2010 US Presidential Election

[Marky Bunny]

DallasMorningNews.com

Wednesday November 7th 2012

Prior conceeds the Gubernatorial Election as Hoynes wins by 2,244 votes but claims "I will return"

Governor Prior has formally conceded the Gubernatorial election to former Vice-President John Hoynes.

Prior spoke to supporters a few minutes ago saying "A few minutes ago I called Vice-President Hoynes to congrulate him on his victory, we fought hard and now we have to get behind our new Governor, but have no fear "I will return".

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM

Wednesday November 7th 2012

John Hoynes arrives at Victory rally in Austin

 

[disputed]

theeye.com, Wednesday November 7th

Intrade Puts Hoynes At The Front of 2014 List

Within the past hour Intrade has placed former Vice-President John Hoynes at the top of the list of potential Democratic candidates for President giving him a 37% chance of being the nominee.

Hoynes, who lost out in the nomination battle to Jeb Bartlet in 1998 and to Matthew Santos in 2006, leads former Virginia Senator Brian Cambridge on 22%, Maine Senator Stephen Wilson on 17% and former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley on 10%.

Yesterday morning the Hoynes camp were furiously denying that he had any interest in the 2014 race but with a high profile victory behind and suddenly with the launching pad of Governor of Texas, a number of Democrats seem to be suggesting that Hoynes may yet have a role to play in national politics again.

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Wednesday November 7th

Breaking: NBS Calling Illinois Gubernatorial Race for James Leyland

Within the last few minutes this network has called the Illinois Governor’s race for the current Lieutenant Governor James Leyland.

The network have confirmed that after a recount Leyland is likely to have a very small margin of victory but that they are “now confident” that he has the advantage over Congressman Teddy Hart.

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM

Wednesday November 7th 2012

Washington Gubernatorial race result unlikely to today
Boone campaign claims Senator Wiley "pressured Seattle Times & CNN to call the result"

The Attonery General of Washington State Paul Roberston Has declined that a final result is "unlikely" in the Gubernatorial election between Sean Boone and Harrison Wiley.

There is now a state wide re-count underway, this comes after claims that both campaigns attempted to push media outlets to call the result for their candidate. The Boone campaign has claimed in the last few minutes that Senator William Wiley "spoke to & applied pressure on two media neworks to call the result for his son".

 

[NickCT]

cnn.com; Wednesday, November 7, 2012

New Book on Hoynes Set For Release in January

A new book on former Vice President John Hoynes is set to be released in January. The book, entitled the "HOYNES: The Rise and Fall and Rise and Fall and Rise of America's Most Unique Politician" was written by Larry Brown and Ed Park, two White House Policy Staffers under the Bartlet Administration. Brown went on to become a contributor to CNN while Park stayed on for the Santos Administration before leaving and becoming a Political Science professor at George Washington University.

The book is expected to be pro-Hoynes though it will not shy from attacking the Governor-Elect when he messed up. In an interview on CNN, Park explained, "Hoynes is a unique man. He's been loved and hated by America and then loved again and then hated again and now it seems he's being loved. That's what the book focuses on." Brown, who left CNN last year to become a full-time historian and author, explained that the book highlights Hoynes's flaws while emphasizing his strengths.

"We want the reader to intimately know John Hoynes, like we did," Brown said. No comments from former White House Chief of Staff CJ Cregg on the book, nor did DNC Chairman Josh Lyman have a comment (both of whom worked closely with Hoynes throughout the Bartlet Administration).

Hoynes responded to a question about the book by saying, "I can't wait to read what y'all right next."

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Thursday November 7th

Republicans Searching For Answers After Election Defeat

Tuesday nights electoral defeats across a range of Senate and House races have sparked a spate of recriminations as Republicans across the country struggle to explain a disappointing night of results.

A net loss in the Senate of 5 seats was softened only by the realisation that it could have been worse. Senior party figures were quick to try to spin the result. RNC Chair Anne Stark told Fox News that “There were plenty of promising signs, we elected outstanding young conservatives in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Arizona. We won the popular vote, we lost some specific local races – that’s not reflective of the national situation.”

Despite Stark’s denials there has been widespread calls for RSCC Chairman Keith Proctor to stand down from his role after some disappointing results with a source close to the White House saying “We ran a poor campaign – we are fortunate that we got some good candidates in key places otherwise we’d have seen a bigger swing.”

The biggest concern for Republicans is a dramatic drop off in the Hispanic vote. In 2010 President Walken won 38% of the vote but on Tuesday they dropped to only 26% - a drop that analysts suggest could cost them the White House in 2014. Strategist Tom Clark said “The loss of support amongst Hispanics is a huge issue – if that percentage of the vote is repeated in 2014 I think the President will struggle for re-election.”

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM

Thursday November 8th 2012

Breaking News Breaking News

Boone declared winner in Washington Gubernatorial election by 524 votes

In the last few minutes, the Attonery General of Washington State Paul Robertson and the states Director of Elections, Malcolm Reeves have declared the result for incumbent Governor Boone over State Treasurer Harrison Wiley.

The margin is just 524 votes, just 0.02% of the vote out of over 3 million votes cast.

The result comes a phone call recording as come to light of Senator Wiley calling the "Seattle Times" and asking them "when you going to declare this race for my boy, he has won, you have to declare it".

No-one from the Wiley campaign was commentated on the declared result, allegations or on the phone call which has been posted on Youtube.

Governor Boone is due to address a victory rally tonight in Spokane.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Final Results for Senate & Gubernatorial races in PDF Form. (Note file is called Senate Results but contains both the Senate & Gubernatorial results).

 

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Thursday November 8th 2012

Walken starts work on re-shaping Cabinet as both "Hawk" Fuller & Arnold Vinick announce they are retiring

Its been less than 48 hours since the mid-terms elections but the work of Washington DC and that of the administration goes on.

In the last few minutes White House Spokesman Bill Bradley confirmed that both Secretary of Labor George "The Hawk" Fuller and Secretary of State Arnold Vinick will be retiring "Both Secretaries Fuller & Vinick have played an important role in this administration, and in Secretary Vinick's case the last six years in world affairs. they both retire with the President's best wishes and hope they will both enjoy their retirements".

Speculation has already started on who could replace Fuller as Labor Secretray, two names that have already been mentioned by key White House & Republican insiders are outgoing Indiania Senator Rob O'Rourke and the 2002 Republican Presidential nominee Robert Ricthie. Ricthie's stock has risen in the last ten years following his landslide defeat to President Bartlet, and much what he talked about at time has come to pass. O'Rourke is highly regarded and respected on both sides of the aisle.

As for the replacement for Arnold Vinick one does not envy who will be taking over at Foggy Bottom. Its an open secret that there are three main contenders, Virginia Senator Henry Malken, Utah Senator Jeff Heston, the 2002 VP Nominee and Californian Congressman Bradley Gilmore.

Bradley said that President would be ready to make announcements on the new nominees in a "week or so".

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Thursday November 8th

New Jersey Sets Scene for Gubernatorial Race

The race for Governor in New Jersey heated up this morning with the announcement by Congresswoman Annie Long that she intended to challenge Republican Governor Dan Pritchard in next years off year election.

Long, who is seen as one of the more liberal members of Congress, made her announcement outside her old school, Hoboken High to cheers from her supporters.

The announcement by Congresswoman Long answers one of the most debated questions about the Democratic field for next years election. The next one is centred on former Secretary of Defence Mike Franco who has been repeatedly mentioned as a possible candidate.

Governor Pritchard remains relatively popular but he faces and undeniable challenge in a heavily blue state. Hypothetical polling suggests either Long or Franco would represent a strong challenge to the Governor.

 

[disputed]

theeye.com, Thursday November 8th

Jubilant Democrats Eye White House

There is no secret that Democrats are thrilled with the results they achieved on Tuesday night. Short of some marginal disappointment over losses in Pennsylvania and Ohio the party were thrilled with results.

Buoyed by high profile victories in Texas, Missouri, Indiana and New Jersey, the DNC is already making preparations to ensure they deliver another strong turnout in November 2014.

Much of the post Tuesday night elation seems to have focused on whether new Texas Governor John Hoynes may be set to catapult himself back into the national spotlight but a series of other contenders are circling and the next few months is likely to set the field.

New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley spent much of Tuesday night celebrating the success of candidates she had strong endorsed and promoted over the past 18 months such as former Marshall University Dean Michael Higgins, Virginia’s Brandon Jeffries and Indiana’s Rudi Robinson. Appearing with Jeffires at his post election party Crossley declared that “a new era of progress is coming to Washington” – a quote many have taken as confirmation that she intends to run for President in 2014.

Another prominent 2014 contender on show on Tuesday night was Maine Senator Stephen Wilson who was seen at the side of new Maine Governor Paris Stray on Tuesday night. Speculation over the past few weeks has centred on who the core of New England Democrats would back for President – it seems increasingly likely that Wilson will be there man.

Former Virginia Senator Brian Cambridge looks very much like he intends to get in the race, and the presence of former White House Chief of Staff at his home over the weekend adds more fuel to the growing fire.

What was also clear from a number of Democrats on Tuesday is that the field is far from settled. During an online chat last night Democratic strategist Bruno Gianelli speculated that “I think there are a few surprises to come, I know of at least two other candidates who are seriously thinking about getting in.”

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM

Friday November 9th 2012

Malken rules out Secretary of State job

Virginia Senior Senator Henry Malken has ruled out taking over from the retiring Arnold Vinick as Secretary of State.

"I am very honoured to be mentioned in connection with the job, but I am ruling myself out, I have a job to do for the people of Virginia".

In an interview with NBS Malken said that he had spoken to Democrat Brandon Jefferies who became the states new Junior Senator on Tuesday
"I have spoken to him, and offered my congrulations, and asked him to join me for a meeting over a bottle of wine, on how we togther despite us being from different parties,we can work togther for the Commonwealth of Virginia".

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Friday November 9th

Case Emerging As Leading Candidate to Replace Vinick

Rumours circling Washington are strongly suggesting that President Walken will select former Massachusetts Governor Tom Case as Secretary of State replacing the outgoing Arnold Vinick who has run the state department for the past six years.

Case, who previously served as Ambassador to Australia and to France, firstly under President Lassiter and then under President Bartlet was the North Eastern Chair of the Walken for America campaign in 2010 and is ideologically closer to the President than Secretary Vinick.

Sources close to the White House suggested that a number of changes were on the way. With a reshaping of the Presidents team likely and at least two cabinet changes likely beyond replacing Vinick with Case.

It’s also believed that California Congressman Brad Gilmore – a leading contender to replace Vinick will be appointed as Deputy Secretary of State giving the team at Foggy Bottom sufficient heft to cope with the departure of Vinick. It’s believed that Gilmore’s task will be to reshape a department that the White House believes retains far to many of the team that were in place under President Santos.

 

[disputed]

theeye.com, Friday November 9th

Arkin To Stand Down As Minority Leader

The ramifications of the Republicans abject failure in House elections is already being felt as Minority Leader Jim Arkin has confirmed that he will stand down from his leadership position at the beginning of the new Congress in January.

Arkin told a press conference yesterday that he was “disappointed with the final result but extremely proud of the work that his team had put into the past two years.”

With Arkin’s departure something of a free for all is developing at the top of the House Republican caucus. Arkin’s most obvious successor would be California’s Brad Gilmore but he looks likely to take on the role of Deputy Secretary of State creating a vacuum at the top of the caucus.

A number of names are emerging as likely contenders. North Carolina’s Barbara Layton has a lot of support and is popular amongst the evangelical wing of the party – she’s been a constant critic of the President’s centrist approach so would create an interesting dynamic.

Another leading contender, Ohio’s Alan Tomlinson is believed to be preparing a bid for Governor so member of the Ohio delegation is emerging – Ruth Norton-Stewart. One of the final five on President Walken’s shortlist for Vice-President Norton-Stewart is a firebrand who’d certainly fire up the GOP base.

Pennsylvania’s Travis Hoyt has rededicated himself to promoting his House Leadership prospects after failing in a bid for the Senate and seems a strong contender for Minority whip.

The current favourite however, is Mitchell Harris of Indiana’s 6th district. Another who has refocused on House Leadership after an attempt at higher office. Harris is well liked in the caucus and gets a lot of support from more hard line conservatives – a fact that’s likely to win him support amongst a party concerned that the President is alienating his natural base.

 

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Friday November 9th 2012

Secretary of State job between Case and Heston

It has emerged over the past few hours that they are two major candidates to replace Arnold Vinick as Secretary of State, former Massachusets governor and US Ambassador to Australia and France Tom Case and Utah Senator and the GOP 2002 VP nominee Jeff Heston.

Yesterday Virginia Senator Henry Walken ruled himself out, and Congressman Bradley Gilmore is almost certain to be the number two man to whoever takes over.

Many believe that Heston is closer to the Vinick style whilst many in the administration are pressing for a change in style which would favor Case.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Monday November 12th

Walken Announces Cabinet Changes; Case to State, Shallick To Labor

President Walken this afternoon announced a series of cabinet and staff changes designed to reset his first term after a difficult few months culminated in disappointing mid-term results last Tuesday night.

The big move was the appointment of former Massachusetts Governor Tom Case to replace outgoing Secretary of State Arnold Vinick. Case is seen as a sensible appointment who is unlikely to face much opposition in Congress, he previously served as Ambassador to Australia and France.

He is seen as more hawkish than Vinick though, something that is bound to prevent a unanimous confirmation. Case, as was widely expected, will be joined at the State Department by California Congressman Brad Gilmore who will take up the role as Deputy Secretary of State.

The second major change is the replacement of Labor Secretary George Fuller, who has largely been seen as ineffective, with one of Walken’s closest political allies – Missouri Governor Henry Shallick. Fuller is expected to stay on for a couple of months while Shallick manages the constitutional handover following the end of his term as Governor to Lucas Foley who was elected last Tuesday.

Despite rumours surrounding CIA Director Robert Bennett, Walken confirmed that these were the only two changes he was making to his cabinet at this state. He lavished praise on Secretary Vinick saying “Arnold Vinick has been a remarkable Secretary of State, both to President Santos and to myself. The last six years have been a fine crowning achievement in an outstanding career of public service.”

The President did confirm that there were changes to the White House staff but left the details to Chief of Staff Jane Braun who briefed reporters later. Three notable departures were confirmed with Communications Director Carlo Falk leaving to pursue “other interests outside of politics” he will be replaced by current Director of the Office of Budget and Management Jim Hoehner. Press secretary Bill Bradley and Senior Advisor Steve Atwood are also leaving the White House, while Braun didn’t confirm the details both are believed to be moving back to St. Louis to kick off the campaign to re-elect the President.

The West Wing will see some interesting additions as Walken moves to shore up his team. Kate Moore, the current Press Secretary to the first lady moves to the White House to replace Bradley. Moore served on President Walken’s congressional staff during his time as speaker. Braun also confirmed that Mark Gilmore would take on the role as Deputy Chief of Staff. Gilmore was previously the Chairman of the Republican Party in Florida.

 

[disputed]

theeye.com, Monday November 12th

Royce Confirms Rand Hearings Scheduled For December

Senate Majority leader Robert Royce has confirmed that the hearings on Supreme Court nominee Judi Rand would take place in the last week of November.

The move prompted criticism from Democrats who suggested that Royce was trying to force the process through to avoid having to take on the process with a lesser majority in January.

Royce, however, was defiant saying “With the time taken over the failed nomination of Judge Rushton we can’t delay this process any further. Everyone I am aware of is in full agreement that Senator Rand is more than qualified for the position – I see no reason what so ever to wait.”

Democrat Harry Conroy of South Dakota who serves on the judiciary committee questioned Royce’s motives on This Week on ABC saying “It’s a very unfortunate development. I expect Senator Rand to be confirmed but this kind of manoeuvring by the majority leader simply isn’t helpful.”

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM

Monday November 12th 2012

Democrats attack the appointment of Henry Shallick as Secretary of Labor

The decision by President Walken to appoint long-term friend and ally Missouri Governor Henry Shallick as the new Secretary of Labor has met with a furious reaction by many Democrats.

Speaker of the House Carol Gelsey who has been supportive of many of the Presidents decisions thus far called the decision "a mistake, Governor Shallick is not the right man for this job", whilst former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley attacked it as "a job for the President's mate" adding "I could name half a dozen Republicans more qualified and more experienced for Labor Secretary than Governor Shallick" adding "it shows how out of touch the President has become"

This afternoon it was appearing that many Democrats and maybe even some Republicans in the senate would vote against his confirmation.

 

[Marky Bunny]

DallasMorningNews.com

Tuesday November 13th 2012

Hoynes & Lt Governor Ralph Gomez to be sworn in on Tuesday January 15th 2013

Governor elect John Hoynes and his lt Governor Ralph Gomez will be sworn in in Austin on Tuesday January 15th 2013.

Gomez a hispanic state Senator is belived to have helped the Hoynes victory by getting out the Hispanic vote in the state.