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

[Emazia]

Kim raised her hand. "Win. That's all I want. Keep Cramp as far from any position of power as you can, and show the Frankstons that they can't win elections based on their name."

She rose, shaking Clay's hand again. "It's been lovely meeting you, Crawford. You can be sure I'll be working hard to get you to the Senate with me."

---

After bidding Clay farewell, Kim walked back to her own office, cursing her heels the entire way. When she arrived, she set her purse down and called for her crowd of aides.

"Alright people, listen up. There's a Senate race in Texas that I've taken an interest in, and we're gonna make things happen. Melody," she said, pointing at a young redheaded woman from Salina who was interning with her, "talk with Congressman Clay's people. Set up a date for a rally, you've got my schedule, I'm gonna endorse him publicly. Keyshawn," she jabbed a finger at a stout, bespectacled black teenager from Wichita who wanted to be a political scientist, "put together a list of every prominent Republican who hasn't made an endorsement, from here to Texas. Johnny! Go down the street, get me a 24 ounce cup filled with espresso and sugar, I'm about to pass out on the Senate floor."

The aides scattered, and Kim sat down, savoring the brief respite, before pulling out her work phone.

From: Senator Kimberly Dunbar
To: House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

Congressman Volker,

If you're available and willing, I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss the Senate race in Texas.

- Senator Kimberly Dunbar

One of her young aides then brought her the letter--an actual letter?--from Porter. She sighed and reluctantly opened it, quickly scanning the contents.

"Angelina! You're good at the Internet, right? Print out a rude meme and mail it to Bernie Porter--wait, no, don't."

She sighed again, rereading the message. "Angelina, come back. Get in touch with Porter. Let him know I'll be there, but I want the opportunity to talk in private first. Thank you."

Porter responded, and had his staff set up a meeting with Dunbar. He genuinely hoped to build better relationships with the GOP establishment, and despite his crusade for them had seen his anti-elitist disdain melt away into a sort of thaw, seeking to achieve his secret aims with the UBI initiative and more to defend the America he knew and loved.

Porter tapped his foot, waiting for the arrival of the Kansas Senator.

[Emazia]

Several letters are sent out to the following, with each person receiving one letter for the superrally Porter had planned:

To: Governor Burgun, Senator Slater, Senator Dunbar, Congressman Renfus, Congressman Ruler, Congressman Tenson, Justice Cramp
From: Fmr. Secretary of Defence Porter

Hello, [Title and Name]

I hope this receives you well, and that you and your family have been doing well over the holiday season. As you know, recent and tragic events have unfolded regarding the recent flight from Tehran, leading to the deaths of 176 people. These are men, women, children, families...All dead.

But I believe as well all know, this was no accident. This wasn't fate nor the anger of nature - this was the terror of a brutal force that seeks to destabilise America and threaten our allies as they murder civilians on our streets.

Simply put, what Iran has done to us is unacceptable - they murdered civilians, blew up our military bases and will soon do far, far more. It is time that we create action. This is why, today, I am inviting you to speak at Washington D.C, on the 27th of February, 2020, in order to make our demands clear: immediate action against Iran, now!

Most sincerely,
Bernard J. Porter
Former Secretary of Defence (2017-2019)

bump

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

To: Governor Burgun, Senator Slater, Senator Dunbar, Congressman Renfus, Congressman Ruler, Congressman Tenson, Justice Cramp
From: Fmr. Secretary of Defence Porter

Greetings Secretary Porter

The actions of Iran were clearly unacceptable. However, we need to be careful of any major escalations in the region. I am certainly open to retailiation against the Iranians, however I would like to know what specifically you are willing to do.

Thanks
James Burgun
Governor of North Dakota

[Emazia]

To: Governor Burgun, Senator Slater, Senator Dunbar, Congressman Renfus, Congressman Ruler, Congressman Tenson, Justice Cramp
From: Fmr. Secretary of Defence Porter

Greetings Secretary Porter

The actions of Iran were clearly unacceptable. However, we need to be careful of any major escalations in the region. I am certainly open to retailiation against the Iranians, however I would like to know what specifically you are willing to do.

Thanks
James Burgun
Governor of North Dakota

To: Governor Burgun
Cc: Senator Slater, Senator Dunbar, Congressman Renfus, Congressman Ruler, Congressman Tenson, Justice Cramp
From: Fmr. Secretary of Defence Porter

Thank you, Governor Burgun,

I have my personal views on the issue, but this rally will mainly be a front to call for collective action as a whole. I think, as a reasonable middle ground, we'll go for a total embargo of Iran, along with increased deployments around the region in case of Iranian attack. War at the minute is a bad idea, but I believe we need to threaten the Iranians and show them how powerful the United States of America truly is, and ensure peace through our collective strength as NATO.

Most sincerely,
Bernard J. Porter
Former Secretary of Defence (2017-2019)

[Louisianan]

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

I would like to publicly announce my support for Congressman Crawford Clay in the Texas Senate Race. I know Howard Frankston and I assume his son's a great guy, but we need to stop playing party politics. Crawford is the most qualified person to run for Senate currently in that race.

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Mr. Frankston was in the armed forces, I thank him for his service, but I think that he isn't qualified to be a senator like his father. In the words of my pappy, "Just because you can make grits good, don't mean you can catch fish." Meaning, just because you were great at one thing, does not mean the other thing is going to be your cup of tea. Good luck Mr. Clay, I hope the people of Texas feel the same way I do.

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

When it comes to Mr. Cramp, I like him, he is a good Christian man with good Christian values, but again, that don't mean he'd make a good Senator. Mr. Clay is a Representative he has good political standing, that's why I support him.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

(Image)
Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

I would like to publicly announce my support for Congressman Crawford Clay in the Texas Senate Race. I know Howard Frankston and I assume his son's a great guy, but we need to stop playing party politics. Crawford is the most qualified person to run for Senate currently in that race.

(Image)
Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Mr. Frankston was in the armed forces, I thank him for his service, but I think that he isn't qualified to be a senator like his father. In the words of my pappy, "Just because you can make grits good, don't mean you can catch fish." Meaning, just because you were great at one thing, does not mean the other thing is going to be your cup of tea. Good luck Mr. Clay, I hope the people of Texas feel the same way I do.

(Image)
Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

When it comes to Mr. Cramp, I like him, he is a good Christian man with good Christian values, but again, that don't mean he'd make a good Senator. Mr. Clay is a Representative he has good political standing, that's why I support him.

All liked and re-tweeted by @Crawford Clay Jr.

Representative Crawford Clay @CrawfordClayJr It's my pleasure to mutually endorse Hypolite Gaspard for Senate. Electing experienced conservatives with the know-how to defend the Constitution in D.C. is our priority. #KeepLouisianaRed #DontMessWithTexas

[New Cobastheia]

As Clay spoke, Chip continued to drink from his glass, downing the rest as his fellow Congressman finished and slamming it down on the desk, "Now that's soundin' like somethin' I can get behind," He said in a jovial tone.

Crawford smiled, spirits buoyed by Chip's reaction. Renfus had seemed somewhat indifferent at first, but now seemed to be warming up to Clay. "Glad to hear it," the Texan replied, gently swirling the contents of his glass. "My campaign's got the funds and the platform to go far. Like I said, we jus' need a push to start buildin' momentum."

"So you're saying you'd rather have a rally or somethin' for the endorsement?"

[Puertollano]

Randy Cramp @RandyCrampy Abortions need to END.

[Kargintina the Third]

(Image) Randy Cramp @RandyCrampy Abortions need to END. (Image)

Liked an retweeted by al my Reps

[Greater Arab State]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

[New Cobastheia]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

Has Tawney picked a Wolfist VP yet? #MAGA2020

[Louisianan]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

Do you people actually have plans? I mean come on, I googled a bill and it would get rid of four states, like, WTF???

[Greater Arab State]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

Has Tawney picked a Wolfist VP yet? #MAGA2020

“Thank you for your question, I’m sure it’s one shared by many of our fellow Americans. At the time when the President and I last spoke, I was informed that the process for selecting a new Vice President is on the verge of concluding.”

[Greater Arab State]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

Do you people actually have plans? I mean come on, I googled a bill and it would get rid of four states, like, WTF???

“Thank you for your question. I can assure you that the Congressional Republican Party does have plans. That particularly amendment that you mentioned was written by Congressman Faulhaber, a Democrat, and was completely opposed by House Republicans and fortunately, the amendment failed to pass. We in the Republican Party will always act to protect the interests of the American people all across this great nation of our’s and ensure that their voice is heard loud and clear in Congress.”

[Kargintina the Third]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

A lot of economists are warning of a pending recession, what are your plans to deal with this???

[Greater Arab State]

House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

The Congressional Office of Thomas Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Monday, 20th January, 2020

The time had come for the House Minority Leader to face the nation once again, admittedly, part of him thought that this particular ‘Twitter town hall’ might prove to be a degree more difficult than those before it, what with the recent legislative shenanigans on the House floor. Nevertheless, after going through his usual introduction, Congressman Volker waited for the American people to start asking questions.

A lot of economists are warning of a pending recession, what are your plans to deal with this???

“Thank you for your question. We in the Republican Party understand the concerns of the American people on the state of the US economy, we just need to look at the economic growth that this great country has seen since 2017 that has managed to continue over these three years as evidence of that. We intend to reassure the American people through making permanent the provisions set out for income tax in the Wolf tax cuts, allowing countless Americans the opportunity to call upon greater amounts of financial reserves should they be needed. Furthermore, the Savings Act of 2020, which is currently on the House docket, will reduce penalties on American savers through the creation of Universal Savings Accounts, in turn providing even greater financial security for American families across our great nation.”

[Sarenium]

"I come from an era of politicking long gone," he said nostalgically, "and it seems like our party is at a turning point with our choice of nominee for President, have you given thought to who you'd support?"

Clay let out a gentle sight, relaxing in his seat. This was not one of his favorite questions; unfortunately, it was all too common. "Neither of 'em are my first choice for President," Crawford answered after a pause, turning to face Howard. "But ain't that the way it always is?" He chuckled ruefully, removing his Stetson and placing it on his knee. "To keep it short, Senator, Governor Richardson looks to have the best shot, and so he'll have my support, if that ends up matterin'. I think he'll be able to keep our party, and our country, intact, whereas Porter's cut from the same cloth as our own Cramp. Not exactly an electable candidate, and not exactly an Arnold Wolf, either."

Howard nodded, "it appears we both were holding out hope for Jonah," he grit his teeth, "no matter, I won't keep you from the trail too long, keep things amicable, respectful and principled is the summary. Thanks for coming out this way."

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy GOTV Campaigning in Iowa
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

The crescendo of campaigning in Iowa would be in Des Moines, the largest city and the prize to win in the primary. If Levi was interested in winning the caucus, he would be interested in wiping the floor in Des Moines and all of its voting precincts. The campaign knew this, and had a large event planned for the city. But before that, the campaign was doing a bit of stumping in the city, with a side of good old retail politics. At this point, the campaign was doing everything it could to outmatch and overperform their competitors - which, at this point, was shaping up to be Senator Dayton. Dayton-aligned Super PACs had already made the race dirty and nasty, a place where Levi was not yet willing to go. But the massive advertisement buy awakened him to the fact that it would be him vs the institutionalized forces of money and power in American politics. He would just have to learn to deal with that fact, but whatever he does, do not back down against the powers that be. That was his own philosophy.

The first bit of campaigning in Des Moines started with a bit of jogging around the city. Innocent enough, it was a good way to get to know the people of Des Moines through having a jog throughout the city. He and the campaign team would be wearing the Presidential campaign merchandising and would have and say hello to people as they passed. The Chicago Tribune had rated Des Moines as one of the most "walkable" cities in America. It had been a while since Levi had properly exercised during the campaign. Despite it being laborious and hard-work, the job required a lot of sitting: in cars, in planes, at events, and he liked the change of atmosphere. While on the jog, he streamed it to Facebook Live, Twitch and YouTube, explaining how the 'caucus' voting system works to many of his supporters and reminding them on the days of voting. These kinds of clips would only really be seen by the campaign faithful, but that was the purpose, to get them rallied and notify them of voting. Because, at the end of the day, winning elections was just all about getting your people out to vote and nothing more.

The next event was something special. The campaign had organised a 'Caucus Concert' to include local bands and artists. The event was designed to draw in young people, draw in their supporters and support the local music industry with a gig with a large crowd. The event did draw in all of those people, and the campaign used the information of people who signed up to attend the concert to contact them come caucus day to remind them to vote. The concert was marketed as 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised w/ Senator Murphy and Local Artists', posted to pages for young people who lived in the Des Moines area. The stadium filled in quite well and the stage was set more for a rock concert than a political campaign event. Before any political messaging, the bands would play to the crowd, building an atmosphere in the arena for excitement and enthusiasm. In the intervals of songs, the band members would explain to the crowd why they support Levi and why they will be voting for him above any other candidates. One of the band members gave an impassioned speech to the crowd:

"Things can't keep on goin' like they currently are -- that's for sure. You see kids who think they shouldn't get a higher education because of the costs, they're usually Black, Brown and Indigenous kids, or kids from many of the rural areas of our state. It's not right. I was lucky enough to go to College, but not every has been afforded that luxury in this country. That's why I support Levi, he's talkin' about free college - and eliminatin' all student debt. That's what I like to hear. Something he is offering to the young people of Iowa, not just pity like other politicians. But all of this has made him an enemy of the big money, the big corporations and big oil who run the political show in Washington D.C. I'm not sure if you've seen, but they're really grasping at the straws - throwing lots of money to slander and attack Levi. Wait till we win Iowa for him - then we can watch 'em squirm at the sight of young people electing our guy, Mr Levi Murphy."

The bands played a few more songs, before Murphy took to the stage to the crowd. They were cheering and chanting He looked out into the crowd for a moment, paused, before starting.

"I don't want to hold you all up for too long. So we can get back to the music. Politicians often get caught up in Washington D.C. and lose their connections to the real people who they serve - instead, these career politicians take the advice from their specially picked advisers and lobbyists embedded in their offices. I'm proud to having never taken their advice or money before, because they are not advising you about the positive steps in the future for this country, they are telling you how you can continue to line their pockets. Luckily, I maintained my sanity while in the Senate, but I have realized I will go insane if things keep going as they are!"

"The system is so blatantly rigged against working people in this country, against working people in Iowa, the Mid West, from sea to shining sea. President Wolf played to the pulse of Iowa when he ran for election in 2016, by speaking the good-game on the anti-worker trade deals such as NAFTA and the TPP, but once he was elected, he turned his back on the people that got him elected. That's why, I believe, the Republicans will have a tough time being re-elected if we, Democrats, select a nominee that will wrestle back the working-class voters that they lied to in 2016. They're bald-face liars. Yes, Wolf then turned around and gave massive tax cuts to the mega rich and wealthy and for large corporations. Yes, he only made the big corporate tax rate permanent, not the tax scraps he gave to us. It's obvious that he is not in favor of the working class, poor and the working poor. He's working for the swamp, that he personally picked from the big banks and massive polluters. If you send me in there, Iowa, I'm going to drain the swamp. And drain Wolf and his cronies out, for good."

"That's part of the plan, the other is to remove the corruption that has permeated Washington D.C. for too long now. I will not only overturn Citizens United, but I will ban corporate donations through an amendment and I will outlaw lobbyists and special interests in Washington D.C. You may here this from many other candidates that they want to overturn Citizens United, but you need to understand that it is not enough. Overturning it will say that money is not speech, but you've also got to remove the PACs, remove the lobbyists and ban their influence entirely. It's really simple, but that's one trick they have been using to portray themselves to be on the right side of history. When really, they're taking a a weaker position than they really could be taking. That's step one, removing the corruption from our political system, once the swamp is cleared, we can make great headway into the important issues - such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and transportation. I also want to pass an 2nd Bill of Rights that make free and universal access to all of this permanent. That's because receiving healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Housing is a right, not a privilege. Education is a right, not a privilege. These are things that belong to everyone, not just the rich and elite"

"I thank you all for coming around this evening. I'm trying to build a strong coalition of working class and young people that are sick and tired of the President, sick and tired of the two major parties and are sick and tired of the system that refuses to stand-up for the people of Iowa. If you can trust me with your vote, you can be sure that I will not take the partisan position, the Democrat position, I will take the good position. Actually not good, the best position for working families, the youth and our elderly members of society. I'm not even a fan of Democratic leadership! I will be the first to admit that, because, they too will need to take a look at their corporate contributions and reluctance to support universal healthcare and tuition-free university. So please, if you have a few nickels to spare, please donate to our campaign. It's not mine, it's our campaign. If you can, please volunteer to build a stronger future. I want to build a America that works for the many, not the few."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

"So you're saying you'd rather have a rally or somethin' for the endorsement?"

Clay offered a noncommittal shrug, his expression hopeful. "If'n you're up for it, Congressman, an actual rally would be mighty fine for my campaign. But an official endorsement is all I's really askin' for. Would show folks my campaign's got jus' as much support nationwide as Frankston 'n Cramp."

---

Howard nodded, "it appears we both were holding out hope for Jonah," he grit his teeth, "no matter, I won't keep you from the trail too long, keep things amicable, respectful and principled is the summary. Thanks for coming out this way."

"Thank you kindly for your hospitality, Senator," Clay returned as he rose, resettling his hat on his brow. "And a'course I wish your son the best of luck in the race. Whoever's best for Texas will win the primary. Go'bye now, an' God bless ya."

Clay left the Frankston ranch for Amarillo feeling reassured.

[New Cobastheia]

"So you're saying you'd rather have a rally or somethin' for the endorsement?"

Clay offered a noncommittal shrug, his expression hopeful. "If'n you're up for it, Congressman, an actual rally would be mighty fine for my campaign. But an official endorsement is all I's really askin' for. Would show folks my campaign's got jus' as much support nationwide as Frankston 'n Cramp."

"I'm not too sure myself if I actually have the time for a rally anytime soon, but I'll get an endorsement up on Twitter soon if that works with ya'll."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

---

Clay for Senate Ad
Aired across Texas on TV, YouTube, and Facebook, targeting voting-age Hispanics where possible and released with a Spanish audio dub where applicable


"My name is Gustavo Hernandez, and I was born in Mexico. When I was five years old, my family legally immigrated to the United States. We came to Texas because we knew it was a land of opportunity and freedom, where all you need to go far is hard work and integrity."

[Sober piano music begins.]

"But we found out that not everyone thinks that way. In 2009, I was mugged and beaten nearly to death on my way home from work. My family and I were shaken, but most of all, we wanted justice. One man came through for us."

[The piano track, now joined by a flute, becomes uplifting.]



"District Attorney Crawford Clay fought for months to bring the men who attacked me to justice. Now, they are behind bars, and I can finally feel safe."

Crawford Clay believes in work ethic, conservative values, Constitutional freedom, and justice for all Texans. Vote Crawford Clay for Senate.

"I'm Crawford Clay, and I approve this message."

Paid for by Texans for Clay.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

"I'm not too sure myself if I actually have the time for a rally anytime soon, but I'll get an endorsement up on Twitter soon if that works with ya'll."

"That's quite understandable," chuckled Clay darkly. He hardly had a moment to himself between blazing the campaign trail and performing his congressional duties. "But that Twitter endorsement would be fantastic, God bless ya." Clay tipped his glass to Renfus before knocking the rest of it back.

"Now, Congressman, is there anything else I can do for you?"

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
St. Louis County, Minnesota
January 24th, 2020

Good Morning its a pleasure to be here in Minnesota… thank you for the welcome that was much warmer than your weather *chuckles. Thanks especially to (list local NPCs and groups who either met or endorsed Richardson including a few personal anecdotes).

I am here today to talk about the American Heartland Plan. The Midwest, the Rust Belt, the Steel Belt… But its not just the heartland of our country, it has been the beating heart of the Republican party since its founding. Its early leadership was from the midwest, the first Republican President was from the midwest, at the Presidential level our success as a party has almost always depended on the midwest… in fact only one Republican presidential candidate was ever able to win without it. Ten of the 17 Republican Presidents have been from the midwest and only two never lived west of the Ohio River. So it makes complete sense that our party once again will define its success in this election by our ability to win the hearts and minds of the people in the midwest. The GOP has always been and will always be the party of the Heartland.

The Midwest has shared a common identity, you were our nation’s first frontier from the Revolution to the Civil War, the original home to the abolition movement, you made the men and the equipment that fought the wars of the twentieth century and liberated the world from tyranny. John Wayne, John Glenn, John Deer, Amelia Earhart, Fred Astaire, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, Norman Borlaud, Jack Benny, Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles Schultz, Bob Dyland, F Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland… Just a fraction of the list too long to mention of Americans who emerged from the Midwest to shape the world. We as a nation, as a culture owe so much to our midwest.

Which is why it is so unforgivable that over the past decade we have seen stagnation in the region. Before the Presidency of Arnold Wolf we saw some areas suffer from almost 60% unrecovered job losses since the 1950s. The Midwest and elsewhere in our country has languished as 80% of venture capital goes to the coasts, California, Massachusetts, New York see increasing wealth concentration while you here in the Midwest are cut out.

Automation, migration overseas or to other states and unfair competition have caused a massive decline. Cities like Dayton, Ohio and Gary, Indiana struggle to combat economic scorched earth, population loss and an inability to get a good education. We have seen some diversification, some innovative solutions from casinos to water parks, an emphasis on urban renewal… and we have seen the Wolf administration partner with Republican Governors to bring back industry to the region and foster an energy boom. We are moving in the right direction for the first time in a long time but we are nowhere near the finish line.

We need new and revised national and sectoral policies designed to prevent chronic decline and maintain work force levels in a way that’s competitive with the rest of the world. Our industrial base and blue collar workforce needs to be treated with the high priority it deserves. We need a robust and consistent commitment to identifying the main obstacles to growth, increasing competitiveness of our industry, and then constantly adapting to the changing market in a way which promotes jobs and wages. I will be laying out a comprehensive plan for our next steps however we need to develop a bipartisan framework and mindset that will constantly change for the times, decades from now still keeping the objectives in mind. Strategic investment through tax relief, opportunity zones and other incentives in return for jobs, training, and economic prosperity in the communities that need it most, many right here in the MidWest. We make strategic expenditures including an infrastructure plan of over $1 trillion that prioritizes the areas of the country that most deserve the investment, this will incentivize private investment that will grow jobs, wages and increased quality of life. A Government that holds companies accountable when they send jobs overseas or hurt working families, but will partner up with the private sector to create jobs and make a more prosperous country.

Through good focused industrial policy, policy that works with the market not against it, we can create a high productivity, high tech, high wage, and highly educated workforce and a real pathway to the middle class.

It will not be easy but we have some advantages and reasons for real optimism. As Governor I helped lead the state of North Carolina on the path of economic prosperity and wage growth, by almost every metric North Carolina is the state that has best recovered from the recession. Many of the key advantages we had in North Carolina that enabled this recovery are present in the midwest… advantages like affordable energy, excellent human capital, colleges and universities that produce our nation’s top engineers and scientists, an excellent real estate market… This enables cities, states and towns to become a hub for a mix of traditional industries and knowledge based industries. Take Akron Ohio for instance, they built on their history of making tires to become a polymer center… not only do they make polymer but they are heavily focused on R&D for polymer, they have a Training Center for Polymer and a number of supporting local institutions. Businesses and government investing in one another, participating in a greater economic community, the United States is where the world’s wealthiest investors are from… lets give them more reasons to invest in our heartland.

So as we move forward let us develop sector plans that embrace a real vision for a state or municipality. Truly aspirational plans that allow and encourage innovation and growth in sectors that are the most in demand and will provide the most bang for our buck. A plan that focuses and encourages our assets, human resources and cultivation of skills towards an economic goal.

This is not some top down central planning where we force industries to go our way. We must always support innovation, creativity and individualism in America. But we must focus our efforts, offer tax holidays and rate reduction for investment in key needs such as capital for expansion, employment, job training and other incentives. We need to make colleges, universities and other institutions of learning into hubs of innovation through co-op and internship programs that partner with the most in demand fields.

Take the Three Rivers Venture Fair in Pittsburgh for example. This is a place that has Carnegie Mellon, Case Western, and the University of Pittsburgh which are great engineering schools. They have the resources to focus on development of technical and creative skills that will be most in demand. By fixing our current university model, providing transparency in tuition, and then incentivizing development of key skills in fields like engineering we could invest in our human capital to an unprecedented degree. From there we expand Targeted Apprenticeship and Job Training programs to connect hard working Americans with real, in demand, and good paying jobs that will enable them to get into the middle class and beyond. We must also focus on our financial capital, changing laws and working with private lending institutions to expand financing and investment in small businesses.

But any investment we make in this will not have its full impact if we do not pair it with a long overdue infrastructure package. As I mentioned earlier as President I will push forward an infrastructure plan that invests over $1 trillion into our nation. Not just rebuilding and repairing our crumbling roads and bridges, but expanding broadband into areas too long underserved, winning the international race to 5G, and investing in projects across the country, not just Wall Street and SIlicon Valley. And to put our money where our mouth is, as President I will push for federal agencies located around DC to be relocated near low income communities around the country, instead of allowing high paying jobs to be concentrated along the Potomac.

Combining this unprecedented investment with Public Private Partnerships, and Made in America tax credits will unleash unprecedented prosperity for everyone in our country not just the coastal elites. In addition we will be providing tax credits for companies bringing back businesses from overseas and China, while ending federal contracting for companies that outsource to China, combining this with the codification of the deregulatory agenda of the Wolf and Tawney administrations will provide a strong basis for job and wage growth in the United States. But true prosperity relies on more than just investing in our industries and infrastructure… we need to invest in our people.

The first order of business is to DOUBLE our investment in fighting the scourge of the Opioid Crisis, we do this not just through treating those affected but through holding drug companies truly accountable for the damage caused to our families. Never again should people’s pain be exploited for the profit of big corporations, and while we can never truly make the families of the lost whole we can at least provide some measure of justice.

We need to double the Earned Income Tax Credit and similarly increase the childcare tax credit in order to strengthen and support families, empowering them by rewarding work and enabling them to provide a better future for their children. The EITC needs some reform to prevent waste, fraud and abuse but it is still an excellent program which has a real proven track record of relieving poverty.

We must invest in healthcare solutions for working families, lowering costs and expanding options for healthcare. This means Increasing Price Transparency, Increasing access to telemedicine, removing regulatory barriers and protecting those with pre-existing conditions. Investing in mental health services and preventative care and making sure that we train new doctors for the most in demand fields and get them to the most in demand communities.

In during the first term of a Richardson administration our goal will be to bring back 1 million manufacturing jobs from China, to sign free and fair trade deals that protect American jobs and expand American markets, to codify the Regulatory Changes of the Wolf and Tawney Administrations, to continue to reform the tax code in a way that lets working families prosper, and we aim to create over a million new blue collar jobs that pay a minimum of $35,000 a year.

These goals and these methods reflect what the true priorities of the Republican party should be. We are not at our core a party whose focus is solely on corporate tax cuts, we are a party of working families and American principles. We are not a party that should allow companies to ship jobs overseas so that SIlicon Valley and Wall Street can prosper. And we are certainly not a party that will stay silent as the Left and the elite wants to erode our American values. We will not stay silent as the left seeks to open our borders to millions of low skill workers so they can save a buck while American citizens are forced onto welfare. We are not the party that will stay silent as college students looking to get an education find it ruinously expensive and are saddled with impossible debt. We are not a party that will stay silent as the rich and powerful get all the attention and support while working families and those trying to get good jobs don’t get support. We are not the party that will stay silent while parents are looking for help with the cost of raising children. We are not the party that will stay silent as communities seek to rebuild after economic devastation or the plague of addiction.

The GOP, the Republican Party must renew itself as it did in the days of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan. These Presidents, these leaders did not so much transform the Republican Party but renew it and refocus it, this is the path President Wolf set us on and now we must finish his work. Our top priority must be a working class agenda, one that reaches beyond racial and ethnic bounds, that rejects the politics of division and resentment personified by radicals on the Left. This agenda unites rural and working class voters with white collar suburbanites against the elite, it is an agenda that builds the middle class and creates upward mobility. We must unite our strong moral values and principles with hard work and a vision for the future that celebrates the dynamics of American life.

As Lincoln once said “in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance”. This goal is a righteous one, one that is worthy of the party of work and prosperity, the party of virtue and liberty. It is a goal which we come closer to realizing every day.

My administration will be one which stands for child tax credits and childcare support, paid family and sick leave. Because these are policies that support that family, the absolute most basic and essential element for the greatness of our country. The Richardson administration will be pro-marriage and pro-parent, making healthcare more affordable, more flexible, and of higher quality with an emphasis on supporting low income families. My administration will stand for better wages and not just new jobs but bringing back old ones. We will make it easier for Americans to get an education, whether its at a university or an apprenticeship or job training, we will make it easier to start a family and raise children. And we will make the American dream that much closer for people across the nation, especially in the still beating heart of the country.

Thank you, and God Bless

[The Orion Islands]

Governor Chambers decided to do some retail campaigning for Governor Richardson. Chambers was quite well educated and intelligent, and he knew that if Porter won the nomination, it would be a blood bath in the general. He started in Council Bluffs, located right across the Missouri River from Omaha. In addition, Council Bluffs was part of Omaha's TV market, so he was quite familiar to the people in this city. He started at the Tyson Foods and Con-Agra plants, speaking to workers, telling them how Richardson's tax and education plans would lift them up, how Richardson was the successor to Arnold Wolf, and how a vote for him was the only way to stop Levi Murphy. He also spoke with management, touting Richardson's infrastructure and deregulatory plans. Google had set up some server farms in Council Bluffs, so he went there, telling the workers how Richardson would lift them up, while trying to convince management that Richardson was more than willing to help build American internet infrastructure. He also went downtown, repeating Richardson's tax plans and how he would create an environment for jobs in the city.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

To: Sec. Porter
From: Gov James. Burgun

Greetings Secretary Porter

As long as this deployment is only a temporary measure till Iran backs off and not a permanent occupation of Iraq or some other sh*thole country, I would be willing to support it.

Thanks
James Burgun
Governor of North Dakota