Talk Elections

With the current volatility, the Imperial Dominion of the South needs a party to represent its interests.  The United Imperial Front aims to do this.  United as one we are, in the face of federal meddling.  The plank of the party beyond that penultimate goal, is up to its members.

You hear that?  Southern boys, to the bureau!  Get a'regist'rin'!

You should caucus with the Whigs

Why do you want to establish a one-party system in your region for the sake of having a one-party system?

It isn't my region.  The IDS has a long, storied tradition, with a unique identity and values.  None of the "ideological" (in quotes because only one of the recently founded parties seems to have a coherent ideology) parties, which are crafted to be maximally competitive nationally, can ever truly represent this region.

I'm sure the Whigs/Communitarians can represent the South's interests well. You'd be a great fit for us!

But I'm sure the Individual Freedom Party could also represent the Southern base...the Emperor of the IDS is a member of the IFP...;)

Your logo looks like a gathering of communist immigrants. My idea would be to form an alliance with your group, so as you have autonomy in regional and senate matters, but have a good hand in Presidential elections with the advantage of being allied with a national party who would, in turn, owe the south.

Communist immigrants?  What makes you think that?

I'm tired of all this fusion nonsense. The only person a good Southerner can trust is another good Southerner! It is the duty of the IDS to be completely self-sufficient from the interest of partisan politics, and thus the only choice for the Imperial people!

Heh, our logo looks like a gathering of hippy happy communist immigrants! As the CPA is composed of the regional branches, the Southern Communitarian Party would be totally be able to serve the interests of the south.

I'm not opposed to regional parties, but we must build a strong Whig-UIF alliance.

Absolutely

Welcome Jbrase to the UIF!  We are one member away from official party status!  Come on southerners, you know you want in.  All of the other parties are boring national parties, intent on "winning the game" like countries tend to blob across the map...

...yeah, if you don't play Paradox games, you probably don't get the reference.  No matter!  Join the Imperial Front, break the monotony!

Will you annex non-contiguous provinces? Because that'll make you an HP.

Lolno.  We're a regional party.  Our borders will be, by far, the cleanest.  I imagine you folk up north will be a balkanized mess. :P

I propose the name become The Imperial Bloc

A possible motto for the party:

Südland über alles!

:P

I'd love if this party only allowed southern members, that'd be so kickass.

Better yet if you pulled a german CDU/CSU and formed an alliance with a party that allowed no southern members.

Jbrase and I would be thrilled to receive an endorsement for the upcoming presidential elections from the UIF! If you have any questions about our views, please ask.

I would be thrilled to receive an endorsement from all of my fellow UIF'ers for the IDS Legislature. :)

Also, I propose that we each create a personal list of  issues, rank them by importance, from:

"A"-very important
"B" somewhat important
"C"- not important

With the rule being, a maximum of 4 issues can be "very important", and a minimum of 2 are "not important"

This is just me brainstorming some ideas for how to go about writing our platform, feel free to respond/critique this. :)

I propose it become the Imperial Southern Alliance.

Well first I suppose we should elect an interim chairman for the party to lead us through the early stuff. I nominate Yelnoc.

Because there are no by-laws yet to say otherwise, I also say that Yelnoc has 5 minutes from this being posted to decline before I open a vote on him being the chairman. ;D

Good ideas, PR (and yes, of course we would endorse a fellow party member).

Jbrase, if you insist. :P  It probably would be a good idea for me to "run the show" until we have working by-laws in place, just to prevent confusion.

5 minutes have passed. As former Emperor, thus ranking member :P I hereby open the following vote:

Interim Chairman:
[ ] Yelnoc
[ ] write-in:




You must be a member to vote, and voting ends when I feel like it. 8)

Hold up now.  With the names, lets agree to take "the" out of the official version of whichever we choose.  And does anybody have any other suggestions for neustro nombre?

I would love to see the UIF as a caucus of the CPA. :D

Go Dixie!

This, but with a CDU/CSU arrangement would make me fall in love with you guys.

The CPA would only have members in the 4 non-south regions, and the UIF would only have members in the south, but the two parties would sit together whenever elected to the Senate, etc, and hold joint conventions for picking the President, etc, and endorsements, etc.

That would sound like great fun, indeed. I would certainly approve of such an arrangement, but generally I am open to anything - from a coalition of the shape Teddy outlined to a very loose and informal cooperation.

I'd prefer we not be a caucus, and rather maintain a loose alliance, so as to ensure that Southern Interests are at the forefrunt of our members minds when making decisions. Teddy also has a point, but the whole sharing conventions thing...meh.

Yelnoc for Chair!

Thank you Taft.

And this Grand Imperial Party will not become subservient to any national party if I have anything to say about it.  If our interests and that of another party are convergent, we will work together.  That doesn't mean we will give up a lick of our liberty, our ability to make our own decisions, to one of the outside parties, whose goals are solely to "win the game."

Alright, that sounds unanimous enough.  Next, I want us decide on the name.  I chose the "United Imperial Front" because I wanted to create a party that could unify the south, a party that could serve as a front for our interests on the national stage.  I also didn't want to use the word "party" in the name.  I know it might sound a bit odd though, so I am open to suggestion for a name change.  Jbrase already mentioned "Imperial Bloc" as an alternate; any other ideas?

Imperial Southern Alliance

Southern Pride Affiliation

Just dont' glitter bomb me

We're here, we hunt deer, get used to it.

Count me in boys, and pass the sweet tea!

:D

^^^^ this please :)

YEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAWWWW!!

We now have a vacancy since Clarence just resigned.

Another thing, guys. I am already a Whig. Can I be a member of both?

Any other name suggestions?  I myself am warming to Imperial Bloc.

No, this is a political party.  We would love to have you, though.

Dern! Could I at least be an ally on the local level?

Sure, you can even make your regional affiliation the same (this does not effect national registration) assuming you reside in the south.  Though, as I said, we would much prefer having you as a member.

I'm running for the IDS legislature as a Whig. Since our goals are identical, could I recieve this party's endorsement? I would caucus with UIF.

What's your guys' platform?

I would be fine with that, what say the rest of ye?

To promote southern interests at a national level.

Should we try and define that a bit more?

Yes, that's on the agenda, just after we settle on a name.  I know Jbrase and myself both support the "Imperial Bloc," what about you, Miles, tb, and Progressive Realist?

Yeah, it sounds good.

I'll give it another couple hours and then we'll say the name change is official by acclamation.  Now, I know we've discussed defining a platform, but I don't want to create a rigid ideology.  I feel a better exercise would be discussing Southern/Imperial values and incorporating them into a platform.

Also on the list, bylaws will need to be drafted just to assure everything runs smoothly, and we will want to make endorsements before the elections.

Bylaws.

There shall be one chair voted on by each convention.
A convention shall be held selecting a chairman and giving endorsements a week before each election.

Southern Interests:
Offshore Oil Drilling?
Lowering taxation upon cattle herding?
An end to the AAA! (Don't think it exists...)

Guys,

I have been appointed to the IDS Legislature. I would like to partner with the UIF to sponsor fusion legislation.

I will inform Homely of our name change.  I just realized that now we need a new logo.  Anybody got any ideas?


Sounds interesting; introduce it in the legislative introduction thread and we will see.

We should probably make it two weeks before each Federal Election, just to give ourselves enough time.  Actually, why not two weeks before each regional election?  Stick to our guns and all that.  As to the interests, I think only one is relevant, though I think it can be expanded to a broader energy plank.  I'll try to think of more ideas.

()

I'll take it.

What should our color be?

I told Homely to keep the Green; unless there are any objections let's just stick with it.  Below is a starting draft of Imperial Bloc Bylaws.  I'm a lazy son of a gun, so these need some flesh to their bones.

That seems a bit often to hold conventions.

That is true.  But I thought it would make more sense to schedule for regional, rather than federal elections.  Perhaps it should be held two weeks before the Emperor's election?

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, North Carolina Yankee!

Now, any other ideas with el bylaws?

Inspired by the JCP's old by-laws which I think were pretty good

Article I: Party officials and members

Section 1: Party Officials
A. Chairman of the Imperial Bloc shall be leader of the party and shall open and chair all party conventions unless this task is delegated by the Chairman to another party member.

B. Vice Chairman of the Imperial Bloc shall be deputy leader of the party. Vice Chairman shall assume the role of Acting Chairman in the absence of the Chairman. Vice Chairman is responsible for maintaining communication withing the party, maintaining a list of party members, and assisting the Chairman when needed.

Section 2: More Officials Related Stuff
A. All party officials shall be elected by members of the party during party conventions.

B. To be elected as a party official their must be at least one nomination made and have it seconded, followed by a vote by party members.

C. Votes for party officials shall last 24 hours and use first past the post becuase anything else is communist of the Kim Jung Il variety.

D. Party officials may be recalled if 1/4 of party members sign a petition for recall of that official(s) which shall immediately be followed by a special recall election lasting 36 hours and using first past the post for voting.

E. The term of each party official shall begin 24 hours following the end of the vote and shall end whenever the official resigns, retires, or is recalled.

F. If a party official leaves the party, or is absent from Atlasia for more than 30 days they shall be considered to have resigned their office and the Chairman shall appoint a replacement until the party's next convention where a vote for a replacement shall be held. If the resigned official is the Party Chairman, then the Vice-Chair will replace them.

Section 3:Party Members
A. In order to vote in party matters a member must have been registered in the party for at least 48 hours.

B. Members shall be removed from the party if 1/4 of the party members sign a petition and a vote is in which 2/3 of the party vote in favor of removal.

Article II: Party Activities

Section 1: Conventions
A. Each proper convention will take place in the months of February, April, June, August, October and December. These conventions will take place two weeks before the federal general election, and will end on the day of that month's federal general election.

B. Any discussion on Party Bylaws and amendments to them shall take place during a convention.

C. Emergency Conventions can be held at the Chairman's discretion.

D. All recall elections shall be held during emergency conventions.

Section 2: Dissolution
A. If 1/4 of party members sign a petition for the dissolution of the party the party Chairman shall immediately open a vote on dissolution.

B. Dissolution votes shall last one week and shall use the first past the post voting system.

C. In order for the vote to be binding 2/3 of the party must participate in the vote.

Article III: Atlasian Elections

Section 1: General Elections
A. In the event of multiple party members declaring their candidacy for an office that does not elect multiple people, there shall be a primary election. The voting method in the primaries shall be first past the post. The winner shall receive the automatic endorsement of the party for that office.

B. The Party Chairman shall then notify the SoFE that the winner of the primary shall appear as the official Imperial Bloc candidate and that if the others refuse to drop out after the primary they shall be considered as "Independent" on the ballot.

Section 2: Cross Endorsements
A. Members of other parties who wish to be endorsed must make a request in the party convention thread.

B. Should there be no Imperial Bloc candidate running, the endorsed candidate(s) shall appear under the Imperial Bloc ballot line.

C. The Party Chairman shall inform the SoFE which candidates of other parties shall appear under the Imperial Bloc ballot line.

What do you guys think of the above for our by-laws?

Oh, right.  Looks fine to me.  If we run into any problems later, we can always just amend them.

It's all good, till you get into the second half of Article II, of course. :P

Lol, thanks for pointing that out.  How 'bout he let this languish for another 24 hours and then consider it adopted?

Damn ive been lagging! The bylaws look good though.

We've gots ourselves mention in the intro thread, we must be a big deal now! :P

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=133273.msg2843158#msg2843158

Awesome!

And by-laws have been adopted, sans Article 2, Section 2.

I think we should endorse Clarence because we should endorse Clarence.

Lets follow the By-Laws :P

I say the bylaws should be amended to read "any citizen of the IDS seeking a federal office shall be automatically endorsed by the Imperial Bloc, unless explicitly stated otherwise."  What do you guys think?

What if there is more then one for single office?

I disagree, unless they are within the party, no one should get an auto-endorsement. Someone who is hackishly anti-regional rights could end up with our endorsement simply for living in the south.

My hope was that we would be aware enough to de-endorse them.  And that's a good point, Yankee.  Let's at least amend the bylaws to not require the candidate to ask for our endorsement.  It's a nice courtesy, but I dislike hamstringing organizations in red tape.

Xahar, Hashemite and Kalwejt have at various points resided in the IDS and would be auto-endorsed if they ran. By auto-endorsing we create situaiton where if any delay or problem happens and time runs out, they can't be dis-endorsed. As a former party chairman, what is supposed to be seemless, efficient and easy can often get messed up and missed entirely simiply because a few hours weren't accounted for. I am not saying wouldn't endorse them regardless of the race or the circumstances, I am just saying that we shouldn't auto-endorse anyone.

@ Yelnoc
I am confused, are you referring to same thing or about a new proposal that puts all declare candidates on the endorsement ballot?

If it is "auto-ballot access", I don't have a problem, provided they can request they not be considered and provided a window to express such like 24 hours or something.

Yes, we are on the same page.

I'm joining this party.

Welcome to the Imperial Bloc!

And I'll take the radio silence as agreement.  Article III, Section 2, Part A has been amended to read "The Imperial Bloc may choose by majority vote to cross-endorse candidates from other parties running for federal offices, assuming no Imperial Bloc candidate is already in the race."

While not a member of the party, the south has had a victory tonight in the Senate race in Clarence winning. :)

Congratulations Clarence!

Thank you very much Jbrase and Yelnoc- I will be proud to work with the Imperial Bloc

Just so everyone is aware, the Imperial Bloc is still active.  We're just waiting our moment to pounce.

And still accepting all southerners.  I can think of a few people that really should join ;) ;)

Everybody give a warm welcome to...

*drum roll*

The Emperor!

Im am interested in joining the bloc with the PLP's failure.

Awesome, just register (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=34355.7365) and you're in!

     I am pleased to be here. Despite the speed bump of recent inactivity, make no mistake: the South is here & it will not be ignored.

So what do you guys think about coalition agreement?

Al-Ba'ath Party (Atlasian Section) is principaly in favor of advancement of the Imperial interests.

While we support friendly collaboration with other parties, I don't know that any coalition agreement would bring tangible results, at least not at this time.



Excellent.

After long talks with our comrades we decided that the eintire Al-Ba'ath Party (Atlasian Section) is going to join our comrades within the Imperial Bloc!

Comrade Mechaman has answered the call to service in the arms of the Imperial Bloc.  A Bloc dedicated to advocating the fullest ideals of the revolutionary South and it's contributions to the Atlasian society.  I humbly believe that at this time I've been called by a higher power to join Comrade Yelnoc, Comrade Kalwejt, and all of my other friends in this glorious party to bring forwards a better future for the Greatest Southland.

Alright, what about Non-Competition Agreement?

Heh, let's talk when we can find some competition in the south.  All we're doing now is scrambling to fill vacancies :P

Oh hey, we've got a mega-election weekend coming up.  The at-large senate elections begin this Friday, I believe, and we also have regional elections this weekend.  Emperor PiT is up for reelection, as are our two Class B legislators, Taft4Prez and ChairmanSanchez.  They are all party mates who, in my opinion, have done a very good job in their offices and should be reelected.

As to the At-Large election, I'll let you all know upfront I plan on preferencing TJ and Clarence 1 and 2, as they are both buds of mine.  This is kind of short notice, so I don't know that we have time to do a formal endorsement process, but any candidate for the AL-Senate seats that want the Imperial Bloc endorsement, post here to ask for it and we will consider it.

Thank you Yelnoc- I am honored by your support

As a Southerner I ask for the Imperial Bloc endorsement... I spent time in the Legislature and was active there and have been an active Senator. I have put forward and debated many pieces of legislation in my short term and of course will always stand up for the South

Let me know if anyone has any questions...Iwould be grateful to have your endorsement

A belated congratulations on your victory, Senator Clarence.

Also a belated welcome to our newest member; sjoycefla! 

Thanks for the welcome! I'm glad to be here and hope I can contribute to a successful party.

As Chairman of the Whig Party, I invite ALL Bloc Members to our next National Convention!
You will be allowed to deliver speeches!
P.S. BYOB.

...hello?

    Bonjour, monsieur.

Ahlan was sahlan, ya sadiqi! Keifa haluka?

Nǐ Hǎo.

Yes, yes, gracias por el bump.  I suppose me might as well start this discussion.

The chairman is running with Clarence.  Kal is running with Napoleon.  Any comments from the members?

How many of our members voted on the Constitutional Amendment?

I'd propose the bloc recommend preferencing Clarence/Yelnoc first and Napoleon/Kalwejt second. Reason is that both include IB members, but the former includes the chairman of the IB as the VP, and also includes a member of the IDS as the presidential candidate; logically, the Bloc would thus preference in that manner.

I'd also recommend preferencing 20RP12/WinDis first, but that's just me.

Four bloc members voted on the amendment: NC Yankee, Yelnoc, Kalwejt, and myself.

I figured this party would stay neutral in federal races...if an endorsement is to be made, my ticket would prefer that endorsement be held until our campaign reaches the IDS.

What does that even mean?

And I'm not calling for an endorsement, necessarily, I just want to stir up some activity.  I don't want to be the chairman of a zombie party.

Kalwejt and I will be campaigning in the South. I will be in the IDS in early June, and will have some joint appearances with Kal and SJoyce.

Oh, that sort of thing.  Ok...

Odd that you were all in favor of the Labor party jumping the gun and endorsing but to each his own!

When the time comes- Mr. Chairman- I'd love the chance to address the Bloc...I'm sure that will be closer to the election

The Labor Party does not have its own Presidential ticket and is not a regional party- I will be speaking on issues of particular relevance to this region and party that is represented on my ticket when my campaign arrived in the IDS. There will be bits and pieces along the way as well. I don't think the differences are too unclear.

Well- Yelnoc and I will be speaking on issues particularly relevant to labor and our positions on gay rights and drugs may have been of interest to some left wing voters but you didn't see me calling a timeout when you were pushing Labor to endorse...

I'd like to add for the record that the Oakvale/Cincinnatus campaign is staunchly pro-regional rights, given my record as a Governor and Cincinnatus' long history in regional politics, and we will be delivering some remarks elaborating on that position in the coming weeks, although obviously I think you've already got your endorsements wrapped up. ;)

Eh, I was assuming it'd either stay neutral or just endorse Bloc/regional members.

Guys, important thing is that it's almost certain that a member of the Imperial Bloc will be the next Vice President ;D Yelnoc or me, it's good for the South.

Even better for the South would be the victory of an all-Southern ticket with a Southern President and a Southern Vice President. ;)

That is debatable. Fortunately, it will be debated thoroughly. I am hoping that I will perform better than the typical Liberal candidate would in the South.

Ah, I remember all-Midwestern ticket of Fritz and myself... those were days.

(I'm still with Nappy)

     I do not think it would be untoward for the Southern party to seek to advance its interests on the national stage. I believe that we should vote on the matter, but the hour is too early. A proper time will avail itself as the election draws anon.

To Arms!

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=153801.msg3301922#msg3301922

The regions are under siege once again!

Since I just read the bylaws and this was just bumped... I think we need to elect a Vice Chair, don't we?

Your right!  That completely slipped by me.

I'll give party members a day or two to declare their candidacy.

I'll throw my hat in the ring

I probably have some sort of obligation to run because I brought it up.

I'd be comfortable with that.  You are one of our founding members after all. :)

Not necessarily; you have a lot on your plate. ;)

Bump. Sorry, woulda have done sooner but in Northern Nevada in the heart of Casino country, hotels that come with free internet are not as common as I'd like :P

You would expect them all to have internet, wouldn't you?

I guess we should hold a vote then.

Vice Chair
Jbrase [  ]
SJoyceFla [  ]

Let's say...48 hours.

Vice Chair
Jbrase [X]
SJoyceFla [  ]

I like both of them, but I have worked with Jbrase in the IDS Legislature.

The hotels probably make you pay for the Internet

[2] Jbrase
[1] SJoyceFla

In Salt Lake City now, the internet situation is 100% better than Casino Country, Nevada lol

[1] Jbrase
[2] SJoyceFla

Damn, I am an hour too late.

I probably would have voted for Jbrase, but I wasn't sure hence why I didn't vote when it was opened.

Congratulations to Vice Chair Jbrase!
Should we begin determining a convention location and date(s)?

Gracias señor SJoyceFla.

As for the convention location, I suggest colonial Williamsburg Virginia. :p

Convention Location Selector:

[ ] Nashville, TN
[ ] Memphis, TN
[ ] Charlotte, NC
[ ] Houston, TX
[ ] San Antonio, TX
[ ] Atlanta, GA
[ ] Dallas, TX
[ ] Miami, FL
[ ] Virginia Beach, VA
[ ] Austin, TX
[ ] Tampa, FL
[ ] Jacksonville, FL
[ ] Write-in:

We'd probably want to vote on it (like this).

     We should probably get this thing going.

Probably. I suggest Tampa, Florida.

These being the only place nominated, I shall open this vote in Yelnocs place

[ ] Nashville, TN
[ ] Memphis, TN
[ ] Charlotte, NC
[ ] Houston, TX
[ ] San Antonio, TX
[ ] Atlanta, GA
[ ] Dallas, TX
[ ] Miami, FL
[ ] Colonial Williamsburg VA
[ ] Virginia Beach, VA
[ ] Austin, TX
[ ] Tampa, FL
[ ] Jacksonville, FL
[ ] Write-in:

Have at it

[ ] Nashville, TN
[ ] Memphis, TN
[ ] Charlotte, NC
[ ] Houston, TX
[ ] San Antonio, TX
[ ] Atlanta, GA
[ ] Dallas, TX
[ ] Miami, FL
[ ] Colonial Williamsburg VA
[ ] Virginia Beach, VA
[ ] Austin, TX
[X] Tampa, FL
[ ] Jacksonville, FL
[ ] Write-in:

Tampa Bay is experienced and hospitable, has the venues and support, and is a key political community, comparable to Atlasia as a whole in age, education, diversity, martial status, and income, with the state's largest media market, a large block of independent voters, and a balanced mix of political geography. Surrounding a Tampa Bay convention area is first-class hotels, world-famous attractions, and local residents who are consistently recognized as extraordinary ambassadors of hospitality. With over 30 million visitors a year, Tampa Bay welcomes the world every day, and we look forward to making the 2012 Imperial Bloc Convention feel at home.

There is nothing conventional about Tampa Bay’s convention and meeting facilities. Nor is there anything conventional about the area’s ability to so impressively assemble everything needed - and more - for the Imperial Bloc Convention within a single, central location. This includes the main convention area, media work space, staff office space, and unique facilities to accommodate special events. When it comes to addressing the two major convention venues, it all comes down to location, size and technical capabilities. The Tampa Bay Times Forum, the main convention area, overlooks the nearby Tampa Convention Center, one of two proposed sites of the media work space. Towering between these two buildings, the 717-room Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina looks as if it were custom-made to be the headquarters hotel. Within an easy walk from this convention complex are the recommended locations for the office staff facilities, additional accommodations, plentiful parking, and flexible staging areas for transportation systems.

The Tampa Bay area’s more than 40,000 hospitable hotel rooms and greatly exceeds the room requirements of the Imperial Bloc Convention. 70% of the room block is within 20 minutes of the Tampa Bay Times Forum and stands ready to respond positively to any additional housing needs. Grand historic resorts (such as the Don CeSar Beach Resort and the Renaissance Vinoy Resort), high rise luxury hotels with contemporary designs and modern conveniences (such as the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina), cozy bed and breakfasts that cater to travelers by creating the comforts of home and much more beckon travelers fortunate enough to stay within the Tampa Bay area.

From the skyways to the highways, all major roads, railways, waterways and flight routes lead to Tampa Bay. The area’s abundant network of publicly and privately operated transportation systems already in place, coupled with those under construction, keep traffic flowing smoothly throughout the entire area. Spacious, prevalent parking facilities put attendees just steps away from the main convention area and other key locations, contributing to the overall accessibility and convenience of travel throughout Tampa Bay. As the cradle of commercial aviation, it is only natural that Tampa Bay boasts one of the most popular and admired airports in the world, Tampa International Airport (TPA). Today, the Tampa Bay area is served by two stellar international airports, Tampa International and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International, as well as eight regional airports located within a 50-mile radius of each other. MacDill Air Force Base, home of U.S. Central Command, provides another possible flight service option for government dignitaries.

If there is one thing a Tampa Bay convention wouldn't be, it's boring. The multiple entertainment options, from art museums such as the Tampa Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the newly refurbished Salvador Dali Museum, to natural destinations such as Honeymood/Caladesi Island State Parks, Anclote Key Preserve, Egmont Key, the Skyway Fishing Pier, Sunken Gardens, the Tampa Aquarium, the Lowry Park Zoo, and Dinosaur World, to sporting venues such as Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays), and the Tampa Bay Times Forum (Tampa Bay Lightning), to theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, to shopping destinations such as BayWalk, the Channel District, Tampa Riverwalk, WestShore Plaza, and Ybor City, all assure that no visitor to Tampa Bay will ever be bored during their stay.

Dining is one thing Tampa Bay is world-famous for, and convention guests will not be disappointed. Restaurants, such as Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, The Brass Mug, Bern's Steak House, the Refinery, Colonnade, First Watch, the original Beef O'Brady's, the first Hooters, Ker's WingHouse, Crabby Bill's, the Hurricane, El Cap, the Chattaway, Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, Fred Fleming's Champions Barbeque, Red Mesa, the 4th Street Shrimp Store, and the Dairy Inn, are varied, plentiful, and delicious.

Our objective is to keep everyone safe in Tampa Bay. We will be successful because it is our business to protect visitors; we do it day in and day out for tens of millions of tourists each year. Attendees of the Convention will be safe because it is vitally and equally important to preserve an environment where delegates can concentrate on the Convention and the future of the Imperial Bloc. We will achieve this goal by calling upon the expertise of federal, state, local and military resources active within the Tampa Bay region.

Our track record proves this can be done. Tampa Bay safeguarded 4 NFL Super Bowls, NHL playoff and Stanley Cup games, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games, NHL All-Star Weekend, and annual Gasparilla Events. Each event was successfully planned and conducted without incident, an unparalleled testament to the effectiveness and professionalism of our law enforcement officers. Fans at sporting events felt the passion of competition and expressed the thrill of celebration while officers and security guards maintained a high profile presence but stayed out of the spotlight. Dignitaries and guests at all these events enjoyed the safety and security the Tampa Bay area offers while enjoying all of the amenities. Bank on this promise: Our security plan will be well orchestrated to safeguard the lives, property and peace of mind for all who arrive for the 2012 Imperial Bloc Convention.

     What's the voting system? FPTP? IRV? Approval voting?

FPTP

Tampa Bay

     Blank ballot.

[ ] Nashville, TN
[ ] Memphis, TN
[ ] Charlotte, NC
[ ] Houston, TX
[ ] San Antonio, TX
[ ] Atlanta, GA
[ ] Dallas, TX
[ ] Miami, FL
[X] Colonial Williamsburg VA
[ ] Virginia Beach, VA
[ ] Austin, TX
[ ] Tampa, FL
[ ] Jacksonville, FL
[ ] Write-in:

Right, sorry 'bout that.  I'll be leaving again this Saturday and won't be back for a week and a half or so.  But since I'll be in Florida part of the time, there really is no other choice than...

[ ] Nashville, TN
[ ] Memphis, TN
[ ] Charlotte, NC
[ ] Houston, TX
[ ] San Antonio, TX
[ ] Atlanta, GA
[ ] Dallas, TX
[ ] Miami, FL
[] Colonial Williamsburg VA
[ ] Virginia Beach, VA
[ ] Austin, TX
[X] Tampa, FL
[ ] Jacksonville, FL
[ ] Write-in:

Let's not get too hung up on where it is though.  Tomorrow the vote will close and we can move onto important business.

Welcome one, welcome all to Tampa Bay!  Now on to other business...

You know what, I'll just post this before The Atlas crashes again.

*EDIT LATER*

So our agenda is basically signing in, speech-giving, endorsements, and platform-making? Anything else we need to get done?

I think we should move things to a separate convention thread

Ok.

     Since everyone else is doing it, maybe we should discuss the Tweed suit as well. :P

Is it of any concern to the IDS?

Also, I'd greatly appreciate y'all's endorsement.

     Well if the federal government were to fall, the IDS would stand ready to reap the benefits of its demise.

But the federal government won't fall if Tweed succeeds. All that happens is either Napoleon or Tweed gets the Presidency. It's Bush v. Gore-level stuff, not downfall of Atlasia-type.

This case can not be compared to Bush v. Gore, are you serious? That case had legitimate electoral law questions in an election wherethe results could not be completely decided otherwise. Tweed clearly lost this election and has not raised any constitutional or legal provisions that support his case.

I said it's Bush v. Gore level; it has to do with who won an election, not whether or not the federal government continues to exist.

     Though if Tweed won his suit, the federal government would be completely delegitimized, as the Supreme Court would establish its prerogative to annoint its chosen candidate (as it happens, the most left-wing candidate) winner.

Only the Court would be delegitmized.

     The government installed by the Court would be dandy, I assume? :P

The Court has no power to "install" a Government; they will not be allowed to usurp this power from the people.

Tweed's more akin to a far-right candidate than the most left-wing, I think.

I would like to invite your chair to join the Tripartite Commission.

     Even so, if Tweed were to win, I think getting him out would technically still require a coup d'etat, or at least an impeachment.

I hereby resign as chairman of this party.  Though it's been fun, it's time for me to move on from Atlasia.  Vice Chairman Jbrase will serve as acting Chair until the next convention.

It is a sad development to see our fearless leader abdicate his position. Today we lose a great chairman and a great speaker of the Imperial House of Representatives. But I shall tell you what have not lost. We have not lost our drive to improve the South. we have not lost our desire to see the Imperial Dominion of the South continue to live up to its potential to be the greatest of all the regions. We have not lost the fire inside that makes us fight onward.

As always seems to be the case when I am placed in a position of leadership I cannot help but feel that this chairmanship should be in more capable hands, a better leader. But so long as I am in command I promise to strive to move this party forward, to move the South forward, and in doing so all of Atlasia. As is my role to guide the party it is the role of all of you to make it to the voting booths, to re-frame the debates, to fill the legislatures, and to make the Bloc an example to all of what a truly great party is. I will my part, and I have faith you shall all do yours.

------

My first act as Chairman of the Imperial Bloc shall be to appoint a second in command.

I appoint SJoyceFla as the new Vice Chairman.

Thank you all and Nym bless.

Congratulations to both Chairman and Vice Chairman :)

I accept the appointment.

Thanks for the new job!

Best of luck to you in the future, Yelnoc. I wish I could have had the chance to work with you a bit more. You've got a distinguished career and should be very proud--an all-around awesome role model.

Thanks, Hagrid! 

Good luck to the new Chair and Vice Chair.  I cannot in good conscious stay on the roles as a zombie voter, but don't let the membership drop discourage you.  Keep fighting the good fight and who knows; maybe next year when my life is a bit more settled, I might return.

If it's not too early, I'd like to motion that we endorse "Anybody but Seatown" in the August Senate elections (we can endorse more specifically once the candidates are set, of course). My case is below:

 
He referred to us as the Devil. I doubt he works for our interests or shall anytime in the near future.

Hold up guys. He was referring to the American South, not the Atlasian South. And even then he was reffering the the slavery days, so lets not hold this against him. Although We should advise him to watch what he says when referring to our glorious region.

Your fearless leader has spoken.

I just saw it while flicking through the NE's capital thread, so context may not be perfect :P Your Vice-Chair, SJoyceFla the not-quite-as-fearless-a-leader-as-Jbrase-but-still-quite-a-fearless-leader, has spoken and concurs with the Chair.

So shall we endorse anyone for the At-Large Senate elections? We've got 4 Southerners on the ballot AFAIK (Hashemite, Xahar, Clarence, and Hagrid).

     Is Xahar still a Southerner? I thought he left the region.

He's registered in Florida (3/4 of the Southern Senate candidates are).

     Florida is a popular state, evidently.

Who wouldn't want to go to Florida? We have sunshine, beaches, palm trees, large anthropomorphic mice, and more likely than not your grandparents.

I believe South Carolina has more per capita Golden Corrals, which partly explains my registration decision. :P

I am about to be busy with school and related stuff pretty soon, so I would like to resign my position. SJoyve is now Fuhrer of the IB.

I'll still be here though :)

I'm pretty sure I am a member of this party. I am so inactive in Atlasia that I don't really know :P

And lots and lots of Jews!

I've ordered the architects to fill in 'Vice-" on my statue.

Fuhrer? Really?

     Fuhrer just means "leader". Blame Hitler for dirtying the word up.

Oh yeah, Bacon King too. Wanna just endorse the 5 Southerners?

     Some Southerners are better aligned with the values of the party than others. I think a vote of some sort would be appropriate.

Right then, a vote's in order on the candidates to receive the formal endorsement of the Imperial Bloc for At-Large Senate:

Official Imperial Bloc At-Large Senate Endorsement Ballot

Hashemite (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Xahar (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Clarence (Whig-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Bacon King (Liberal-Georgia)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

HagridoftheDeep (Whig-South Carolina)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

SJoyceFla (Imperial Bloc-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Write-In:

Hashemite (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[X] Abstain

Xahar (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[X] Abstain

Clarence (Whig-Florida)
[X] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Bacon King (Liberal-Georgia)
[X] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

HagridoftheDeep (Whig-South Carolina)
[X] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

SJoyceFla (Imperial Bloc-Florida)
[X] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Write-In:

Hashemite: Nay
Xahar: Abstain
Clarence: Aye
Bacon King: Abstain
HagridoftheDeep: Aye
SJoyceFla: Aye

Official Imperial Bloc At-Large Senate Endorsement Ballot

Hashemite (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ X ] Abstain

Xahar (Национа́льное движе́ние «Алия́ Муста́фина»-Florida)
[ ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ X ] Abstain

Clarence (Whig-Florida)
[ X ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Bacon King (Liberal-Georgia)
[ X ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

HagridoftheDeep (Whig-South Carolina)
[ X ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

SJoyceFla (Imperial Bloc-Florida)
[X ] Aye
[ ] Nay
[ ] Abstain

Write-In: Franzl
Write-In: Andrew
Write-In: Marokai - even if some of what says doesn't make sense. :P

ZuWo, Pingvin, Jbrase, PiT, and I worked this arraignment out.

Hey y'all, me and Tmth were considering another alliance between the IB and MCPR, which is even better than the Whig one; it'd be between two parties that don't compete with each other and for both the goal is the betterment of their region.

Maybe triple alliance?

     IB and MCPR always seemed to me like a natural choice for an alliance, since we both have the same goal (regional advancement), but with different bases (IDS and Mideast respectively). We could even promote the creation of similar parties in the remaining regions.

How about this: IB and MCRP work on regional level while Whigs push your interests and helping your candidates to get into federal offices.

The Whigs as a federal and other-regions party and the IB and MCPR to their own regions? I could see that.

The Whigs are mostly present in the Mideast and Southeast.

Are we trying to reform the RPP with a different name and new leadership? Because no one will be as steadfast, handsome and capable as Yankee and myself to run a party.

The rebirth of the RPP would be sweet

Actually, since whatever we come up with would probably include some sort of confederation of regional parties and not a national "party", per se, it'd kinda out-RPP the RPP :P

The RPP started as a regional party in the South and slowly spread to the mideast. It wasn't really until after the death of the Democratic Alliance did we really become a large nation party.

Hmmm even sweeter. I'd be in with a good platform

     The RPP was fairly strong in the Northeast from the beginning, but the Northeast was so inactive back then that it wasn't difficult to manage.

Yea, therei s bit of revisionism by Duke there. The RPP was in first place in membership for a short time in early 2009 before the JCP-SDP merger occured.

Well, I'd certainly be open to working with the Imperial Bloc, as I think we have a very similar message. I haven't given too much thought to working with the Whigs - I've never been approached about it, most likely because one of there prominent members doesn't like the fact that I break party/ideological lines occasionally and don't just vote based on ideology, but also on activity and ability to reform.

Personally, I'd love bringing the good ole' RPP back. ;) That was one big mistake.

The Hamilton Era always trips me up. We took over the NE after he recruited a bunch of socks/trolls that eventually became the Populare/ARC party. Before that, we had Smid, who everyone loves, so that gave us good control up there.

Anyway, I shouldn't butt in because I'm not a member of any of these parties so I don't have a say in this matter. I had to bring up the RPP because I miss it so much :P

     We never got much in the NE from the Voldemort club. But we were fairly competitive before then. I remember RowanBrandon running for Governor and losing 6-4, despite his opponent being far better established and the candidate of the regional establishment.

I do not mind agreements and alliances between parties, but I do not want to see everything go back to RPP vs JCP again. We have a much more interesting mix of parties now and I'd prefere to stay that way.

I agree with JBrase when he says this. The RPP can only be reformed by its handsome and steadfast leaders with the blessing of The People. Until they decide to move, the current landscape will remain.

Vote time.

---

Nay.

NAY

I respectfully ask for the endorsement of the Imperial Bloc for my candidacy in the September Assembly election. While we don't agree on every issues, we all can agree that it is important for members of all parties to work across the aisle, to try to find common ground to solve the issues we currently face, bring forth fresh new ideas to the table and be constantly active in trying to move the Mideast and Atalsia in a better direction. I will be able to provide all of those qualities if elected to the Mideast Assembly. Any questions about my positions or any topic of interest, just ask! Thank you! 

How long is this vote?

     While we do have a registered member in the Mideast, I don't think that we have any real operations outside of the IDS. It's still nice to have people wanting our endorsement, though. :)

Gas3268, as long as you support IDS Autonomy then I'll throw in my support. :)

I am open to working with and at least listening to the ideas of all the major parties in Atlasia in order to solve the problems we face. Also the IDS does old some weight in many parts of the Mideast including Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Virginia and West Virginia. So your endorsement could be crucial in those critical swing states! :)  

I support the autonomy of all the regions of of Atlasia as long as its within rights provided by the Constitution of Atlasia. It is the cool differences between our regions that makes Atlasia great!

Nay, just in case the vote closes before I get back on tomorrow.

     It's true, the Mideast and the IDS have excellent relations going back years. Maybe our endorsement would be a significant boon. :)

72 hours.

Friends, Southerners and fellow Atlasians

Thank you for allowing me to come and speak with you today. The south is a place of God, Guns, and great music. If I could I'd have the horn from the Dukes of Hazzard as a ring tone. Also you gave birth to one of my heroes in Dr. King.

The reason why I came is to seek your endorsement to the Mideast Assembly. There's two other things I also love about the South is their desire for the rights of the individual regions to be respected by the boys and girls in Nyman. The other is their desire to have a competing currency that unlike the Atlasian Dollar is backed by a precious commodity. Why are they so afraid of sound currency? They have a relentless want to stay in power leaving the everyday working folks to hold the bag of senseless debt. Regionalists of all stripes can come together to promote a proper balance of power that respects the rights of the regions and individuals. JBrase is a great candidate to put up in a primary with the Whigs. If he is the nominee he'll have my support and if needed my pen.

Thank you, may God bless the South and may God Save Atlasia

Vote time!

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=158928 (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=158928)

I finally found this thread! Anyways, vote on the merger between us and the Whigs into the Federalist Party.

Aye.

As an ex-member of the RPP, and the Whigs and present member of the Imperials, I vote a wholehearted yes. Pleased to work with you people again!

     Aye

Bump for votes. Currently passing 3-0.

Who else is still imperial?

Sanchez, Jbrase, Dibble, Maxwell, and Yankee.

Nay

I made a similar post in the Whig thread, but here’s the version for you guys ;):

I know nothing’s official yet, but while we’re in the midst of this transition, I really think we should do everything we can to make sure we’re co-operating. Officially, this is a merger... but let’s face it—there are a lot more Whigs than Bloc-folk. I want to make sure this new party does everything it can to represent the Whigs and the Bloc as fairly as possible.

So I think we should hold an election for a new interim Chair during this transition phase—it would symbolize both of our parties’ interest in being fair and impartial during the changeover. This Chair would represent the new party and preside over the naming of the party, by-law ratification, and the elections for the new executive. That way, we’ve got no illusions of old partisanship coming into the new party. The Whigs and the Bloc would vote in this election. And by all means, I’d encourage your current leadership to run—but the election itself would be an important gesture.

And, if I could make a suggestion, I’d actually recommend clarence for this role. I have no idea if he’s interested, but I think he’d be a perfect fit here—he’s a Southerner, he’s got close ties to both parties, and he hasn’t been an active Whig for quite a while. He’s as impartial as you can get. He’s a huge name in Atlasian politics and could really show the country that we’re serious about being a major party.

I encourage one of your members to move for a vote for interim Chair of the new party.

Hell, it's been 86 hours, which seems long enough for voting. By a 3-1 vote the motion carries.