2010 US Presidential Election

[disputed]

nationalreview.com, Saturday September 18th

Stark Father Dies

The father of Glen Walken's campaign manager Anne Stark has died.

Stark, her mother Iris, and brother Thomas were all with their father when he died at home in Florida.

Stark has been off the campaign trail for the past ten days after learning that her father had only days to live.

The status of Stark's position with the Walken campaign is unknown at this time.

 

[JoeMulk]

Matt Newkirk

Harvey P Stefano

 

[disputed]

redstate.com, Saturday September 18th

National Republicans Weigh Into Ohio Race

Up until now Haydn Strauss seemed to be running a smooth campaign in Ohio and was getting a big leg up from senior Republicans both within the state and nationally who seemed reluctant to back insurgent candidate Carrie McIntosh who defeated Senator Thomas Ford in a highly contentious primary.

That seemed to change after last weeks debate. An assured performance from former CEO McIntosh and some unfortunate post debate remarks from Strauss have opened the door to a number of major boosts for the McIntosh campaign.

First, in a high profile event on Saturday morning Senator Ford announced that he had reacted badly to defeat in the Primary and was now openly endorsing McIntosh for the seat adding "If Strauss thinks America should be a socialist state then I think we can all agree he's got a fight on his hands!" Ford was flanked by his long time ally, Governor Simon Halley who also endorsed McIntosh as "A skilled an succesful businesswoman who could bring an outsiders perspective to Washington."

This was followed up by an announcement from the RNC that they were diverting funds to the Ohio race, a move suggesting that after Thursdays debate they see the seat as very winnable.

Finally tonight they have been boosted by some heavy duty endorsements from National Republicans. Michigan Governor Marcus Blakemore announced he would be hosting a fund raiser for McIntosh next Saturday night, he was then joined by Governor Ray Sullivan and former Georgia Governor Caleb Burgess.

 

[JoeMulk]

Third Party Debate announced

Alternet.org

The New School for social research in New York City announced a debate between Green Party candidate Jim Buckner and Libertarian Pete Cooke. In response to the exclusion of third party candidates from the presidential debates this one scheduled for broadcast on C-Span and PBS September 25th is to give voters disillusioned with both major parties a look at alternative choices. Pete Cooke is a former Republican congressman from Iowa who served four terms from 1995 to 2003 before retiring and becoming disillusioned with the GOP, largely out of disgust with the religious right.

 

[Tim Thomason]

Third Party Debate announced

Alternet.org

The New School for social research in New York City announced a debate between Green Party candidate Jim Buckner and Libertarian Pete Cooke. In response to the exclusion of third party candidates from the presidential debates this one scheduled for broadcast on C-Span and PBS September 25th is to give voters disillusioned with both major parties a look at alternative choices. Pete Cooke is a former Republican congressman from Iowa who served four terms from 1995 to 2003 before retiring and becoming disillusioned with the GOP, largely out of disgust with the religious right.

Buckner has already withdrawn (see this), and per this is no longer campaigning and more mad at what Tim Hall and Nicholas Alexander did to the third-party system.

The Libertarian Party has failed to nominate someone for President this year (first mentioned here, but later supported by this and this).

 

[Marky Bunny]

Third Party Debate announced

Alternet.org

The New School for social research in New York City announced a debate between Green Party candidate Jim Buckner and Libertarian Pete Cooke. In response to the exclusion of third party candidates from the presidential debates this one scheduled for broadcast on C-Span and PBS September 25th is to give voters disillusioned with both major parties a look at alternative choices. Pete Cooke is a former Republican congressman from Iowa who served four terms from 1995 to 2003 before retiring and becoming disillusioned with the GOP, largely out of disgust with the religious right.

Joe, there are no third party candidates.... Buckner withdrew in June... and we made clear that Libertarian's where not bothering this year!!!

 

[KahukuMan10]

ooc: we're changing the line. He wasn't meant to be a die-hard socialist, and frankly wouldn't have said that. It is hereby modified to what Tim suggested. But I'm going to keep my current transcript of the debate for the last one in mid-October. Just to keep things fluid.

politico.com

Straus defies odds

Despite his recent blunder, somehow, someway, the Senate Campaign of Hayden Straus has kept it's momentum. Despite the republican drive to connect him to historical socialism such as in the USSR, his numbers seem to refuse to go down. In fact, the more the GOP calls him a socialist, the more his numbers rise. (think it can't happen, see 'US Presidential Election 2008')

The people of Ohio have begun to listen to the candidate rather than the parties. And they like what Straus has to say. It's not the label, it's the idea. And the people of Ohio are starting to understand that concept. Unlike the Republican Party. Despite stating he'd like to see the 'Upper class go,' his numbers have stayed even. Sitting comfortably at 51-43 over Republican nominee Caroline McIntosh. The two will hav their last debate in mid-October.

 

[JoeMulk]

ouch babe

I'm a fucking idiot, note to self....read timeline in detail before posting.

 

[JoeMulk]

what do you think of Harvey P Stefano though as an Alex Jones anolouge?

 

[Tim Thomason]

Joe, there are no third party candidates.... Buckner withdrew in June... and we made clear that Libertarian's where not bothering this year!!!

It's not that they aren't bothering, it's just that they've failed to nominate a candidate (as of March thru September). There are a lot of libertarian Republicans in this timeline (Howard Weston, George Wirth, Ron Paul), and I feel many of them have rejoined the Republican Party in recent years, dwindling their numbers even further than what they are in our world (the religious right didn't have much influence over Vinick, though they tried).

If Peter Cooke is their candidate, it has happened in the last couple days (Buckner didn't know about it September 14th). Nothing wrong with that, but his debate opponent would have to be from a "non-viable" third-party candidate. The Constitution Party is the only major one not yet mentioned. The American Socialist or Communist Parties are also good choices (quite a debate between a Communist, Constitution Party member, and Libertarian!)

what do you think of Harvey P Stefano though as an Alex Jones anolouge?

A right-wing Conspiracy theorist? I like it. I've been meaning to write some conspiracy theory stuff down. Something how Newman instituted the New World Order followed by Bartlet and Santos as his disciples. And how the revolt in Qumar was another puppet regime secretly set up by the CIA alongside their attempts to control Kazakhstan and Gaza. Abdul bin Shareef discovered Bartlet's evil agenda and was executed when he tried to tell the world!

Seriously though, the idea that Shareef was secretly assassinated by President Bartlet is the first major conspiracy theory that proved true in this world, potentially setting off all sorts of right-wing conspiracy ideas against the left-wing American government.

 

[disputed]

foxnews.com, Saturday September 18th

Walken Hammers Santos Over "Dire" Economic Predictions

Republican Presidential contender Glen Walken was back on the offensive tonight after a report published by a former Bartlet Tresury Secretary suggested that a "double dip" recession was looking increasingly likely and that the policies of the current adminstration had done "little to improve the economy."

Walken pounced on a report from the highly regarded economic think tank Common Sense which is fronted by former Treasury Secretary Ken Kato. He told a series of town hall meetings in Florida that "We simply can't wait any longer to begin implementing a genuine growth agenda. The President has failed so badly that even his natural allies disagree with his handling of the economy."

There seemed to a return to the swagger of the Walken we've seen up until the last few weeks as he opened up the town hall meetings to any and all questions.

He also tackled the claims that he paid $500,000 for an image consultant. "The truth is bad but not quite as bad as that. The campaign paid $86,000 for his services, I agree that it's ridiculous and as soon as I found out what we were paying I put a stop to it." He then brought a round of applause from the crowd when he added "You know there are a lot of people in politics who think everything is about image, and I'm not you cookie cutter standard for a candidate running for President - some of the members of my campaign thought I needed to see a consultant, you know some people think I'm not the best looking guy in the world......but this isn't about things like that it's about the shocking mismanagement of this nation by a failed President."

 

[Westbrook]

OOC: Welcome back dis.

IC
electoralmath.com

1. Jackman Interview Most Viewed Clip on YouTube.
Andi Wyatt had better send flowers and candy to Harry Jackman, as his performance on the Daily Show has overshadowed her. Jackman was incoherent, bumbling, confused-Just plain bad. But that makes for exciting TV, and the clip has quickly gained 60,000 views on YouTube. Combined with the convention speech, and it's unlikely that we'll be seeing a lot of Mr. Jackman on the trail.

2. Berryhill Defends Rumored Santos-Cuba Talks.
In an odd move, former Secretary of State Lewis Berryhill defended the Santos Administration from attacks based on rumors that it was quietly negotiating with the Castro regime in Cuba. Speaking at a lecture, Berryhill stated: "It's time, past time actually, for the US to normalize relations with Cuba. After all, China is also a Communist country, and we have normal relations with them. The Cold War is over, and it's time to move past that mindset."

3. McCord, Thorn Heading to Iowa, New Hampshire and Florida.
Senator Tim McCord of South Carolina and Andrew Thorn of New York have both announced that they will be traveling to several states to campaign for Democratic Senate candidates. What gets attention is the states mentioned-Iowa, Florida and New Hampshire. Obviously, Iowa and New Hampshire host the first caucus and primary respectively, and Florida is key to getting elected in the general, as well as a big fundraising community. The two are traveling together as part of a DSCC team.

4. Possible Walken Campaign Shakeup?
With the death of her father, Anne Stark looks like she will be out of the race for the time being. Her chief of staff, Daniel Kline, has temporarily left the campaign for undisclosed personal reasons, while there are rumors of a conflict between Press Secretary Julian Barter and Communications Director Simon O'Connor. This has led many to believe that a possible change of roles is coming in the management of the campaign.

5. Hohner: "I'm Planning on Being the Senator from Illinois."
Illinois Republican Senate candidate Jim Hohner Jr. was asked about the long-standing rumors that if he loses his race to George Montgomery, he would be offered a high-ranking position in the Walken Administration. Hohner laughed at the question, then said, "While I hope there is a Walken Administration, and I look forward to working with again-President Walken, it would be from a legislative perspective. I'm planning on being the Senator from Illinois, so I'll already have a job. Though maybe not even that if the economy keeps going down!"

6. Wyatt Given 10 Minutes of Prime-Time Airtime on Tuesday.
Maryland Senate candidate Andrea Wyatt has been given 10 minutes of airtime on all Maryland local stations for next Tuesday night. Many believe that this will be a public mea culpa for her appearance on Meet the Press, which has gained thousands of views.

7. Franco Promises "Heads Will Roll" for Leak, Apologizes for Lack of Public Awareness.
Defense Secretary Mike Franco publicly apologized for the panic caused by a Defense Department readiness test in New York on Friday. He said, "I am deeply sorry, and would like to apologize for any panic or harm this may have caused the people of New York and America at large. While CNN ran with an irresponsible story, the majority of the blame lies with my Department for not adequately alerting the media and the proper authorities."
When asked about who leaked the story, Franco said that they will be reprimanded, and "it's likely that heads will roll for this screw-up."

8. Charles Young Joins Board of The 51st State Project.
Charles Young, the former aide to and son-in-law of President Jed Bartlet, announced that he will be joining the board of the 51st State Project, an advocacy group that is lobbying for the District of Columbia to achieve statehood. Young works as an attorney in Washington and Maryland.

9. Justice Lafayette Checks into George Washington.
Ears across the Supreme Court-watching spectrum perked up as Associate Justice Patrick Lafayette checked into George Washington University Medical Center late last night. No reason for the check-in has been given, and calls to the Supreme Court have been unanswered. Justice Lafayette is well-known for having some problems with alcohol.

 

[KahukuMan10]

RealClearPolitics.com

All is as expected in Hawaii

In the nation's last primary contests of the year, the State of Hawaii is preparing itself just as it always does. It hasn't had a Republican represent the state in any statewide office since the late 80s, and it doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon. The man who helped bring the Youth in Revolt out of hiding, David Kuhio, is all but guaranteed to win the democratic nomination, especially now with Joanne White having withdrawn and entered the governor's race.

Kuhio, Mayor of Honolulu, became the first younger politician to call out both political parties for putting themselves ahead of the common good and the will of the people. He used his populist vernacular to rally the democratic base to his cause and turn them against the relatively moderate White. Forcing her out of the race in early August.

White, a career politician, decided to withdraw in the hopes of grabbing the governorship. She was guaranteed the nomination in that contest. With her only competition being former Speaker of the State House, Soloman Brown. She leads him in all polls by at least 20 points. She seemed poised to make her political comeback and win the governorship with ease, as the only republican candidate was city councilman, Roy Chung. However, recently this may be thrown for a loop. The state's chief financial officer Evan Kekipo, entered the race in late August with a massive war chest, and is the likely GOP candidate. White still leads in the polls, 54-40, but considering her recent fall to Kuhio, there are some skeptics out there that she may lose. She has the support of Governor Larvey and her former rival in Kuhio, but it doesn't change the fact she may be in for a bigger fight than she had planned.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Sunday September 19th

Santos Endorsement Boosts Logan in NC Race

An appearance by President Santos appears to have helped stabalise the Senate campaign of Congressman Brett Logan in North Carolina.

Logan who looked well placed to unseat incumbent David McNamara until revelations surrounding a DUI around twenty years ago knocked his popularity and poll ratings. The campaign has been struggling ever since to get a denial of any attempt to bribe a public official to stick.

With that background an appearance by an unpopular President might not have seemed like the best prescription, but one of the strangest elements of the Santos Presidency has been an ability to remain popular in the Carolinas - he of course surprisingly won South Carolina in 2006.
Santos told a packed crowd that Logan has served the state well as a Congressman and would a real force for reform as a Senator.

Logan for his part thanked the President and said that "everyone could see that his leadership had stopped the country falling into a dark depression".

Latest polling suggests the race is basically dead even, with Logan on 45 and McNamara on 44.

 

[disputed]

redstate.com, Sunday September 19th

Cuban Plot Thickens As UK Sunday Paper Adds To Story

The Sunday Times of London has added fuel to the fire over reports that senior members of the Santos administration met with Cuban leaders Raul and Fidel Castro over the past five years by publishing testimony that "at least" six meetings took place.

The newspaper claims to have received documented evidence that a number of senior figures in the administration have taken clandestine meetings with both of the Castro brothers.

It adds that it's not clear exactly what the goal of the talks were but that sources suggested that discussions may have centred around ending the near fifty year trade embargo between the US and Cuba.

 

[disputed]

electoralmath.com, Sunday September 19th

Election Blog

1. In Maryland Senator Dan Kalmbach is looking good following last weeks primaries as a new poll suggests he has opened up decent lead on Congresswoman Andi Wyatt. Kalmbach, a former Presidential candidate, has benefitted greatly from both the Meet The Press disaster for Wyatt and the Congresswoman's disappearance from public view ever since. Wyatt has scheduled a major announcement for Tuesday night, and the pressure is on for her to do something to arrest the disasterous last couple of weeks.

2. The Cook Political Report continues to hedge it's bets on the outcome of the House race this November suggesting that with so many wafer thin races that the outcome could be anything from a 20 seat gain for the Democrats to a 30 seat Republican gain. Cook are currently saying there are more toss up races than at any time in living memory.

3. The New Mexico Gubernatorial race is getting more and more heated with current Governor Henry Gomez apparently pulling out of debate prep with the Walken campaign to continue battering both of his election opponents. Polls suggest that the race is practically a three way tie and that any of the three leading contenders, Gomez if facing former Governor Rudi Vansen and Democratic Congressman Simon Ratner.

4. The Indiana race continues to be one of the most fluid after businessman Ray Peterson refused to drop his write in campaign inspite of a very public request from Governor Stephen Kendrick. Peterson's candidacy isn't gaining much traction but his campaign produced a poll suggesting he might pick up 4-5% of the vote, which would likely be enough to swing the race to State Treasurer Damon Matteo.

5. In Ohio, the Strauss campaign continues to struggle to shake off last weeks apparent slip following the debate. The candidate used a Meet The Press debate to continue to claim he never said anything similar but was much less equivical in denying the sentiment. Whether or not Strauss actually used the specific words quoted seems to be increasingly getting away from him as he struggles to distance himself from increasing claims that he is a socialist.

6. Following Tuesday's Primary victory New York DA Matthew Lewis has wasted no time in turning his attack on opponent Blake Marshall. In a new ad Lewis says Marshall wants to trash the economy of the state of New York having done the same to New York City's.

7.The Al Smith dinner has been scheduled Saturday October 16th and both President Santos and Glenn Walken have confirmed their attendance. Both Santos and his 2006 opponent Arnold Vinick were criticised for stilted performances back on '06, so both sides will want to make a greater impact this time around.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Sunday September 19th

Stark to Return To Campaign Trail This Week

Walken for America campaign manager Anne Stark has told friends and colleagues that she intends to return to work this week.

Campaign political director Jane Braun told reporters this morning that following conversations with Glen Walken last nigiht that Stark had decided to return to the campaign sooner than many had expected.

Stark's father, Robert died on Saturday, aged 92, it's believed that she will return to work after the funeral expected to be on Thursday this week.

 

[Jay Cruger]

Mayor Rundown [/B

From Top Left: New York City Mayor Jesse Crase (R); Boston Mayor Jimmy Fitzimmons (D); Pittsburgh Mayor Jackson Kennedy (D); Honolulu Mayor David Kuhio (D);Bottom from Left: Los Angeles Mayor Carlos Gutierrez (D) (played by Jacob Vargas); Cheyenne Mayor John Tomarchio (D); Minneapolis-St. Paul Mayor Jack Hunter (R) (played by John Cusack); Philadelphia Mayor Leonerd Barr (D) (played by Lou Gossett Jr).

 

[KahukuMan10]

ooc: Doesn't really matter, but Jay, I recast Cliff Curtis as Kuhio. No problem though.

 

[disputed]

cnn.com, Sunday September 19th

Dynasty Politcs May Be The Theme For 2010

There is little debate that 2nd generation politics are playing a fascinating role in this years Congressional and Gubernatorial elections. The Republicans appear to have actively sought a number of high profile 2nd (or even third generation candidates).

In Florida former Republican Presidential candidate Robert Ritchie's son James Ritchie is heavily favored to become Governor of the Sunshine State following in his father's foot steps.

A little further north in Georgia Democratic Senator Grace Hardin's coast to re-election has been hit by the candidacy of Max Lobell III, the son of Max Lobell Sr. who is currently the State's senior Senator. With polling edging in the younger Lobell's favor over the past few weeks, we may be looking at a real family affair.

Illinois has looked for a while like a hold for veteran Senator George Montgommery, but he is not quite fully eliminated the threat from Jim Hoehner Jr. who remains within touching distant. Hoehner Jr. was encouraged to run by Republican Presidential nominee Glen Walken and has shown a flair for campaigning that clearly mirrors his father, former speaker Jim Hoehner Sr.

The least likely winner appears to be Richard Lassiter, son of the late President Lassiter. Many have speculated that Lassiter's target is in fact the 2012 Governor's race - a claim repeatedly denied by Lassiter himself - but he faces a tough battle to overcome former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Seaborn, though Seaborn has struggled to distance himself from an unpopular President and from his time serving in the Bartlet administration.