Walter Makki
(1946 - Present)
President of the United States (1988 -1996)
Walter Makki was born in the town of Ishpeming, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Eino and Helga Makki. An only child, Walter grew up in the iron mining town before joining the military in 1964 at the age of 18. He would serve three tours in Vietnam, being wounded twice and receiving the silver star, before returning to civilian life.
Upon his return to the United States, he attended the University of Michigan on the GI Bill, where he eventually received a degree in law. Makki then returned to Ishpeming, where he opened up his practice and quickly became one of the most sought after defence attornies in the state due to his charisma.
Makki eventually ran for the state state senate, and won handedly, and served three terms, during which he became the Senate Majority Leader. In 1980 he ran for Governor of Michigan, becoming the first governor of that state to hail from the Upper Peninsula.
Despite the economic troubles embroiling the state during the era, he became a popular governor, fondly remembered for his sharp wits and dry sense of humor. He was best known for his jobs initiative, which gave state funds to help develope small businesses and broaden the Michigan economy.
Entering into the 1988 Democratic primary of an under dog, he went on to beat the front runner, Rhode Island governor, Stark Merriweather. From there he narrowly defeated the sitting Vice-President, Vincent "Vince" Scott, in the general election.
Makki's presidency was best known for his opposition to NAFTA, plans to cut the federal debt, and attempting, but failing, to win passing of his Healthcare Plan. On the international stage, his biggest accomplishment was reaching out to the dissolving Soviet Union, helping that region work through the painful transition, and his successful invasion of Iraq, to prevent that nation fro annexing Kuwait.
Walter Makki was the nation's first president of Finnish-American background. He also spoke with a thick Upper Peninsula, or "Yooper", accent which was the souce of much of the humor directed at him during his presidency.