President Kerry and on...

[SPC]

June 2008

Conservatives everywhere are outraged by the Supreme Court's ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, in which D.C.'s gun ban was ruled constitutional, since the Second Amendment does not confer an individual right to bear arms unconnected with service in the state militia. Justice John Paul Stevens wrote the decision for the 5-4 majority, with Scalia, Thomas, Kennedy, and O'Connor dissenting. Senator Allen, who has experienced a surge in fundraising since the decision was announced, has stated that he will appoint strict constructionists to the Court to "undo this monstrosity." President Kerry, however, refrained from commenting on the Court's opinion, merely opining that, "the dignity of the Supreme Court should not be subject to the whimsicality of a campaign."

In an effort to relieve Americans from record high gas prices, Congress passed legislation overturning the ban on offshore drilling. However, President Kerry vetoed the proposal on the grounds that overturning the ban would not provide the immediate relief that Americans need at this moment.

Pew Research Poll:
Kerry 50%
Allen 43%

[SPC]

July 2008

Congressional Republicans once again attempt to force the President's hand on the Bush tax cuts, only passing a bill providing for foreclosure relief that includes a provision making the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 permanent. President Kerry once again vetoes the legislation, accusing Republicans of "holding our middle-class hostage for the whims of the wealthy." Under the advice of Secretary Reich and Chairman Bernanke, President Kerry signs an executive order granting the Treasury the authority to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in order to avert financial catastrophe. Senator Allen tries to stake out a middle-ground on the issue, arguing that the authority was necessary but should not have been granted over the objections of Congress.

On the campaign trail, media outlets have obtained the leading names on Senator Allen's shortlist for running mates, including Senator Michael Steele (R-MD), former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA), Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Governor Jim Nussle (R-IA), and Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN). Ed Schultz recently came under criticism for suggesting that Steele was only on the shortlist out of "tokenism," a sentiment echoed albeit less explicitly by other liberal commentators. Unlike most names on the shortlist, Steele has actively expressed interest in being on the national ticket, sharing that he "would be honored to be selected".

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll:
Kerry 48%
Allen 42%
Barr 4%

Generic Congressional Ballot:
Democrats 46%
Republicans 42%

[SPC]

August 2008: The Plot Thickens

Given that the Summer Olympics were scheduled for August 8-24, 2008, the Allen campaign determined it would be best strategically to make its running-mate announcement on the eve of the Republican National Convention. Some observers believe that this timing may have affected the selection process, given the events that followed.

On August 8, after growing speculation in the tabloids, Vice-President John Edwards admitted that he had been conducting an affair with staffer Rielle Hunter, but denied paternity over her illegitimate child. Edwards had long been virtually anonymous in the Kerry administration, so this revelation proved to be an additional albatross due to Edwards's presence. Kerry advisors had made plans for replacing Edwards from the ticket ever since Elizabeth Edwards's cancer diagnosis, but the President's excellent poll numbers had deterred any drastic moves on their part. Over the next few days, the campaign had to weigh the costs of an expedited vetting process for Vice-President versus maintaining a running mate embroiled in scandal. On August 10, Edwards made a public announcement that he would not stand for renomination as Vice-President. News media subsequently became saturated with speculation as to who would replace him, with the frontrunner for the position appearing to be Secretary of State Joe Biden.

In another part of the world, Russia launched an invasion of Georgia after an attempt by the latter to reestablish sovereignty over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  President Kerry called upon the Russians to "respect the territorial integrity of the Georgian state" and "cease hostilities immediately," while Senator John McCain (R-AZ) declared that "we are all Georgians now." On August 13, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) thrashed at Kerry and Biden for "leading from behind" when France negotiated a ceasefire between Russia and Georgia, affirming that they were "leading the United States down the road to losing its leadership position in the world."

Several days of Michael Phelps-related news coverage later, news outlets flooded three mansions in Phoenix after it was revealed that Allen had selected McCain as his running mate. Many believe that the South Ossetia conflict tipped the balance toward foreign policy experience over economic gravitas in the extended vetting process, which may have worked against Romney or Nussle.

The keynote address in St. Paul was delivered by Senator Steele, urging Americans to vote for the Allen/McCain ticket if they were tired of economic stagnation and embarrassment in international relations. Other notable speeches were delivered by Romney, Governor Pawlenty, Speaker Blunt, former President Bush, Mayor Giuliani, and relatively unknown Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK). In his acceptance speech, Allen drew analogies to the 1980 election, and declared that "once again our party will unseat an incumbent president that has brought us to the precipice of another depression, and we will have morning in America again."

ABC News/Washington Post Poll
Allen 47%
Kerry 46%

Allen 226
Kerry 195

The traditional convention bounce, combined with the other news items of the month, had brought Allen into a very slight lead in the polls for the first time ever, as well as a slight advantage in the Electoral College. However, the Kerry campaign improvised a strategy to mitigate the damage. On the day after the RNC, the President unveiled his running-mate selection, a person who few, if any, observers were expecting.

[hurricanehink]

Ooh, great twist! I'm assuming Obama is still elected as Illinois senator in 2004? I wonder how a Kerry presidency affected Obama's Senate tenure, given that he wouldn't be as much of the hero of the left as the anti-Bush. Maybe, since he wasn't inevitably running as early as 2006, he was a more active senator? Keep it up!

[SPC]

September 2008: Kerry at Colonus

Although the first day of the Democratic National Convention at Denver, CO had to be cancelled to allow the President to monitor Hurricane Gustaf, only a FOX News analyst could call the remainder of the convention anything short of a resounding success. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) delivered the keynote address, attacking the Republican ticket for its "myopic bellicosity" which would have gotten the United States entangled in a war with Russia last month, and praising President Kerry as "a fellow Vietnam veteran who knows how to win the War on Terror and overcome the obstructionism of our Congress." Other notable speeches were delivered by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY), former Governor Mark Warner (D-VA), Senator Lincoln Chafee (IR-RI), and Mayor Cory Booker (D-NJ). Former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) were originally scheduled to speak, but were unable to attend due to a concussion suffered by Senator Clinton a few days prior. Senator Obama's acceptance speech promising that "change is coming to America" was the most remembered speech of the convention, gaining even more acclaim than his 2004 keynote and leading some to declare that he had overshadowed the President. Post-convention polls showed that the Kerry/Obama campaign had more than overcome any damage from the month of August, with many posting double-digit leads for the incumbent.

However, events in the financial sector slowly evaporated the advantage that the President had built. Federal takeovers of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, a Federal Reserve bailout of AIG, and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers take their toll on the market, with President Kerry, Secretary Reich, and Chairman Bernanke declaring that a $700 billion rescue package may be necessary to avert a complete economic collapse. Intense negotiations in Washington led the President to suspend his campaign, a move that incurred criticism when he attempted to postpone the first presidential debate.

In retrospect, it may have been better had the President not reluctantly participated in the first debate. Allen, perhaps benefiting from low expectations set by his image as gaffe-prone and a loose cannon, delivered an excellent performance, eviscerating the administration for failing to take action on the housing bubble before it became an economic calamity and not doing more to stimulate the economy. Allen pointed out that "even John Maynard Keynes said that tax cuts are essential during a recession, and yet this President has rejected every tax cut that has reached his desk." Meanwhile, Kerry appeared sleep-deprived, visibly annoyed by having to be present, and at times seemed more interested in explaining the picayune details of economic and housing policy than proposing wider solutions. Post-debate polling by CNN revealed that 62% of viewed felt that Allen had won the debate while 29% felt that Kerry had won, the widest recorded margin for a presidential debate.

Despite desperate pleas from Kerry, Bernanke, Reich, Blunt, Pelosi, and Cantor, the House vote on TARP failed 193-240 due to substantial dissention from members of both parties. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced its largest one-day drop in history, falling 778 points. Majority Leader McConnell vows to craft a more amenable plan in the Senate that can gain greater support in the House.

Pew Research National Poll:
Allen/McCain 48%
Kerry/Obama 43%

Allen/McCain 250
Kerry/Obama 155

Montana Senate Mason-Dixon: Rehberg 48% Baucus 45%

South Dakota Senate Rasmussen: Rounds 47% Herseth-Sandlin 46%

New Jersey Senate Rasmussen: Lautenberg 44% Zimmer 44%

[SPC]

October 2008: Channeling Harry Truman?

After the shock that the House rejection of the bailout provided to markets, the Senate passed a revised bank bailout 76-23. The House then approved the measure 250-184. However, passage of the bill did not assuage financial markets, which have continued their freefall into record lows for the decade. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke promised to cut interest rates significantly in order to reassure markets.

The vice-presidential debate was largely seen as a draw, with Senator Obama slightly beating expectations and Senator McCain frequently mentioning that his experience can make him a more effective resource for the president. President Kerry performed slightly better at the townhall debate, accusing congressional Republicans of having sabotaged middle-class tax cuts and mortgage relief that could have mitigated the financial crisis, while Allen seemed to get drawn up in clumsy guilt-by-association attacks between Kerry, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Countrywide and between Obama and Bill Ayers. The final debate was largely perceived as a Kerry win, with the President touting the recent signing of the Status of Forces Agreement, which promised a withdrawal of American forces in Iraq within fifteen months, and his recent increased emphasis on drone attacks in Pakistan, while Allen accused the President of "putting American lives at risk for the sake of a campaign" and being complacent toward the Iranian nuclear program.

Facing large deficits in three Midwestern swing states he won four years ago, President Kerry has focused his campaigning almost exclusively on the state of Florida in hopes of pulling off an upset win. While almost all polling shows a modest Allen lead nationally, Democratic pundits remain confident that the polls are underestimating minority turnout, which they expect to increase with the first African-American to appear on a presidential ticket. While Allen and McCain have both told supporters not to get too comfortable since the race is "closer than the polls want you to believe," many believe that their choice of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey as final campaign stops contradicts this supposed "tempered optimism." The Allen campaign has also accused Obama, who has been campaigning much more zealously than Kerry himself, of race-baiting to scare ethnic voters in Florida and the Southwest into voting for the incumbent.

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll:
Allen/McCain 48%
Kerry/Obama 44%

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Did Tim Johnson die from his aneurysm or is he just retiring?

[SPC]

Did Tim Johnson die from his aneurysm or is he just retiring?

Tim Johnson is retiring since facing a tough re-election campaign against Mike Rounds was too daunting while trying to recover from a stroke. Other differences from ORL: Stevens was acquitted, John Boozman is running against Mark Pryor, Governor McCaskill looked doomed in her re-election bid, Jon Bruning beat Don Stenberg in the primary to succeed Hagel, Sununu lucked out since Shaheen decided to stay at Commerce rather than run for Senate, Diane Denish is in a tight race with Heather Wilson for Domenici's seat, and Jim Gilmore beat Tom Davis for the Republican nomination despite Allen and Warner's intervention.

[MATTROSE94]

2008 is shaping up to be a bloodbath for the Democrats. It would not surprise me if the Republicans gained a fillibuster-proof super majority in the Senate in this TL.

[SPC]

Election Day/Night:

Democrats became optimistic that their predictions about election day turnout would pan out when the national exit poll came out, showing the two candidates tied at 49%.

7:00 PM EST Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and South Carolina have been called for Allen, Vermont has been called for Kerry. Allen's home state of Virginia is too close to call. In the battle for the Senate, former Governor Mark Warner has won the Senate race, giving Democrats their first pickup of the night. The race between Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and businessman Bruce Lunsford is too close to call at present.

Allen 42
Kerry 3

7:30 PM EST West Virginia can now be called for Allen.

8:00 PM EST Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee can be called for Allen; Delaware, D.C., Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts can be called for Kerry; Connecticut, Florida, Maine's 2nd congressional district, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are too close to call at present. Senate races in New Hampshire and New Jersey are too close to call. Congressman Kenny Hulshof has defeated Governor Claire McCaskill in Missouri, giving Republicans their first gubernatorial takeover of the night.

Allen 80
Kerry 55

8:30 PM EST Arkansas can now be called for Allen. All three of North Carolina's major contests are too close to call, as is Arkansas's Senate race.

9:00 PM EST Louisiana, Nebraska, Texas, and Wyoming can be called for Allen. New York and Rhode Island can be called for Kerry. Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are too close to call. We can now project that Governor Mike Rounds has defeated Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin to succeed Senator Tim Johnson, giving Republicans their first pickup in the Senate. Senate races in Colorado, Louisiana, and New Mexico are still too close to call.

Allen 137
Kerry 90

9:03 PM EST Senator John Sununu has won reelection over former Congressman Dick Swett.
9:06 PM EST Allen has won the state of Missouri
9:07 PM EST Allen has won the state of South Dakota.
9:21 PM EST Allen has won his home state of Virginia. Many were surprised that it took so long to call.
9:27 PM EST Senator Elizabeth Dole has won reelection over state Senator Kay Hagan.
9:43 PM EST Kerry has won the state of New Jersey

10:00 PM EST Kansas and Utah can be called for Allen. Iowa, Montana, and Nevada are too close to call. Senator Tom Harkin has won reelection over businessman Chris Reed. Governor Brian Schweitzer has won reelection over state Senator Roy Brown. The race between Senator Max Baucus and Congressman Denny Rehberg is too close to call.

Allen 175
Kerry 105

10:05 PM EST Kerry has won Connecticut.
10:13 PM EST Kerry has won Michigan.
10:23 PM EST Former Congresswoman Heather Wilson has defeated Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish in New Mexico's Senate race. Many believe Denish's ties to the Richardson administration may have sunk her chances.
10:28 PM EST Senator Mary Landrieu has lost her reelection bid to state Treasurer John Kennedy. Republicans only need one more net pickup in order to obtain a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
10:38 PM EST Allen has won North Carolina.
10:39 PM EST Allen has won Montana.
10:41 PM EST Allen has won New Hampshire.
10:53 PM EST Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has won a surprisingly tight battle for reelection.

11:00 PM EST Idaho and North Dakota can be called for Allen. California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington can be called for Kerry. Washington's gubernatorial election is too close to call.

Kerry 206
Allen 204

11:04 PM EST Kerry has won the state of Nevada.
11:27 PM EST Mayor Pat McCrory has defeated Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue to become the first Republican governor of North Carolina in 16 years.
11:36 PM EST Allen has won the state of Arizona.
11:42 PM EST Allen has won the state of Florida. An entertaining exchange between Bob Shrum and Wolf Blitzer occurs on CNN, in which the former insists that the call is premature.
11:49 PM EST Allen has won the state of Ohio. Cheering at the Allen campaign headquarters starts to get louder, while nervous disappointment takes hold at the Kerry campaign.

Allen 261
Kerry 211

12:11 AM EST Allen has won the state of Wisconsin. All major networks declare Allen the next President. President Kerry has thus far not conceded the race.
12:29 AM EST Allen has won the state of Minnesota.
12:34 AM EST Kerry has won the state of New Mexico.
12:39 AM EST Allen has won the state of Colorado.
12:48 AM EST After lengthy debate at the Kerry camp, the President finally delivers a concession phone call to Senator Allen. President Kerry then delivers his concession speech, thanking his supporters for putting up a good fight and wishing the next President luck in dealing with the economic crisis.
1:00 AM EST Allen has won the state of Alaska.
1:15 EST Senator Allen delivered his victory speech, thanking his supporters for doing what many thought was impossible and giving new leadership to a country that desperately needs it.

With most Americans tuning out, full results for Iowa, Maine's 2nd congressional district, and Pennsylvania as well as the Senate races in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, New Jersey, and Montana and the Washington gubernatorial race will have to wait for tomorrow morning.

[Sec. of State Superique]

I want to cry! Kerry is just another Jimmy Carter

[SPC]

I want to cry! Kerry is just another Jimmy Carter

If nothing else, the next four years should be rather amusing.

[SPC]

Full results:

President:

Senator George F. Allen/Senator John S. McCain 66,100,091 50.3% 322 EV
President John F. Kerry/Senator Barack H. Obama 62,883,522 47.8% 216 EV

Senate:

Republicans 60 (+4)
Democrats 38 (-4)
Independent Republican 1 (-)
Independent 1 (-)

The Senate results did provide some post-election suspense. With Governor Napolitano appointing Bruce Babbitt as a seat-warmer for Vice-President-elect McCain and overseas ballots still left that could affect the outcomes in Arkansas and New Jersey, the filibuster-proof majority that Republicans obtained was not immediately certain. Many believe this to be the reason why Senator Chafee survived the vote on his expulsion from the GOP Caucus as retaliation for supporting President Kerry. Senators Pryor and Lautenberg eventually conceded their races in mid-December to Congressman Boozman and former Congressman Zimmer.

House:

Republicans 257 (+12)
Democrats 178 (-12)

Republicans picked up seats in Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee, while Democrats only picked up seats in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York.

Governor:

Republicans 33 (+2)
Democrats 17 (-2)

[SPC]

November 2008-January 2009: Tales from the Lame Duck Period

Despite his loss in the recent election, outgoing President Kerry did not cease his efforts to fight the ongoing economic crisis. AIG was given another bailout to keep afloat. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that a policy of quantitative easing in order to help the US economy get out of stagnation, reducing interest rates to a quarter of one percent. When the Big Three auto companies requested a $15 billion bailout to help them restructure, Speaker Blunt was only able to get the bill passed 203-203, with over four-fifths of his caucus dissenting. The measure failed in the Senate 54-35 due to an inability to obtain the 60 votes required for cloture. Acting out of urgency, President Kerry gives the auto companies a $17 billion loan to avoid bankruptcy.

Gay rights activists were upset by the passage of Proposition 8 in California, and vowed to contest the law in federal court.

In the transition into the next Administration, President-elect Allen unveiled his choices for the Cabinet:

Secretary of State: Mitt Romney
Secretary of Defense: Condoleeza Rice
Secretary of the Treasury: Tim Geithner
Attorney General: Kelly Ayotte
Secretary of the Interior: Sarah Palin
Secretary of Agriculture: Edward Schaffer
Secretary of Commerce: Carlos Gutierrez
Secretary of Labor: John Boehner
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Mike Leavitt
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Alphonso Jackson
Secretary of Transportation: Kay Bailey Hutchison
Secretary of Energy: Joe Barton
Secretary of Education: Michelle Rhee
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Tommy Franks
Secretary of Homeland Security: Michael Chertoff

The only nominees to receive significant opposition from Senate Democrats were Romney, Geithner, and Palin. Liberal commentators criticized Romney's pick as Secretary of State as a "cynical attempt at a consolation prize for the man who almost won the nomination," while New York Fed Chairman Timothy Geithner's tax records drew criticism from Democrats as the "height of hypocrisy". Governor Palin's firing of a state trooper for personal reasons came under attack, and her evasive answers during the Senate hearing earned mockery throughout the media. Nevertheless, Romney, Geithner, and Palin were confirmed 75-25, 69-31, and 63-37, respectively.

Meanwhile, Allen's resignation from his Senate seat set off another controversy. At first, Governor Jerry Kilgore floated the possibility of appointing retiring Senator John Warner to Allen's seat, fueling speculation that Kilgore was interested in the seat himself. However, Warner delivered a Shermaneque statement declaring that his time in the Senate was "complete." State Attorney General Robert McDonnell was speculated to be a likely candidate for the seat, but McDonnell withdrew his name from consideration and reaffirmed his intention to run for Governor. Kilgore finally settled on former Secretary of the Navy James Webb for the appointment, which elicited ire from conservative activists unhappy with his history of endorsing Democratic candidates. Later, an FBI investigation revealed that both Kilgore and McDonnell had received thousands of dollars in gifts from supplement manufacturer Star Scientific, and some speculate that this may have been a motivating factor for McDonnell's refusal of the Senate seat.

[DKrol]

Romney as SoS? Really? The GOP businessman, heading up the State Department?

[Mister Mets]

Interesting timeline.

Looking forward to seeing if there's a liberal tea party.

Romney as SoS? Really? The GOP businessman, heading up the State Department?

It's plausible due to his Olympics work.

[SPC]

February 2009

In order to combat the recession, House Republicans passed a stimulus plan providing for cutting income taxes across the board, lowering the highest contribution to 28%, providing rebate checks for all Americans equating to the proposed change in tax rates, and $100 billion in appropriations. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) vowed to filibuster any such legislation in the Senate, arguing that it is "irresponsible to give more money to the rich when we have a trillion dollar deficit." Republican holdouts Chafee, Specter, and Webb prevented Republicans from invoking cloture, thus requiring Majority Leader McConnell to come to the negotiating table. To secure passage, McConnell conceded a payroll tax holiday for those making under $50,000/year. This modified stimulus passed 60-40, with Senators Bayh (D-IN), Chafee (IR-RI), and Webb (R-VA) crossing party lines. Many observers believe that the increasing probability of a primary rematch with former Congressman Pat Toomey (R-PA) intimidated Senator Specter (R-PA) to ultimately sign along with the legislation. After the reconciliation process, President Allen signed the stimulus package. Former Congressman Baron Hill (D-IN) is said to be considering a primary challenge against Senator Bayh for his stance on the tax issue.

[SPC]

March-April 2009

President Allen made an announcement of his plan to improve the War in Afghanistan, consisting of a troop surge into the country as well as greater foreign aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Privately, Secretary Rice is said to be negotiating with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki for a postponement of the withdrawal timetable from Iraq, eliciting criticism from members of both parties.

General Motors and Chrystler file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many analysts blame the President for not offering the auto industry a second bailout. President Allen stated that it "would be unfair to ask American taxpayers to pay for the mistakes of Detroit."

After poor internal polling numbers, Senator Bayh announces that he will not seek re-election next year. Republicans are very delighted by this news, as they see potential for even further Senate gains in Indiana as well as Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, and minority leader Tom Daschle's seat in South Dakota.

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announces that she will be retiring after the current session of the Supreme Court is over. President Allen promises to announce his nominee in early May.

[SPC]

May-June 2009

To fill Justice O'Connor's vacancy, President Allen announced his selection of former Texas Solicitor General Rafael Cruz as his nominee. While the confirmation process was predicted to be a cakewalk due to the composition of the Senate, the nominee's history of taking controversial positions as well as his condescending attitude toward the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation hearing. In an embarrassment to the President, the nominee was only confirmed by a 51-49 vote, with no Democratic support and numerous Republicans led by Arlen Specter (R-PA) voting against the nominee.

In foreign policy, a rescue effort on behalf of a US ship captured by Somali pirates ended successfully. After President Ahmadinejad of Iran is accused of rigging the recent Iranian elections, members of the Green movement take to the streets in support of failed candidate Mir-Hossain Mousavi. Secretary of State Mitt Romney announced that the United States "will not tolerate" the supression of peaceful protests by the Iranian regime. President Allen has said that the possibility of a tactical strike against the regime is "on the table," eliciting substantial criticism from liberal activists.

[SPC]

July 2009

With clashes between the Green Movement and the Iranian government becoming increasingly violent, the Administration has increased American involvement in the conflict. While Secretary Rice advised that Allen consult the United Nations before launching military action in the region, Vice-President McCain and UN Ambassador John Bolton convinced the President that it would send a message to the rest of the world that America was "leading from behind." On July 16, President Allen announced that the United States would be enforcing a no-fly zone over Iran, earning ire for a perceived return to the unilateralism of the Bush administration. While troops on the ground are not currently being used, Secretary Rice has refused to rule out the possibility. Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has called for Allen and McCain's impeachments, while Congressmen Ron Paul (R-TX), Walter Jones (R-NC), Mike Michaud (D-ME), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) have introduced a bill blocking all funding for enforcing the no-fly zone. On the other hand, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), perceived by many to be the Democratic frontrunner for the 2012 election, has staked out a hawkish position on the issue, stating "so long as no American lives are lost, it is our responsibility to protect Iranian civilians from being massacred by the Ahmadinejad regime."

Pew Research: Do you support the U.S.'s decision to launch air strikes on Iran?
Approve 50%
Disapprove 37%

[SPC]

August 2009:

President Allen encurred criticism when the "Cash-for-Clunkers" program, advocated to assist what remains of the American auto industry, ran out of money within days. Despite an insurrection among the more conservative members of the Republican caucus, Congress was able to pass an extension of funding for the program. However, the Allen administration has cited the turnaround in employment numbers as a sign that their recovery program is working.

Veteran Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) passed away, setting up a special election to occur in a few months. While many members of their congressional delegation have expressed interest, including Stephen Lynch, Ed Markey, Barney Frank, and former Congressman Jim Ogonowski, most observers believe that former President Kerry's expressed desire to return to the Senate would make him the prohibitive frontrunner if he ultimately decides to run.

[Potatoe]

May-June 2009

Justice Cruz?!?! Eek!

[SPC]

September-October 2009:

In foreign affairs, the Iranian conflict has only escalated since American intervention commenced last summer. What started as peaceful protests evolved into armed conflict, with members of the Green Movement having virtually vanished from the streets of Tehran. Opposition-held areas consist mostly of Kurdish- and Baluch-majority areas in the northwest and southeast of the country, respectively. The Iranian and Russian governments have accused the opposition of being pawns of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who have provided weapons to the opposition.

In retaliation for the American intervention, Hezbollah has intensified their rocket campaign against Israel and the al-Badr Organization has withdrawn support for the al-Maliki government, leading to the highest number of casualities since 2007. President Allen has sought to use the increased violence as a pretense for renegotiating the Status of Forces Agreement agreed to in 2008, but al-Maliki has thus far refused to allow an extension of American presence in Iraq beyond 2011.

In domestic news, former President Kerry ultimately passed on a comeback bid for the Senate seat previously held by Ted Kennedy, setting off a grueling primary between Congressman Stephen Lynch and Harvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren, an insurgent liberal challenger. While some Republicans hope that the rift in the Democratic primary could help Ogonowski in the general election, President Allen's sinking approval ratings and the Democratic lean of the state make this a remote possibility. More concerning for Republicans are recent polling numbers in New Jersey, where Governor Corzine holds a slim lead over U.S. Attorney Chris Christie despite poor job performance ratings, and Allen's home state of Virginia, where the gifts scandal involving outgoing Governor Kilgore and Attorney General McDonnell have left the latter in a double-digit deficit against state Senator Creigh Deeds in his gubernatorial bid.

[SPC]

November 2009

NEW JERSEY: CORZINE 45.5%, CHRISTIE 44.8%, DAGGETT 9.8%                                        VIRGINIA: DEEDS 50.8%, MCDONNELL 49.0%

Victories in off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia made Democrats optimistic about their chances in the 2010 midterms. Governor-elect Creigh Deeds, who pulled off a closer-than-expected win in the President's home state, has achieved superstar status among the party base for his strong repudiation of the current administration's "obsession with trickle-down economics and foreign adventurism when we're facing the worst economy since the Great Depression." Although administration officials such as Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner have pointed out that GDP has grown in the third quarter and unemployment has fallen to 9.0%, the public has demanded a faster recovery, as neither the stimulus nor the Cash-for-Clunkers program have lived up to expectations.

[hurricanehink]

Did Warren or Lynch win Kerry's senate seat? (or did that not happen yet ITL?)