The Examiner: Election Tracker

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The Examiner

28 February 2008

Naso expresses interest is cabinet position
Earlier today, Mike Naso, the former Southeastern Governor and close ally of President-elect Keystone Phil, made known that he feels he has what it takes to be the next Secretary of Forum Affairs. The President-elect has yet to make any detailed public comments about the intended make-up of his cabinet, and has, so far, declined to comment on such questions to the press.

SoEA Al resigns over Russia policy
Yesterday, Al submitted his resignation to President Wixted and stood down as Secretary of External Affairs. The former Secretary disagreed with the President over the line the DoEA should take regarding the Russian Federation. Al expressed the view that to revise his proposed policy position would leave unacceptable inconsistencies in the overall foreign policy and that a revision along the President's suggested terms would mean that he could no longer claim to stand over a moral foreign policy. The resignation comes in the final days of the Wixted administration; no replacement is expected before the current term of office expires.

[Јas]

Is this an official press release by the Vice President's office?

No. I had decided a few months ago that setting up a newspaper might be a worthwhile venture - I think there's been a considerable gap in the Atlasian news industry in recent months. I planned on waiting until I was out of office, but with only a few days left, I decided to open early today.

[Јas]

The Examiner

29 February 2008

Naso Appointment “on hold”
President-elect Keystone Phil yesterday confirmed two of his staff appointments only to rescind one within hours. Mike Naso was announced as to be Phil’s Chief of Staff; and Walter Evans Edge as the White House Press Secretary and Deputy Chief of Staff. However, over the course of the day, the role which Mr. Naso seemed set to play changed considerably.

Confusion
Yesterday morning, Mr. Naso indicated he was not interested in any Atlasian position. An hour later, he made known his interest at possibly becoming the new Secretary of Forum Affairs.  Shortly thereafter, the President-elect announced that Mr. Naso had accepted the position of Chief of Staff.

Following a number of citizens expressing their concern at the possible appointment of Mr. Naso as SoFA, the President-elect announced that the appointment of the Chief of Staff was "on hold". The appointment of Mr. Edge as Press Secretary appears to remain, despite the fact that the President-elect issued no fewer than 3 corrections to the Press Secretary's announcements within 24 hours of him having assumed the role.

Cabinet Positions
The President-elect also confirmed that he will announce his cabinet nominees on Monday. No indications or leaks have been made public about the likely candidates.

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Sen. Friz on course for re-election
Voting is underway in the Pacific run-off election between incumbent Sen. Friz (JCP-PAC) and Xahar (PLP-PAC), which came about due to the tie in last week’s general election, 4-4. The result seemed to represent a shift on the west coast, where all elections in recent times have been dominated by JCP candidates. Sen. Friz had come under heavy criticism from some Atlasian quarters, for his relative inactivity as a Senator.

Xahar, though, has also come in for criticism. Claims of arrogance and that he tried to blackmail a Pacifican voter have not endeared him to the electorate. As of going to print, unofficial tallies place the race at Friz’s advantage, 6-2 ahead. At this stage, Xahar’s 4 vote deficit seems to be insurmountable.

Xahar has indicated he intends to stand for the District 5 Senate seat to be vacated by Vice President-elect Ebowed next week. So far, CultureKing (PLP-PAC) has also expressed his intent to run.

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gporter/WillyWoz offer "leadership" to Southeast
Yesterday, persistant electoral hopeful, gporter (FP-SE) launched his bid to be the new Southeastern Governor. gporter hopes to be elected along with sitting Lt. Governor Willy Woz (APP-SE). No other known candidates have yet declared for either position. No indication of any substantive platform has yet been released.

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The Examiner

1 March 2008

Phil's Cabinet
Well placed sources have informed The Examiner that President-elect Keystone Phil has decided upon his prefered cabinet. Masterjedi is set to be nominated for the position of Secretary of External Affairs and Mr. Moderate as Secretary of Forum Affairs. Phil believes these candidates can get the necessary votes in the Senate but fears that left wing elements in the legislature have the potential to stifle nominees or actions deemed to be too conservative. Most particularly, the JCP appears to be the political group Phil is concerned about - ironically a group without which he would not have won the Presidency.

The Examiner has also learned that Phil has sought Peter Bell (his lawyer who helped overturn the voter fraud conviction which threatened to prevent his election) for the position of Attorney General. The offer is unlikely to be accepted, leaving Phil with limited time to find an AG nominee before his self-imposed Monday cabinet announcement date.

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Xahar concedes defeat
Senatorial candidate in the Pacific run-off election, Xahar (PLP-PAC) has conceded that he is facing defeat. Following the vote of Everett (JCP-PAC) for the incumbent Sen. Friz (JLP-PAC), giving the Senator a 7-2 lead, Xahar admitted that his prospects were gone.

Xahar has also informed The Examiner that he will no longer seek to contest the upcoming District 5 by-election. The decision has almost certainly been informed by the swing in support away from him in the region over the past week. As it stands, CultureKing (PLP-PAC) is the only declared candidate for this election. Should he win he will be the first non-JCP elected representative on the west coast since January 2007.

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Regional News

Northeast
Incoming Northeastern Governor AndrewCT has selected Hashemite to be the new Chief Judicial Officer (CJO) of the Northeast. Hashemite resigned as Attorney General to take up the position with immediate effect. Hashemite appeared to be very happy to accept the position. The Examiner is not aware of any cases having ever come before the Northeastern CJO.

Southeast
Gporter displayed his enthusiasm and potential leadership yesterday, casting a vote for himself as Governor in a voting booth that was improperly and illegally opened weeks ago by his proposed administration partner, Lt. Governor Willy Woz. As yet, gporter’s failure to demonstrate any particular competence have yet to encourage anyone else into the race.

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The Examiner

2 March 2008

Everett enters D5 Senate race
Pacifican Lt. Governor Everett (JCP-PAC) has declared her candidacy for the District 5 Senate by-election. Already, she has secured the backing of Pacific Governor and JCP leader, Jesus (JCP-PAC).

With the impeccable record of JCP candidates in elections on the west coast, few believe the result of the election to be in doubt. Indeed, the other declared candidate, CultureKing (PLP-PAC) seems to be of the same opinion. Pacifican Governor Jesus, did indicate that should CultureKing switch his party registration to the JCP, then his future electoral career could be a lot more successful.

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The Examiner

3 March 2008

Friz Re-elected; Bgwah defends JCP
The SoFA has provisionally certified that Sen. Friz (JCP-PAC) has been re-elected in the Pacific run-off election, defeating challenger Xahar by a vote of 7-3 with 1 NOTA ballot cast. In spite of very limited Senate activity and no substantive campoaign effort, Friz increased his tally by 3 votes from the original election. The result underlines the power of the JCP in the region. Following criticism of the JCP, the party leader (and Pacifican Governor) Bgwah, issued a vigorous defence of the party claiming that the Pacific region is in a healthy condition judging by recent turnout figures.

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Tik ticked-off!
Following his receiving of notification from the SoFA, Lewis Trondheim, that he was about to be removed from the voter registration list following his failure to vote in the general election, Tik vented his anger over the deletion. The move has prompted Sen. Moderate (NLC-D2) to introduce a constitutional amendment to end the practice of removing first time registrants from the voter rolls for failing to vote in federal elections.

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Letter to the Editor

Dear editor,

I'd like to complain about your comment about no cases ever coming before the CJO....see the Bullmoose election cases, where this writer...cough...where the CJO had to deal with issues relating the election law...

Sincerely yours,

Sitting on a park bench in my robes

Ed: That's what we get for not employing any research staff!...so noted

[Јas]

The Examiner

4 March 2008

TCash elected Southeastern Governor
Following a wide open election, with only 1 declared candidate (gporter), the Southeast has seen TCash declared elected. From a turnout of 7, TCash took 4 apporval votes. The nearest competitors, on 3 votes each, were new Atlasian, Cookies and Milk, and the declared candidate, gporter. gporter has yet to issue any comment on the result.

TCash will now begin his second Southeastern administration and has announced that the Lt. Gubernatorial run-off election will be administered this weekend. The candidates, who each received 3 votes in the first election, will be Cookies & Milk; Willy Woz; and Dave 'Hawk'. In The Examiner's estimation, Dave 'Hawk' is the prohibitive favourite and is likely to sweep the election - if he wants to.

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SoFA Lewis Trondheim does his research
In response to Tik's recent outburst (see The Examiner, 3 March), SoFA Lewis Trondheim defended the deletion of Tik from the voter rolls, but clarified confusion regarding the removal of first time registrants from voter rolls.

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Editorial: President-elect delays Cabinet announcement
President-elect Keystone Phil has announced that his cabinet nominees will be made officially public on Wednesday, a delay from his original intentions. It is understood that the nomination for the Attorney General is yet to be finalised.

The Examiner would advise the President-elect to consider nominating Frodo for the position. Through regular efforts updating the wiki's legislative record, Frodo has proven himself to be cabable and willing to do the most labour intensive role of the AG. Also, as a red avatar holder, his nomination would go towards giving a public image to the campaign message of the Phil/Ebowed campaign that this administration would be one to represent all Atlasians, not just the political right.

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The Examiner

5 March 2008

Editorial: Glory days are here again?
Tomorrow the new Phil/Ebowed administration and the 24th Atlasian Senate will assume their responsibilities. The Senate will see some changes in personnel; hughento (NLC-MW) and meekermariner (PLP-ME) join the line-up, replacing Speed of Sound and Sensei; and the District 5 seat shall be vacant as Ebowed returns to the Vice Presidency. Ideologically it seems then the Senate will move slightly towards the centre, but will still retain a left-leaning character.

The President-elect has yet to reveal any matters of policy which he hopes to address. During the campaign, he promised "real reform", but no indications have been made as to what this will entail. Setting the bar even higher, Phil has also promised to "bring Atlasia back to its glory days". What this means, if indeed it means anything at all, should hopefully start to become clear tomorrow.

The one regular theme of Phil's campaign was the apparent need for "moving past ideological gridlock". Finding himself out of step ideologically with the majority of the Senate, the President-elect will have to heed his own message to achieve his goals - whatever they may be.

[Јas]

The Examiner

6 March 2008

Editorial: "Our new day has come"
So said the incoming President, Keystone Phil, in his inaugeral address to Atlasia today. The address set about dampening expectations for the Phil administration, declaring that, "It's hard to live up to expectations" and despite his election win describing himself as occupying "a hostile environment".

The address risked the possibility of raising questions about whether Phil has any policies at all. No fewer than on two occasions during the speech did he seek the public's advice on policy direction, saying at one point, "I also ask that whatever suggestions the people have, please bring them to my attention". Indeed the one policy announcement that was made was to ask the people of Atlasia to recruit newcomers - clearly moves to devolve any hint of failure from himself should it not suceed.

The President concluded his address by outlining his vision of the "glory days"...
"Finally, I am asking each Atlasian to rethink their political allegiances. I spoke throughout this campaign of coming together and putting aside ideological battles. While I believe we must work together, we must also take pride in our partisan preferences. Atlasia's Glory Days featured the dominace of political parties. These days came to an end as our mighty parties faded. Bipartisanship but healthy competition is what we thirst for."

How the President guides the nation to recreate this utopia is yet to be seen.

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Cabinet Announcements; Lewis overlooked
Phil's cabinet nominations were officially made public this afternoon. The nominees were:
MasterJedi for Secretary of External Affairs;
Mr. Moderate for Secretary of Forum Affairs;
and, MAS117 for Attorney General.

SoFA nomination
The public focus after the announcement has been on the decision by the President not to ask Lewis Trondheim to remain on as Secretary of Forum Affairs, with a number of Atlasians surprise at the decision. An Examiner Poll is surveying public attitudes to the decision and so far clearly indicate that the public express complete confidence in Lewis and believe he should have been retained.

Lewis has reacted strongly to the decision, decrying the move. He said, "Clearly then, I must assume that you, and any Senator voting to confirm a replacement nominee, consider me an execrable SoFA." Attention will now turn to the Senate to see whether or not it heeds the President or Lewis and the public.

AG nomination
MAS117 has expressed his satisfaction at being nominated to hold the post of AG again, proclaiming it as surprising that he would be serving in Keystone Phil's cabinet. Outgoing Sen. Sensei was quick to point out his non-surprise given MAS's casting vote for Phil in a previous Senate race. Atlasian psephologists will also recall that MAS voted (and indeed publicly endorsed) Phil during the election campaign.

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Rockefeller Republican for District 2
The editor of The Atlasian Watchguard, Rockefeller Republican has hinted that he may seek the District 2 Senate seat should Sen. Moderate be approved as SoFA in the upcoming hearings.

[Јas]

The Examiner

7 March 2008

The people have spoken; Phil doesn’t care

Examiner Polling returns clearly indicate solid public backing of Lewis Trondheim, in the ongoing controversy of the president’s cabinet nominations. As of going to print, a massive 96.3% of our sample described Lewis’s job performance as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. A huge majority, 88.9%, feel that Lewis should be retained in the position.

It has also come to light that Sen. Moderate, the nominee for SoFA, did infact inform the President that he was in favour of Lewis being maintained as the departmental secretary.

The President has proclaimed that he intends to disregard public opinion. A former running-mate of Phil’s, Speed of Sound, has decried the President’s actions warning that it exhibits incompetence. Indeed, Speed of Sound has gone so far as to organise a petition to seek the renomination of Lewis to hold the position.

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Regional News

Southeast
Incoming Southeastern Governor TCash has opened the voting booths in the Southeastern Lt. Gubernatorial run-off. Dave ‘Hawk’; Cookies & Milk; and sitting Lt. Governor Willy Woz are the candidates. Though voting is at a very early stage, The Examiner is of the opinion that Mr. Hawk should stroll to victory in this contest.

The sitting Lt. Governor has though put forward a controversial proposition that will keep him in attention. His new proposed Southeast abortion law seeks long custodial sentences as penalties for abortions. The move also seeks to criminalise Southeasterners who procure abortions outside of the region. Governor TCash has suggested that the move may not be constitutionally sound.

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The Examiner

8 March 2008

MAS “obviously not qualified”
Outgoing SoEA, Al, has lamented the lack of attention the nomination of MAS117 has received since being nominated for the position of Attorney General. Al’s remarks make his feelings abundantly clear describing MAS as “obviously not qualified” for any office above that of hall monitor. Recent presidential hopeful, Polnut, was heartened to see apparently new people nominated but seemed to agree with Al’s core criticism.

MAS’s career hasn’t been without controversy. Having held jobs in every branch and just about every level of government, his periods in office have often been fleeting. Most recently his Governorship of the Northeast was the subject of scrutiny for what was deemed by many citizens as over-zealous use of his veto power. However, controversy has followed MAS’s career for a long time.

"a boneheaded, arrogant hack"
Indeed President Phil once led a campaign against MAS for reasons of incompetence, describing his nominee as “more concerned with having yet another title to his name instead of actually doing the job he might be called to do”, as well as a “a boneheaded, arrogant hack”.
 
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President displays “leadership skills”
President Keystone Phil has defended his decision to disregard the 89.3% of the country, who believe that the President should have retained Lewis Trondheim as SoFA, as an example of “leadership skills”. The President proceeded to display these “skills” by describing the outgoing SoFA as an “extremely bitter little baby” and "throwing a fit”, before proceeding to make similar disparaging remarks against the general public who have questioned his decision. Indeed, the President went so far as to publicly mock a petition seeking to underline the strong feelings of many citizens on the issue.

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Focus turns to Senate as SoFA Hearing begins
With the new STV elections on the horizon, whoever was nominated as SoFA could have expected more scrutiny than is the norm, to ensure that the new system is properly implemented. Over the past week, the public controversy associated with the President’s decision not to allow Lewis Trondheim to continue on in the role means the focus on the Senate hearing is liable to be that much greater.

Verily protests President’s hypocrisy
The confirmation hearing opened last night. Sen. Verily (NLC-NE), a close political ally of the nominee, Sen. Moderate – repeated to the Senate an impassioned criticism of the President’s behaviour and actions since his inauguration. Sen. Verily highlighted what could be seen as hypocritical behaviour on the part of the President:
“He had campaigned on a non-partisan approach to the running of government, and he has promptly evicted arguably the most capable SoFA we have ever had on essentially ideological grounds.”

He continued:
“it is clear that Phil…is unwilling to fulfill his promise of compromise and cross-ideological discourse.”

Despite his expressing complete confidence in Moderate’s ability, Verily has stated that he simply "will not roll over" for the President and that he feels he must abstain in the final vote in protest over the President’s actions.

Senators afleitch (NLC-D3) and Sam Spade (SSP-SE) have both expressed the view that the nomination should be judged on its own merits, independent of the furore surrounding the President’s actions.

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In Brief

Naso considering return to electoral politics
The Examiner has learned from a source close to White House Chief of Staff, Mike Naso, that Mr. Naso is considering a return to electoral politics in the next few weeks. The prospective District 2 Senate seat (should Sen. Moderate be confirmed as SoFA) may be a consideration.

Verily set for another term as PPT
With PPT nominations open once again, Verily (NLC-NE) has formally sought re-election. A number of senators have been quick to express their support including Mr. Moderate (NLC-D2); afleitch (NLC-D3) and meekermariner (PLP-ME). Following a confident and uncontroversial term in office, Verily is expected to be rewarded with another term.

Secretary of External Affairs Hearing
The SoEA confirmation hearing for nominee Masterjedi has opened for questions. The nomination has received less attention than either of the other cabinet positions. Masterjedi has promised to continue to work on the Foreign Policy Review and to deliver more speeches on foreign policy issues.

[Јas]

I applaud this paper for its fair coverage of events.

I am absolutely willing to correct any inaccuracies in any of my reports.

I am also willing to entertain suggestions from the readership on any matters under editorial control.

If you feel a particular piece is unfair or inaccurate please do feel free to offer your own analysis, critique or response for editorial consideration. I would be very interested to any such complaint you may have.

[Јas]

The Examiner

8 March 2008

Evening Edition

President: Qualifications are important; except when they’re not
Giving input into the Senate SoFA confirmation hearing, President Keystone Phil stated:
“When others were President, I support (sic) different people for Cabinet positions and may have voiced that opinion but when the President made his decision, it is time to put that aside and debate the qualifications of the nominee. Instead, we had an angry uproar. Instead I was being told I was dividing Atlasia, I was being told I was a hypocrite, etc. because I didn't go with the popular pick. Shameful.”

However, the President hasn’t always felt that qualifications are supposed to be the major consideration for debate at Senate confirmation hearings. Phil had no problem undermining the nomination of hughento for the position of SoEA for reasons of a personal spat outside of Atlasia.

After successfully derailing the nomination, Phil declared:
“He should not serve if he can't keep his nasty feelings private. Again, I have been provoked and he paid for it.”
It is unknown if the President still believes that public officials should not be serving in office if they “can’t keep their nasty feelings private”.

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SoFA Furore: The Public Theatre
The petition set up in support of Lewis Trondheim has become a focal point for debate and discussion on the President’s actions and behaviour.

TCash Statement
There Southeastern Governor TCash issued a strong statement defending the rights of the people to express their disagreement and to petition the government on political affairs. TCash flatly rejected the criticism of SoEA nominee Masterjedi that the actions by the group are “pathetic”. Similarly, he expressed his disagreement with the President’s claim that the group constitute an “angry mob”.

The Governor underlined the importance of the position of SoFA describing it as “probably THE most important job in Atlasia” – and said that he hoped that consideration would be made to keeping Lewis Trondheim in the role.

Phil's response
In response, the President accused TCash of ignorance, “It's really disturbing how little people understand how this process works yet would boast about their intelligence concerning the law.” The President outlined the belief that the Senate has no right to take the situation regarding Lewis Trondheim into account in its deliberations.

Elder Statesmen Weigh-In
Outgoing SoEA and former President, Al has also joined the list of citizens to sign the petition supporting Lewis Trondheim for the position of SoFA. In doing so he expressed support for the rights of citizens to make their feelings known. Al’s stance comes despite the personal view that there is no chance of the President nominating Mr. Trondheim, and indeed his confidence that Mr. Moderate will make an able SoFA.

Since the controversy began statements in of support for the President have been rare, with the exception of his actual and proposed administration members. However, former President PBrunsel has now also weighed into the debate in support of his former Vice President, Keystone Phil. PBrunsel explained that he understood “the importance of getting the cabinet members who you want to work with, not ones the people demand on you”.

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SoFA furore II: The Senate

President: Verily doesn’t understand “the balance of power”
President Keystone Phil has defended calling those objecting to his SoFA nomination as “childish” as merely “stating [his] reasonable objection” and correcting “ill conceived notions”. He proceeded to suggest that the outgoing PPT didn’t understand Atlasia’s “balance of power”.

Verily reiterated the reasoning behind his objections and accused the President of “turning this into a big fight.”

Moderate on Verily’s abstention
The nominee himself has responded to Sen. Verily’s statement of intent to abstain on principle, with an interesting phraseology. Sen. Moderate said “While I am disappointed that I will not have your vote for confirmation, I fully understand your reasons and bear no grudges.”

State of Play
As things stand, from public statements made, 2 Senators intended votes have been made known:
Aye: 1 afleitch
Abstain: 1 Verily

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Southeastern News

Lt. Gubernatorial Run-Off Election
With voting returns gathering pace, there seems to be little doubt that Dave Hawk looks set to return to elected office as the Southeast’s next Lt. Governor. As of goin to print the returns have been as follows:

Dave Hawk: 7 (MATCHU[D]; Sam Spade; Dave Hawk; John Dibble; Josh22; TCash; Bacon King)
Willy Woz: 2 (Willy Woz; Southern Patriot)
Milk & Cookies:   0

Voting closes just before midnight tonight, Central Time, Sunday.

Abortion Law Debate
Southeast Magistrate, John Dibble decried Lt. Governor Willy Woz’s proposed abortion law as variously “impossible to enforce” and undermining the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. The stern criticism follows on from Governor TCash’s expressions of concern.

The criticisms have resulted in Willy Woz submitting a revised draft which has removed the restrictions on Southeasterners from attaining abortions outside the region.

And finally…
Southeast Magistrate, John Dibble has submitted for consideration a new proposal for dealing with prisoners in his Free Range Prison Initiative. The initiative proposes the purchasing of 5000 square miles of land where violent criminals would be released to fend for themselves in a cost saving measure.

[Јas]

LOL at bringing up the Hughento incident!

The hughento nomination is relevant and newsworthy because of your apparant changed beliefs regarding:
i) what should be considered in confirmation hearings; and,
ii) nastiness by public officials

Of course qualifications are important but where did I ever say it's the only important factor?

The article doesn't claim that you said qualifications are the only important factor. The piece says that you have argued that qualifications should be a major consideration. This inference can be drawn from a number of your recent statements including:

when the President made his decision, it is time to put that aside and debate the qualifications of the nominee.

Have hearings based on Mr. Moderate's qualifications for the office. That's what this ought to be about. It isn't about who I should have appointed.

Oh, and then there's the completely misleading comment about how I don't want the Senate to take into consideration "the situation with Lewis"...whatever that means.

You've repeatedly said that the focus of the Senate hearing should be on the nominee, not your decision regarding Lewis. See the following...

If my nominee is unqualified, fire away. Until then, do your job and be concerned with the person before you, not Lewis.

I nominated an extremely qualified person for that position. If you can find flaws, fire away. Go. Do it. Focus on him. Don't be a rubberstamp. Show me what your problems with my nominee. That's what this process is about.

The situation here is that you want [/i]me[/i] to rubberstamp the popular opinion because Lewis has his fan base that can't seem to understand that Lewis is not a life appointment. This is exactly what I came to change here.

when the President made his decision, it is time to put that aside and debate the qualifications of the nominee.

If you wish to clarify some of these matters, then you could answer the following questions:
1. What are legitimate considerations for the Senate in confirmation hearings?
2. Do you believe public officials who publicly display "nastiness" should remain in office?

[Јas]

The hughento nomination is relevant and newsworthy because of your apparant changed beliefs regarding:
i) what should be considered in confirmation hearings; and,
ii) nastiness by public officials

Correct and that was concerning the nominee at the time, not someone I wanted to be nominated. Thanks.

How is that at all relevant, except to suggest that you believe your nominees should be treated differently to previous nominees?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Uh, right. Do the job and question, criticize, etc. the nominee before the Senate. Not asking for a rubberstamp.
[/quote]

Well Phil, I'm not an Atlasian Senator - I'm a newspaper editor. This whole time I've simply been reporting on other people's actions and opinions. I haven't stated any opinion on the propriety of either the people's actions; the Senate's actions or your actions regarding the SoFA appointment. I haven't asked for a "rubberstamp". I haven't asked for anything.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

If they have a personal vendetta against someone, they shouldn't be promoted to higher office. Now I know you want to say I have some "nasty" attitude directed towards people here but here's the difference: I didn't insist on taking this route. Again, I made my decision and stated it respectfully so I really don't need to hear from a bunch of bitter people about how I'm the one with a temper.

If you can find anyone else in Atlasia, anyone else - even those within your proposed administration, that thinks you aren't primarily responsible for "this route" into nastiness - then please put them front and centre and I'll report it. We'd all like to see them try and hold a straight face doing it.

The timeline is there to see in the paper; people were disappointed and registered that disappointment, but the first evidence of name calling and a nasty temper; and indeed almost exclusively all of the name calling and nasty temper evident since then has eminated from you and you alone.

Note that Moderate has behaved with perfect sensibility throughout. You though have accused the outgoing SoFA of acting like a baby; the Southeastern Governor of ignorance of Atlasian procedure; the (outgoing and presumably incoming) PPT of not understanding how the Senate works; not to mention general accusations against the public as well as myself. In each and every one of these instances, the nastiness has all been begun by the same person.

I think the real problem here is that Jas and SoS are extremely bitter people. They want to point to my alleged temper problems but the issue at hand is that these two can't get over a decision I made that they personally hate. I also think Jas can't get over his electoral defeat in the previous election. Remember, one of my two opponents (or possibly both) wanted me shut out of the debate before the election because I was a "non factor." Remember that? Ever since that defeat, Jas has obsessed over filling his paper with stories (which might - just might - be a little one sided) concerning my administration. Such a pity he can't move on.

You've stated a number of untruths in this statement.
1. I haven't publicly stated how I felt about the nomination at all. There's no way you could conclude that I "personally hate" it. FTR, my actual opinion on the matter is yes I think Lewis should have been allowed to continue as SoFA, he was doing a fantastic job. The DoFA is a non-political office, which as President you will have negligible interaction with. Your reasons for the replacement seem to me to be simply an excuse to get rid of a person who you simply don't like. I do though think that Mr. Moderate will make a fine SoFA. I have every confidence in his ability to do the job and to do it well and I wish him the best of luck as I have no doubt that the Senate will confirm him.

2. I didn't shut you out of any debate. Indeed I'm on record as being in favour of your participation in a number of instances. For the record, I don't think Sensei ever came out against your inclusion either. I have no idea who called you a "non-factor", but it wasn't me. Frankly, you either know or should know that I was in favour of your participation - the accusation strikes me as another, in an increasingly long list, of nastiness baiting by you.

3. I'm not "obsessed with filling the paper about stories on the administration" - I think I've been fairly assiduously covering all news in Atlasia. Please point to the significant events I've not covered. I've also reported your defences to the many accusors you face and on those rare occasions when someone else steps in to help you. If you can point to, and prove, inaccuracies - I'll change them. If you feel a piece is unbalanced - explain why, or even better write a rebuttal. Like it or not, the nomination has been a major story consuming numerous threads. Nothing else that's been happening comes close. If you don't like how it's been playing then you can do something about it - but don't be surprised if the press thinks that the actions of the President are newsworthy.

4. Frankly, for a long time before the election I was fairly sure I was going to lose - something known to a handful of people who conversed with me during the latter end of the campaign. I'm actually really enjoying the newspaper thing. I have no bitterness at all. I offered Atlasia a competent, experienced administration - they chose to reject it, as is their right. They've picked you - someone who offered "unity" and a return to the glory days. I'm simply reporting on your efforts.

[Јas]

The Examiner

9 March 2008

Press Secretary: MAS nomination withdrawn
White House Press Secretary, Walter Evans Edge has announced that the cabinet nomination of MAS has been withdrawn. Mr. Edge said, “The President regrets making the nomination, and in the coming days, will put fourth the name of someone more qualified.”

Unfortunately the veracity of the statement cannot yet be confirmed as the Press Secretary declared that MAS had been withdrawn as the “Secretary of Defense” nominee (whereas MAS had been nominated as Attorney General); and, as regular readers may recall (see The Examiner, 29 February), the Press Secretary has needed to be corrected on a number of occasions in his prior announcements.

The announcement comes just hours after MAS announced his imminent leave of absence. It is unknown whether or not MAS is aware of the Press Secretary’s briefing or indeed whether the timing of the announcement in this matter is coincidental.

The briefing follows on from criticism (as reported yesterday) of the nomination of MAS regarding his competence and the prior campaign of Keystone Phil against a cabinet nomination of MAS, where Phil described him, inter alia, as “more concerned with having yet another title to his name instead of actually doing the job he might be called to do”, “always in a contest to get more positions in Atlasian government under his belt”, and a boneheaded, arrogant hack.

Despite strongly defending the nomination of Sen. Moderate as SoFA, President Phil has offered no substantial defence to the criticisms levelled against MAS.

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Meekermariner submits Constitutional Amendment for election of SoFA
In an apparent response to the ongoing SoFA replacement story, Senator Meekermariner (PLP-ME) has placed on the Senate’s legislative agenda a Constitutional Amendment to Elect the Secretary of Forum Affairs. The Amendment proposes to remove the right of the President to appoint or to dismiss the SoFA. The Amendment proposes to make the SoFA and Deputy SoFA positions directly electable by the people. 

In related news, Sen. Hughento (NLC-MW) has indicated his intention to vote in favour of Sen. Moderate’s nomination.

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BRTD abandons PLP’s “annoying 13 year olds” in favour of “progressive” JCP
Yesterday evening BRTD left the Progressive Liberal Party and joined the Jesus Christ Party, declaring “Basically I went with the party of progressives over annoying 13 year olds.”

BRTD’s statement also revealed that the decision was a result of a PM from JCP leader, bgwah – leading to the inference being that the JCP are now actively recruiting outside of their stronghold Pacific region.  JCP strength on the west coast has been absolute for some time and the party has been the subject of controversy for supporting candidates running under their banner regardless of activity levels. They have never been a political force in any other region of Atlasia.

PLP leader, Sensei, has recognised that BRTD’s comments regarding the PLP aren’t baseless but attempted to defend the party saying, “The annoying 13-year olds are simply a wing of the party.”

[Јas]

Amazing how my "attacks" on these people are totally uncalled for but when they inform me of how things ought to go, it's not at all nasty or insulting.

Your problem is that this statement is actually true.
Again, see if you can find anyone else to back you up in this regard.

You are a biased hack still bitter about your failure of a campaign, Jas. Nothing more. Sorry. You want to say I'm the one who started all this nastiness well that's what you get.

You realise saying it, doesn't mean it's true, right?

Furthermore, the evidence is there that you are at fault for the nastiness, I've cited plenty of examples. It's plainly there for everyone to see. It's here right now in fact, you keep resorting to namecalling and personal attacks instead of rational discussion.

You people have refused to report that I made my nomination with the utmost respect for Lewis and tried to reason with people. Your organization is a joke.

Are you seriously suggesting that when you presented the nominations, in a respectful manner, that your respectfulness was newsworthy? You seem to think this marks you out as the innocent party in all this.

Respectfulness is what's expected. That's the norm. It's not news (though given that you're establishing new norms - it may be something worth reporting in future.)

Just because there where then voices expressing disapproval, doesn't give you the right to be nasty and claim the moral high ground. That's just basic civility and manners!

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You're accussing the moderator of lying then, correct?

I didn't accuse anyone of lying.

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You have sought out every possibly story which portrays me in a negative way. You reached all the way back to a feud with Hughento which, even he would agree, was totally different than what's going on here. You are a biased hack.

What is there to report about your Presidency in a positive fashion?

And once again, the fact that the confirmation hearing related to hughento is irrelevant. The reasons why the nomination was relevant was because you raised objections to the nomination on grounds completely unrelated to qualifications (which up until that point had been the only thing you had suggested were important to such hearings; and secondly because you said that public displays of nastiness were incompatible with high office.

The nomination could have been for anyone and those two points would still stand.

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You're reporting with such an extremely slanted view and you know it. You constantly bring up (as you did just a few hours ago in your recent joke article) my personal problems with MAS from ages ago which are completely irrelevant now.

The problems with MAS are clearly not irrelevant. You made extremely derogatory attacks on his character; competence; and qualifications. You have since stated that qualifications and conduct are very important considerations in confirmation hearings. You impugned both, in the strongest possible terms against MAS. Of course it's relevant.

When disapproval was expressed towards the nomination of Moderate, you have very staunchly argued against the dissenters. Since criticism was made of MAS, you've said next to nothing.

And finally, this morning your Press Secretary declared that you were withdrawing MAS's nomination immediately after he disappears from the forum for a week long absence.

On there own, any one of these raises questions about your relationship with MAS, taken together they give the impression that your confidence in MAS is extremely limited.

[Јas]

Your problem is that this statement is actually true.
Again, see if you can find anyone else to back you up in this regard.

I think plenty of people have backed me up, saying this was my decision and the mob mentality was ridiculous.

Plenty of people? Do please cite examples...

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Again, I took part in a rational discussion when I respectfully made my decision and praised Lewis for his service. People like Lewis and SoS then pounced on me in a nasty manner saying that my reasoning wasn't good enough. I've cited this countless times. You choose to ignore it.

Wow! That was nasty of them, wasn't it! Your reasoning wasn't good enough, indeed! I hope you reported them to the moderators for such callous and outrageous behaviour. You certainly turned me around there! Your exercise in name calling and raising your temper was unquestionably justified then.

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Saying that you definitley didn't say anything and "don't think" Sensei did so either means the moderator (who informed us of the attempt to shut me out) is lying. Speak for yourself, not Sensei, if you aren't 100% sure or if you don't have any reason to believe he didn't say it.

If you don't have any evidence, you should probably quit making these ridiculous allegations.

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Wrong, wrong and wrong.

What is there to report about in a positive fashion? I nominated three extremely qualified Cabinet officials.

The nominations were reported. Anything else?

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...

From months ago. Do a little research into my most recent comments, hack. Picking and choosing what I have meant is ridiculous.

I've done plenty of research as is evident from the articles. As of yet, you've yet to come up with anything inaccurate in my work.

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What objections have there been to MAS besides my comments? The one comment from Al who basically would complain about anything I do? Haha, ok, next one please...

So Al's criticism doesn't warrant response; but Lewis's did?
I think not...

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If my confidence in MAS is "extremely limited," why the hell would I nominate him? Seriously. Things can't change between people? Again, this is where you ought to research our history a little further. I know you're relatively new compared to most of us so I'd love to go easy on a rookie but you've chosen to throw bombs in my direction and I'm not just going to sit back and take it.

The reason you nominated MAS is fairly clear. You ran out of time and needed someone. MAS had made friendly overtures; he had a red avatar (hence your ability to push the 'unity' message); and he's held most jobs so you felt you could demonstrate qualifications.

Also, I don't see how I'm relatively new. I registered on the forum in 2004, only a few months after you. I've been involved in Atlasian government almost continuously for over 2 years. If you're going to try and pass me of as a rookie, then you're going to have to write off the great majority of the nation as well.

[Јas]

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Look through the petition thread.

Your nominee for SoEA, Masterjedi described the reaction as pathetic.
PBrunsel expressed his support but offered no chastisement to those who offered dissent.

Beyond that Sam Spade made clear he would treat the nomination independently of the the decision to drop Lewis. He neither expressed either approval or disapproval of the decision or of the public reaction.

By my count only 1 statement, Masterjedi's, characterised the public reaction in similar terms to yourself.

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Nasty behavior of others is apparently justified and you respond with mocking me about me reporting them to moderators but when I do it, I'm clearly in the wrong. Why not just warn me if I was so nasty?

Your bias is so incredibly clear.

Please cite examples of nastiness of others which you didn't provoke.
It's not my job to warn you if you're being nasty - I'm simply reporting it after it happens.

If my bias is "so incredibly clear", then I'm sure the readership will pick up on it and take it into account. If not, issue your own public statements - you have a Press Secretary after all.

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Nothing is ridiculous about it. I have no reason to believe that Hughento would lie about that.

I issued you an invite to debate here; and reiterated the invitation here.

You made no response. I consulted with Sensei on moderator choice - we agreed on hugh. I asked hugh to open the debate as quickly as possible as time was very pressing and stated to him that I had no problem with your participation and indeed told him that you had made no response regarding the debate, but that he should feel free to PM you or state in opening the debate that you were welcome to participate.

I at no time impugned you or your campaign. I in no way attempted to inhibit your participation, if anything I actively encouraged it. Any indication to the contrary is simply untrue. I have cited the forum posts to back this up and I still have the relevant PMs. I have not directly accused anyone else of lying over this matter. If you want to continue to challenge my account here - then some evidence would be in order.

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There's nothing inaccurate. I said those things. The problem, Jas, is that you have a selective memory. You wish to report on only that which makes me look bad. You clearly don't want to post about how I have an improved relationship with my nominee. Again, the bias of the joke editor is clear.

For reasons already explained, it's not entirely clear what level of confidence you really have in MAS.

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All Al said was that MAS was unqualified or something and it was one time. Lewis was persistent.

Lewis only made 1 statement before you responded. After that comments went back and forth.
Al only made 1 statement about MAS, but you offered no response.

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Now you're dictating to me why I want someone? I picked MAS because he was AG before and had experience here. You can speculate all your want but again, that's your biased journalism. You have zero integrity, Jas. None.

You asked me directly why I thought you nominated MAS!
My response explained why I thought you nominated him. I' not "dictating" anything - simply offering my opinion - which you asked for!

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You are most certainly a rookie in terms of involvement here.

2 years in this game - and I'm a rookie? Really?
On that basis, which Atlasians aren't rookies?

You played an ass kissing game long enough to work your way up and then you thought you'd be crowned as President. You failed so who should you take it out on? Hmmm...I know. The new President.

Have you anything to back this up? Anything at all?

Since this situation has led me to call into question your journalistic integrity, Jas, I want you to address publicly your disregard for normal procedure. Why did you report information from someone very close to you when that individual told you it was off the record? Did you want to purposely throw a wrench into the plans of the new President, Jas? Why didn't you care that posting such information could hurt your friend, Jas?

I made a mistake and I apologised. The information wasn't intended to "throw a spanner in the works" of your Presidency - how could it?

[Јas]

The Examiner

10 March 2008

Vigor and Decisiveness returns?
The Examiner has been informed that last night the White House Chief of Staff, Mike Naso created a thread and indicated he would be willing to take questions. It is understood taht following a question from Sen. meekermariner (PLP-ME), the White House Press Secretary, Walter Evans Edge quoted the Senator and remarked “Hey Phil, isn't this the guy you called a homo?”

As of this morning the thread had been deleted. It is as yet unknown on whose initiative or on whose instructions the thread was deleted.

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Difference of opinion between Trondheim and Moderate on election law
Outgoing SoFA Lewis Trondeim and SoFA nominee Sen. Moderate have expressed a difference of opinion (see their positions here and here) regarding the proper procedure for filling Senate vacancies of District Senators arising during the period between the invocation of the Proportional Representation Act and the actual first PR-STV elections.

The divergence is of significance in that it affects the District 5 Senate seat vacancy and the likely District 2 Senate seat vacancy caused by the election of Ebowed to the Vice Presidency and the impending confirmation of Sen. Moderate as SoFA.

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Dave ‘Hawk’ new Southeast Lt. Governor
Earlier today Governor TCash certified the result of the region’s Lt. Gubernatorial run-off election. As expected, Dave ‘Hawk’ registered a convincing victory over sitting Lt. Governor Willy Woz and Atlasian newbie Cookies & Milk.

[Јas]

The Examiner

11 March 2008

Bgwah demands ilikeverin’s resignation
Pacifican Governor Bgwah (JCP-PAC) has announced the legislative agenda which will be voted on later this week by the region's citizens. Most of the matters for decision evoke praise for Rocky Dennis. The proposals also include a measure to force gasoline stations to display prices in whole cents and an amendment which would prevent the implementation of smoking bans on privately owned establishments as has been seen elsewhere.

Resolution condemns ilikeverin
Bgwah has also included a resolution condemning Governor ilikeverin (AMR-MW), of the neighbouring Midwestern region. The resolution describes the Midwestern leadership as an “undemocratic dictatorship”; demands that ilikeverin resign; and demands that the Midwestern constitution be amended “so that it is more democratic”.

Relations between the regional administrations have been strained for some time, the most contentious issue between them being the regional status of New Mexico – the state is claimed by the Midwest but administered by the Pacific.

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Moderate confirmation expected
The final vote on Sen. Moderate’s (NLC-D2) nomination as SoFA is expected shortly. Recent declarations of intent to vote in favour by Senators Jake (i-D4) and hughento (NLC-MW) indicated that the nomination is likely to pass easily. As yet only Sen. Verily (NLC-NE) has indicated that he will not vote in favour, but shall abstain in protest of the President’s actions surrounding the nomination.

meekermariner Amendment
During his hearing, Sen. Moderate made a statement opposing the Constitutional Amendment recently submitted by Sen. meekermariner (PLP-ME) which proposed to make the SoFA an electable position. Sen. Moderate worried that the Amendment could make the office more political, contrary to its intent.

Senator Sam Spade (SSP-SE) has also declared himself against the Amendment. Though the proposed Amendment has been the subject of some criticism, it has raised discussion about the possibility of removing the SoFA (or at least elements of the role) from the political arena.

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In Brief

Naso Resignation
Mike Naso has resigned as White house Chief of Staff. Mr. Naso gave no reason or comment on the resignation. The President has stated that he does not accept the resignation.

It is unclear if the resignation bears any relationship to the deleted thread as previously reported (see The Examiner, 10 March). Nor is it known whether or not this will affect Mr. Naso’s planned return to electoral politics (see The Examiner, 8 March).

Verily set to be PPT for another term
The time period for nominations for the position of PPT has passed. In the absence of any announced other candidate and with the explicit support of a majority of his Senate colleagues, Verily (NLC-NE) is set to be announced as the PPT for the 24th Senate shortly.

Northeast changes position on traffic cameras
New Northeastern Governor AndrewCT (NLC-NE) has signed into law both measures which passed the recent regional plebiscite. This included a measure which will prevent the issuing of fines due to infringements registered by traffic cameras, unless these infringements result in an accident.

[Јas]

The Examiner

12 March 2008

Moderate: District 5 Special Election will go ahead
SoFA nominee Sen. Moderate (NLC-D2) has said that he will allow the District 5 Special Election to go ahead as per outgoing SoFA Lewis Trondheim’s plans.

Sen. Moderate and SoFA Trondheim have expressed divergent views on the electoral law regarding vacancies for the period between the passing of the PR Act and the first PR-STV election, due to occur in April. Sen. Moderate believes that such special elections are no longer necessarily the correct procedure in filling such vacancies.

Absentee voting is open in the race between CultureKing (PLP-PAC) and Everett (JCP-PAC). No votes have yet been cast.

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ilikeverin responds to bgwah criticism
Midwestern Governor ilikeverin (AMR-MW) has responded to the criticism levelled against him by Pacifican Governor bgwah (JCP-PAC) (see The Examiner, 11 March). Gov. ilikeverin pointed out that despite accusations of being a dictatorship, the Midwestern people have exercised their democratic rights in overruling the Governor only a few weeks ago. The Governor suggested that in truth it is the Pacific region which suffers from a democratic deficit.

ilikeverin concluded: “It is imperative that the people of the Midwest, and Atlasia at large, work to remove this pocket of undemocratic sentiment from our shores posthaste, so that our nation may prosper, united in liberty and mobilized for the common good.”
 
The Pacifican legislature is currently voting on a motion condemning Gov. ilikeverin’s leadership and demanding that he resign.

[Јas]

The Examiner

13 March 2008

Examiner Polling: Vox populi...
The Examiner hopes to run a regular (possibly weekly) series of polls guaging public opinion on the issues and public officials in Atlasia. Following on from our first poll, last Thursday, on Lewis Trondheim's approval rating as SoFA, our second poll has just been opened to guage the approval rating of the President.

Keystone Phil was declared elected as President 18 days ago. He swore the oath of office and gave his inaugeral address 7 days ago. The events since have been documented in this newspaper and can be perused at leisure.

[Јas]

Vox populi...

I approve of the Network reference, whether it's intentional or not.

I was watching that just the other week...

[Јas]

The Examiner

14 March 2008

Voting open in District 5; bgwah stands behind official JCP candidate
Voting is open in the District 5 election to fill the vacancy left by now Vice President Ebowed. The declared candidates are CultureKing (PLP-PAC) and Everett (JCP-PAC). Everett despite having made no campaign effort beyond simply making her declaration of candidacy is fancied to win having secured the all important endorsement of Pacifican Governor and JCP leader, bgwah (JCP-PAC) – indeed he has already cast his vote for Everett, as was expected.

No non-JCP candidate has held office on the west coast since WMS over a year ago. Criticisms of inactivity against JCP representatives such as former Senator Rob and current Senator Friz have not hindered the JCP’s ability to continually win electoral races. As previously reported (see The Examiner, 11 March), bgwah recently moved for a resolution to be passed in the Pacific region condemning the state of democracy in the Midwest.

Tallies (as of going to print)
Everett (JCP): 1 (bgwah)
CultureKing (PLP): 1 (CultureKing)
   
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Editorial: The Promise of Unity
The President promised to deliver on “unity” during his campaign, but almost 3 weeks after his election, the public seem avowedly divided on the President. Indeed, as of going to print Atlasia’s verdict seems to be a thumbs down to Phil with the poll registering net disapproval (-12.7%). More than half of our sample expressed disapproval; more than a quarter expressed strong disapproval.

A number of participants expressed the view that it was too early to assess how the President is performing. We must wait and see how the President intends to turn this situation around and what policies he will bring forward to unite the country and return it to “its glory days”.

Polling data (as of going to print)
Sample: 39

Strongly approve: 7.7%
Approve: 30.8%
Neither approve nor disapprove: 10.3%
Disapprove: 25.6%
Strongly disapprove: 25.6%

Total Approve: 38.5%
Total Disapprove: 51.2%
Net approval: -12.7%
Median Voter: Disapprove