America the Beautiful: An American Political RP (IC)

[Kargintinia]

“I can certainly up some Representatives to endorse you, Hekyll-Jones and Ionakana both come to mind. In terms of funding… well I am close friends with Governor Jonah Prendergast who holds quite a lot of funds. I could encourage him to send that money your direction as opposed to one of your opponents.”

"I like those choices. The three of them all come from different parts of the party base that we need to activate."

"Is there any way you could get me in touch with Governor Prendergast? I'd imagine his funding would go a long way...probably even put me over the top."

“Me and the Governor go way back. As you know I was an early endorser in his Presidential campaign… he would’ve made a damn fine President. He would’ve soundly defeated Diehl for sure, both in the popular vote and the College… I can call the Governor and sway him towards your campaign.”

[Velahor]

"I like those choices. The three of them all come from different parts of the party base that we need to activate."

"Is there any way you could get me in touch with Governor Prendergast? I'd imagine his funding would go a long way...probably even put me over the top."

“Me and the Governor go way back. As you know I was an early endorser in his Presidential campaign… he would’ve made a damn fine President. He would’ve soundly defeated Diehl for sure, both in the popular vote and the College… I can call the Governor and sway him towards your campaign.”

"That would be such a big help."

Gundersen took a big bite of his burger and chased it down with milkshake.

"So...allies are one thing. What about messaging? I know you're a busy man, but have you seen anything from my speeches? I want to be sure I'm hitting the right notes for the party, while also looking like the level-headed one in our primary."

[New Cobastheia]

"I'll definitely let you forward your points to them once we figure out where we're heading as a caucus. How confident are you in your skills when it comes to this sort of thing?" He asked, sounding more curious than anything.

Rogers sounded confident about his skills. "Well...I helped not-Steve Bullock get elected as Attorney General in Montana. And I chaired the state Democratic Party for awhile. So I have some practice at this. When I got elected, I had as much of a hand in my campaign strategy as my campaign manager did, maybe even more so. But it's always been in the context of Montana politics...my campaign strategy ideas probably don't work for everybody, but they have helped me and other Democrats in Montana get elected. I'm sure at least some of those skills translate to running in other states, at least if you familiarize yourself with that state's politics."

"Well you know I was the Chair of our Campaign Committee way back when, so I always like to see it when someone knows what they're talking about comes along."

[Kargintinia]

“Me and the Governor go way back. As you know I was an early endorser in his Presidential campaign… he would’ve made a damn fine President. He would’ve soundly defeated Diehl for sure, both in the popular vote and the College… I can call the Governor and sway him towards your campaign.”

"That would be such a big help."

Gundersen took a big bite of his burger and chased it down with milkshake.

"So...allies are one thing. What about messaging? I know you're a busy man, but have you seen anything from my speeches? I want to be sure I'm hitting the right notes for the party, while also looking like the level-headed one in our primary."

“Duncan does have the lead right now in messaging, slamming the Democrats and using the type of strongman language that appeals strongly to the conservative base. You and Representative Kurrian going at one another really just plays into his hands. The truth is you and her are both competing for a similar type of voter, the more moderate suburban type Republican. My honest advice is too try and avoid bashing Representative Kurrian so much in the future and focus your speeches more on the Democrats, especially Congressman Boyd”

[Velahor]

Rogers sounded confident about his skills. "Well...I helped not-Steve Bullock get elected as Attorney General in Montana. And I chaired the state Democratic Party for awhile. So I have some practice at this. When I got elected, I had as much of a hand in my campaign strategy as my campaign manager did, maybe even more so. But it's always been in the context of Montana politics...my campaign strategy ideas probably don't work for everybody, but they have helped me and other Democrats in Montana get elected. I'm sure at least some of those skills translate to running in other states, at least if you familiarize yourself with that state's politics."

"Well you know I was the Chair of our Campaign Committee way back when, so I always like to see it when someone knows what they're talking about comes along."

Rogers smiled, accepting the compliment.

"Well thanks. I at least think I know what I'm talking about. I'd think a lot of my formula that I won with in Montana could be replicated in Texas someday too. Y'know, being a candidate who leaned into their strong rural cultural identity and tied it into a more universal pro-worker, pro-farmer Democratic message...it worked for me back home, and I think it's a good strategy for Democrats in currently-red western states as a whole."

[Velahor]

"That would be such a big help."

Gundersen took a big bite of his burger and chased it down with milkshake.

"So...allies are one thing. What about messaging? I know you're a busy man, but have you seen anything from my speeches? I want to be sure I'm hitting the right notes for the party, while also looking like the level-headed one in our primary."

“Duncan does have the lead right now in messaging, slamming the Democrats and using the type of strongman language that appeals strongly to the conservative base. You and Representative Kurrian going at one another really just plays into his hands. The truth is you and her are both competing for a similar type of voter, the more moderate suburban type Republican. My honest advice is too try and avoid bashing Representative Kurrian so much in the future and focus your speeches more on the Democrats, especially Congressman Boyd”

"That's true...I should mention Democratic failures more. Especially Congressman Boyd...because he's a Democratic failure himself."

Gundersen grabbed a few french fries and ate them.

"Anything I should hit Boyd on in specific?"

[Kargintinia]

“Duncan does have the lead right now in messaging, slamming the Democrats and using the type of strongman language that appeals strongly to the conservative base. You and Representative Kurrian going at one another really just plays into his hands. The truth is you and her are both competing for a similar type of voter, the more moderate suburban type Republican. My honest advice is too try and avoid bashing Representative Kurrian so much in the future and focus your speeches more on the Democrats, especially Congressman Boyd”

"That's true...I should mention Democratic failures more. Especially Congressman Boyd...because he's a Democratic failure himself."

Gundersen grabbed a few french fries and ate them.

"Anything I should hit Boyd on in specific?"

“I mean, his economic stances are as left as it gets, that surely can’t be popular in the suburbs. He has opposed tax cuts in the past, so it would be easy to play him up as a tax and spend liberal where appropriate.”

[Velahor]

"That's true...I should mention Democratic failures more. Especially Congressman Boyd...because he's a Democratic failure himself."

Gundersen grabbed a few french fries and ate them.

"Anything I should hit Boyd on in specific?"

“I mean, his economic stances are as left as it gets, that surely can’t be popular in the suburbs. He has opposed tax cuts in the past, so it would be easy to play him up as a tax and spend liberal where appropriate.”

“That’s a good idea. Make him look wasteful, me look efficient. You betcha…I can do that. That might even be a good speech, compare all his waste in government to my efficiency in business and the Navy.”

Gundersen looked at his food but didn’t take a bite.

“Representative…do you think I should touch on hot-button social issues more? Guns? Drugs? Gays? Abortion? I know these things help in the primaries, but I gotta keep non-toxic in the general too.”

[Kargintinia]

“I mean, his economic stances are as left as it gets, that surely can’t be popular in the suburbs. He has opposed tax cuts in the past, so it would be easy to play him up as a tax and spend liberal where appropriate.”

“That’s a good idea. Make him look wasteful, me look efficient. You betcha…I can do that. That might even be a good speech, compare all his waste in government to my efficiency in business and the Navy.”

Gundersen looked at his food but didn’t take a bite.

“Representative…do you think I should touch on hot-button social issues more? Guns? Drugs? Gays? Abortion? I know these things help in the primaries, but I gotta keep non-toxic in the general too.”

“Gay marriage is not a issue I even bother to touch. Abortion is more logical, but I wouldn’t go overboard. I don’t know your stance on it, but usually when I’m asked on it in public I go for the pro life answer with the stereotypical caveats of allowing it for rape or threat to the mother’s life. You still need to win over suburbanites so you don’t want to appear as a far-right radical. Drugs… I would probably loop that under the general “law and order” category”

[Velahor]

“That’s a good idea. Make him look wasteful, me look efficient. You betcha…I can do that. That might even be a good speech, compare all his waste in government to my efficiency in business and the Navy.”

Gundersen looked at his food but didn’t take a bite.

“Representative…do you think I should touch on hot-button social issues more? Guns? Drugs? Gays? Abortion? I know these things help in the primaries, but I gotta keep non-toxic in the general too.”

“Gay marriage is not a issue I even bother to touch. Abortion is more logical, but I wouldn’t go overboard. I don’t know your stance on it, but usually when I’m asked on it in public I go for the pro life answer with the stereotypical caveats of allowing it for rape or threat to the mother’s life. You still need to win over suburbanites so you don’t want to appear as a far-right radical. Drugs… I would probably loop that under the general “law and order” category”

“What about guns? I know that you're on that CARRI bill. I'll probably just give some default answers like that on abortion, but maybe I shouldn't bring it up without being asked. Not sure. And what about other legislation? Anything going on in the House or Senate that I should be promoting on the campaign trail?"

[Sarenium]

CNN
@CNN

---

Video: Governor of Texas declares a disaster exists within the State of Texas as worsening weather leads to stranded motorists and vast delays.

CNN
@CNN

---

BREAKING Texas Governor [Not-Greg Abbott] has formally requested a federal declaration of disaster as temperatures plummet to record lows.

[Dentali]

Character: President Richardson
Location: Lincoln Bedroom, White House

Phone call with the Governor of Texas

"Governor its President Richardson..... Good to hear from you, I won't keep you long.... listen I heard you're having some trouble down there.... Came out of nowhere.... Yea I can't imagine if Florida got hit with that... Alright so what do you need?.... "

20 Minutes Later

CNN
@CNN

---

Video: President Richardson signs emergency declaration for Texas authorizing FEMA to provide the state with critical equipment & support. Indicates he will likely sign major disaster declaration. Other Federal Agencies have been directed to assist.

[Lavan Tiri]

Gundersen was visibly confused by Kurian's sentence for a moment, then realized what she was getting at.

"You betcha. Good to see you too. How are things holding up for you in the House?"

"Well, thankfully the Democrats haven't been as obstructionist as they could be, moving meat regulation toward the states through MARKET was a party line vote, sure, but FIPAPA passed with ease, with bi partisan support which isn't all that surprising, the Dems are trying to make the ARA their own through their amendments and they want to get shovels in the ground quickly with it's infrastructure portions. Speaking of the ARA, I certainly see it as nessecary, but providing the $1400 to dependents has always seemed too much to me given that we already expand the child tax credit, which the Dems amended even larger, of course. Would have also prefered using the social security administration to handle the CTC, honestly, rather than depending on people to file for it. But I suppose that is one way to cut costs. Regardless, I certainly won't buck the whip on the ARA.

"Congresswoman," Max rasped, gripping her hand for a second before resuming his seat, "please, all of you, sit. Let's get some food and talk."

After they'd all placed their orders, Duncan pulled out a notebook. Max leaned forward, idly toying with the Guinness bottle in his hand, not looking at anyone in particular.

"So. Mayor Gunderson. Why should you be in the United States Senate?"

[Velahor]

"Well, thankfully the Democrats haven't been as obstructionist as they could be, moving meat regulation toward the states through MARKET was a party line vote, sure, but FIPAPA passed with ease, with bi partisan support which isn't all that surprising, the Dems are trying to make the ARA their own through their amendments and they want to get shovels in the ground quickly with it's infrastructure portions. Speaking of the ARA, I certainly see it as nessecary, but providing the $1400 to dependents has always seemed too much to me given that we already expand the child tax credit, which the Dems amended even larger, of course. Would have also prefered using the social security administration to handle the CTC, honestly, rather than depending on people to file for it. But I suppose that is one way to cut costs. Regardless, I certainly won't buck the whip on the ARA.

"Congresswoman," Max rasped, gripping her hand for a second before resuming his seat, "please, all of you, sit. Let's get some food and talk."

After they'd all placed their orders, Duncan pulled out a notebook. Max leaned forward, idly toying with the Guinness bottle in his hand, not looking at anyone in particular.

"So. Mayor Gunderson. Why should you be in the United States Senate?"

The mayor replied, "Senator, the reason why I should be in the United States Senate is that I have experience that directly correlates with the Republican Party's legislative goals. With several decades of service in the Navy Supply Corps, I have worked with transportation and the military. With my years at Dairy Dan's, I helped foster both small business growth among our franchisees and created tons of jobs. And then as mayor, I did a lot of work on infrastructure and development."

"My point, Senator O'Halloran, is that my experience would be extremely useful in the Senate to both help our party make informed decisions, and to help give those decisions weight with my resume behind it."

"Republicans will be successful in Wisconsin if we focus on job creation. Who better to do that than the guy who created thousands of jobs both in our state and nationwide?"

[Lavan Tiri]

"Congresswoman," Max rasped, gripping her hand for a second before resuming his seat, "please, all of you, sit. Let's get some food and talk."

After they'd all placed their orders, Duncan pulled out a notebook. Max leaned forward, idly toying with the Guinness bottle in his hand, not looking at anyone in particular.

"So. Mayor Gunderson. Why should you be in the United States Senate?"

The mayor replied, "Senator, the reason why I should be in the United States Senate is that I have experience that directly correlates with the Republican Party's legislative goals. With several decades of service in the Navy Supply Corps, I have worked with transportation and the military. With my years at Dairy Dan's, I helped foster both small business growth among our franchisees and created tons of jobs. And then as mayor, I did a lot of work on infrastructure and development."

"My point, Senator O'Halloran, is that my experience would be extremely useful in the Senate to both help our party make informed decisions, and to help give those decisions weight with my resume behind it."

"Republicans will be successful in Wisconsin if we focus on job creation. Who better to do that than the guy who created thousands of jobs both in our state and nationwide?"

Duncan scribbled in his notebook, listening intently to Gunderson. Max nodded, flicking his eyes from the Mayor to Christopher Duncan. "And you, Mr. Duncan. Why should you be in my Conference?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Bryan Burgess
Washington, District of Columbia
Monday 15th February, 2021

Weekends were starting to become a real poison pill for Bryan, not least weekends after passing big legislative priorities. The celebration for the passage of the Relief Act had gone on for a good while, and he wasn't quite sure how many beers he'd drunk, but when he'd woken up that morning, he'd felt like the Grim Reaper was going to come clawing its way out of his mouth - not very broadcastable. After a significant period of morning ablutions, that included spending a good five minutes in the shower just pressing his forehead against the cold tiles in the hope that it'd abate his hungover headache, he made sure to get eye drops in and his glasses on, and he got ready for work.

After passing through the security cordons and getting into his office, he spied his nemesis once more - the plant. For once, he just didn't have the energy to deal with it, and so he poured a cup of water into the pot and hoped for the best. They had a situation in Texas brewing and he needed to extol the Relief Act, and so he could hardly concern himself with his usual plant concerns, especially as he was in slightly late - he'd been reviewing his paperwork on the way in. Snagging one of the Deputy Press Secretaries as they passed his office, he looked into arranging an opportunity for the President to give a press conference if he chose to go down to Texas himself, and then - after downing a bitter cup of White House staff canteen coffee - he went to head into the briefing room, looking as fresh as his game face would allow.

---

Daily Press Briefing

"Good morning everyone, good to see you all. The President is glad that the American Relief Act was put on his desk by Congress, and proud to have signed into law urgent and vital relief for the American people, for their jobs and livelihoods. Many urgent priorities are being addressed by that legislation to stabilize the situation and protect people from the worst of the crisis, and now we have time to address a longer term agenda for economic health and prosperity, on which the President is determined to succeed. However, right this second, the President is paying close attention to the extreme weather situation in Texas. As Governor of Florida, he had plenty of experience with extreme weather situations, and significant federal help has been mobilized. It's now incumbent on Congress to move further disaster relief, and we hope to see progress on that soon."

"...And the President's appointments will be rounded out with dinner with Governor and Senator Prendergast of West Virginia. With that, that's all I have for you. Any questions?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

No Nonsense PAC (Caroline Simone)
Wisconsin
Monday 15th February, 2021

FOUGHT FOR YOU
Billboard ad across the State of Wisconsin, and online banner ads targeted at Wisconsinites of voting age.
Four week run from Monday 15th February to Sunday 14th March, 2019

All the advertisements described feature a deep blue background and motifs, with a white Democratic donkey in the top right corner. Each fades into an image on the left, which pairs with a slogan on the right, near the donkey. The billboards come in the following variations.

"Senate Democrats fought for you to have $1,400 stimulus checks for you and your families. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"Senate Democrats fought for you to have a $3,600 child tax credit for each child in your household. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"House Democrats fought to make sure relief money was spent on you, and not stolen by state legislators. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"House Democrats fought to stop Republicans allowing more outside, special interest money into Congress. Vote blue on March 30th.

---

"Senate Democrats fought to raise funding for relief to help you feed your families. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"Senate Democrats fought to secure $30 billion to support Medicaid, to help you access health care. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"Senate Democrats fought to secure $10 billion to support Veterans' Health Care. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

"Senate Democrats fought to secure an extra $10 billion for paycheck protection, to help keep you in a job. Vote blue on March 30th."

---

All the billboards would be labelled with the following at the bottom.
"This ad was paid for by the No Nonsense Political Action Committee."

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Anyone can make a campaign ad and air it on TV. While Serah Kurian attacks people and drops ice cream on maps, I am making sure China and North Korea aren't wiping Guam off the map."
"My Defense of the Pacific Act has strong bipartisan support. It is a bill to enhance American defenses around Guam and the Pacific, to show Beijing and Pyongyang that the United States means business, and will defend its citizens."
"The Defense of the Pacific Act has the support of the White House, the House Majority Whip, a former Democratic Speaker, and the bill will be considered by a Democratic Senate. Wisconsin doesn't need someone to play games with ice cream, it needs mature leadership."

Liked and retweeted by @DairyDanG

Twitter Direct Message from @DairyDanG to @EverittRigbyColbert

Hello Senator! I couldn't help but notice you mention of Wisconsin's need for "mature leadership" in your recent tweet. I'm looking to pull in some endorsements from important Republicans in this primary season, and I would like to discuss this with you further. Reply if you're interested.

Direct message on Twitter from @EverittRigbyColbert to @DariyDanG

I'd be willing to meet. Where and when?

[Lavan Tiri]

From: Senator Max O'Halloran
To: Senate Republicans

My friends,

Although I encourage you to make endorsements and statements of support, there will be consequences if you attack a Republican primary candidate. We cannot risk the appearance of division.

Thank you,
-Max

From: Senator Max O'Halloran
To: Senator Everitt Colbert

Everitt,

Delete those Tweets about Kurian, now. And clear some time in your schedule next week; some of my associates are having a fundraiser in Jackson Hole and I'd love for you to meet them.

Thanks,
-Max

[The Orion Islands]

From: Senator Max O'Halloran
To: Senate Republicans

My friends,

Although I encourage you to make endorsements and statements of support, there will be consequences if you attack a Republican primary candidate. We cannot risk the appearance of division.

Thank you,
-Max

From: Senator Max O'Halloran
To: Senator Everitt Colbert

Everitt,

Delete those Tweets about Kurian, now. And clear some time in your schedule next week; some of my associates are having a fundraiser in Jackson Hole and I'd love for you to meet them.

Thanks,
-Max

From: Utah Senator Everitt Colbert
To: Wyoming Senator Max O'Halloran
I'll delete two of those tweets. I'll keep the one that only mentions the Defense of the Pacific Act. But be honest Max, is that ice cream ad the mark of an intelligent candidate who is capable of not getting destroyed by Gauthier or Boyd in the general or adequately representing Wisconsin in the Senate? And I will attend that Jackson Hole fundraiser. Send me the time and date.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"Fighting for Wisconsin", Boyd Campaign Ad aired across Wisconsin's rural and industrial areas

The setting was a humble fireplace, with Boyd sitting on a plain wooden armchair as a fire quietly burnt behind him. This was done to make him look approachable and warm.

"Who does Washington speak for right now?" Boyd asked tenderly, letting the question hang in the air as he held a cup in his hand.

[Video footage of man doing industrial manual labour]

"Does it speak for the hardworking men of America, who built this country yet have been denied the proper fruits of their labour?"

[Video footage of people farming]

"Does it speak for America's heartland, for the people who feed this country and who are left behind by the Washington machine?"

[Video footage of freight truck drivers across a rural landscape and of a delivery driver on a motorcycle in a semi-urban landscape]

"Does it speak for those who keep America running, for those who ensure that our shelves are filled yet are denied even the minimum wage in many cases?"

[Video footage of Congress and the Capitol building]

"No, it does not."

[Stock footage of a politician making a speech, no actual politician is portrayed in the video]

"It stands for principleless opportunists, for those who want power at any cost."

[Video footage of people in suits and of Wall Street and stock trading in general]

"It stands for the whims of the rich and powerful, who buy politicians and then work to break our democracy through lies and falsehoods."

[Video footage of pharmaceutical companies]

"It stands for those who poison our children and our elders with endless drugs, addicting them all for profit."
.
[Video footage of dirty oil and gas power stations and smog]

"It stands for those who poison our air, our water and our landscape with toxic pollution, air pollution alone killing over a thousand Wisconsinites each year."

[Sudden cut back to Boyd]

"So...how do we fix it?"

[Boyd pauses and looks directly at the camera]

"As Wisconsin Senator, I will fight for the interests of the American people, by expanding healthcare access, fighting the opioid epidemic, creating jobs and tackling corporate lobbying in Washington. Vote for me in the Democratic primary, and in the general election, to get a Senator who works for the people. If nothing else, trust me on my record: I was the main House sponsor for the Affordable Care Act - which covered 16 million people and stopped discrimination on the basis of pre-existing conditions - put tens of thousands of Americans back to work as Secretary of Labor, and fought, as President of the National Farmers' Union, to get aid to struggling communities across Wisconsin during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. I've been fighting a long time, and I'll keep fighting on. Vote for Boyd, to get a Senator for the people."

"Forward for Freedom", Boyd Campaign Ad aired in urban Democratic strongholds

[Boyd walking through a relatively run-down urban street]

"Hello, I'm Everson Boyd. Let me tell you about myself. I've been fighting the good fight ever since I came home from Vietnam, battered and bruised by the war."

[Cut to another angle of Boyd in the same street]

"While we had gotten the Civil Rights Act before I came home, I knew that the fight for civil rights wasn't over, whether at home or abroad. I fought against the South African regime which put apartheid on its people and who had declared black people to be second class citizens, while I had also fought for the rights of black people here at home, fighting against racial inequality as it still stood in America's institutions."

[Video footage of Boyd doing an interview in the 1980s about AIDS]

"I sounded the alarm bells on the public health crisis which had been ignored out of bigotry, and which had killed 100,000 Americans - of all sexualties - by the end of the decade. I fought for the rights of gay and lesbian people in the public sphere, and the right tried to silence me for it. Even when it was tough, even when they tried to, as they would put it nowadays, 'cancel' me, I kept pressing on for civil rights."

[Video footage of Boyd at the Iraq War vote]

"As a veteran myself, I opposed the Iraq War, which saw our brave young men and women tossed into a battle zone all in the name of a . I opposed the PATRIOT Act, which allows the government to spy on your emails, your phone calls and all your other communications without so much as a warrant. I fought against Burke's tax cuts to the rich and instead called for that money to be directed towards our veterans, towards single mothers and towards the least fortunate in our society."

[Cutting back to Boyd at the street]

"We are now in such a seminal time, with historic civil rights protests gripping the nation, as over 20 million Americans have come out to practice their first amendment rights and speak out in favour of black lives."

[A graphic on the side showing the policy Boyd supports as he says them pops up, with the policies being displayed in easy to read bullet points]

That is why I am proud to be backing several measures - and hopefully introduce a bill to this end when I am elected to the Senate - to require the use of body cameras, increase police training for de-escalation measures, improving disciplinary processes, hiring mental health experts to assist officers, and of course, ban chokeholds. This will help us move towards a transparent and accountable police force which is good for our communities and good for the state of Wisconsin. So vote Boyd in the Democratic primary - and in the general election - to keep moving forward for freedom."

"A Democrat for the Heartland", Boyd Online Campaign Video, put on Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, etc

[Boyd walking on a rural field with a barn in the background]

"This is my childhood home. Here in rural Wisconsin, where I lived out my childhood. My father was a farmer, and I used to go out there on the fields," he gestured, smiling at the camera, "and help till the land. From a young age I knew what it was like to have a good day's work. I knew what it was like to work with my hands, and I knew early on the struggles of the average American. But then..."

[Slightly dramatic cut to Boyd sitting down on a bench]

"...my country called me to serve, and I complied. I fought in Vietnam, I did what my country told me to do. I was willing to serve, and I fought with all I could. But the war didn't last forever, and so I returned home. I returned home to a country that didn't care about me, that treated me as another statistic, of all those masses of men coming home after they served their country, after we served our country."

[Cut to an urban setting]

"And so I moved here, to La Crosse, where I worked two jobs, waiting tables and cleaning floors, until I could save enough money to go to university. I lived an ordinary life, and worked hard like the ordinary people of this country. Ever since then, I have been advocating for the interests of ordinary people against Washington lobbyists and corporate interests."

[Cut back to the farm]

"I was the President of the National Farmers' Union, working to increase the quality of life in America's heartland through increasing access to water, electricity and advocating for large-scale rural development and aid to family farms during the farm crisis of the 1980s. I also worked to empower communities by defending the right to vote and ensuring that those in our heartland could vote, whoever they are, wherever they are. As Secretary of Labor, I worked on jobs training schemes that helped get Americans to work, and right now I, and other Democrats, are advocating for the interests of regular Americans, proposing an amendment to the American Relief Act that would guarantee all children the right to breakfast and lunch, increase benefits for the VA - whose healthcare I relied on for a great deal of my life - and bail out strugglign farms, which the Republicans strongly rejected. As Senator, I will protect the Affordable Care Act - which I was at the forefront of fighting for, and helped end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions along with covering 16 million Americans - protect social security, and advocate for the interests of the American heartland."

[Close-up of Boyd]

"Vote Everson Boyd in the Democratic primary - and in the general election - to get a Senator that will fight for the American heartland."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Boyd Town Hall, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Hello, Eau Claire, and hello, Wisconsin! I'm Everson Boyd, I'm running for U.S. Senate to keep Nate Richardson accountable and protect our system of checks and balances. If we allow a Republican to win, Nate Richardson will govern like Deb Feyrer and maxine Durant would want, not like Wisconsin would want. I will ensure common sense solutions as Senator, and reach across the aisle to work with the Republicans wherever we can without compromising our core principles of decency, justice and equity.

With that in mind, I would like to take all of your questions and hear out your concerns, as I believe one of the most important tasks of a politician is to listen to their constituents."

[Helliniki Katastasis]

Boyd Town Hall, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Hello, Eau Claire, and hello, Wisconsin! I'm Everson Boyd, I'm running for U.S. Senate to keep Nate Richardson accountable and protect our system of checks and balances. If we allow a Republican to win, Nate Richardson will govern like Deb Feyrer and maxine Durant would want, not like Wisconsin would want. I will ensure common sense solutions as Senator, and reach across the aisle to work with the Republicans wherever we can without compromising our core principles of decency, justice and equity.

With that in mind, I would like to take all of your questions and hear out your concerns, as I believe one of the most important tasks of a politician is to listen to their constituents."

A young woman, adorned in a outfit seemingly that of a maid, with short hair dyed red, stood up.

"I'm a student at UWEC, and like, I think it's super umm...important, that the rights of oppressed minorities, trans, pansexual, queer, lesbian, gay, demisexual, Asian and pacific islander, and other LGBTQIA+ community members as well as females and Latinos in this country are very important. Like, I don't think that President Richardson has a like, ummm..., the power to like, not let Latinos into the country. I think it's a human right of every person on our planet to be able to enter the US and live a good like, life. And like, what would you do about the oppression of minorities by white people in this country, and like, what would you do end White privilege and protect like, my rights as a LGBTQIA+ person?"

[New Cobastheia]

Matilda headed to the kitchen to go and grab a few glasses of water and Hertzog carefully put the gift down on the table, "Well, it'd like it a lot more if it wasn't the middle of winter, but hey, I think we're all used to a little bit of snow."

"Please, let's sit," Hertzog said as he gestured towards the couches. Taking his spot on the one he had been sitting one when the two candidates walked in he fully expected the two of them to share the couch opposite his own. As Matilda walked back into the room with the waters he'd start back up again, "So, obviously we're all here to talk about the race, so first things first, I'm assuming we all want to win this race with everything we got, so regardless of who comes out on top I want to know you're both prepared to endorse and campaign for each other after the primary."

"Absolutely." Boyd said without hesitation. "I will stand behind her 100% if she wins."

"Of course, if Congressman Boyd is nominated by our voters, then I intend to throw my endorsement, logistics, contacts, you name it, towards his campaign. I'm glad we're both on the same page with regards to that, no matter what."

"Good to hear we're all in agreement then," Benjamin piped up, "Now, I was hoping to talk with each of you privately while my wonderful wife has been gracious enough to come along and give some company to whoever I'm not with-"

"Ben, you're making it sound like I've never done this before," Matilda cut him off in a joking tone, "I've been told I make great conversation."

Ben chuckled in response while squeezing his wife's hand, "Either of you have a preference for who goes first?"

[New Cobastheia]

"Well, I spoke to Rogers about it, the amendment wasn't the biggest deal in the world, but I still wanted to speak to him about it, but anyways... turns out it was Vichter who lobbied him to vote against it," Hertzog stated as he slumped back into his chair waiting for Obradovic to react.

There's a brief flare of the elder Senator's eyes at the mention of it. He sets his glass aside, going to mesh his fingers together and rested them against his lips, looking ponderous for a moment.

"Jack Vichter. Senate freshman. Lobbying against the Majority Leader. Oh dear, this won't do at all."

"I thought you might say that." Hertzog said taking a sip from his glass, "I'd assume you have some opinions on what should be done too."