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

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Senator Augusta Merriam
@NHSenatorMerriam

---

I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing Howard Frankston for the whole of my Senate career. One of my warmest and most beloved colleagues, I will miss his contributions to our chamber deeply. I look forward to the day where I can guide his son Joseph the same way that Howard guided me, and will be deeply proud to see him join us in the Senate.

[New Cobastheia]

"Have you had the chance to think of who you'd appoint to the various cabinet spots, specifically any progressives or any cabinet spots you specifically want progressives serving in?"

"A progressive Interior Secretary," Dayton alluded, "a progressive VA Secretary, a progressive HHS Secretary, are the ones currently locked in. Have you any suggestions?" Dayton smiled, "or aspirations of your own?"

"I think I'd prefer the job security of being a Representative from a safe district over the four years I'd get at being a Secretary, but if whoever ends up as President asks me to be their Interior Secretary I'd atleast have to think of it. Otherwise, I'd appreciate someone whose worked with Tribes and has a good relationship with them." Nez took a pause to take a sip of the apple juice, "Do you have any ideas as to who'd ask to be your Interior Sec?"

[Sarenium]

"A progressive Interior Secretary," Dayton alluded, "a progressive VA Secretary, a progressive HHS Secretary, are the ones currently locked in. Have you any suggestions?" Dayton smiled, "or aspirations of your own?"

"I think I'd prefer the job security of being a Representative from a safe district over the four years I'd get at being a Secretary, but if whoever ends up as President asks me to be their Interior Secretary I'd atleast have to think of it. Otherwise, I'd appreciate someone whose worked with Tribes and has a good relationship with them." Nez took a pause to take a sip of the apple juice, "Do you have any ideas as to who'd ask to be your Interior Sec?"

"You're on that shortlist," Dayton replied, "four years as Interior Secretary, with room to jump up in the second term. That said, you're also on a second shortlist, this one for White House Chief of Staff, thing is that I don't want you to support me for the sake of a job if I win, I want your support because you believe in the policies I want to enact. I want us to be at the convention next year readying for six months of campaigning and four years of governing, I want us passing bills that raise the minimum wage within the first hundred days."

[New Cobastheia]

"I think I'd prefer the job security of being a Representative from a safe district over the four years I'd get at being a Secretary, but if whoever ends up as President asks me to be their Interior Secretary I'd atleast have to think of it. Otherwise, I'd appreciate someone whose worked with Tribes and has a good relationship with them." Nez took a pause to take a sip of the apple juice, "Do you have any ideas as to who'd ask to be your Interior Sec?"

"You're on that shortlist," Dayton replied, "four years as Interior Secretary, with room to jump up in the second term. That said, you're also on a second shortlist, this one for White House Chief of Staff, thing is that I don't want you to support me for the sake of a job if I win, I want your support because you believe in the policies I want to enact. I want us to be at the convention next year readying for six months of campaigning and four years of governing, I want us passing bills that raise the minimum wage within the first hundred days."

"Well I'll certainly keep all that in mind, but if I were the one running for President I'd at least look into [not-Winona LaDuke] for Interior or EPA or something, but given the whole Green Party thing I can see why it wouldn't become a reality. Speaking of economic policy, where are you looking at when it comes to the Treasury and Labor Secretaries?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

FROM: [Martin Spellman]
TO: [Kathleen Nez]

---

Subject: Meeting

---

Hello Representative,

As a leading progressive voice for both working families and marginalized communities, I am writing to you with the hopes of having an honest discussion with you. You have proven yourself someone able to take both reluctant Democrats and Republicans to task while being effective. And to me, that’s not just worthy of praise but worthy of learning from. Thus if you can spare me some time for a meeting, I would be honored. And trust me, this won’t be just politicking talk like other candidates probably already have offered.

Thank you either way!

Best,
Marty Spellman

[Sarenium]

"You're on that shortlist," Dayton replied, "four years as Interior Secretary, with room to jump up in the second term. That said, you're also on a second shortlist, this one for White House Chief of Staff, thing is that I don't want you to support me for the sake of a job if I win, I want your support because you believe in the policies I want to enact. I want us to be at the convention next year readying for six months of campaigning and four years of governing, I want us passing bills that raise the minimum wage within the first hundred days."

"Well I'll certainly keep all that in mind, but if I were the one running for President I'd at least look into [not-Winona LaDuke] for Interior or EPA or something, but given the whole Green Party thing I can see why it wouldn't become a reality. Speaking of economic policy, where are you looking at when it comes to the Treasury and Labor Secretaries?"

"Labor will have a Union President at it's helm, and Treasury (not-Kelton), or someone she recommends," Jillian responded, "confirmable, pragmatic and realistic folks who understand how to govern, where to compromise and where to go gung-ho."

[New Cobastheia]

"Well I'll certainly keep all that in mind, but if I were the one running for President I'd at least look into [not-Winona LaDuke] for Interior or EPA or something, but given the whole Green Party thing I can see why it wouldn't become a reality. Speaking of economic policy, where are you looking at when it comes to the Treasury and Labor Secretaries?"

"Labor will have a Union President at it's helm, and Treasury (not-Kelton), or someone she recommends," Jillian responded, "confirmable, pragmatic and realistic folks who understand how to govern, where to compromise and where to go gung-ho."

"Well I'd hate to see who you're thinking for Commerce if that's the case for the other too," Nez joked, "If I might ask, why [not-Kelton] specifically?" She asked, knowing of the woman, just not much beyond the point of her being a senior Baganski advisor in 2016.

[Barney Sandaha]

Mac Faulhaber
@MemphisMac

---

The 2020 Democratic Presidential ticket should have a person of color on it! How else do we show we are serious about more than just diversity but actually working towards inclusion and systematic change? No more tokenism, we need leadership!

[Sarenium]

"Labor will have a Union President at it's helm, and Treasury (not-Kelton), or someone she recommends," Jillian responded, "confirmable, pragmatic and realistic folks who understand how to govern, where to compromise and where to go gung-ho."

"Well I'd hate to see who you're thinking for Commerce if that's the case for the other too," Nez joked, "If I might ask, why [not-Kelton] specifically?" She asked, knowing of the woman, just not much beyond the point of her being a senior Baganski advisor in 2016.

"Her view on modern monetary theory is commendable, we need policies to spur immediate wage growth and revitalize rural communities, she addresses how to do both through her book and views, she would be on my economic council at the very minimum," Jillian declared enthusiastically, "in fact!"

She hurries off into the house, runs back with the book, Deficit Myth and hands it to Nez, "take it as some on-the-road reading, I have a signed copy in my office," Jillian grinned.

[Puertollano]

(Image)
Joe Frankston
@JoeForTexas

---

Welcome the support of both Governors Richardson and Prendergast, retaining this seat in the Republican column in 2020 is fundamentally necessary for the next Republican President.

Randy Cramp @RandyCrampy We Texans haven't forgotten what happened last time Governor Richardson and Prendergast gave their blessings on their favorite Texas Senate candidate: WE LOST to a Democrat called Suraj Shah.

[New Cobastheia]

FROM: [Martin Spellman]
TO: [Kathleen Nez]

---

Subject: Meeting

---

Hello Representative,

As a leading progressive voice for both working families and marginalized communities, I am writing to you with the hopes of having an honest discussion with you. You have proven yourself someone able to take both reluctant Democrats and Republicans to task while being effective. And to me, that’s not just worthy of praise but worthy of learning from. Thus if you can spare me some time for a meeting, I would be honored. And trust me, this won’t be just politicking talk like other candidates probably already have offered.

Thank you either way!

Best,
Marty Spellman

FROM: [Rep. Nez]
TO: [Mr. Spellman]

---

SUBJECT: Re:Meeting

---

Hello Mr. Spellman,

Luckily, I should be able to spare some time for a meeting. Is there any time soon when you'll be in either DC or Phoenix, I'm mainly asking becuase it'll make setting up a meeting much easier if the answer is yes.

Ahe'hee',
Kathleen Nez

[New Cobastheia]

"Well I'd hate to see who you're thinking for Commerce if that's the case for the other too," Nez joked, "If I might ask, why [not-Kelton] specifically?" She asked, knowing of the woman, just not much beyond the point of her being a senior Baganski advisor in 2016.

"Her view on modern monetary theory is commendable, we need policies to spur immediate wage growth and revitalize rural communities, she addresses how to do both through her book and views, she would be on my economic council at the very minimum," Jillian declared enthusiastically, "in fact!"

She hurries off into the house, runs back with the book, Deficit Myth and hands it to Nez, "take it as some on-the-road reading, I have a signed copy in my office," Jillian grinned.

"I'll definitely take a look at it when I get the chance," She started as she looked over the book cover and back, "Call me old school, but I'm curious, did you ever look at [not-Robert Riech] for Treasury?"

[Sarenium]

(Image)
Joe Frankston
@JoeForTexas

---

Welcome the support of both Governors Richardson and Prendergast, retaining this seat in the Republican column in 2020 is fundamentally necessary for the next Republican President.

Randy Cramp @RandyCrampy We Texans haven't forgotten what happened last time Governor Richardson and Prendergast gave their blessings on their favorite Texas Senate candidate: WE LOST to a Democrat called Suraj Shah.

Joe Frankston
@JoeForTexas

---

Veterans win Texas. A devotion to god, life and liberty wins Texas. A willingness to defend our Constitution, wins Texas. Good thing I tick those boxes.

[Sarenium]

"Her view on modern monetary theory is commendable, we need policies to spur immediate wage growth and revitalize rural communities, she addresses how to do both through her book and views, she would be on my economic council at the very minimum," Jillian declared enthusiastically, "in fact!"

She hurries off into the house, runs back with the book, Deficit Myth and hands it to Nez, "take it as some on-the-road reading, I have a signed copy in my office," Jillian grinned.

"I'll definitely take a look at it when I get the chance," She started as she looked over the book cover and back, "Call me old school, but I'm curious, did you ever look at [not-Robert Riech] for Treasury?"

"He'll be almost seventy-five at that point, I'm pretty sure he'd rather live out the rest of his days in retirement," Jillian was familiar with the name, "how many of the other candidates have scoped you out by this point?"

[New Cobastheia]

Image Randy Cramp @RandyCrampy We Texans haven't forgotten what happened last time Governor Richardson and Prendergast gave their blessings on their favorite Texas Senate candidate: WE LOST to a Democrat called Suraj Shah. Image

Image
Joe Frankston
@JoeForTexas

---

Veterans win Texas. A devotion to god, life and liberty wins Texas. A willingness to defend our Constitution, wins Texas. Good thing I tick those boxes.

Liked and Retweeted by @Eliza

[New Cobastheia]

"I'll definitely take a look at it when I get the chance," She started as she looked over the book cover and back, "Call me old school, but I'm curious, did you ever look at [not-Robert Riech] for Treasury?"

"He'll be almost seventy-five at that point, I'm pretty sure he'd rather live out the rest of his days in retirement," Jillian was familiar with the name, "how many of the other candidates have scoped you out by this point?"

"Levi met with me early on in the campaign, and the whole abortiongate stuff with Westra prevented either of us meeting while he was still in the running. Both Caldwell and Velez had expressed interest at one point or the other, but, as you know, when you're running for President your schedule tends to be dominated by that and I didn't have any free time that worked at that point. Bit shocking seeing as I'm such a hot commodity these days." Nez said the last sentence in a tone that made clear it was a bit of self-deprecating joke.

[Sarenium]

"He'll be almost seventy-five at that point, I'm pretty sure he'd rather live out the rest of his days in retirement," Jillian was familiar with the name, "how many of the other candidates have scoped you out by this point?"

"Levi met with me early on in the campaign, and the whole abortiongate stuff with Westra prevented either of us meeting while he was still in the running. Both Caldwell and Velez had expressed interest at one point or the other, but, as you know, when you're running for President your schedule tends to be dominated by that and I didn't have any free time that worked at that point. Bit shocking seeing as I'm such a hot commodity these days." Nez said the last sentence in a tone that made clear it was a bit of self-deprecating joke.

"Women in politics are as rare as we are hot commodities," Jillian laughed as Liam returned to the table with the barbequed chicken skewers. He extracted a bowl of salad from the minifridge and then took a seat next to Jillian.

"Has she palmed off that book to you?" Liam noticed the book, "the two of them have had some very spirited debate, has she asked you for your take on it yet?"

"As I was finishing up as Governor," Jillian began pouring some salad for herself, "Ms Kelton and I had a riveting discussion at a forum or rather about government spending, she was urging us to spend more and finish VPT Expansion faster, long story short she came very close to bringing me into a full MMT supporter," Jillian smirked as she smacked down a healthy dollop of sauce, "very very close indeed."

[Sarenium]

---

A Dayton in Alaska
November 17
D.C.

---

Jillian hopped on the plane at 11pm, it was a small campaign rented plane, carbon offset-ed and everything. She arrived from Las Vegas early in the morning and headed immediately to Senator Sullivan's D.C. home, hopeful that the near-nothing sleep she'd had overnight would be offset by charisma as they had their morning meeting.

[New Cobastheia]

"Levi met with me early on in the campaign, and the whole abortiongate stuff with Westra prevented either of us meeting while he was still in the running. Both Caldwell and Velez had expressed interest at one point or the other, but, as you know, when you're running for President your schedule tends to be dominated by that and I didn't have any free time that worked at that point. Bit shocking seeing as I'm such a hot commodity these days." Nez said the last sentence in a tone that made clear it was a bit of self-deprecating joke.

"Women in politics are as rare as we are hot commodities," Jillian laughed as Liam returned to the table with the barbequed chicken skewers. He extracted a bowl of salad from the minifridge and then took a seat next to Jillian.

"Has she palmed off that book to you?" Liam noticed the book, "the two of them have had some very spirited debate, has she asked you for your take on it yet?"

"As I was finishing up as Governor," Jillian began pouring some salad for herself, "Ms Kelton and I had a riveting discussion at a forum or rather about government spending, she was urging us to spend more and finish VPT Expansion faster, long story short she came very close to bringing me into a full MMT supporter," Jillian smirked as she smacked down a healthy dollop of sauce, "very very close indeed."

"Based on what I know about it, there are some parts I agree with and some parts I disagree with, but then again the ins and outs of complex economic theory isn't exactly my bread and butter," Kathleen got up to make herself a plate, "I definetly think I'll take a stab at the book next chance that I get though, Iots of free time anytime I have to fly back to Phoenix."

[Sarenium]

"Women in politics are as rare as we are hot commodities," Jillian laughed as Liam returned to the table with the barbequed chicken skewers. He extracted a bowl of salad from the minifridge and then took a seat next to Jillian.

"Has she palmed off that book to you?" Liam noticed the book, "the two of them have had some very spirited debate, has she asked you for your take on it yet?"

"As I was finishing up as Governor," Jillian began pouring some salad for herself, "Ms Kelton and I had a riveting discussion at a forum or rather about government spending, she was urging us to spend more and finish VPT Expansion faster, long story short she came very close to bringing me into a full MMT supporter," Jillian smirked as she smacked down a healthy dollop of sauce, "very very close indeed."

"Based on what I know about it, there are some parts I agree with and some parts I disagree with, but then again the ins and outs of complex economic theory isn't exactly my bread and butter," Kathleen got up to make herself a plate, "I definetly think I'll take a stab at the book next chance that I get though, Iots of free time anytime I have to fly back to Phoenix."

"I'm disappointed I wasn't able to give you an anti-gerrymandering bill to pass," Jillian commented.

[New Cobastheia]

"Based on what I know about it, there are some parts I agree with and some parts I disagree with, but then again the ins and outs of complex economic theory isn't exactly my bread and butter," Kathleen got up to make herself a plate, "I definetly think I'll take a stab at the book next chance that I get though, Iots of free time anytime I have to fly back to Phoenix."

"I'm disappointed I wasn't able to give you an anti-gerrymandering bill to pass," Jillian commented.

"Well, given that the Senate is the Senate right now the best thing to do to make sure we can pass something that finally takes gerrymandering out of the picture is to win back the Senate too. So many things to be done, too many Republicans in the Senate you know?"

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy Rally
Trenton, New Jersey



There was a lot of reasoning for Levi to arrive in New Jersey. Out of kindness, he avoided it in the primary while Westra was still in the primary, but it was an optimal time to stump in Senator Westra's turf to win over his support, attempting to cut away at those who would otherwise follow the word of him and support Dayton. Levi was gunning to win a plurality of Westra voters and his staff, many of whom would be likely dissillusioned by his support of the centrist-wing. The make-shift stage was set up, the crowds began to gather. A large LEVI 2020 banner was hung up. Campaign signs were handed out the crowd. It was ready for Levi to start.

Levi walked confidently on stage. He was wearing a casual outfit, he had a t-shirt with a large snake on it. It read 'Will strike if threatened', in a reference to his union activities in Minnesota which helped develop his political career. The heavy-union, working class audience in Trenton was a good environment for that kind of messaging. "Hello, Trenton!" He received an applause and cheers from the crowd of supporters. "I've had to come over here because the primary is getting a little more empty in the progressive lane," he joked. "We share a lot in common, despite wearing different names on our buttons, our politics is about people, not money. Our politics is about real plans for change. If I spoke to an average working class Democratic voter, I wouldn't be able to pick them apart from being a support of my campaign or a former support of Tim's campaign. That's what so great that, as the primary race gets tighter, we can back the winning horse to make real change, not superficial change to this country."

"I'm sure you all know, or have heard of Tim Westra. I reckon if he was the Democratic nominee we could handily win in the 2020 Presidential election because he was about the people, about the politics of the people. About fighting for the issues that matter, universal healthcare, a Green New Deal, infrastructure programs and just social welfare." This provoked applause. "We come from a very similar place. Union background, support Baginski, support progressives and progressive causes. I know that I can win, as Westra would have. You know why? We are building a coalition of working class people, like yourselves, of young people, a very wide coalition to win the primary and finally win in 2020. We can fight and we can win on the principles of Medicare for All, putting workers first, an plan to clean out the swamp and end the corruption in Washington D.C. We can win fighting for $15 an hour, to ensure working people can have the dignity of a living wage. We can win fighting for a end to the disastorous free trade deals. Unlike other candidates in the race, I'm opposed to them! But I am also opposed to Wolf's terrible, trash new trade deal he negotiated called USMCA: it's the new NAFTA. It's time to tear that up. It's time to finally ban corporation donations to clean up our politics, end the swamp for real and put body cameras on lobbyists so real people like you and me can see what they're up to."

"We both were about taking a tough line on corruption in Washington D.C. You can read my Anti-Corruption Plan where we detail our entire plan to clean up the swamp. One of those is body cameras on lobbyists. I don't mind if lobbyists have body cameras that upload their streams to C-SPAN because no lobbyists even walks into my office. And if they did, boy, they're in for one hell of a ride," Levi exclaimed, the crowd roared. "This is a message to all of you corporate lobbyists, consultants and insiders: don't bother coming into my office unless you want to be kicked out. That's why I'm running my campaign only on small dollar donations, it's people like all of you that keep this campaign alive and well. We don't take corporate donations, no way. Just like Tim. We don't hire corporatists to run our campaigns. We hire working class people to fight for working class people. We don't have any shadowy Super PACs supporting us. But we sure do have shadowy Super PACs attacking us! You won't see me mingling with the rich and well to do in Beverly Hills either, or in the penthouses of New York City. No, you'll see me rallying working people to find for a better politics, fight for a new government that puts them first, not the few."

He paused. "If I'm being honest, I cannot take a Presidential candidate like Jillian Dayton seriously when she talks big on ending the shadowy relationships between corporations and government, yet take corporate money. You cannot take the money of a broken system! That is where Tim and I drew the line. We do not support taking corporate PAC money because it corrupts everything it touches. Dayton can frolic around all day everyday talking and talking, but it will mean nothing when she visits millionaire donors for their money. Trust me, billionaires and millionaires won't even touch our campaign," Levi laughed, drawing a positive reaction from the crowd.

"I'm working for the many, not the few. Unlike the other candidates, I'm not taking corporate cash and I never will. I will never have these Super PACs supporting me and I never will. So, join our movement to fight for our communities, from the coal miners, to the retail workers, to the nurses, doctors and teachers. I stood up for our striking teachers in West Virginia, despite the attacks from Governor Prendergast. I stood up for the bus-drivers of Minnesota when I led the strike against the Republican Governor. It's time we mobilize working people once again, not just to fight for better benefits, healthcare and wages, but to fight for a better America. To fight for Medicare for all. So please, join us. Donate to our campaign if you can. Volunteer with us, help persuade your family, friends and neighbors. We're going to take back our government from the corporate elite, but we need a strong, grass-roots movement to do so. Make sure you're enrolled to vote and then we're going to take this fight to the insiders in Washington D.C. Thank you very much."

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy @LeviMurphy To those who supported Tim Westra: you most definitely have a home with us, the home of progressives. We're fighting for the same issues, in fact, I support Tim's positions of free college, a Federal Jobs Guarantee, a democratic workplace, legalizing marijuana and finally ending the drug war and more. Senator Westra was about fighting a campaign on the issues, if you were about fighting on the issues too, welcome home.

[Sarenium]

"I'm disappointed I wasn't able to give you an anti-gerrymandering bill to pass," Jillian commented.

"Well, given that the Senate is the Senate right now the best thing to do to make sure we can pass something that finally takes gerrymandering out of the picture is to win back the Senate too. So many things to be done, too many Republicans in the Senate you know?"

"Sounds like we need someone on top of the ticket that moderate and red state Democrats are comfortable campaigning with," Jillian smirked, "no good being the nominee if candidates in Mississippi and Kentucky want to avoid you and incumbents on the coasts are fighting off your challengers."

[Kargintina the Third]

"Oh, yussir Mr. Nate. What is it that ya'll would like to know on my campaign?"

"First thing is first.... why are you running? Whats driving you?"

“The thing that drives me is my love for my state. Alabama means everything to me. Ever since I was a girl I always felt a special kind of pride for my home. But now... these far off elitists want to overturn our state’s rights and sell us out to the interests of Washington instead of the people. I want to help protect my home.”