into the US peacekeeping mission which served in the country from November 1998 for a year.
The 1,000 troop force was sent by President Lassiter in his last two months in office, to help keep the peace after two failed coup attempts, in which the US forces supported the new all party Governement.
Normally this would not gain much attention, but the commander of the US force was current GOP Presidential candidate General Nicholas Alexander.
Alexander came in for some critisim for his handling of the mission, although he was cleared by the Senate Armed Forces Committee back in January 2000, he came under the microscope for the handling of the Manilla Prision riot in January 1999, when fifty prisioners and twenty-five US troops where killed.
This re-opening of the inquiry is bound to put more focus on General Alexander with the Primary season just over seven weeks away.

[Marky Bunny]

FOXNews.com Monday November 16th 2009
Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News
Congressman Matthew Skinner to withdraw from the GOP Presidential race today
We understand that Vermont Congressman Matthew Skinner will announce his formal withdrawl from the GOP Presidential race at a press conferance to be held at 17.00 hours EST, in the state Capital Montpelier.
It is also understood that Congressman Skinner will be endorsing another candidate.