Land of The Free: American Political Roleplay (OOC VI)

[Sarenium]

He started his premiership with a hung Parliament, and then that was cut further after the whip was removed from a group of MPs for voting against the government on Brexit and then we won the largest Conservative majority since 1987 in the December 2019 general election.

Oh! That is a lot more understandable, I had gone down the youtube rabbithole and ended up near Stephen Colbert land and he had Graham Norton on the show and gave an explanation similar to that. I'm just glad that Conservatism is growing in popularity over there.

U.K. Conservatives would split 50-50 Dem-Rep...

[Louisianan]

Oh! That is a lot more understandable, I had gone down the youtube rabbithole and ended up near Stephen Colbert land and he had Graham Norton on the show and gave an explanation similar to that. I'm just glad that Conservatism is growing in popularity over there.

U.K. Conservatives would split 50-50 Dem-Rep...

I like Ann Widdecombe, I agree with most of her stances, but I will say this, I don't understand British political parties too much. i only know that the labor are the socialists and the Greens are Far Left, or something like that.

[Greater Arab State]

He started his premiership with a hung Parliament, and then that was cut further after the whip was removed from a group of MPs for voting against the government on Brexit and then we won the largest Conservative majority since 1987 in the December 2019 general election.

bring back david cameron you cowards

There is only one way I can react to this.

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

I finally understand Boris Johnson and why people think he's crazy. From what I understand, he came into the position with a majority, but lost his majority because he fired so many people from his party or some thing like that right?

what

He started his premiership with a hung Parliament, and then that was cut further after the whip was removed from a group of MPs for voting against the government on Brexit and then we won the largest Conservative majority since 1987 in the December 2019 general election.

bring back david cameron you cowards

oink oink

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

Hi!

It's me, Sare.

Or Saren.

Or Sar if you're weird.

Or Sarenium if you're my digital mother.

Over the past few weeks I've truly enjoyed the joys of playing with wiki-style articles and have received much appreciation and acclaim for my very irregular editing schedule. Other than Kelvi, who already has enough to do with Republican polling, I am more than prepared to help/teach others to help me out with our wikis. Right now there are two main wikis.

> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/2020_United_Stat ... s_(LOTF_RP) <
> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/2020_United_Stat ... n_(LOTF_RP) < {{ Both links need to be copy pasted because that last bracket isn't including in the URL for some reason }}

I want to create pages for the House and begin porting in legislation that's passed. I played around with this;

> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/Relief_Act_2019 <

... and I'd like to have much more happening. The main issue isn't so much that I can't do it all alone (I could spend many hours on this whole wiki, make it super pretty and have it ready for happy use eventually), the issue is more that I can't update it as regularly as I'd like NOR with as much detail and aestheticism I'd like.

It doesn't take much to learn, it's really just copy-pasting templates where needed into new wiki pages and going from there. The shit looks confusing (as Lozy learned) behind the scenes, but it has a rhythm to it once you get it.

I should add my stuff on.

We need either an iiwiki or miraheze, the current wiki is ugly AF

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

*cough*

This place looks a little different than I left it...

omg welcome back

i am still here

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

Not sure why we're still collecting sponsorships for Atang's evictions bill when it's gonna be in the broader omnibus package that gets drafted.

Packages of legislation consist of several bills gord

[Sarenium]

Hi!

It's me, Sare.

Or Saren.

Or Sar if you're weird.

Or Sarenium if you're my digital mother.

Over the past few weeks I've truly enjoyed the joys of playing with wiki-style articles and have received much appreciation and acclaim for my very irregular editing schedule. Other than Kelvi, who already has enough to do with Republican polling, I am more than prepared to help/teach others to help me out with our wikis. Right now there are two main wikis.

> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/2020_United_Stat ... s_(LOTF_RP) <
> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/2020_United_Stat ... n_(LOTF_RP) < {{ Both links need to be copy pasted because that last bracket isn't including in the URL for some reason }}

I want to create pages for the House and begin porting in legislation that's passed. I played around with this;

> https://iiwiki.us/wiki/Relief_Act_2019 <

... and I'd like to have much more happening. The main issue isn't so much that I can't do it all alone (I could spend many hours on this whole wiki, make it super pretty and have it ready for happy use eventually), the issue is more that I can't update it as regularly as I'd like NOR with as much detail and aestheticism I'd like.

It doesn't take much to learn, it's really just copy-pasting templates where needed into new wiki pages and going from there. The shit looks confusing (as Lozy learned) behind the scenes, but it has a rhythm to it once you get it.

I should add my stuff on.

We need either an iiwiki or miraheze, the current wiki is ugly AF

Are you volunteering to be in my iiWiki Creation and Expansion Group?

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

I should add my stuff on.

We need either an iiwiki or miraheze, the current wiki is ugly AF

Are you volunteering to be in my iiWiki Creation and Expansion Group?

Y

[Emazia]

Oh! That is a lot more understandable, I had gone down the youtube rabbithole and ended up near Stephen Colbert land and he had Graham Norton on the show and gave an explanation similar to that. I'm just glad that Conservatism is growing in popularity over there.

U.K. Conservatives would split 50-50 Dem-Rep...

Nah they'd all vote Sanders by sheer value of loving universal healthcare so much. The rank and file, anyway.

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

U.K. Conservatives would split 50-50 Dem-Rep...

Nah they'd all vote Sanders by sheer value of loving universal healthcare so much. The rank and file, anyway.

This is sarcasm right? Healthcare isn't the only issue

[Vaquas]

---

Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Vaquas

Character Name: Lawrence Bellman

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 64

Character Height: 6’3

Character Weight: 200 lbs

Character Position/Role/Job: Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2020), Fmr. Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2016), Fmr. Secretary of Energy (2013 - 2016), Fmr. Member of Congress from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District (1999 - 2013)

Appearance:


Character State of Origin: Louisiana

Character State of Residence: Louisiana

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Main Strengths: Universal name recognition in state, Well connected with Democratic establishment and fundraising, strong record of bipartisanship

Main Weaknesses: Prior Statewide Loss, 2003 Finances Scandal, Some socially conservative positions, Large role in formulation of JCPOA

Biography: Born March 3, 1956, Lawrence Bellman was a product of assault, his mother being 17 at the time of her pregnancy by a man she would never name. Dropping out of school in the aftermath, his mother, Patricia Bellman, raised him with the help of her own parents, a WW2 veteran and housekeeper, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a low-income area once notable for its large percentage of free people of color. It was here that Lawrence would grow up to see firsthand the horrors of systemic racism and segregation, and the latter’s violent aftermath. Bellman has stated that one of his first memories involves his mother being racially harassed by a group of white men while shopping in the grocery store, something that was described to him as being “just how things are in America” and “what we have to deal with”. Bellman’s elementary school remained largely black following desegregation, and he would attend largely black middle and high schools as well, taking a particular interest in history and civics, finding inspiration in the writings of Frederick Douglass and the preaching of Martin Luther King Jr. The assassination of the latter deeply impacted a young Bellman, who cites said event as the beginning of his interest in politics and the consequences of political speech.

Taking refuge in public libraries with his eyes on the future, Bellman would excel in his studies and graduate at the top of his class, gaining admission to the alma mater of his idol Dr. King, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in History and English. It was here that he would take an active role in student government and various clubs, very much enjoying his life as a “Morehouse Man” and doing his fair share of protesting and advocacy at the same time, while also engaging in Atlanta’s nightlife and temptations. While Lawrence would initially decide to stay in Atlanta following his graduation in the top 5% of his class, these plans would change when his mother fell ill with ovarian cancer, prompting him to return home and assist his aging grandparents in looking after her. Landing a part time job as a clerk in a local library, he would look after his mother for a year before her unfortunate death, a blow which Bellman only survived due to meeting his future wife Sandra, one of the nurses providing palliative care in the final weeks of her life. The two would bond and grow close in the aftermath, and eventually marry after a year of dating.

Shortly after, Bellman would make the decision to turn to law, applying to various institutions across the nation before going with his second choice, Tulane University right at home in New Orleans, spurring Emory University at the behest of his now wife. Bellman would excel in his studies and find passion where he once merely saw opportunity, finding his footing in environmental and civil rights law and wooing professors with his work ethic. Upon graduating in 1983, Bellman would join a small but diverse practice in downtown New Orleans focused on civil rights violations and other civil infractions on the city level. He would continue with this sort of work for 4 years, before moving on to a larger practice on the waterfront, doing legal work for a number of small businesses, including fisherman impacted by coastal drilling operations. This work would continue for an additional 4 years before Bellman would begin his own practice, one focusing on cases related to environmental justice and pollution in low-income communities. This work would draw attention from local media and raise Bellman’s profile when in 1993 he headed a class action lawsuit against an out-of-state company whose shipping practices and warehouse conditions abused local workers and left several with mesothelioma, winning the case and securing a massive settlement for the victims and those involved and sparking a statewide conversation on the rights of workers in Louisiana. Following this career victory, Bellman would also be hired as an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater Tulane as part of the somewhat newly formed Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. During this time, Bellman remained an active member of the community, often helping to organize large events and investing in local projects to help spur economic development, not to mention cooking large batches of crawfish and other locally sourced seafood for his much acclaimed “Bellman Cookouts”.

In 1998, Louisiana’s Second Congressional District would be left vacant when the incumbent, John Barber, was involved in a prostitution scandal, prompting him to resign. Sensing an opportunity and feeling a call to service, Bellman announced his candidacy, running off of the goodwill which remained from workers in New Orleans and surrounding areas due to his prior legal work as well as support from the black community. He would finish first in the jungle primary with 43% of the vote, and defeat Republican Radio Host Mark Wilson in the runoff with 79% of the vote.

Arriving in Washington, Bellman would prioritize building strong relationships with both Democratic leadership and his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, developing working relationships with his fellow members on issues related to protections for workers, education, and energy. Signing on to many pieces of legislation from both parties, Bellman quickly constructed a reputation as being a bridge-builder and bipartisan partner, establishing himself as a moderate democrat and working with President Burke on immigration reform legislation prior to the 9/11 attacks. Bellman would sign on to military action against Afghanistan in the aftermath of the attacks, but in 2003 he would find himself in opposition to the war in Iraq, calling it “not a fight we have to start” and warning against “bloodshed based on speculation”. The war would partially overshadow a scandal of his own, which involved allegedly accepting gifts and favors from businesses in Louisiana in exchange for a laxer approach to corporate taxation and regulation. Bellman vociferously denied these claims and an ensuing inquiry into his actions found small violations but no malfeasance, requiring him to return several gifts, which he willingly did. This would earn him a primary challenger in 2004, a progressive former Gore staffer eager to make it seem like a David v Goliath battle. Bellman took the challenge seriously and ultimately avoided a runoff, securing 59% of the vote to his challenger’s 28% in the primary.

Bellman would first make national headlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he participated in on the ground efforts to help the city and slammed the federal government for their atrocious response to the disaster and its aftermath. Bellman highlighted the complete destruction of his childhood home and the damage done to several small businesses he often frequented, tearing up when detailing the amount of irreparable damage that had been done to the culture and people of the city he had grown up in. The clip was widely played in national media and Bellman became the political face of the city’s reaction to the crisis. In the aftermath, Bellman spearheaded legislation related to federal and state disaster preparedness which streamlined federal and state coordination during such incidents and required major cities and state governments to develop detailed disaster preparedness plans. The legislation was signed into law by President Burke and remains Bellman’s “proudest achievement”.

Bellman would use this increased profile to gain more prominent committee assignments, most notably becoming ranking member of the Homeland Security committee and chairman of said committee following the election of 2008 on the political coattails of the man Bellman supported in the 2008 Democratic primaries, Rashid Baharia. Bellman was floated for several White House roles as an early supporter of Baharia but denied interest, instead opting to “continue to represent the district I love”. For these reasons, he also denied interest in multiple prods to run for statewide office.

Bellman would be at the forefront of another crisis in 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred, savaging the economy of Louisiana and thoroughly damaging the environment of the gulf. Bellman openly attacked BP in the press, zeroing in on the lives lost in the accident and the longlasting environmental impacts of the spill, calling the company’s negligence “murder”. Bellman again spent much time on the ground, getting a feel for the highest priorities of affected workers and resolving to pursue strong change in the aftermath. Bellman used the moment to propose legislation severely restricting risky offshore drilling practices and mandating significantly stronger worker protections for those in the petroleum industry, getting mixed feedback from Washington and praise from his constituents. The legislation would ultimately be watered down by Republicans and fossil-friendly Democrats, but would be passed in a weakened state and signed into law by President Baharia, representing a moral if not practical victory.

In 2012, Bellman would act as an unofficial advisor to the Baharia campaign on energy policy and a strategy for winning over working class voters in southern states, gaining some momentum for a possible role in House leadership as his political talents were readily apparent. Ultimately, he would be offered the role of Secretary of Energy shortly after his 2012 reelection, a decision which took him a week to make before ultimately accepting. One of his senior staffers would win election to the seat following his vacancy.

Confirmed as energy secretary by a 84-16 vote, with both Louisiana Senators notably voting for him, Bellman worked hard to push the idea that fossil fuel workers need not be left behind by expansions in green energy, including in his home state of Louisiana. Bellman’s chief work however, turned out to be related to his large role in the development of the JCPOA, or Iran Nuclear Deal. A bridge builder, some characterized Bellman’s negotiating position in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s to be too soft, leading to some conservative criticism that he was not adequately prepared for such a high stakes negotiation. This prompted some of his house colleagues to defend him and was briefly a significant news item after a conservative commentator made a remark about Bellman’s “worthiness” to hold the office, prompting some to refer to the remark as racially charged. Bellman did not publicly address the issue, but instead devoted himself fully to crafting the agreement, which, when finished, he expressed he was proud of. Bellman also spearheaded a green jobs training program designed to transition oil workers into renewable fields that was greenlighted by Baharia.

Bellman would resign his position as Secretary of Energy in early 2016 to launch a bid for the United States Senate In Louisiana against the incumbent Republican, running on a platform of “Lifting Up the Working Class” and “Spreading American Success” by increasing wages for workers, standing up to “corrupt companies”, and taking on “career do-nothings”. Distancing himself from national politics, Bellman was heralded as an excellent recruit for the seat, criss-crossing rural areas and gathering a strong coalition of support among both minority and working class voters in the state with a strong message of unity. Turning down support from the Democratic nominee herself and other national politicians, Bellman overperformed the partisan lean of the state and stood his ground in the Senate debate after making it into the runoff, but failed to secure victory, garnering 45.5% of the vote to the Republican incumbent’s 54.5%, with extremely strong showings in the New Orleans area and stronger than typical showings in rural Louisiana, but not enough to crush the partisan advantage of the state. Bellman congratulated his opponent on election night and wished him the best of luck in all of his endeavors, including offering him a direct line in the event that he wished to ask for advice.

Following his failed Senate bid, Bellman returned to his job as a professor at Tulane, and mulled a run for his old seat in 2018, but declined to primary his former protégé. Writing extensively on environmental justice and encouraging the development of comprehensive national legislation to that effect, Bellman’s writing included contributions to the New York Times, and local New Orleans papers. He also appeared in the 2019 Documentary “Our Changing Planet”, in which he criticized those who consider effective environmental policy to be at odds with economic growth.

In mid-2019, Bellman launched his second campaign for U.S. Senate on a similar platform, focusing in on economic populism as his primary campaign message. He is notably “personally pro-life” and quietly endorsed Same-Sex Marriage only in 2015 with the Obergefell ruling, putting him at odds with some of his democratic colleagues in timing. He is seen as likely to advance to the runoff, along with a Republican opponent. Bellman has polled comparatively well in hypothetical GE polling, especially considering the partisan environment he finds himself in, but how he will fare when push comes to shove this second time remains to be seen.


Other Info: 5 adult children (4 Boys, 1 Girl), known to be an excellent cook, collects civil war and civil rights movement memorabilia, married to Sandra Bellman since 1980, Southern Baptist.

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: Vaquas

Do Not Remove: 84721

[Alozia]

Vaq before I begin reviewing your app I need to hear "trans rights" from you.

[Emazia]

Nah they'd all vote Sanders by sheer value of loving universal healthcare so much. The rank and file, anyway.

This is sarcasm right? Healthcare isn't the only issue

It's intentional exaggeration for the sake of comedy: it's just in proportion to most other countries the UK really values healthcare.

[Vaquas]

Vaq before I begin reviewing your app I need to hear "trans rights" from you.

Trans Rights

[Alozia]

Vaq before I begin reviewing your app I need to hear "trans rights" from you.

Trans Rights

ok, thank you.

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

Vaq before I begin reviewing your app I need to hear "trans rights" from you.

Trans Rights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MSgrB9WBvs

[Sarenium]

(Image)

---

Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Vaquas

Character Name: Lawrence Bellman

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 64

Character Height: 6’3

Character Weight: 200 lbs

Character Position/Role/Job: Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2020), Fmr. Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2016), Fmr. Secretary of Energy (2013 - 2016), Member of Congress from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District (1999 - 2013)

Appearance:
(Image)

Character State of Origin: Louisiana

Character State of Residence: Louisiana

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Main Strengths: Universal name recognition in state, Well connected with Democratic establishment and fundraising, strong record of bipartisanship

Main Weaknesses: Prior Statewide Loss, 2003 Finances Scandal, Some socially conservative positions, Large role in formulation of JCPOA

Biography: Born March 3, 1956, Lawrence Bellman was a product of assault, his mother being 17 at the time of her pregnancy to a man she would never name. Dropping out of school in the aftermath, his mother, Patricia Bellman, raised him with the help of her own parents, a WW2 veteran and housekeeper, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a low-income area once notable for its large percentage of free people of color. It was here that Lawrence would grow up to see firsthand the horrors of systemic racism and segregation, and the latter’s violent aftermath. Bellman has stated that one of his first memories involves his mother being racially harassed by a group of white men while shopping in the grocery store, something that was described to him as being “just how things are in America” and “what we have to deal with”. Bellman’s elementary school remained largely black following desegregation, and he would attend largely black middle and high schools as well, taking a particular interest in history and civics, finding inspiration in the writings of Frederick Douglass and the preaching of Martin Luther King Jr. The assassination of the latter deeply impacted a young Bellman, who cites said event as the beginning of his interest in politics and the consequences of political speech.

Taking refuge in public libraries with his eyes on the future, Bellman would excel in his studies and graduate at the top of his class, gaining admission to the alma mater of his idol Dr. King, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in History and English. It was here that he would take an active role in student government and various clubs, very much enjoying his life as a “Morehouse Man” and doing his fair share of protesting and advocacy at the same time, while also engaging in Atlanta’s nightlife and temptations. While Lawrence would initially decide to stay in Atlanta following his graduation in the top 5% of his class, these plans would change when his mother fell ill with ovarian cancer, prompting him to return home and assist his aging grandparents in looking after her. Landing a part time job as a clerk in a local library, he would look after his mother for a year before her unfortunate death, a blow which Bellman only survived due to meeting his future wife Sandra, one of the nurses providing palliative care in the final weeks of her life. The two would bond and grow close in the aftermath, and eventually marry after a year of dating.

Shortly after, Bellman would make the decision to turn to law, applying to various institutions across the nation before going with his second choice, Tulane University right at home in New Orleans, spurring Emory University at the behest of his now wife. Bellman would excel in his studies and find passion where he once merely saw opportunity, finding his footing in environmental and civil rights law and wooing professors with his work ethic. Upon graduating in 1983, Bellman would join a small but diverse practice in downtown New Orleans focused on civil rights violations and other civil infractions on the city level. He would continue with this sort of work for 4 years, before moving on to a larger practice on the waterfront, doing legal work for a number of small businesses, including fisherman impacted by coastal drilling operations. This work would continue for an additional 4 years before Bellman would begin his own practice, one focusing on cases related to environmental justice and pollution in low-income communities. This work would draw attention from local media and raise Bellman’s profile when in 1993 he headed a class action lawsuit against an out-of-state company whose shipping practices and warehouse conditions abused local workers and left several with mesothelioma, winning the case and securing a massive settlement for the victims and those involved and sparking a statewide conversation on the rights of workers in Louisiana. Following this career victory, Bellman would also be hired as an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater Tulane as part of the somewhat newly formed Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. During this time, Bellman remained an active member of the community, often helping to organize large events and investing in local projects to help spur economic development, not to mention cooking large batches of crawfish and other locally sourced seafood for his much acclaimed “Bellman Cookouts”.

In 1998, Louisiana’s Second Congressional District would be left vacant when the incumbent, John Barber, was involved in a prostitution scandal, prompting him to resign. Sensing an opportunity and feeling a call to service, Bellman announced his candidacy, running off of the goodwill which remained from workers in New Orleans and surrounding areas due to his prior legal work as well as support from the black community. He would finish first in the jungle primary with 43% of the vote, and defeat Republican Radio Host Mark Wilson in the runoff with 79% of the vote.

Arriving in Washington, Bellman would prioritize building strong relationships with both Democratic leadership and his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, developing working relationships with his fellow members on issues related to protections for workers, education, and energy. Signing on to many pieces of legislation from both parties, Bellman quickly constructed a reputation as being a bridge-builder and bipartisan partner, establishing himself as a moderate democrat and working with President Burke on immigration reform legislation prior to the 9/11 attacks. Bellman would sign on to military action against Afghanistan in the aftermath of the attacks, but in 2003 he would find himself in opposition to the war in Iraq, calling it “not a fight we have to start” and warning against “bloodshed based on speculation”. The war would partially overshadow a scandal of his own, which involved allegedly accepting gifts and favors from businesses in Louisiana in exchange for a laxer approach to corporate taxation and regulation. Bellman vociferously denied these claims and an ensuing inquiry into his actions found small violations but no malfeasance, requiring him to return several gifts, which he willingly did. This would earn him a primary challenger in 2004, a progressive former Gore staffer eager to make it seem like a David v Goliath battle. Bellman took the challenge seriously and ultimately avoided a runoff, securing 59% of the vote to his challenger’s 28% in the primary.

Bellman would first make national headlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he participated in on the ground efforts to help the city and slammed the federal government for their atrocious response to the disaster and its aftermath. Bellman highlighted the complete destruction of his childhood home and the damage done to several small businesses he often frequented, tearing up when detailing the amount of irreparable damage that had been done to the culture and people of the city he had grown up in. The clip was widely played on national media and Bellman became the political face of the city’s reaction to the crisis. In the aftermath, Bellman spearheaded legislation related to federal and state disaster preparedness which streamlined federal and state coordination during such incidents and required major cities and state governments to develop detailed disaster preparedness plans. The legislation was signed into law by President Burke and remains Bellman’s “proudest achievement”.

Bellman would use this increased profile to gain more prominent committee assignments, most notably becoming ranking member of the Homeland Security committee and chairman of said committee following the election of 2008 when Democrats took the house on the coattails of the man Bellman supported in the 2008 Democratic primaries [Democrats took the House in 2006, did he take the Committee Chairmanship after 2008?], Rashid Baharia. Bellman was floated for several White House roles as an early supporter of Baharia but denied interest, instead opting to “continue to represent the district I love”. For these reasons, he also denied interest in multiple prods to run for statewide office.

Bellman would be at the forefront of another crisis in 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred, savaging the economy of Louisiana and thoroughly damaging the environment of the gulf. Bellman openly attacked BP in the press, zeroing in on the lives lost in the accident and the longlasting environmental impacts of the spill, calling the company’s negligence “murder”. Bellman again spent much time on the ground, getting a feel for the highest priorities of affected workers and resolving to pursue strong change in the aftermath. Bellman used the moment to propose legislation severely restricting risky offshore drilling practices and mandating significantly stronger worker protections for those in the petroleum industry, getting mixed feedback from Washington and praise from his constituents. The legislation would ultimately be watered down by Republicans and fossil-friendly Democrats, but would be passed in a weakened state and signed into law by President Baharia, representing a moral if not practical victory.

In 2012, Bellman would act as an unofficial advisor to the Baharia campaign on energy policy and a strategy for winning over working class voters in southern states, gaining some momentum for a possible role in House leadership as his political talents were readily apparent. Ultimately, he would be offered the role of Secretary of Energy shortly after his 2012 reelection, a decision which took him a week to make before ultimately accepting. One of his senior staffers, Uriah Murdoch [Don't name the successor, "a Democrat" wins], would win election to the seat following his vacancy.

Confirmed as energy secretary by a 84-16 vote, with both Louisiana Senators notably voting for him, Bellman worked hard to push the idea that fossil fuel workers need not be left behind by expansions in green energy, including in his home state of Louisiana. Bellman’s chief work however, turned out to be related to his large role in the development of the JCPOA, or Iran Nuclear Deal. A bridge builder, some characterized Bellman’s negotiating position in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s to be too soft, leading to some conservative criticism that he was not adequately prepared for such a high stakes negotiation. This prompted some of his house colleagues to defend him and was briefly a significant news item after a conservative commentator made a remark about Bellman’s “worthiness” to hold the office, prompting some to refer to the remark as racially charged. Bellman did not publicly address the issue, but instead devoted himself fully to crafting the agreement, which, when finished, he expressed he was proud of. Bellman also spearheaded a green jobs training program designed to transition oil workers into renewable fields that was greenlighted by Baharia.

Bellman would resign his position as Secretary of Energy in early 2016 to launch a bid for the United States Senate In Louisiana against the incumbent Republican, running on a platform of “Lifting Up the Working Class” and “Spreading American Success” by increasing wages for workers, standing up to “corrupt companies”, and taking on “career do-nothings”. Distancing himself from national politics, Bellman was heralded as an excellent recruit for the seat, criss-crossing rural areas and gathering a strong coalition of support among both minority and working class voters in the state with a strong message of unity. Turning down support from the Democratic nominee herself and other national politicians, Bellman overperformed the partisan lean of the state and stood his ground in the Senate debate after making it into the runoff, but failed to secure victory, garnering 45.5% of the vote to the Republican incumbent’s 54.5%, with extremely strong showings in the New Orleans area and stronger than typical showings in rural Louisiana, but not enough to crush the partisan advantage of the state. Bellman congratulated his opponent on election night and wished him the best of luck in all of his endeavors, including offering him a direct line in the event that he wished to ask for advice.

Following his failed Senate bid, Bellman returned to his job as a professor at Tulane, and mulled a run for his old seat in 2018, but declined to primary his former protégé. Writing extensively on environmental justice and encouraging the development of comprehensive national legislation to that effect, Bellman’s writing included contributions to the New York Times, and local New Orleans papers. He also appeared in the 2019 Documentary “Our Changing Planet”, in which he criticized those who consider effective environmental policy to be at odds with economic growth.

In mid-2019, Bellman launched his second campaign for U.S. Senate on a similar platform, focusing in on economic populism as his primary campaign message. He is notably “personally pro-life” and quietly endorsed Same-Sex Marriage only in 2015 with the Obergefell ruling, putting him at odds with some of his democratic colleagues in timing. He is seen as likely to advance to the runoff, along with a Republican opponent. Bellman has polled comparatively well in hypothetical GE polling, especially considering the partisan environment he finds himself in, but how he will fare when push comes to shove this second time remains to be seen.


Other Info: 5 adult children (4 Boys, 1 Girl), known to be an excellent cook, collects civil war and civil rights movement memorabilia, married to Sandra Bellman since 1980, Southern Baptist.

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: Vaquas

Do Not Remove: 84721

Hello there old friend, I've put two critiques in bold.

Needs Information:
Did he endorse M4A supporting, relatively liberal Democratic Governor Russell E. Long for re-election in 2019?

Optional, though I'm curious:
What spurred him to run again?

After that, I'll let another of the Admins review this a second time, I see no glaring issues, he sounds like a fun bloke for Hypo the Hippie to go against.

[Vaquas]

(Image)

---

Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Vaquas

Character Name: Lawrence Bellman

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 64

Character Height: 6’3

Character Weight: 200 lbs

Character Position/Role/Job: Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2020), Fmr. Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2016), Fmr. Secretary of Energy (2013 - 2016), Member of Congress from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District (1999 - 2013)

Appearance:
(Image)

Character State of Origin: Louisiana

Character State of Residence: Louisiana

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Main Strengths: Universal name recognition in state, Well connected with Democratic establishment and fundraising, strong record of bipartisanship

Main Weaknesses: Prior Statewide Loss, 2003 Finances Scandal, Some socially conservative positions, Large role in formulation of JCPOA

Biography: Born March 3, 1956, Lawrence Bellman was a product of assault, his mother being 17 at the time of her pregnancy to a man she would never name. Dropping out of school in the aftermath, his mother, Patricia Bellman, raised him with the help of her own parents, a WW2 veteran and housekeeper, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a low-income area once notable for its large percentage of free people of color. It was here that Lawrence would grow up to see firsthand the horrors of systemic racism and segregation, and the latter’s violent aftermath. Bellman has stated that one of his first memories involves his mother being racially harassed by a group of white men while shopping in the grocery store, something that was described to him as being “just how things are in America” and “what we have to deal with”. Bellman’s elementary school remained largely black following desegregation, and he would attend largely black middle and high schools as well, taking a particular interest in history and civics, finding inspiration in the writings of Frederick Douglass and the preaching of Martin Luther King Jr. The assassination of the latter deeply impacted a young Bellman, who cites said event as the beginning of his interest in politics and the consequences of political speech.

Taking refuge in public libraries with his eyes on the future, Bellman would excel in his studies and graduate at the top of his class, gaining admission to the alma mater of his idol Dr. King, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in History and English. It was here that he would take an active role in student government and various clubs, very much enjoying his life as a “Morehouse Man” and doing his fair share of protesting and advocacy at the same time, while also engaging in Atlanta’s nightlife and temptations. While Lawrence would initially decide to stay in Atlanta following his graduation in the top 5% of his class, these plans would change when his mother fell ill with ovarian cancer, prompting him to return home and assist his aging grandparents in looking after her. Landing a part time job as a clerk in a local library, he would look after his mother for a year before her unfortunate death, a blow which Bellman only survived due to meeting his future wife Sandra, one of the nurses providing palliative care in the final weeks of her life. The two would bond and grow close in the aftermath, and eventually marry after a year of dating.

Shortly after, Bellman would make the decision to turn to law, applying to various institutions across the nation before going with his second choice, Tulane University right at home in New Orleans, spurring Emory University at the behest of his now wife. Bellman would excel in his studies and find passion where he once merely saw opportunity, finding his footing in environmental and civil rights law and wooing professors with his work ethic. Upon graduating in 1983, Bellman would join a small but diverse practice in downtown New Orleans focused on civil rights violations and other civil infractions on the city level. He would continue with this sort of work for 4 years, before moving on to a larger practice on the waterfront, doing legal work for a number of small businesses, including fisherman impacted by coastal drilling operations. This work would continue for an additional 4 years before Bellman would begin his own practice, one focusing on cases related to environmental justice and pollution in low-income communities. This work would draw attention from local media and raise Bellman’s profile when in 1993 he headed a class action lawsuit against an out-of-state company whose shipping practices and warehouse conditions abused local workers and left several with mesothelioma, winning the case and securing a massive settlement for the victims and those involved and sparking a statewide conversation on the rights of workers in Louisiana. Following this career victory, Bellman would also be hired as an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater Tulane as part of the somewhat newly formed Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. During this time, Bellman remained an active member of the community, often helping to organize large events and investing in local projects to help spur economic development, not to mention cooking large batches of crawfish and other locally sourced seafood for his much acclaimed “Bellman Cookouts”.

In 1998, Louisiana’s Second Congressional District would be left vacant when the incumbent, John Barber, was involved in a prostitution scandal, prompting him to resign. Sensing an opportunity and feeling a call to service, Bellman announced his candidacy, running off of the goodwill which remained from workers in New Orleans and surrounding areas due to his prior legal work as well as support from the black community. He would finish first in the jungle primary with 43% of the vote, and defeat Republican Radio Host Mark Wilson in the runoff with 79% of the vote.

Arriving in Washington, Bellman would prioritize building strong relationships with both Democratic leadership and his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, developing working relationships with his fellow members on issues related to protections for workers, education, and energy. Signing on to many pieces of legislation from both parties, Bellman quickly constructed a reputation as being a bridge-builder and bipartisan partner, establishing himself as a moderate democrat and working with President Burke on immigration reform legislation prior to the 9/11 attacks. Bellman would sign on to military action against Afghanistan in the aftermath of the attacks, but in 2003 he would find himself in opposition to the war in Iraq, calling it “not a fight we have to start” and warning against “bloodshed based on speculation”. The war would partially overshadow a scandal of his own, which involved allegedly accepting gifts and favors from businesses in Louisiana in exchange for a laxer approach to corporate taxation and regulation. Bellman vociferously denied these claims and an ensuing inquiry into his actions found small violations but no malfeasance, requiring him to return several gifts, which he willingly did. This would earn him a primary challenger in 2004, a progressive former Gore staffer eager to make it seem like a David v Goliath battle. Bellman took the challenge seriously and ultimately avoided a runoff, securing 59% of the vote to his challenger’s 28% in the primary.

Bellman would first make national headlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he participated in on the ground efforts to help the city and slammed the federal government for their atrocious response to the disaster and its aftermath. Bellman highlighted the complete destruction of his childhood home and the damage done to several small businesses he often frequented, tearing up when detailing the amount of irreparable damage that had been done to the culture and people of the city he had grown up in. The clip was widely played on national media and Bellman became the political face of the city’s reaction to the crisis. In the aftermath, Bellman spearheaded legislation related to federal and state disaster preparedness which streamlined federal and state coordination during such incidents and required major cities and state governments to develop detailed disaster preparedness plans. The legislation was signed into law by President Burke and remains Bellman’s “proudest achievement”.

Bellman would use this increased profile to gain more prominent committee assignments, most notably becoming ranking member of the Homeland Security committee and chairman of said committee following the election of 2008 when Democrats took the house on the coattails of the man Bellman supported in the 2008 Democratic primaries [Democrats took the House in 2006, did he take the Committee Chairmanship after 2008?], Rashid Baharia. Bellman was floated for several White House roles as an early supporter of Baharia but denied interest, instead opting to “continue to represent the district I love”. For these reasons, he also denied interest in multiple prods to run for statewide office.

Bellman would be at the forefront of another crisis in 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred, savaging the economy of Louisiana and thoroughly damaging the environment of the gulf. Bellman openly attacked BP in the press, zeroing in on the lives lost in the accident and the longlasting environmental impacts of the spill, calling the company’s negligence “murder”. Bellman again spent much time on the ground, getting a feel for the highest priorities of affected workers and resolving to pursue strong change in the aftermath. Bellman used the moment to propose legislation severely restricting risky offshore drilling practices and mandating significantly stronger worker protections for those in the petroleum industry, getting mixed feedback from Washington and praise from his constituents. The legislation would ultimately be watered down by Republicans and fossil-friendly Democrats, but would be passed in a weakened state and signed into law by President Baharia, representing a moral if not practical victory.

In 2012, Bellman would act as an unofficial advisor to the Baharia campaign on energy policy and a strategy for winning over working class voters in southern states, gaining some momentum for a possible role in House leadership as his political talents were readily apparent. Ultimately, he would be offered the role of Secretary of Energy shortly after his 2012 reelection, a decision which took him a week to make before ultimately accepting. One of his senior staffers, Uriah Murdoch [Don't name the successor, "a Democrat" wins], would win election to the seat following his vacancy.

Confirmed as energy secretary by a 84-16 vote, with both Louisiana Senators notably voting for him, Bellman worked hard to push the idea that fossil fuel workers need not be left behind by expansions in green energy, including in his home state of Louisiana. Bellman’s chief work however, turned out to be related to his large role in the development of the JCPOA, or Iran Nuclear Deal. A bridge builder, some characterized Bellman’s negotiating position in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s to be too soft, leading to some conservative criticism that he was not adequately prepared for such a high stakes negotiation. This prompted some of his house colleagues to defend him and was briefly a significant news item after a conservative commentator made a remark about Bellman’s “worthiness” to hold the office, prompting some to refer to the remark as racially charged. Bellman did not publicly address the issue, but instead devoted himself fully to crafting the agreement, which, when finished, he expressed he was proud of. Bellman also spearheaded a green jobs training program designed to transition oil workers into renewable fields that was greenlighted by Baharia.

Bellman would resign his position as Secretary of Energy in early 2016 to launch a bid for the United States Senate In Louisiana against the incumbent Republican, running on a platform of “Lifting Up the Working Class” and “Spreading American Success” by increasing wages for workers, standing up to “corrupt companies”, and taking on “career do-nothings”. Distancing himself from national politics, Bellman was heralded as an excellent recruit for the seat, criss-crossing rural areas and gathering a strong coalition of support among both minority and working class voters in the state with a strong message of unity. Turning down support from the Democratic nominee herself and other national politicians, Bellman overperformed the partisan lean of the state and stood his ground in the Senate debate after making it into the runoff, but failed to secure victory, garnering 45.5% of the vote to the Republican incumbent’s 54.5%, with extremely strong showings in the New Orleans area and stronger than typical showings in rural Louisiana, but not enough to crush the partisan advantage of the state. Bellman congratulated his opponent on election night and wished him the best of luck in all of his endeavors, including offering him a direct line in the event that he wished to ask for advice.

Following his failed Senate bid, Bellman returned to his job as a professor at Tulane, and mulled a run for his old seat in 2018, but declined to primary his former protégé. Writing extensively on environmental justice and encouraging the development of comprehensive national legislation to that effect, Bellman’s writing included contributions to the New York Times, and local New Orleans papers. He also appeared in the 2019 Documentary “Our Changing Planet”, in which he criticized those who consider effective environmental policy to be at odds with economic growth.

In mid-2019, Bellman launched his second campaign for U.S. Senate on a similar platform, focusing in on economic populism as his primary campaign message. He is notably “personally pro-life” and quietly endorsed Same-Sex Marriage only in 2015 with the Obergefell ruling, putting him at odds with some of his democratic colleagues in timing. He is seen as likely to advance to the runoff, along with a Republican opponent. Bellman has polled comparatively well in hypothetical GE polling, especially considering the partisan environment he finds himself in, but how he will fare when push comes to shove this second time remains to be seen.


Other Info: 5 adult children (4 Boys, 1 Girl), known to be an excellent cook, collects civil war and civil rights movement memorabilia, married to Sandra Bellman since 1980, Southern Baptist.

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: Vaquas

Do Not Remove: 84721

Hello there old friend, I've put two critiques in bold.

Needs Information:
Did he endorse M4A supporting, relatively liberal Democratic Governor Russell E. Long for re-election in 2019?

Optional, though I'm curious:
What spurred him to run again?

After that, I'll let another of the Admins review this a second time, I see no glaring issues, he sounds like a fun bloke for Hypo the Hippie to go against.

When asked his view on Long, Bellman said "I think Governor Long has been just fine."

When deciding to run again, he saw an opportunity to try and bridge the widening partisan divide in Washington, but his sincere priority is to serve the people of his state. He has made clear he has no aspirations of using the Senate as a stepping stone.

On the committee chairmanship, he would have taken in in '08, even if Dems had taken the house in '06, so I will change that, my mistake.

Successor problem addressed.

[Alozia]

The app looks good imho, I'll let other admins take a look.

[Greater Arab State]

(Image)

---

Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Vaquas

Character Name: Lawrence Bellman

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 64

Character Height: 6’3

Character Weight: 200 lbs

Character Position/Role/Job: Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2020), Fmr. Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2016), Fmr. Secretary of Energy (2013 - 2016), Fmr. Member of Congress from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District (1999 - 2013)

Appearance:
(Image)

Character State of Origin: Louisiana

Character State of Residence: Louisiana

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Main Strengths: Universal name recognition in state, Well connected with Democratic establishment and fundraising, strong record of bipartisanship

Main Weaknesses: Prior Statewide Loss, 2003 Finances Scandal, Some socially conservative positions, Large role in formulation of JCPOA

Biography: Born March 3, 1956, Lawrence Bellman was a product of assault, his mother being 17 at the time of her pregnancy by a man she would never name. Dropping out of school in the aftermath, his mother, Patricia Bellman, raised him with the help of her own parents, a WW2 veteran and housekeeper, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a low-income area once notable for its large percentage of free people of color. It was here that Lawrence would grow up to see firsthand the horrors of systemic racism and segregation, and the latter’s violent aftermath. Bellman has stated that one of his first memories involves his mother being racially harassed by a group of white men while shopping in the grocery store, something that was described to him as being “just how things are in America” and “what we have to deal with”. Bellman’s elementary school remained largely black following desegregation, and he would attend largely black middle and high schools as well, taking a particular interest in history and civics, finding inspiration in the writings of Frederick Douglass and the preaching of Martin Luther King Jr. The assassination of the latter deeply impacted a young Bellman, who cites said event as the beginning of his interest in politics and the consequences of political speech.

Taking refuge in public libraries with his eyes on the future, Bellman would excel in his studies and graduate at the top of his class, gaining admission to the alma mater of his idol Dr. King, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in History and English. It was here that he would take an active role in student government and various clubs, very much enjoying his life as a “Morehouse Man” and doing his fair share of protesting and advocacy at the same time, while also engaging in Atlanta’s nightlife and temptations. While Lawrence would initially decide to stay in Atlanta following his graduation in the top 5% of his class, these plans would change when his mother fell ill with ovarian cancer, prompting him to return home and assist his aging grandparents in looking after her. Landing a part time job as a clerk in a local library, he would look after his mother for a year before her unfortunate death, a blow which Bellman only survived due to meeting his future wife Sandra, one of the nurses providing palliative care in the final weeks of her life. The two would bond and grow close in the aftermath, and eventually marry after a year of dating.

Shortly after, Bellman would make the decision to turn to law, applying to various institutions across the nation before going with his second choice, Tulane University right at home in New Orleans, spurring Emory University at the behest of his now wife. Bellman would excel in his studies and find passion where he once merely saw opportunity, finding his footing in environmental and civil rights law and wooing professors with his work ethic. Upon graduating in 1983, Bellman would join a small but diverse practice in downtown New Orleans focused on civil rights violations and other civil infractions on the city level. He would continue with this sort of work for 4 years, before moving on to a larger practice on the waterfront, doing legal work for a number of small businesses, including fisherman impacted by coastal drilling operations. This work would continue for an additional 4 years before Bellman would begin his own practice, one focusing on cases related to environmental justice and pollution in low-income communities. This work would draw attention from local media and raise Bellman’s profile when in 1993 he headed a class action lawsuit against an out-of-state company whose shipping practices and warehouse conditions abused local workers and left several with mesothelioma, winning the case and securing a massive settlement for the victims and those involved and sparking a statewide conversation on the rights of workers in Louisiana. Following this career victory, Bellman would also be hired as an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater Tulane as part of the somewhat newly formed Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. During this time, Bellman remained an active member of the community, often helping to organize large events and investing in local projects to help spur economic development, not to mention cooking large batches of crawfish and other locally sourced seafood for his much acclaimed “Bellman Cookouts”.

In 1998, Louisiana’s Second Congressional District would be left vacant when the incumbent, John Barber, was involved in a prostitution scandal, prompting him to resign. Sensing an opportunity and feeling a call to service, Bellman announced his candidacy, running off of the goodwill which remained from workers in New Orleans and surrounding areas due to his prior legal work as well as support from the black community. He would finish first in the jungle primary with 43% of the vote, and defeat Republican Radio Host Mark Wilson in the runoff with 79% of the vote.

Arriving in Washington, Bellman would prioritize building strong relationships with both Democratic leadership and his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, developing working relationships with his fellow members on issues related to protections for workers, education, and energy. Signing on to many pieces of legislation from both parties, Bellman quickly constructed a reputation as being a bridge-builder and bipartisan partner, establishing himself as a moderate democrat and working with President Burke on immigration reform legislation prior to the 9/11 attacks. Bellman would sign on to military action against Afghanistan in the aftermath of the attacks, but in 2003 he would find himself in opposition to the war in Iraq, calling it “not a fight we have to start” and warning against “bloodshed based on speculation”. The war would partially overshadow a scandal of his own, which involved allegedly accepting gifts and favors from businesses in Louisiana in exchange for a laxer approach to corporate taxation and regulation. Bellman vociferously denied these claims and an ensuing inquiry into his actions found small violations but no malfeasance, requiring him to return several gifts, which he willingly did. This would earn him a primary challenger in 2004, a progressive former Gore staffer eager to make it seem like a David v Goliath battle. Bellman took the challenge seriously and ultimately avoided a runoff, securing 59% of the vote to his challenger’s 28% in the primary.

Bellman would first make national headlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he participated in on the ground efforts to help the city and slammed the federal government for their atrocious response to the disaster and its aftermath. Bellman highlighted the complete destruction of his childhood home and the damage done to several small businesses he often frequented, tearing up when detailing the amount of irreparable damage that had been done to the culture and people of the city he had grown up in. The clip was widely played in national media and Bellman became the political face of the city’s reaction to the crisis. In the aftermath, Bellman spearheaded legislation related to federal and state disaster preparedness which streamlined federal and state coordination during such incidents and required major cities and state governments to develop detailed disaster preparedness plans. The legislation was signed into law by President Burke and remains Bellman’s “proudest achievement”.

Bellman would use this increased profile to gain more prominent committee assignments, most notably becoming ranking member of the Homeland Security committee and chairman of said committee following the election of 2008 on the political coattails of the man Bellman supported in the 2008 Democratic primaries, Rashid Baharia. Bellman was floated for several White House roles as an early supporter of Baharia but denied interest, instead opting to “continue to represent the district I love”. For these reasons, he also denied interest in multiple prods to run for statewide office.

Bellman would be at the forefront of another crisis in 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred, savaging the economy of Louisiana and thoroughly damaging the environment of the gulf. Bellman openly attacked BP in the press, zeroing in on the lives lost in the accident and the longlasting environmental impacts of the spill, calling the company’s negligence “murder”. Bellman again spent much time on the ground, getting a feel for the highest priorities of affected workers and resolving to pursue strong change in the aftermath. Bellman used the moment to propose legislation severely restricting risky offshore drilling practices and mandating significantly stronger worker protections for those in the petroleum industry, getting mixed feedback from Washington and praise from his constituents. The legislation would ultimately be watered down by Republicans and fossil-friendly Democrats, but would be passed in a weakened state and signed into law by President Baharia, representing a moral if not practical victory.

In 2012, Bellman would act as an unofficial advisor to the Baharia campaign on energy policy and a strategy for winning over working class voters in southern states, gaining some momentum for a possible role in House leadership as his political talents were readily apparent. Ultimately, he would be offered the role of Secretary of Energy shortly after his 2012 reelection, a decision which took him a week to make before ultimately accepting. One of his senior staffers would win election to the seat following his vacancy.

Confirmed as energy secretary by a 84-16 vote, with both Louisiana Senators notably voting for him, Bellman worked hard to push the idea that fossil fuel workers need not be left behind by expansions in green energy, including in his home state of Louisiana. Bellman’s chief work however, turned out to be related to his large role in the development of the JCPOA, or Iran Nuclear Deal. A bridge builder, some characterized Bellman’s negotiating position in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s to be too soft, leading to some conservative criticism that he was not adequately prepared for such a high stakes negotiation. This prompted some of his house colleagues to defend him and was briefly a significant news item after a conservative commentator made a remark about Bellman’s “worthiness” to hold the office, prompting some to refer to the remark as racially charged. Bellman did not publicly address the issue, but instead devoted himself fully to crafting the agreement, which, when finished, he expressed he was proud of. Bellman also spearheaded a green jobs training program designed to transition oil workers into renewable fields that was greenlighted by Baharia.

Bellman would resign his position as Secretary of Energy in early 2016 to launch a bid for the United States Senate In Louisiana against the incumbent Republican, running on a platform of “Lifting Up the Working Class” and “Spreading American Success” by increasing wages for workers, standing up to “corrupt companies”, and taking on “career do-nothings”. Distancing himself from national politics, Bellman was heralded as an excellent recruit for the seat, criss-crossing rural areas and gathering a strong coalition of support among both minority and working class voters in the state with a strong message of unity. Turning down support from the Democratic nominee herself and other national politicians, Bellman overperformed the partisan lean of the state and stood his ground in the Senate debate after making it into the runoff, but failed to secure victory, garnering 45.5% of the vote to the Republican incumbent’s 54.5%, with extremely strong showings in the New Orleans area and stronger than typical showings in rural Louisiana, but not enough to crush the partisan advantage of the state. Bellman congratulated his opponent on election night and wished him the best of luck in all of his endeavors, including offering him a direct line in the event that he wished to ask for advice.

Following his failed Senate bid, Bellman returned to his job as a professor at Tulane, and mulled a run for his old seat in 2018, but declined to primary his former protégé. Writing extensively on environmental justice and encouraging the development of comprehensive national legislation to that effect, Bellman’s writing included contributions to the New York Times, and local New Orleans papers. He also appeared in the 2019 Documentary “Our Changing Planet”, in which he criticized those who consider effective environmental policy to be at odds with economic growth.

In mid-2019, Bellman launched his second campaign for U.S. Senate on a similar platform, focusing in on economic populism as his primary campaign message. He is notably “personally pro-life” and quietly endorsed Same-Sex Marriage only in 2015 with the Obergefell ruling, putting him at odds with some of his democratic colleagues in timing. He is seen as likely to advance to the runoff, along with a Republican opponent. Bellman has polled comparatively well in hypothetical GE polling, especially considering the partisan environment he finds himself in, but how he will fare when push comes to shove this second time remains to be seen.


Other Info: 5 adult children (4 Boys, 1 Girl), known to be an excellent cook, collects civil war and civil rights movement memorabilia, married to Sandra Bellman since 1980, Southern Baptist.

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: Vaquas

Do Not Remove: 84721

Former Energy Secretary Lawrence Bellman is hereby Accepted.

[Vaquas]

(Image)

---

Character Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Vaquas

Character Name: Lawrence Bellman

Character Gender: Male

Character Age: 64

Character Height: 6’3

Character Weight: 200 lbs

Character Position/Role/Job: Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2020), Fmr. Candidate for United States Senate in Louisiana (2016), Fmr. Secretary of Energy (2013 - 2016), Fmr. Member of Congress from Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District (1999 - 2013)

Appearance:
(Image)

Character State of Origin: Louisiana

Character State of Residence: Louisiana

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Main Strengths: Universal name recognition in state, Well connected with Democratic establishment and fundraising, strong record of bipartisanship

Main Weaknesses: Prior Statewide Loss, 2003 Finances Scandal, Some socially conservative positions, Large role in formulation of JCPOA

Biography: Born March 3, 1956, Lawrence Bellman was a product of assault, his mother being 17 at the time of her pregnancy by a man she would never name. Dropping out of school in the aftermath, his mother, Patricia Bellman, raised him with the help of her own parents, a WW2 veteran and housekeeper, in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, a low-income area once notable for its large percentage of free people of color. It was here that Lawrence would grow up to see firsthand the horrors of systemic racism and segregation, and the latter’s violent aftermath. Bellman has stated that one of his first memories involves his mother being racially harassed by a group of white men while shopping in the grocery store, something that was described to him as being “just how things are in America” and “what we have to deal with”. Bellman’s elementary school remained largely black following desegregation, and he would attend largely black middle and high schools as well, taking a particular interest in history and civics, finding inspiration in the writings of Frederick Douglass and the preaching of Martin Luther King Jr. The assassination of the latter deeply impacted a young Bellman, who cites said event as the beginning of his interest in politics and the consequences of political speech.

Taking refuge in public libraries with his eyes on the future, Bellman would excel in his studies and graduate at the top of his class, gaining admission to the alma mater of his idol Dr. King, Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in History and English. It was here that he would take an active role in student government and various clubs, very much enjoying his life as a “Morehouse Man” and doing his fair share of protesting and advocacy at the same time, while also engaging in Atlanta’s nightlife and temptations. While Lawrence would initially decide to stay in Atlanta following his graduation in the top 5% of his class, these plans would change when his mother fell ill with ovarian cancer, prompting him to return home and assist his aging grandparents in looking after her. Landing a part time job as a clerk in a local library, he would look after his mother for a year before her unfortunate death, a blow which Bellman only survived due to meeting his future wife Sandra, one of the nurses providing palliative care in the final weeks of her life. The two would bond and grow close in the aftermath, and eventually marry after a year of dating.

Shortly after, Bellman would make the decision to turn to law, applying to various institutions across the nation before going with his second choice, Tulane University right at home in New Orleans, spurring Emory University at the behest of his now wife. Bellman would excel in his studies and find passion where he once merely saw opportunity, finding his footing in environmental and civil rights law and wooing professors with his work ethic. Upon graduating in 1983, Bellman would join a small but diverse practice in downtown New Orleans focused on civil rights violations and other civil infractions on the city level. He would continue with this sort of work for 4 years, before moving on to a larger practice on the waterfront, doing legal work for a number of small businesses, including fisherman impacted by coastal drilling operations. This work would continue for an additional 4 years before Bellman would begin his own practice, one focusing on cases related to environmental justice and pollution in low-income communities. This work would draw attention from local media and raise Bellman’s profile when in 1993 he headed a class action lawsuit against an out-of-state company whose shipping practices and warehouse conditions abused local workers and left several with mesothelioma, winning the case and securing a massive settlement for the victims and those involved and sparking a statewide conversation on the rights of workers in Louisiana. Following this career victory, Bellman would also be hired as an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater Tulane as part of the somewhat newly formed Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. During this time, Bellman remained an active member of the community, often helping to organize large events and investing in local projects to help spur economic development, not to mention cooking large batches of crawfish and other locally sourced seafood for his much acclaimed “Bellman Cookouts”.

In 1998, Louisiana’s Second Congressional District would be left vacant when the incumbent, John Barber, was involved in a prostitution scandal, prompting him to resign. Sensing an opportunity and feeling a call to service, Bellman announced his candidacy, running off of the goodwill which remained from workers in New Orleans and surrounding areas due to his prior legal work as well as support from the black community. He would finish first in the jungle primary with 43% of the vote, and defeat Republican Radio Host Mark Wilson in the runoff with 79% of the vote.

Arriving in Washington, Bellman would prioritize building strong relationships with both Democratic leadership and his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, developing working relationships with his fellow members on issues related to protections for workers, education, and energy. Signing on to many pieces of legislation from both parties, Bellman quickly constructed a reputation as being a bridge-builder and bipartisan partner, establishing himself as a moderate democrat and working with President Burke on immigration reform legislation prior to the 9/11 attacks. Bellman would sign on to military action against Afghanistan in the aftermath of the attacks, but in 2003 he would find himself in opposition to the war in Iraq, calling it “not a fight we have to start” and warning against “bloodshed based on speculation”. The war would partially overshadow a scandal of his own, which involved allegedly accepting gifts and favors from businesses in Louisiana in exchange for a laxer approach to corporate taxation and regulation. Bellman vociferously denied these claims and an ensuing inquiry into his actions found small violations but no malfeasance, requiring him to return several gifts, which he willingly did. This would earn him a primary challenger in 2004, a progressive former Gore staffer eager to make it seem like a David v Goliath battle. Bellman took the challenge seriously and ultimately avoided a runoff, securing 59% of the vote to his challenger’s 28% in the primary.

Bellman would first make national headlines in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when he participated in on the ground efforts to help the city and slammed the federal government for their atrocious response to the disaster and its aftermath. Bellman highlighted the complete destruction of his childhood home and the damage done to several small businesses he often frequented, tearing up when detailing the amount of irreparable damage that had been done to the culture and people of the city he had grown up in. The clip was widely played in national media and Bellman became the political face of the city’s reaction to the crisis. In the aftermath, Bellman spearheaded legislation related to federal and state disaster preparedness which streamlined federal and state coordination during such incidents and required major cities and state governments to develop detailed disaster preparedness plans. The legislation was signed into law by President Burke and remains Bellman’s “proudest achievement”.

Bellman would use this increased profile to gain more prominent committee assignments, most notably becoming ranking member of the Homeland Security committee and chairman of said committee following the election of 2008 on the political coattails of the man Bellman supported in the 2008 Democratic primaries, Rashid Baharia. Bellman was floated for several White House roles as an early supporter of Baharia but denied interest, instead opting to “continue to represent the district I love”. For these reasons, he also denied interest in multiple prods to run for statewide office.

Bellman would be at the forefront of another crisis in 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred, savaging the economy of Louisiana and thoroughly damaging the environment of the gulf. Bellman openly attacked BP in the press, zeroing in on the lives lost in the accident and the longlasting environmental impacts of the spill, calling the company’s negligence “murder”. Bellman again spent much time on the ground, getting a feel for the highest priorities of affected workers and resolving to pursue strong change in the aftermath. Bellman used the moment to propose legislation severely restricting risky offshore drilling practices and mandating significantly stronger worker protections for those in the petroleum industry, getting mixed feedback from Washington and praise from his constituents. The legislation would ultimately be watered down by Republicans and fossil-friendly Democrats, but would be passed in a weakened state and signed into law by President Baharia, representing a moral if not practical victory.

In 2012, Bellman would act as an unofficial advisor to the Baharia campaign on energy policy and a strategy for winning over working class voters in southern states, gaining some momentum for a possible role in House leadership as his political talents were readily apparent. Ultimately, he would be offered the role of Secretary of Energy shortly after his 2012 reelection, a decision which took him a week to make before ultimately accepting. One of his senior staffers would win election to the seat following his vacancy.

Confirmed as energy secretary by a 84-16 vote, with both Louisiana Senators notably voting for him, Bellman worked hard to push the idea that fossil fuel workers need not be left behind by expansions in green energy, including in his home state of Louisiana. Bellman’s chief work however, turned out to be related to his large role in the development of the JCPOA, or Iran Nuclear Deal. A bridge builder, some characterized Bellman’s negotiating position in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s to be too soft, leading to some conservative criticism that he was not adequately prepared for such a high stakes negotiation. This prompted some of his house colleagues to defend him and was briefly a significant news item after a conservative commentator made a remark about Bellman’s “worthiness” to hold the office, prompting some to refer to the remark as racially charged. Bellman did not publicly address the issue, but instead devoted himself fully to crafting the agreement, which, when finished, he expressed he was proud of. Bellman also spearheaded a green jobs training program designed to transition oil workers into renewable fields that was greenlighted by Baharia.

Bellman would resign his position as Secretary of Energy in early 2016 to launch a bid for the United States Senate In Louisiana against the incumbent Republican, running on a platform of “Lifting Up the Working Class” and “Spreading American Success” by increasing wages for workers, standing up to “corrupt companies”, and taking on “career do-nothings”. Distancing himself from national politics, Bellman was heralded as an excellent recruit for the seat, criss-crossing rural areas and gathering a strong coalition of support among both minority and working class voters in the state with a strong message of unity. Turning down support from the Democratic nominee herself and other national politicians, Bellman overperformed the partisan lean of the state and stood his ground in the Senate debate after making it into the runoff, but failed to secure victory, garnering 45.5% of the vote to the Republican incumbent’s 54.5%, with extremely strong showings in the New Orleans area and stronger than typical showings in rural Louisiana, but not enough to crush the partisan advantage of the state. Bellman congratulated his opponent on election night and wished him the best of luck in all of his endeavors, including offering him a direct line in the event that he wished to ask for advice.

Following his failed Senate bid, Bellman returned to his job as a professor at Tulane, and mulled a run for his old seat in 2018, but declined to primary his former protégé. Writing extensively on environmental justice and encouraging the development of comprehensive national legislation to that effect, Bellman’s writing included contributions to the New York Times, and local New Orleans papers. He also appeared in the 2019 Documentary “Our Changing Planet”, in which he criticized those who consider effective environmental policy to be at odds with economic growth.

In mid-2019, Bellman launched his second campaign for U.S. Senate on a similar platform, focusing in on economic populism as his primary campaign message. He is notably “personally pro-life” and quietly endorsed Same-Sex Marriage only in 2015 with the Obergefell ruling, putting him at odds with some of his democratic colleagues in timing. He is seen as likely to advance to the runoff, along with a Republican opponent. Bellman has polled comparatively well in hypothetical GE polling, especially considering the partisan environment he finds himself in, but how he will fare when push comes to shove this second time remains to be seen.


Other Info: 5 adult children (4 Boys, 1 Girl), known to be an excellent cook, collects civil war and civil rights movement memorabilia, married to Sandra Bellman since 1980, Southern Baptist.

I have read and accept the rules of the roleplay: Vaquas

Do Not Remove: 84721

Former Energy Secretary Lawrence Bellman is hereby Accepted.

Beautiful, thank you very much! Many are saying this is a great decision!

[Alozia]

U.K. Conservatives would split 50-50 Dem-Rep...

I like Ann Widdecombe, I agree with most of her stances, but I will say this, I don't understand British political parties too much. i only know that the labor are the socialists and the Greens are Far Left, or something like that.

"As a member of the House of Commons, she was known for opposing the legality of abortion, her opposition to LGBT legal rights such as an equal age of consent and the repeal of Section 28, her support for the retention of blasphemy laws[6][7][8] and re-introduction of the death penalty,"

[Sarenium]

I like Ann Widdecombe, I agree with most of her stances, but I will say this, I don't understand British political parties too much. i only know that the labor are the socialists and the Greens are Far Left, or something like that.

"As a member of the House of Commons, she was known for opposing the legality of abortion, her opposition to LGBT legal rights such as an equal age of consent and the repeal of Section 28, her support for the retention of blasphemy laws[6][7][8] and re-introduction of the death penalty,"

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

Blasphemy laws???

That's a fucking new one.

I love how rightoids will try and use free speech when they are unable to express their views because of non-government actors, but are fine with going to the lengths of using government force to criminalise dissent when they don't like it.

Utter hypocrisy.