2010 US Presidential Election

[Tim Thomason]

Good work Tim. But what about NASA Administrator or Postmaster General? Or do they not count as part of the cabinet even unofficially?

These are all official Cabinet and Cabinet-level officers as defined by law and presidential prerogative (with some extrapolating as to who the Presidents might include with Cabinet-level positions).

"Cabinet" officers only refers to the group of 15 (14 here) Secretaries that are confirmed by the Senate and defined explicitly by law. They are in the line of succession.

"Cabinet-level" officers refers to those who, by Executive Order, are put into the Cabinet to advise the President during Cabinet meetings as equivalent to another Department Secretary. Since 1971, the Postmaster General has nothing to do with the President (he or she is appointed by a Board of Governors).

The NASA Administrator, while concurrently the Senior Space Advisor to the President, has never really been involved in Cabinet meetings to my knowledge (maybe in the '60s/'70s?). Alot of Federal agencies are like that (FEMA, FBI), and it really has to do with what a President deals with on a day-to-day basis.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

These are all official Cabinet and Cabinet-level officers as defined by law and presidential prerogative (with some extrapolating as to who the Presidents might include with Cabinet-level positions).

"Cabinet" officers only refers to the group of 15 (14 here) Secretaries that are confirmed by the Senate and defined explicitly by law. They are in the line of succession.

"Cabinet-level" officers refers to those who, by Executive Order, are put into the Cabinet to advise the President during Cabinet meetings as equivalent to another Department Secretary. Since 1971, the Postmaster General has nothing to do with the President (he or she is appointed by a Board of Governors).

The NASA Administrator, while concurrently the Senior Space Advisor to the President, has never really been involved in Cabinet meetings to my knowledge (maybe in the '60s/'70s?). Alot of Federal agencies are like that (FEMA, FBI), and it really has to do with what a President deals with on a day-to-day basis.

Ah that makes more sense. Thank you Tim.

 

[KahukuMan10]

washingtonpost.com/themix, Saturday, July 30th

The Mix
Senate Line

By Dave Dernazza

Dropping off: North Dakota
Coming on: Nevada
Bubbling under: Maine, Texas (class I), Texas (class II)

10) Nevada (not ranked last time) Until recently, this race looked fairly safe for the democrats, and arguably still does. Senator Vic Huntingdon has done all of the right things in his first term, made all the right friends, and has done a genuine good job. However, the man he replaced, Dawson Ackland, decided against a run, but his little brother Richie, a former state senator, has decided for a run. This far away, polling shows good things for Huntingdon, but the younger Ackland is rallying republican troops and is fundraising a lot faster than many democrats and republicans alike thought he could. It'll be close.

9) Arizona (10) This race has been constantly hyped up by national republicans as one of the biggest pickup opportunities for them. That this, along with one more, will be what gives them a super majority control of the upper chamber. But none of their big ticket candidates are running. Yet. With comprehensive energy reform underway, and her being designated as the administrations point person on a deal, Alexis Howard doesn't look to be running. But congresswoman Louis McDonald has long been expected to announce a run, but hasn't. So far, only ultra right wing state treasurer Dalton Bradfield has announced, and he loses by at least 10 points in all matchups against incumbent Bill Marienhoff.

8) Virginia (5) This race moves down a few spots not because it's any less of a race, but because other races seem to be tightening up and this one still has a lot of question marks. Former governor Mark Renton appears to be scaring all other democratic competition out of the water, but while that is letting him rake in a lot of cash, he's moving towards positions some in the democrats' liberal base aren't too happy with. And he is a stern opponent of same-sex marriage. On the republican side, Troy Rivers faces a challenge in self-financed businessman Brian Brooks, who is running on a purely fiscal platform, almost ignoring all social issues. At this point, this race is best called a good ol' tossup.

7) West Virginia (9) This race is becoming quite hectic for both parties. Brent Harrison isn't ruling out another run, but he's got almost nothing in his campaign warchest, making some GOP leaders worry that they may have to find another candidate. While democrats face a dual matchup between labor commissioner Marissa Baines, and Marshall University dean Michael Higgins, who has stepped up since Frank Brewster has backed off. Both of whom look very good against Harrison. Should the incumbent republican decide against a run, there is really only one other republican that could win. Former governor, 2006 GOP VP nominee, and 2010 candidate for President, Ray Sullivan. He's always been seen as an executive type of guy, but given that he could pull some weight with seniority and potentially become a leader of moderates, it may be his time. Harrison and Sullivan have proven that they can win statewide races in the democratically dominated state, and could save the seat for the GOP.

6) Florida (7) Umberto Guerra and Seth Randall are on a collision course - one that may not end up pretty. 15 months out, Randall has begun attack adds on the young former mayor of Miami, and he is really driving some voters away. "To be campaigning this far out is ludicrous and just horrible politics," NRSC chairman Harry Proctor said. It might be that he's seen how bad his numbers are and is simply reacting to that fact. While a direct race is pretty close between the two of them, Guerra has much higher popularity ratings, and many believe he'll do a better job as senator than Randall has. There are many races for the coming cycle that should be watched closely, but my money is on this one being the biggest and best.

5) Pennsylvania (6) The war ragging between congressman Travis Hoyt and former television actor Carlin Cassidy is taking it's toll on republican chances at holding this seat. Both are decently conservative, and the one real defining difference between the two is that Cassidy is pro-choice, while Hoyt is pro-life. That hasn't stopped the two from going at each others heads about every single issue imaginable. Polls right now favor Hoyt, but anything can happen. Democrats on the other hand, finally got their man. Pittsburgh mayor and co-founder of the Youth in Revolt Jackson Kennedy finally announced on July 4th that he's in. And the impact has been felt. While polls show Kennedy beating Cassidy, he's been trading leads with Hoyt for a while. But with Hoyt embroiled in a prolific battle, Kennedy can afford to kick back for a while and rake in money.

4) Indiana (4) Indiana stays at the same spot, but that's because other seats above it remain incredibly close as well. Democrats finally coerced former governor and labor secretary Jack Buckland to make a run for it, giving them a HUGE pickup opportunity. He retains a high approval ratings today, and is likely the only democrat who could conceivably win next year. Republicans will have their hands full, and now with such a high profile democrat in the race, they're going to have to convince congressman Mitch Harris to join the fray, otherwise its likely going to flip. With him not in the race yet, I call this a lean democrat seat. But I know that Harry Proctor is going to get his way and Harris will run, so I call it a tossup instead.

3) Ohio (2) So a lot has happened since I last did a line (god that sounded wrong. I hope no one under the age of 18 reads this blog). First, Senator August Adair announced he wouldn't run, making some eyes pop a little bit. Then democrats scrambled to find a big name contender before the republicans could, and picked up congressman Justin Willis. The perfect candidate for the race. There is talk that congresswoman and former governor Josie Bail may enter, but it could potentially damage the party's chances of retaining such a key seat. Republicans however, are steaming over their situation in Ohio. Despite President Walken carrying it last year, along with governor Halley winning reelection, they lost a big senate race, and now have no sure things running for next year. Congresswoman Michelle Mehmet looks good, but isn't known outside her district and faces state assembly speaker Landon Lundgren. Republicans are pinning their hopes on Dylan Garrison entering. But with his fundraising currently at $0, it may be another bad year in the buckeye state for the GOP. Still, that state's traditional swinginess prompts me to give it a tossup rating.

2) Wisconsin (3) With Nicole Henderson's decision to run for the governor's mansion over the senate, this race looks to be almost all sown up by former governor Nolan Kinnaird. He's bringing in the bacon, he's leading in the polls, and all goes well. Without Henderson, and with Drake Headley safely controlling the Ways and Means committee, democrats look unsure of who to nominate, despite the state's blue leanings. That's why at this point Kinaird looks to be the favorite.

1) New Jersey (1) Just as last time, Mike Brace's approval ratings continue to plummet, Dan Pritchard's agenda is angering many retirees and people in poverty, and the only man that's been standing up to it is state speaker Cameron Calabresse. He leads Brace by a solid 10 points in all polls, and attorney general Lynn Carmelo stated she won't run for the senate - although she did hint at congress or possible something else in the future - so I'll be rash and put my money on Calabresse.

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Saturday July 30th 2011

Former Vice-President Hoynes hints he could run for Texas Governor next year

Former United States Vice-President John Hoynes has told the BBC in an interview to be shown on the Andrew Marr show Sunday that he "could re-enter politics".

Hoynes who is in the UK to promote the UK showing of his new drama series "The Congressman" told Andrew Marr that although he was enjoying his new career as a writter and TV producer, that "politics was the one thing he really loved". Asked if he could run again for President in three years time, he ruled that out "I know now and have accepted that I will never be President of the United States", but when asked about the Governorship of Texas he refused to rule himself out "Texas is my home state, and I do feel that Governor Prior is very open to be defeated next fall, but that is all".

See the full interview on the Andrew Marr show Sunday at nine am on BBC1.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

politicalbiographies.com

William Tunney

Born July 7, 1942, William Tunney is the latest Tunney to head up the Media Empire first built by his Grandfather Randolph W. Tunney around the turn of the century. Willian Tunney is the current Chairman of the Board and Majority Stockholder for Tunney Media Group, following the merger with MertMedia.

He was born on the family's estate, Wyntoon, during World War II. He was was taught privately until he entered the prestigious Millford Academy in Anaheim. After sucessfully finishing at Stanford, he went onto to be a senior VP at Bechtel. It was here in the 1980s when the Tunney Media Group was hostily taken over by Merten St. Clair, a French corporate raider and renamed the century old company, MertMedia. Throughout the 1990s Tunney used his voting shares to try his best to take back his family's company (although received little help from his other family members). In 2005, after 22 years of being Chairman of the Board, Merten St. Clair was no longer majority shareholder and William Tunney became Chairman of the Board. After which he appointed Wilson White as CEO of the newly rechristened Tunney Media Group. In his first year of operations TMG was able to close an exclusive contract with Tao Enterprises granting the Tunney Media Group exclusive cable rights over the Macau Special Exclusion Zone.

Ever since then Tunney has been one of the most influential non-political figures in the world. With hundreds of tabloid magazines around the world, 12 international networks, Viacast Cable, not to mention the 24 hour news network CND and NBS. Most recently Time Magazine ranked him 4th in their list of the 100 most influential people of the year, behind President Walken, Pyotr Chigorin, and Frank Hollis.

William Tunney attending the 2011 Firefighter's Ball in Los Angeles (Photo by Jeffrey Tambor)

 

[Tim Thomason]

There's only been three Texas Republican Governors in recent history. So Hoynes might have a good chance here.

Here's a screenshot a painstakingly took of the Governor of Texas page:

Some notes:

• I just made up Oliver Martinez, because I couldn't find a reference to Texas' current Lieutenant Governor.
• Phil Prior is a senior Republican official in this thread. The original references to him as a former Lieutenant Governor have been deprecated by his later political biography.
• According to Prior's political biography, he beat Lt. Governor Frank Gordon in the 2008 Republican primary.
• Former Governor Barton Hopkins was introduced in the 2008 Fields-Prior election storyline and later became Senator following Joseph Furman's death.
• Jed Lucas was "mistakenly" mentioned as the current Texas Governor in 2009.
• Alex Hamilton was a Governor I just made up.
• Thomas Mulder was previously mentioned (as "William Mulder's father") as a Lieutenant Governor in the 1970s.
• The other three figures (Connally, Smith, Briscoe) are from RL. Former Governor John Connally is not related to current Texas Congressman John Connally, who ran on name recognition.
• Jed Lucas' comment at the '86 DNC is basically the same as Ann Richards' comment at the '88 DNC, addressed to Joseph Furman instead of George H. W. Bush

John Connally - Preston Smith - Dolph Briscoe - Alex Hamilton - Jed Lucas - Barton "Barry" Hopkins - Phil Prior - Thomas Mulder - Frank Gordon - Oliver Martinez - January - 1963 - 1969 - 1973 - 1979 - 1989 - 1997 - 2009 - 1940 - 1946 - August - March - Furman - Newman - 1986

 

[Marky Bunny]

Jed Lucas Lt Governor of Texas 1973 to 1989, Governor of Texas 1989 to 1997. Jed Lucas (1934 to 2011)

Photo by George Segal

 

[Westbrook]

535.com Presents the Freshman Class of 2010

Hello again everyone!

We here at 535.com are proud to present a new set of articles detailing the Representatives and Senators who represent us in Washington. This time though, we're focusing solely on the most recently elected group, the men and women chosen in 2010. It was one of the largest freshmen classes in history, and deserves some special coverage. We have high hopes that this will, along with our election-time coverage, become an annual issue.

We've acquired some very good writing, both from professional political journalists, and from some friends of the Representatives and Senators themselves. We hope that this will present an open sense into our nation's decisionmakers, and make the public more informed.


So, let's start out in the Pacific Northwest, with the great state of Oregon, and the continued excellent writing of Sarah Caldwell for the The Oregonian.

Name: Carol Young.
Party: Republican.
Home: Salem, Oregon.
Position: Congresswoman for the Fifth District of Oregon

Fun Fact: The Congresswoman is well-known for her love of the outdoors, in particular gardening. Flowers from her garden in Salem graced both her offices as Mayor, and now occupy space in her Congressional offices. She often sends them as gifts or tokens of appreciation, and has said that she would like her residence in Washington to have even a small garden.


Profile:
The former Mayor of Salem winning was one of the more surprising gains in the last election. Karl Blinken, the former incumbent, was perceived as vulnerable but no one expected him to fall as easily as he did, since the Congressman hadn’t been challenged strongly for quite awhile. Running as a fresh face and a voice for change, Carol easily picked up 54% of the vote, despite Matt Santos claiming Oregon without a problem.

Congresswoman Young is one of the more socially moderate Republicans in the House today. Her main issue is the environment, in which she reflects the best ideals of Teddy Roosevelt. She’s defended the Endangered Species Act, believes in global warming, and has spoken for a need to reduce the U.S. addiction to foreign oils, as well as investing in alternative energies. She’s also mildly pro-choice, though she would like to ban partial-birth abortions. Young is an opponent of the death penalty, however, she has also supported Oregon’s Right to Die laws in the past, which she calls “part of my strong federalist beliefs.”

Mrs. Young’s conservative beliefs come in the form of strong anti-tax sentiment and a free-market philosophy. She voted against the budget and debt bills, even though they contained measures which would cut spending, and opposed the bailouts of the banks and the financial reform legislation that was passed under President Santos. Despite merely being a freshman, she was one of the strongest voices against the Consumer Protection Agency, calling it “an undue burden on businesses and a possible barrier in the needed economic recovery of our country.” Young has also criticized foreign interventions by both Bartlet and Santos, and has stated that she will not support another if asked to do so.

Though she hasn’t had much of an impact yet, I expect nothing but future greatness from Congresswoman Young.

 

[Tim Thomason]

nbs.com, Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony

The Medal case handed to Zoey Bartlet Young, to be given to former President Josiah Edward Bartlet, by President Glen Allen Walken

President Walken handed out his first fifteen Presidential Medals of Freedom yesterday, including one that was a bit of a surprise to Washington establishment: one to his predecessor President Jed Bartlet. Yesterday marked President Bartlet's 69th birthday, and the ceremony was apparently scheduled for that reason.

"I present this medal of freedom to President Josiah Edward Bartlet with distinction for his efforts in achieving middle east peace and his courageous leadership of our nation from 1999 to 2007." - President Walken​

President Bartlet, owing to medical issues, could not attend, and the award was accepted by his daughter Zoey. The other fourteen recipients were:

• Abejundio Aviles - President of Mexico (2007-Present)
• Clancy Banghart - Former US Senator from Ohio (1993-2005) and promoter of conservative health care reform
• Ron Butterfield - Secret Service Director (2009-2010), long-time head of the Secret Service Presidential Protection Detail (1997-2008)
• Mike Casper - Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (2005-Present), led the investigation into the Zoey Bartlet kidnapping
• Lewis David Eisenhower - Secretary of State (1981-1987); Vice President of the United States (1991-1999)
• Tabatha Fortis - Noted poet. Former Poet Laureate (2002)
• Charles Frost - Analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency
• Maureen Graty - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2004-2005)
• Molly O'Connor - Secret Service Agent, Killed in Action (posthumous, awarded with Distinction to sister Tara O'Connor)
• Reverend Michael Simmons - Dean of Washington National Cathedral (1979-2011)
• Kelso Templeton - Governor of Missouri (1975-1983) (posthumous, awarded to wife Patricia Templeton)
• John Tomkins - Entertainment personality. Host of The Late Night Show with John Tomkins
• Harry S. Truman - President of the United States (1945-1953) (posthumous with Distinction, given to grandson Clifton Truman Daniel)

 

[Prometheus_2300]

535.com - Vermont - 112th Congress Freshmen

Hello Readers! This is Winry Casablancas, a teacher's assistant at Burlington Elementary. I have been asked by 535.com to write a short piece on our new Congresswoman. I am in a unique position for this task, I wrote for the now defunct Burlington Bugle (thanks internet) and am Alexis' best friend. In a way I was the 'Vinnie' to Alexis' 'Doogie' but don't let her catch you making any Howser jokes.

Name: Matt Skinner
Party: Republican
District: VT
Hometown: Burlington
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Charley Lang

Our Long time Representative has finally moved on up to the Senate. The most difficult part about Skinner is reconciling these two facts. One, he's gay and as a result supports gay rights, and two he's a Republican. These two facts seem utterly irreconcilable but in Skinner's own words:

Even now, a lot of people ask me-Why am I, a gay man, a Republican? Well, I believe in 85% of what the Republican Party stands for: A strong national defense, lower taxes and a balanced budget, less government. The parts I don't agree with, gay marriage and the abortion issue most prominently, my party and I have agreed to disagree. And yes, there have been people in my own party who have cursed me, called me the most vile of names. But I stay a Republican because I believe that the Democrats aren't the only party of inclusiveness, and because if the Republican Party really wants to be a big-tent party, it needs people like me in it.

So there you have it. He leans moderate for the Republicans and is one of the Republicans in Congress that Democrats can work with for compromises.

Fun Fact: Briefly ran for President in 2010. I hear he did not win. I wouldn't know for certain federal elections aren't really my thing.

Name: Alexis Larroquette
Party: Democrat
District: VT
Hometown: Burlington
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Jodi Lyn O'Keefe

Alexis Larroquette is a remarkable woman. She is the youngest person to pass high school in Vermont's history, and there is even a photo of her with then Freshman Congressman Matt Skinner awarding her degree at age 11. Unfortunately, her parents were not as remarkable as Alexis was, and in 1998 Evelyn Larroquette was convicted of child abuse, and it has taken almost a decade for Alexis to even be on speaking terms with her father again. For the rest of her teen years she lived with her grandparents on the Larroquette family farm. Alexis began Harvard at age 14, and her law professor, Alex Minolli first thought she was a high school student that got lost on the tour and not a student in his upper division constitutional law class, let alone his future assistant. She later graduated magna cum laude at age 20.

After her graduation, she went on to become a family law attorney at a firm in Burlington, and quite a successful one. She helped her old professor, set up the first web page for Youth in Revolt (a very bland html page on Harvard's education domain) before Minolli and Dickson first met. Now that she is in Congress she is ready to work for the rights of children and educational reform. She was not at the ground floor of Youth in Revolt, heck she was in the basement, where it was just Minolli and Kennedy

Fun Fact: Runs a Minecraft Server that has the distinction of being the only Minecraft Server in the US Capitol Building.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

535.com - Wyoming - 112th Congress Freshmen

Welcome readers of 535.com to the Wyoming Freshman page. This is Herman Morton, Senior Senator to the Cowboy State and when I heard that 535.com was looking for a correspondent to talk about our new Representative Abel Sheen I jumped at the chance. He will be a fine Congressman, as he has worked with me for almost a dozen years as a congressional aide.

Name: Abel Sheen
Party: Republican
District: WY
Hometown: Laramie, WY
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

Ever since 1994 when Kevin Harris defeated Rich Cheney (who then went onto be editor-in-chief of the Casper Star-Tribune) Wyoming has had the misfortune of being represented by a <gagging noise> Democrat. For one reason or another, Harris' opponents were either complete buffoons, moderate windbags, or had medical conditions or sex scandals that would crop up in an October Surprise. Thank goodness that Wyoming now has a true conservative in office, one that would make old Owen Lassiter proud. Here's to hoping you get a few dozen years in the House.

Fun Fact: His old man was a POW in Vietnam, and was in the news not too long ago for waiting 5 hours in line to spit tobacco on Jane Fonda at a book signing.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

Here are some wikibars I am making. Part 2 will be along later... maybe...
Thanks to Tim for his help in the making of these bars

 

[KahukuMan10]

535.com/news

Peterson and Wiley join Headley in jobs bill

With deficit reduction behind lawmakers, democratic committee leaders and ranking members are beginning to teamup with Ways and Means chairman Drake Headley in his pursuit of a job creation stimulus bill. A few weeks ago, following the unveiling of the gang of 8's plan, he stood up claiming that congress needed to get back to the issue at hand: jobs. Teaming up with a few freshman senators, and moderate republican Michael Swain, the group attempted to pick up powerful members from both parties to get a deal done.

House appropriations committee chairman Tom Peterson and his senate ranking member colleague William Wiley both signed on to Headley's plan. Peterson stated, "Washington has been playing on republican turf for a while now, it's time for the democratic majority in the house to use its majority to push a legislative agenda that the country needs. Jobs, jobs, jobs!" Wiley didn't give a statement, but his spokesman said that, "the senator looks forward to hammering out a deal that can pass both the democratic controlled house and republican controlled senate that would actually stimulate economic growth." Senator Nicole Kershaw, who has built up a large legislative record in her short tenure in congress, was one of the original members that joined with Headley, and she has used her friendship with fellow senator, republican Max Lobell III, to gain his support for a deal.

Potential reforms to spur job growth include, an infrastructure bank act, allowing the federal government to loan money out to state and local governments to repair infrastructure, a cut in the corporate tax rate. Housing reform, which many economists argue is the key to the economic recovery, is getting hyped by both Kershaw and Lobell, along with several other leading democrats. On the other hand, some economists are saying that the only way the economy can move forward and out of first gear, is a much larger stimulus than the one passed by President Santos in early 2009, but that has almost zero political chance of passing. What the final version of the bill is an unknown, but now that Drake Headley has a bipartisan group ready, the question is if he can get any bill done that will get through congress and to President Walken's desk.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

OOC: Sure... Take New York! You get to write a bunch of new characters, it will be fun!... Next time I get an idea like that, someone please shoot me. It will be less painful.

535.com - New York - 112th Congress Freshmen

Hello there readers of 535.com. This is Ashley Hawkings, one of the many political columnists for the New York Times. I try and remain as nonpartisan as I can, generally doing a column a week on a Congressman somewhere in the country and how they could do a better job. Well let's get this show on the road.

Name: Jay Cruger
Party: Republican
District: Junior Senator of New York
Hometown: New York City
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Orlando Jones

Former talk show host Jay Cruger, may be the best chance the Republicans have in New York. Known for his moderate Republican politics, he was able to defeat opponents in NY-17 during the Bartlet Administration (although 1 of his opponents became embroiled with a sex scandal in an October surprise,and the other two lacked national support from the DNC) by uniting a wide variety of minority votes to support him. Since 2003 when he unexpectedly retired he hosted Jay Cruger Country on MSNBC, until he decided to run for the Senate. The show caused some trouble for him as the FEC nearly disciplined him for keeping the show for a few weeks following his campaign announcement.

Cruger is fiscally conservative, and actually works with labor unions (with the exception of teacher's unions) much to some Republicans chagrin, and has an appreciation for the environment. He also has a tendency to work quite well with the other Senator from New York, Andrew Thorn. The Republican party is giving Cruger support because he is the highest rank Republican in the state right now, and represents the best hope they have of taking back any part of the state.

Fun Fact: Actor Joe Morton believes that he and Cruger share some resemblance, however upon investigation from several journalists completed around election day 2010, there is no resemblance between Cruger and Morton.

Name: Carson Dellinger
Party: Democrat
District: NY-02
Hometown: Brentwood
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

Dellinger has a tough act to follow from predecessor. Dellinger, aged 56 is one of oldest freshman democrats, and was a labor union leader before entering into Democratic politics. He has pledged to measure up to the legacy of Brown. However Dellinger is far more left than Brown ever was. Dellinger was his district manager, but the two had a quirky relationship, however with Brown gone, it will be interesting to see how Dellinger works.

Fun Fact: One of the last people to see Jimmy Hoffa alive.

Name: Ronnie Tucker
Party: Democrat
District: NY-03
Hometown: Glen Cove
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

Ronnie Tucker former linebacker for the New York Jets, amazed many by deciding to run for Congress. His fame got him through the door and defeated Johnson but now that he is in Washington he is dealing the realities of politics is more than just jingoism. Although the media loves him. He is completely out of his depth, and is easily pulled by a myriad of interests. The Democrats are already looking for replacements and the Republicans have already decided that popular Long Beach Mayor, Eric Reed will be their pick for 2012

Fun Fact: Many papparazzi avoid him, although many politicians do not wish to duplicate how he did this. Late election night, after the polls had closed, but before the vote was in, he rushed a papparazzi that was harassing his daughter, tackling him.

Name: Wire Munson
Party: Democrat
District: NY-07
Hometown: New York City
Date of Inauguration: April 25, 2011
Photos by:

The youngest member of the incoming house of Representatives, Munson won the New York 7th upon the acension of Calhoun to ambassador. Munson was swept into office by the large amount of support that the Youth in Revolt gave him, which drowned out the other democratic contenders, also his parents bankrolling most of his campaign helped too. (The Republican candidate was a 75 year old bank manager)

Fun Fact: Was still taking graduate classes while running for office, although he has since graduated

Name: Julia Dreyer
Party: Democrat
District: NY-08
Hometown: New York City
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Amy Poehler

Dreyer is... odd to say the least. After winning the primary challenge, and beating a Republican opponent with the backing of most of Wall Street, she is cagier than most expected. Her speeches are flawless (since she hired a playwright), and has been reading legislation non-stop and wheeling and dealing like a champ in DC. Although she carries a bubbly demeanor in public, some of the other congressman have another nickname for her: Machiavelli. Odd coincidence considering her last role was playing the first female President, Alice H. Longstreet on the ABC mini-series 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. who was the first lady of a popular president, turned Arkansas Senator, and then run for President. Some people wonder if she is playing a role as a politician, or if she was always like this. The show's fan base also supported her campaign across the internet, and its arguable whether her fans or the Youth in Revolt gave her more support.

Fun Fact: Before running for Congress she was on the call back list for the role of Secretary of State on "The Oval"

Name: Lionel A. Jackson
Party: Democrat
District: NY-10
Hometown: New York City
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Percy Daggs III

Lionel A. Jackson is a man that resonates specifically with the Youth in his district. Definitely part of Thorn's clique but Jackson did not get Youth in Revolt's support, and supposedly this came straight from Minolli. Whatever the cause of the dispute, not even Andrew Thorn was able to get Minolli to change his mind. Jackson is a strong advocate for school loan reform, and just reform of the government in general.

Fun Fact: His father Cleavant Jackson, is a prominent preacher in Brooklyn, and a former batboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He is also of no relation to Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Name: Del Roberts
Party: Republican
District: NY-19
Hometown: Beacon
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

Upon being elected to Congress the wind seems to have left his sails, leaving him becalmed in Congress. He is not very effective and the Democrats have already declared it a pick up zone for 2012. Mary Fitzgerald, Robert's predecessor in the seat is expected to run again.

Fun Fact: Participates in historical re-enactments of Roman battles.

Name: Sam Heller
Party: Democrat
District: NY-21
Hometown: Albany
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

Heller has the makings of a Congressman that will merely be a seatwarmer for a decade or so. Due to the nature of New York's 21st being the State capital, it Democratic bend almost guarantees his re-election. He seems to be content to coast through Congress.

Fun Fact: He is the Governor's man in the House of Representatives.

Name: Dalisay Dade
Party: Republican
District: NY-23
Hometown: Watertown
Date of Inauguration: April 25, 2011
Photos by:

Upstate New York politics are an interesting conundrum, as the conflict is not an either or scenario. Upstate the situation is between the Republicans the Democrats, and the Conservatives. I mention this because Dalisay Dade has managed to unite all three to a common goal. To see her gone in 2012, it is not expected that she will even run for re-election as she is quite clearly out of her depth politically, and banking entirely on her husband's reputation.

Fun Fact: Before entering Congress she was an accidental supporter of the Northern Minutemen, much to her husbands dis-satisfaction. The Northern Minutemen try to stop illegal immigration across the U.S. Canadian Border. Dalisay, who is herself an immigrant from the philippines has said that she thought the payment was going to toys for tots. How this didn't come out during the election is anyone's guess.

Name: Jim Cutter
Party: Republican
District: NY-24
Hometown: Cortland
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Richard Dean Anderson

Moderation has always been the key to New York's 24, and that was something that Joe Gorzelanny the former representative didn't understand. He had hoped that a big ad blitz orchestrated by the DNC chair Gellman would be enough to garantee victory. Instead it buried him politically. Dr. Jim Cutter who had been in an ideologically fight was able to capitalize on it and get himself Gorzelanny's Seat. Cutter was the State Senator representing part of the 24th district, and before that was the senior aeronautical engineer at McDonnell Douglas working on the DC-X. Upon arriving in Washington he has proven himself to an able politician and has developed a good working relationship with Herbert Walker, Jay Cruger, and Michael Swain.

Fun Fact: Worked on the Patriot Space Shuttle Program. Although he has never commented on his role in the program he has said that, "The Patriot Shuttle Program is the biggest example of Government Waste since the Harding Administration. They should have just given the money to NASA to begin with."

Name: Jack Rivers
Party: Democrat
District: NY-25
Hometown: Syracuse
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by:

A former school superindentent before becoming Mayor, Rivers ran to take Phelps seat away from him in 2010, mostly trumping the accomplishments of the Rochester schools. Phelps lost the race when Rivers staff found that Phelps had a gaffe regarding public education which cost him. Rivers has shown himself to be a supporter of teacher's unions, but is a typical blue dog Democrat in most other respects.

Fun Fact: He is a noted critic of standardized tests, and took much flak for supporting Santos' education plan in 2006.

 

[Westbrook]

OOC: Sure... Take New York! You get to write a bunch of new characters, it will be fun!... Next time I get an idea like that, someone please shoot me. It will be less painful.

Welcome to the club buddy, we got jackets!

Yeah, it's not really a 535 until you want to bash your head into the wall because it will make your brain stop hurting. If I had had to do the originals on my own, I still wouldn't be done.

Nice job.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

Welcome to the club buddy, we got jackets!

Yeah, it's not really a 535 until you want to bash your head into the wall because it will make your brain stop hurting. If I had had to do the originals on my own, I still wouldn't be done.

Nice job.

<puts on nice new crew jacket> Ooh... Leather... Well the West Wing has the budget considering all our castings. I pity Kman... California with its 50+ congressional delegation. How did you guys manage to get all of them done, nearly before the election, and not go too insane? This is only the Freshman class, I can only imagine how hard it must have been in the first place.

<remembers I have Florida>...

... West! Where's that wall again? I need to bash my head again!

 

[KahukuMan10]

Welcome to the club buddy, we got jackets!

Yeah, it's not really a 535 until you want to bash your head into the wall because it will make your brain stop hurting. If I had had to do the originals on my own, I still wouldn't be done.

Nice job.

ooc: Agreed 100%. I completely forgot what a pain in the ass California was to do last year, and I'm now once again remembering it.

​

"Hello avid readers of 535.com! Today, and over the course of the next few weeks, 535.com will be paying me, former Mayor of San Francisco, and former US senator from California, Justine Avery. I know, I'm not as cool as the either of the New senators from California. But one must be pretty cool to be tasked with writing up and documenting the lives of the infamous and politically stacked family of the Howard's from California! Declared by some as the Kennedy's of the West, decried by some as "those left wing Howard's from the the left coast." Either way, they play a deep role in the modern history of politics. From Chairman Chuck to newly minted Senator Andrew, they all have played a role in some shape or fashion.

The Howard Family
​

Charles Howard
(October 18th, 1930 - May 5th, 2010)

​

Like every family, there is a head. And the head to the infamous Howard Family was the legendary Charles Howard, the former Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee and one time House Majority Leader. Charles was born on October 18th, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York to his irish immigrant parents Lucas and Catherine. He was the oldest of three children, with his two younger sisters, Sophie and Erin (both born in 1937), and became an idealistic youth. Growing up during the darkest hours of our nation's history, his family was hit hard by the depression, but his father's connections with other irish immigrants (cough), allowed him to remain employed. Through all of this, Charles began to admire the great Franklin Roosevelt, and began to desire having a career in politics. At the end of the war, his father's connections once more allowed Charles privilege to attend school, and with full tuition payed, he was sent out to California to attend Stanford University. He immediately fell in love with the great state, and with a young woman classmate of his named Rose Johnson. Johnson was the youngest daughter of former California Governor and Senator, Hiram Johnson. They were wed in 1950, and had their first son, Charles Howard Jr. in 1951. Two years later, they had their first and only daughter, Katherine Howard. Upon graduating, he attended Stanford Law school where he got his degree in 1954, the same year the couple's second son, Blake was born. The young family moved down the coast a bit to the small town of Monterey, where Charles opened a law firm and Rose opened a grocery store, both of which remain. Howard, Keegan, and Locke (HKL), expanded and now has offices in every major city on the west coast, and Rosie's is still owned and operated by Ms. Howard.

After much success in his private practice, Howard decided to run for mayor of Monterey in 1974, in which he won with 79% of the vote. His tenure of Mayor was generally positive as he oversaw its growth from a small town to its early stages as a developing city. He was an avid reader of John Steinbeck, which was the primary reason he decided to settle in the area, and he also sought to capture the beauty of what Steinbeck wrote about. During his 10 year tenure as mayor, he sought to make the city more business friendly, but also a place in which all people felt safe and could live in freely. A brief reign of crime hit the city in 1982, when Mexican drug cartels, looking to expand their business came upon Monterey Bay, and the many cities that surround it. The drugs that hit the streets almost immediately, had a profound effect on the rural, sub urban area. But he increased the police's budget for the year, and took the strong authoritative executive roll. Meeting the growing presence in Watsonville, just up the road,Howard and other mayors from neighboring Santa Cruz, Seaside, and Watsonville itself worked and collaborated together to force a bust. Howard took command and ordered a 4 city task force of officers to converge on the gang's local hangout. They were arrested and are serving 20 year sentences in Pelican Bay. Howard gained the reputation as a hardline security man and a brilliant coordinator.

10 years later, in 1984, the DCCC came a knocking as they were looking for someone to replace retiring congressman Paul Reed from the California 17th congressional district, after talking it over with his family, he opted to go for it. His overwhelming popularity gave him a 63% victory at the polls even as President Reagan won reelection. Upon entering congress he was placed on the Judiciary, Education and Labor, and Ways and Means committees. He worked hard with the democratic leadership under Kim Sanderson and under President Newman in 1987 to enact universal health care reform. He became the democrats point man on the issue, working very closely with then Vice President Pierce in getting a deal through congress. However, the legislation stalled in 1988 when the republicans took away the democrats super majority in the senate. Following the election of Owen Lassiter in 1990, he began contemplating a potential run for the senate seat held by his political mentor, Senator Warren Kinear, that was up in 1992. But he quickly became the Chairman of the Education and Labor committee, and opted against it. When I was but a young mayor of San Francisco, with a liberal record but a tough on crime stance, I courted Mr. Howard, and he approved. In the democratic landslide year, in which democrats retook a 60 seat hold on the senate, and cemented their hold on the house, Howard also became the 2nd ranking democrat on Ways and Means.

He faced minimal opposition in the coming years for his seat, the closest he came to losing it was in 1996 during the Lassiter Landslide, he got 55%. That year, he was offered the position to become the next Majority Leader for the democratic caucus, and was seen as a future Speaker down the line, but in 1996, that dream was dashed when the democrats were banished to the minority, and he opted to retain the ranking spot on the Ways and Means committee. Here he would reside until 2006 when the democrats retook the house and he was made Chairman. His most important piece of legislation, in his own regard, was his public option healthcare reform bill in 2007. It was narrowly passed in the house, and then stalled in the senate. His wife, Rose, has said that after the legislation failed, was when his health began to fade. He held this post for the past four years until his death in May of last year. His youngest grandson, Sam, who followed in his grandfather's footsteps as Mayor, was elected to replace Howard. Charles Howard dedicated his life to public service, and a commitment to helping those that otherwise couldn't help themselves. As he described himself to then-Speaker of the House Glen Allan Walken in 2003 "I'm a Roosevelt Democrat. Through and through." His inspirational drive to help others has lived on through his children and grandchildren, and has become a fore frontal thought behind the youth driven political movement known as the "Youth in Revolt." His legacy will never be forgotten.

 

[Prometheus_2300]

535.com - Nevada - 112th Congress Freshmen

This is Amy Rothstein, my father was the popular casino manager of the since torn down Tangiers Hotel and Casino, even though it has been almost 12 years since he last was in Las Vegas, I moved back after college and haven't left since, and have fallen in love with the city. As a writer for the premier magazine of Las Vegas I was able to see the politics of our fair state develop and cover the election of Stephen Chase to the House of Representatives.

Name: Stephen Chase
Party: Democrat
District: NV-03
Hometown: Henderson
Date of Inauguration: January 3, 2011
Photos by: Shemar Moore

Stephen Chase was the former Mayor of Henderson and effectively a protege of Vic Huntington. He is also the darling of several of the Unions in his district. Combine that with a district that is in recent years leaning Blue and you have the fall of Cano. Chase is a Blue Dog Democrat through and through. Immigration and Commerce are two issues that Chase feels quite strongly on. His wife's cousin was recently killed while trying to mediate a solution to the Cartel War that threatens to go across the border into the United States.

Fun Fact: Owns a sailing boat on Lake Mead. He also has gained a reputation akin to Landis, trying to clean up the lake and save it.

 

[Westbrook]

Mississippi:
(OOC: The primary took place on the 2nd of August).

IC:
jacksonclarion-ledger.com, Saturday, August 3rd, 2011.

Ellerby, Hodder-Shaw to Face Off in Governor's Race.

The contestants for November have been set, as Democratic State Representative David Ellerby and Republican State Senator Katie Hodder-Shaw will be the candidates to replace outgoing Governor Will Williams.

Ellerby had an easy road, as he was one of two candidates in the entire Democratic primary, and claimed 85% of the vote. If elected, Ellerby has vowed to undertake a "major overhaul" of the state's educational systems and finances.

Hodder-Shaw's path to the nomination was much more difficult, as she faced heavyweight contenders in Attorney General Kim Matthews and Lieutenant Governor Jonas Watts. The day before the primary, polling indicated that Hodder-Shaw had a slight lead over Watts and was tied for the lead with Matthews. She would win with a mere 46.1% of the vote. Hodder-Shaw has stated that her goals as Governor would be a "restoration of the Christian values in Mississippi," and has stated that she would also be taking a hard look at the state's business policies.

The election will be held on the 8th of November.


Oklahoma:
(OOC: The primaries took place on the 26th of July).

IC:
thedailyoklahoman.com, Wednesday, July 27th, 2011.

Jobling, Keeley To Battle for Governor's Mansion.

Democrat Eli Jobling and Republican Lorraine Keeley will face off in an election to become Governor.

Jobling, the Mayor of Norman, had run for Governor in 2003, where he narrowly lossed to then-Governor Peggy Wade. He defeated a pair of challengers in the Democratic primary, gaining 48% of the vote. He has stated that his main priorities if he is elected will be "jobs, education and a smoother flowing government," and has also billed his ability to work across the aisle with Republicans.

Keeley, the Lieutenant Governor and acting Governor, was involved in a brutal primary fight with Secretary of State Randall Carey, in which accusations of liberalism and corruption were thrown by both parties. Carey won with 50.9% of the vote, and has pledged to continue the popular policies of her predecessor. Meanwhile, Carey has not ruled out a possible Independent run for the office.

The election will be held on the 8th of November.

 

[Westbrook]

Montana is covered by blogger Jenny Jacobs, a student of political science at the University of Montana, whose online handle J2 and witty observations on politics have made her a rising star in the online journalism community. Though we're happy to welcome Jenny to 535, we do have some sad news to report. Lee Wallace of the Independent Record, who covered Montana for the initial report, is in the hospital with scleroderma, and the prognosis is uncertain. We ask that your thoughts and prayers go out to Lee and his family in this difficult time.

Name: Ryan Price.
Party: Democrat.
Home: Billings, Montana.
Position: Congressman for the At-Large District of Montana.

Fun Fact: Plays the guitar and speaks both German and Russian, as a result of Billings having sister cities in those countries.

Profile:

Ryan Price is in a town he's said that he wants to clean up. I wish him the best of luck.

The former Mayor of Billings is odd for a Democrat, as he acts like a Republican in certain ways. He's said that he wants to shrink the role of government where it isn't necessary, with a statement that a lot of red- or purple-state Democrats will be mimicking: "I'm of the party of good government, not big government." He's also stated that he would be against raising taxes and allowing for more middle-class tax cuts-But he is for closing corporate loopholes to raise revenue, a nice touch.

Price made his real focus corruption and money in politics. He's railed against the current ongoing corruption issues in Montana, and has continually argued for stronger restrictions against the influence of billionaires and corporate interests in politics. He was one of the chief co-sponsors in the recent passing of the Campaign Finance and Congressional Ethics Reform Enforcement Act, working alongside fellow House Democrat of Illinois Barry Robinson to make sure that some real major changes were made to the often slap on the wrist effects of campaign finance laws. Thanks in a major part to Price's efforts, both the congressional ethics laws and campaign finance might finally have some teeth. Price received one of the pens that GlenAllen Walken used to sign CFCEREA, and was also praised by name in the speech he gave. However, Price has also stated that "the requirements of politics mean that people will come up with ways to stop these types of laws, and thus, in another 4-5 years, I'm certain that we will have to give CFCEREA another look, and change what needs changing then as well."

Price, aside from the ethics thing, is a fairly normal Democrat. He supports gay rights and abortion to a certain extent, as well as giving some quiet support to environmental rights. He's slowly become an advocate on energy issues, and has also indicated that he would like a larger role in foreign affairs.

Personally, Price is a very good speaker, handsome, though he can be a bit prickly and testy, like most politicians I guess. He's married with a pair of sons, one of whom, Justin, will be starting at The U this fall! Congrats Justin. He's also close friends and allies with Robert Starkey, our junior Senator, and once worked with popular former Governor Bruce Carner. With his grandson Kurt now in the State House, I guess that Mr. Price has now become a very well-connected man.