Old, Dead, Irrelevant ITL (Do not use)

[/]

14 candidates is actually pretty good for these kind of games.

The way I'm doing it, there's really no maximum number of candidates that can play. However, I'll probably cap it out after a few more sign-ups because I realize Pataki, Everson, Gilmore, etc. won't be picked.

[SATW]

I'll take George Pataki.

[tmthforu94]

While Walker is an easier option, I'll take a challenge and go with Lindsey Graham.

[/]

While Walker is an easier option, I'll take a challenge and go with Lindsey Graham.

Happy coincidence! I got a PM today that someone is about to claim Walker... I guess he/she will be posting in a bit.

Remember the extra credit guys. Please get speeches in soon; the next round will probably start in a few days. Thanks to all and good luck!

[tmthforu94]

Graham 2016: Ready on Day One


Lindsey Graham announcing his campaign for president in Central, South Carolina

Good Afternoon! It is good to be in South Carolina today - it is good to be home. Everything I am today is owed to the good people of South Carolina, the people who raised me and have believed in me from day one.

You believe in me, and I believe in America. I believe in the hope this country provides to so many, the prosperity this country can provide, and the safety she brings to her citizens. We need a President who is ready on day one to protect America and the virtues that we all believe in. We need a president with the experience and commitment to do whatever it takes to keep our nation safe.

I'm Lindsey Graham, and I am running for President of the United States of America.

After eight years of failed policy, both at home and abroad, America needs a new direction. We need a president who believes in security through strength, not appeasement. With radical terrorist groups threatening our security at home, we need a president who will take whatever steps necessary to secure our nation, protect our future, and secure our values. I served in the Air Force for thirty-three years, and in Congress, I have been committed to protecting America.

We need a president who will be a champion for the middle class, working to reduce taxes and regulations and provide an economic environment that encourages entrepreneurship, not diminish it. I'm tired of seeing Washington D.C. kick the can down the road on issues that are so important to many Americans: Medicare and Social Security. We need a president committed to making the reforms to create long-lasting programs that will provide a benefit to those who need it the most.

I will be that president.

I look forward to the challenge of healing a nation divided by eight years of partisan politics. I have a record of working with whoever is ready to make this country greater than it already is. Some in our party have been critical of my willingness to work across the aisle, instead preferring a continuation of the partisan politics we have seen in recent years. I look forward to having a discussion throughout this campaign on which philosophy is better - which will create a safer and more prosperous America.

I never would have imagined being in this position today - running for President of the United States. But today we face difficult times, difficult times largely due to failed leadership. We need a new kind of leadership in America, a kind driven on producing results, not empty promises and false hope. Look at my record - look at what I have been able to accomplish. This election cannot be one where more hope is brought to the American people and no results are achieved. Americans are losing faith in their government - we must restore that faith. I will be a president that produces results and restores faith in government.

As president, I will fight relentlessly each day to make this nation safer, stronger, and more prosperous than ever before. Today launches the beginning of a campaign, and I humbly ask for your vote and support. Thank you, and God bless.

Securing Our Nation. Securing Our Future. Securing Our Values.

[NHI]

Scott Walker Announces Campaign for President: "Time to take America Back!"

Gov. Scott Walker in Sioux City, Iowa, announcing his candidacy for President.

"Good morning Iowa! Thank you for allowing me back today, this special day for Tonette and me and our two boys. Today, we begin a conservation, today we begin a first step toward taking back our country.

So here, in Iowa, today with a full heart, deep convictions and a yearning to take America back, I declare to the people of Iowa and to the people of America, that I'm in this race and running for President of the United States! As the Governor of Wisconsin for five years now we've seen conservative solutions up close and personal and here's the secret, well it's not a secret to the people here, but it is to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton: Conservative solutions work. Conservative solutions create American dreams. Conservative solutions have righted the liberal government approach in Wisconsin and will do the same in Washington, DC. So, in this campaign, I intend to be unabashed in my belief that if you believe in lower taxes and less spending and more freedom, then it should not just be a slogan or a campaign promise, but proven results. I have done in Wisconsin and I intend to do it for America!

I realize I am one of many Republicans in the race for 2016 and I'm sure this will be an exciting primary, but I think one thing needs to be clear, whoever our nominee is in November 2016, they need to be a true conservative, not a panderer, not a showman, but a conservative through and through -- and a Governor, not a senator or someone without political experience. Governors cut through the nonsense. They lead. I've been a leader for the people of Wisconsin, I've championed conservative policies, even with the deck stacked against me and I've won. I've taken on the liberal elites and I've won.

Now, I can take on Hillary Clinton, or whoever the Democrats put on and win against them. See, we as Republicans have for too long sacrificed our conservative mettle in order to please the liberals and those in the media. Well, newsflash folks we're never going to please the liberals and we're never going to be the darlings of the media. It's us for them, we're on our own, but that's alright, because us conservatives are used to fighting the fights alone, but you know what, we win them and even more importantly, we have the American people on our side, something Hillary Clinton won't be able to buy with all the money in the world from her bank account or the Clinton Foundation!

Certainly, the challenges we face are extraordinary and certainly the next President will need to hit the ground running. Ladies and gentlemen, I do not expect to be Mr. Popular in Washington. I do not expect to make friends. I do expect to get things down. To reign in government spending. To unleash economic growth. To restore our leadership around the world. You may not agree with each and every decision I make, but you will know that I down there working for you and only for you, to make this country work again.

So I'm in. I'm ready to work. I'm ready to earn you vote, and I'm ready to win. So let us be on our way. Let's start the crusade to take back America, right here in beautiful Sioux City, Iowa, surrounded by thousands of passionate and patriotic and concerned Americans. Let's start talking again, let's start listening again and let's start winning again, because folks the stakes are high. Hillary Clinton will raise a billion dollars, she will blanket the airwaves with negative ads to hide from her failed record, or lack thereof. But --we will compete on ideas. We will present solutions. She will look to divide. We will look to unite. She hopes for apathy. We hope for urgency.

Together -- all of us, working for this cause can compete against the Clinton machine and win, because Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are bankrupt when it comes to ideas, (well she claim's she's bankrupt but we know better). We have the policies. We have the solutions. We have the American people. We can put this country back on a true path of prosperity.

Hillary Clinton has been the secretary of titles and positions. She's not a leader. She's a talker. She's not a doer. I've worked my whole life, I didn't finish college, because I chose to go out into the world and make something for myself. Even, unlike some of the fine people in this race I've implemented conservative solutions, in a pretty tough environment and won. Wisconsin is a blueprint for an American revival. I won't need on the job training.  I'll go down to Washington, roll up my sleeves and get to work for you.

Thank you all for being here today. Great to be with you. Love you all so much and thank you. This will not be easy, but I believe in my heart we can win and take our country back. God Bless you. God bless this campaign, and God Bless our country!"

~ Tested. Proven. Ready. ~

WALKER FOR PRESIDENT

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

While Walker is an easier option, I'll take a challenge and go with Lindsey Graham.

Welcome back!

[SATW]

Actually, scratch me off. I'll be busy next days

[rpryor03]

Hello! It's great to be here today! For the last seven years, I have seen America deteriorate. President Barack Obama and his socialist agenda have been nothing but bad for America and her people. I have heard America cry, and I would like to announce my candidacy for President of the United States. As your President, I will work to create jobs, just like I did at The Trump Organization. I will make America great again, and will be the greatest jobs President. I will work to restore the American Dream, through funding social security, the creation of a flat tax, and the opposition of federal education standards, putting them back in to the hands of the states.  With your help and your vote, we can America great again! Thank you, and may God Bless America!

[rpryor03]

Campaign Manager: Corey Lewandowski
Deputy Campaign Manager: Guy Short
Chief of Staff: Megan Powers
Senior Advisor: Sam Nunberg
Political Director: Bo Harmon
Communications Director: Eric Bearse
Digital Director: Becki Donatelli
Policy Director: Chip Roy
Press Secretary: Hope Hicks
Treasurer: Tim Jost
General Counsel: Donald McGahn
Finance Director: Whitney Smith

[/]

Actually, scratch me off. I'll be busy next days

BREAKING NEWS: FORMER GOVERNOR PATAKI KILLED IN PLANE CRASH

According to recent reports, Former Governor George Pataki of New York has been killed in a plane crash that occurred late last evening. Pataki, who was widely expected to run as a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, was reportedly flying in a private jet in order to deliver his announcement speech in Manchester, New Hampshire when an engine malfunction caused the plane to crash into a field in rural eastern Vermont. According to a medical examination conducted shortly after the plane wreckage was found, Pataki, along with his wife, the plane's pilot, and three other passengers, were killed on impact. In a statement issued soon after the initial announcement of the former governor's death, current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated "the news of Governor Pataki's tragic death saddens us all. While Governor Pataki and I might have had our differences when it came to political matters, George and I have always been close friends on a personal level and I am devastated to learn of this awful news."

[AelroseB]

Actually, scratch me off. I'll be busy next days

BREAKING NEWS: FORMER GOVERNOR PATAKI KILLED IN PLANE CRASH

According to recent reports, Former Governor George Pataki of New York has been killed in a plane crash that occurred late last evening. Pataki, who was widely expected to run as a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, was reportedly flying in a private jet in order to deliver his announcement speech in Manchester, New Hampshire when an engine malfunction caused the plane to crash into a field in rural eastern Vermont. According to a medical examination conducted shortly after the plane wreckage was found, Pataki, along with his wife, the plane's pilot, and three other passengers, were killed on impact. In a statement issued soon after the initial announcement of the former governor's death, current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated "the news of Governor Pataki's tragic death saddens us all. While Governor Pataki and I might have had our differences when it came to political matters, George and I have always been close friends on a personal level and I am devastated to learn of this awful news."

In a press conference today, former Senator James Webb promulgated his sorrow for the events in Vermont:

"I was tremendously disheartened to hear of Governor Pataki's death.  Throughout his tenure, he stood as an unwavering pinnacle of law and order, of executive responsibility, and of care for all his constituents.  In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Governor held together his fractured state, and his courage was representative of the people of New York during that time.  His loss is America's loss in turn.  For that, we cherish his memory."

[WVdemocrat]

Hillary Clinton statement on the passing of George Pataki

"Today, we are in deep mourning with the rest of the nation. Bill and I are absolutely shocked at the passing of Governor Pataki, and our prayers are with his family and all those affected by this awful tragedy. Today, the Pataki family has lost a great father and loyal husband, and the country has lost a brave leader. I ask everyone to join Bill, Chelsea and I in mourning the loss of George Pataki. May he rest in peace."

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Statement from the Rubio Campaign.
We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Governor Pataki; our campaign was looking forward to an exchange of ideas with him, and his loss is a great blow to our nation and party. Our prayers go out to his children and grandchildren at this time.

[Abraham Reagan]

Carly Fiorina issues statement regarding Pataki's death

"Last night, this country lost a fine man. George Pataki was a dedicated public servant who fought for what he believed to be right and led his state through some of its darkest times. I admire his dedication to the people of his state and will keep him, his wife, and his children in my prayers as we all mourn this tragedy. May his legacy live on, and may he rest in peace."

[tmthforu94]

Statement from the Graham Campaign

I join all Americans in mourning the tragic death of former New York Governor George Pataki. He was a brilliant and devoted public servant who dedicated his life to making his state and country a better place.

All campaign events for the remainder of the week have been suspended. I ask that everyone please keep the Pataki family in their thoughts and prayers.

[NHI]

Statement From Scott Walker

Tonette and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Pataki family on the tragic death of Former New York Governor George Pataki. He served New York with distinction and brought a sound voice of leadership and statesmanship to the Presidential campaign. We are suspending all events for the remainder of the week. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.

[/]

LOL; I wasn't expecting all of those statements.

Anyway, as it seems that the sign-up rate is going down, I've decided that we will start the next round as soon as those who have already signed up but have not released their announcement speeches do so. Of course, new candidates can still sign up now, and I encourage existing players to ask their friends to join (the extra credit is still being given out). So far, I think Spiral and Abraham Reagan have already received the extra credit, so I recommend that everyone else tries to act accordingly in order to start out with the same advantages as those two will. The extra credit will actually have a large effect on your performance in the primaries - for some of you, doing the extra credit can compensate for a sub-par announcement speech.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who has signed-up so far. If you haven't made your acceptance speech, please release it ASAP, and to those who have not signed up yet but wish to do so, please also do that now.

Thanks!

[DKrol]

Statement from Jeb Bush

Governor Pataki was a dear friend of mine and my family. I know that I speak for myself, Columba, George, and my parents. Our prayers are with Libby and their four children.

[Maxwell]

Christie's statements on George Pataki's death

The death of Former New York Governor George Pataki is a national tragedy. Pataki gave his life to public service and to making the lives of others better. He will be mourned by all, especially by his friends and family. As someone who knew Pataki and thought he was a brilliant, valued man, my prayers are with his family.

[CapoteMonster]

June 26, at Ohio State University

Thank you! Thank You! I appreciate the enthusiasm, but we have some sobering matters at hand. My fellow Buckeyes, we stand today, at a crossroad. The administration tells us we are amidst an economic recovery, yet prices rise, incomes stay stagnant, and working families struggle to meet ends. Meanwhile, the national debt is spiraling out of control, and no one in D.C is willing to make the sacrifices to slash our deficits. Washington as been unable to deliver on issues we should all be able to come together on. Among these are real tax reform, Keystone XL, rebuilding our infrastructure, overdue issues like immigration, trade or entitlement reform, and fully committing America to the urgent war against ISIS! Sadly, Barack Obama's failed moral leadership is leading our youth into a sea of moral relativism. Today's youth are taught to be increasingly accepting of sexual immorality, disregard for authority, abortion, godlessness, low standards of art, and there's virtual despair among many, who look for reasons other than the past  or blind patriotism to be proud of this once great nation. In short, as a result of our nation's moral decay, economy running on life support, and foreign crisis, I John Richard Kasich, am running for President of the United States!

The nation is looking for a proven leader, and the Republican Party must deliver one! I began my career as a long shot to be elected to congress but worked my way up to chairman of the House Budget Committee. As chairman, I played a key role in helping congress work with Bill Clinton to reduce the national debt for the only time in the past 36 years. As Governor of Ohio, I've cut 3 billion in taxes, balanced 5 consecutive budgets, taken on the public sector unions, and presided over lower recidivism rates along with the creation of over 300,000 jobs. The pundits said I was in deep water like our party is supposedly in against Hilary, yet my team and I delivered a resounding 30 point victory in November that was heard from coast to coast! As governor I worked with Republicans in the legislature to the curb the growth of Obamacare to among the lowest in the nation, and as president, you can kiss the individual mandate goodbye! I intend to stand by history as a strong fiscal conservative and vow to bring our debt through real reform of entitlements and a full audit of the Pentagon. My tax plan will reduce the burden across the board while reducing the rate on corporations by 17% to bring back jobs to the United States. As Republicans we must guard against the siren song of isolationism by remaining vigilant in all decisions. I will ask congress for a declaration on inaugural day! The goal will be victory, as soon as possible thanks to a military that takes it marching orders form The Commander in chief, not the UN! So let it be said, that America would once again be a shining beacon for the rest of the free world and not succumb to an era of darkness. As someone who met President Nixon and lifted himself out of poverty  following the tragedy of my parent's death, I felt part of the great American spirit. Yet tragically, much of our history after the disgrace of Watergate has been marked by cynicism about our leaders and gradual decline in the nation's standing in the world. But with your commitment to greatness and willingness to sacrifice, we can make a difference. God Bless America!

[NeverAgain]

Statement from the Sanders Campaign

We extend our deepest condolences to the Pataki family, friends, and supporters over the tragic loss of Governor Pataki, a public servant who was committed to serving our Nation and who brought New York through 12 years of challenging times.  No matter our ideological differences, I have always admired Governor Pataki's commitment to service to others, and hope that this legacy will be remembered.  The fact that the loss occurred in my home state of Vermont saddens me even further.  Let us all go forward with a remembrance of Governor Pataki and re-double our commitment to service in this great Nation of ours.

[PPT Spiral]

Statement from Rick Perry

Governor Pataki was an honorable man who served his state and his country well. Our prayers go to his family and friends during this difficult time for them.

[Senator Cris]

Statement from Bob Ehrlich

"I, Kendel, Robert, Joshua and all the campaign team are shocked at the passing of Former New York Governor George Pataki. He was a leader, a man of integrity and a public servant that spent his life to improve the lives of the others. He was an example of leadership for New York. Our thoughts, our prayers are with the family and with the friends of George Pataki.

Campaign events for the remainder of the week have been suspended."

[CapoteMonster]

                                                                 Statement from John Kasich

All of us our disheartened by the tragic loss of Governor Pataki. He served courageously as the Governor of New York during recessions and the horror of 9/11. George Pataki would've also been an admirable president. May his legacy carry on as he enters a better place.