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

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Dayton's office phone began to ring insistently.

[Sarenium]

Senator Dayton's office phone began to ring insistently.

An aide picks it up, "Senator Dayton's Senatorial Office, Candace speaking."

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Dayton's office phone began to ring insistently.

An aide picks it up, "Senator Dayton's Senatorial Office, Candace speaking."

"Evenin', pal," Russell Long boomed, his rolling baritone flavored with a touch of bourbon, "it's Gov'ner Long. I'd appreciate speakin' with Jillian if I can."

[Sarenium]

An aide picks it up, "Senator Dayton's Senatorial Office, Candace speaking."

"Evenin', pal," Russell Long boomed, his rolling baritone flavored with a touch of bourbon, "it's Gov'ner Long. I'd appreciate speakin' with Jillian if I can."

"Governor Long," Candace smiled, "the Senator is not in the office today, give me just a moment, they landed in San Juan a few minutes ago, I'll patch you through, now."

A hold beep would ring out before Jillian's voice emerged, "Governor Long," she said curtly from San Juan.

[Lavan Tiri]

"Evenin', pal," Russell Long boomed, his rolling baritone flavored with a touch of bourbon, "it's Gov'ner Long. I'd appreciate speakin' with Jillian if I can."

"Governor Long," Candace smiled, "the Senator is not in the office today, give me just a moment, they landed in San Juan a few minutes ago, I'll patch you through, now."

A hold beep would ring out before Jillian's voice emerged, "Governor Long," she said curtly from San Juan.

"Hey there Jillian, got a moment to talk?" Russell rumbled. "Specifically, about, oh, uh...yeah. The end of Levi's campaign and the transition into the general election, especially for those of us who've supported Levi."

[Sarenium]

"Governor Long," Candace smiled, "the Senator is not in the office today, give me just a moment, they landed in San Juan a few minutes ago, I'll patch you through, now."

A hold beep would ring out before Jillian's voice emerged, "Governor Long," she said curtly from San Juan.

"Hey there Jillian, got a moment to talk?" Russell rumbled. "Specifically, about, oh, uh...yeah. The end of Levi's campaign and the transition into the general election, especially for those of us who've supported Levi."

"I do," she replied kindly.

[Lavan Tiri]

"Hey there Jillian, got a moment to talk?" Russell rumbled. "Specifically, about, oh, uh...yeah. The end of Levi's campaign and the transition into the general election, especially for those of us who've supported Levi."

"I do," she replied kindly.

"Good, good," Russell said, the booziness slipping from his voice like a greasy Guinea pig through a sweaty man's fingers, "because I'd hate to see another Democratic primary where the final two were both reasonably progressive, only for the winner to immediately make overtures to the right flank of the party and lose because of low voter enthusiasm."

He paused, before guffawing. "Well, isn't that an empty threat? There isn't anyone who's enthusiastic about Nate. But my point stands. You need and, I know, want to incorporate Levi's side of the party into your administration. So let's talk deal."

[Sarenium]

"I do," she replied kindly.

"Good, good," Russell said, the booziness slipping from his voice like a greasy Guinea pig through a sweaty man's fingers, "because I'd hate to see another Democratic primary where the final two were both reasonably progressive, only for the winner to immediately make overtures to the right flank of the party and lose because of low voter enthusiasm."

He paused, before guffawing. "Well, isn't that an empty threat? There isn't anyone who's enthusiastic about Nate. But my point stands. You need and, I know, want to incorporate Levi's side of the party into your administration. So let's talk deal."

Jillian pursed her lip, "yes, let's."

She waited to hear him out.

[Puertollano]

(Image)
Governor Russell E. Long
@RussellLong

President Baharia doesn't get to decide the winner of the primary. The voters do, and there are MILLIONS who haven't gotten a chance to speak yet. We're still in it!

(Image)
Russell E. Long
@RussellLong

Let Nate Richardson run the race he only won because the only competent candidate dropped out and left him alone with a raging lunatic. We can have our primary while Nate tries to convince the GOP he's actually one of them!

Levi Murphy re-tweeted.

[Lavan Tiri]

"Good, good," Russell said, the booziness slipping from his voice like a greasy Guinea pig through a sweaty man's fingers, "because I'd hate to see another Democratic primary where the final two were both reasonably progressive, only for the winner to immediately make overtures to the right flank of the party and lose because of low voter enthusiasm."

He paused, before guffawing. "Well, isn't that an empty threat? There isn't anyone who's enthusiastic about Nate. But my point stands. You need and, I know, want to incorporate Levi's side of the party into your administration. So let's talk deal."

Jillian pursed her lip, "yes, let's."

She waited to hear him out.

"I don't think I'm what I'm gonna ask you is a lot. I'm not gonna ask for a Cabinet post or the VP slot for Levi, Lord knows he'd never take it. And anyway, Levi cannot be the standard bearer for progressivism in this nation anyway. Baginski was gruff and tough, but in a..granddad, type way. Levi is just too flawed to carry that mantle. But others can. So, if it's not too much, all I'm asking for are jobs and recognition."

Russell paused to flip through his notes. "If you can give me this, or a reasonable attempt at it, I'll put in every ounce of effort I can to help you win the general. Jillian, I will move my ass to Georgia and campaign there every day for you if that's what it takes. I'll haul myself across every white working-class town in Wisconsin and Michigan. And I'll do everything in my power to bring along Levi's supporters. But in return, I'd like to be one of the co-chairs of your campaign, and for you to nominate me as Chair of the DNC, and to find positions in your Cabinet for Ibrahim and Buster, should they want them. That's what Levi's given me, and that's my price."

"And besides," the Governor said, turning the captions on so he could keep up with Ray Donovan while still talking to the Senator, "wouldn't that be a powerful message--taking one of Levi's most prominent and powerful supporters and giving him a leadership role? To make his only Black endorser the Attorney General? To send the only gay man in the Senate to the U.N. as Ambassador? Show that you can work with progressives instead of pushing us away like some want to."

[Sarenium]

Jillian pursed her lip, "yes, let's."

She waited to hear him out.

"I don't think I'm what I'm gonna ask you is a lot. I'm not gonna ask for a Cabinet post or the VP slot for Levi, Lord knows he'd never take it. And anyway, Levi cannot be the standard bearer for progressivism in this nation anyway. Baginski was gruff and tough, but in a..granddad, type way. Levi is just too flawed to carry that mantle. But others can. So, if it's not too much, all I'm asking for are jobs and recognition."

Russell paused to flip through his notes. "If you can give me this, or a reasonable attempt at it, I'll put in every ounce of effort I can to help you win the general. Jillian, I will move my ass to Georgia and campaign there every day for you if that's what it takes. I'll haul myself across every white working-class town in Wisconsin and Michigan. And I'll do everything in my power to bring along Levi's supporters. But in return, I'd like to be one of the co-chairs of your campaign, and for you to nominate me as Chair of the DNC, and to find positions in your Cabinet for Ibrahim and Buster, should they want them. That's what Levi's given me, and that's my price."

"And besides," the Governor said, turning the captions on so he could keep up with Ray Donovan while still talking to the Senator, "wouldn't that be a powerful message--taking one of Levi's most prominent and powerful supporters and giving him a leadership role? To make his only Black endorser the Attorney General? To send the only gay man in the Senate to the U.N. as Ambassador? Show that you can work with progressives instead of pushing us away like some want to."

She paused for a moment, "I'm not rejecting your suggestions out of hand, but I feel as though this is a better conversation to be had in person, Russell. There are equally compelling reasons to keep Senator Bunker or Congressman Simpson in Congress. As for being a national co-chair of my campaign, that's easily organized. The rest, I feel would be best discussed in person, if that's alright with you?" she asked, with full sincerity.

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

TO: [Mayor Del Moral]
FROM: [Rep. Nez]
SUBJECT: #RecallMaxSmith

---

Mayor Del Moral,

I'm just reaching out in regards to the recall campaign you recently launched, I'm curious about it. If you have any time free soon I'd be happy to drive down to Tucson.

Also, my apologies for not being able to attend the climate rally on the 4th, I had already planned on attending Phoenix Pride. I heard the climate rally went well though so congratulations on that front.

Ahe'hee',
Kathleen Nez

To: Rep. Kathleen Nez
From: Mayor Del Moral

No need to apologise, being in Congress is already a great responsibility, though I vastly appreciate your congratulation. I'm glad you're interested in the recall effort, after all you have served our state greatly and have been a veteran of positive change- I'd be happy to talk on anything you need to know. Laverna's Coffee shop in Tucson a good meeting place?

Sincerely, Del Moral

[Lavan Tiri]

"I don't think I'm what I'm gonna ask you is a lot. I'm not gonna ask for a Cabinet post or the VP slot for Levi, Lord knows he'd never take it. And anyway, Levi cannot be the standard bearer for progressivism in this nation anyway. Baginski was gruff and tough, but in a..granddad, type way. Levi is just too flawed to carry that mantle. But others can. So, if it's not too much, all I'm asking for are jobs and recognition."

Russell paused to flip through his notes. "If you can give me this, or a reasonable attempt at it, I'll put in every ounce of effort I can to help you win the general. Jillian, I will move my ass to Georgia and campaign there every day for you if that's what it takes. I'll haul myself across every white working-class town in Wisconsin and Michigan. And I'll do everything in my power to bring along Levi's supporters. But in return, I'd like to be one of the co-chairs of your campaign, and for you to nominate me as Chair of the DNC, and to find positions in your Cabinet for Ibrahim and Buster, should they want them. That's what Levi's given me, and that's my price."

"And besides," the Governor said, turning the captions on so he could keep up with Ray Donovan while still talking to the Senator, "wouldn't that be a powerful message--taking one of Levi's most prominent and powerful supporters and giving him a leadership role? To make his only Black endorser the Attorney General? To send the only gay man in the Senate to the U.N. as Ambassador? Show that you can work with progressives instead of pushing us away like some want to."

She paused for a moment, "I'm not rejecting your suggestions out of hand, but I feel as though this is a better conversation to be had in person, Russell. There are equally compelling reasons to keep Senator Bunker or Congressman Simpson in Congress. As for being a national co-chair of my campaign, that's easily organized. The rest, I feel would be best discussed in person, if that's alright with you?" she asked, with full sincerity.

"Obviously, obviously," he rumbled warmly, "I'll be in West Virginia for a week or so, wouldn't be too hard to detour to Richmond or Alexandria, if you'd like to hash out the bullshit. And obviously, Jillian, you know that none of this applies yet--I don't think those of us still on board with Levi are gonna jump yet. I just want Ibrahim, Dwight, and Marty to have a place to land when they do."

[Meelducan]

Casa Dietrich, Alaska

"Representative Dietrich, just the man I was looking for. How have you been my friend? I haven't heard from you in such a long time!" Tony said to the man whose face resembled a pair of old leather shoes.

"You can probably guess why I'm here, Representative. I'd like to talk to you about the Senate race this year."

[Greater Arab State]

The Office of Senator Agatha Cragin, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Senator Trelawney, having taken a brief pause from her work in the Senate, decided to take a walk from her own office in the Russel Senate Office Building to that of one of her fellow Republican colleagues. Arriving at the Mainer’s office, the Hoosier entered before presenting herself to Cragin’s secretary.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Clay sighed. "I've been focusing on legislation, lately. But my campaign team is still hard at work, keeping the voters informed via advertising. And they've got a full itinerary planned as soon as this sorry business is done with." Clay touched the growing streak of gray in his hair.

“I see. Please, have a seat.” Congressman Volker said politely as he gestured to one of the chairs opposite his desk.

Clay fell more than sat down in the chair, letting out another sigh as he smoothed his tie. "I hope you're well, too, Tom. Now, what can I do for you?"

[Greater Arab State]

“I see. Please, have a seat.” Congressman Volker said politely as he gestured to one of the chairs opposite his desk.

Clay fell more than sat down in the chair, letting out another sigh as he smoothed his tie. "I hope you're well, too, Tom. Now, what can I do for you?"

“Well, Crawford, I asked you to meet to discuss your campaign over the past few days and weeks.” Thomas said in a paternal tone as he sat down on the opposite side of the desk to the Texan.

“Current polling projects that Governor Richardson is polling above you for November, something which I amongst other Republicans are concerned about that, and I’d like to help you strengthen your campaign and get you in the Senate so the people of Texas receive the best representation possible.” Thomas said politely.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Clay fell more than sat down in the chair, letting out another sigh as he smoothed his tie. "I hope you're well, too, Tom. Now, what can I do for you?"

“Well, Crawford, I asked you to meet to discuss your campaign over the past few days and weeks.” Thomas said in a paternal tone as he sat down on the opposite side of the desk to the Texan.

“Current polling projects that Governor Richardson is polling above you for November, something which I amongst other Republicans are concerned about that, and I’d like to help you strengthen your campaign and get you in the Senate so the people of Texas receive the best representation possible.” Thomas said politely.

Clay's eyes flicked upwards to meet Volker's, brows furrowing slightly. He didn't like being confronted with this fact, but he resolved to accept the Minority Leader's help for what it was.

"All right, Tom. What are your suggestions?" Clay said neutrally.

[Greater Arab State]

“Well, Crawford, I asked you to meet to discuss your campaign over the past few days and weeks.” Thomas said in a paternal tone as he sat down on the opposite side of the desk to the Texan.

“Current polling projects that Governor Richardson is polling above you for November, something which I amongst other Republicans are concerned about that, and I’d like to help you strengthen your campaign and get you in the Senate so the people of Texas receive the best representation possible.” Thomas said politely.

Clay's eyes flicked upwards to meet Volker's, brows furrowing slightly. He didn't like being confronted with this fact, but he resolved to accept the Minority Leader's help for what it was.

"All right, Tom. What are your suggestions?" Clay said neutrally.

“Well, from what I can tell, the main issues are largely to do with image, namely some of the accusations regarding Mayor Baines’ mental state. I need you to hold off on using attack points like that, which it seems you have. Now my second suggestion is that you endorse Governor Richardson, it’ll certainly help bump your polling up, particularly with Richardson winning Texas in the primaries. Of course, that’s not to say that you would need to disassociate yourself from Secretary Porter and his movement, it’s more to help the Republican Party coalesce around the Governor as we move into the general election so we can preserve and advance the Wolf agenda. I also know that Governor Richardson likes you, Crawford, very much so. I’m sure he would be absolutely be willing to reciprocate any endorsement you give for the general election.” Thomas replied cautiously.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Clay's eyes flicked upwards to meet Volker's, brows furrowing slightly. He didn't like being confronted with this fact, but he resolved to accept the Minority Leader's help for what it was.

"All right, Tom. What are your suggestions?" Clay said neutrally.

“Well, from what I can tell, the main issues are largely to do with image, namely some of the accusations regarding Mayor Baines’ mental state. I need you to hold off on using attack points like that, which it seems you have. Now my second suggestion is that you endorse Governor Richardson, it’ll certainly help bump your polling up, particularly with Richardson winning Texas in the primaries. Of course, that’s not to say that you would need to disassociate yourself from Secretary Porter and his movement, it’s more to help the Republican Party coalesce around the Governor as we move into the general election so we can preserve and advance the Wolf agenda. I also know that Governor Richardson likes you, Crawford, very much so. I’m sure he would be absolutely be willing to reciprocate any endorsement you give for the general election.” Thomas replied cautiously.

Clay listened raptly, then replied after a moment, "I have endorsed Nate in my advertising campaigns, and I plan to incorporate him and his platform into my campaign speeches. What else should I be doing to signal my support?"

[Vaquas]

---

March 29, 2020
4:08 EST
The Associated Press

---

BREAKING: JILLIAN DAYTON WINS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN PUERTO RICO

---

Popular Vote
Senator Jillian Dayton - 63.11%
Senator Levi Murphy - 36.89%

Delegate Allocation
Senator Jillian Dayton - 32 Delegates
Senator Levi Murphy - 19 Delegates

Current Delegate Totals
Senator Jillian Dayton: 1,246 Delegates
Senator Levi Murphy: 1,184 Delegates
Mr. John Donaldson: 154 Delegates

Takeaways
"Senator Dayton's win in the U.S. Territory was powered by a number of factors according to voters on the ground, from her authorship of the Puerto Rico Relief Act to heightening allegations of sexism against the campaign of Senator Levi Murphy, but the most common response from late deciders is that their decision was influenced by former President Rashid Baharia's support for the Senator, announced in a written statement and video just a day before the island's primary. While some of Senator Murphy's supporters on the ground here have expressed optimism for the campaign going forward, most will concede that there has been a substantial shift in mood since the Senator's victories on Super Tuesday." - Latin American Correspondent for NPR, Victor Bartiromo

"Puerto Rico selects status quo over socialism" - CNN Opinion Article

BAHARIA CROWNS DAYTON WITH PUERTO RICAN ROMP, PROGRESSIVES OUTRAGED - Drudge Report Front Page

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

[Lavan Tiri]

Governor Russell E. Long
@RussellLong

Folks, Max Smith does less as Governor than I do as ex-governor. It's time to either recall him or give him a kick in the ass

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
Platform: TV & Radio
Where: National Ad
When: April 6th, 2020 - April 14th, 2020


Platform: TV, Radio, Internet
Where: Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Arizona, Georgia, Florida
When: April 6th, 2020 - March 1st, 2020

(Uplifting and dramatic music underneath ad)

(Video of local newscast)

Newcast: Unemployment is now half of what it was when Governor Richardson took office and the economy has begun to rebound.

(Video of local newscast)

Newcast: North Carolina’s Labor market is now better than it was pre-recession and wage growth is on the rise.

( News Segment)

Newcast: In all but 2 months since 2016 Wage growth in North Carolina has been above the national average.

(Footage of Richardson going to small businesses)

Narrator: North Carolina was in dire straits after the Great Recession. But Nathaniel Richardson brought roaring back to life and better than ever before.

(Footage of Richardson at the opening of a factory)

Newcast: Once again North Carolina has the fastest growing economy in the nation.

(Footage of Richardson with in meetings giving directives and listening to people)

Narrator: We’ve come back from hard times before, and with Richardson at the helm we can do it again.

(Richardson looking commanding and confident at a large rally)

Narrator: Bringing back old jobs from overseas, creating new jobs in growing sectors, promoting wage growth across the board and building up the middle class. Richardson did it before and he can do it again.

(Nate Speaking to Camera)

Richardson: America I feel your pain, you deserve relief, you deserve security. As President I will do all in my power to rebuild the economy, protect American jobs, and ensure a new era of Prosperity for All Americans. I hope that you join me. I’m Nate Richardson, and I approve this message.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

State Politics

---

---

KOHL TRADES ALIENS FOR AID
GOVERNOR NEGOTIATES COMPROMISE WITH REPUBLICAN SENATE, CONCESSIONS MADE ON E-VERIFY AND GUNS TO SECURE GENEROUS AID PACKAGE AND MINIMUM WAGE BOOST

---

By John Dist
April 2nd, 2020

Minnesota had been lagging behind other states in a response to the ongoing economic crisis, with the divided control of the legislature contributing to a gridlock, whilst other states like Kentucky, West Virginia, and Louisiana had already secured deals to deliver aid to citizens and businesses. There were concerns that division in government might lead to a situation like in Arizona, where the ongoing impasse has led to a total collapse in political dialogue. However, it appears that at the eleventh hour, an uneasy compromise has emerged from talks between the Republican President of the Senate and Governor Kohl.

Democratic activists and leaders were prompt to state their unease over the agreement, although the package was eventually passed through the Minnesota State Legislature by broad bipartisan majorities. Under the terms of the agreement, a relief deal similar to Democratic efforts on the federal level will be passed, along with a minimum wage increase up to 13$ an hour, however Republicans gained concessions both on immigration, with a new state law mandating the use of e-verify in the state of Minnesota, and on guns, with state law now recognizing universal reciprocity for gun licensing where it hadn't before.

Governor Kohl was quick to deny that there had been significant concessions made despite the outrage of both state and national Democrats, immigration activists, and gun control advocates. He stated for the record that "my first duty is to secure the health and prosperity of native Minnesotans, I have done that, and any further debate on the matter is a distraction. Holding material aid, real aid, hostage to special interests is a waste of my time, and it's tantamount to trying to murder the citizens I took an oath to serve." He signed the bill early this morning in a quiet ceremony at the Governor's Residence.