Campaign Office - Maxwell for IDS Senate (The End)

[Maxwell]

IDS Legislator Maxwell to announce Senate Exploratory Committee


IDS Legislator and Former Senator Maxwell stands in front of these buildings, contemplating his future

Do not consider this an announcement. I have no complaints about the performance of Senator Yankee. However, one concern I do have is for debate in the region of the IDS. Once a beautiful and prosperous region, activity here has dried up like none other. We have no announced candidates for this last election for god sakes! Three seats! What we need, above all else, is competitive election.

Should I run, I will bring forward a basic platform, explaining my positions, ideas for possible legislation, and a demand for an IDS debate. We need to move forward in the region, and most importantly, bring back that competitive edge that we have so lost.

To explain my beliefs briefly: I am a limited government, socially liberal pragmatist who believes in a government that leaves alone the personal lives of many, while doing what we are supposed to do best. I am for a foreign policy that revolves around diplomacy and non-interventionism, seeking only the best in others, while only using force when we are attacked and using other tactics only when absolutely necessary. I am pro-game reform, as long as that game reform brings honest change and is reasonable. I supported an agreement to lower the number of regions to three, and while that failed, I still stand by the idea that that sort of proposal would've worked. If I choose to campaign, I will integrate myself back into the work of the Senate and become familiar with their current workings.

As IDS Legislator, I have proposed: a privatization of the Pentagram monument, lowered taxes and lowered spending, supported an abolition of any private prison system, and soon to come I will craft a system of Bi-Presidentialism that will allow any person in a sort of cabinet role still be able to take a seat on the IDS Legislative team. In addition, I have changed my mind and will soon announce my plan to run for re-election in June as well.

I hope we can see a good debate in this campaign, and I wish Senator North Carolina Yankee well!

Endorsements
Northeast Speaker Deus Naturae (DR-NY)
Northeast Rep. SWE (Lab-NY)
Former Mideast Governor Spiral (DR-MO)

[Maxwell]

Any questions?

[Maxwell]

If you are elected, what will you push for in the Senate?

That is quite a big IF, but in truth, I will push for the eventual disbanding of inefficient Government programs, reforming regulations on tobacco products, and, more importantly, being a vote against bills that hurt the freedoms of Atlasian citizens big and small. More proposals will come forward as soon as I get the chance the think things over should I run, so those are some basic things I want to propose.

I've been remedying the wiki situation, and I will continue my work tomorrow.

[Maxwell]

I suppose I'll ask the obvious questions here...

Rep. Maxwell, Senator Yankee has represented this great region for the past five years.  Throughout his tenure he's proven, in good times and bad, to have the enthusiasm and will-power necessary to help run this game.  You have been an active legislator and contributed much to our region's government, both with ideas and debate, yet you have only been a resident of the South for over a month.  My question to you is, what will you bring to the Senate that Senator Yankee has not and why do you think you are more deserving of the seat?  Adding to that, how confident are you in your chances of besting him in the upcoming election?

I have nothing but respect for Yankee's years in the Senate, but my viewing is that holding people in office for too long is unhealthy. What I think I bring is a fresher perspective: One that is more open on a lot of personal liberty issues, but will stand more firm on fiscal restraint. I don't think I am any more deserving to the seat, and to be honest, I know my chances are fairly insignificant to none, but the main purpose of a possible run would be to bring debate to the IDS.

[Maxwell]

Beginning of Platform - Bills Currently in discussion

IDS Legislator Maxwell, campaigning/relaxing in the state of Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia - I am beginning my campaign for Senate, and what is first required from an Atlasian Senator is attention, particularly attention being paid to national issues and national bills. I have reviewed some of the latest and greatest bills from our Atlasian Senate, and I have put forward my views on them. Before I can put forward my own agenda, since I will be one of 10 Senators should I be elected, and therefore, this is the first thing I must do. Here is my views on ten of the latest bills:

Ten Bills Yall

The Free the Small Start-ups Act - Completely in favor. Aye.

End Lame Duck Terms Amendment - As has already been stated, I would support reduced Lame Duck terms, but ending them out right I think would cause some problems for officers who are switching from a different role to the Senate.

Public Ownership Act of 2014 - I would motion to table this legislation. This type of stuff goes far beyond, and would only hurt our energy situation irreparably. I can not, in good conscience, allow for our government to take over energy production, which reduce efficiency and reduce our standing in the world.

Executive Compensation Act - Lean Nay, but I would honestly think about it. Stock Options has had some controversy, but I am against limiting the markets in this manner.

Public Means Public Act - Aye. As much as it may disturb some, if someone is homeless or mentally ill, they should not be further shamed. They should only face the law if they break the law. Indeed, this bill brings up a lot of good civil liberties ideas, and it has my full support.

Duke's Let's Put Atlasia to Work Program - Now, outside of Atlasia, I am against these sort of tax credits. However, within the confines of Atlasia, it is a better solution than merely spending more on projects, incentivizing businesses to hire more people. Thus, this would get an Aye from me as is.

Effecient Referenda Amendment - I would like a repeal of the Referendum system, but that's less of what this refers to. I would prefer a reform of the Amendment system, as stated by Adam Griffin, which says the Amendment goes through the region again and again. Not only does that never happen, but it's also bad. I would prefer it stay in the hands of the Governors, but if there is a compromise that the Regions get to hold their regional senate races in exchange for homely doing the amendment system, I could be convinced to vote in favor of this amendment.

The Severe Disability Savings Plan Act - As someone with a family member with a severe disability, any bill that moves forward their benefits has my support. Unlike some in the economy, they truly have no voice over their fate, and need as much help as available. In addition, the way the bill works to define their problem in an accurate way.

Duke-Scott Education Reform Act - Once we see more of the financial viability of this bill, I would be more willing to vote for it. Increasing Wi-Fi access is one thing I put forward in the Midwest, basing it off of one of Scott's reforms. In addition, I would also like the opening up of school choice.

Campaign Banner

[Maxwell]

Small Businesses in Atlasia - A Proposal

Charleston, South Carolina - The way Nyman runs, we have to face facts: Business in general is being crushed by the policies that are put out there. We have seen some moves in the right direction, but all those moves are canceled out by about 50 other moves in the wrong direction. In Nyman, I want to be a voice for entrepreneurs, and thus I want peoples growing businesses to get a tax cut. As your Senator, my first proposal will be to cut taxes for Businesses making under a million in HALF, from 10% to 5%. This cut will stimulate growth in the economy, something it still needs, even as the economy has been slowly but steadily recovering. After so many measures of demand side stimulus, we need some supply side stimulus and that's what this proposal does.

I acknowledge this may do some damage to the budget. Even with shifts for growth, it still may go above the $17.6 Billion surplus. As a result, my plan would also include a slight reduction in spending in areas such as transportation, which should receive a reduction anyways as soon as the High Speed Rail is built, and putting the postal service on a path toward elimination. Those two things in combination (probably a total of a $10 Billion dollar cut) will put the budget back in balance, but with an overall economic plus.

[Maxwell]

Should I vote for you?

I think you should. I don't know your policy outlook, but I am staunchly pro-civil liberties. Back when I was a member of the major right wing party, The Federalists, I would vote against my party on issues that allowed for more social liberty. Now that's pretty broad, but the point being that I am not beholden to anyone other than the citizens of the IDS. I was Governor of the Midwest, an At-Large Senator, and a current IDS Legislator, so I have a strong record of activity in the game. Vote for who you want to be in the Senate, but I think I am someone who can bring something new to the Senate, after years of being represented by the same person.

[Maxwell]

Well, good luck Maxwell.

But to be honest, I'm really surprised. I thought that you were much more interested by the governorship than the senate. You left the senate really quickly last time, didn't you?

The senate was a much different place then. Currently, it seems as if the Senate is moving at a faster pace. In addition, someone needs to do the wiki, and I have put myself as someone who is willing to do so (adding ten bills to the wiki in the last week or so).

You did a fine job in the Senate before and I'd love for you to re-join us. Good luck in your efforts, friend.

Thank you very much TNF. As much as your policies have at times put me on the edge, you have been nothing but a loyal and great contributor to a game that requires policy thinkers.

Maxwell is an excellent candidate, this is going to be an exciting race

Thank you, Sirnick. Your ticket has my endorsement, and I hope to campaign for your candidacy sometime soon.

[Maxwell]

Endorsed!

Thank you Deus! The Democratic Republican Party will rise yet!

[Maxwell]

Drone Usage - An Idea from up North, foreign policy


Pictured: IDS Legislator Maxwell, campaigning in Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee - Now I generally consider myself an advocate for regional rights, and I still do. The fact is, without a proper separation of regional government and federal government, the game becomes so centered and, to me, boring. I know Governors who don't want to move to the Federal branch because they enjoy their job. Governor Scott, great at the job, would like to continue, and I think any reform that takes regions away is off the table.

That being said, I believe some things that have been proposed by regions are a good idea to take on the federal level. This is because they are ideas that have been proposed on the lower level that are far more applicable on the federal level. I was going through the Northeast, and what I found was the commercialization of drone technology. Now while I'm not 100% anything like this would pass, I will propose a national Release the Drones Act as Senator, and if I can't get that through, and then we should have some broad Drone reform.

As for foreign policy in general, I supported the expansion of trade in South American Trade by Lumine. I support expansion of trade anywhere. We do, however, need to be wary. I respect deeply the growth of the economy in China. However, during my absence from Atlasia I went to China, and what I saw was lawlessness. They consistently violate Piracy laws. I'm not saying we bring the hammer to them, especially without proper evidence, but we certainly need to be wary of that in terms of our high tech sector, and whether or not they are stealing our ideas.

My vision for the world is one where we aren't the world police, with low trade barriers and countries getting the best out of one another. To do that we must be peaceful, we must be diplomatic, but if attacked, we must be strong. The military budget is low as is, and I don't think the case can be made for a further reduction, since we've already made lee way in terms of reducing our expenditures there.

[Maxwell]

Endorsed!

I appreciate the endorsement, and I wish the very best for your future in the Northeast.

[Maxwell]

Well, I won't endorse anyone in this race, but I recognize that you will be an active senator (of course Yankee is active as well), so best of luck Maxwell.

But seriously, I was really surprised. I thought you were more interested by becoming the next Emperor after the retirement of Scott (yep, one day, Scott will retire )

I think this campaign leans a little closer to my campaign against TNF than the one for At-Large Senate. I'm trying to rile up IDS voters and make the region interesting again by running an active campaign. I mean, if I do win, it would be a great honor to serve, but I am aware of my chances in the region, with Yankee winning elections here for YEARS.

[Maxwell]

Oops, somehow I haven't already done this. You have my full and enthusiastic endorsement as a friend as as someone whom we agree with on many things. You would definitely only help the IDS.

I appreciate that Spiral, and hope you continue to make the Mideast a place of prosperity.

[Maxwell]

You have my endorsement. You'll once again be a superb Senator. I think,  if the election goes well for both of us, that we'll be able to accomplish a lot together.

Thank you Sirnick, I appreciate your endorsement, and you have my 100% support for the office of President!

[Maxwell]

Health Care - An advocate for a freer system

We're still in Dallas, Texas, and boy, are we experiencing the heat. That's the southern air we learn to deal with and thrive on. I remember as a youngin always dreading the sun, but I've grown to accept the weather and thrive under hostile temperatures. This has nothing to do with what I want to talk about with you today, I just felt like it was something to say.

With Atlasian healthcare, we have the opportunity to turn our Healthcare state into one with options and one that allows the people to do what they will with their healthcare. Instead of the big healthcare state, which has continued to suck money from our budgets and still leave care unsatisfactory, reform, pushed by Riley Keaton and the Federalist Party is a step in the right direction. I will be a vote for healthcare reform in the right direction, as I will not be backing the healthcare status quo.

Back when I was running for Vice President, I offered some reforms to the original system, and thought it wasn't possible to push the kind of reform that is being pushed, but thankfully we are seeing more voices wanting change in the system, and that is an area where I will be proudly standing with the residents of The South. Healthcare choices should be between you and your doctor, not the Federal Government!

[Maxwell]

At the end of today, the campaign will release a statement/another part of our platform, so be ready.

[Maxwell]

The Environment, Infrastructure, and the election thus far

Montgomery, Alabama - Hello Alabama voters! I want to say that it's great to be here, and I'm aware we are all sweltering, but I know you are all built for it and we can deal.

First I want to talk about my environmental positions - within some context I consider myself an environmental moderate - I support clean air laws, a decent number of regulations, and a serious questioning of the resources we use. That being said, I believe we should be more open-minded about energy resources than we currently are, and when in the Senate, I would push for a bill rolling back some of the more stringent regulatory burdens and leave to the Senate the power of approving future environmental regulations. I think this process needs to be wide open for the Atlasian people, instead of in the shadows as it has tended to be.

Next, I want to talk about infrastructure. Here is an example of an issue I believe should be left to the regions. As Midwest Governor, I tried to privatize the toll road system. That may be a mistake of mine. However, I believe that the regions should be allowed to make their own decisions on their infrastructure without the threat of the federal government.

Finally, I appreciate Senator Yankee returning to the campaign for another run, and our debate is Monday and I hope every single individual in the IDS comes around and sees us debate. I'm not as eloquent as our President Pro Tempore, but I will do my best to display the differences between the Senator and myself.

Thank you to all my supporters thus far, and let's keep this campaign going!

[Maxwell]

IDS Senate Debate Tonight: Get ready to rumble!

[Maxwell]

In the next Althing election, I have a couple of endorsements I want to make as a Former Midwest Governor. When I was Governor, Snowstalker was Senator, and while he was not the best Senator, he was ours and represented Midwest values. He fought this case against the Hate Crimes bill and won, and with that he showed me he can represent the Midwest again. So in a competitive race for Althing, he has my endorsement.

I will endorse Snowstalker, Spamage, and Sol for the election to Althing.

[Maxwell]

Being involved - What should a regional senator do?

I've lost some pretty notable endorsements from my former party and from the Labor Party, and while I respect their decision, I still say that this race must go on! We still have the bold ideas, the new vision, and the fight in our stomachs to get us a Senator who represents you.

Before, I was an At-Large Senator. I was a Senator who represented all of Atlasia. That's why I fought for big broad national issues - I fought against farm subsidies, and I fought to make the space program a targeted and effective machine instead of a thing of the past. I did that because I felt those were in the best interests of the national good. Now I am running for Regional Senator, particularly, Regional Senator of the IDS. What does that mean? That means, I am here to represent the interests of the IDS. Here's what i'd do as IDS Senator:

- Keep close and steady contact with the IDS Legislators and IDS legislation
- Report to the Governor when an amendment passes BEFORE the VP even informs the other Senators
- Keep in mind the views of my constituents when it comes to national legislation
- Fight to keep the rights of the regions within the regions powers.

I will also step down in due time. If elected, I promise to keep myself to, at most, three terms. After three terms, I promise I will leave office and do something else with my life, whether that's retirement, another office, or what have you. Lifelong legislators are unhealthy, they become far too entrenched and I believe the Senate needs a revolving group of legislators.

Finally, to bring up an old point, we can't have just the Attorney General be in charge of the wiki. What that has resulted in is only one Attorney General keeping the updates up since DemPGH, and that one (myself) only did it a little before resigning. We have to learn from our mistakes, and diversify wiki responsibility. I propose we have the Dean of the Senate actually do something - help the Attorney General with this responsibility. If we do that, we may at least have a shot at getting things caught up.

This has been a fun campaign, and let's turn up the heat in these last couple of days!

[Maxwell]

IDS Legislature Campaign Office - Because I have an opponent now

Okay, apparently I have an opponent in the IDS, so I am going to go ahead and open my office for  the IDS Legislator race as well.

Most of the bills passed in this last session are my own. I have been negotiable on the bills that I have worked on, and I will be willing to bring more reform to the IDS. I have lowered gas prices in the Summer and cut spending, I have privatized parts of the IDS Government that shouldn't have been under our jurisdiction, and have made it so our roads are funded differently. I will accomplish more in another session of the IDS Legislature, including, if possible, becoming your speaker.

I wish my opponent Pingvin luck, and let's have an active, if short, campaign!

[Maxwell]

Campaign Statement on Iraq

Assuming it does come up in the debate, which it seems it will, I will have a short statement on Iraq here.

I fear that we continue to make the same mistakes of yesteryear. The fact is we continue to act as if we can fix the middle east and it's never been the case. In the 50s we overthrew a Democratic Iran and since then we've been meddling in the Middle East to try to fix our earlier mistakes. We can't keep pretending like we know what we're doing there strategically.

This is a fight between the Sunni's and the Shiite's and putting American lives at risk is the wrong way to go. We should remove all of the remaining troops and bases in the region and not set foot until the people of Iraq stabilize the region on their own.

[Maxwell]

An end to a debate, nearing the end of a campaign

The debate just finished up, and a reminder to all of you to keep up if you missed anything. I think it was substantive, and I think it showed how active of a campaign we had. With nearly every major issue being discussed, I think this campaign will move more toward a GOTV operation.

Thanks again to all of my supporters, we are going to make this race something we haven't seen in years in this region - contentious.

[Maxwell]

Gracious in Victory, Gracious in Defeat

Well, we won and lost tonight. We beat back narrow opposition in our race to return to the IDS Legislature, and congrats to Pingvin to giving me the scare of my life, but we lost in our race to become the Senator of our great region, and North Carolina Yankee put up his strongest fight in a long time, and I congratulate him on his victory, which under most normal standards was a decent margin. I have always made it clear that I appreciate the work the Senator has done for the region, and N.C. Yankee is someone I consider to be an idol for this game, and someone more people should follow. His guiding leadership in the Senate has kept order for such a long time, and another term of it will be good.

I think this campaign accomplished what we wanted it to: we may have lost, but we successfully ran a great campaign and we lit a fire under the butts of IDS voters. No doubt, this would've been boring if it were another incumbent vs. nobody election. I will continue to fight for my limited government beliefs, including reforming our prison system and lowering the number of government offices. I hope citizens voices continue to be heard in the Senate, and that's why this campaign came about - so that the citizens could have a choice.

[Maxwell]

Originally,  Jack982 was going to challenge for your district even before you decided to run again, but he vanished at the beginning of the month. He might have been even "scarier". I hope he returns and runs later on for something.

Anyway it was a good race and I thank you for not making it personal. I will make a more formal statement in my thread in a bit. 

Jack wasn't old enough to be on the forum, so it'll probably be some years before he returns