Sic Semper Tyrannis

[DKrol]

OOC: This is a TL that I'll be doing along with "Political Lions". The idea for this one struck me while sitting through a history lecture at the local state college and I felt like I needed to write it right away.

September 9, 2009: Preface

“In the United States of America, no one should go broke because they got sick...Sometimes the government has to step in to ensure that promise...They also understood that the dangers of too much government is matched by the perils of too little...I know that many in this country are skeptical that the government is looking out for them...I still believe we can act, even when it’s hard...Thank you, God Bless you, and May God Bless the United States of America.”

President Barack Obama (D) called Congress into a Joint Session and addressed the nation on his proposed plan for healthcare reform. Most liberals found the speech as a moving rallying-cry for progress, while most conservatives and some moderates were unmoved. Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued a press release afterwards saying that his caucus “has not been moved by the President’s show of pageantry.” A poll taken by CNN/ORC immediately after the speech found that only 36% of Americans supported the President’s reform, while 41% did not and 23% were unsure. The President is now set to embark on a cross country bus tour to sell the Affordable Health Care for America Act, as it has been named in the House of Representatives.

President Obama Approval Rating
Approve - 47%
Disapprove - 34%
Unsure/No Comment - 19%

[DKrol]

September 10, 2009: Sic Semper Tyrannis

“We can get this done! I believe that the well being and health of the American people outweigh the partisan differences of Washington’s politicians.”

The bus tour came to a quick end. President Barack Obama (D) was halfway through his speech, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, when three shots were fired at him from the crowd. The first bullet tore through his shoulder, the second ricocheted off the podium and struck a Secret Service Agent in the leg, and the third hit Vice President Joe Biden in the kneck. Panic broke out among the crowd as the President and Vice President were rushed off stage and into their limo, peeling out of the parking lot for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. It seemed like the President would be alright, since the bullet missed any vital organs, but the Vice President was declared dead before the door closed on the limo. As the President’s motorcade crossed the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and North Main Street, the fatal blow was struck. A school bus sped up and barreled through the blockades police had established, crashing into the limo carrying the President, the deceased Vice President, and various Secret Service agents. The limo and school bus then collided with a brick building, which collapsed on top of the vehicles. Emergency responders found the dead body of Barack Obama at 1:37PM, EST, and the body of Joe Biden at 1:43PM.

[DKrol]

September 11, 2009: Madame President

“Our nation has been dealt a deadly blow. I can now confirm that President Barack Hussein Obama and Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. have been killed at the hands of a group of terrorists.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi addressed the nation on September 11th, 2009 -  the 8-year anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on New York City - to tell the nation it had just been attacked again. Speaker Pelosi was sworn in by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was the only Justice in Washington, and then addressed the nation on TV. The city of Washington has been in lockdown since the President was assassinated, with cars being searched, trains being stopped outside the city limits, and planes being told to land elsewhere. The Democratic Caucus in the House elected Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5) as the next Speaker, Majority Whip Clyburn (D-SC-6) as the next Majority Leader, and former DCCC Chairman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI-1) as the next Majority Whip.

Early reports from the FBI and CIA showed a connection between the shooter and the bus driver, but could not put a name to their group or tell if they had connections to Al Qaeda. The shooter was beaten by attendees at the speech before being apprehended by the Secret Service, the driver was killed on impact with the building. A letter was found in the backpack of the shooter, saying “I am not alone. I have associates around the globe. We will not stop. Sic semper tyrannis.”

President Pelosi Approval Rating
Approve - 67%
Disapprove - 21%
Unsure/No Comment - 12%

[DKrol]

I love your timelines.

Thank you, I'm glad!

[DKrol]

September-October, 2009: The Reign of Terror

The FBI confirmed the identity of the Allentown shooting suspect as Lloyd F. Denmark. Denmark, 29 of Mechanicsville, Virginia, has close ties with the Tea Party movement, according to his Facebook page, and reportedly sent President Obama numerous letters expressing his discontent. The man who was allegedly driving the school bus has been identified as Mark P. Davison, 37 of Panama City, Florida. The FBI has not yet released information on how the two came to meet, but did announce that the two were not acting alone. “It has been determined that the two suspects are part of a far-right anarchist group.” FBI Director Robert Mueller said at a Press Conference “From what we’ve gathered the group refers to themselves as ‘The Sons of Liberty’.”

The Sons of Liberty appear to have members around the world. Plans for attacks around the globe have been uncovered, and a few have been carried out. Nigel Farage, a Member of the European Parliament and the leader of UKIP, was preparing to land his private plane at a small airport outside of London when his landing gear appeared to malfunction, forcing the plane to crash in a small field. Farage suffered cuts and bruises, as well as a bit of head trauma, and is expected to recover fully. An investigation by British police found that the landing gear has been tampered with before hand, with the letters “S.S.T.” etched into the wheel well. Another attack was undertaken in Scotland, where a small computer was thrown at Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s car from the top of an office building. Brown escaped without injury, although his car was ruined. Police stormed the building and detained a 41-year-old man, who allegedly yelled “Sic Semper Tyrannis” when police moved him to the police cruiser.

President Pelosi Approval Rating                 
Approve - 57%                       
Disapprove - 25%                     
Unsure/No Comment - 28%                                   

[DKrol]

November, 2009: Election Day

Two states in the nation held elections, as did New York City. Polls showed close races all around but turnout was expected to be incredibly low due to fears about the Sons of Liberty. President Pelosi was notably absent from the campaign trail, instead spending the month vetting a Vice Presidential designee and building a coalition for healthcare reform. A high police presence kept polling places safe on Election Day.

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election
Governor Jon Corzine/State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D) - 49.3%
Attorney Chris Christie/Sheriff Kim Guadagno (R) - 45.5%
CEO Chris Dagget/Professor Frank Esposito (I) - 5.2%

Some expected Chris Christie to be able to fight the Democratic trend in New Jersey and secure the Gubernatorial mansion for the Republicans for the first time since 2002. Christie played up his non-partisan image and tried to pull together a moderate coalition. However, Jon Corzine’s incumbency gave him the edge and he was able to secure a second term.

New York City Mayoral Election
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R/L) - 40.8%
Comptroller Bill Thompson (D) - 35.5%
Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) - 23.7

No one saw the New York City race to come out the way it did. In August, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani filed to seek the Republican nomination for Mayor. A federal judge ruled that Giuliani could run, since the term limit had been expanded to 3 terms in 2008 and Giuliani had only served 2. Although he won the nomination easily, polls showed him coming in a close third for most of the race - behind sitting Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the city’s Comptroller, Bill Thompson. Once President Obama and Vice President Biden were assassinated Giuliani’s support surged. Many remembered Giuliani’s leadership post-9/11 and welcomed him back into Gracie Mansion.

Virginia Gubernatorial Election
Attorney General Bob McDonnell/Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R) - 51.3%
Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe/State Senator Creigh Deeds (D) - 45.5%
Other (Various) - 3.2

Virginia was the only race that wasn’t considered close. Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe barely won the primary over Congressman Jerry Moran and trailed Attorney General Bob McDonnell by various margins throughout the entire campaign. Former Senator Chuck Robb was McAuliffe’s main surrogate, while former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was on the stump for McDonnell.

President Pelosi Approval Rating
Approve - 54%
Disapprove - 32%
Unsure/No Comment - 14%

[DKrol]

December, 2009: Reconstruction

“I have asked the Cabinet secretaries to stay in office for the time being, and most have agreed. However, Secretary of State Clinton has handed me her resignation and I have accepted it.”

On December 8th a primary for the special election  to replace the late-Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) was held in Massachusetts. The Democratic Party Primary was a battle between multiple factions of the party. Attorney General Martha Coakley, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Congressman Stephen Lynch, former Boston City Council President Larry DiCara, and North Adams Mayor John Barrett III were the main contenders for the nomination. The Republican side was a beauty contest. Businessman and former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez faced only token opposition.

Massachusetts Senate Special Election - Democratic Primary
Former Boston City Council President Larry DiCara - 34%
Attorney General Martha Coakley - 33%
Congressman Stephen Lynch - 12%
Mayor John Barrett, III - 11%
Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray - 10%

On December 19th, President Pelosi called Congress into a joint session to deliver a mini-State of the Union. She pointed out the need to continue the the process of reforming healthcare “in the memory of President Obama”. Many in the media read this as the her final effort to pull together enough votes to pass healthcare reform before the Congress goes on its Winter Recess. Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Joe Liebermann (I-CT), Bob Bennett (R-UT), and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) announced that they would not support the bill proposed by President Pelosi. The main point of the speech that struck a chord with the media, came at the very end. “Before I close tonight, before the Congress goes off on their winter recess, I have a request. While I assumed the Presidency, there is no line of succession to the Vice Presidency. For the past few months the post has been empty. I nominate Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to fill that vacancy.”

President Pelosi Approval Rating
Approve - 53%                       
Disapprove - 33%                     
Unsure/No Comment - 17%                                   

[DKrol]

This is so good!

I'm glad you like it!

Also, credit be given where credit is due: The format for this TL is inspired by SPC's "President Kerry and On" TL.

[DKrol]

January, 2010: Continuity

“I’m honored to be elected to serve as the next United States Senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!”

A special election was held to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA). The election saw no shift in the balance of the Senate, as the Democrat easily held the seat.

Massachusetts Senate Special Election
Former Boston City Council President Larry DiCara - 58%
Former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez - 39%
Other - 3%

The impasse with health care reform also did not change. President Pelosi has much less sway in the Senate than President Obama did. A Group of Twelve Senators, of both parties, came out and announced they would not support the healthcare reform bill proposed by Pelosi. Pelosi’s plan includes a public option, which has pushed back many moderates and keeps most Republicans away. Newly-minted Senator DiCara, however, picked up the late-Senator Kennedy’s torch and has joined President Pelosi in actively pushing for her “Health Care for America Act”.

[DKrol]

February-October, 2010: Who’s Steering This  Ship?

2010 went down in the books as the least productive year for the United States government since the Civil War. Congress was locked in an eternal struggle over healthcare reform, where the House would pass a bill by the skin of its teeth and then the Senate would reject the bill by the skin of its teeth. President Pelosi took up the tradition of having a weekly address, many of which she used to try and sell her healthcare plan. Very few of these addresses drew more than a million viewers and were considered by most to be a failure.

President Pelosi was given the opportunity to appoint her first, and probably only, Supreme Court Justice. Associate Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement in April. Pelosi and her staff conducted various interviews with possible appointees over a 3 month period, but ultimately she decided not to appoint anyone. At the press conference where she announced this, she told the press that she did not “possess the mandate of the American people” necessary to appoint a Supreme Court Justice. Stevens said that he would stay on the Court until his successor was confirmed.

The one shining moment for Congress came on March 3rd, when both Houses confirmed former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine as the Vice President. Following his swearing in by Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, he took to the podium in the Senate chamber and addressed the body. He pushed for an end to the partisanship that “has so bitterly divided us over the last four years.”

Many primaries took place in preparation for the midterms. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski narrowly won the Republican Senate primary, as did Charlie Crist, Judd Gregg, and Bob Bennett. The Democratic primaries saw the return of Hillary Clinton for her former Senate seat, as well as the entrance of Michelle Obama to politics.

Key Senate Races - 2010

Arkansas
John Boozman (R) - 57%
Blanche Lincoln (D, Inc.) - 38%

California
Barbara Boxer (D, Inc.) - 49%
Carly Fiorina (R) - 49%

Connecticut
Richard Blumenthal (D) - 49%
Linda McMahon (R) - 47%

Florida
Charlie Crist (R) - 55%
Kendrick Meek (D) - 43%

Illinois
Michelle Obama (D) - 57%
Mark Kirk (R) - 41%

Nevada
Sharron Angle (R) - 50%
Harry Reid (D, Inc.) - 45%
None Of These Candidates - 5%

New Hampshire
Judd Gregg (R, Inc.) - 62%
Paul Hodes (D) - 30%

New York Class 1 Special
Hillary Clinton (D) - 53%
Donald Trump (R) - 43%

Oregon
Ron Wyden (D, Inc.) - 46%
Victor Atiyeh (R) - 46%

Pennsylvania
Pat Toomey (R) - 50%
Joe Sestak (D) - 46%

Washington
Patty Murray (D, Inc.) - 47%
Dino Rossi (R) - 47%

West Virginia Class 1 Special
Shelley Moore Capito (R)  52%
Joe Manchin (D) - 46%

Wisconsin
Tommy Thompson (R) - 49%
Russ Feingold (D, Inc.) - 44%

President Pelosi Approval Rating
Disapprove - 45% 
Approve - 43%                                         
Unsure/No Comment - 12%     

[DKrol]

November, 2010: Adios, Democrats



“We have the mandate here. Not President Pelosi, not Vice President Kaine, not the Democratic Party - we do. Myself, Leader Boehner, Whip Pence, the Republican Party.”

United States Senate Election Results - 2010

Republicans - 51 (+10)
Democrats - 46 (-11)
Independents - 2 (+/- 0)
Undecided - 1


The 2010 Midterms turned out to be a very poor year for the Democrats. Voters turned on President Pelosi and her failure to pass any major legislation despite having a Democratic Majority in both chambers of Congress. The Democrats failed to pick up a single seat in the Senate, leading to a Republican sweep. Democrats were dealt a swan song with the results out of California, where former HP CEO Carly Fiorina upset three-term Senator Barbara Boxer, Nevada, where State Assembly Member Sharron Angle bested Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Oregon, where former Governor Victor Atiyeh defeated Senator Ron Wyden. One, some would say the only, victory for the Democrats came in Illinois, where former First Lady Michelle Obama won the election to her late husband’s former seat. The race in Washington between sitting Senator Patty Murray and real estate mogul Dino Rossi is too close to call. Recounts at this point show Rossi up by about 300 votes.

Senate Leadership

Senate Majority Leader
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)


Senate Majority Whip
Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)


Senate Minority Leader
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)


Senate Minority Whip
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

United States House Election Results - 2010
Republicans - 255 (+76)
Democrats - 1787 (-76)

Republicans also saw sweeping success in the House of Representatives. A major victory for the Republicans came from one of the most unlikely places - Massachusetts 1st. Former Acting Governor Jane Swift beat sitting Congressman John Olver, who had defeated her back in the 1996. Speaker Steny Hoyer also lost his scalp to RNC Chairman Michael Steele, the former Lieutenant Governor of the state. The most major news out of the House elections came from within the Republican Conference. Minority Leader John Boehner was passed over for the Speakership, instead the Conference elected Minority Whip Eric Cantor.

House Leadership

Speaker
Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA-7)


House Majority Leader
Representative John Boehner (R-OH-8)


House Majority Whip
Representative Mike Pence (R-IN-6)


House Minority Leader
Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6)


House Minority Whip
Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD-8)

[DKrol]

Did Specter not switch parties in this universe?

...that might explain why my Senate numbers were always off. Give me a moment, I'll fix that.

[DKrol]

December, 2010 - May, 2011: The Media Primary


”I will not seek election to a full term as President, nor will Vice President Kaine run to succeed me.”

President Nancy Pelosi gave an address from the Oval Office in the beginning of January, where she announce that neither herself, nor Vice President Tim Kaine would run for President in 2012. Some sources inside of the Democratic Party hinted that Kaine wasn’t happy with that decision but Pelosi wasn’t going to budge. This announcement sparked the “Media Primary” and the reading of the political tea leaves jumped into overdrive.

For the Democrats, one name kept coming up: Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton is a former First Lady, former Secretary of State, and a U.S. Senator. She ran for President in 2008 and came in a close second to then-Senator Barack Obama. Names also mentioned included former Senator Birch Bayh (D-IN), Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Senator John Kerry (D-MA), former Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), and Rev. Al Sharpton (D-NY).

The Republican field was much smaller. Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) and Governor Sam Brownback (R-KS) were immediately praised as the top-tier candidates. Also mentioned were former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA), and Governor Rick Perry (R-TX).

[DKrol]

Who wins in Washington State?

Washington - Final
Dino Rossi (R) - 48.07%
Patty Murray (D, Inc.) - 48.06%

[DKrol]

Who wins in Washington State?

Washington - Final
Dino Rossi (R) - 48.07%
Patty Murray (D, Inc.) - 48.06%

Oh, Dino. Always cutting it close.

Rossi should move to New York and run against Andrew Cuomo. Then we'd have Dino against DINO

Ba dum tssss!

[DKrol]

June-July, 2011: Believe in America


”President Pelosi has failed America! She doesn’t believe that America is the greatest nation on earth, that we have the best hospitals, colleges, and armed forces across the globe. I believe in America!”

The first candidates announced their campaigns starting in the end of June. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) was the first, announcing her second bid while on “Meet the Press”. Reverend Al Sharpton (D-NY) followed Clinton’s lead, launching his campaign at the end of “MSNBC Live” (of which he hosts the 6PM block). Former Vice President Al Gore (D-TN) teased viewers with the idea of a Presidential campaign while on “The Daily Show”, but told reporters that he was “just joking around”. Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) kicked his campaign off at a press conference, as did Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), former Senator John Edwards (D-NC), and former Governor Angus King (I-ME).

Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) also launched his second campaign for president after giving a speech at Saint Anselm College. Joining him in the Republican nomination battle is Governor Rick Perry (R-TX), Governor Luis Fortuno (R-PR), Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), Senator Charlie Crist (R-FL), and former Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).

Republican Nomination- June 2011
Gov. Mitt Romney: 24%
Sen. Charlie Crist: 24%
Sen. Bob Corker: 16%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 14%
Gov. Rick Perry: 12%
Gov. Luis Fortuno: 5%
Sen. Judd Gregg: 3%

Democratic Nomination- June 2011
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 30%
Sen. Mark Warner: 21%
Gov. Angus King: 17%
Gov. Ed Rendell 13%
Sen. John Edwards: 10%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 9%

[DKrol]

Wait, Fortuno is running?

Yes.

[DKrol]

Wait, Fortuno is running?

Yes.

Wow... I thought they had different parties in Puerto Rico, or is he just running as a Republican?

They do have different parties in Puerto Rico, but when Fortuno was the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico he was a Republican.

[DKrol]

Wait, Fortuno is running?

Yes.

Is King governor again?

No. He's running as a former Governor. He's been on a speaking tour, so his name recognition is a up a bit.

[DKrol]

What Ron Paul isn't running? Also what's Charlie Crist still doing as a Republican? Where's Marco Rubio? He was still gonna beat Crist badly in that race assassination or no assassination.

Pelosi can't tell Kaine not to run for President since she's not. Kaine has right to protest and buck her. Come on.

Go away. I've told you before, these are my TLs and I will take them in what ever direction I want. I welcome people's comments and questions - except for yours. You try to hijack my TLs and make them yours with every comment that you've ever made on any of them.

[DKrol]

August, 2011: All Eyes on Ames


”What we’ve done here today is show that the Republican Party is still the conservative party of the United States of America!”

The Republican Party, and the national media, convened in Ames for the quadrennial Ames Straw Poll. Governors Rick Perry and Bob McDonnell both have been plastering the Hawkeye State with their campaigns, spending far more time in the state than any other candidate. Perry pulled off a narrow win over McDonnell and their other opponents, giving a boost of energy to his all-but-dead campaign.

2011 Ames Straw Poll
Rick Perry - 4,391 (25%)
Bob McDonnell - 4,054 (23%)
Charlie Crist - 3,040 (17%)
Mitt Romney - 3,040 (17%)
Bob Corker - 2,303 (13%)
Judd Gregg - 307 (2%)
Other - 119 (<1%)
Luis Fortuno - 30 (<1%)
Total votes cast: 17,280

Republican Nomination- August 2011
Gov. Mitt Romney: 20%
Gov. Rick Perry: 19%
Sen. Charlie Crist: 18%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 17%
Sen. Bob Corker: 10%
Sen. Judd Gregg: 10%
Gov. Luis Fortuno: 6%

Democratic Nomination- August 2011
Sen. Mark Warner: 24%
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 21%
Gov. Angus King: 18%
Sen. John Edwards: 15%
Gov. Ed Rendell 11%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 11%

[DKrol]

What happened to the whole "Sons of Liberty" terrorist group? Or are they yet to come?

They've died down for the time.

[DKrol]

What happened to the whole "Sons of Liberty" terrorist group? Or are they yet to come?

They've died down for the time.

Oh okay. Good to know... So update soon?

I put out updates as often as I can. That means that they're almost on a weekly (Saturday) schedule

[DKrol]

January, 2012: Top Tier Candidates


”Iowa knocked me down a few pegs four years ago. Now, Iowa has given me a great win and give me great momentum going into New Hampshire!”

Both the Democrats and Republicans held their first Caucuses and Primaries in January. Four states held contests in the month: Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) and Governor Luis Fortuno (R-PR) both ended their campaigns before the Iowa Caucus was held. Corker endorsed McDonnell, while Fortuno endorsed Romney.

Iowa Caucus - Republican
Gov. Rick Perry: 23%
Gov. Mitt Romney: 22%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 21%
Sen. Charlie Crist: 19%
Sen. Judd Gregg: 15%

Iowa Caucus - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 38%
Sen. Mark Warner: 26%
Sen. John Edwards: 19%
Gov. Angus King: 6%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 6%
Gov. Ed Rendell: 5%

Senator Charlie Crist (R-FL) took the results out of Iowa as a sign of failure from his campaign and ended his bid the next afternoon. He announced that he would endorse after New Hampshire. Senator John Edwards (D-NC) read the tea leaves, after leading in a few polls by 4%, and also ended his campaign. Edwards endorsed Warner, which spurred talk of Edwards being a possible VP candidate.

New Hampshire Primary - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 36%
Sen. Judd Gregg: 33%
Gov. Rick Perry: 17%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 14%

New Hampshire Primary - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 49%
Gov. Angus King: 20%
Sen. Mark Warner: 13%
Gov. Ed Rendell: 10%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 8%

Governor Mitt Romney (R-NH) saw his win in New Hampshire as a confirmation of his success as a candidate, being able to beat favorite son Judd Gregg. Gregg ended his campaign and endorsed Romney. Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) ended his campaign, endorsing long-time friend Hillary Clinton. Reverend Al Sharpton (D-NY) announced that he would “reassess” his campaign after South Carolina.

South Carolina Primary - Republican
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 40%
Gov. Mitt Romney: 38%
Gov. Rick Perry: 22%

South Carolina Primary - Democratic
Sen. Mark Warner: 33%
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 33%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 18%
Gov. Angus King: 16%

The Republicans held a major debate two nights before the South Carolina Primary, and Governor Rick Perry (R-TX) put his foot into his mouth. When asked what he would do about the increasing number of illegal immigrants into his state, Perry said “Nancy is welcoming them in, she’s knows those wetbacks are Democratic voters.” Perry had been leading in the Palmetto State by nearly 20% but his results was just over 20%. He shrugged off the poor showing, citing it as “an attack of the liberal media”. Al Sharpton claimed to receive a mandate from the African American community in South Carolina and pledged to carry on his campaign.

Florida Primary - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 50%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 34%
Gov. Rick Perry: 16%

Florida Primary - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 39%
Sen. Mark Warner: 30%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 21%
Gov. Angus King: 10%

Governor Perry got the message after Florida voted. Three days later he suspended his campaign and endorsed Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA), saying that Romney was “no different than Nancy and Vice President Kaine”. Governor Angus King (D-ME) ended his campaign for President the day after Florida’s results were announced. He had hoped to bank on the elderly vote, but lost that demographic to Clinton. He did not endorse any other candidate and has hinted at an independent campaign in the fall.

[DKrol]

February, 2012: Hillary 2.0


”I’d like to thank Senator Warner for his endorsement and his support as we move forward into the general election!”

The Democratic Primary came to an early end in February, after party leaders coalesced around the former First Lady. The Republican Primary had a different outcome and an ideological divide became apparent.

Nevada Caucus - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 58%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 48%

Nevada Caucus - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 53%
Sen. Mark Warner: 34%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 13%

No one took the results from Nevada as a sign from above about their campaign. Sharpton announced that Michigan would be his final stand, aiming for a victory from the Detroit African American community.

Colorado Caucus - Republican
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 51%
Gov. Mitt Romney: 49%

Colorado Caucus - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 50%
Sen. Mark Warner: 33%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 17%

Minnesota Caucus - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 54%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 46%

Minnesota Caucus - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 59%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 21%
Sen. Mark Warner: 20%

Minnesota proved a turning point in the Democratic Primary. Sharpton, pulling in a chunk of college voters, landed his first second place finish over Warner. This led many voters to question how appealing Warner would be, in the general election, outside of the South.

Arizona Primary - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 56%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 44%

Arizona Primary - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 48%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 24%
Sen. Mark Warner: 18%

Michigan Primary - Republican
Gov. Mitt Romney: 57%
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 43%

Michigan Primary - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 55%
Sen. Mark Warner: 23%
Rev. Al Sharpton: 22%

Sharpton failed to achieve his threshold in Michigan and ended his campaign the following morning. He endorsed Clinton, saying that Warner “has too many ties to a place that has never been friendly” to African Americans. Some Republicans saw Romney’s victory as assurance of his electability, while others saw the lack of a Souther win as evidence of the opposite.

Wyoming Caucus - Republican
Gov. Bob McDonnell: 53%
Gov. Mitt Romney: 47%

Wyoming Caucus - Democratic
Sen. Hillary Clinton: 57%
Sen. Mark Warner: 43%

Warner, seeing his lack of appeal outside of his home, ended his campaign the night of Wyoming. He endorsed Clinton and appears to be a shoo-in for the Vice Presidential election. The Republicans failed to achieve anytime of consensus - Romney supports stood up for Romney, McDonnell supporters stood up for McDonnell.

General Election Polling - February, 2012
Hillary R. Clinton - 47%
W. Mitt Romney - 47%

General Election Polling - February, 2012
Hillary R. Clinton - 50%
Robert F. McDonnell - 43%