The Mideast Record-Courier (Exclusive Interview with Roy Barnes)

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Hellsing Ultimate, Episode ten (see 1 for your pic).

Alucard is the castle
The Count is its core
Kill it a thousand times more.
Your efforts are futile.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Hellsing Ultimate, Episode ten

No clue what dire thing you're referring too.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
February 28-March 1, 2015

Race To Replace Bacon King Begins

With Vice President-elect Bacon King (TPP-OC) set to assume office in the coming weeks, the race to fill his soon-to-be-vacated At-Large Senate seat has already begun, with a number of candidates having entered the race as of last night. The first of these to declare was Mideast Assemblyman and former presidential candidate Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN), who was himself an At-Large Senator as recently as last December. He is opposed by Massachusetts resident Dkrol, a former Federalist who joined TPP following the last presidential election, and who favors raising the minimum wage, regional rights, and a more isolationist foreign policy. Both former President Averroes Nix (TPP-HI) and Southern Speaker Maxwell (Fed-AL) have declined to contest the seat, the latter after briefly launching a campaign just before midnight yesterday. No Laborites or Democratic-Republicans have as yet moved to contest the seat.

President Launches New Party

Expressing a desire to transform the Atlasian party system, outgoing President Lumine Von Reuental of Ohio announced the formation of a new political party just minutes ago in the culmination of his recent departure from the Federalist caucus that elected him to the nation's highest office. Christening this new faction the "Civic Renewal Party", the president attempted to cast it as a center-right alternative to the beleaguered Federalist Party. "No one can argue that the Federalist Party is in good shape after losing more and more officeholders and elections as time goes by," the president announced to a crowd assembled in Columbus, Ohio. "That situation has to end, and since change will never come unless one step forwards and does something I have decided to do just that."
In forming this new party, the president expressed his hope that it will become a means for creative thinking within the political system, urging prospective members to "[think] outside the box", particularly on issues of the economy, environmental conservation, and foreign policy. "I have faith in the future," he told listeners, predicting that "we... have a great chance to achieve much needed change and, hopefully, make the game more entertaining for many of us." At-Large Senator Cris, who with the inauguration of the next presidential administration would have been the last Federalist officeholder in the national government, has announced his intention to join the new party.

[Maxwell]

I think it's time to give JCL a shot at this race.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Hellsing Ultimate, Episode ten

No clue what dire thing you're referring too.

If you were to watch it, at least the last thirty minutes of it, the parallel would make sense.

[Sec. of State Superique]

I think that there is no "Party" in the "Civic Renewal".

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 2, 2015

Windjammer Sues Northeast Over Controversial Law

In the most serious challenge thus far to the social reform agenda that has overtaken the Northeast Assembly in recent months, Mideast Regional Senator Windjammer (Lab-MI) announced Friday that he was bringing suit against the region, charging that the controversial Restoration of the Arts Act violates First Amendment protections of religious freedom. The Act, which was passed by the Northeast Assembly prior to February's elections, seeks to promote a variety of social and historical messages by requiring the region's public schools to play a selection of songs, ranging from NWA's The Police to Julia Ward Howe's Battle Hymn of the Republic, over their school's intercom on a weekly basis. Taking issue with Section 5 of the Act, which requires LGBT students dressed as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to perform the Battle Hymn each Wednesday, Senator Windjammer filed a challenge to the law with the Supreme Court, arguing that this section is both anti-Mormon and a violation of students' religious liberties.
The lawsuit has been praised by Northeast Assemblyman Winfield (Ind-RI), who called the law an "absurd monstrosity" and called on the court to strike it down in full. Northeast Governor Sawx (TPP-NH), however, defended the law, arguing that Section 5 of the Act has nothing to do with the Mormon religion and merely established a dress code for the choir. As of this writing, the Supreme Court has not stated whether it will hear the case.

Griffin, Foucaulf Announce Bids For Vacated At-Large Seat

Though the Department of Federal Elections has yet to announce the date of the presumed special election to fill Vice President-elect Bacon King's At-Large Senate seat, the field of candidates seeking to replace him has now increased to four with the entrance of two new candidates over the weekend. The first of these is former Northeast Lt. Governor Adam Griffin, a Laborite and former Senator who was defeated in a special election to fill this same seat early last year. Attempting to assuage fears that a Labor-dominated Senate would lead to economic ruin (the party currently controls five of the ten seats in the national legislature), Mr. Griffin cited his willingness to break with his party to oppose radical economic policies. Griffin was quickly endorsed by a number of prominent leftists, including At-Large Senators Lief (Lab-VT) and SWE (Lab-NY) and former Presidents DemPGH (Ind-PA) and Al Sibboleth (TD-CA).
Several hours after Griffin's announcement, conservative radio personality and former candidate for Mideast Governor Foucaulf (Ind-MN) announced he too was entering the race, bringing the number of candidates up to four. Abandoning the fiery rhetoric of his gubernatorial bid, Foucaulf focussed on his support for regional rights and "common sense economics" in his announcement speech. Additionally, Mr. Foucaulf highlighted his role in the landmark ruling Roe V. ZuWo, which resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that the federal government has not authority to regulate abortion. Both candidates have announced their interest in gaining the support of TPP, which will vote on a nominee for the seat tomorrow. Northeast citizen Dkrol (TPP-MA) is also seeking The Party's nomination.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 3, 2015

Terrorist Leader Captured

Pacific law enforcement officials arrested the leader of the terrorist organization PMA earlier today, a landmark triumph for the government in a crisis that has claimed the lives of 35 Atlasians. The man in question, Wayne Derrick, was seized in Northern Idaho by highway patrol officers, who had initially pulled him over for going over the speed limit and quickly recognized him as the terrorist organization's leader. A militant accompanying Derrick attempted to shoot the patrolmen and was shot to death.
In response to the arrest, the PMA released a statement stating that Derrick remained their leader in spite of his imprisonment. President Lumine Von Reuental (DR-OH), speaking from the White House, extended his thanks to those responsible for Derrick's arrest.

Split Over Extent Of Reform Threatens Lt. Governor Amendment

An amendment to the Mideast Constitution that would allow the lt. governor to break ties in the Assembly has recently run into trouble, with members of the Assembly split over how far this new power should extend. The original version of the bill, drafted by Assemblyman Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN), specifies that the lt. governor can only break ties in the case of "gross inactivity" on the part of one or more Assemblymen--in other words, only if a member of the Assembly repeatedly does not show up. And amendment offered by Assemblyman Shua (DR-NU), however, would change that to allow the lt. governor to break ties whenever the Assembly is split evenly on an issue, essentially replicating the vice president's power to break ties in the Senate.
While Governor TDAS04 (Lab-VA) has endorsed Shua's version of the bill, JCL has not, insisting that the lt. governor's tie-breaking authority be limited to extraordinary circumstances, not a part of everyday governance. As Speaker New Canadaland (Lab-ON) has previously indicated that he would support some restrictions on when the lt. governor can cast tie-breaking votes, it seems unlikely that Shua's amendment will pass unaltered, though the possibility for compromise remains.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 4, 2015

Perennial Candidate Declares For At-Large Senate

Perennial candidate Poirot (Ind-QC) announced he would seek the At-Large Senate seat soon to be vacated by Vice President-elect Bacon King (TPP-OC), launching what is by his own count his fifth campaign for the seat. Speaking in Hope, Arkansas, Mr. Poirot expressed support for the oft-maligned At-Large seats, saying that they allow senators to interact with citizens from all around the country and calling on the Atlasian people to "vote for someone who [believes] in at-large Senate elections." Poirot will face former Lt. Governor Adam Griffin (Lab-NB), Assemblyman Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN), and an unnamed TPP candidate in the general election later this month.

Cabinet Reform Amendment Fails To Pass Senate

A Constitutional Amendment that would have re-conceived the structure of the cabinet collapsed in the Senate this evening, falling just short of the seven votes required for adoption. The amendment was proposed exactly a month ago by President Lumine Von Reuental (CR-OH) as part of his effort to freshen the face of the federal government, and would have made official title changes enacted by executive order early in his term, as well as reforming the relationship between the president and the Game Moderator. In a gross example of inactivity, votes in favor of the amendment vastly outnumbered those against, but the absence of three legislators ensured that the bill fell just short of the requisite 2/3 of all sitting senators. The final margin in the Senate was 5-2 in favor of the amendment, with Senators Polnut (TPP-MA), Bacon King (TPP-OC), and North Carolina Yankee (Fed-NC) not voting.
The changes included in the amendment would have officially retitled the Secretary of External Affairs the "Secretary of State" and the Secretary of Internal Affairs the "Secretary of the Interior", both titles being reminiscent of those used by the government of Atlasia's predecessor, the United States. It likewise would have made the Game Moderator, once appointed, largely independent of the president, a reform intended to prevent a recurrence of the "Thursday Night Massacre" that initiated the Atlasian Conflict of October 2014. President Von Reuental has yet to comment on the bill's failure.

[windjammer]

I'm definitely in love of this newspaper.

[Lumine]

I have expressed that there is no use in getting mad, but yes, I do find it frustrating to see an effort with widespread support being defeated due to not showing up to vote. And as Windjammer pointed out, it's not the first time legislation fails due to a lack of votes.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I have expressed that there is no use in getting mad, but yes, I do find it frustrating to see an effort with widespread support being defeated due to not showing up to vote. And as Windjammer pointed out, it's not the first time legislation fails due to a lack of votes.

I urge the President or Senator Windjammer to re-introduce this amendment.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 5, 2015

President Defends His Record In State Of The Union Address

As his term draws to a close, President Lumine Von Reuental (CR-OH) issued a ringing defense of his tenure in his State of the Union Address last night, saying he would "leave the presidency with pride" after a tumultuous tenure that drew both praise and criticism from people of all persuasions. After thanking his cabinet and former President Theodore Cranberry (TPP-CA) for providing stability in the aftermath of the Atlasian Conflict, the president went on to state that "all my regrets come from what could have been done, not from what was done for the nation."
Most of the president's speech was devoted to reviewing the accomplishments of the outgoing administration, highlighting progress on game reform, foreign policy, and the 2015 Budget, the first to be passed since the presidency of Jack Polnut. In particular, the president defended his use of the Justice Department to prosecute those responsible for instigating the Atlasian Conflict, dismissing charges of political persecution as "fake outrage". In closing, the president announced new inductions into the Order of the Atlasian Star, whose new members include former President Isaac Tmthforu94 (formerly Fed-VA) and retiring Registar General Fritz (Lab-MN).

Foucaulf, Dkrolga Contest TPP Nomination For At-Large Senate

Following a contentious vote to reject attempts by non-members to be included in the upcoming endorsement vote, members of The People's Party assembled to select their party's nominee for At-Large Senate. The candidates for the nomination are conservative radio personality Foucaulf (TPP-MN), who ran unsuccessfully for Midwest Governor in the February election, and first-time candidate Dkrolga (TPP-MA), who has attempted to use his status as a newcomer as an advantage in a race otherwise dominated by familiar faces. As the balloting currently stands, the two candidates are tied neck-and-neck, with one vote for Mr. Dkrolga being invalid.
The primary has been regarded with tempered enthusiasm by The Party's liberal wing, who faces the choice between two center-right candidates to replace the generally center-left Bacon King (TPP-OC), who will vacate his seat to become Vice President tomorrow. In light of this, both candidates have attempted to swing themselves slightly to the left, with Mr. Dkrolga highlighting his pro-choice stances and support for game reform and Mr. Foucaulf churning out centrist rhetoric. Of the two, Mr. Foucaulf has the harder task, having cast himself as a strident conservative in his recent bid for Midwest Governor. So far, Dkrolga seems to be fairing slightly better with the liberal wing of the party, though Northeast Governor Sawx (TPP-NH) notably chose to support Foucaulf in what he described as a difficult decision.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 6, 2015

The Bore Administration Begins

Bore shortly after his inauguration as President of Atlasia.

NYMAN, D.C. - The first hours of the administration of President Bore passed with little of the ceremony and celebration that accompanied his predecessor's inauguration four months ago. The new president quietly swore into office at half-past one this afternoon, becoming the fifth Laborite to be honored with the chief magistracy of this Republic. Saying briefly that "I really think we have a chance to do something great," the new president entered the White House to the enthusiastic congratulations of his supporters and the good-humored jibes of his former opponent, Southern Speaker Maxwell (Fed-AL).

The new president's cabinet will be a mix of Laborites and left-leaning TPPers, and will largely consist of new appointees. While Secretary of External Affairs Superique (TPP-VT), Game Moderator Kalwejt (TPP-VT), and Secretary of Federal Elections Homelycooking (Ind-CT) will stay on in their current posts, the remaining offices will be filled by new nominees. Taking over for Secretary of Internal Affairs Hagrid, who assumed office as the regional senator from the South earlier this afternoon, is Deputy Game Moderator Barnes (Lab-CA), who previously held the position during the Polnut Administration. The Justice Department will in turn be headed by former President Al Sibboleth (TD-CA), while former At-Large Senator Adam Griffin (Lab-NB) will replace long-time Registar General Fritz.

Apart from the joking objections of Speaker Maxwell, Bore's nominations were enthusiastically received by those who chose to voice their opinions, particularly by Game Moderator Kalwejt (TPP-VT).  Describing the nominees as "superb", the GM said he was "especially happy I will be able to continue working on foreign issues with Superquire and that Barnes will handle Internal Affairs, although it's a bit sad to see him leaving my department." The Senate is expected to begin confirmation hearings for the new nominees in the coming days.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 7-8, 2015

Bacon King Deregisters

Vice President-elect Bacon King (formerly TPP-OC) announced he was leaving active politics earlier today, ending a career that dates back to the first months of the Atlasian Republic. King's announcement came hours after he was due to swear in as the nation's vice president, a post he had already filled twice previously under presidents Lief, Polnut, and Snowguy.
Bacon King's departure was received with regret by citizens of all persuasions, but particularly within The People's Party, whose members elected him their second At-Large Senator four months ago. Within hours of his resignation, several members of The Party, including Southern Governor Flo (TPP-PR) and Game Moderator Kalwejt (TPP-VT) expressed their regret that he would be unable to serve as the nation's second in command. While Mr. King did not publicly give a reason for his decision, others familiar with the situation alluded to real-life issues and praised the senator for choosing to step down rather than fall into inactivity. President Bore announced that he had begun the search for a new vice president at half past three this afternoon.

TPP Nominates Foucaulf

After a close and contentious primary, leaders of The People's Party confirmed that conservative radio personality Foucaulf (TPP-MN) would be the party's nominee in the upcoming special election to fill the At-Large Senate seat vacated by former Senator Bacon King (formerly TPP-OC). Foucaulf's victory was a narrow one: the Midwestern resident bested first-time candidate Dkrolga (TPP-MA) by a single vote in a closed primary after joining the party just days before the balloting began. In a brief address following the vote, Mr. Foucaulf thanked the party for its endorsement and called on them to "work to create a platform and an agenda this party and the Atlasia people can be proud of." Following the vote, Mr. Dkrolga officially withdrew from the race, thanking those who had supported his campaign, though he did not directly acknowledge Mr. Foucaulf's victory.

[Maxwell]

Sad to see the Vice President-elect go.

Everyone really liked him!

[Barnes]

Sad to see the Vice President-elect go.

Indeed it is. Bacon King is a wonderful puic servant and he and I have worked together as friends and colleagues for many years in Atlasia.

I only echo the comments of others in praising his selflessness in deciding to go now.

[Boston Bread]

[TDAS04]

That's sad. 

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

It is sad to see him go. He was always open minded and fair, even if is activity was lacking. I hope he returns some day.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 9, 2015

Nix Nominated To Fill Vice Presidential Vacancy

Following the departure of Vice President-elect Bacon King just hours after he was to begin his third term as vice president, President Bore (Lab-RI) announced Sunday that he would nominate former President Averroes Nix (TPP-HI) to the vacant office. Nix's appointment is in keeping with the president's campaign pledge to appoint a TPP vice president in the event that Mr. King was unable to finish his term. Several other members of TPP, including Mideast resident and former Senator Franzl (TPP-IL) were reportedly considered for the office.
Mr. Nix's appointment was greeted with widespread approval by the electorate, with citizens of all persuasions applauding the nomination. Among those to express their support were Mideast Regional Senator Windjammer (Lab-MI) and Mideast Assemblyman Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN), both of whom crossed party lines to express support for the nomination. The Senate is expected to call a vote on the nomination later this week.

Labor Firebrand Announces Retirement

Citing recent developments outside the world of politics, Midwest Regional Senator TNF (Lab-MN) said yesterday that he will retire from politics at the end of his current term. His announcement brings to an end a nearly two-year stint as a senator, during which time he made his name as an unflinching advocate for leftist policies on both the regional and the federal level. Seen by many of his conservative opponents as the very face of radicalism, he inspired fervent support within the Atlasian socialist movement, dominating the dialogue within the Senate and earning the grudging respect of even his most vociferous enemies.
First elected to the Senate in June 2013, Senator TNF would go on to survive five challenges by various center to center-right opponents, including former President Lumine Von Reuental (then PU-MT) and At-Large Senator Cris (then Fed-KS). In addition, he was the lone Laborite to step forward to challenge President Duke in the February 2014 presidential election, garnering 38% of the vote in the final round. He briefly served as President Pro Tempore of the Senate during the DemPGH Administration, outraging the political establishment by calling for the erection of monuments to Karl Marx and other socialist leaders.
The news of TNF's retirement initiated an outpouring of praise from across the country, even from those who have often found themselves pitted against the senator in battles over policy. Among those to pay tribute to the senator's legacy was Southern Speaker Maxwell (Fed-AL), who ran against TNF in his first campaign for the Senate. "As much as I disagree with you on just about everything, I salute your 2 years... of playing this game in a top notch fashion," the Speaker said, joining such noted Atlasians as former President Averroes Nix (TPP-HI), At-Large Senator and former President Lief (Lab-VT), Pacific Senator and former President Theodore Cranberry (TPP-NM), and Midwest Governor Gass3268 (Lab-EX) in wishing him well.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 10, 2014

Senate Debates Minimum Wage For Interns

Discussion in the nation's legislature has turned to the subject of unpaid internships as senator continue to debate the Minimum Wage Act of 2015. Proposed by former Senator North Carolina Yankee (Fed-NC), the act is an attempt to settle the debate over the minimum wage once and for all by establishing a standard base-level wage and providing for annual increases to keep up with inflation. While the body has more or less agreed to a $15 minimum wage, controversy has been sparked over whether the law should apply to interns, many of whom currently work without monetary compensation. Even the leftist Labor Party has found itself divided over the issue, with Mideast Regional Senator Windjammer (Lab-MI) arguing in favor of paying interns the minimum wage and At-Large Senator Lief (Lab-VT) countering that such a proposal would eliminate most internships.
In response to the controversy, At-Large Senator Jack Polnut (TPP-MA) has suggested simultaneously extending the law to include interns and establishing a tax credit to cover the cost to the businesses that employ them. Several persons within the federal government, including Senator Windjammer and President Bore (Lab-RI), have expressed support for Polnut's proposal, though an official amendment to the bill has yet to be introduced.

Bomb Threat Interrupts CR Convention

The first-ever convention of the new Civic Renewal Party founded by former President Lumine Von Reuental (CR-OH) was interrupted earlier today when FBI officials announced that a bomb had reportedly been placed in the convention hall and asked all delegates to vacate the building. The crisis comes after the questionable decision of Civic Renewal leaders to hold the convention in Boise, Idaho, the same state where the terrorist organization "PMA" is known to be based. When the threat was received, delegates were preparing for the election of party officers in advance of the endorsement vote for the upcoming At-Large Senate special election. Whether the threat has any connection to the so-called "PMA" remains unclear.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 11, 2015

Windjammer Elected Speaker

Mideast Regional Senator Windjammer (Lab-MI) was elected Speaker of the Atlasian Senate earlier today, assuming the office most recently held by President Bore (Lab-RI) and former President Lumine Von Reuental (CR-OH). Windjammer was elected with the support of both his own Labor caucus and that of Civic Renewal, whose lone senator, Cris (CR-KS) has frequently collaborated with Senator Windjammer. Among those outside the Senate who backed Windjammer for the Speakership was former Southeast Senator North Carolina Yankee (Fed-NC), who previously served as the Senate's presiding officer for a record 29 consecutive months.
In taking office, Speaker Windjammer announced that he intended to use his office to increase public awareness of the Senate. "I would like to modernize this office," the Speaker told citizens gathered in his new office. "I indeed believe that the senate as an institution isn't completely understood by [Atlasian] citizens. That's why I would like to improve communication between atlasian citizens and the senate." Windjammer is the second senator to occupy the reformer Speakership, which was previously titled "President Pro Tempore".

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 12, 2015

As Election Approaches, Campaign For Mideast Assembly Begins In Earnest

With less than a week to go before the polls open, the candidates seeking election to the Mideast Assembly have hit the campaign trail, with both conservatives and liberals seeking to take control of the chamber that has been in limbo for the last two months. With all five seats in the chamber up for election, next Thursday's vote will determine whether Governor TDAS04 (Lab-VA) will have a friendly majority to work with, as well as whether Mideast conservatives still pose a significant threat to the growing progressive majority.
As things currently stand, four candidates have declared their intention to run and will appear on the ballot next week. These include three incumbents - Earl A. "Hatman" Washburn (WSRP-ON), Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN), and New Canadaland (Lab-ON), the current Speaker - and one challenger, the Mideast Record Courier's editor, Harry S Truman (TPP-IN). If incumbent Assemblyman Shua (DR-NU) decides to seek reelection as expected, that would make five candidates for the Assembly, exactly the same as the number of seats being contested. Conservatives would then need to recruit a sixth candidate to spark a competitive campaign, which would likely pit the Federalist-DR opposition against the left-leaning Labor-WSRP-TPP coalition. Of the potential candidates, former Assembly Speaker Spiral (DR-MO) is the most likely to enter the race, though the entrance of a first-time candidate is not out of the question.
In the interest of preserving this paper's objectivity, the Mideast Record-Courier will not endorse candidates for Assembly.

March 2015 Special At-Large Senate Election Voters' Guide

The special election to fill the At-Large Senate seat vacated by former Senator Bacon King (formerly TPP-OC) will begin tomorrow, March 13, and continue through Sunday, March 15. For your convenience, the Mideast Record-Courier has assembled a complete list of those candidates seeking the office, including two write-in candidacies.

Full Candidates
The following candidates declared before the deadline and will appear on the official ballot tomorrow.

Foucaulf (TPP-MN)
Foucaulf is the host of a radio talk show and a resident of the Mideast. He was the Federalist candidate for Governor of the Midwest in the February 2015 election.

Fmr. At-Large Senator Adam Griffin (Lab-NB)
Griffin is a former At-Large Senator, former Vice President, former Northeast Representative, and former Lt. Governor of the Northeast. He also served as Chairman of the Labor Party from October 2012 to July 2013 and again from March to October of 2014.

Assemblyman Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN)
JCL is a former At-Large Senator and one of five members of the Mideast Assembly. He received the nomination of the Federalist Party for President of Atlasia in the February 2015 election.

Fmr. Representative Poirot (Ind-QC)
This is Poirot's seventh campaign for the Atlasian Senate. He was the nominee of the Democratic-Republican Party for President of Atlasia in the October 2014 election. He ran for Governor of the Northeast as an independent candidate in the February 2015 elections.

Write-In Candidates
The following individuals will not appear on the official ballot, but have announced their intention to accept write-in votes.

Dkrolga (CR-MA)
Dkrolga is a newcomer to Atlasia and a former member of the Federalist Party. He briefly campaigned for the nomination of The People's Party earlier this month.

Game Moderator Kalwejt (TPP-VT)
Kalwejt is a former senator, former Vice President, and the incumbent Game Moderator of the Republic of Atlasia.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The Mideast Record-Courier
March 13, 2015

Griffin Holds Early Lead In At-Large Senate Race

As of recent tabulations by the Nyman-based newspaper Inside Nyman, former Senator Adam Griffin (Lab-NB) has a tenuous lead in the special election to replace former At-Large Senator Bacon King (formerly TPP-OC). At a little after noon, counts showed Mr. Griffin leading Federalist candidate Johanus Calvinus Libertas (Fed-IN) by four votes in the final round in what is expected to remain a tight race.
More surprising than Griffin's lead is the strong performance by Mideast Assemblyman JCL, who lost the most recent presidential election by an astounding margin just weeks ago. It appears, however, that the absence of a Democratic-Republican candidate has led many conservatives who voted against him in February to flock to the Federalist candidate in hopes of preventing the Labor Party from picking up another seat in the Senate.
If Mr. Griffin wins the election, Laborites will hold six of the Senate's ten seats in addition to the presidency and the governorships of the Mideast and the Midwest. That would give them effective control of federal policy at least until after the April mid-term elections, in which Mr. Griffin has pledged not to be a candidate. The Senate is currently composed of five Laborites, two TPPers, one member of Civic Renewal, and one independent. The Mideast Record-Courier has not endorsed a candidate in this election, though Editor Harry S Truman voted for Mr. Griffin.

CrabCake Expelled From Assembly

Former Assemblyman CrabCake (Lab-MO) was removed from his seat in the Mideast Assembly earlier today, with his colleagues voting unanimously to expel him after a month-long absence from the regional government. Mr. CrabCake was elected to the Assembly last January in a close race that saw a left leaning coalition of Laborites and members of the Washburnist Socialist Revolutionary Party took control of the chamber. After swearing into office in late January, however, Mr. CrabCake made no further posts in the Fantasy Government board, and indeed has not been seen or heard from inside Atlasia since. This meant that the Assembly was effectively deadlocked between liberals and conservatives, leading several bills backed by the de-jure progressive majority were unable to make progress in the chamber. Governor TDAS04 (Lab-VA) has yet to appoint a replacement to complete the remainder of Mr. CrabCake's term.