Sad news.
"You have to hire some heavyweights. Bruno Gianelli?" "There's goes half our budget on Italian loafers and mini-bar tabs."
Of course, it may have been a good thing that Gianelli sunk the budget for the Vinick campaign.
Hmm... Alexander voted for Newman? Bartlet considered himself the most liberal President in Howard Stackhouse's Senate career (starting somewhere between '71 and '77), so I guess he believed he was more liberal than Newman. Of course former Justice Joseph Crouch though Bartlet was a terrible Democrat (that was a little early in the Presidency, though).
Anyway, I decided to devote some time today to write a little article on each of the main candidates:
New York Times, Monday March 16th, 2009
St. Patrick's Day at the White House
The President and his family, as well as a specially chosen group of underpriviledged children from around the nation, spent the morning decorating the White House lawn in preparation for tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day activities.
White House Communications Director Louise Thornton was quoted: "While the President does not have Irish ancestry, he believes that celebrating this holiday, which represents a significant group of people who helped found this nation, is a respectful tribute and bla bla bla, you get what I'm saying."
As is traditional since the time of President Lassiter, Green decorations will be placed in front of the White House and will hang until March 18th.
Nothing election related there, but I don't think Santos is worrying about it just yet.
Washington Post, Monday March 16th, 2009
Berryhill to Appear on Meet the Press Sunday
In an interesting situation, Professor Lewis Berryhill, who has been pretty much out of the public eye since declaring his "retirement from politics" at the end of the Bartlet administration, will appear for a half-hour long interview on Meet the Press with David Gregory.
It is generally assumed that Berryhill will announce a return to politics and a run at the New York Senate seat once held. Democratic Senator Michael Jackson has publicly stated his wish to retire, and Berryhill, should he run and win, would be regaining the Senate seat he held prior to his appointment as President Bartlet's Secretary of State.
Given Berryhill's recent dealings with "The Centre," run by former Vice Presidents Hoynes and Russell, some have suggested other motives, perhaps setting up for a presidential run in 2014. Neither Berryhill's camp nor NBC News would comment until after the interview.
That finishes out the two Democrats, as for Republicans:
MSNBC.com, Monday March 16th, 2009
Sullivan Delivers Sermon at Washington Cathedral
West Virginia Governor and current Republican Presidential Candidate Ray Sullivan delivered the Sermon at the Washington National Cathedral Sunday. Sullivan, a born-again Baptist deacon, was invited by the Dean of the Cathedral in a controversial move last week.
Sullivan has publicly: "My sermon was not about politics, it was about morality. I don't mean false morality that you may have heard from other preachers and politicians, I mean just morality. The kind of morality that our founding fathers believed in.
"The invitation from Dean Simmons was on the express condition that I don't bully those in attendance with my views or leanings, and I wouldn't have it any other way. In my opinion, good politicians don't have to persuade constituents to change their beliefs, they already share the beliefs of their constituents."
Sullivan further added that he wished to have a full night sleep -- the media interview occurred Sunday night -- and had a productive work week in the planning.
More on Ray Sullivan (who should still be the frontrunner) to come.
The Daily Telegraph, Monday March 16th, 2009
Fla. Gov. Swenson (R) drops out of US Pres. Race
Governor Eric Swenson of Florida has dropped out of the early race for the Republican nomination of the United States of America. Swenson, who was considered a near-front runner behind West Virginia Gov. Sullivan in mid-2007, has cited financial and logistical issues as the cause.
Swenson's campaign has been doomed from the start. Despite calls to announce his run, he waited until the first week of February to formally make any announcements or prepare a campaign team. Perhaps because of the wait, Swenson's entry into the campaign was not well-covered in the American media, and rumors of a confrontational and divisive staff didn't help either.
"If you ask me, Governor Swenson doesn't have a lick of sense when it comes to running a presidential campaign," said former Swenson campaign manager Bob Mayer shortly after the announcement. Swenson has stated he will attempt to return any campaign contributions, and former presidential candidate and Governor of Florida Robert Ritchie has stated he will assist in paying back the campaign debt.
The failed campaign has hurt Swenson's approval ratings in Florida, and he said he will shift his focus, where it should always stay, on his homestate.
I didn't see anything being done with Swenson, so I figured it be safe (and kinda cool) to have him become the first to actually drop out of the race (in a non-Jim Hohner way).
Chicago Tribune, Monday March 16th, 2009
Former Governor Appears at NRA rally
The NRA held a rally in Washington, DC, Saturday to protest recent legislation banning the civilian use of handguns on all overseas military bases. Although the legislation has been considered unconstitutional by senior Republicans and NRA members, the Santos administration has publicly stated its belief in the ability to dictate more stringent weapons laws overseas.
In a surprise appearance, Former Governor Edward Pratt of Tennessee appeared at the rally, leading the group in a chant with his own unconcealed handgun in full view. Governor Pratt stated "Families live on these bases, and they need just as much protection from the evildoers of this world as families in America. Perhaps even more so."
Pratt went on to comment on the prevalence of "terrorists" in other countries with military bases, such as Germany and Palestine, and the need to prepare for the "worst case scenario." Pratt stated that, "Decisions will be made next year on who controls legislation and this nation, and I don't think we need someone to ties are 'arms' behind our back.
"We need to have some people, up in the Capitol and in that White House, who will release our 'arms' freely and lovingly with the foreknowledge that Americans know what's right."
Although considered a moderate on gun control in his homestate of Tennessee, Governor Pratt has recently expanded his rhetoric to include expanding and clarifying the Second Amendment in ways that have been deemed 'scary' by Democrats and some Republicans.
... The views of these candidates do not always represent my own.
Drudge Report, Monday March 16th, 2009
Haffley Camp Releases Debate Negotiations
The "Jeff Haffley for President" campaign has officially made known their debate plans, tentatively scheduled for late April/early May.
The "Haffley debate" as it has been named, would consist of a maximum of ten candidates with loose restrictions on time and heavy restrictions on direct responses. The debates are currently planned to be funded by the Sullivan and Haffley campaigns, with the eight or less other campaigns who agree to be provided a "free podium" at the debate.
The plan is based on part on the Democratic debate of 2006, which was funded by the Santos campaign and helped propel him to the nomination. It appears that Haffley is trying to capture the same spirit in his campaign that Santos had, going so far as to hire some young Republicans to serve as the face of his campaign.
Although agreed by the Sullivan and now-defunct Swenson campaigns, the debate plans have not yet been accepted by any of the other major candidates. As of press time, the other major candidates are: Fmr. Gov. Edward Pratt of Tennessee, Fmr. Gov. Mike Reed of Ohio, Senator Jimmy Hobuck of Alabama, Rep. Sam Wendt of South Carolina, Rep. Matt Skinner of Vermont, and retired General Nicholas Alexander of Florida.
I like Haffley, and I want him to do better, but I can't yet think of anything for him to do than desparately emulate Santos.
DC Insider Magazine, Monday March 16th, 2009
"Come On, Mike Reed" video sweeps the Nation
Former Governor and Presidential candidate Mike Reed (R-OH) has been dodging reporters lately as a YouTube video of him dancing to the song "Come On, Eileen," has become the latest hit viral video.
The video, known as "Come On, Mike Reed," has boosted name recognition for the little-known presidential candidate, who was otherwise only known for being the first to throw his hat in the ring and being a former keynote speaker.
The Reed campaign has issued a statement, "While the Governor has a strong appreciation for music and can dance better than some, he feels the use of this video is drowning out his stance on the issues and the importance of the upcoming election.
"Governor Reed prevails on you, the media, not to comment on this topic any further, and wishes you to go to his website,
www.mikereedforourcountry.com, for real campaign-related videos."
The "Come On, Mike Reed" video has spawned many imitators, including one with him wearing a cowboy hat, and one with a dancing chipmunk alongside Governor Reed.
Okay, this is starting to get silly. Sorry. Time to get to serious news.
The Times, Monday March 16th, 2009
Wife of Potential Presidential Candidate, Passes Away
Jenna Hobuck of Mobile, Alabama, passed away late Sunday evening from complications due to ovarian cancer. She was 59.
Here is a statement released by the Jimmy Hobuck campaign. "Senator Hobuck will be taking a few weeks off from the trail to deal with the tragedy of his wife's passing. The good Senator thanks you for your support, and wishes any gifts be sent as donations to research centers dedicated to eradicating ovarian cancer.
"Senator Hobuck assures you that while he still must mourn his wife, he does not plan on cancelling the campaign. He will be back on the campaign trail in a few weeks, hopefully in time for any debates, and definitely before the primary season."
The Senator has been noticeably absent from any campaigning for a couple weeks already, as he was tending to his wife on her deathbed. Jenna Hobuck is survived by five children and one grandson.
Eight down, five to go.
The Guardian, Monday March 16th, 2009
Congressman Wendt Appears Drunk in a Meeting with the ACA
Congressman Sam Wendt of South Carolina, who has been running a low-key campaign for the Republican nomination for President, was reported to have been intoxicated while meeting with a contingent of American Christian Assembly, led by George Rohr and Mary Marsh, on Sunday.
Marsh was quoted as saying, "Congressman Wendt's intoxication is beyond comprehension. We cannot have a President who does and acts in such a disrespectful way to America's spiritual leaders."
Rohr, in response to the incident, "I am disappointed and saddened by Congressman Wendt's behavior. I hope he sees the folly of his ways and would show some control, restraint, and limits on this behavior in the future."
The "Wendt for 2010" campaign has publicly refuted any intoxication took place, and stated that any confusion was the result of "dehydration."
I'm sure Sam Wendt is of no relation to
George Wendt.
Los Angeles Times, Monday March 16th, 2009
Skinner Accepts Log Cabin Endorsement
The Log Cabin Republicans officially endorsed the campaign of Congressman Matt Skinner (R-VT) for President on Saturday, with the Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans personally handing Skinner a contribution of $1,000 in front of California media outlets.
Although the endorsement did not come as much of a surprise, Skinner's enthusiastic embrace of said endorsement was of interest. Skinner, who did not come out of the closet publicly until years after his first election to the United States Congress, has been criticized by the LCR for his stance on gay marriage.
In turn, Skinner has criticized the LCR for the lack of organization the group holds. The "reconciliation" of Skinner and the Log Cabin Republicans is being praised by many in the gay community.
I admit, I've been ignoring Skinner alot in the hopes of evening out the chances of others and making it a close election.
BBC.com, Monday March 16th, 2009
General Alexander Picks Up the VFW Endorsement
Former General Nicholas Alexander, a veteran of nearly every armed conflict since the Vietnam War, has picked up the official endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization in his campaign for President. Although they rarely endorse candidates in the pre-primary stage, they have called for an exception, since, according to National Commander Bruce F. Williams, "General Alexander's commitment to our country and his ability to transcend partisan bickering is something the VFW strongly endorses."
The VFW endorsement comes as a massive blow to the Sullivan campaign, which had been spending weeks courting the VFW for a future endorsement.
General Alexander, on what he refers to as a "modern day whistlestop tour," stopped in Boston today for a photo-op with Massachusetts' District Commander and a meet-and-greet with Bostonian veterans.
I don't think the VFW would ever endorse someone so soon, so I'm assuming it's mostly the work of a rogue National Commander.
I was originally going to do an article about the One Nation PAC (Bridges, Allen), but am not sure how to do it now, with respecting all that needs to be respected. I also had an idea about an Andrew Wu article, but I don't want to be the one to thrust him into the election, nor have too many articles not be election-related.
If you noticed, I tried to only use newspaper agencies already covered in the thread.