The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC II)

[Meelducan]

President Pro Tempore’s Office, Washington D.C

Myles kept the same stern expression on his face and nodded.

"People in the party have been calling for it Everitt, I’m not going to lie to you. But I want to help you son, help you fix this. Do you think I want to kill great Conservative bills, written or sponsored by you? Hell no, but I’ve done it in the past and I’ll do it again.”

He paused, taking his glasses off and wiping a speck of dust off with a handkerchief.

“I like you Everitt, I really do. In some ways you remind me of myself, being a veteran, being from states that no one really bats an eye to, being a elected to the Senate at a younger age. So let me help you son. So immediately I’m going to have you do some things. The main one being staying off Twitter. This is how the whole controversy began and this is where it will end. Also, I’m going to need you to set aside your differences with Lilyana Wolf and apologise, preferably in private. We don’t need to air more of our dirty laundry out for the whole country to see.”

“You’ll also need to issue a statement from your office saying that the Interview was twisted by the television news station and made it look worse than it actually was. You’ll also mention in that statement that President Wolf and Chairwoman Wolf have your complete backing. Say something sappy about how you look forward to working with them in the upcoming election.”

“You think you could do that for me, Everitt?”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

FROM: [Dawson Abernathy]
TO: [Everitt Colbert]
Subject: [A Word of Caution]

---

Hello Everitt,

I have always held respect for your outspokeness and I have always sought to defend your actions to Utah's more duplicitious elements. And trust me, I too distrust the political machine that seems to defend Arnold Wolf as if he were God himself and his decisions the Word itself. Alas, I too even dislike Lilyana at the RNC and the way we have seemingly handed her the keys of this conservative party, to a young Wolf cub who's only major past venture failed and who seems ready to do the same to the GOP. But your comments, your tweets, accomplished nothing. But even that would be acceptable. Even that I could accept.

No, your tweets and subsequent interview did nothing but outright reverse any chance of accomplishing something against the rooted Wolfist movement. You have given them the perfect extremist caricuture of a Wolf-skeptic, while making the jobs of men like myself that much harder. I am set to meet with the GOP leadership in the coming days and instead of demanding them to seriously look into why Lilyana was appointed or why the President continues to lead the country despite an illness, I must now shy away from the topic to avoid turning into another lombasted member of the GOP. Now, I must sing the President's praises hard enough and convene silly theatrics like pretending to consider your resignation just to defend Utah's anti-Wolfists and Wolf-skeptics.

Instead of moving closer to deposing the girl at the RNC, we must all now carefully laud her and her father. Sure, difficult conversations will ensue about Texas and Mississippi and even Kentucky but nothing of value. You made sure of that. So I urge you for once to focus on legislation helping Utah domestically to rebuild your trust here. I urge you to be careful in your commentary and realize silent forces are moving, from people within the GOP that are not as privileged as yourself to tweet whenever we think of something. You cannot survive in this rapidly changing political world this way. I trust you learn this valuable lesson from this poor decision.

I will continue to defend you from any more public scrutiny within Utah and seek to make amends on your behalf, on the singular condition you lie low from Twitter and write legislation for Utah not just foreign policy. I expect no more outbursts of this magnitude or of any size from you. I know you mean well Everitt, just take this moment to reflect.

Regards,
--
Dawson N. Abernathy
Governor of Utah

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

The Republican National Committee, Washington, D.C.

The House Minority Leader arrived at the RNC fairly early in the morning, particularly in comparison to the his previous meetings, then again, this meeting differed from the others. Admittedly, elements of the down ballot elections he had found pleasing, particularly the GOP’s hold on Kentucky. However, he found the results from Mississippi most concerning, particularly with the loss in Texas having happened a mere five months beforehand. Nevertheless, Volker patiently waited for Governor Abernathy and Majority Leader Warrick to make their arrivals, thinking over what input he had for the meeting.

Governor Dawson Abernathy swung the taxi door wide open as he stepped onto the pavement in front of the RNC. Holding a handful of papers, he began to walk towards the building and quickly waved his way through the front desk towards the meeting area. He had already grown frustrated, all the planning he had made to help swing the party against Wolf was all for nothing now thanks to Colbert. So instead, Dawson realized he needed to change tactics and thus has come prepared for a very different conversation. Entering the room, he smiled as Thomas Volker and extended a hand.

"Hello Congressman."

[The Orion Islands]

President Pro Tempore’s Office, Washington D.C

Myles kept the same stern expression on his face and nodded.

"People in the party have been calling for it Everitt, I’m not going to lie to you. But I want to help you son, help you fix this. Do you think I want to kill great Conservative bills, written or sponsored by you? Hell no, but I’ve done it in the past and I’ll do it again.”

He paused, taking his glasses off and wiping a speck of dust off with a handkerchief.

“I like you Everitt, I really do. In some ways you remind me of myself, being a veteran, being from states that no one really bats an eye to, being a elected to the Senate at a younger age. So let me help you son. So immediately I’m going to have you do some things. The main one being staying off Twitter. This is how the whole controversy began and this is where it will end. Also, I’m going to need you to set aside your differences with Lilyana Wolf and apologise, preferably in private. We don’t need to air more of our dirty laundry out for the whole country to see.”

“You’ll also need to issue a statement from your office saying that the Interview was twisted by the television news station and made it look worse than it actually was. You’ll also mention in that statement that President Wolf and Chairwoman Wolf have your complete backing. Say something sappy about how you look forward to working with them in the upcoming election.”

“You think you could do that for me, Everitt?”

Senator Colbert takes a minute to think about the proposal.
"Alright. I can do some of those things. I will issue that statement about MSNBC. I only did it on Wednesday morning after a sleepless night, so I can also say I was not totally myself. I will apologize to Lilyana and pledge to help elect Republicans. But I cannot fully stay off Twitter, though I will agree to have a staffer read all tweets from my account before posting."

[Greater Arab State]

The Republican National Committee, Washington, D.C.

The House Minority Leader arrived at the RNC fairly early in the morning, particularly in comparison to the his previous meetings, then again, this meeting differed from the others. Admittedly, elements of the down ballot elections he had found pleasing, particularly the GOP’s hold on Kentucky. However, he found the results from Mississippi most concerning, particularly with the loss in Texas having happened a mere five months beforehand. Nevertheless, Volker patiently waited for Governor Abernathy and Majority Leader Warrick to make their arrivals, thinking over what input he had for the meeting.

Governor Dawson Abernathy swung the taxi door wide open as he stepped onto the pavement in front of the RNC. Holding a handful of papers, he began to walk towards the building and quickly waved his way through the front desk towards the meeting area. He had already grown frustrated, all the planning he had made to help swing the party against Wolf was all for nothing now thanks to Colbert. So instead, Dawson realized he needed to change tactics and thus has come prepared for a very different conversation. Entering the room, he smiled as Thomas Volker and extended a hand.

"Hello Congressman."

Volker turned around and seeing who it was that had entered, smiled.

“Morning, Governor. Thank you for managing to make this meeting.” The Missourian said, shaking the aged Utahan’s hand as he did so.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Governor Dawson Abernathy swung the taxi door wide open as he stepped onto the pavement in front of the RNC. Holding a handful of papers, he began to walk towards the building and quickly waved his way through the front desk towards the meeting area. He had already grown frustrated, all the planning he had made to help swing the party against Wolf was all for nothing now thanks to Colbert. So instead, Dawson realized he needed to change tactics and thus has come prepared for a very different conversation. Entering the room, he smiled as Thomas Volker and extended a hand.

"Hello Congressman."

Volker turned around and seeing who it was that had entered, smiled.

“Morning, Governor. Thank you for managing to make this meeting.” The Missourian said, shaking the aged Utahan’s hand as he did so.

Dawson sat down across from him once the handshake was over.

"No worries, I have always enjoyed these meetings. Like the gathering of our conservative war council." he quipped as he smiled and chuckled.

[Meelducan]

President Pro Tempore’s Office, Washington D.C

“Great to hear Senator. I wasn’t asking for you to stay off forever, just stay off it until this whole mess dies down. Oh and I don’t want you attacking any other Republicans via Twitter. We need to be seen as a united party to continue to win elections.”

Myles stood up and fixed his jacket.

“I get that you might not like the RNC Chair, personally myself, I don’t think she’s all there in the head. She’s a bit loopy. But she’ll be gone in a year, I can guarantee it. So just hold out until then.”

He held out his hand for a handshake as he walked Colbert to the door.

“Don’t make me regret giving you this chance Everitt.”

[Greater Arab State]

Volker turned around and seeing who it was that had entered, smiled.

“Morning, Governor. Thank you for managing to make this meeting.” The Missourian said, shaking the aged Utahan’s hand as he did so.

Dawson sat down across from him once the handshake was over.

"No worries, I have always enjoyed these meetings. Like the gathering of our conservative war council." he quipped as he smiled and chuckled.

“Yes, that is certainly true.” The House Minority Leader agreed, chuckling in reply as he then continued.

“I must admit, I do wish we were having this meeting in better times, what with some of the recent election results this year. Hopefully though we’ll be able to address a number of the issues that have come up within the Republican Party as of late.”

[The Orion Islands]

President Pro Tempore’s Office, Washington D.C

“Great to hear Senator. I wasn’t asking for you to stay off forever, just stay off it until this whole mess dies down. Oh and I don’t want you attacking any other Republicans via Twitter. We need to be seen as a united party to continue to win elections.”

Myles stood up and fixed his jacket.

“I get that you might not like the RNC Chair, personally myself, I don’t think she’s all there in the head. She’s a bit loopy. But she’ll be gone in a year, I can guarantee it. So just hold out until then.”

He held out his hand for a handshake as he walked Colbert to the door.

“Don’t make me regret giving you this chance Everitt.”

Senator Colbert stood up and shook his hand. "Just to be sure, I don't consider Porter and this Patrick guy to be Republicans. And do what you can to get Lilyana some help in running the party. But I appreciate this. Thank you."

[Dannyton]

Then Senator Dan enters the room. He is confused, but immediately demands to speak to the leader with a sudden sound of urgency

[Sarenium]

Frankston For Senate
November 14, 2020
Suburban San Antonio, TX

---

The announcement event was filled with Frankston backing Texans, Joe specifically chose suburban San Antonio by virtue of his residence, and his desire to win back suburban communities both in the primary and the general. His father's handbook to Texas detailed wins in rural and evangelical exurbs, hispanic and latino moderates and a tight grip on suburban voters. The last one was added in after 2016 when they determined the suburbs to be a key vulnerability following Wolf. Joe looked out onto the crowds, a slightly more diverse crowd than the usual Republican could draw, his father's goodwill from less Anglo-Texans had translated into a willingness to listen to Joe, for that Joe was beaming with pride and the pressure mounted. His team were convinced that Karen Brookshire would run, her arrogance knew no bounds. While the egomaniac evangelist that was Randall Cramp would join her. Joe didn't particularly care, he wore a suit and embraced Elizabeth before walking out on stage to a noisy and joyous welcome.

"Good to see you. God bless y'all. Today I want to talk with you about the promise of America. Imagine your parents when they were children. Imagine a man who is raised mostly by his mother while his father fights in the Second World War. Imagine that same man goes on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force, going so far as to be the pilot responsible for flying captive Americans out of Iran. Imagine this man, as he goes on to serve us all in the Senate. That's the man who raised me, that same man found the time in between it all to raise a family. That man was my father. Imagine now another little girl, living in Texas, she grows up with her father, a diplomat carting her all around the world. She then goes on to work hard, pay off her student loans and eventually becomes my wife, raising our kids with me," Joe glanced over at Lizzy, "she's right there, and you may have guessed it already but like my father, I too served in our armed forces. For almost thirty years, I have served in the finest Air Force on Earth."

Joe paused, "my story is a devotion to service. For all my life I have served, and I continue to serve. We each have different stories, These are all of our stories. These are who we are as Americans. And yet, for so many Americans, the promise of America seems more and more distant. What is the promise of America? The idea that -- the revolutionary idea that this country was founded upon, which is that our rights don’t come from man. They come from God Almighty. And that the purpose of the Constitution, as Thomas Jefferson put it, is to serve as chains to bind the mischief of government. The American dream, an indispensable commitment to hope, liberty and freedom."

"Think just how different the world would be if Americans with faith turnout to vote. Imagine instead of economic stagnation every few years, consistent booming economic growth. Instead of small businesses going out of business in record numbers, imagine small businesses growing and prospering. Imagine young people coming out of school with four, five, six job offers. Imagine innovation thriving as we keep government to a minimum and innovate our way to energy success. Instead of a federal government that works to undermine our values, imagine a federal government that works to defend the sanctity of human life, instead of a government that works to undermine our Second Amendment rights, imagine a federal government that protects the right to keep and bear arms of all law-abiding Americans. Instead of a government that seizes your e-mails and your cell phones, imagine a federal government that protected the privacy rights of every American. Friends, we can accomplish these goals, we can protect and defend the premise of our rights, we can ensure that laws emanate from the Constitution as they should," Joe declared, "we can do so together, we can do so in the Senate, with that my friends I announce my candidacy for the United States Senate," Joe launched his final words with the same calm discipline that he espoused throughout his entire life.

He proceeded to embrace his wife on the stage as they waved and smiled warmly. The campaign was launched. He was ready.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

John Logan Ruler
@SonOfRuler

---

As a son of a politician myself, I’m happy to see Joe Frankston run for his father’s seat. Experience isn’t a big deal, he’s got the gutsy energy!

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
Louisiana
Friday 8th November, 2019

Sitting in the room of his hotel amidst his tour of Louisiana (which the player has admittedly got to write up in its entirety tonight), Jonah went to call Karen Brookshire. He'd been keeping an eye on Texas and he was seeing some worrying signs...

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

Joe Frankston is among the most qualified Senate candidates I have ever seen. I fully endorse him for Senate and look forward to working to get him elected.

[Puertollano]

"Welcome to election night coverage of the Louisiana Gubernatorial Election. My name is Chuck Wallace and this is the Fox News Democracy Head-quarters," Chuck said as the camera panned out to his other panelists who were sat next to him. "To my furthest right we have Peter Nandi, the campaign manager for former Governor [not-Jindall]'s 2011 re-election campaign, so he knows all about Louisiana and how to run a good campaign in the state. Next to Peter we have Adelaide Smith, former Louisiana Democratic Congresswoman. Then, finally, but not least, is one of our own Fox news election coverage experts, Markus Delmotte. Thanks to all of our panelists, but also thanks to all of those tuning in from home, whether you be in Louisiana our outside! Because really, this election is quite consequential isn't it? I'll start with you Markus."

Before speaking, Markus re-fixed his tie. "That is for sure. This race has very large implications for a great many people, not limited to the very President himself. This, of course, was brought to the forefront when Senator Colbert from Utah called for the President and the Chairwoman of the RNC to resign over the failings in the state of Mississippi. For the critics of the Republican leadership, this election could mean everything to the tenure of Chairwoman Lilyana Wolf, to the reputation of the Republican Party and to their perceived prospects in 2020. As some people forget, there is more than a Presidential election in 2020! There's down-ballot races all around the country, we've got to re-elect our Congress, half of the Senate seats are up for re-election. These 2019 elections are going to set the scene for a very fiery and important 2020 election season."

Peter Nandi spoke up. "That is not all, either. The Democrats took the risk this election in nationalizing what seemed to be a local race. Governor Long went all in on the socialist-ideas of Tim Westra and Levi Murphy. Talking about Medicare for All, free childcare, linking himself to the key Democratic presidential candidates of the Left. In fact, he invited them to the state to campaign for him. I think the result tonight will conclude the age-old tactic to not run as an out-and-out socialist in the South - because you'll lose."

Chuck turned to Adelaide. "Do you believe that to be true? Do you think Long has gone too far to the left to win a state like Louisiana and has he nationalized the race to his own detriment?"

She nodded before responding. "I think nationalizing the race was a mistake, but don't doubt the people of Louisiana. Long ran a strong, populist campaign that should really attract many of the Wolf 2016 voters, mainly white working class. Holland, really, ran an uninspiring, same-old same-old campaign. I believe this will be close, but I have high hopes for the Governor as I think enthusiasm is on his side."

"Really?" Peter Nandi interrupted. "After such a poor debate performance I don't think anyone is going to be flocking to support the Governor. He demonstrated that his allegiances are not with the state but interested in other things, like running for President and increasing his national profile. From my time working with [not-Bobby], you come to realize that the people don't ask much from you. That just want a state government that gets on with the job. Long as clearly shown to the people that he is about himself, about creating a national profile and the speculation of his Presidential ambitions are not good news for your every day family."

Chuck Wallace decided to step in. "I'm going to stop you both there. As you know, the polls have closed and the exclusive Fox News Exit Poll has been released. Can we please get that graphic up?"


EXIT POLL

John Holland

54.26%

Russell Long

45.74%

Chuck turned to Markus. "What does this mean for the Governor?"

"This can be nothing but bad news for Governor Long," Markus responded, after scrolling through some data on an Ipad in front of him. "I'm sure his campaign were hoping for some good news after their less than perfect debate performance, but this is not the kind of thing the Democrats want to be looking at tonight. Historically, exit polls have been broadly accurate. But, as people say, the only poll that counts is the one on election night and we're going to be getting that soon."

"Shouldn't have the alarm bells be set off with the Democrats following the Louisiana primary results, Adelaide? I mean, Governor Long was clearly down and had a great distance to make up. In the primary he received around 46% of the vote, yet he somehow had to make up 4% when the other two candidates, Foney and Holland were Republicans."

"I cannot say the exit poll was good news, at all," Adelaide admitted. "We knew coming into the election panel tonight that it would be an up-road battle for the Governor. I never once said he had it in the bag. If I were you, I am doubting the reporting that Long has lost this. Not a single vote as been counted, we've got very high hopes for the New Orleans and Baton Rogue Parishes. Despite all of the brooding over his debate performance, we're looking at strong youth turn-out, strong turn-out among many working class voters and African-Americans to repudiate the kind of campaign that John Holland ran. I've got some intel from local campaign officials in the big cities and college towns who are telling us that students and young-people alike have lines going around the corners of buildings. From that information, we can tell that this election will be swinging from Holland to Long to Holland to Long due to the geographical advantages each opponent has on the other. So, just wait for the cities to come in and we'll know if the exit poll is 100% correct."

Chuck turned to Peter Nandi. "Are you proud of the campaign that John Holland ran this election?"

"Of course!" He replied, jovially. "He ran a very respectable, competent and policy-driven campaign. I think the work he has conducted in Louisiana should be learnt from some of the other Republican candidates out there, like Tara Misra and Chip Renfus. He made the miles with the suburban voters, with our African-American communities. Instead of election night 'repudiating' us, I think it will reflect a new coalition that the Republican Party anywhere in the union can replicate. And can I touch on the exit poll for moment? This is very good news, no matter how the Democrats may spin it, no Democratic Governor is safe if we can pull of these kinds of results. Seriously, if I were Southern Democrats like Suraj Shah and Gordon Callahan, I would be very afraid at the moment."

Chuck nodded. "Well, while we've been talking the results from around the state have been trickling in. Already we are reporting 15% of ballots counted. According to the analysis, many of the booths reporting are disproportionately rural and therefore likely to support Republican John Holland. Just to clarify, no Baton Rogue precincts have reported any information. I think Adelaide is waiting very much for those results. Let's get the results on screen."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
Louisiana
Friday 8th November, 2019

Sitting in the room of his hotel amidst his tour of Louisiana (which the player has admittedly got to write up in its entirety tonight), Jonah went to call Karen Brookshire. He'd been keeping an eye on Texas and he was seeing some worrying signs...

Karen answered the call. She was in her living room, not doing much of anything and thus prepared herself easily for a call she had expected though not quite so early.

“Hello Governor, it’s Karen here.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Karen answered the call. She was in her living room, not doing much of anything and thus prepared herself easily for a call she had expected though not quite so early.

“Hello Governor, it’s Karen here.”

"Hi Karen. I hate to bother you when you're at home but there's some... rumour-mongering going around out there about your old campaign offices, could you clarify that for me?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Karen answered the call. She was in her living room, not doing much of anything and thus prepared herself easily for a call she had expected though not quite so early.

“Hello Governor, it’s Karen here.”

"Hi Karen. I hate to bother you when you're at home but there's some... rumour-mongering going around out there about your old campaign offices, could you clarify that for me?"

“I am...considering a potential second run for the open senate seat given Senator Frankston’s decision to not seek re-election. Nothing serious yet, just scoping out the field and retaining some staff.” She answered carefully.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I am...considering a potential second run for the open senate seat given Senator Frankston’s decision to not seek re-election. Nothing serious yet, just scoping out the field and retaining some staff.” She answered carefully.

"You know Cramp's invariably gonna run again, right? You'd end up splitting the vote with Frankston's boy and that bastard would get through."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

“I am...considering a potential second run for the open senate seat given Senator Frankston’s decision to not seek re-election. Nothing serious yet, just scoping out the field and retaining some staff.” She answered carefully.

"You know Cramp's invariably gonna run again, right? You'd end up splitting the vote with Frankston's boy and that bastard would get through."

“I’m just not sure if Frankston’s kid will hold steady against Cramp. Of course he will likely best me given that this will be a real primary. But I am confident I can surpass him just like I did last time, perhaps even far more easily since...since I intend to announce my decision to baptize myself and become a born-again Christian right here in Tyler.”

She offered an explanation by saying,”Since I lost, well Governor, I have sought some sort of explanation aside from the punditry. And I think perhaps I should settle down, perhaps I should seek some sort of new life. I’ve been successful in business but perhaps now is the time to find a new purpose. It is why I am considering adopting a child too but for now, I think being a new child of God is purposeful enough. I was never a big religious gal and I am far from an expert. But if I’ve learned something in these past few months, it’s that the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I’m just not sure if Frankston’s kid will hold steady against Cramp. Of course he will likely best me given that this will be a real primary. But I am confident I can surpass him just like I did last time, perhaps even far more easily since...since I intend to announce my decision to baptize myself and become a born-again Christian right here in Tyler.”

She offered an explanation by saying,”Since I lost, well Governor, I have sought some sort of explanation aside from the punditry. And I think perhaps I should settle down, perhaps I should seek some sort of new life. I’ve been successful in business but perhaps now is the time to find a new purpose. It is why I am considering adopting a child too but for now, I think being a new child of God is purposeful enough. I was never a big religious gal and I am far from an expert. But if I’ve learned something in these past few months, it’s that the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

"Karen." Jonah remarked with poorly veiled frustration. "Trust me when I tell you that this isn't a good idea. It's too soon after the special, and throwing another element into the race isn't a good plan. Taking on Frankston's kid won't just risk letting Cramp win, it'll burn all the bridges you've made in Texas. Important people'll be angry with you, and there'll be nothing that I or any of your other friends will be able to do to protect you from that. You know how much of a shitshow the RNC is right now, it'll be worse than the special."

[Domerstresseistan]

Rep. Kevin Villalobos @ElDiablo Sen. Colbert had me until he lost his spine.

Rep. Kevin Villalobos @ElDiablo Paint will dry on a wall and Martin Spellman will still find an excuse to turn it into a campaign ad. Just the desperate state of left-wing politics for you right there.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

“I’m just not sure if Frankston’s kid will hold steady against Cramp. Of course he will likely best me given that this will be a real primary. But I am confident I can surpass him just like I did last time, perhaps even far more easily since...since I intend to announce my decision to baptize myself and become a born-again Christian right here in Tyler.”

She offered an explanation by saying,”Since I lost, well Governor, I have sought some sort of explanation aside from the punditry. And I think perhaps I should settle down, perhaps I should seek some sort of new life. I’ve been successful in business but perhaps now is the time to find a new purpose. It is why I am considering adopting a child too but for now, I think being a new child of God is purposeful enough. I was never a big religious gal and I am far from an expert. But if I’ve learned something in these past few months, it’s that the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

"Karen." Jonah remarked with poorly veiled frustration. "Trust me when I tell you that this isn't a good idea. It's too soon after the special, and throwing another element into the race isn't a good plan. Taking on Frankston's kid won't just risk letting Cramp win, it'll burn all the bridges you've made in Texas. Important people'll be angry with you, and there'll be nothing that I or any of your other friends will be able to do to protect you from that. You know how much of a shitshow the RNC is right now, it'll be worse than the special."

“So because of his last name, he will be handed this seat cap in hand? And where was this RNC help and decision making when I ran, Governor? Instead I was left on my own to mount a campaign, help from surrogates like yourself sure but left out to dry by the party apparatus. Had I not already been prepping a run in the future, I would have been like Cramp or Allen, completely unprepared. So now, now I must step aside for the good of the party? Imagine such a thought. Instead the Frankston boy will earn a seat, Cramp the grateful wishes of the party and whatever else he asks for, and myself, nothing.” responded Karen, initially angry but ending on a softer, more lamented tone.

“That race lost me my job, apparently lost me my political career for now, and heck, it almost lost me my own mortal existence. So understand Governor that if you talk about risks, talk about bridges burned, I have risked it all and I have lost many bridges already.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“So because of his last name, he will be handed this seat cap in hand? And where was this RNC help and decision making when I ran, Governor? Instead I was left on my own to mount a campaign, help from surrogates like yourself sure but left out to dry by the party apparatus. Had I not already been prepping a run in the future, I would have been like Cramp or Allen, completely unprepared. So now, now I must step aside for the good of the party? Imagine such a thought. Instead the Frankston boy will earn a seat, Cramp the grateful wishes of the party and whatever else he asks for, and myself, nothing.” responded Karen, initially angry but ending on a softer, more lamented tone.

“That race lost me my job, apparently lost me my political career for now, and heck, it almost lost me my own mortal existence. So understand Governor that if you talk about risks, talk about bridges burned, I have risked it all and I have lost many bridges already.”

"Karen, it's the RNC's inefficacy I'm talking about here. Lilyana's got barely any grasp, any hold on the party apparatus. There'll be no guiderails, no rules. The attacks will be nastier than last time. The divisiveness, the anger will be worse than last time. You were left out to dry last time, this time, they'll let you burn. I'm not asking you to step aside for the good of the party, I'm trying to protect you from a firestorm which I can't control." His tone was earnest, he really did want to protect her in all of this. "If you run, Cramp wins. You've still got a safe spot in my Administration. You've still got a clean run for Governor. Don't throw that in my face and risk handing one of our most important Senate seats to that lunatic. Else we'll both have to be dealing with him for the next six years. I want Cramp to fade into obscurity and become nothing. I'm guessing you want the same."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

“So because of his last name, he will be handed this seat cap in hand? And where was this RNC help and decision making when I ran, Governor? Instead I was left on my own to mount a campaign, help from surrogates like yourself sure but left out to dry by the party apparatus. Had I not already been prepping a run in the future, I would have been like Cramp or Allen, completely unprepared. So now, now I must step aside for the good of the party? Imagine such a thought. Instead the Frankston boy will earn a seat, Cramp the grateful wishes of the party and whatever else he asks for, and myself, nothing.” responded Karen, initially angry but ending on a softer, more lamented tone.

“That race lost me my job, apparently lost me my political career for now, and heck, it almost lost me my own mortal existence. So understand Governor that if you talk about risks, talk about bridges burned, I have risked it all and I have lost many bridges already.”

"Karen, it's the RNC's inefficacy I'm talking about here. Lilyana's got barely any grasp, any hold on the party apparatus. There'll be no guiderails, no rules. The attacks will be nastier than last time. The divisiveness, the anger will be worse than last time. You were left out to dry last time, this time, they'll let you burn. I'm not asking you to step aside for the good of the party, I'm trying to protect you from a firestorm which I can't control." His tone was earnest, he really did want to protect her in all of this. "If you run, Cramp wins. You've still got a safe spot in my Administration. You've still got a clean run for Governor. Don't throw that in my face and risk handing one of our most important Senate seats to that lunatic. Else we'll both have to be dealing with him for the next six years. I want Cramp to fade into obscurity and become nothing. I'm guessing you want the same."

“Protect me? Of course, Frankston and his team are probably already preparing to smear me. A failed candidate. Heck even if I step aside, my name will be bashed. I’ll be the dirty word on that primary debate stage and everyone will keep hearing it. So maybe I do step aside but for what? My name is stained, Governor, and I want a chance at proving them wrong in the same way I messed up the first time. I could wait, I could wait for my next turn. But I know the path already, I know even if I am in your cabinet, I’ll be scrutinized. The RNC will put off my gubernatorial run, calling it not the right time. I know how this goes Governor, I know that eventually, once your goodwill runs dry or if you don’t make it to the final goal, I’ll be the one fading into obscurity. Already I am....already I am.” she replied exasperated.