Talk Elections

I am officially launching my campaign for Lieutenant Governor of the Pacific Region. For too long, citizens of the Pacific and Atlasia have settled for less than we should expect of our elected officials. It is time for us to stand up to the status quo and say "No more!".

I offer an alternative to the intense and divisive partisanship that has plagued my region for far too long. In these difficult times, we need a leader, not a follower. We need a uniter, not a divider. And to be a uniter, you have to be a fighter. I am a fighter- fighting for fairness, equality, and freedom. I pledge to fight for common sense solutions and a pragmatic approach to government. And I will make sure that the Governor and I fulfill our duties with aptitude and honesty.

I will stand up for the citizens of the Pacific and face these pressing issues, and to prove it, I promise that I will be an active Atlasian and encourage the same from others. And most importantly, I will work my hardest to restore our confidence in our government. Vote for me in the upcoming election and vote for leadership and unity.

Thank you to all of my supporters and all who have given their time and effort on my behalf. I am now open to questions and comments from Atlasians and will post further announcements in this thread.

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Endorsed

Endorsed.

Thank you for all of the above endorsements. It is nice to see we have Atlasians committed to creating a brighter future.

The one-party system of the Pacific(And the Dirth South) must die.

Endorsed.

lol

How is that LOL?

''Intense and divisive partisanship''. Pacific is a one-party rule since a couple since a couple of years. So, there is no real partisanship.

     There is in the sense that the JCP is absolutely relentless in protecting its position here, to the point of bussing members in from other regions without any sort of provocation, thereby weakening itself as a national entity for the sake of strengthening itself as a regional entity.

If there wasn't intense partisanship, it wouldn't be one-party rule. New members are dissuaded from joining the Pacific because of the hyper-partisanship of many JCPers and I am here to reverse this type of image and show that the Pacific is welcome to all who wish to represent her. I do see the intense partisanship of JCP influence as divisive in nature.

A RPPer can't give me a lesson on that. Replace ''Pacific'' by ''Dirty South'' and ''JCP by ''RPP'' and that is also true.

PiT, I don't want to bus other parties members out of Pacific. If you remember well, I was the member of another party in Pacific, before.

I have never claimed that the Dirty South situation was any better than the one party domination of the Pacific. However, I am not in the Dirty South.

I want you to know that you are making a mistake by trying to brand the RPP nationally. The Pacific's RPP operation has different goals and aims of the Dirty South's or Mideast's, just as the Arkansas Democratic Party and the Oregon Democratic Party have different platforms and ideologies.

Remember, unity is one of my key campaign themes. And that means embracing a Pacific culture that includes members of all parties, religions, genders, sexualities, and ethnicities.

     The RPP has never really gone to the same lengths the JCP has. Aside from SPC returning to the region in mid-June, we haven't really been keen on loading up on citizens in the Dirty South.

     However, the JCP had Tender Branson move to Oregon from the Northeast, had unempprof register in Hawaii, & had Catmusic move to the Pacific as well. There might be more examples, but those are immediately three examples of people who were either registered elsewhere or lived elsewhere in real life that were brought into the Pacific, even though their presence would be far more useful in another region.

I am not aware than the party asked to these persons to move. If the party made so, then I disagree with my party.

Alexander, what are the goals and aims of the Pacific RPP?

     I may be mistaken in thinking that they did so, but given the circumstances under which they did (especially with Tender Branson, who moved from New Hampshire to Oregon when he first registered with the JCP), it immediately seems very likely.

Alexander, there once was a second party in the Pacific, but we merged with the JCP. I wouldn't really call the Pacific "divisively partisan" just "heavily JCP."

As I am not regional chair, I do not feel qualified to make a statement of specifics of the entire party's goals. Personally, however, I want to, as Lt. Governor, build a more active region, interact with citizens of the Pacific and engage in direct dialect with the governor regarding citizen concerns, maintaining fair elections, and promote a government that provides justice, liberty, and equality.

Yes, but earlier this year the SDP dissolved and merged into the JCP. I believe you were one of them. Are there any other issues that you want to engage me with, because I do not believe that debating partisanship is the most important part of my campaign.

AlexHam, your candidacy has the potential to open up the game to a new era more competitive and open elections, but also one of less bitter, less divisive politics.

So my question is, both in your campaign and if you are so lucky as to be elected Lt. Governor of the Pacific, are you ready to build bridges with the JCP and rise above partisan discord? Or, as has been evident in this thread so far, will your candidacy simply serve as another fertile ground for RPP and JCP leaders to snipe at one another?

If I am not mistaken Torie held the senate seat for quite a long-time.  I think Alexander Hamilton, wihle fighting an uphill battle, needs to try for it.

As far as the Dirty South being the same as the Pacific, in case anyone didn't notice the RPP was recently unsuccesful in passing the legislature amendment, Andy Jackson defeated SPC for Lt. Gov. a few months back, and it wasn't my best region in the special election

I don't think the RPP/JCP feud really exists that heavily at all.  I have no problem speaking to members of the JCP including Bgwah, on interests that affect all parties.  We certainly run competitive elections against each other, but if we didn't I don't think that the game could survive.  The dominance of the two major parties coupled with a strong 3rd party is what has revived this game from the brink of death.  Alexander Hamilton is simply looking to show here that, as he said, the RPP is not only just a party of the Dirty South, but the Pacific RPP and DS RPP are different

As is central to my campaign and confirmed in my opening and following statements, I will not associate myself with petty partisan bickering. One of my major reasons for running is that I feel the Pacific deserves a leader that will represent all of his or her constituents and not just the majority or plurality needed to win re-election. If doing so means forgoing some of the national RPP platform, or endorsing a JCP-supported measure that is beneficial to citizens that may not have necessarily supported my election, than so be it. I will hold all of my constituent's interests at heart at all times, and make decisions on what will be the best for the most possible, regardless of their partisan affiliation. Remember, I am here to be a uniter!

On some topics, sure, the parties can get along. But there is quite the blanket of animosity resting beneath the surface, especially when it comes to candidacies and elections. This thread, so far, has been pretty focused on politics and veiled jabs at each party. There is a reason there are so few aisle-crossing votes in Atlasia and the discussion here does not seem like that's changing.

It is reassuring to hear AlexHam's remarks and I hope you do live up to that, both in words and actions. Maybe you can turn this thread into a real show of unity.

I don't think anyone in the RPP won't vote for someone simply because they are from the JCP.  In the last special election, you only had 1 person from the 2 parties cross because the two candidates represented such opposite extremes.  But I think if it was a matchup of one of the well-known moderate JCPers against an extreme RPP either liberal or conservative a switch may happen.  Hell I'd consider voting for RealisticIdealist, Meeker, or Bgwah over some in my own party

I endorse you and wish you luck in your campaign. Hopefully you can add some competition to this region.

Much appreciated.

Wholeheartedly endorsed!

Thank you. Hopefully we both manage to finish with successful campaigns.

I have to say, I'm very impressed by your courage. It takes some guts to run as a RPP politician in the Pacific. It looks like this might become the first competive election in this region for a really, really, really, long time. As Marokai said, once upon a time there was competive elections in the Pacific as well (they could choose between left, and EXTREME left) but that was quite a while ago.

One-party dominance isn't beneficial for any region, and it's certainly not attractive for people who wants to participate in an election RP. There's a reason the Dirty South and the Pacific are the regions that gets the least newbies. If you can blow some life into the deadest and most boring region in Atlasia, that'll be a very good thing.

I just hope the voters are not so partisan, they won't even give you a chance.

Good luck ;)

You have my endorsment.     

Thank you, your support is very much appreciated and I respect the DA for helping to support multipartisanship among regions.

I can proudly say that I have been anti-endorsed by everyone's favorite poster, Jewish Conservative. I'm not sure if that means that he "leans JCP" for this race.

Campaigning against the JCP is not a winning strategy, since most Pacific inhabitants are JCP members. It would be better to say why you would be the best Lt. Gov.

I wasn't trying to campaign against the JCP, just the incumbent that hasn't performed his duties proper. I'll redo it to clarify.

Endorsed.  Seems to be very capable.  Just make sure you don't turn into another RPP drone and you'll be good.  Take Vepres as your model.

Glad to have your support, Happy Warrior.


Updated my first post, as well.

One of the most critical issues on the table is trust. Can you trust your Lieutenant Governor to do his/her job adequately? Better yet, can you trust your Lieutenant Governor to do his/her job superbly?

There are some in this race that have shown us they are unreliable, shown us they cannot be trusted. It's time for a true change. Vote Hamilton for Pacific Lt. Governor in August 2009. Vote for a job well done.

Incumbent Alcon recently notified me that he is not running for re-election. Something to do with an ax murderer. Possible Jim Bunning moment?

I was promised an extensive post addressing the former Lt. Governor/ax-murderer.

ANTI-ENDORSED!

Alcon, you are the current Lt. Governor. Except you didn't know that until I told you. And this is consistent behavior.


I urge members of all parties in the Pacific to vote for a Lt. Governor that will fulfill the duties of the job and bring reform to the region. Alexander Hamilton is the only candidate in this race that represents the change we need in the Pacific.

Okay, well, not to be a stickler or anything, but... firstly, which duties of the office did Alcon not fulfill?  Secondly, how do you propose, as potential Lieutenant Governor, to bring reform to the region, and what type of reform, exactly?

Lt. Governor is a useless job anyways.

Alcon has been AWOL his entire term; that is unacceptable. As for reform, I am going to use the position to send a message of a new attitude towards politics in the Pacific and create a more accepting atmosphere for new citizens, as well as work closely with the legislature and Governor to make sure that positive results are seen in areas such as education and transportation.

What are the duties of the Pacific Lt. Governor, Mr. Hamilton?

To supervise and manage elections, initiatives, and referenda, and to take over the duties of the duties of Governor should the Governor become incapable of doing so.

Trust me, I've done that 'job'. You do nothing, zilch.

One of my goals is have the Lt. Gov. be a more visible position. I take the job seriously.

The best solution to the office is to abolish it.

I took the job seriously, but what do you want to do in a chair-warming do nothing job? Run for Governor if you really want a real office.

This is my first campaign ever so I figure Lt. Governor is a better fit that Governor.

Lt. Governor Barnes is an example of a good Lt. Governor. He's really helped bring activity to his region.

I agree. I think new members should be encouraged to run for these sorts of seats, not to "do" anything, but rather to learn, experience and gain visibility. You have to get on the stage before you can hope to play in the orchestra or someday, perhaps, direct it yourself.

Basically.

I will make my voice heard in the Senate until the School Standards Reform Bill is finalized. Hopefully some of my suggestions will be made amendments. I am certain this bill will provide a better education for all young Atlasians.

Do you support Racists in the upcoming at-large senatorial election?

No and I never have supported racists.

Is this a reference question? I have made certain comments that it would be in the United States best interest's to pick a certain genocidal maniac over another certain Communist genocidal maniac that was even more psycho and brought on a 50 year arms race that dragged us into an era of fear, war, and debt. Does that make me a racist? If I had it my way we would've taken out the Nazis and the Soviets with extreme brevity. I hope that clears things up. If you are calling the RPP racist, you are wrong. I have voiced clear opposition to racists such as Woodrow Wilson and Dukkke on this very forum.

...No?

Ok while it was something that need cleared up anyways.

Thank you very much! :)

I'd like to urge my supporters now that we must stand our ground for this election. This race is the only statewide race rated toss-up by the National Weekly Atlasian and polls show a very close race. We must not let our guard down, and we must remain humble and focused. Remember, we can not afford another Lt. Governor who doesn't serve the citizens of the Pacific.

I am announcing my campaign for re-election to Lt. Governor of the Pacific.  If elected, I will abolish the office of Lt. Governor and replace it with this novelty mailbox:

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I plan to paint "Lt. Governor" on the side of the mailbox, if I have time.  I also feel that the mailbox will play a significant role in the Pacific Region's national defense.  It scares even me a little, and I mean, I'm an axe murderer.  This says something.

Thank you for your votes.

Please don't spam my campaign, Alcon.

Since you've decided to completely lack a sense of humor, I'm going to take this as an opportunity to challenge you publicly to a friendly debate.  If I am satisfied, you will receive my endorsement and I will withdraw from the race.

Otherwise, I will run a campaign under the promise that I will abolish the office of Pacific Lt. Governor upon election, as it is completely and totally useless.

The debate will be held at the aforementioned mailbox.

I am open to a debate. What will the subject be?

I want to hear a justification for the practical utility of the office of Pacific Lt. Governor.  The office has been an effective redundancy for years.  The only associated duties have been maintaining elections when the Governor is away, something that I've done despite paying no attention whatsoever, and then accepting the office of Governor, which never happens.

In all honesty, if I were an independent observer, I would vote for "myself" for one reason, here:  I have means of active communication with the incumbent Governor, and that is helpful when coordinating elections when he's unavailable.  That's currently the only real reason for the office to exist, and not be replaced by an Elections Director or some such thing.

I would love to hear about your specific ideas for expanding the scope of the office and, if I think they're interesting and not purely superficial, I will endorse you enthusiastically.  But I do wonder, if that's your focus, why you have never introduced legislation through the Pacific Legislature?

Will you put a ''drain commissioner'' like in Michigan? Being elected of abolising a office, but finally, finding a job to do?

The Lt. Governor's office is not an effective redundancy. The elected post is an important check on single executive power, allowing voter's to choose their next Governor should the current one become incapable of performing. It is a much better alternative to having a "running-mate" Lt. Governor, lest we end up with a Palin in line of succession. It is also necessary in the Pacific because we lack an elected legislature, therefore, we do not have any other elected official that would be a suitable replacement in a timely manner without resulting in chaos, or at the very least, controversy.

I propose the Lt. Governor be given a broader role in government, including the job of notification, which in my view would serve as a form of GOTV that will allow more activity and healthier debate. Inactivity is a problem that affects the Pacific more than any other region, and is a problem that would be solved by the end of my term as Lt. Governor.

I have promised active and committed communication with whoever the Governor may be, most likely Meeker, unless a write-in candidate wants to go for it. Either way, most likely Meeker. On the note of being replaced by an Elections Director- that is a notable proposition, however, as I highlighted in my initial premise, we need the Lt. Governor to be ready to step up should anything happen to the Governor. If you believe the "Elections Director" should have that power, I see no reason for not referring to it as "Lt. Governor."

I do not think this office is useless. Obviously you had to perform tasks regarding elections during your term. And I also don't believe that you voting for yourself, and possibly getting elected, would give you the power to abolish this office.

As for the Legislature, it has been entirely inactive during my time here in the Pacific. I will be glad to get involved should other members revive it, though I think waiting until the election will be better for our region.

But my question is why you have never introduced such legislation through the legislature...which is what you would have to do as Lt. Governor anyway.  You can't just appoint yourself these abilities.

I don't think there's anything legislatively that's stopping you from doing notifications.

No, but with the current administration consisting of yourself and Culture King we haven't seen much activity. The legislature hasn't seen any debate since early July. I already said I plan on waiting until after the election, win or lose, to open the legislature to debate once again. I am working on some possible propositions currently, but I would prefer to introduce them from the Lt. Governor's office, where they will have more support behind them.

Here's the problem with your rationale, though.  You state that you're waiting to push form until after you're elected because, apparently, the legislature is inactive.  You also claim you're going to revitalize the legislature upon election.  But becoming Lt. Governor is going to give you no powers to revitalize the legislature than do not already exist, because of the impotence of the Lt. Governor as it stands.  Do you understand what I mean?  Being elected Lt. Governor is completely irrelevant to any of the reforms you're advancing, and you could have advanced them long before your election.

Getting elected Lt. Governor is not going to give you any additional support on your propositions, and introducing them now is not going to lessen their chance of success.  Let's not kid ourselves.

Look, you don't need to run against me, here.  I've never claimed to be anything but a stand-in for incumbent Governors when needed.  I have absolutely no issue with an expanded role for the office, especially if it's actually substantiative.  But you need to provide me with an idea of what that means.  Otherwise, I'm going to ask myself "is this worth having a Lt. Governor who will have less ability to smoothly and promptly communicate with the incumbent Governor?", and the answer will be "not really."  And cost-benefits will dictate that you won't, consequently, have my vote.

If you provide substance to validate your campaign on that very basic level, I'll happily vote for you, endorse you, and stop "spamming" your campaign thread.  ;)

Can you please not lie? It's not very nice, you see.

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Very serious time:

You promise "unity". Yet you hold membership in the RPP, which is led by Fluffy, who is known for recruiting zombie voters and demanding the most intense loyalty to the party line. How do you reconcile this?

Note: This question does not involve the questioner; therefore, kindly avoid any reference to the questioner in your answer.

I am not finished with my proposals at this point in time, which is really why they would have more support later. I have a lot more work to do with regards to them. Remember, I have only been in the Pacific since July, yet I have already encouraged other members to join the Pacific and have contacted many of the senior members asking for input.

I want to know why you assume I will be unable to smoothly communicate with the incumbent Governor. And cost-benefits, I believe, will point you towards myself. I do not believe we should allow Ebowed to put his GM skills to use in the Governorship should that situation ever arise.

DWTL is a friend of mine but I am not his minion and I do not take orders from him or other RPP members. I am not a "right-winger." DWTL knows that I have disagreements with many of the party's platform. Senator Marokai Blue has voiced approval of my economic stances. He is not exactly a mainstream RPP member. I have received numerous endorsements from moderates in the Democratic Alliance, and even LNF members such as Sewer Socialist. I have promised to work hard for the Pacific and feel I deserve a chance to do so. Ebowed had his shot when he was GM and he let us all down. I feel that I have provided a broad list of credentials that set me apart from being a hardcore and partisan RPP member.

The RPP is the party of regional protection. Here in the Pacific, we stand alone with the most unique qualities of any region, as seen by our independent streak, our legislature, and our socially liberal attitude. I believe in protecting these qualities, and the RPP gives me breathing room to stand for such.

I would like to announce to the citizens of the Pacific my recent efforts lobbying on their behalf to the Atlasian Senate. Currently, a number of vital bills are being debated and the government should know what the people demand. I have been attempting to find Senate support for provisions that allow more students to go to college and at lower costs of tuition, more responsible tax codes and trade agreements, and encouragement of fine arts/performing arts for young Atlasians, in order to preserve our unique culture. I am also working on proposing a constitutional amendment that will ban general sales tax and food sales tax. These taxes disproportionately affect the poor, working, and middle classes because they have to spend a larger percentage of their income. I also believe that it is counterproductive to regional commerce. Another initiative I am working on at the moment involves increased funding for the environment. The Pacific region has the most beautiful and varied environments in Atlasia with many diverse ecosystems. However, we can do more to preserve these precious areas, by slowing urban sprawl. Hopefully, with these ideas, we can see real change.

     YES! :)

I don't believe I said that you'd be unable to smoothly communicate, just less so than with me, although I suppose that point would be moot when the Governor changes.

I'm glad you've actually provided a specific proposal now, even if it doesn't actually have much to do with the Lt. Governor's office at all.  I'll vote for you on the presumption that you will find a use for the Lt. Governor's office beyond a title.  If you don't, I will be openly disappointed.  I do think you seem genuine.

However, I really wish you wouldn't pretend to have specific reform ideas that you don't seem to :P  We're a culturally casual kind of region and we don't take none of that.

Thank you. I promise to you and all other Pacific citizens that you will not be let down by performance.

I would be a little less on the cusp of being let down if I had some idea of what the legislation you were proposing was, before casting my ballot.  What kind of legislation are you in the process of writing?  I would like to get the ball rolling on this.

Edit: Not intending to be pissy, I'm sleep-deprived, but my question still stands... :P

Endorsed.

I want to reform tax codes, one of my key positions being the elimination and banning of a general sales tax and food sales tax (anywhere I can check up on the status of this?), and before any "liberals" get all up in arms, sales taxes are harmful to commerce and disproportionately affect incomes as the income gets lower. To clarify, someone making $20k a year has to spend the same amount on basic necessities as someone making $50k a year. To me, that is not a fair tax system. Also, I want more environmental protections and specifically, some legislation that will help out the rapidly decreasing bee population, a keystone species. As well, protections for our rare bird species that may include anti-reflective road surfaces in certain areas to stop the birds from flying into them. This occurs a lot and may be part of the reason our rare and diverse birds in the Pacific region have dwindling populations as of late.

Sales tax revenue is also the most prone to declining due to an economic downturn. So if you have a Surplus and 8% sales tax with no or little income taxes, you would be among the first to see that surplus turn into a deficit in a recession. In NC in RL there was talk of short-term increases to help balance the budget but long term cutting it significantly. One enlightened Democrat in our legislature even said that if we expanded the tax base by including many services which are exempt from it we could lower the overall Sales tax rate in NC from almost 7% to 4%. Another suggestion would be to exempt food and clothes from the sales tax like PA did at least till 2002 when I lived in that area.

The only taxes on individual sales that should be allowed are specific "excise" taxes, such as on cigarettes or gasoline. A general sales tax, and any food sales tax should be removed, for the reasons both of us provided.

Un-Endorsed.

And Anti-Endorsed.

Thank you.

I am proud that so many new Atlasians have chosen to join the Pacific region over some of our other fine regions. I hope that they, too, agree with my core message of unity and bipartisanship. I'm sure that together we can bring reform to Atlasia and the Pacific.

What sort of reform?

Tax code reform and additional environmental protections, as my first priority.

What would this tax code reform entail?

Endorsed

Eliminating any general sales tax because they disproportionately affect poor people.

Would you lay ouy what you'd do exactly...like as a bill

I am still working out details. I will introduce it in the legislature as soon as I feel it is complete.

Excellent. But how do you plan on recouping this lost revenue?

A restructured income tax, as well as basic income tax revenue increases that will come with the jobs created by the freer flow of commerce. Without sales tax, poorer people and everyone else as well, can afford just that much more purchasing power, and jobs will be needed to produce goods to keep up with broader demand.

What would a restructuring entail?

I am still working out those details in the legislation but I am considering raising higher income taxes just a bit, and also expanding the lottery. Nothing is for sure yet though.

I see.

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Moving this discussion where it belongs:


Fine, but they weren't personal attacks. Agreed? As for your disagreement, the same thing happened to me in my first race. The problem is that most of your support lies outside the region. You may end up winning, but remember that all those endorsements from prominent Atlasians don't really mean a thing in the voting booth. If you want any real chance, you'll need to be doing work behind the scenes.

I know that only the Pacific matters. I think that Pacific voters will see that I am truly the best candidate for this office in the end.

Why not eliminate income tax so people are not penalized for working harder and instead raise the sales tax so people pay more if they buy more? Does that just not make it easier, work harder you can keep your money, spend a lot we'll take some of it

Because income taxes aren't penalties for working harder. Lower wages are. Income taxes are only fair way for a government to raise revenue from individuals. Sales taxes hurt commerce, causing job losses, as well as disproportionately affecting poor people, who spend at least as much as they earn, meaning that after income taxes, an additional 7-10% general sales tax is applied to the majority of their expenditures.

Bravo, Hamilton! A great idea. In fact, if time allows this weekend it insipres me for the Mideast Assembly.......

How do you plan to turn the Pacific region into a RPP-favored area?

By proving to the region that we are the party of common-sense solutions, tireless work ethic, and pragmatic reform.

Excellent!

This campaign will not be defined by divisive remarks, regardless if my opponent is choosing to do so. Atlasia may have been better off if he had put the effort he has put in this campaign into his Presidency and position as GM. Which poses a real question... What does a former President want to be a simple Lieutenant Governor for?

After seeing the GMantis debacle in the Midwest, I am certain that the Pacific needs someone dependable ready to take on the role if need be. Together, we can bring change to Atlasia.

I would like to officially thank everyone who has been supporting my campaign, including all of our Pacific citizens who are ready for change. This election is out with the ideas old and in the with the leadership of the new. It is time we applaud ourselves for coming this far, and remain focused on election time so that we pull it through.

Over the week, there have been many false claims raised regarding my candidacy. I'd like to take the time to clear things up officially, and reach out to voters who may be undecided or considering another candidate.

My opponent seems to think that because of my party, I can not be a true progressive candidate. This is a ridiculous claim. Party membership is not an ideology. Zell Miller may be a Democrat, but is he a liberal? I have proposed numerous progressive policies during my campaign, have voiced positions in the Senate that were dismissed by the right, and pledge to truly represent the electorate of the Pacific.

There have been claims that I am trying to radically change the Pacific's electorate into a  right-wing bastion. This is false. My recruits have been socially liberal, as is our region's proud reputation. I have made numerous attempts to gain input from across the aisle, and generally am glad to work with members of any party. I have not advocated implementing any kind of Religious Right policies, nor would I ever vote for such.

I denounce these untruthful claims raised by my opponent's campaign.

I'd like to point out to everyone that Ebowed's candidacy is based wholly on his "experience." But what does that "experience" entail? The most catastrophically horrible GM Atlasia has experienced, including bringing up constitutionality questions when the Senate attempted to remove him from this position. Even after being asked by bgwah to step down, Ebowed wasn't ready to go. He didn't want to give Atlasians a chance to have a GM that could fulfill duties, and refused to perform the duties required of him. We cannot let him do this to our region.

What does Ebowed want to be Lieutenant Governor for? He has attacked me numerous times, yet hasn't specified any reasons to vote for him besides "not being Hamilton." I know that the Jesus Christ Party has many good members, and I think that in the end, they will see that Ebowed is not one of them. All Ebowed has going for him is his party and his "experience" and mischaracterizations of my candidacy.

I stand here today to urge all citizens of this great region to support my candidacy, to vote for the new, not the old. To vote for a job well done, rather than a job not done. To vote for the truth, not dishonesty. To vote for a fresh look on Atlasia, not someone who's already made it to the Presidency and for some reason he hasn't yet stated, wants to serve in an entry level position. Vote for Hamilton. Thank you!

Over the week, there have been many false claims raised regarding my candidacy. I'd like to take the time to clear things up officially, and reach out to voters who may be undecided or considering another candidate.

My opponent seems to think that because of my party, I can not be a true progressive candidate. This is a ridiculous claim. Party membership is not an ideology. Zell Miller may be a Democrat, but is he a liberal? I have proposed numerous progressive policies during my campaign, have voiced positions in the Senate that were dismissed by the right, and pledge to truly represent the electorate of the Pacific.

There have been claims that I am trying to radically change the Pacific's electorate into a  right-wing bastion. This is false. My recruits have been socially liberal, as is our region's proud reputation. I have made numerous attempts to gain input from across the aisle, and generally am glad to work with members of any party. I have not advocated implementing any kind of Religious Right policies, nor would I ever vote for such.

I denounce these untruthful claims raised by my opponent's campaign.

I'd like to point out to everyone that Ebowed's candidacy is based wholly on his "experience." But what does that "experience" entail? The most catastrophically horrible GM Atlasia has experienced, including bringing up constitutionality questions when the Senate attempted to remove him from this position. Even after being asked by bgwah to step down, Ebowed wasn't ready to go. He didn't want to give Atlasians a chance to have a GM that could fulfill duties, and refused to perform the duties required of him. We cannot let him do this to our region.

What does Ebowed want to be Lieutenant Governor for? He has attacked me numerous times, yet hasn't specified any reasons to vote for him besides "not being Hamilton." I know that the Jesus Christ Party has many good members, and I think that in the end, they will see that Ebowed is not one of them. All Ebowed has going for him is his party and his "experience" and mischaracterizations of my candidacy.

I stand here today to urge all citizens of this great region to support my candidacy, to vote for the new, not the old. To vote for a job well done, rather than a job not done. To vote for the truth, not dishonesty. To vote for a fresh look on Atlasia, not someone who's already made it to the Presidency and for some reason he hasn't yet stated, wants to serve in an entry level position. Vote for Hamilton. Thank you!

I won that lawsuit.  And it was entirely within my rights to sue.  I think even Purple State would agree with that.


That is outright false, but either way, I stepped down as soon as the court case was resolved.

Yes but the fact is, you ended up in that position in the first place.

Whoa, let me enjoy following this race in peace. Don't drag me into it. ;)

You're comparing yourself to Zell Miller now? The man who challenges people to duels on national television? I can see why so many people are flocking to your campaign!

Although the more I think about it you really are a lot like Zell Miller. You're both angry, you're both uninformed and you're both, ultimately, irrelevant.

I am not saying I am like Zell Miller on a political or personal level. But do you judge the Democrats based on Zell Miller? Do you judge him based on Democrats? I would hope not. Please let's be civil and respectful, Meeker. You are a forum veteran and I don't believe I have earned your dislike.

There are some in this race who have settled for running a pathetic, dirty smear campaign. I pressure all of my supporters to not give in to temptation. Please stay positive and focused on election time. These petty insults and smear tactics will not impact the election in their favor.

These acts are no more respectable than the so-called "Birther" movement or those who called Obama a closet Muslim. We must reject this style of politics at all cost.

Dude if they don't affect you don't respond to them....

Smear campaigns have a tendancy to blow up in the face of the candidate doing the smearing. Just ask Elizabeth Dole. The fact that Ebowed's supporters are getting more desperate to throw dirt on you, is just a sign that they actually see you as a big valid threat.

 

Or we're just bored.

Yeah that's a reason too I guess :P And you're quite successful on that at least, cause this is the most intresting election since the Precidency if you ask me. 

Amazing that it is over the position of Lt. Governor in one of the less active regions. I'm hoping it's a sign of changing winds.

Doubt it.

Lt. Governors need to be abolished, really. They're useless.

And give up races like this? Never. This is better than the Senate race.

Look, everybody knows than you try to have RPP preferences, so stop to be so pro-regional. Even the RPP is less pro-region than you!

IngSoc would like to point out that there is no smear campaign.

Yes, because my pro-region stance has nothing to do with the RPP. I love the regions because the regions are the only reason I am where I am in this game. They are also why you are in the position you hold now as well.

Yes, and I voted to abolish my Senate seat in the Convention. My ''being so pro-regional'' comment was referring to your proposal in Senate to ask to each region if they accept stimulus money.

Throughout this campaign, former GM Ebowed has consistently touted his experience and history in Atlasia as the basis of campaign. But what exactly is this "experience"?

Ebowed was the George W. Bush of Atlasian GMs. Terribly incompetent, astonishingly pompous, and felt he was entitled. He lacked the decency of Brandon H, who stepped aside when he realized he could not perform his duties. The Senate, including the infamously non-confrontational Purple State, motioned for the instant removal of Ebowed.

Ebowed has been illegitimately questioning the ethics of myself. But where are Ebowed's ethics? As President pro tempore, he faced an attempted vote of no confidence based on unethical and illegal actions on his part. Ebowed has been consistently criticized for violating constitutional procedure in attempt to settle personal matters.

We've all "experienced" Ebowed. He has failed many times over. I trust the Pacific voters to care about this region as much as I do and not vote in Ebowed to do the same to our region as he did to his other offices.

Vote for change, vote for independence, vote for Hamilton!

Your pathetic smear campaign will not get very far, Mr. Hamilton.

This is no smear. I am just allowing the voters to see your record of other offices. Do you want to contest anything I just said in the above post?

I just have to say, while I don't try to be confrontational, apparently that is what I am here. My causes don't tend to be as well received as I may like them to be and I don't usually rest quietly when people attack me personally.

I figured I would call myself out before the usual sneers and jeers come knocking down the door.

I do not address the specific allegations of infamously unreliable political hacks.

We have gotten a better look than ever at what exactly you plan to do to the Pacific.  Very few are impressed with this, er, 'vision.'

Because you have no viable argument against anything I stated. You again resort to name-calling rather than addressing the allegations of your decidedly horrible record.

Yay! Vote for indepence!

Sorry for the joke.

Seriously, the actions of somebody in the RPP transformed that race in a divisive and partisan race. That will hurt you, since I don't believe than you will have any JCP votes. Perhaps realistidealist.

Anyways, Pacific won't vote for irresponsible economic policies who helps only rich people.

Nor will I. I think I have clearly stated which side of the political spectrum I represent. Even Marokai has agreed with me on economic issues.

Marokai has not agreed with the sales tax ban, especially because we already have a sales tax ban on food and groceries items. Most of the rest are expensive and luxury items who should be taxed.

Except my record is not horrible.

You couldn't match my federal and regional legislating efforts even if you devoted the rest of your life to it.  First President to win re-election?  Won a Senate seat through a write-in campaign?  Successful party strategist and advocate for liberal causes?

But please, let us keep focusing on my record.  I am more than happy to campaign on it.  Perhaps you can campaign on yours, too.

That's not true. Poorer people need to be able to purchase household appliances, automobiles, call phones, PCs, and everything. Sales tax makes it that much harder, and also forces them to settle for lower quality products once they do come up with the extra percentage points.

oh by the way you have my vote.

A constitutional crisis occurred because of your inability to fulfill obligations to Atlasia. Not exactly A GOOD RECORD.

And yachts, expensive cars and 1,000? clothes should not be taxed.

We should reimburse the sales tax to the person if the person has a too low income, though.

Well this is the kind of debate I want to see on bills. New ideas about how we can help those in the Pacific who are less well off.

Are you disagreeing with the Supreme Court's acceptance of my lawsuit?

Do you disagree with the final conclusion they reached?


Thank you for your support. :)

Little did we know we could have avoided the lawsuit if we (as we eventually did) simply insert it as a constitutional amendment, through statute, in the final Article.

A fun time was had by all though.

No. I just think it's utterly pathetic that the entire situation had to take place. A respectable person like Brandon H would just step aside in the first place. Before Senate action, before constitutional crises, before court cases.

I was planning to step down anyway.  I remained as GM through the court case so that I would have the grounds to file the suit.

List of incompetent schmucks who took too long to step down:

Dennis Hastert
Donald Rumsfeld
Ebowed

hey why are you insulting others when you need to make a name for yourself??

Because Ebowed and Meeker have been running a smear campaign and I have decided that if they are going to attack me, I will remind voters of Ebowed's record. It's not very pretty.

We have merely pointed out the problems with some of your statements.

All things considered, the campaign you are running is very inflammatory.

Fixed.

look i know you think being rude is how you get a spot. but it really isn't. Quite frankly i would have given you my vote had you not been mean/rude at all.

I haven't been rude, merely honest. Ebowed and Meeker have been attacking me and smearing me but don't want to debate real issues like Ebowed's tenure as GM or PPT. Both positions were regarded as failures. I'm not spreading lies to try and win.

ok fair enough. lay out your plan for me to see.

I promote an agenda of fiscal fairness- reforming tax codes to benefit the working class, balancing the budget as to not waste our tax dollars on loan interest, and fair trade. I promote an agenda of environmental caution- resolving the dangerous bee crisis, preserving the Pacific’s beautiful natural landscapes, and strengthening recycling requirements. I promote an agenda of education reform- working on behalf of our students' best interests, including advocating for year-round schooling and more advanced course options and vocational training. I promote an agenda of good government- that our elected and appointed officials have a distinct responsibility to serve citizens and perform given duties at expectations. I have been a true voice for progress among Atlasians.

What you get from a Hamilton candidacy is a forward-thinking administration and common-sense solutions to the critical problems we face today.

Hamilton is a sad and desperate person who clearly doesn't think he's going to win this race. He also knows he has absolutely no record to run on and that his policy proposals are garbage.

As a result he resorts to the only possible plan that could work: Lying and smearing Ebowed and, on occasion, myself. He hopes the Pacific will be tricked by his nonsense, but I think they're smarter than that.

What will you do about the bee crisis?

At the end of the day, you are better off rising above the criticism and jabs and talking around it. The original likelihood of you winning this race was incredibly slim, but the campaign has all but removed whatever chance that was.

Ebowed has been doing this for too long. He knows what he is doing. Notice how his attacks are displayed as innocent and funny, while you have only been reactionary. His methods exactly match any other negative campaign and you feel into the trap of going overboard to combat the smears. Now would be a good time to cut your losses and finish the campaign with some dignity. After the election, remain active in the legislature, build a record and a name, gain some respect, and then you can try again. But finishing this race in a blaze of glory won't help you in any conceivable way.

Ban certain pesticides, provide additional funding for beekeepers, penalize heavily anyone caught destroying colonies, etc.

ok.
and education?

Charter schools, year-round schools, vocational training, more advanced course offerings, more electives and arts classes for cultured Atlasians, as well as more efficient funding mandates.

will there be music in schools as well?

Yes, included in what I refer to as "arts." Sorry I didn't specify.

Moderate heroism is so 2008.

stalker! :P

Yes.

As we all know, the Jesus Christ Party Convention is ongoing. On the ballot of particular note, is a request to change the name of the party. I personally like the name Jesus Christ Party. I think the light-hearted irony mixed with the strong history and hard work of bgwah leaves a legacy that might be undone should an official name change be brought about. I know there are many in both parties that agree with my position on this matter. For the people that happen to find the name silly- would you really be happier being referred to as the Liberal Left Party?

I would prefer another name, but where it gets difficult is the hundreds and hundreds of Wiki pages that some of us will have to update because of this. ;)

Haha it took long enough to update the RPP membership.

I'd like to sincerely congratulate Senator Purple State for earning this nomination. He has been incredibly active, made good use of reason, and most important of all, maintains an impartial attitude towards good governance in Atlasia, preferring to see a good game rather than a good party. I'd also like to note my appreciation of Brandon H's resignation. It takes strength and leadership to be able to admit one's shortcoming. Brandon H was well-qualified, but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I doubt any of us will hold it against him, for he did the right thing. Purple State, you have my full confidence for this position.

In the end the JCP is up in arms because bgwah wanted to stack the Midwest to take me down in October. Now he really can't fully do that with a bunch of new RPP members in the Pacific.

Read the Atlasia pages, you've had that seat for 4 years now?

Four months I believe.

I was Senator before from the Mideast for about a year and a half or so. My page just hasn't been updated in a long time. This seat I won in February so about 6 months, 8 in October.

Oh ok, that would have been extrodinarily long. Love the "Return of the Jedi" subsection heading. That was funny.

That theory is so ridiculous!

I've always recommended people register where they actually live, if they're Americans. As for foreigners, I've always told them to register in whatever state they want.

Up until now, strategic registration has been a RPP tactic and never a JCP one. Personally, I'm not terribly comfortable with the strategy... But perhaps that will change in the future?

He wanted to do it in June but didn't and probably still wants to in October. Heard it from a reliable source but I don't want to create sh**t so I'll just keep my mouth shut. If bgwah is telling the truth though he is at least hesitant about doing it. :P

In June? No I didn't. All I can remember saying in regards to the subject is that I wasn't sure if we can win anymore since the RPP did so many strategic registrations there.

I entered this race to pursue a noble cause- removing the inequities of one-party domination and bring change to the Pacific. When we started this campaign, I didn't believe that I would have a chance. Not because of my views, but because of my party. I think I can safely say that this belief is long gone out the window. You have proven to me that many Pacific citizens are ready to embrace a new voice in the region.

The election is what we have to look forward to. I am certain that together we can make a difference in this region. It's time we stand up and say no to those who want to tear down volunteering, to those who who make false charges.

Four months ago we had this:


Today we have this:


I appreciate the support I have received so far, and hope those still undecided will join me in bringing reform to the region.

Hamilton.

You must still believe that if you are shopping around for positions in the Department of Forum Affairs as a safety net!

Please don't assault my willingness to go out of my way to help a fellow Atlasian upon his request.

SPC is not only a member of your party but he's also insane. I really wouldn't cite his "analysis" as evidence.

Seeking two positions at the same time is generally not viewed very positively around here.

I wasn't seeking a position. I specifically stated temporarily, meaning, for this one instance in which you have came to me at the last minute in need of a favor.

As far as I'm aware he didn't so much specifically ask you for a favor as he did ask anyone to volunteer.

This would be mitigated somewhat if you hadn't gone on to bungle the absentee ballot which resulted in an illegal voting booth.

And as no one else was willing to, I volunteered. It's not like I woke up one day and decided "Hey I guess I'll open up a voting booth just for fun despite having no authority." There was clearly intercommunication and misunderstanding involved, and all other Atlasians are aware of how this specific event was brought on as well as the intentions behind it.

Yes, because you were not following the law.

I guess that makes two of us then, Mr. "I'm going to violate Senate rules and abuse my PPT position to hold up a confirmation hearing for partisan reasons."

The difference is, I was trying to open a booth that was legally required to be opened, and there was no one else to do it. You were aware of breaking law and specified in your posts that you did not care, having no regard for rules in place whatsoever.

See, you have already attacked me on this.  This is the whole reason I brought any of this up (well, that and being able to administer an election properly would be part of your job if you win).

A confirmation hearing stayed open for longer than it should have - meanwhile you posted an illegal voting booth when you hadn't even been confirmed properly to be the Deputy SoFA, a booth which is probably going to just sit there and confuse voters until a valid one shows up.  The incompetency here is shocking.

You keep bringing up questionable items from my several years of public service to Atlasia.  You attack me over these things relentlessly while not demonstrating their relevance to this campaign.  Then you claim that I have been attacking you unfairly.  You can't have it both ways.

"Scandal Mr. President, scandal"

....I do understand he isn't President

Good luck Hamilton, its tied!

Actually I'm leading 6 to 5. ;) ;) ;P

Oh, excellent.

Yes good luck. I hope you do well.

7-6, or is it 8-6? who did cutie15 vote for?

She voted for Ebowed.

Ah, so 7-6, anyway, good luck Hamilton!

Thing is I think the Hamilton RPPers are esentially tapped out, the JCP has many more votes to throw out there I think.

Are we in for a recount?  Stay tuned, folks! :P

I must withdrawl my endorsement of Hamilton for Lt. Governor.

I will and have voted for "None Of The Above" with a second place for Hamilton.

Looking over this election I've decided that neith Ebowed or Hamilton are the best choices for Lt. Governor of The Pacific. Perhaps if this campaign wasn't about smearing.

First of all this election doesn't really even matter that much, so why would you guys care about attacking eachother 24/7 when Lt. Governor does pretty much nothing. All I want from our next Lt. Gov is that they update our wiki pages.

So now I announce my support for None Of The Above in the election for Lt. Governor of The Pacific.

And don't you dare call me a zombie or robot or whatever, because I'm not going to be just some RPP member that votes for whoever I'm told to vote for.

You can preference anyone if you preference None of the Above.

I assume you mean "can't"?

I'm glad the Pacific could watch an exciting race for once! :) One party dominance gets so boring! :D

Yea I did.