The Land Of The Free: An American Political Roleplay (IC)

[Gordano and Lysandus]

[From: Representative Felix Holt]
[To: Representative Caroline Simone]

Hello Carrie! I was wondering if you had some time to talk about the Apportionment Bill penned by Representative Nez? I’m in my office right now, so I can swing by any time.

Thanks!

Felix

Caroline decided to surprise Felix by dropping by HIS office, knocking lightly on the door and largely ignoring Felix's secretary.

[Solomons Land]

"I think Porter is a man of good fiber that will fit the Oval Office quite nicely."
OOC: I am sorry I disappeared.

Slater frowned at that. "Benedict, I understand you have your opinions, but you have to look at the big picture here. Porter economically is much more in line with the Baginski wing of the Democrats than with us conservatives. He is a gaffe machine who will get pummeled by whoever the Democrats nominate unless it's someone like Murphy. He's bad news for us. There are far better candidates who will both win us the election and get us actual conservative policies passed."

Look, I think, despite his rather...ill-conceived...economic policies, he would be the best president. Plus, I gave him my word of honor that I would support him.

[Titanne]

[From: Representative Felix Holt]
[To: Representative Caroline Simone]

Hello Carrie! I was wondering if you had some time to talk about the Apportionment Bill penned by Representative Nez? I’m in my office right now, so I can swing by any time.

Thanks!

Felix

Caroline decided to surprise Felix by dropping by HIS office, knocking lightly on the door and largely ignoring Felix's secretary.

“Oh! What a surprise, come on in! I hope you don’t mind that my dogs are in here, I brought them in today because they missed me when I was off in California.”

Felix chuckled, and patted one of the dogs on the head.

“You can grab a seat if you’d like,” he said, gesturing at two chairs set out in front of his desk.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Oh! What a surprise, come on in! I hope you don’t mind that my dogs are in here, I brought them in today because they missed me when I was off in California.”

Felix chuckled, and patted one of the dogs on the head.

“You can grab a seat if you’d like,” he said, gesturing at two chairs set out in front of his desk.

She went to take a seat, her knees together as she sat in a 'duchess lean', looking over the desk at Felix with a smile. "Such delightful pets. I should probably get a pet." Seeing as she lived alone, the companionship would be helpful. "You wanted to talk about Kathleen's bill?"

[Titanne]

“Oh! What a surprise, come on in! I hope you don’t mind that my dogs are in here, I brought them in today because they missed me when I was off in California.”

Felix chuckled, and patted one of the dogs on the head.

“You can grab a seat if you’d like,” he said, gesturing at two chairs set out in front of his desk.

She went to take a seat, her knees together as she sat in a 'duchess lean', looking over the desk at Felix with a smile. "Such delightful pets. I should probably get a pet." Seeing as she lived alone, the companionship would be helpful. "You wanted to talk about Kathleen's bill?"

“Yes, I had some... concerns. I’m not quite sure where I stand on it.”

[Jovuistan]

Slater frowned at that. "Benedict, I understand you have your opinions, but you have to look at the big picture here. Porter economically is much more in line with the Baginski wing of the Democrats than with us conservatives. He is a gaffe machine who will get pummeled by whoever the Democrats nominate unless it's someone like Murphy. He's bad news for us. There are far better candidates who will both win us the election and get us actual conservative policies passed."

Look, I think, despite his rather...ill-conceived...economic policies, he would be the best president. Plus, I gave him my word of honor that I would support him.

"I don't think that's particularly wise of you to do, Benedict. Tell me, have you spoken to any of the other candidates?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Yes, I had some... concerns. I’m not quite sure where I stand on it.”

"I'd rather hope you stood for it, considering the leadership's putting a lot of work into this bill."

[Titanne]

“Yes, I had some... concerns. I’m not quite sure where I stand on it.”

"I'd rather hope you stood for it, considering the leadership's putting a lot of work into this bill."

“I’m leaning towards it, but I’m still a little bit worried about what such a large chamber would look like.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I’m leaning towards it, but I’m still a little bit worried about what such a large chamber would look like.”

"You think you wouldn't be able to have your own chance to speak? There's far larger chambers in the world out there, Felix, and at any rate, most Representatives still don't have much to say on most issues."

[Solomons Land]

Look, I think, despite his rather...ill-conceived...economic policies, he would be the best president. Plus, I gave him my word of honor that I would support him.

"I don't think that's particularly wise of you to do, Benedict. Tell me, have you spoken to any of the other candidates?"

Fitzdaniel remembered he had cancelled his meeting with Richardson after speaking to Porter. "Admittedly, Porter was my only in-person meeting, but I did speak to Richardson over the phone..." He knew this sounded weak. Maybe this was all a bad idea. Richardson had really wanted to speak with him. It was too late now.

[Solomons Land]

“I’m leaning towards it, but I’m still a little bit worried about what such a large chamber would look like.”

"You think you wouldn't be able to have your own chance to speak? There's far larger chambers in the world out there, Felix, and at any rate, most Representatives still don't have much to say on most issues."

OOC: Is this the Republican caucus?

[Titanne]

“I’m leaning towards it, but I’m still a little bit worried about what such a large chamber would look like.”

"You think you wouldn't be able to have your own chance to speak? There's far larger chambers in the world out there, Felix, and at any rate, most Representatives still don't have much to say on most issues."

“I know. I’m not worried so much about myself, but about representatives that enter the chamber after the bill takes effect. It’s gonna be harder for freshmen to get a voice. There’s also the issue with managing such a chamber. Everything will take a longer amount of time, which won’t always work out in our favor. Plus, with this bill, some reform might be necessary as well. Remote voting, stuff like that.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I know. I’m not worried so much about myself, but about representatives that enter the chamber after the bill takes effect. It’s gonna be harder for freshmen to get a voice. There’s also the issue with managing such a chamber. Everything will take a longer amount of time, which won’t always work out in our favor. Plus, with this bill, some reform might be necessary as well. Remote voting, stuff like that.”

"Do you feel you've not been given enough of a chance to have a voice, Felix?" She frowned, raising an eyebrow. "And a little inefficiency is surely a worthwhile price to pay for better representation for the people, isn't it? You know that the century-old restriction on the number of House seats massively favors Republicans, right?" She scratched her chin. "Trust me, we wouldn't work on something like this practically if we didn't think we could surmount the practical obstacles."

[Titanne]

“I know. I’m not worried so much about myself, but about representatives that enter the chamber after the bill takes effect. It’s gonna be harder for freshmen to get a voice. There’s also the issue with managing such a chamber. Everything will take a longer amount of time, which won’t always work out in our favor. Plus, with this bill, some reform might be necessary as well. Remote voting, stuff like that.”

"Do you feel you've not been given enough of a chance to have a voice, Felix?" She frowned, raising an eyebrow. "And a little inefficiency is surely a worthwhile price to pay for better representation for the people, isn't it? You know that the century-old restriction on the number of House seats massively favors Republicans, right?" She scratched her chin. "Trust me, we wouldn't work on something like this practically if we didn't think we could surmount the practical obstacles."

“That’s good to hear. Does the caucus have a plan to win, or at least make a play for, all of these new seats?”

He tapped his foot nervously under his desk.

“No, I’m perfectly fine with my place in the chamber and in the caucus. But others may not be.”

[Jovuistan]

"I don't think that's particularly wise of you to do, Benedict. Tell me, have you spoken to any of the other candidates?"

Fitzdaniel remembered he had cancelled his meeting with Richardson after speaking to Porter. "Admittedly, Porter was my only in-person meeting, but I did speak to Richardson over the phone..." He knew this sounded weak. Maybe this was all a bad idea. Richardson had really wanted to speak with him. It was too late now.

Slater was silent for a few seconds. "I would recommend in the future having more in-person meetings before making such a decision. Trust me, it'll save you from making poor choices. What is it that makes you think Porter would be a better President than the others, specifically?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“That’s good to hear. Does the caucus have a plan to win, or at least make a play for, all of these new seats?”

He tapped his foot nervously under his desk.

“No, I’m perfectly fine with my place in the chamber and in the caucus. But others may not be.”

"Well, the new seats wouldn't come into play until 2024, and they'd all need to be drawn up, so no, we don't have a battleplan right this second, but I can assure you that the DNC will have a battleplan in place by the time we actually have to fight that election. Clara runs a very professional operation over at the DNC." She assured, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Trust me, Felix, we wouldn't put so much energy into a bill that we didn't think was ready."

[Sanabel]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC

After most of the senators filed into the ornate room, browsed the buffet, and situated themselves in their seats, the Majority Leader stood, knocked his fist on the table, and began to speak.

“Senators, senators, thank you for coming here today. As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of this caucus meeting is to discuss the recent gun legislation proposed by our Democratic colleagues. As you’ve probably also guessed, it is our job to kill the legislation as quickly and quietly as possible.

The plan, first and foremost, is to put as much space as possible between the tragedy in Roanoke and a floor vote as possible. We all know the Democrats and their partners in the media sensationalize gun legislation, but the media will forget with enough time. That is why our immediate priority is the Berentsen hearing- to change the news cycle.

When the vote comes, I don’t want to see any grandstanding. We will push it through the procedures with as little debate as possible. I hope that is clear. Then, Senator Frankston and I will be enforcing a hard whip on this bill. Suraj Shah makes the math a little bit trickier than we’d like. If you do not vote against this legislation, your committee assignments will be reconsidered to say the least.”

Warrick paused, before going back into his monotonous speech.

“I know some of you,” he looked at the Senators from Maine and Colorado, “Will be hesitant, but Senator Merriam has graciously offered to assist with convincing you further.” He nodded to the lady from New Hampshire.

“Finally, I know the Senator from Pennsylvania has long considered gun reform to be a major aspiration. Given this, we will discuss privately how he intends to vote on this legislation. However the rest of you have an obligation to vote ‘nay.’ No ifs, ands, or buts. Any questions before I continue?”

[Jovuistan]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC

After most of the senators filed into the ornate room, browsed the buffet, and situated themselves in their seats, the Majority Leader stood, knocked his fist on the table, and began to speak.

“Senators, senators, thank you for coming here today. As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of this caucus meeting is to discuss the recent gun legislation proposed by our Democratic colleagues. As you’ve probably also guessed, it is our job to kill the legislation as quickly and quietly as possible.

The plan, first and foremost, is to put as much space as possible between the tragedy in Roanoke and a floor vote as possible. We all know the Democrats and their partners in the media sensationalize gun legislation, but the media will forget with enough time. That is why our immediate priority is the Berentsen hearing- to change the news cycle.

When the vote comes, I don’t want to see any grandstanding. We will push it through the procedures with as little debate as possible. I hope that is clear. Then, Senator Frankston and I will be enforcing a hard whip on this bill. Suraj Shah makes the math a little bit trickier than we’d like. If you do not vote against this legislation, your committee assignments will be reconsidered to say the least.”

Warrick paused, before going back into his monotonous speech.

“I know some of you,” he looked at the Senators from Maine and Colorado, “Will be hesitant, but Senator Merriam has graciously offered to assist with convincing you further.” He nodded to the lady from New Hampshire.

“Finally, I know the Senator from Pennsylvania has long considered gun reform to be a major aspiration. Given this, we will discuss privately how he intends to vote on this legislation. However the rest of you have an obligation to vote ‘nay.’ No ifs, ands, or buts. Any questions before I continue?”

"Beyond the Beretsen hearing, do you wish for us to write or debate any other particular bills to give more time for the news cycle to die off?"

[Solomons Land]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC
(Image)

Leader Warrick planned on wining-and-dining the Republican Caucus of the United States Senate while they discussed the most pivotal moment of the 116th Caucus- blocking inevitable gun control legislation.

The leader sat at the leadership table facing the fancy dining room, which was prepared with a lavish buffet-style lunch for the Republican Caucus. He was first to arrive, and waited for the others to trickle in.

Senator Fitzdaniel is present, still reading from his ever-beloved Book of Mormon.

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

No debate questions on climate change, worker's rights, or poverty, three of the most important issues in our country right now. Theatrics and grandstanding cannot substitute for speaking to voters on the ground and talking about real issues. #NotOneQuestion #ClimateDebate #PovertyDebate

[Titanne]

“That’s good to hear. Does the caucus have a plan to win, or at least make a play for, all of these new seats?”

He tapped his foot nervously under his desk.

“No, I’m perfectly fine with my place in the chamber and in the caucus. But others may not be.”

"Well, the new seats wouldn't come into play until 2024, and they'd all need to be drawn up, so no, we don't have a battleplan right this second, but I can assure you that the DNC will have a battleplan in place by the time we actually have to fight that election. Clara runs a very professional operation over at the DNC." She assured, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Trust me, Felix, we wouldn't put so much energy into a bill that we didn't think was ready."

“Alright, I’ll be on board with the bill when it comes to a vote. Is there anything else you need to talk about, given you’re already here?”

[Sanabel]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC

After most of the senators filed into the ornate room, browsed the buffet, and situated themselves in their seats, the Majority Leader stood, knocked his fist on the table, and began to speak.

“Senators, senators, thank you for coming here today. As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of this caucus meeting is to discuss the recent gun legislation proposed by our Democratic colleagues. As you’ve probably also guessed, it is our job to kill the legislation as quickly and quietly as possible.

The plan, first and foremost, is to put as much space as possible between the tragedy in Roanoke and a floor vote as possible. We all know the Democrats and their partners in the media sensationalize gun legislation, but the media will forget with enough time. That is why our immediate priority is the Berentsen hearing- to change the news cycle.

When the vote comes, I don’t want to see any grandstanding. We will push it through the procedures with as little debate as possible. I hope that is clear. Then, Senator Frankston and I will be enforcing a hard whip on this bill. Suraj Shah makes the math a little bit trickier than we’d like. If you do not vote against this legislation, your committee assignments will be reconsidered to say the least.”

Warrick paused, before going back into his monotonous speech.

“I know some of you,” he looked at the Senators from Maine and Colorado, “Will be hesitant, but Senator Merriam has graciously offered to assist with convincing you further.” He nodded to the lady from New Hampshire.

“Finally, I know the Senator from Pennsylvania has long considered gun reform to be a major aspiration. Given this, we will discuss privately how he intends to vote on this legislation. However the rest of you have an obligation to vote ‘nay.’ No ifs, ands, or buts. Any questions before I continue?”

"Beyond the Beretsen hearing, do you wish for us to write or debate any other particular bills to give more time for the news cycle to die off?"

“Our concern in doing that is it would lead to the Summer Recess occurring before we kill the legislation. The last thing we want is another tragedy to take place before we kill it, which would only ramp up the pressure once more.”

[Solomons Land]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC

After most of the senators filed into the ornate room, browsed the buffet, and situated themselves in their seats, the Majority Leader stood, knocked his fist on the table, and began to speak.

“Senators, senators, thank you for coming here today. As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of this caucus meeting is to discuss the recent gun legislation proposed by our Democratic colleagues. As you’ve probably also guessed, it is our job to kill the legislation as quickly and quietly as possible.

The plan, first and foremost, is to put as much space as possible between the tragedy in Roanoke and a floor vote as possible. We all know the Democrats and their partners in the media sensationalize gun legislation, but the media will forget with enough time. That is why our immediate priority is the Berentsen hearing- to change the news cycle.

When the vote comes, I don’t want to see any grandstanding. We will push it through the procedures with as little debate as possible. I hope that is clear. Then, Senator Frankston and I will be enforcing a hard whip on this bill. Suraj Shah makes the math a little bit trickier than we’d like. If you do not vote against this legislation, your committee assignments will be reconsidered to say the least.”

Warrick paused, before going back into his monotonous speech.

“I know some of you,” he looked at the Senators from Maine and Colorado, “Will be hesitant, but Senator Merriam has graciously offered to assist with convincing you further.” He nodded to the lady from New Hampshire.

“Finally, I know the Senator from Pennsylvania has long considered gun reform to be a major aspiration. Given this, we will discuss privately how he intends to vote on this legislation. However the rest of you have an obligation to vote ‘nay.’ No ifs, ands, or buts. Any questions before I continue?”

Fitzdaniel did not like this. He had planned to break ranks and vote for the bill, but it seemed as if that would be a very difficult and costly decision to make. He had already upset members of the Republican establishment by endorsing Porter and had been reprimanded by Slater, who he saw across the hall. Yet he wanted to do things right. He was appalled by this untactful dismissal of the loss of life at Roanoke.

[Jovuistan]

"Beyond the Beretsen hearing, do you wish for us to write or debate any other particular bills to give more time for the news cycle to die off?"

“Our concern in doing that is it would lead to the Summer Recess occurring before we kill the legislation. The last thing we want is another tragedy to take place before we kill it, which would only ramp up the pressure once more.”

Slater nodded, not saying anything else.

[Agarntrop]

Senate Republican Caucus Luncheon, Senate Dining Room, Washington, DC

After most of the senators filed into the ornate room, browsed the buffet, and situated themselves in their seats, the Majority Leader stood, knocked his fist on the table, and began to speak.

“Senators, senators, thank you for coming here today. As you’ve probably guessed, the purpose of this caucus meeting is to discuss the recent gun legislation proposed by our Democratic colleagues. As you’ve probably also guessed, it is our job to kill the legislation as quickly and quietly as possible.

The plan, first and foremost, is to put as much space as possible between the tragedy in Roanoke and a floor vote as possible. We all know the Democrats and their partners in the media sensationalize gun legislation, but the media will forget with enough time. That is why our immediate priority is the Berentsen hearing- to change the news cycle.

When the vote comes, I don’t want to see any grandstanding. We will push it through the procedures with as little debate as possible. I hope that is clear. Then, Senator Frankston and I will be enforcing a hard whip on this bill. Suraj Shah makes the math a little bit trickier than we’d like. If you do not vote against this legislation, your committee assignments will be reconsidered to say the least.”

Warrick paused, before going back into his monotonous speech.

“I know some of you,” he looked at the Senators from Maine and Colorado, “Will be hesitant, but Senator Merriam has graciously offered to assist with convincing you further.” He nodded to the lady from New Hampshire.

“Finally, I know the Senator from Pennsylvania has long considered gun reform to be a major aspiration. Given this, we will discuss privately how he intends to vote on this legislation. However the rest of you have an obligation to vote ‘nay.’ No ifs, ands, or buts. Any questions before I continue?”

"If the P.A. Senator votes 'aye' we are down to 51, which is not very good at all. We need a stronger majority, so I suggest whipping them and looking at trying to convince blue dogs and vunerable democrats."