2010 US Presidential Election

[KahukuMan10]

realclearpolitics.com, Tuesday, February 17th, 2015

Education reform takes center stage

Senate HELP Committee Chairwoman Nicole Kershaw (D-CA) spoke with reporters today about the progress on education reform. The Senator jumpstarted the issue shortly after taking her seat and has found willing partners in the committee's ranking member, Jim Simon (R-SD), and President Walken himself. The three had a meeting last week in which the broad strokes of education reform were laid out.

First off, making community college free for all students without affecting financial aid status. This allows poorer students to use financial aid to pay for textbooks, school supplies, and other living expenses. Second, reforming, if not outright eliminating teacher tenure. It is a big deal that Kershaw has already willingly conceded what has traditionally been such a staunch democratic issue, but the President is meeting her more than half way in other areas.

The young Senator has been a large proponent of all things equality since taking her seat in January of 2011. As such, she has been in staunch opposition to the continued use of the property tax as a means to fund public elementary and high schools. The idea is that because poorer communities collective property is worth less than that of their more wealthy counterparts, the schools in those areas in turn have more funding and access to resources than poorer schools. Kershaw's husband, Alex, is a law professor at Berkley and has a private practice in which he's been leading a case going through the courts challenging the property tax as a violation of "separate but equal" doctrine which was eliminated with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Senator Kershaw is looking to do the same thing statutorily and President Walken is on board.

There are other details that need to be ironed out between the two sides, and it remains to be seen how the democratic base responds to the talk about teacher tenure. President Santos built a plan almost entirely around it a few years back, but the party has gotten slightly more liberal over the last few years, and could potentially balk. Much remains to be done, but it appears that the first serious education reform attempt since President Bartlet's first term will get done.

President Walken and Senators Kershaw and Simon after their meeting last week at the White House

 

[MountainDew17]

ACN- February 18th, 2014

ACN- Atlantis Cable News

DSCC eyes Cruger's seat in 2016

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, chaired by Stephen Wilson, the Senior Senator from Maine, is eying the Class III Senate Seat in New York in next year's Senate Election. The incumbent, 1st term Senator Jay Cruger, who won with a plurality of 48% of the vote 5 years ago, has become increasingly unpopular over the past 5 years. Even with the election of Republican Rob Cole to the Albany, it is still believed by many that Cruger will be in serious trouble come next November.

While some believe that recently ousted Governor Matthew Lewis might be vying for the seat, our sources are telling ACN that 5-term incumbent Congressman Scott Van Damm of New York's 20th Congressional District is being considered for the seat.

Van Damm, who will be 46 this November, is a West Point Graduate and 14-year US Army veteran, serving as a US Army Ranger from the Gulf War until the US' Intervention in Equatorial Kundu in 2003. While there, then Major Van Damm was critically wounded when he dove on a live enemy grenade, shielding his men from the blast. After spending nearly a year in the hospital and physical therapy, Van Damm received an Honorable discharge from the US Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 2005, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, along with the Purple Heart which he had been awarded in 2003, for his actions in Kundu.

In 2006, he was tapped by the DCCC to run in the New York 20th, to replace the retiring Kristen Gates (D). He was elected with over 60% of the vote, and has been consistently re-elected 4 times since. Since he election in 2006, he has been an outspoken proponent of Veteran's Affairs and was allegedly on President Walken's shortlist for Secretary of Veteran's Affairs, something both the White House and Congressman Van Damm have both denied.

Van Damm could face a tough primary challenge should former Governor Lewis decide to run for the seat. Unlike Governor Lewis, Van Damm is vehemently pro-life, and is the only Democratic Member of New York's Congressional Delegation that has never been endorsed by the Women's Alliance for Choice.

Van Damm has been married to his wife, Elizabeth McCain, since 1993 and together they have 3 children: Scott Jr. (born 1994), Cameron (born 1997) and Aiden (born 2002). His eldest son, Scott Jr., is currently a Cadet at West Point

ooc- Sean Kanan as Congressman Van Damm

 

[JFWR]

BBC.CO.UK/world
Wednesday 18th February 2015

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

CDU Choose Leader: New German Chancellor Confirmed

The Christian Democratic Union of Germany have chosen their new Chairperson, to succeed Rudolf Ehrhart. Franz Beck will take over as both leader of the centre-right party and as Chancellor of Germany, leading a Coalition of the CDU and FPD (Free Democratic Party) which has existed since the 2013 Federal Election. Ehrhart has been Chancellor of Germany since 2005, and leader of the CDU since 2002, but announced he would step down last month, revealing a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The choice of Beck, who served as Minister for Finance in Ehrhart's Cabinet, came as no surprise to many, as he was relatively unopposed, however his choice has angered many in the FDP, who feel like his attitude will not work well with the coalition partners. However, the leader of the FDP, Norbert Pfeiffer, congratulated Beck, and said he "looked forward to working closely with him".

Other congratulations have come from across the international community, including various EU leaders, such as Giselle Trenier, the French President, who said she "hoped Chancellor Beck and I can continue the good work Germany and France have cooperated on previously". Andrew Carter said "I congratulate Chancellor Beck and hope that the UK and Germany will continue to work well together, even as Rudolf and I leave the scene!". President Walken sent his congratulations to the new Chancellor saying, "I heartily look forward to working with Chancellor Beck, and continuing with the strong relationship that our two nations have built over the years."

 

[JFWR]

Bruno Ganz as Rudolf Ehrhart (as previously)

Heino Ferch as Franz Beck, the new Chancellor

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/politics
Wednesday February 18th 2015

Galloway accuses Samuels partner in angry PMQ's exchanges

Socialist Alliance MP Hamish Galloway accused the partner of Deputy Prime-Minster Samuels of being "a corrupt agent of evil capitalism".

It came after further allegations that the company "McKay Associates" owned by Robert McKay, had been involved in illegal practices.

Labour leader Andrea Benn stayed clear of the story, using her questions on the ongoing row between the Government, the Mayor of London and the Governors of Hertfordshire and Essex over the redrawing of the Greater London Boundary and on Welfare reform.

Hamish Galloway tore into Samuels personally citing the stories in the press and on-line calling Robert McKay "a disgrace as a Scotsman, and a corrupt agent of evil capitalism, who has milked the poor, and bribed his way to a fortune". Even some Labour MP's looked taken aback by the words used as Conservative backbenchers shouted "shame" and "withdraw". Samuels hit back saying the "The honourable member knows he can repeat those allegations here, and use that language because he has the privilege and protection of this House, I challenge him to repeat those comments outside this House, anytime he likes".

 

[MountainDew17]

BBC.CO.UK/politics
Wednesday February 18th 2015

Galloway accuses Samuels partner in angry PMQ's exchanges

Socialist Alliance MP Hamish Galloway accused the partner of Deputy Prime-Minster Samuels of being "a corrupt agent of evil capitalism".

It came after further allegations that the company "McKay Associates" owned by Robert McKay, had been involved in illegal practices.

Labour leader Andrea Benn stayed clear of the story, using her questions on the ongoing row between the Government, the Mayor of London and the Governors of Hertfordshire and Essex over the redrawing of the Greater London Boundary and on Welfare reform.

Hamish Galloway tore into Samuels personally citing the stories in the press and on-line calling Robert McKay "a disgrace as a Scotsman, and a corrupt agent of evil capitalism, who has milked the poor, and bribed his way to a fortune". Even some Labour MP's looked taken aback by the words used as Conservative backbenchers shouted "shame" and "withdraw". Samuels hit back saying the "The honourable member knows he can repeat those allegations here, and use that language because he has the privilege and protection of this House, I challenge him to repeat those comments outside this House, anytime he likes".

I love Prime Minister Question hour. Great stuff.

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Thursday February 19th

New York Senate race heats up at 2nd Congressman and prominent State Senator Express Interest

The Democratic Senate Committee have long since identified New York’s Republican Junior Senator Jay Cruger as their number one target seat for the 2016 election, but any hopes that they could arrange a straight forward primary are looking slim as a number of candidates are openly eyeing the race.

Reports earlier in the week suggested that Congressman Scott Van Damm was looking seriously at the race and that he has some support in Washington circles to make the bid. Van Damm is yet to make any public statements but his fellow Congressman Tim Burrell, from New York’s 9th district for far less restrained when asked yesterday about the race.

Burrell, a protégé of the state’s Senior Senator Andrew Thorn and a close friend of the family of former Senator Michael Daschowitz, told reporters that he was “definitely exploring” a run.

Congressman Burrell, who was re-elected for an eight term last November, would be a very strong challenger for Cruger and his folksy, everyman image is likely to contrast with the incumbent who is consistently attacked for his close links to Wall Street (both real and imagined). He was mentioned by some a potential challenger for new Republican Governor Rob Cole, should he seek re-election in 2018 but it appears that Burrell has his eyes focused more on Washington than Albany.

The race looks set to be a crowded one with former Governor Matthew Lewis believed to have an interest and State Senator Varney James openly courting donors and supporters over the past few months. With whoever win the Demcratic Primary being a very strong favourite against the unpopular Cruger expect this to be a highly competitive primary race.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Thursday February 19th

Walken Facing Republican Revolt Over Education Reform

Progress towards education reform seemed to be moving swiftly towards an accord over the weekend following a series of meetings between President Walken and Democratic Senator Nicole Kershaw, the chair of the HELP committee. That progress appeared in doubt last night after a number of leading Republicans spoke out against a deal on free community college.

The proposal that leaked over the weekend has irked a number of senior GOP figures with a some suggesting off the record that they couldn’t vote for such a development. On the record two leading Republicans spoke out firmly against.

Firstly, Arizona Senator Louise McDonald said the idea was “loopy” and “served almost no purpose” adding “this is nothing but a pointless give away, free community college will do nothing to address the skills gap and will simply attract a high bill for the taxpayer.”

McDonald found support in the form of former teacher and Alabama Senator Alan Garland who said this was “Yet more government overreach, by making community college free we would send the cost sky-rocketing and create exactly the same issue we have across higher education – demand will outstrip supply and costs will go north, the American people will need to bear that cost when only 15% of attendees go onto further education. It’s not sensible.”

The White House were likely expecting opposition from some within their party but Democrats are equally concerned about reports that any deal would be based on the previous work of President Matt Santos’ proposal to eliminate teacher tenure. Indiana Senator Damon Matteo who potentially faces a primary challenge from his ideological left said he had “very real concerns” and retiring Ohio Senator Haydn Straus said he “couldn’t see a way that he could support” such a move.

All of this suggests that what appeared to be a march towards a deal on education reform may face significantly more obstacles than some suspected.

 

[MountainDew17]

ACN- February 19th, 2015

ACN- Atlantis Cable News

With no Primary opponents, Fisk and Hodder-Shaw begin focusing on November

Going into next month's primary, both Democratic Challenger Alan Fisk and Republican incumbent Governor Katie Hodder-Shaw are both unopposed in their respective primaries. That being said, both camps appear to be gearing up for the general election this November.

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/Politics
Friday February 20th 2015

Richard Samuels adopted Daughter posts You Tube video defending both her parents

Lauren Samuels-McKay the adopted Daughter of Deputy Prime-Minister Richard Samuels has posted a You Tube video today defending her parents and attacking the press and her birth Mother.

The fifteen year old posted the video this morning and sent links to all the media organisations via e-mail.

"I have become increasingly angry over the last few days, as certain parts of the press have attacked both my Dad's. It is politically motivated, they have failed before to smear Daddy Richard twice before, now they trying the same thing with Daddy Robert, I have had enough. They have provided me with a stable and loving home. They have been brilliant parents, unlike my birth mother, who left me abandoned at the age of three, now she try's and plays the concerned Mother, maybe she should have shown the same sort of concern twelve years ago".

In the nine minute video she added "Neither of my Dad's know about this video, but I am not going to stay silent anymore" adding "in the last couple of weeks several of my school friends have been approached by reporters asking questions about me, and posting questions and comments to my Facebook and Twitter Accounts. "Does she take drugs, does she have sex", I could go on. So I am going to answer these questions. No I do not have a boyfriend or a girlfriend. I don't do drugs, I tried a cigarette once last year, and hated it, I have had the odd underage drink, and yes I am still a virgin. Right anything you from the press want to ask, come and ask me, don't go after my parents, because frankly they are way out of your league".

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM
Saturday February 21st 2015

Former General Barrie declares Kentucky Gubernatorial run

Retired General Ed Barrie has announced today that he is running for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Kentucky which is on March 3rd.

Barrie has been an undeclared candidate for months, but announced this morning at a brief press conference from his home outside Frankfort.

Barrie is 74, and retired from the Army back in 2000 and was an outspoken critic of then President Josiah Bartlet.

Barrie served in Vietnam, Granada, Haiti and "Desert Storm". He has stayed out of front line politics although he declared his support for President Walken in 2010, and refused to back General Alexander's short-lived Independent run for the White-House that year.

General Barrie in 2000

(photo by Tom Bower-show casting)

 

[Arrowfan237]

Has Santos published his biography yet and when is his museum opening?

 

[Arrowfan237]

nbs.com, Monday February 23rd

"Them Three Days" earns Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor while "Motherhood" dominates the Oscars

(Patricia Arquette accepting her Oscar for Best Actress)

"Them Three Days", the movie that chronicled the kidnapping of former First Child Zoey Bartlet, has won two Oscars out of its five nominations. Michael Douglas picked up an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his powerhouse performance as former President Josiah Bartlet, while Aaron Sorkin won for Best Original Screenplay. This is not the first time, however, that these two men have worked together and achieved success. Douglas won the 1996 Academy Award for Best Actor fro his portrayal of President Andrew Sheperd, a widowed President who falls in love with a lobbyist in The American President, a script which Aaron Sorkin also wrote. Sorkin is currently developing a show that he says will be called "The West Wing" which will plan to deal with the 8 years of the Bartlet Administration. Martin Sheen has been cast in the role of President Bartlet due to his almost impossible resemblance to the character.

The big prize of the night went to the cast of Motherhood, the epic movie that was shot over the course of 18 years, and covers a mother's experiences from the time her children are born to when they leave for college. Patricia Arquette delivered the powerhouse lead performance, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. In her speech, she called for President Walken to continue his work in reforming the education system and demanded that the new congress take up the gender wage-gap in order to promote equality.

 

[JFWR]

itn.com
Monday 23rd February 2015

Brecon Race hots up as party big-guns head to Wales

Robert Richardson, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has spent the weekend campaigning for his party in the Central Welsh seat of Brecon and Radnorshire, which has its by-election to replace the disgraced Tory minister, Alan Reiger. The Lib Dems are fighting hard to win back the seat, having lost it in 2011. The weekend also saw Bryan Atkinson, deputy Leader of the Labour Party visit Brecon, and campaign with the parties candidate, Claire Fletcher. The Conservatives were represented over the weekend by the popular former PM and Mayor of London, Henry Reed.

The Conservatives and Lib Dems are both vying for victory, but neither has built enough of a commanding lead to rest on their laurels. Polls vary in who they are placing ahead, but all are well within the margin of error. However, momentum is starting to build behind the Conservatives, who have managed to narrow the gap between them and the Lib Dems. This could give them the momentum they need to carry them out on top on Thursday, polling day.

Other parties have not been working so hard for victory, but are attempting to make enough of an impact to win back deposits and gain media attention. Plaid Cymru have been out in force with their candidate Aled Llewelyn, who has been pushing the parties agenda in an area where the nationalists have not been so popular in the past.

 

[Arrowfan237]

Do you think that we might be able to install Frank Underwood into this thread in any way?

 

[Marky Bunny]

Do you think that we might be able to install Frank Underwood into this thread in any way?

I am affarid no, we have ruled out any more cross-overs!!

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM
Tuesday February 24th 2015

Skinner's partner rules out Gubernatorial run

The long-term partner of Vermont Senator Matt Skinner, Iain Thompson has ruled out running for the Gubernatorial nomination.

Thompson, a TV Producer and independent film maker had been holding discussions with state Republican party officials.

With only a week left to the GOP primary it leaves the states Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Patrick Cleacy as the only declared candidate.

 

[Marky Bunny]

NBS.COM
Wednesday February 25th 2015

Hoynes deploys Texas National Guard to Mexico Border

In a move that is bound to upset the base of the Democratic Party, Texas Governor John Hoynes has today deployed the Texas National Guard to the Mexico Border.

The move comes after several weeks of a surge of children and parents attempting to across the Rio Grande.

In a statement Hoynes said that he had "no choice" but to protect "Texans" and said that "The Senate needs to pass legalisation fast".

 

[MountainDew17]

ACN- February 25th, 2015

ACN- Atlantis Cable News

Fisk: "I'm Basically in favor of Same-Sex Marriage"

Jackson, Mississippi- For years, Alan Fisk was perhaps one of the most prominent members of the Democratic Party to have never publicly spoke in favor of same-sex marriage. In both 2000 and 2005, he voiced his support of the "Marriage Recognition Act" and "Sanctity of Marriage Act". Even after Republican Matthew Skinner, a open-homosexual, was elected to the Senate in 2008, Alan Fisk remained silent on the issue.

However, all of that changed today during a campaign even in the Mississippi State Capital, Jackson. Just so we can be clear, here is the backstory:

Currently working on Mr. Fisk's Campaign are Campaign Manager Sheila Brooks and Media Consultant Daniel Kline, both of whom are Log Cabin Republicans. Ms. Brooks has 4 children, the oldest of which, Tina, 17, is an open homosexual. Today, Mr. Fisk was asked this question.

"Mr. Fisk, given that Ms. Brooks and Mr. Kline are Log Cabin Republicans, does this change your position on same sex marriage?"

Mr. Fisk responded:

"In the past, i have been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, as many Democrats, especially us Boll Weevils, were at points in their political careers. Over the past few years, i have done a lot of soul searching, and i was wrong in the past. Yes, i am basically in favor of same-sex marriage and under my Governorship, i will push for marriage equality in the great State of Mississippi"

At present, Mississippi is one of 13 states where same-sex marriages are still banned.

 

[JFWR]

bbc.co.uk
Thursday 26th February 2015

Voting underway in Brecon and Radnorshire by-election

Voters have gone to the cast their ballots as polling stations opened this morning to elect the next Member of Parliament for the Central Welsh seat of Brecon and Radnorshire. Triggered by the resignation of Conservative Minister Alan Reiger, the contest is expected to be incredibly close, with last minute polls putting the Lib Dems and Conservatives as level pegging.

The analysis of the election has been focused on the aparent lack of interest from the top of the Conservative Party, with reports that the leadership had already given up on holding the seat until a week or so ago. It is also alleged that Henry Reeds spur of the moment visit to campaign with their candidate, Ffion Davies, was not cleared with the central leadership. Instead, the Mayor of London took it into his own own hands to try and win ack a lead in the polls.

The Liberal Democrats on the other hand have been furiously trying to win back the seat they lost in 2011 to Alan Reiger. The party have called in activists from across Wales and the Borders, and the leadding memebrs have been there promoting their message.