Oakvale/Cincinnatus 2012: The Independent Ticket: Concession.

[Oakvale]

Why have you declared war on women and gays?

It's the precursor to our war on ponies.

[Oakvale]

PRESS RELEASE

While former Justice Oakvale has been absent from the campaign trail in the last several days - a fact he explained by muttering something incomprehensible about "studying for exams" in "real life", which the campaign would like to reassure the public that these comments were due to stress and not to some kind of break from reality - he would like to make a brief statement on the crisis in the Pacific.

While I feel some sympathy for Governor Jackson - we're all human, and it's easy to make a mistakes - the sad fact is that this mistake is completely unacceptable, and compounded by his bizarre, casual dismissal of the very need for an election.

I know from my own experience as Governor that the Pacific can often have problems with inactivity, but that's no excuse for shirking ones constitutional responsibilties - the people elect you to do a job, and if you can't do it you should resign.

I applaud the President's deft handling of the crisis, and urge Pacificans to elect a Governor who will fulfil the obligations of the office.

[Oakvale]

I am glad we all took a week off at the same time.

Debate in five to seven days?

Sure, sounds good to me. Did we ever decide on that IRC debate/Q&A?

But yeah,this has actually worked out decently by chance- you and Clarence ill and me suffering the effects of not studying anything, ever.

Of course, 20RP12's still around to make appearances with terrible emo bands.

[Oakvale]

PRESS RELEASE:

In light of today's news, all of us here Oakvale/Cincinnatus campaign HQ would like to wish Secretary of Internal Affairs 20RP12 all the best in his retirment, and hope that he, some day, can return to the games, whatever our differences over this campaign season.

In other news, I'm greatly looking forward to participating in a debate soon, and talking with the other canddiates about how we can move Atlasia forward.

[Oakvale]

PRESS RELEASE

The Oakvale-Cincinnatus campaign is excited to announce that former Northeast Governor Snowstalker has joined the campaign as Senior Advisor. The former Governor will be, er, advising () both Cincinnatus and myself on various campaign issues, and I look forward to Snowstalker being a valuable asset on the campaign trail.

We'd also like to thank Mechaman for his only mildly anti-Semitic endorsement. Thanks, Mecha!

[Oakvale]

I think I know why you made that just now.

The People deserve to know if a ticket is employing dirty and desperate tactics. I reject the culture of corruption that I see coming from my opponent's campaign.

I suppose the Oakvale/Cincinnatus ticket is being addressed here. What can you say about the reproach of "employing dirty and desperate tactics" and "corruption"?

I'm disappointed, of course, that Napoleon's campaign has turned to negative attacks, but I suppose it's inevitable that all heated Presidential races come to this kind of thing.

The issue here is supposedly that that I promised to support Snowstalker in a future Senate campaign in exchange for his vote in this election. To the best of my recollection - from talking to Snow I understand he related the information that he was supporting me to Napoleon only recently, but the conversation in question took place a couple of months ago, before Snowstalker even temporarily jumped in the Presidential race - he asked if I'd support him if he ran, I said something like "uh, sure", and he said he'd support me for the Presidency.

Snowstalker certainly didn't suggest that he'd only support me if I promised to do the same for him - I'd vote for Snowstalker 'cause he'd make a good Senator, not because I might potentially get one more vote in the Presidential election. Frankly, if I was in the business of buying votes on a grand scale I'd be polling better than I am right now.

(As I recall the discussion took place in the IRC chat, so there might have been other people there, but I don't remember. Yelnoc's usually in there, he might remember the details if he was around).

It's a non-issue. Whoever wins this election will win on their positions on the issues, and on substance, not on halfhearted smears. Napoleon has run a substantive and respectable campaign so far, to his credit, and I hope this doesn't signal a change in direction.

I look foward to debating with all my opponents shortly - on things that matter.

EDIT: I do think it's a little funny that I'm being accused of "dirty and desperate" tactics considering Napoleon's the one resorting to negative campaigning...

[Oakvale]

All of us here at the Oakvale/Cincinnatus campaign would like to sincerely thank the SoEA for his much appreciated endorsement!

While we don't agree and everything, SJoyce and I agree that Atlasia needs a President who can compromise and work with those of all political persuasions to move the country forward - a President who will leave no-one out in the cold.

I'll be speaking tomorrow in Cleveland and unveiling our bold ideas on education reform, radically changing the way college tuition works.

[Oakvale]

Er... thanks for that, Mecha?

In more serious news, education policy being rolled out tonight. Stay tuned!

[Oakvale]

Former Justice Oakvale continued campaigning today with a speech on education policy at CSU in Cleveland, Ohio.

Hey, everyone!

It's great to back on the campaign trail! It's been an exciting few days for the Oakvale/Cincinnatus ticket - we've been honoured to receive support from such Atlasian luminaries as my new special adviser, Snowstalker, Mechaman (in a stirring and only mildly anti-Semitic endorsement;D), and the nation's very capable SoEA, SJoyceFLA.

I'm here at CSU to talk a little about what an Oakvale/Cincinnatus administration would do to reform our education system.

It's a fundamental belief of mine that every Atlasian should have the opportunity to go to college, without racking up the monstrous levels of student debt that, unfortunately, an awful lot of students are unfairly saddled with for years, even decades after graduating - and then, of course, there's those who can't afford to go to college in the first place, potentially depriving the nation of countless talented would-be graduates. The usual retort is "well, college isn't for everyone". No doubt. But the option to go to college should be a right for all Atlasians, not a privilege bought or borrowed.

There have been many well intentioned and noble efforts made to address the problem of student debt - tuition incentives, scholarship programmes, you name it, the state or federal government's probably suggested some version of it. But Atlasian students are still struggling, and in a sluggish economy it's tough to get even a part-time job to work towards paying for tuition or hacking a tiny amount off the overwhelming debt students can accumulate over four or more years of college.

That's why Cincinnnatus and I propose a drastically different idea - as President, I will propose a new option for college students to pay their tuition fees: a graduate tax. Under this proposal, students can, instead of paying upfront tuition fees, opt to pay a small percentage - depending on their total earnings - of their future income over a period of many years after they've graduated and found employment. This is a bold idea, we haven't tried something like this before - and it's a big change to the system, but implementing this system would give students of all backgrounds a chance to attend college without the fear of crippling debt in future years.

Under this method of paying fees, students still pay their share of the tuition - but when they're in employment and in a decent position to do so.

What you study in college should be limited based only on your academic ability, not your ability to pay - those whose families have been luckier in life aren't entitled to a better standard of education than those less fortunate. I believe its our responsibility as a society to ensure the equality of opportunity for all.

With a graduate tax system for paying college tuition, we can open the doors of higher education to an entire generation of Atlasian students - it's no cure-all fix, but it is a fair, progressive and inclusive system that means no-one gets shut out of an education through no fault of their own.

Another question is becoming more and more crucial - what will these new graduates study? There's been growing concern over a lack of qualified graduates in important fields - computer science, physics, mathematics, and the like. There's a gap in the jobs market for graduates in these fields, and a good way to greatly improve a graduate's chances of finding employment is to major in a subject that's valued by new and emerging industry.

To that end, Cincinnatus and I propose a national version of a bill I passed when I was Governor of the Pacific, that would provide modest but real incentives to students who major in science and mathematics related fields. At relatively little expense, the state can address worrying deficiencies in the job market and, effectively, make it easier for graduates to find employment.

Before I finish, I'd just like to state my opposition to Senators Clarence and Wormyguy's school voucher bill. While I have no doubt that the bill represents a good faith effort to, as they see it, improve our education system, I'm strongly opposed to school vouchers - they weaken the public school system, reduce accountability, and, all too often, represent an attempt at privatisation by stealth. Our public school system is far from perfect, but we can reform. Let's fix the schools we have, not give more money to private institutions. The question you often hear is, "why should parents send their children to a failing public school?", but that's the wrong question. We need to be asking "how can we make sure there are no failing public schools".

Oh, and one more thing, before I go - you have a high-profile Senate election heating up, and I want to publicly and enthusiastically endorse Senator Ben for re-election. While we don't agree on everything, Ben served the nation with honour as our long-serving SoEA, and continues his commendable career of public service as a fine Senator. This June, the Mideast will face a stark choice - between a moderate, pragmatic Senator who's willing to work with members of all parties, and a dangerous fringe candidate, who subscribes to a paranoid form of right-wing extremism that makes even many members of that candidate's party nervous. I know the Mideast is a conservative region, but, in this election, Senator Ben is the conservative - and the best - choice.

Thank you, Cleveland! I'll be speaking in the next couple of days in New York City and talking about our campaign's big ideas on infrastructure.

If you want a progressive and fair option for college students to pay their tuition, and an administration that will promote science and math and oppose efforts to destabilise our public schools, vote Oakvale/Cincinnatus on Election Day!

Applause.

[Oakvale]

PRESS RELEASE

We here at the campaign think it's about time for a debate with the major contenders for the Preisdency - myself, Governor Napoleon, Senator Clarence and Boss Tweed. I hope the campaigns can get together and arrange a date soon. I look forward to arguing debating my ideas with my worthy opponents.

In other news, we welcome the latest Survey Atlasia poll showing the Oakvale/Cincinnatus ticket climbing to a strong third place in the race with 22% of the vote, which is, unless I'm much mistaken, our highest vote yet in a poll. We still have a lot of work to do, but with a little momentum on our side I'm optimistic there's room for growth.

[Oakvale]

CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE:

Former Justice Oakvale will be campaigning in New York City this Friday, June 15th, and outlining he and Cincinnatus's infrastructure platform.

After that it's on to Portland, Maine, on Sunday, June 17th, where I'll be talking about game reform.

With Election Day rapidly approaching, I'd like to also re-iterate my desire to have at least one debate as soon as possible. The clash of ideas will make for a more informative campaign for the public.

[Oakvale]

That's... really something. It's certainly something.

e: On more important topics, I'd like to urge all Northeasterners to give their support to Averroes Nix in today's gubernatorial election.

[Oakvale]

To be clear, Snowstalker posted some psychotic parody of a Dead Kennedys' song, which he's since been reasonable enough to remove. Yikes!

I'd also like to thank Governor Zuwo sincerely for his second-place vote. While we don't agree on everything, it's vital that we can we have a conversation about the issues and come to a reasonable compromise. Thank you, Governor!

[Oakvale]

Erm, what the f just happened? What did I miss?

See above.

[Oakvale]

FMR. JUSTICE OAKVALE'S REMARKS ON ENDORSEMENT BY PRESIDENT POLNUT

PRESS RELEASE

The President has recently made a comment in relation to the upcoming Presidential Race.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Mr. President, thank you for those very kind words. I'm honored to have your support and your endorsement for the Presidency.

I've been very fortunate to have the opportunity to support and work with President Polnut since he returned to Atlasia, from his agonizingly close loss in the gubernatorial race - that nonetheless heralded the beginning of a sea-change in the region - to his election not just once but twice to the highest office in the land. Over those months I got to know Polnut, and found him to a savvy, highly principled person who sought reasonable compromise but wasn't afraid to stick up for his beliefs when he felt he was right. As time went on he proved to be a great President who was, and is, a credit to the office.

Mr. President, I know this was not an easy decision for you to make, and I am humbled to have your support. I hope in the coming months that I will have the opportunity to prove it was the right one.

To my friends and supporters I say this - with, er, E-Day drawing ever nearer, that mysterious entity known as momentum is clearly on our side - the poll show us surging in support, and, against all odds, victory seems like an honest possibility for the first time since Cincinnatus and I launched this quixotic, long-shot campaign many weeks ago. Let's keep on firing on all cylinders until Election Day!

[Oakvale]

ELECTION DAY!!!

Well, everyone, it's finally here!

It's been a long and exhausting road, but Election Day is finally upon us. When Cincinnatus and I started this quixotic campaign, we hardly expected to even last this long. The fact that we've not only stayed in the race but, could, depending on what polls you believe (), be within striking distance of a victory, is vaguely surreal to me.

I'll be giving a longer speech at the end of the election, whatever the results, but I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank my terrific campaign members - my running mate Cincinnatus and my campaign manager Fuzzy for all their hard work. I'd also like to express my appreciation to President Polnut and former Governor Snowstalker for their thoughtful advice and support.

To my opponents, Napoleon, Clarence and Tweed, I say this - we've had our differences, perhaps understandably, but I believe this is a very strong field of candidates, and whoever is elected President will have my support.

Now, everyone, go out and give us a first (or even second!) preference - for an inclusive Presidency that all Atlasians can be proud of, vote Oakvale/Cincinnatus - the Independent Ticket!

[Oakvale]

ANNOUNCEMENT

Former Justice Oakvale will be making his remarks on the election results within the hour.

[Oakvale]

FMR. JUSTICE OAKVALE'S REMARKS ON THE ELECTION RESULTS

Hey, everyone.

A short while ago I messaged former Governor Napoleon  to congratulate him on being elected the next President of Atlasia.

While the votes haven't been confirmed yet, the results are clear - Napoleon has won this election, and I was happy to offer him my sincere congratulations - he's earned this victory over the course of a long and often tough campaign.  I'd also like to express my condolences to my friends Senator Clarence and Assemblyman Yelnoc - they ran a terrific campaign, and both will continue to be major forces in Atlasia in the future. I've gotten to know Clarence well over the last few months, and he's a man of integrity. I'm glad that he's sticking around in the game.

As for me and Cincinnatus, our weird, quixotic journey has come to an end tonight, but I have no regrets - none.

When we started this campaign, we not only didn't expect to win, we didn't really expect to even make it to Election Day. The fact that we not only stayed in the race, but received a tremendous outpouring of support from our fellow citizens was completely unexpected, and I'm eternally grateful for that.

This was always a long-shot, and I don't consider this loss a disappointment. Because me and Cinci achieved everything we set out to do - we ran a substantive campaign focused on the issues, and, most importantly, we had a great time, even when things occasionally got acrimonious.

I'd like to thank my terrific campaign manager Fuzzy, former Governor Snowstalker, my running mate Cincinnatus, and President Polnut for their invaluable advice and friendship. They've all been a fantastic help, and any failure on the part of this campaign is mine and mine alone.

I don't know what's next for me in Atlasia. I haven't got any plans to run for elected office in the future, but I'll leave the door open - I've had some more free time in "real life", lately, which would make something like running for some other office a viable option without having to resign due to time constraints again.

I've been considering restarting my old newspaper, the Occasional News, and maybe even starting a law firm to offer help for people pleading their case before the Supreme Court.

We'll see, we'll see.

And, most of all, I want to sincerely thank all those Atlasians who voiced their support, lent us their ears and their votes. I appreciate it so much, and though the night may have not turned out the way some of you hoped, know that our odd, long-shot campaign stuck in against the odds and made a mark on the race. And that's something we can all be proud of.

My congratulations again to the President-elect, and good night!

Thank you,

[Oakvale]

PS: I'd like to congratulate Senators Scott, Ben, Sbane and Yankee on their re-election, and to Redalgo on his first time being elected to the Senate.

And that's me out, folks. It's been fun!