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

[Bruke]

Senator Karel Volek @Karel Volek I’m disappointed but not surprised that Senate Republicans voted down the RAISE Act. When push comes to shove, it seems like their talk of supporting tax relief for working families is just that- talk. Despite this setback, the RAISE Act is still an excellent piece of legislation that’s worth fighting for. -Karel

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

An Executive Decision From the Magnolia State
Executive Order to Expand Medicaid

Governor Eleanor Brosnan has urged the expansion of Medicaid within Mississippi. Under the expansion, Medicaid eligibility would be extended to adults up to age 64 with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. It has also been noted by bi-partisan sources close to Governor Brosnan, who shall remain undisclosed, that such an expansion may stop the closures of rural hospitals. For the betterment of Mississippi's healthcare and wellbeing, the Governor urges Republicans and Democrats to officially adapt this expansion out of their 2019 shared vision. Becoming the 40th state in the list where Medicaid has been expanded will be a milestone for American public health.

Signed:

[Dentali]

(Image) Senator Karel Volek @Karel Volek I’m disappointed but not surprised that Senate Republicans voted down the RAISE Act. When push comes to shove, it seems like their talk of supporting tax relief for working families is just that- talk. Despite this setback, the RAISE Act is still an excellent piece of legislation that’s worth fighting for. -Karel (Image)

Jane Martinez
@SusanBMartinez

@KarelVolek They didn't vote it down they voted to not take it up at that exact moment, but hey why should you understand Senate procedure?

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
Charleston County, South Carolina
January 14th, 2020



Richardson’s retail in South Carolina began by meeting with local african american business and community leaders, many of them heavily involved with local churches and visited sites associated with the Charleston Riot of 1919 and a few locations associated with the Civil Rights movement such as the Charleston Hospital Strike it was a combination photo op and listening session where he used these historical moments and locations to spark conversation with those he met representing the African American community. He notably visited and met with members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Between these meetings Richardson visited local businesses and enjoyed local fair such as Gumbo and Lowcountry boil demonstrating his love of southern cooking and culture. In the evening he and his volunteers hit the Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and West Ashley suburbs in and around the city itself and ended the day with a townhall in Summerville.

Townhall Question: Do you believe Trans Women should compete in sports with Women?

Richardson: No I don’t… Now i’m not going to regulate private companies that hold sporting events or anything like that but when college scholarships are on the line it is absolutely unfair that biological women are required to compete with biological men who have a ton of natural unfair advantages in the athletic field.


Pottawattamie County, Iowa
January 15th, 2020



Returning to Council Bluffs Richardson first visited the local Mormon community and the historical starting point of the Mormon Trail, an important site in the mormon religion. This was followed up with a visit to the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter for a short photo op and discussion. In between these visits was the basic personality offensive meeting locals and business owners. Following these meetings Richardson visited a number of local factories such as Con Agra, Grundorf, Katelman Foundry and Tyson Foods which employed hundreds and thousands of people and all the while promoted his American Industrial Plan. He continued his retail in its residential form and slowly made his way from the river's edge eastward to Iowa Western Community College where he gave a townhall.


Carson City, Nevada
January 16th, 2020



Richardson was beyond grateful to return to the Southwest which had his favorite climate in the United States, he remembered with annoyance his time in Congress and Washington’s swampy climate and was certainly on a con list when it came to running for president. He campaigned in his hard learned Spanglish when he could, as 14% of the population spoke spanish as a first language and road tested his upcoming Hispanic American plan that would come soon after his plan for african americans that would be unveiled very soon. Focusing on the hispanic heavy neighborhoods which were turned off by Porter’s anti hispanic rhetoric and largely ignored by the Democratic field. Richardson listened to them and their concerns, he visited their businesses and gathering places and connected on a human level, and elected to continue campaigning in majority hispanic neighborhoods when it came time for residential retail, although he took time to have closed door meetings with a few potential donors who owned casinos and had a history of bankrolling republicans. The evening saw him hold a townhall at Western Nevada College

Townhall Question: What are your thoughts on racial sensitivity training

Richardson: I think that the idea of promoting greater understanding between people of different ethnicities and backgrounds is a great thing and necessary for a country as diverse as ours, but recently we have seen the worst aspects of critical race theory creep into workplace training and its having a detrimental effect that often undermines its stated objectives. We need to take a step back and rethink how we deal with racial issues in 2020, make sure its handled in a way that is truthful, accurate and understanding.


Worcester County, Massachusetts
January 17th, 2020



As confident as he was in his ability to win in 2020 he knew that winning Massachusetts in the general election was impossible, this visit was purely to benefit Richardson in the Primary. He was tempted to visit the heavy Hispanic and African American areas in Worcester but acknowledged the reality that they were likely no Republican primary voters. Instead he focused on the downtown campaigning on his record as Governor doing basic good government aligning himself with the many Republican Governors Massachusetts had elected in spite of being a very blue state. He visited the HQ of Polar Beverages, and the David Clark company as well as the Norton Abrasives manufacturer. Before doing residential retail in the suburban areas of the city he visited the site of the Worcester Biomanufacturing Park where he voiced his support in beating China in the field and promoting it as a domestic industry. His nightly townhall took place at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Townhall: Would you support expanding the Supreme Court?

Richardson: Selfishly as President i’d love to nominate a dozen supreme court justices, its among the most lasting things a President can do. But If I supported adding say 3 new supreme court justices to the court, then 3 administrations from now we’d have 30 supreme court justices and that’s not good for our democracy. We should hold the court as sacred and non partisan as possible, their job should be to call balls and strikes devoid of public opinion… and packing the court politicizes it in a way we can’t undo.


Essex County, Massachusetts
January 18th, 2020



Enjoying the Saturday in the crisp New England air did not appeal to Richardson who came from a warm southern state but he did his best to tolerate the cold. His morning opened by meeting with a few local republican organizations and politicians representing Massachusetts and tried to make his case. Following this he visited the countless small folksy shops and businesses in the town and spoke with business owners and employees about their challenges and concerns. In the Afternoon he made his way to the city of Lawrence which was a manufacturing hub, as he met people and criss-crossed the city he put his industrial plan at the forefront of his retail. He also made sure to visit the site of the Lawrence Textile Strike and even met with local union leaders to discuss the challenges facing labor and how to grow wages. Though he spent longer doing retail than he had intended he still made it on time to his rally held outside Lawrence.


Norfolk County, Massachusetts
January 19th, 2020



The County of Presidents, the birthplace of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, JFK, and (Not George HW Bush), Norfolk County. Richardson began the day early with church service and a meet and greet as was his custom. Most of the day would be spent in Brookline, the largest town in Massachusetts and second largest municipality in the county behind Quincy. While Richardson did some visible retail and photo ops the true purpose of his trip wasn’t about winning voters but donors. He had a half dozen meetings with rich and powerful individuals in Massachusetts where he assured them his increasingly populist bent wouldn’t result in progressive tendencies around taxation, he was still pro business he just wanted it more directed and producing more jobs. After the 6 hour long meetings and the retail stops in between he held a rally outside Quincy.

[Azekopolaltion]

"You should check out my previous speeches calling for Big Tech trust busting. I have in general been framing my more populist rhetoric around industrial policy in the language of taking on China which should help a bit with donors and neocons in the party..."

"Anyhow I do believe that STEM fields need our investment and a big one at that. We need to prioritize H1-B visas in the short term, then reform college to prioritize those in demand industries instead of theater tech degrees... We need to take on big college too so they don't fleece our kids anymore. And then finally we boost funding for industries that China is focusing on dominating which will create more market demand for the STEM field jobs. Labor market in America is way out of wack."

"An issue I have with your MODERNA bill is that it creates a new federal agency... I know my party cares less and less about small government daily but i'm still hesitant to expand it. But if it had some rigorous standards and a focused mission we could work something out. Price tag too we need to work on... not saying its too high I just need to see where the money is going and make a good investment. I also want to make sure that any technologies we develop aren't destroying blue collar jobs through automation."

"Obviously I can't do anything unless i'm elected and publicly cozying up with you likely won't help me in the primary... but I do think we can work on this and a few other initiatives, being a democrat in Texas means you need to be 'Mr Bi-partisan'."

"I'm glad to hear that we generally agree. I can show you details once the legislation is better hashed out. What do you suggest on the H1B front?"

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

Members of the Senate GOP caucus have expressed support for a middle class tax cut through EITC expansion. GOP candidates for president have expressed support for EITC expansion. Their constituents want the same.

Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

By blocking a vote on the #RAISEAct, which would immediately boost incomes for working Americans, Republican leadership have affirmed that they are not the party of cutting taxes for ordinary people.

[Kargintina the Third]

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

Members of the Senate GOP caucus have expressed support for a middle class tax cut through EITC expansion. GOP candidates for president have expressed support for EITC expansion. Their constituents want the same.

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

By blocking a vote on the #RAISEAct, which would immediately boost incomes for working Americans, Republican leadership have affirmed that they are not the party of cutting taxes for ordinary people.

Liked and Retweeted by Nickolai Dernilski

[Kargintina the Third]

Nickolai Dernilski @Derni4Ohio The working people of this country deserve politicians who will put them and their families first, not block a bill intended to raise wages for American families. Our workers need to come at the top of the agenda, not Wall Street and Washington Lobbyist interests.

[New Cobastheia]

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

Members of the Senate GOP caucus have expressed support for a middle class tax cut through EITC expansion. GOP candidates for president have expressed support for EITC expansion. Their constituents want the same.

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

By blocking a vote on the #RAISEAct, which would immediately boost incomes for working Americans, Republican leadership have affirmed that they are not the party of cutting taxes for ordinary people.

(Image) Nickolai Dernilski @Derni4Ohio The working people of this country deserve politicians who will put them and their families first, not block a bill intended to raise wages for American families. Our workers need to come at the top of the agenda, not Wall Street and Washington Lobbyist interests. (Image)

All Liked and Retweeted by @KathleenNez

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Francine Sullivan
@AlaskanAstronaut

---

Some in Alaska often question my political affiliation, especially when divisive issues of national importance are raised. But right now, I am glad to not be on the side that believes tax relief to working Americans isn't worth their time.

Francine Sullivan
@AlaskanAstronaut

---

The bill may not have been voted down but delaying its arrival to the Senate floor shows it is not a particularly important concern to my colleagues. Working families have waited long enough for real reform and unlike fellow senators, time isn't something many Americans can spare between working and raising children.

[Dentali]

"You should check out my previous speeches calling for Big Tech trust busting. I have in general been framing my more populist rhetoric around industrial policy in the language of taking on China which should help a bit with donors and neocons in the party..."

"Anyhow I do believe that STEM fields need our investment and a big one at that. We need to prioritize H1-B visas in the short term, then reform college to prioritize those in demand industries instead of theater tech degrees... We need to take on big college too so they don't fleece our kids anymore. And then finally we boost funding for industries that China is focusing on dominating which will create more market demand for the STEM field jobs. Labor market in America is way out of wack."

"An issue I have with your MODERNA bill is that it creates a new federal agency... I know my party cares less and less about small government daily but i'm still hesitant to expand it. But if it had some rigorous standards and a focused mission we could work something out. Price tag too we need to work on... not saying its too high I just need to see where the money is going and make a good investment. I also want to make sure that any technologies we develop aren't destroying blue collar jobs through automation."

"Obviously I can't do anything unless i'm elected and publicly cozying up with you likely won't help me in the primary... but I do think we can work on this and a few other initiatives, being a democrat in Texas means you need to be 'Mr Bi-partisan'."

"I'm glad to hear that we generally agree. I can show you details once the legislation is better hashed out. What do you suggest on the H1B front?"

"When at all possible we should buy American and hire American, but in theory H1-B visas are supposed to fill gaps in our labor market... but they fall far short of the mark. And I have issues with the current H1-B process as too often its abused... it gets billed as high skill immigration where we get a bunch of Einstein's in a field where we don't have enough American equivalents … but firms more often than not are just importing college grads for run of the mill jobs to keep down wages. We shouldn't be giving the same priority to a highly specialist engineer developing a world changing technology as we would some mid level tech."

"I'd like to end the random lottery in regards to H-1B visas and instead weight based on the greatest need or the highest skills. Jobs America just isn't producing enough of, or fast enough... And while I want to retool how we look at education in regards to labor demand even in the best case scenario that would take years to produce the desired results."

[United Hemand Insia]

@ArthurFranklin
Very disappointed in the Republican party for blocking the RAISE Act. Then again, we can't put the bar for them that high, can we?

[Louisianan]

@ArthurFranklin
Very disappointed in the Republican party for blocking the RAISE Act. Then again, we can't put the bar for them that high, can we?

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Aren't you one to talk.... Your bar went so low to call our former president SELFISH.

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

During a brief recess in the fight over the RAISE Act and the ISA, Kimberly left the Senate chamber, giving Geraldine instructions to call her if anything happened.

She wasn't exactly proud of blocking the RAISE Act, even if it was written by Westra, but she reasoned it could be taken up later. Iran needed dealt with now.

The gentlewoman from Kansas made her way to one of the House office buildings, scanning doors and signs for her destination. When she arrived outside Crawford Clay's office, she set her shoulders, adjusted her jacket, and knocked once, firmly.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

During a brief recess in the fight over the RAISE Act and the ISA, Kimberly left the Senate chamber, giving Geraldine instructions to call her if anything happened.

She wasn't exactly proud of blocking the RAISE Act, even if it was written by Westra, but she reasoned it could be taken up later. Iran needed dealt with now.

The gentlewoman from Kansas made her way to one of the House office buildings, scanning doors and signs for her destination. When she arrived outside Crawford Clay's office, she set her shoulders, adjusted her jacket, and knocked once, firmly.

Representative Crawford Clay

---

Clay looked up from his computer screen at the rap on his office door, pausing the campaign video he had been reviewing. Crawford tried not to use his time as representative selfishly, but devoted every spare moment on Capitol Hill to the senate race. After all, beating Frankston in the primary was important for the people of Texas.

"Come in," Clay called, rising from behind his desk and moving to the door. He was a tall man, well-built and handsome; but there were shadows under his eyes. Shuttling back and forth between his home state and D.C. was taxing on Clay's body. Yet he kept his back straight and his head up, spirit determined; he was willing to push himself to the limit in order to secure the senate primary without abandoning his duties as representative.

"Senator Dunbar," he greeted warmly, baritone voice somewhat refined but not free from a Texan twang, extending his hand for a firm shake. This meeting was important to Clay; it was high time he got endorsements from other Republican leaders. "A pleasure. Please, take a seat." Clay moved back behind his desk, but did not sit, instead gesturing toward the liquor cabinet. "I hope the senate proceedings are going well. Would you care for a drink?"

[Puertollano]

"I don't think super-delegates are a political issue, Senator. Not unless you acknowledge that super-delegates do have a habit of picking the establishment candidate over the insurgent."

“I never said whether or not I thought they were a political issue. But I do know that Democrats who don’t support you have a tendency to accept the existence of super-delegates. Whether or not it’s a political issue, it is a factional issue and I’ve taken great pains to tamp down factionalism within the Caucus- and the party.”

"I expected you'd say so. Just testing the waters. It was good to meet you again, Karel."

[New Cobastheia]

"I don't see why Spellman shouldn't serve as the first Secretary of Peace if that position opens up, and if you care about my input [Not-Denise Juneau] for Education and [Not-Winona LaDuke] for either Interior or EPA could be possible additions, but that's starting to feel like we're getting ahead of ourselves. Where do you think the party should focus when it comes to flipping the Senate?"

"Any and all places we can. Maine, North Carolina, Montana, Colorado - you name it. It should be on the table."

"Maine and Colorado are definitely looking good for us, Ohio could flip if we get a good candidate. I'd take it you'd be aiming to win them on the Presidental level too."

[Sarenium]

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

Members of the Senate GOP caucus have expressed support for a middle class tax cut through EITC expansion. GOP candidates for president have expressed support for EITC expansion. Their constituents want the same.

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

By blocking a vote on the #RAISEAct, which would immediately boost incomes for working Americans, Republican leadership have affirmed that they are not the party of cutting taxes for ordinary people.

Liked and Retweeted by @JillianDayton

[Sarenium]

It was shortly after the vote on the Hong Kong that she arrived at Karel's office, greeting the receptionist kindly and waiting.

[Puertollano]

"Any and all places we can. Maine, North Carolina, Montana, Colorado - you name it. It should be on the table."

"Maine and Colorado are definitely looking good for us, Ohio could flip if we get a good candidate. I'd take it you'd be aiming to win them on the Presidental level too."

"Definitely, but my campaign is obviously concerned with winning back the Blue Wall first: Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania. Possibly Ohio and maybe Iowa. While sand-banking in states like Minnesota."

[Bruke]

“I never said whether or not I thought they were a political issue. But I do know that Democrats who don’t support you have a tendency to accept the existence of super-delegates. Whether or not it’s a political issue, it is a factional issue and I’ve taken great pains to tamp down factionalism within the Caucus- and the party.”

"I expected you'd say so. Just testing the waters. It was good to meet you again, Karel."

“It was good to meet with you as well. We’ll keep in touch. Oh, and Levi? I’d appreciate if you kept the reason behind the “miscommunication” on the DHK Act to yourself.”

[Bruke]

It was shortly after the vote on the Hong Kong that she arrived at Karel's office, greeting the receptionist kindly and waiting.

The receptionist greeted Jillian in return. “He’s waiting for you over there, Senator.” She pointed in the direction Jillian would have to go to reach Karel.

Karel himself was in a section of the office which he used as a quiet place for work or working meals. He smiled as soon as he saw his colleague from Virginia. “Welcome! Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. Can I offer you a drink or healthy snack?” He gestured to the fridge. “I stopped having so much Papaya King- doctor’s orders.” He chuckled a little.

[Sarenium]

---

Frankston for Senate
Town Hall
Corpus Christie
January 18, 2020

---

"I grew up on a ranch out near Lubbock," Joe smiled as he gave his speech, "and if duty didn't require it, I'd be living out there again," he gestured vaguely, "but as y'all know until only a few months ago, I was required to live up in San Antonio in the course of my duties and so I did, proud of the chance to serve. Texan values of faith, duty and freedom are the bedrock of this campaign and the future direction of conservatism in Texas. We can resolve our immigration crisis by working on a bipartisan solution that hardens our border while ending uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of working Texans. We can address the jobs and wages deficit that confronts Texas by having a Senator in Texas who can build on the great work of President Wolf in resolving our uneven trade and getting Washington's nose out of our businesses," Joe had a rhythm by now, after a few months on the stump he came off less forceful or instructional and much less of the rigidity of the military mindset he'd effectively lived on for most of his life.

He took another question, this one on opioids, "my solution is to empower the states to run rehab, education and prevention programs. Federal involvement in such a highly localized issue won't be much help, but we can prevent more deaths by ensuring every state has the resources it needs to combat the epidemic through multiple avenues. We can't abide by inaction."

Another question came his way, this time about the ISA, "absolutely I'd vote for the ISA. We've got to hold Iran's feet to the fire, a nation led by insanity is what it is, shooting down civilian planes? Absolute insanity. We must ensure Congress is responding dynamically and adaptively."

The town hall ended and he proceeded to hop on the bus to suburban Houston next before heading out to ranch country.

[Sarenium]

It was shortly after the vote on the Hong Kong that she arrived at Karel's office, greeting the receptionist kindly and waiting.

The receptionist greeted Jillian in return. “He’s waiting for you over there, Senator.” She pointed in the direction Jillian would have to go to reach Karel.

Karel himself was in a section of the office which he used as a quiet place for work or working meals. He smiled as soon as he saw his colleague from Virginia. “Welcome! Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. Can I offer you a drink or healthy snack?” He gestured to the fridge. “I stopped having so much Papaya King- doctor’s orders.” He chuckled a little.

"I'll take water," she smiled, "my doctor says I've been a little dehydrated from the trail."

[United Hemand Insia]

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

Members of the Senate GOP caucus have expressed support for a middle class tax cut through EITC expansion. GOP candidates for president have expressed support for EITC expansion. Their constituents want the same.

(Image)
Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

---

By blocking a vote on the #RAISEAct, which would immediately boost incomes for working Americans, Republican leadership have affirmed that they are not the party of cutting taxes for ordinary people.

Liked and Retweeted by @ArthurFranklin