Twilight's Last Gleaming: An American Political RP OOC (Open

[Dentali]

Added balanced budget amendment and changed third trimester to second.

Senator Cassandra Hepburn-Smith

NS Nation Name: Meretica
Character Name: Cassandra Hepburn-Smith
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 65
Character Height: 6'0"
Character Weight: 166 lbs
Character Position/Role/Job: Senator (2003-Present), VA Attorney General (1998-2002)
Character Country/State of Birth: Virginia
Character State of Residence: Virginia (specifically Arlington/D.C.)
Character Party Affiliation: Republican
Face Claim: Helen Mirren (circa 2007)
Main Strengths: Moderate, prefers compromise, establishment member, popular, well-known in her state, stays close to the people
Main Weaknesses: Sometimes seen as too moderate, comes from money, accused of being a maverick (which can be a strength)

Biography: Born in 1943, Cassandra Hepburn-Smith nee Livingston is a moderate Republican Senator from Virginia. Cassie grew up in a relatively wealthy family during the end of FDR’s and the start of Truman’s presidencies and was influenced early on to be a moderate Republican by her father, who had been a Republican his entire life. Living in relative prosperity regardless of how the national economy was faring, Cassie was an only child.

After graduating as the valedictorian of her class, Cassie attended Harvard Law School thanks to her father’s wealth. She graduated in the top third of her class and joined a law firm in Washington, D.C. In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, Cassie began working for Republican members of Congress regarding Constitutional law, which she had specialized in. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cassie wrote dozens of editorials fighting abortion. In 1993, Cassie ran for the position of Virginia Attorney General and won as a Republican; she was reelected in 1997 and 2001, but in 2002 she resigned to run for Senate as the sitting Senator chose to enter early retirement. She easily trounced her opponents.

Cassie has been a strong supporter of President Bush and is publicly wary of the ultra-progressive movement, saying, “What we’re seeing here is very alarming, very worrying. I know that we need some changes to parts of our economy, but these people are pushing things a little too far, don’t you think?”

Cassie is married to Glenn Hepburn-Smith, a corporate lawyer from Maryland. They have a daughter, Angela; she was born in 1988 in hard labor. Cassie tries not to discuss her personal life, and thus little is disclosed to the public. Cassie prefers focusing on the issues to focusing on herself, but she has started focusing on how she overcame anti-women attitudes to become a leading politician in her state.

Cassie differs from other Republicans on abortion, climate change, healthcare, and the minimum wage. She supports the idea of keeping abortion "safe, legal, and rare" up until the second trimester when there ought to be exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies; she also supports tackling the reasons why abortions are necessary. Additionally, Cassie thinks that some limited action on climate change is needed to stop anything drastic from happening in the next ten to twenty years, such as additional funds for solar research and an expansion of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Cassie also disagrees with the mainstream on health care reform, believing that tax credits of $20,000 should be used for health insurance. She also supports allowing the government to negotiate lower prices for drugs such as insulin. Cassie supports raising the minimum wage to $6.55. Cassie has also championed a balanced budget amendment, submitting it to the Senate every year since entering office.

Other Info:
Cassie is well-known for having weekly town halls open to the public across Virginia each week. While she will continue holding weekly town halls open to the public, she will not stay in Virginia. Voters in Maryland, D.C., and West Virginia have sometimes crossed state lines because they view Cassie as their voice in Congress despite having elected officials themselves (except in the case of D.C.). Additionally, Cassie advocates for all US territories holding referendums to determine their futures, focusing on statehood, continued protection as a territory, or independence. Cassie has included D.C., but adds a fourth option, that option being that D.C. can either join Virginia or Maryland. Cassie believes that Ranked-Choice Voting should be used for these issues.

ACCEPTED123123 but no more positions which differ from the GOP mainstream

[Meretica]

Added balanced budget amendment and changed third trimester to second.

Senator Cassandra Hepburn-Smith

NS Nation Name: Meretica
Character Name: Cassandra Hepburn-Smith
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 65
Character Height: 6'0"
Character Weight: 166 lbs
Character Position/Role/Job: Senator (2003-Present), VA Attorney General (1998-2002)
Character Country/State of Birth: Virginia
Character State of Residence: Virginia (specifically Arlington/D.C.)
Character Party Affiliation: Republican
Face Claim: Helen Mirren (circa 2007)
Main Strengths: Moderate, prefers compromise, establishment member, popular, well-known in her state, stays close to the people
Main Weaknesses: Sometimes seen as too moderate, comes from money, accused of being a maverick (which can be a strength)

Biography: Born in 1943, Cassandra Hepburn-Smith nee Livingston is a moderate Republican Senator from Virginia. Cassie grew up in a relatively wealthy family during the end of FDR’s and the start of Truman’s presidencies and was influenced early on to be a moderate Republican by her father, who had been a Republican his entire life. Living in relative prosperity regardless of how the national economy was faring, Cassie was an only child.

After graduating as the valedictorian of her class, Cassie attended Harvard Law School thanks to her father’s wealth. She graduated in the top third of her class and joined a law firm in Washington, D.C. In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, Cassie began working for Republican members of Congress regarding Constitutional law, which she had specialized in. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cassie wrote dozens of editorials fighting abortion. In 1993, Cassie ran for the position of Virginia Attorney General and won as a Republican; she was reelected in 1997 and 2001, but in 2002 she resigned to run for Senate as the sitting Senator chose to enter early retirement. She easily trounced her opponents.

Cassie has been a strong supporter of President Bush and is publicly wary of the ultra-progressive movement, saying, “What we’re seeing here is very alarming, very worrying. I know that we need some changes to parts of our economy, but these people are pushing things a little too far, don’t you think?”

Cassie is married to Glenn Hepburn-Smith, a corporate lawyer from Maryland. They have a daughter, Angela; she was born in 1988 in hard labor. Cassie tries not to discuss her personal life, and thus little is disclosed to the public. Cassie prefers focusing on the issues to focusing on herself, but she has started focusing on how she overcame anti-women attitudes to become a leading politician in her state.

Cassie differs from other Republicans on abortion, climate change, healthcare, and the minimum wage. She supports the idea of keeping abortion "safe, legal, and rare" up until the second trimester when there ought to be exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies; she also supports tackling the reasons why abortions are necessary. Additionally, Cassie thinks that some limited action on climate change is needed to stop anything drastic from happening in the next ten to twenty years, such as additional funds for solar research and an expansion of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Cassie also disagrees with the mainstream on health care reform, believing that tax credits of $20,000 should be used for health insurance. She also supports allowing the government to negotiate lower prices for drugs such as insulin. Cassie supports raising the minimum wage to $6.55. Cassie has also championed a balanced budget amendment, submitting it to the Senate every year since entering office.

Other Info:
Cassie is well-known for having weekly town halls open to the public across Virginia each week. While she will continue holding weekly town halls open to the public, she will not stay in Virginia. Voters in Maryland, D.C., and West Virginia have sometimes crossed state lines because they view Cassie as their voice in Congress despite having elected officials themselves (except in the case of D.C.). Additionally, Cassie advocates for all US territories holding referendums to determine their futures, focusing on statehood, continued protection as a territory, or independence. Cassie has included D.C., but adds a fourth option, that option being that D.C. can either join Virginia or Maryland. Cassie believes that Ranked-Choice Voting should be used for these issues.

ACCEPTED123123 but no more positions which differ from the GOP mainstream

Understood.

[Dentali]

(Image)

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: The Sarangtus Lands
Character Name: Ruskie Lauderdale Helms
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 55
Character Height: 180cm
Character Weight: 60kg
Character Position/Role/Job: Staff at the Southern Baptist Convention (1974-1979), Reagan Campaign Staff Member (1979-1980), Moral Majority Member (1980-1983), Chairman of the Family Research Council (1983-1988) Robertson Campaign Staff Member (1988), Host of the Helms Hour (1988-2002), Senator from North Carolina (2003-), Senate Minority Whip (2007-)
Character Country/State of Birth: North Carolina
Character State of Residence: North Carolina
Character Party Affiliation: Republican
Faceclaim: Paul Gosar
Main Strengths: Name recognition due to his father both statewide and to a lesser degree nationwide, extremely popular among evangelicals due to his strong record on moral issues and hosting the Helms Hour, rarely flipflops, strong connections in the conservative wing, friendly with neoconservatives, friendly with big donors and especially the military-industrial complex
Main Weaknesses: Father was in the top 1% of conservatism and opposed civil rights, controversial comments on race, maintains strong support for the Iraq War in spite of the national environment, extreme positions, perceived disloyalty to the Republican Party due to his support of Buchanan, staunchly economically right-wing
Biography: Born to Jesse Helms and his wife in North Carolina, Hattie had a decent life growing up, as his father introduced him in and around Washington, growing up as a very politically interested child. However, his attention began to shift from politics to morality as he grew up, as his father educated him on the importance of moral values, and so he enlisted in Vietnam, joining as a fighter pilot and serving with honour, though he was certainly no war hero, he did his duty and moved on, getting an education in theology from Liberty University.

His first job out of the gate was working in child evangelism, working hand-in-hand with Christian charities in the South to spread the word and speak among children. He went across, speaking with the poor and the hungry, inducting them into the faith. His first political views were something of an American Christian democracy, his experiences softening his inherent conservatism inherited from his father. However, that quickly changed, as he soon began to inherit his father's political views as he was exposed to the TV and the radio, along with the opinions of many of his colleagues.

In 1979, as soon as he announced, he joined up with Reagan to support his campaign right from the ground, organising his campaign in the South and helping him win there. He helped strengthen his relationships with Southern leaders, along with constructing his own independent of his father, linking up with lobbyists and others who he would later push with his campaign, along with meeting many 'new right' politicians at this time, from those who were elected for the first time in that election to some who were elected later.

Encouraged by his father to stay in politics, he joined the Moral Majority after Reagan's campaign, becoming, through ever so slight nepotism, the head of its North Carolina branch. He helped promote its emerging political strain, mobilising the South's evangelical population through forming grassroots links, along with helping put, in concert with other state heads in the region, many Congressmen and Senators in their seats, along with making his first appearances on national TV and radio as a voice for the Christian Right. However, at this time, he still had a low profile, but slowly began to gain some when he moved over to the Chair of the Family Research Council.

Now, Chair of the Family Research Council is where he really began to become someone. He radicalised in his position there, taking on his strong, hard edge. He appeared on television frequently as a spokeswoman for the Christian Right whenever one was needed. However, his main cause was anti-LGBT activism, as per the FRC in general, but also sometimes took action against abortion. He called for homosexuality to be banned at the federal level and for an early version of DOMA.

Then, in 1988, he resigned to join the Robertson campaign, becoming its national chair. He focused on Iowa in particular, rallying together local surrogates and organising the campaign for a strong second place finish in Iowa. Within the campaign, he further built up connections with the evangelical community, especially with Robertson himself and people like him, allowing him to, upon the departure of another host, start his own show, first on a minor slot, and then graduated up in 1994 when it was realised how well he was doing.

During his time as a televangelist, he first went back to his roots, visiting foreign countries to preach the word of God and do charitable works, allowing him to gain some modicum of publicity, along with typical televangelist preaching with only a very light political slant. However, seeing the 1992 election approach, he decided to take a gamble on politics, stepping back in through a - despite his initial support for Buchanan - strong speech at the RNC calling for people to vote Cush Sr. to save the country from the 'unpatriotic' and 'weak' [not-Dukakis]. He spoke for him on the trail and did favourable interviews with various newspapers and radio networks, helping Cush to mend his fences with the evangelicals.

After Cush got elected, he continued focusing on his moral messaging, getting lots of views thanks to his rhetoric, and his popularity especially boomed during the crime spike, where he said that 'gangs of apes' were 'ransacking and raping' American cities, attracting both controversy in the media and support from the hard right. He supported [not-Robertson] in 1996 but then backed [not-Dole] in the general, calling on Americans to unify against [not-Clinton] and what he called the 'slow rot of America from the inside.'

His popularity only grew further, with some comparing him to Charles Coughlin in being a borderline demagogic religious figure whose sermons on morality attracted listeners upon listeners, as he soon became a mainstay of the Religious Right, however also diversifying into issues such as crime where his energy was able to attract other bases of support too. In 2000, he supported Cush right from the beginning, earning his respect and began to connect with him more often. Furthermore, he also campaigned for him in the general, especially in the South, looking to help pry away states such as Arkansas, Louisiana and even [not-Gore]'s home state of Tennessee, which was successful. During this time, he cahorted with many politicians, attempting to gain useful links in order to help push ahead the Christian Right agenda.

In the aftermath of 9/11, he went to New York itself and gave a strong speech about the need to unify around Cush and 'defeat the anti-American terrorists who have dared to commit such atrocities upon the greatest people in the world', while raising money using his TV show - along with a massive personal donation - to support 9/11 rescue efforts and the families of those affected. This earnt him lots of good publicity, and his hawkish speeches in favour of strong intervention in both Afghanistan and Iraq only won him more praise from the conservatives in the Republican Party, even as progressives were further alarmed and angered by him. The Freedom from Religion Foundation called him a 'demagogue' who 'undermined American democracy' through his various speeches. He simply shot back: "I cannot take moral advice from people who do not believe in a being by which moral advice can come from."

In 2002, after the announcement of his father's retirement, with the endorsement of his father, he ran for Senate. He won the primary despite the contest from a moderate Republican Representative, winning 60-40. He won the general with a landslide margin (unchanged from IRL), proclaiming in his victory speech that the politics of freedom have been vindicated and that the vanguard of true American democracy was ready to combat the great threat which stood in front of it. Before he even got to the Hill, he spoke to many of the other freshmen and built up strong relationships, allowing him to be the main Senate sponsor of the Cush tax cuts in 2003. In the first session he was in, he sponsored initiatives to fight against North Korea and Belarus - as his father's foreign policy credentials pushed him to educate himself on the issues and push himself ahead in this regard - while also slashing tariffs by authoring the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. In the next Congress, he authored the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Secure Fence Act of 2006 and Stolen Valor Act of 2005. His diligence, along with his campaigning for many of his fellow Senators in the South and general good relationships across the board, along with the influence of his father, allowed him to be elected Senate Minority Whip in the new Congress, and he now stands, looking over a party set for possible destruction ahead.

Perhaps, was he the man to save it?

He certainly thought so. In February 2007, a 'leak' emerged of Helms considering running for President, while he has been more active recently in terms of interviews and the like. He also made a strong speech at CPAC, emphasising his typical culture war issues. The media is now buzzing with speculation that he may run for President, and his constant cryptic hints aren't making the guessing easier...


Other Info: The structure of his family is below

Hattie Helms: Wife, 51. She is a soft-spoken housewife, but one with strong convictions and who works diligently but quietly in the background.

Berkham Helms: Son, 32. Working in Wall Street and making a significant amount of cash, works in a decent position within a large investment firm. He is quite blunt in private conversation but some say very artificially over the top nice in business conversation, to the point where it may come off faked or even mocking to some.

Jonathan Helms: Son, 30. Currently the Chairman of the Helms Organisation for the Advancement of Christianity. Said to be the parents' favourite, he's like his mother in that he is conscientious and calm. Comes off quite stilted and dry to many people.

Hattie Perner (nee Helms): Daughter, 29. She, somewhat to the disapproval of her parents due to their gender beliefs, works as a lobbyist with the Heritage Foundation, and aspires to poltiical office someday. She is quite ambitious and vicious, and very straightforward in her talking.

Conrad Helms: Son, 27. Conrad is quite a lonely, some might say depressed, man who is working in Silicon Valley on his own tech startup and seems to be quite detached from the rest of the family for some unknown reason.

Grandchildren not included, but Berkham has 3 children, Jonathan has 4 and Hattie has 1, with Conrad having 0.



Republican Primaries Voting Record:

1972: Nixon
1976: Reagan
1980: Reagan
1984: Reagan
1988: Robertson
1992: Buchanan
1996: Buchanan
2000: Bush
2004: Bush

Political Positions:
Positions marked with [P] are private.

Economic Views:
Supports Lowering Income Tax Rates, especially for the rich, agrees with Reaganomics
Supports Abolishing the Estate Tax, Inheritance Tax, and decreasing Tariffs
Supports Increasing Sin Taxes
Supports Cutting Corporate Taxes
Opposes Closing Loopholes
Opposes Implementing Carbon Tax
Opposes Promoting Alternative Energy (Solar, Geothermal, Nuclear)
Supports Transition Medicare and Medicaid to HSAs, and Vouchers
Supports Transitioning Government Employees Pensions into PMAs
Supports Expanding to Full Coverage for Veterans Healthcare, Special integrated HSAs
Opposes Expanding Environmental Regulations
Opposes Expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices
Supports Free Trade
Opposes National Paid Parental Leave (up to 24-28 weeks)
Opposes National Paid Sick Leave for full time employees (up to two weeks)
Opposes Expanding Disability Accessible Infrastructure [P]
Opposes Improving Infrastructure, except in exceptional circumstances
Supports Social Security Reform, 5-year commitment with opt out option
Opposes Universal Preschool
Opposes Unions
Supports Right-To-Work Laws
Supports Subsidies to Farmers

Foreign Policy:
Supports Afghanistan Conflict, establish stable government, eliminate key terrorist figures, expand troop presence
Supports Iraq War, establish stable government, prevent and contain Iranian influence
Opposes Kurdish Independence
Supports NATO, Expand to include Global NATO Partners, diplomatically oppose Chechnyan and Georgian occupation
Supports Increasing Foreign Aid (for tactical reasons)
Prevent nuclearization of Iran and North Korea, expand troop presence in South Korea
Supports Peace Through Strength
Supports Increasing Military Budget

Domestic/Social Views:
Opposes Abortion in all cases but life of mother in danger
Opposes the Equal Rights Amendment
Opposes Roe v. Wade
Supports Abstinence-Only Sex Education
Opposes Birth Control [P]
Supports Civil Asset Forfeiture
Opposes Common Core Standards
Supports the PATRIOT Act
Opposes Same-Sex Marriage Legalization
Opposes Lawrence v. Texas Decision
Supports Banning Pornography
Supports Torture
Opposes Campaign Finance Reform
Opposes Expanding Environmental Conservation Efforts
Opposes Criminal Justice Reform
Supports Death Penalty for Murder and Manslaughter
Opposes Disability Rights [P]
Opposes Expanding the Franchise
Opposes Lifetime Lobbying Ban on Former Government Officials
Opposes Expansion of Gun Control
Opposes Increasing Marriage and Work Visas
Opposes Immigration Reform
Supports Building Border Wall [P]
Supports Mass Deportations [P]
Opposes Sanctuary Cities
Opposes Refugees [P]
Opposes Term Limits For Elected and Appointed Officials, except the President
Opposes Police Reform
Supports Sale of Military Equipment to Police
Opposes Body Cameras
Supports Penal Labor

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: The Sarangtus Lands

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

ACCEPTED123123

[Mareadmonte]

I looked into the constitutionality of this, and it would be a bit borderline but could be upheld. Preparing a series of anti-corruption, transparency, and election reform laws by Woolworth as a sneaky attempt to distract further from his social policies. Thoughts?

The Free Primaries Act

A BILL
To expand voting freedoms in the U.S. by establishing nationwide open primaries

Sponsor: Rep. Robert Woolworth [D-NC-11]
Senate Sponsors:
House Sponsors:

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the "Free Primaries Act".

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

Henceforward:

"Closed primary" refers to the practice of requiring party affiliation to vote in federal or statewide primary elections
"Open primary" refers to the practice of allowing independent and/or unaffiliated voters to participate in federal or statewide primary elections

SECTION 3: UNCONSTITUTIONALITY OF CLOSED PRIMARIES

a} Under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, stated is that no state "shall deny to any person within it's jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws", make or enforce "any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States".

b} According to the law of the following states;


Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia*
Florida
Hawaii
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming

*District of Columbia is a Federal District rather than a state


unaffiliated voters, independents, or any voter unregistered with either the Democratic (*DFL in Minnesota, DNL in North Dakota) or Republican parties are denied equal rights under the law by being unable to vote in federal primaries. In accordance with the aforementioned Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, these laws are rendered unconstitutional.

SECTION 4: ESTABLISHMENT OF OPEN PRIMARIES

a} The Free Primaries Act seeks to amend federal election law and require states to suspend the practice of closed primaries and switch to an open primary model by the beginning of the 2008 Election Cycle.

b} Counterarguments in support of closed primaries in that open primaries will encourage partisan sabotage have been proven untrue as seen with the open primary models in Alabama, Georgia, and other states. It should be no concern of states, parties, or voters of this claim as elections are not for partisan agendas.

c} Open primaries help to discourage partisan gridlock and return the primary system to it's original, non-partisan purpose as a means of allowing the voice of Americans to be put forth via ballot.

[Kavanis]

Preparing a series of anti-corruption, transparency, and election reform laws by Woolworth as a sneaky attempt to distract further from his social policies.

Even not as a distraction, I don't really understand why this isn't the major focus of even mainstream Democrats. The 2006 elections, in the wake of Abramoff and Cunningham scandals, were massively about anti-corruption, maybe even more so than Iraq!

[Meretica]

I looked into the constitutionality of this, and it would be a bit borderline but could be upheld. Preparing a series of anti-corruption, transparency, and election reform laws by Woolworth as a sneaky attempt to distract further from his social policies. Thoughts?

(Image)
The Free Primaries Act

A BILL
To expand voting freedoms in the U.S. by establishing nationwide open primaries

Sponsor: Rep. Robert Woolworth [D-NC-11]
Senate Sponsors:
House Sponsors:

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the "Free Primaries Act".

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

Henceforward:

"Closed primary" refers to the practice of requiring party affiliation to vote in federal or statewide primary elections
"Open primary" refers to the practice of allowing independent and/or unaffiliated voters to participate in federal or statewide primary elections

SECTION 3: UNCONSTITUTIONALITY OF CLOSED PRIMARIES

a} Under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, stated is that no state "shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws", make or enforce "any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States".

b} According to the law of the following states;


Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia*
Florida
Hawaii
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming

*District of Columbia is a Federal District rather than a state


unaffiliated voters, independents, or any voter unregistered with either the Democratic (*DFL in Minnesota, DNL in North Dakota) or Republican parties are denied equal rights under the law by being unable to vote in federal primaries. In accordance with the aforementioned Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, these laws are rendered unconstitutional.

SECTION 4: ESTABLISHMENT OF OPEN PRIMARIES

a} The Free Primaries Act seeks to amend federal election law and require states to suspend the practice of closed primaries and switch to an open primary model by the beginning of the 2008 Election Cycle.

b} Counterarguments in support of closed primaries in that open primaries will encourage partisan sabotage have been proven untrue as seen with the open primary models in Alabama, Georgia, and other states. It should be no concern of states, parties, or voters of this claim as elections are not for partisan agendas.

c} Open primaries help to discourage partisan gridlock and return the primary system to it's original, non-partisan purpose as a means of allowing the voice of Americans to be put forth via ballot.

Un-Constitutional as an overreach of federal power. I don't think it would pass, either, as people want to make sure Democrats are voting in Democratic primaries and Republicans are voting in Republican primaries. There's too much of a chance for sabotage in primary elections with his bill.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

I looked into the constitutionality of this, and it would be a bit borderline but could be upheld. Preparing a series of anti-corruption, transparency, and election reform laws by Woolworth as a sneaky attempt to distract further from his social policies. Thoughts?

(Image)
The Free Primaries Act

A BILL
To expand voting freedoms in the U.S. by establishing nationwide open primaries

Sponsor: Rep. Robert Woolworth [D-NC-11]
Senate Sponsors:
House Sponsors:

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the "Free Primaries Act".

SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS

Henceforward:

"Closed primary" refers to the practice of requiring party affiliation to vote in federal or statewide primary elections
"Open primary" refers to the practice of allowing independent and/or unaffiliated voters to participate in federal or statewide primary elections

SECTION 3: UNCONSTITUTIONALITY OF CLOSED PRIMARIES

a} Under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, stated is that no state "shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws", make or enforce "any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States".

b} According to the law of the following states;


Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia*
Florida
Hawaii
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming

*District of Columbia is a Federal District rather than a state


unaffiliated voters, independents, or any voter unregistered with either the Democratic (*DFL in Minnesota, DNL in North Dakota) or Republican parties are denied equal rights under the law by being unable to vote in federal primaries. In accordance with the aforementioned Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, these laws are rendered unconstitutional.

SECTION 4: ESTABLISHMENT OF OPEN PRIMARIES

a} The Free Primaries Act seeks to amend federal election law and require states to suspend the practice of closed primaries and switch to an open primary model by the beginning of the 2008 Election Cycle.

b} Counterarguments in support of closed primaries in that open primaries will encourage partisan sabotage have been proven untrue as seen with the open primary models in Alabama, Georgia, and other states. It should be no concern of states, parties, or voters of this claim as elections are not for partisan agendas.

c} Open primaries help to discourage partisan gridlock and return the primary system to it's original, non-partisan purpose as a means of allowing the voice of Americans to be put forth via ballot.

Un-Constitutional as an overreach of federal power. I don't think it would pass, either, as people want to make sure Democrats are voting in Democratic primaries and Republicans are voting in Republican primaries. There's too much of a chance for sabotage in primary elections with his bill.

10th Amendment doesn't do anything, actually, and for the second part I think what they meant were semi-open primaries: primaries where independent voters could vote but not people from the opposite party.

[Kavanis]

I know, I know. It's granular shit that doesn't make a bit of difference to the substance of it. And look, I know getting my panties in a twist about this sort of thing makes me a dick, fine, I'm a dick.

But this is meant to be a game set in early 2007. The "JUSTICE Act" is amending bills that haven't been passed yet in our timeline. Immunity to telecomms companies was part of the PROTECT America Act 2007/FISA Amendments Act in 2008, not the original PATRIOT Act; same with the mass phone call/email data collection provisions.

How are we supposed to argue against a repeal of something that doesn't exist?

[Yaruqo]

I know, I know. It's granular shit that doesn't make a bit of difference to the substance of it. And look, I know getting my panties in a twist about this sort of thing makes me a dick, fine, I'm a dick.

But this is meant to be a game set in early 2007. The "JUSTICE Act" is amending bills that haven't been passed yet in our timeline. Immunity to telecomms companies was part of the PROTECT America Act 2007/FISA Amendments Act in 2008, not the original PATRIOT Act; same with the mass phone call/email data collection provisions.

How are we supposed to argue against a repeal of something that doesn't exist?

If you read the bill I introduced in the OOC, it says nothing about repealing anything.

[Kavanis]

repeal provisions granting retroactive immunity to telecommunication providers for illegal disclosure of subscriber records

Perhaps you could point out the part of the PATRIOT Act as reauthorized in 2005 but before being amended by the PROTECT America Act that contains such language. The ACLU summary of Feingold's bill says it dates from the 110th Congress.

[Yaruqo]

repeal provisions granting retroactive immunity to telecommunication providers for illegal disclosure of subscriber records

Perhaps you could point out the part of the PATRIOT Act as reauthorized in 2005 but before being amended by the PROTECT America Act that contains such language. The ACLU summary of Feingold's bill says it dates from the 110th Congress.

Or I could just change the language lol

[Kavanis]

Well, yeah.

But your edit hasn't really fixed it, because (for example) warrantless collection of certain communications of U.S. citizens known to reside in the United States is also something that dates from the 2007/8 Acts, not the original PATRIOT Act. I'm not sure there's much in the entire Section 3 that dates from the original PATRIOT Act reauthorization!

[Jovuistan]

Little mistake in Fleming's interview that made him repeat the same answer twice.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Little mistake in Fleming's interview that made him repeat the same answer twice.

Fixed

[Balheim]

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Balheim
Character Name: Derrick Burgess
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 43
Character Height: 5'11
Character Weight: 139 LBS
Character Position/Role/Job: United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2007-present)
Character Country/State of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Character State of Residence: Minnesota
Character Party Affiliation: Democrat
Faceclaim: David Cicilline (RI-1)
Main Strengths: Experienced in law/law-based subjects, well-known in his District- especially among minorities, very liberal in a very liberal district, generally kind, somewhat wealthy (net worth of $4 million)
Main Weaknesses: Newcomer to Congress/politics, does not work well under pressure, questionable comment on abortion ("Abortion is sad, but so is putting a dog down."), slow thinker, has demonstrated a lack of willingness to cooperate with Republicans

Biography:

Derrick Burgess was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to relatively wealthy parents Norman and Kathryn Burgess on January 3rd, 1963. His father was a lawyer and co-owner of Minneapolis-based Burgess & Hicks, a law firm specializing in civil rights cases, labor disputes, and discrimination cases. Derrick's mother was an English teacher who also had an interest in politics, and took every chance she had to teach Derrick something new about politics. This, and his father's status as a lawyer, imbued in him an interest in law. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, then proceeded to attend the University's Law School for a Juris Doctor degree in 1988.

Derrick started working for his father's firm the year after, specializing in labor disputes. Here, Derrick had a front-row seat to what he perceived as exploitation inherent in the current economic system. Building up relationships with those he worked for and assisted, he decided that social democracy was clearly the most viable option for workers and the general populace of America. He held this view in decades afterward. As the years passed, Derrick became a well-known lawyer in Minneapolis, especially after winning a case against Target, a very large retail store chain spanning across America. This event, in which the company was proven guilty in several 'slip-and-fall' cases (where employees stated they had fallen and been inured due to negligence on Target's part) and several other cases regarding Target's either excessive or negligent security, led to his father's firm and Derrick himself becoming one of the most popular law groups in Minneapolis and moderately popular elsewhere in Minnesota, as compared to their former status.

When 9/11 occurred, Derrick assisted Muslim clients in discrimination suits. As the frenzy of islamophobia eventually turned into the War on Terror, Derrick grew increasingly upset with the status of the economic system and the climate of America. In 2006, the representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (spanning all of Minneapolis and most of the surrounding areas), not-Sabo (in office from 1979-2006), announced his retirement. Burgess saw a chance to assist Americans on a nationwide scale, and as such announced his candidacy for the seat. Using his popularity and wealth, Derrick garnered 40% of the vote in Democratic primaries, a majority over other candidates. When the Congressional elections themselves went underway, Derrick was able to win the seat in a large majority over the Republican candidate. As a newcomer with little actual experience in the political world, Derrick is trying to help his constituents and to help America as a whole.

Other Info: Atheist

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: Balheim

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

Healthcare: In support of universal healthcare. "The American people deserve access to healthcare and, based on the average wealth of our citizens, universal healthcare is how we make that happen."

LGBTQ+ Rights: Supports LGBTQ+ populations and groups, and believes that the government should assist these groups in reaching equality with other groups. "Lesbians, gays, trans- I support anyone regardless of sexuality or gender. I fight for you."

Abortion: In support of abortion rights. "Abortion is tricky. Of course, it's sad, but similarly, so is putting down a dog. Necessary, but sad. So yes, I'd say abortion rights are important."

Government Size: Centrist in this area, not planning to expand the government except for in critical areas. "Now, nobody wants a massive government. That'd be silly. I want power in the people, to determine their own life. I'm no libertarian, but I think our current government is about as big as it needs to be, with exceptions for healthcare, of course the economy, and civil rights."

Economy: Believes the government needs to assist the American people through social democratic ideals. "The system is inherently flawed. We need a UBI, we need... various things like that!"

Education: Believes LGBTQ+ and minority education needs to be taught in schools, but dares not go further. "Look- children today need to know about our LGBTQ+ communities, our disgraced Islamic groups- that's what the government needs to worry about regarding schools."

[Madrinpoor]

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Balheim
Character Name: Derrick Burgess
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 43
Character Height: 5'11
Character Weight: 139 LBS
Character Position/Role/Job: United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2006-present)
Character Country/State of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Character State of Residence: Minnesota
Character Party Affiliation: Democrat
Faceclaim: David Cicilline (RI-1)
Main Strengths: Experienced in law/law-based subjects, charismatic
Main Weaknesses: Newcomer to Congress/politics, does not work well under pressure, questionable comment on abortion ("Abortion is sad, but so is putting a dog down.")

Biography:

Derrick Burgess was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to relatively wealthy parents Norman and Kathryn Burgess on January 3rd, 1963. His father was a lawyer and co-owner of Minneapolis-based Burgess & Hicks, a law firm specializing in civil rights cases, labor disputes, and discrimination cases. Derrick's mother was an English teacher who also had an interest in politics, and took every chance she had to teach Derrick something new about politics. This, and his father's status as a lawyer, imbued in him an interest in law. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, then proceeded to attend the University's Law School for a Juris Doctor degree in 1988.

Derrick started working for his father's firm the year after, specializing in labor disputes. Here, Derrick had a front-row seat to what he perceived as exploitation inherent in the current economic system. Building up relationships with those he worked for and assisted, he decided that social democracy was clearly the most viable option for workers and the general populace of America. He held this view in decades afterward. As the years passed, Derrick became a well-known lawyer in Minneapolis, especially after winning a case against Target, a very large retail store chain spanning across America. This event, in which the company was proven guilty in several 'slip-and-fall' cases (where employees stated they had fallen and been inured due to negligence on Target's part) and several other cases regarding Target's either excessive or negligent security, led to his father's firm and Derrick himself becoming one of the most popular law groups in Minneapolis and moderately popular elsewhere in Minnesota, as compared to their former status.

When 9/11 occurred, Derrick assisted Muslim clients in discrimination suits. As the frenzy of islamophobia eventually turned into the War on Terror, Derrick grew increasingly upset with the status of the economic system and the climate of America. In 2006, the representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (spanning all of Minneapolis and most of the surrounding areas), Martin Sabo (in office from 1979-2006), announced his retirement. Burgess saw a chance to assist Americans on a nationwide scale, and as such announced his candidacy for the seat. Using his popularity, wealth, and charisma, Derrick garnered 40% of the vote in Democratic primaries, a majority over other candidates. When the Congressional elections themselves went underway, Derrick was able to win the seat in a large majority over the Republican candidate. As a newcomer with little actual experience in the political world, Derrick is trying to help his constituents and to help America as a whole.

Other Info: Atheist

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: Balheim

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

Healthcare: In support of universal healthcare. "The American people deserve access to healthcare and, based on the average wealth of our citizens, universal healthcare is how we make that happen."

LGBTQ+ Rights: Supports LGBTQ+ populations and groups, and believes that the government should assist these groups in reaching equality with other groups. "Lesbians, gays, trans- I support anyone regardless of sexuality or gender. I fight for you."

Abortion: In support of abortion rights. "Abortion is tricky. Of course, it's sad, but similarly, so is putting down a dog. Necessary, but sad. So yes, I'd say abortion rights are important."

Government Size: Centrist in this area, not planning to expand the government except for in critical areas. "Now, nobody wants a massive government. That'd be silly. I want power in the people, to determine their own life. I'm no libertarian, but I think our current government is about as big as it needs to be, with exceptions for healthcare, of course the economy, and civil rights."

Economy: Believes the government needs to assist the American people through social democratic ideals. "The system is inherently flawed. We need a UBI, we need... various things like that!"

Education: Believes LGBTQ+ and minority education needs to be taught in schools, but dares not go further. "Look- children today need to know about our LGBTQ+ communities, our disgraced Islamic groups- that's what the government needs to worry about regarding schools."

Welcome to the RP!

This looks great — I just have a few comments.

1. "charisma" as a strength is pretty useless, because in this RP you can tell when a character is a charismatic character with their IC speeches. Look at Mareadmonte's Bob Woolworth character on the IC thread — that's what a charismatic character looks like in my opinion.
2. That said, I'd strongly suggest adding a whole lot more strengths, and require some more weaknesses. You should have a line or two of strengths and of weaknesses. I recommend for you to add strengths regarding your char's electability, morality, personality, etc., and likewise for weaknesses. Just skim over one or two other apps and look at how much they put about the strengths and weaknesses.
3. It's fine you don't know this, it's not a big deal at all, but for post-Reagan politicians (excluding Reagan) just put "not-Name" instead of simply "Name." "not-Martin Sabo."
4. Members of Congress are sworn in on January of the next year, so in "occupations" Derrick Burgess would be "United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2007—)" instead of "(2006—)". Another easy fix.

Just amend these couple of things, another admin will look at it, and you'll be good to go. But before posting in the IC, please please make sure you read over the rules and I suggest reading some other IC posts too. The Congress thread, where actual Congressional stuff will take place, is going up this week, until then there probably won't be much for Derrick to do.

[Balheim]

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Balheim
Character Name: Derrick Burgess
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 43
Character Height: 5'11
Character Weight: 139 LBS
Character Position/Role/Job: United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2006-present)
Character Country/State of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Character State of Residence: Minnesota
Character Party Affiliation: Democrat
Faceclaim: David Cicilline (RI-1)
Main Strengths: Experienced in law/law-based subjects, charismatic
Main Weaknesses: Newcomer to Congress/politics, does not work well under pressure, questionable comment on abortion ("Abortion is sad, but so is putting a dog down.")

Biography:

Derrick Burgess was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to relatively wealthy parents Norman and Kathryn Burgess on January 3rd, 1963. His father was a lawyer and co-owner of Minneapolis-based Burgess & Hicks, a law firm specializing in civil rights cases, labor disputes, and discrimination cases. Derrick's mother was an English teacher who also had an interest in politics, and took every chance she had to teach Derrick something new about politics. This, and his father's status as a lawyer, imbued in him an interest in law. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, then proceeded to attend the University's Law School for a Juris Doctor degree in 1988.

Derrick started working for his father's firm the year after, specializing in labor disputes. Here, Derrick had a front-row seat to what he perceived as exploitation inherent in the current economic system. Building up relationships with those he worked for and assisted, he decided that social democracy was clearly the most viable option for workers and the general populace of America. He held this view in decades afterward. As the years passed, Derrick became a well-known lawyer in Minneapolis, especially after winning a case against Target, a very large retail store chain spanning across America. This event, in which the company was proven guilty in several 'slip-and-fall' cases (where employees stated they had fallen and been inured due to negligence on Target's part) and several other cases regarding Target's either excessive or negligent security, led to his father's firm and Derrick himself becoming one of the most popular law groups in Minneapolis and moderately popular elsewhere in Minnesota, as compared to their former status.

When 9/11 occurred, Derrick assisted Muslim clients in discrimination suits. As the frenzy of islamophobia eventually turned into the War on Terror, Derrick grew increasingly upset with the status of the economic system and the climate of America. In 2006, the representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (spanning all of Minneapolis and most of the surrounding areas), Martin Sabo (in office from 1979-2006), announced his retirement. Burgess saw a chance to assist Americans on a nationwide scale, and as such announced his candidacy for the seat. Using his popularity, wealth, and charisma, Derrick garnered 40% of the vote in Democratic primaries, a majority over other candidates. When the Congressional elections themselves went underway, Derrick was able to win the seat in a large majority over the Republican candidate. As a newcomer with little actual experience in the political world, Derrick is trying to help his constituents and to help America as a whole.

Other Info: Atheist

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: Balheim

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

Healthcare: In support of universal healthcare. "The American people deserve access to healthcare and, based on the average wealth of our citizens, universal healthcare is how we make that happen."

LGBTQ+ Rights: Supports LGBTQ+ populations and groups, and believes that the government should assist these groups in reaching equality with other groups. "Lesbians, gays, trans- I support anyone regardless of sexuality or gender. I fight for you."

Abortion: In support of abortion rights. "Abortion is tricky. Of course, it's sad, but similarly, so is putting down a dog. Necessary, but sad. So yes, I'd say abortion rights are important."

Government Size: Centrist in this area, not planning to expand the government except for in critical areas. "Now, nobody wants a massive government. That'd be silly. I want power in the people, to determine their own life. I'm no libertarian, but I think our current government is about as big as it needs to be, with exceptions for healthcare, of course the economy, and civil rights."

Economy: Believes the government needs to assist the American people through social democratic ideals. "The system is inherently flawed. We need a UBI, we need... various things like that!"

Education: Believes LGBTQ+ and minority education needs to be taught in schools, but dares not go further. "Look- children today need to know about our LGBTQ+ communities, our disgraced Islamic groups- that's what the government needs to worry about regarding schools."

Welcome to the RP!

This looks great — I just have a few comments.

1. "charisma" as a strength is pretty useless, because in this RP you can tell when a character is a charismatic character with their IC speeches. Look at Mareadmonte's Bob Woolworth character on the IC thread — that's what a charismatic character looks like in my opinion.
2. That said, I'd strongly suggest adding a whole lot more strengths, and require some more weaknesses. You should have a line or two of strengths and of weaknesses. I recommend for you to add strengths regarding your char's electability, morality, personality, etc., and likewise for weaknesses. Just skim over one or two other apps and look at how much they put about the strengths and weaknesses.
3. It's fine you don't know this, it's not a big deal at all, but for post-Reagan politicians (excluding Reagan) just put "not-Name" instead of simply "Name." "not-Martin Sabo."
4. Members of Congress are sworn in on January of the next year, so in "occupations" Derrick Burgess would be "United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2007—)" instead of "(2006—)". Another easy fix.

Just amend these couple of things, another admin will look at it, and you'll be good to go. But before posting in the IC, please please make sure you read over the rules and I suggest reading some other IC posts too. The Congress thread, where actual Congressional stuff will take place, is going up this week, until then there probably won't be much for Derrick to do.

Alright, on it. Thanks for the help! Should I just edit the original post or re-post the application?

[Yaruqo]

Just edit the original post and let us know when it’s been edited

[Balheim]

Alright, edited the post. Fixed strengths/weaknesses, and I hopefully have enough of them. Got the other issues too.

[Lavan Tiri]

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Redneck Randy

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Lavan Tibi

Character Name: Randall Eugene Grady

Character Gender: Man

Character Age: 55

Character Height: 6'6

Character Weight: 245 pounds

Character Position/Role/Job:
- Candidate for Democratic Nomination for Governor of Missouri
- Founder and CEO of Grady Enterprises (since 1995)
- Founder and CEO of Redneck Randy's (since 1980)
- Owner of Ozark B-B-Q (since 1974)

Character Country/State of Birth: Steelville, Missouri

Character State of Residence: Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Character Party Affiliation: Democratic

Faceclaim: Chip Cravaack

Main Strengths:
- Independently wealthy and semi-famous due to his business ventures, with the ability to self-fund a statewide campaign

- Although a political outsider in that he has never held elected office, Grady has been a mainstay of Missouri Democratic politics for decades through fundraising and support for candidates such as (not-Claire McCaskill) and (not-Jay Nixon), as well as Caleb Warren's 1992 and 1996 Presidential campaigns and the 2000 election.

- Shrewd businessman with a knack for tough negotiations and a reputation as a philanthropist and job-creator.

- Outlandish personality and heaps of "hillbilly charm" could allow him to stand out in terms of a primary field.

- Well-known for treating employees well and being a generally kind person. His devout church attendance can also be a plus.

- While his eclectic mix of beliefs may be a turnoff to some, others may find a lot to agree with: those who are more towards the ideological poles of either party will be displeased, but those in the middle can see themselves in Grady's disorganized grab-bag of political positions.

- Inspiring life story.

Main Weaknesses:
- No actual political experience. No real knowledge of policy or politics beyond that of a particularly knowledgeable high school senior. Will absolutely struggle to court endorsements and woo donors.

- Outlandish personality may be a turnoff to voters who seek a quieter and more forgettable Governor. Tendency to make off-the-cuff remarks and decisions will also probably hurt Grady. He's a PR nightmare because he refuses to stick to a script.

- Very prone to inflating his own achievements and downplaying his failures and the help he got to get where he is.

- Past struggles with alcoholism and being unfaithful to his wife.

- One potentially campaign-ending weakness that I would rather tell the admin team secretly.

- Known for a demanding managerial style, perfectionist tendencies, and has been accused of verbal abuse and sexual harassment by former employees. While none of this has gone to court it is public record.

- Literally impossible to take seriously. He owns a chain of barbecue joints and calls himself "Redneck Randy" and the "Rib King".

- Oddball mishmash of beliefs will absolutely impact his chances of winning a primary or general election.

Biography: To understand Randy, you have to go back to his father, Franklin Bell (1927-1963). Franklin was a poor farmer's son, raised in poverty in Steelville, Missouri. In 1943, at the age of 16, Franklin lied about his age to enlist in the army during World War II. He fought with the U.S. Army through Italy, and was on Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord. When Franklin came back to Missouri in 1950, after spending the postwar years stationed in West Germany, he married his old sweetheart Elaine Grady (1929-1960). They had three sons: Randall, Timothy (1955-present), and Paul (1957-present).

The war had broken Franklin. He left Steelville a respectable, shy young man. He came back an angry, drunken monster. He was physically and verbally abusive to his wife and sons, especially Randy, who would oftentimes take the blame for things Timmy and Paulie did so they wouldn't be beaten. In 1960, convinced that she had been unfaithful to him, Franklin beat Elaine to death in a drunken rage. While his mother was being attacked, Randy--then all of eight years old--quietly led his brothers out of the house and down the road to the neighbor, who called the Sheriff. Franklin was taken to jail, and the boys were remanded into the custody of Elaine's parents, Vernon (1900-1996) and Marsha (1910-2004) Grady, who lived in Steelville proper and owned one of the few restaurants in town: The Ozark B-B-Q.

Life with the Gradys was considerably better than life with Franklin, although Vernon and Marsha were devastated by the murder of their daughter and unprepared to, years after all their children had left the house, start raising three young boys. Vernon put the boys to work in the restaurant while Marsha tended to them emotionally.

Other Info:

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: (Your Nation's Name Here)

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

[Sarenium]

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Sarenium
Character Name: Catarina Oalmann
Character Gender: F
Character Age: 40 (Born 18 February 1967)
Character Height: 170cm
Character Weight: 60kg
Character Position/Role/Job: Campaign Manager for the Everest Laakso Presidential Campaign Committee
Character Country/State of Birth: San Diego, California
Character State of Residence: Washington D.C. (Though Various Other Properties Exist)
Character Party Affiliation: Independent
Faceclaim: Natalie Morales
Main Strengths: Surgical, Precise, Experienced
Main Weaknesses: Cold, Unloved, Past Addiction
Biography:

Catarina Oalmann (Born 18 February 1967) was born to Randolph (Randy) & Elena Oalmann (Nee Rodriguez) in San Diego, California. Raised by an mother who's roots were south of the border and her father who's employment as part of the U.S. Foreign Service took the family between capitals. She lasted less than two years in California before her father left his desk job and returned to an international position as a diplomatic staffer in Egypt (1969-1973), Saudi Arabia (1973-1975), Indonesia (1975-1982), before being elevated to U.S. Ambassador to Egypt (1982-1986). She herself, would return to the U.S. permanently in 1985 where she would obtain admittance to study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Public Policy. After finishing her degree in 1989, she would begin running the campaign of not-Mike Gotch for State Assembly District 78. After his successful run unseating an incumbent Republican, she would begin working in his office. In 1992, she would successfully manage the campaign of not-Lynn Schenk for the newly created CA-49. After navigating not-Schenk through the primary and then through the general, she successfully managed to run her ahead of both the Democratic Senate candidates in the 1992 races, and narrowly behind the ticket leader not-Clinton.

In the 1994 U.S. Senate Race in California, the not-Feinstein campaign for a full term in the Senate attracted few high-tier operatives. Most of California's elite managers were coaxed into competitive races elsewhere, or local races where success was seen as being more likely. Many anticipating that not-Wilson's popularity would be a wave across the state, led to Oalmann who had originally joined the campaign running the SoCal arm, moving up to eventually being full campaign manager just three months before election day. Eventually through a combination of fierce local campaigning, and a well-oiled albeit lately organized campaign machine as well as misfortunate candidate, not-Feinstein would be carried through. The closest race of the cycle, and one of the most notable, Oalmann's stocks rose instantly from being a local Californian organizer into one with the capacity to run statewide races - even in California. The race did strain her youthful marriage, and her first husband Elias would seek a divorce in early 1995.

In 1996, she would marry a new beau, Matteo Fernandez. The honeymoon would be cut short after she was referred by not-Feinstein and members of the DNC to not-Locke in Washington's 1996 Gubernatorial Election. Democrats were anticipating a close race after the scandal-ridden incumbent was forced to retire. She managed the campaign into a resounding double-digit victory in what was otherwise expected to be a close race, outrunning the not-Clinton re-election bid in this state. Her new husband would divorce her in mid-1997 after multiple failed efforts at counseling. The divorce shattered her heart, and within a week of processing the papers she lost her mother. She took comfort in a short period of addiction to a cadre of high-functioning medication. After six weeks in a discreet and pricey rehabilitation, she returned to the comforting arms of her father. Deciding work was the best way out of her cycle of disappointment and sadness, she took on the burden of the eventually landslide bid of not-Gray Davis in 1998 for Governor of California. It was after this race that she looked outside the West coast for opportunities of success. Being recommended by both California Senators and the newly inaugurated Democratic Governor of California, as well as having three statewide victories under her belt, she would be attached to the not-Nelson 2000 Senatorial Campaign in Florida.

This particular race challenged a great many of her preconceptions, as she was forced to contend with a candidate who's appeal was in areas as a California Democrat she was unfamiliar with. Namely, upstate Florida. She found her feet quickly, and successfully managed to run Nelson down the middle of catering to upstate, mid-state and downstate interests. She found a new beau, in Romeo Goldstein. Mr. Goldstein and Catarina would move to D.C. and she would join lobbying firms as a respite from the rigors of the perpetual election cycles of the United States. In this time, she further branched out and developed a network that went beyond state campaigns, and into fundraising, candidate recruitment, and emerging technologies specific to campaigning. This would culminate into her fifth and most recent statewide notch, the Ohio 2006 Gubernatorial Election. Positioning and electing Bobby Baxton to the Governorship of a crucial battleground state became her duty after multiple leaders within the DGA, DNC and social circles would encourage her to take on the unfamiliar terrain. It had the same effect as every other campaign - ending her marriage. Though, she would argue to her father that this was more because he refused to accept her misfortunate genetically inherited and rare infertility. The divorce was along the lines of the signed prenup agreement. After finding her feet, and becoming accustomed to the more forthright Bobby Baxton and succeeding in once again exceeding expectations in her role as Campaign Manager, she would retire from the Baxton payroll and onto that of Laakso's Presidential Campaign. This race will mark her biggest challenge yet. How the heck is she going to get a North Dakotan Democrat through Iowa, New Hampshire and then eventually... into the White House.

Other Info:

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: Sarenium

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

[Dentali]

ANNOUNCEMENT on NPC Endorsements

After discussion between the admins we have decided to allow NPC Endorsements. These UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES can be unilaterally decided by player/candidate. If your candidate is an elected official like a Congressman, Senator or Governor, you can assume that the majority of your party in the state you represents has endorsed you unless another character from the same party is running in the race.

Outside your home state or with major national figures or organizations who are NPCs you need to...

1) Contact the admin team and say "I am going for the endorsement of X" during which time we may say "X's main issue is Y"
2) Write & Post a "pitch meeting" which basically describes a meeting with X, what you would say and focus on during the meeting.
3) Admins read the 'pitch meeting' and decide its effectiveness.


PS: for those asking the Congress thread will go up this week, soon rather than later.


CLARIFICATION


Please don't Spam admins with massive lists, post them in the OOC please. You can pitch more or less whoever you want within reason, keep in mind however some will be more difficult then others and the more detail you put into pitch meetings the better.

[Madrinpoor]

Alright, edited the post. Fixed strengths/weaknesses, and I hopefully have enough of them. Got the other issues too.

I think I'm ready to give you the thumbs up, just wait for another admin to look at it again and you'll be good to go!

[Yaruqo]

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Character Application and Information Sheet

NS Nation Name: Balheim
Character Name: Derrick Burgess
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 43
Character Height: 5'11
Character Weight: 139 LBS
Character Position/Role/Job: United States Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Minnesota (2007-present)
Character Country/State of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Character State of Residence: Minnesota
Character Party Affiliation: Democrat
Faceclaim: David Cicilline (RI-1)
Main Strengths: Experienced in law/law-based subjects, well-known in his District- especially among minorities, very liberal in a very liberal district, generally kind, somewhat wealthy (net worth of $4 million)
Main Weaknesses: Newcomer to Congress/politics, does not work well under pressure, questionable comment on abortion ("Abortion is sad, but so is putting a dog down."), slow thinker, has demonstrated a lack of willingness to cooperate with Republicans

Biography:

Derrick Burgess was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to relatively wealthy parents Norman and Kathryn Burgess on January 3rd, 1963. His father was a lawyer and co-owner of Minneapolis-based Burgess & Hicks, a law firm specializing in civil rights cases, labor disputes, and discrimination cases. Derrick's mother was an English teacher who also had an interest in politics, and took every chance she had to teach Derrick something new about politics. This, and his father's status as a lawyer, imbued in him an interest in law. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, then proceeded to attend the University's Law School for a Juris Doctor degree in 1988.

Derrick started working for his father's firm the year after, specializing in labor disputes. Here, Derrick had a front-row seat to what he perceived as exploitation inherent in the current economic system. Building up relationships with those he worked for and assisted, he decided that social democracy was clearly the most viable option for workers and the general populace of America. He held this view in decades afterward. As the years passed, Derrick became a well-known lawyer in Minneapolis, especially after winning a case against Target, a very large retail store chain spanning across America. This event, in which the company was proven guilty in several 'slip-and-fall' cases (where employees stated they had fallen and been inured due to negligence on Target's part) and several other cases regarding Target's either excessive or negligent security, led to his father's firm and Derrick himself becoming one of the most popular law groups in Minneapolis and moderately popular elsewhere in Minnesota, as compared to their former status.

When 9/11 occurred, Derrick assisted Muslim clients in discrimination suits. As the frenzy of islamophobia eventually turned into the War on Terror, Derrick grew increasingly upset with the status of the economic system and the climate of America. In 2006, the representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (spanning all of Minneapolis and most of the surrounding areas), not-Sabo (in office from 1979-2006), announced his retirement. Burgess saw a chance to assist Americans on a nationwide scale, and as such announced his candidacy for the seat. Using his popularity and wealth, Derrick garnered 40% of the vote in Democratic primaries, a majority over other candidates. When the Congressional elections themselves went underway, Derrick was able to win the seat in a large majority over the Republican candidate. As a newcomer with little actual experience in the political world, Derrick is trying to help his constituents and to help America as a whole.

Other Info: Atheist

I have read and accepted the rules of the roleplay: Balheim

Do Not Remove: DRAFT123123

Healthcare: In support of universal healthcare. "The American people deserve access to healthcare and, based on the average wealth of our citizens, universal healthcare is how we make that happen."

LGBTQ+ Rights: Supports LGBTQ+ populations and groups, and believes that the government should assist these groups in reaching equality with other groups. "Lesbians, gays, trans- I support anyone regardless of sexuality or gender. I fight for you."

Abortion: In support of abortion rights. "Abortion is tricky. Of course, it's sad, but similarly, so is putting down a dog. Necessary, but sad. So yes, I'd say abortion rights are important."

Government Size: Centrist in this area, not planning to expand the government except for in critical areas. "Now, nobody wants a massive government. That'd be silly. I want power in the people, to determine their own life. I'm no libertarian, but I think our current government is about as big as it needs to be, with exceptions for healthcare, of course the economy, and civil rights."

Economy: Believes the government needs to assist the American people through social democratic ideals. "The system is inherently flawed. We need a UBI, we need... various things like that!"

Education: Believes LGBTQ+ and minority education needs to be taught in schools, but dares not go further. "Look- children today need to know about our LGBTQ+ communities, our disgraced Islamic groups- that's what the government needs to worry about regarding schools."

ACCEPTED123123

[Dentali]

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CURRENT IC DATE: March 25th, 2007 to March 31st, 2007