Talk Elections

 

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Welcome to the official campaign thread for the Atlas presidential election of 2012!

This thread will begin with instructions on how the game is played, and will follow with numerous stages building up to Election Day.

Here are the candidates who successfully made it through the primary season to become their respective party's presumptive nominee:






Table of Contents:

1. Overview (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273726#msg2273726)
2. The election map (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273729#msg2273729)
3. Earning credits (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273731#msg2273731)
4. Spending credits (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273734#msg2273734)
5. Running mates (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273735#msg2273735)
6. Special Events (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273737#msg2273737)
7. Campaign schedule (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273740#msg2273740)
8. Modifying factors (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273741#msg2273741)
9. Issuing instructions (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273743#msg2273743)

 


As in real life, the objective of a successful presidential campaign is to win a majority of votes in the electoral college.

As you can see, I've decided that this election is set in 2012.  This is mainly to establish some kind of frame of reference, particularly if this becomes a series of games.  Disregard the fact that real-life politicians will be seeking office in that year; this game is set in an alternative reality where those real-life politicians don't exist. :)

There is, of course, the possibility of a tie in the electoral college at the end of the game.  Should this happen, the winner will be determined by the winner of the most endorsements received from other forum members.


TIME AND MONEY

The game will be divided up into stages, each of which represents a week of campaigning or a specific event.  The first stage will represent the first week of March 2012, at roughly the point where the primary season has wrapped up.  Occasionally these 'weekly' stages will be interspersed with special events, such as the party conventions and the debates.

Each of these campaign stages will be divided into 5 time slots, which may be filled by various types of campaign activity.  It's important to note that time cannot be carried into the next week (just in real life ;) ), so I'd recommend you use all of the time you have available.

The nominees will already be familiar with the currency of 'credits' that we used during the primaries.  This system continues here, although the methods or earning and spending them have changed to reflect the different dynamics of this race.

 


The progress of the election will be measured using the following map, which will be reproduced and updated at the start of each stage.





As you can see, despite this being the 2012 election, the electoral college portrayed in this map is that used in 2004 and 2008.  The reason is simple: the 2012 map doesn't officially exist yet. :)

Also, in this game there are no special circumstances for Nebraska and Maine.  Their electoral votes will be apportioned on a winner-take-all basis, as with the other states.

I have tried to balance the strength of both parties as much as possible, but of course it's impossible to get it perfectly level while maintaining some semblance of realism.

The rating of the states as 'strong', 'lean', 'slight' or 'tossup' is dependant on that state's expected percentage margin of victory.  The margins will of course be affected by the candidates' campaign activity.

The specific margins for each state will not be published to the forum at large.  The only way of determining the exact margin is by commissioning a poll; a process that will be explained later.  The overall national margin will be published at the start of each stage, mainly as a guide to the state of the race.

Campaign activity will more often than not tap into the 'undecided' support base, which of course can go either way.  Another minor factor is the 'Other candidates' group.  These are non-playable characters designed mainly to preserve some realism.  At the end of the election, the remaining undecided voters will be divided randomly between the two main candidates and the 'Others'.

Finally, each state is capped so that neither candidate can achieve more than 80% of the vote in any state.  The District of Columbia is an exception to this rule, where the cap is set at 95%.

 


There are five ways to earn credits:

• Fundraising
• Receiving endorsements from forum members
  
• Leftover credits from the primary race
• Federal funding
• Retiring spin operatives

Any credits earned during a stage will be added to the candidate's balance at the start of the next stage, not before.

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FUNDRAISING

Campaign time may be spent on raising additional credits instead of trying to shift popular support.

Each state will have a credit 'value' exactly equal to its number of electoral votes.  Candidates can then choose to raise funds in certain states, where they will receive 1-5 credits (decided randomly).  If a candidate decides to receive federal funding (see below), they cannot receive more than 3 credits each time.  The state's credit value will then be reduced by that number.

There is no limit to the number of fundraisers you can hold in a single state each stage.  However, once a state's funds have been depleted, no more fundraising can be conducted there for the rest of the game.

I'll post an updated map showing the credit values of each state at the start of each stage.


ENDORSEMENTS FROM FORUM MEMBERS

This is another concept carried on from the primaries.  Forum members who have obtained at least 50 posts may cast their vote here in this thread for whichever candidate they'd like to win.

It doesn't matter if a forum member already issued an endorsement during the primaries; they may do so again here.

Each endorsement adds 5 credits to that candidate's balance.  However, if the candidate has opted to receive federal funding (see below), each endorsement will instead be worth 3 credits.

Endorsements issued by the former players of the primaries are doubled.

No endorsements may be split between the two candidates.

I reserve the right to cancel the endorsements of any posters I consider to be suspicious or fraudulent, and my judgement on such cases will be final.


LEFTOVER CREDITS FROM THE PRIMARIES

Both candidates accumulated sizeable credit balances during the primaries.  These have been carried over in full to their general election campaign accounts.

For the record, Xander Xiao had a balance of 186 credits, and Helen Hudson had a balance of 235 credits.

Democratic runner-up Franlin Finch also had a balance of 120 credits.  These will be transferred to whichever candidate he endorses.  If he hasn't endorsed either candidate by the time of the Democratic Convention, his credits will be canceled.


FEDERAL FUNDING

Similar to real life, both candidates may choose to receive FEC funding.

Following each party convention, the nominee will receive 100 credits.

However, by choosing to receive this bonus, throughout the game the amount of credits they receive by fundraising (see above) is limited to 3 per state instead of 5, and the value of endorsements from forum members is reduced from 5 to 3.

The candidates will need to notify me before we begin the game if they would like to receive federal funding or not.  Once their decision has been made, it cannot be changed.


RETIRING SPIN OPERATIVES

The purpose of spin operatives will be explained in a later chapter, but for now, all you need to know is that while they are hired for 5 credits each, they can be retired for a refund of 3 credits each.

 


There are plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned credits in order to try and swing the election your way:

• State Visits
• Positive Ads
• Negative Ads
• Barnstorming
• Spin operatives
• Polls
• Neutralizing wildcards

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STATE VISITS

Your candidate may spend time and credits campaigning in a particular state in order to swing its electoral votes into your column.

Each visit randomly generates a number between 1 and 5.  The percentage margin in that state will then swing to your candidate at an equivalent level.  So for example, let's say your candidate pays two visits to Ohio.  Those visits randomly produce the numbers 3 and 4, which means that the margin in Ohio would swing to your candidate by a total of 7 percentage points.

Each state visit will occupy one of the five available time slots in each stage, and you may not visit the same state more than three times per stage.

The cost in credits of visiting a state varies depending on its population.  The table below details how much each state will cost:

CREDIT COST		STATE
1		Alaska; Delaware; District of Columbia; Hawaii; Idaho; Maine; Montana; New Hampshire; North Dakota; Rhode Island; South Dakota; Vermont; Wyoming
2		Arkansas; Kansas; Mississippi; Nebraska; Nevada; New Mexico; Utah; West Virginia
3		Connecticut; Iowa; Kentucky; Oklahoma; Oregon; South Carolina
4		Alabama; Arizona; Colorado; Louisiana; Maryland; Minnesota; Wisconsin
5		Indiana; Massachusetts; Missouri; Tennessee; Washington
6		Georgia; Michigan; New Jersey; North Carolina; Virginia
7		Florida; Illinois; Ohio; Pennsylvania
8		New York
9		Texas
10		California

Here's the same table demonstrated as a map:





POSITIVE ADS

You may produce campaign ads in each state promoting your candidate.  Each ad costs one credit, and does not occupy any time slots.  The ad will swing the state's margin to you by one percentage point.  You may only broadcast one positive ad in each state per stage, but you can broadcast them in as many states as you like.

You don't actually have to design and create an ad yourself, but you can if you want. :)


NEGATIVE ADS

You may also produce ads in each state attacking your opponent.  These cost 2 credits each, and also do not occupy any time slots.

An attack ad will reduce your opponent's support by 3 percentage points, but also your own support by 1 point.  Those votes will be moved back into the 'undecided' column.

(You may wonder what the point of an attack ad is if your own support is weakened as well.  It's important to note that it is far easier to shift support to your campaign from undecided voters than from your opponent's campaign, and thus attack ads will make it easier to eventually swing support back to you.)

Just like positive ads, you may only broadcast one negative ad in each state per turn, but you may broadcast them in as many states as you like.


BARNSTORMING

You can send your candidate on a week-long whistle-stop tour of the country, coordinated with a strategic ad campaign.  Barnstorming occupies all five available time slots per stage, and costs 40 credits.

A random number between 1-5 will be generated, and the national percentage margin will subsequently shift in your favor by that same number.  This shift will be reflected in every state as well.

The effect of barnstorming is not reduced by spin operatives, your opponent's home state advantage, the 'safety' of a state, or most other factors.  This makes it a fearsome weapon in your campaign arsenal, and worthy of the high price tag.


SPIN OPERATIVES

In order to counter the effects of your opponent's activities in states you wish to preserve your strength in, you may hire spin operatives.

Much like campaign visits themselves, each operative generates a number between 1-5.  This total is then deducted from the total produced by your opponent's campaign visits.  If your total exceeds your opponent's, there will be no overall effect on the margin whatsoever; i.e. the campaign visits and spin operatives will have neutralized each other.

Alternatively, any 'unoccupied' spin operatives, i.e. those not being used to defend against campaign visits, can also be used to halve the damage to your candidate caused by negative ads.

Spin operatives cost 5 credits to hire, and may be 'retired' for a refund of 3 credits.  Each operative also costs an additional 1 credit per stage.  You are limited to two spin operatives per state at any time.

Each spin operative you hire will remain in the state you choose to place them in until the end of the campaign or if you retire them.

Presidential candidates will automatically receive two free spin operatives in their home states, and running mates will receive one free operative in their home states.  These may be retired as normal to gain 3 credits each.

A map showing the number and location of spin operatives will be updated at the start of each stage.


POLLS

As mentioned earlier, the specific percentage margin in each state will not be displayed on the forum until Election Day.  Instead, you may commission a poll of that state for 1 credit.  I will then send you the current status of the race in that state in a personal message.

You may choose to share that information with your opponent if you wish, although whether that would be in your interest is up to you.


NEUTRALIZING WILDCARDS

Every so often, the candidates will on an alternating basis receive a 'wildcard'; a random event in the news that will produce an effect that either damages or helps your candidate.  There is a 50% chance that the wildcard will be beneficial to your campaign, and a 50% chance it will be harmful.

Before you get to know what the wildcard will be, you have the chance to cancel any effects (either good or bad) by paying 3 credits.

See the campaign schedule to see when your campaign is due to receive a wildcard.


SUMMARY

This table should help to summarize the different types of campaign activity that may be conducted, along with their expense and effect.

ACTIVITY	()	CREDIT COST	()	TIME SLOTS USED	()	EFFECTS
State Visit		1-10 (Varies by state population)		1		1-5% statewide swing
Positive Ad		1		0		1% statewide swing
Negative Ad		2		0		Reduces opponent's statewide support by 3%; own support by 1%; undecided support increases.
Barnstorming		40		5		1-5% national swing
Spin operatives		5 (another 1 per stage)		N/A		Mitigates effect of opponent's state visits; halves damage inflicted by negative ads.
Polls		1		0		Provides breakdown of support in a particular state.

 


The presidential candidates will be able to select a fellow forum member to play as their running mate.  I will soon set up a thread in which forum members can sign up and adopt a given character.  The presidential nominees will then have the duration of several stages to screen and select their running mate through any process they wish.  The only condition is that the eventual choice must be a member of the same party as the presidential candidate.  (The actual player does not need to be. ;) )

The selection of both running mates will then be officially announced between Weeks 1 and 2 of July, and they will then be able to join the game and conduct campaign activities.  They will also participate in the vice presidential debate.

The presidential nominees do not necessarily have to keep their selections a secret before the official announcements.  However, bear in mind that real-life presidential campaigns often like to keep us all in suspense until the very last minute. :)

As part of the running mate announcement stage, both tickets will be granted a free barnstorming activity for both members of the ticket and a dual campaign visit to the running mate's home state.  Furthermore, if the running mate is a former primary opponent, the ticket will receive a bonus in this stage equal to their share of the delegates during the primary campaign.  So, for example, if the running mate had attained 17% of the delegates during the primaries, the ticket will subsequently receive a 17% bonus to the effect of their barnstorming during this stage.

Running mates are able to perform any of the available campaign activities.  However, the strength of their effect is reduced by half.  Exceptions to this are spin operatives, which apply to the ticket as a whole, and fundraising, which can still be conducted at normal strength.

The degree of autonomy that the running mates are permitted is for the ticket itself to determine.  I would prefer to receive instructions for the running mate's activities from that particular player, but I will still accept the instructions from the presidential nominee.

If the running mate is replaced for any reason after the official announcement, but before the party convention, then the opposing ticket will be granted one free barnstorming activity.  If it occurs after the convention, the opposing ticket will receive two free barnstorming activities.

 


There are three special events on the campaign schedule:

• Party conventions
• The debates
• Election Day

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PARTY CONVENTIONS

Since this is the first election game of this nature, and thus there is no incumbent party, it was determined by a coin toss that the Republican National Convention (RNC) would be first, taking place between Weeks 3 and 4 of July, followed by the Democratic National Convention (DNC) between Weeks 3 and 4 of August.

Both primary campaigns before this campaign produced two winners who both achieved a majority of their respective convention delegates, and thus we will not have to simulate a brokered convention this time.

This stage will be fairly straightforward.  There are two opportunities for a 'convention bump' for both tickets.  The first is a free chance to swing the national margin in an identical manner to a barnstorming activity.  The second is a chance to swing the margin in the state in which the convention is held, identically to a regular state visit.  (Thus, I'll need to know ASAP in which city the candidates want their conventions to be held.)

In both cases, the 'bump' will be affected by one potentially important factor.  A delegate tally will be held, in which all primary runners-up will have a final opportunity to endorse the nominee.  Those who do not endorse the nominee will reduce the effects of both 'bumps' by a percentage equal to their share of the delegates.  So, for example, a candidate who attained 24% of the delegates and who does not endorse the eventual nominee will reduce the convention bump by 24%.


THE DEBATES

Rather than conduct actual debates between the candidates, I've instead settled for an alternative activity that remains consistent with this game's focus on chance and strategy rather than creativity and subjective judgements.

As in real life in recent years, there will be three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.  In all four cases, they will be conducted as follows:

As the debate stage begins, the candidate places a wager of any amount of credits they choose.  If they win, they will double their own wager and receive their opponent's wager.  If there is a tie, both candidates will have their wagers refunded.  Each candidate has a 33% chance of winning, losing or drawing.  Therefore, they have a 67% chance of at least winning back their wager.  The verdict of the debate will, as always, be determined by pure chance.

The candidates are free to conduct their own actual debate for fun if they wish, but it won't have any effect on the race.


ELECTION DAY

The final day of the campaign, and the most important of course, will take place on November 5th after four days of final campaigning activities.

No campaigning will be conducted in this stage, as it will be devoted entirely to the calculation and announcement of the results.

I will aim for it to take place on a Tuesday if possible, but I'm willing to change this if the players need it.  I will also conduct the results in real time as closely as possible.

 


As previously mentioned, the campaign is divided into stages each representing a single week, or a special event.  The last four campaign stages are an exception, as they each represent a single day.

Each campaign stage is divided into 5 time slots, which will be filled by various campaign activities.

The schedule is detailed below:

MARCH	Week 1
	Week 2
	Week 3
	Week 4
APRIL	Week 1 *
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	Week 4 *
MAY	Week 1 *
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	Week 4 *
JUNE	Week 1 *
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	Week 4 *
JULY	Week 1 *
	RUNNING MATE SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENTS
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION -- Detroit, MI
	Week 4 *
AUGUST	Week 1 *
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION -- Cleveland, OH
	Week 4 *
SEPTEMBER	Week 1 *
	Week 2 *
	Week 3 *
	1ST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
	Week 4 *
	VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
OCTOBER	Week 1 *
	2ND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
	Week 2 *
	3RD PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
	Week 3 *
	Week 4 *
NOVEMBER	Day 1
	Day 2
	Day 3
	Day 4
	ELECTION DAY

*  Democratic wildcard
*  Republican wildcard

 


There are a number of factors that will affect the power of your candidate's state visits and campaign ads, either for better or worse:

• Home state advantages
• Political safety of states
• 'Decided' voters
• Weakness of running mates

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HOME STATE ADVANTAGES

Various campaign activities in certain states may have a bonus added to it, depending on the state's proximity to the candidate's home state.

The following map displays the percentage bonus that Xander Xiao of California and Helen Hudson of Arkansas will receive for state visits, positive and negative ads, and spin operatives.  The bonus will simply be added to whatever effect those campaign activities produce in the relevant state.



Note: the seemingly unfair advantage to Hudson is due to the unfortunate fact that the South has historically had an intra-regional bias, moreso than any other political region.

Barnstorming and fundraising are not affected by home state advantages.


POLITICAL SAFETY OF STATES

At the start of each stage, the predicted election map will be updated to reflect the expected vote margins of the states.  States that have 'strong' or 'lean' leads for one candidate will effect a reduction in their opponent's efforts to swing the state towards them.

In states that have a 'strong' lead for their opponent, the effect of candidate's campaign visits, ads and spin operatives is reduced by 50%.

In states that 'lean' towards their opponent, the effect of candidate's campaign visits, ads and spin operatives is reduced by 25%.

There is no such reduction in the 'tossup' states or those where an opponent has a 'slight' lead.

Barnstorming and fundraising are not affected by any leads one way or another in any state.


'DECIDED' VOTERS

Following a campaign visit or a positive ad, I'll put the swing towards your candidate (if any) into effect by transferring support from the 'undecided' column to yours.

However, once the undecided support has reached a minimum of 1% of the state's electorate, I will then continue transferring support from the 'Other' candidates at a two-thirds rate.

Once the Other candidates have also reached a minimum of 1% of the state's electorate, I will then continue transferring support from your major party opponent at a one-third rate.

Therefore, the effect of your campaigning is reduced if there are not enough undecided voters, and reduced further if there is not enough support for Other candidates.  Remember, you can use negative ads to increase the number of undecided voters.


WEAKNESS OF RUNNING MATES

To reiterate, the overall effect of any activity by the running mates (except fundraising) is further reduced by 50%.

 


The first thing to take on board when issuing instructions is to send them in a personal message to me.  DO NOT post them in this thread.  The only reason for this is to expedite the game a little, and not have the two tickets engage in post-editing wars once both sets of instructions have been posted.

The following are a few examples of how you should submit your instructions.  Note that the activities that occupy time slots (i.e. state visits, fundraising and barnstorming) do not exceed the limit of five per stage.


EXAMPLE 1

"State Visit to Kentucky and Illinois.
One fundraiser in Texas, and two in New York.
Positive ads in Texas, Minnesota, Florida and California.
Negative ads in the same states plus New York and North Carolina."

(The five time slots have been filled by the two state visits and three fundraisers.  The state visits will cost 3 credits for Kentucky and 7 for Illinois, so 10 credits in total.  The fundraisers produce 2 credits from Texas, and 5 and 1 from New York.  The four positive ads (1 credit each) will cost 4 credits in total, and the six negative ads (2 credits each) will cost 12 credits in total.)


EXAMPLE 2

"I'd like a poll of Ohio."

[Response sent: "46 D; 45 R; 2 Oth; 7 Und."]

"Three state visits to Ohio, one in Pennsylvania.
One fundraiser in Arizona.
Hire one more spin operatives in Ohio, and two for Missouri.
Positive ad in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Iowa."

(The five time slots have been filled by the four state visits and one fundraiser.  The state visits will cost 21 credits for Ohio (7 credits each) and 7 for Pennsylvania, so 28 credits in total.  The fundraiser produces 4 credits from Arizona.  The spin operatives will cost 5 credits each, so 15 in total.  The three positive ads will cost 3 credits in total.)


EXAMPLE 2

"Let's go barnstorming.
Negative ads in Washington and Illinois."

(All five time slots have been occupied by the barnstorming, and will cost 40 credits.  The two negative ads will cost 4 credits in total.)

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Remember, submit your instructions to me in a personal message.

Hopefully you've understood everything I've explained so far.  If not, feel free to ask me and I'll clarify as best I can. :)

 

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Just some quick reminders:

I need to know before we can officially begin if you want to receive federal funding or not.  See the 'Earning credits' section above if you're not sure.

I also need you two to pick the location of your conventions.  I've limited the choices to the following:

Atlanta, GA
Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Honolulu, HI
Houston, TX
Indianapolis, IN
Jacksonville, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Los Angeles, CA
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis, MN
New Orleans, LA
New York, NY
Oklahoma City, OK
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Raleigh, NC
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Seattle, WA
St. Louis, MO
Washington, DC

And one last thing, forum members can post their endorsement choices right here in this thread. :)

Wow, Joe. Kudos on this which is obviously a very significant effort on your part.
I enjoyed the primary threads, so hopefully the fun continues.

Thanks for the work! :)

I endorse Helen Hudson :)

Good luck Xahar, he's going to need it given the current slant to Hudson.

I endorse Xander Xiao for President :)

Anyway, Joe, keep up the tremendous work. Finally we have a realistic simulation of a presidential election, President Forever doesn't count any more. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I hope there will be a 2016 election cycle if you have the time, of course.

I endorse Xiao o/c

I endorse Helen Hudson.

Great game! Hope there is another one after this election cycle.

I hope future elections won't necessarily be 50/50, just so that it is more real.

I don't really call this match 50/50 :P

I endorse Xander Xiao :)

Despite the hard-fought primary I endorse Xiao.

I shall endorse Xiao.

I don't know if I have to endorse Xiao again but I will just to be sure.

Well, in my defense, I won my primary before Xahar did, and Al still hasn't endorsed anyone. If he choses to endorse Xahar, his numbers will go up slightly, and if endorses me, my numbers will go up slightly. So it's pretty normal that I'd be ahead in this situation.

I endorse Xiao

I'll endorse whoever the candidate I supported, Mr. Finch, endorses in the unending battle against the forces of the Anti-Christ.

I endorse Helen Hudson

I endorse Xiao, obviously

I endorse Hudson.

I endorse Helen Hudson.

When are we going to have the whole forum over VP picks? Is that coming later?

Sorry, but I don't understand your first sentence.

I endorse Xiao.

I endorse Xiao.

I think he wants to know when Xiao and I will be choosing our Vice Presidential picks, and when a thread will be opened for candidates for VP.

I see.  The first question is covered in the first three paragraphs of this post (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=106874.msg2273735#msg2273735).  I'll open a thread for people to sign up as potential running mates in the next few days; probably in Week 2 of March.

Okay, I've received instructions that neither candidate wishes to receive federal funding.  This means that both will be able to hold fundraisers that can produce up to 5 credits each time, and each endorsement from fellow forum members will be worth 5 credits as well.

The Republican National Convention will be held in Detroit, Michigan, and the Democratic National Convention will be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

I endorse Tmthforu94.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser New York 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Pennsylvania 1 0 +2 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +50 credits Gillespie Goldsmith (benconstine) Oliver Osborne (Shilly) Quentin Quinn (HappyWarrior) Rick Romano (Alexander Hamilton) Victor Vasquez (Hashemite) Citizens:  +30 credits Conor Flynn Einzige Fritz Kalwejt Marokai Blue PGSable

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Barnstorming National 5 40 Large swing to Hudson Poll Michigan 0 1 Information ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +40 credits Clay Cooper (Devilman88) Pamela Pickering (Vepres) Ulysses Underwood (Lahbas) Wyatt Williams (Andy Jackson) Citizens:  +10 credits A-Bob ajc0918

 

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I endorse Hudson.

I was supposed to have given Xiao a wildcard to deal with in the last stage, but I forgot. :(

Hudson was due one next stage as well, but I'll skip that one too out of fairness.  This works out quite well for me, because I haven't actually prepared them yet.

Fmr Candidate Spencer approaches the Stage


Ladies and gentleman, our nation faces an inflection point and we must choose which path we are too take. Let me be clear, both candidates will bring fundamental change. The debate is not one of change versus that status quo but which direction we can go. We can go down the path to the left and we have been down that road before, down the road that fails instead of the road that works. Or we can go down the road to the right, down the path of proven solutions and common sense ideas to solve real problems not attempt to create some meaningless utopia dreamed up by some Hollywood liberal, that never works in reality. With this in mind, it is with great pleasure that I endorse Helen Hudson for President of the United States,

Thanks and God Bless!!

I endorse Helen Hudson

...Mr Davenport has agreed not to press charges. We now go live to War, West Virgina where Mr Finch is due to make a statement...

Finch: first, I would like to say that I am pleased that I won't be prosecuted for what was really just a minor dispute brought on by, er... um...

looks down at his notes

Finch: ...sleep dep... er... riv...ashion. Yes. Sleep depperivashion. I also hope that Mr Davenport likes his new car...

Finch's lawyer suddenly coughs violently

Finch: ...which I certainly did not buy as a gift for Mr Davenport as a way to avoid prosecution.

Pause

Finch: ...second... I have an announcement to make. Govenor Hudson wears lipstick. Whores wear lipstick, therefore Govenor Hudson is a whore. Govenor Hudson wears red lipstick. Therefore, she is a scarlet whore. As in the Scarlet Whore of Babylon. This means that Governor Hudson is a tool of the Antichrist! Death to the Antichrist! Death! Death! Death! Death! Death! Death!

Finch continues in this vein for about five minutes

Finch: ...this being true... I think that I have no choice, no choice whatsoever, but to endorse Senator Zow. People! The War against the Antichrist will be a long one, but there shall be victory in the End!

I am endorsing tmthforu94.

I will endorse Xiao.

As will I.

I endorse Helen Hudson

I endorse Hudson.

I endorse Helen Hudson for President.

     I endorse Helen Hudson as well.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser New York 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Illinois 1 0 +5 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +140 credits Franklin Finch (Al) Timothy Taylor (Purple State) Citizens:  +10 credits Barnes Lief

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT State Visit Pennsylvania 1 7 Large swing to Hudson State Visit Michigan 1 6 Medium swing to Hudson Fundraiser Ohio 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser New Jersey 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser New Hampshire 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +20 credits Diane Dalton (NiK) Steve Spencer (NC Yankee) Citizens:  +40 credits dead0man floridarepub Inks.LWC Jbrase Maverick Mint officepark PiT

Hold on....how does Xiao get +140 credits for 2 endorsements from primary candidates?  Should be +20, no?

 

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:)

Yeah, you're killing him Hudson!

Stop fundraising, and start campaigning, Xiao!  We're pullin for ya!

Nah, he's gonna put all that money in a Swiss bank account, drop out, and move to Rio ;)

I endorse Helen Hudson

Welcome to the forum!  I'm afraid that, as a precautionary measure, I can only accept endorsements from posters who have attained at least 50 posts on the forum.  However, you're welcome to come back to issue your support once you've reached that goal.  :)

On popular demand (from one person) my news paper will return for the General Election.

Too make the election more intresting, I also give any remaining credits I have to Hudson.



 

:D :D :D

I guess I'll stay in-character with this game and endorse Hudson.

I endorse Helen Hudson.

Hudson and Xiao prepare for battle!

- Spring is finally here, and after a long winter and two long presidential primaries, the nation is ready for the battle between giants, the 2012 Presidential election. The candidates are chosen, and everything is set for the election of a life time. With polls being tied, and lot’s of people being undecided, this year’s race is one of the most unpredictable ever seen. But who are the champions that will fight this battle? Why were they chosen to represent their party in this critical election?

- On the right we have 44-year-old Republican Governor Helen Hudson of Arkansas.

Back when Hudson at age 28 announced her intention to run for congress few believed that she’d be successful, and found themselves surprised when she not only managed to clench the her party’s nomination, but also pulled out a narrow victory over her Democratic opponent. Despite criticism from both Democrats and Republicans calling her a populist, Hudson’s popularity quickly grew among her constitutes, and six years after joining Congress Hudson found herself elected Governor of her state. Between raising her four children together with husband Parker Hudson, and becoming a national voice for Conservatism, Helen still had time to bring down unemployment and revolutionise the education system in her beloved home state. Her accomplishments earned her the name Mother Arkansas among voters, and when she announced her intentions to seek the Presidency, she instantly became one of the front runners.

Although Hudson was the winner of the Iowa primary, her road to victory was anything but straight. Several critics emerged to attack her, especially questioning her credentials as a fiscal conservative. Some even went so far as to call her a notorious spender. And even though Hudson maintained the upper hand throughout the entire primary battle, she had a strong opposition, especially in fellow Governor Pamela Pickering of Colorado, who several times looked as she might be able to win the party’s nomination. In the end however, Hudson’s lovable Southern personality and charisma, her experience as a successful and popular Governor, and her good and intelligent rhetoric and argumentation won the voters, and even Pickering had to yield.

- Hudson will however now face a more dangerous opponent. On the left we have Xander Xiao, the Senior Senator from California, who if elected would become the first person of Asian ancestry to be elected President of the United States.

Xiao has built himself a strong record, serving decades in the Congress, and being a strong advocate for liberal causes. Having no major legislation attached to his name however, a lot of critics have accused him of being much talk but little action, and labels him as a typical carer politician. When he throw his hat into the race for President, no one was surprised however, and as his long experience mixed with a charming smile and good charisma started gaining him endorsements and money, his opponents soon found themselves fearing him.

After winning Iowa, it looked like Xiao would have a nice walk in the park, and easily win the Democratic nomination for President. After important victories in the first four primaries, a lot of people started to consider the Democratic primary to be over already, and expected Xiao to sweep the nomination, winning every single state. But to everybody and their uncle’s surprise, Xiao found an unexpected but dangerous challenger in union leader Franklin Finch. Finch was in the start of the primary one of the least likely candidates to win, but soon became a rising dark horse, as he was able to create an alliance of bigots, union members, and populists. As candidates began to drop out from the Democratic primary, more and more of the anti-Xiao voters began uniting under the big umbrella that was Finch’s campaign, and Xander found his walk in the park turn into a never-ending gauntlet in Mordor instead. After a long chess match of tactics between the two candidates, Xander came out the winner, although somewhat bruised.

- Both candidates now have gotten through the first stage to becoming the most powerful person in the world. It is now the real game begins. One of these candidates will be our next president, so keep reading. We will follow this election very closely.

I imagine a string of campaigning down the road will be just as effective. Early campaigning doesn't necessarily achieve that much.

I trust Xahar knows what he is doing.

Its just been announced in Atlasia that Xahar is on hiatus, and Nik is in charge of the campaign there.  Who is running things for Xahar over here?

Awesome work, as usual. :)

Xahar has informed me that his internet access will be sporadic until the New Year.  Given that we're all somewhat busy this time of year, a gearing down for a short while isn't such a bad idea.  I'll certainly keep things running on my end, but I won't mind at all if I'm kept waiting for campaign instructions for the time being.

Why did you delete my post?

Because you were being a dick.  Now stop it, or I'll do it again.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Nevada* 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Utah* 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser New Mexico 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Nebraska 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser West Virginia 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT State Visit Ohio 1 7 Small swing to Hudson State Visit Iowa 1 3 Large swing to Hudson Fundraiser Nevada* 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Utah* 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser North Carolina 1 0 +1 credit Positive Ad Delaware 0 1 Small swing to Hudson Positive Ad New Hampshire 0 1 Small swing to Hudson ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +20 credits Eric Emerson (Bacon King) Kevin Kessler (AndrewCT) Citizens:  +15 credits Daniel Adams Swedish Cheese bullmoose88

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* This week, both campaigns held fundraisers in Nevada and Utah.  As the Xiao campaign submitted campaign instructions first, his campaign received priority for the remaining credits available in each state.

 

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I endorse Helen Hudson

Ahem

Xahar has now sent his instructions, but I have a few things to deal with for the next few hours.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT State Visit Maine 1 1 Small swing to Xiao State Visit Michigan 1 6 Large swing to Xiao State Visit Minnesota 1 4 Small swing to Xiao State Visit Oregon 1 3 Small swing to Xiao State Visit Washington 1 5 Small swing to Xiao ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Wisconsin 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser South Carolina 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Alabama 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Louisiana 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Arkansas 1 0 +3 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +5 credits rebeltarian

 

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Xander Xiao will receive a wildcard this week.  His campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

 

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()()	ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Oregon 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Arizona 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Colorado 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Kansas 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Oklahoma* 1 0 +5 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT State Visit Ohio 1 7 Large swing to Hudson State Visit Iowa 1 3 Small swing to Hudson Fundraiser Oklahoma* 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Mississippi 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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* This week, both campaigns held fundraisers in Oklahoma.  As the Xiao campaign submitted campaign instructions first, his campaign received priority for the remaining credits available in that state.

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by Quirrell Ponce Aides within the Xander Xiao campaign are attempting to downplay new reports that the Democratic presidential candidate was allegedly a member of a pro-communist youth group during his college years. Although supposedly a pressure group in favor of civil rights and in opposition to the Vietnam War, the 'Hurdy Gurdy Men' were known to have ties with Marxist subversives, and several of its members often gave speeches expressing support for the communist Viet Cong. A spokesman for the Xiao campaign admitted that the presumptive Democratic nominee had briefly been a member of the group in the early 1970s, but issued a firm denial that he had "ever been involved in activities that supported communist ideas or sought to betray the United States during a time of war."

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"The 'Hurdy Gurdy Men' was a small campus-based club that organized small-scale protests against the Vietnam War," the spokesman continued, "and the vast majority of its members, including Xander Xiao, were deeply patriotic Americans who were concerned about the conduct of the war." Despite the tenuous connection between the extremists and the presidential candidate, it seems his campaign has already been negatively affected.  A new poll released by the MyPalFish Institute has shown Xiao's support decline by three percentage points, with Helen Hudson picking up two points, and the undecided voters increasing by one point.

 

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Helen Hudson will receive a wild card this week.  Her campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

This looks like a landslide, folks. (Though Xiao's young involvement in communist groups make me support him even more)

 

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()()	ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Oregon 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Wisconsin 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Colorado 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Louisiana 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Iowa 1 0 +2 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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()()	ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Washington 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Missouri 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Indiana 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser New York 1 0 +2 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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by Flagstaff Poon Former President Sheldon Sawyer has died of heart failure at his Davenport home at the age of 95. Sawyer served for two terms as President of the United States from 1973 to 1981, and is credited with revitalizing conservatism through his radical overhaul of government policy and his often controversial legislative agenda.  He is often revered among conservatives today, who usually rank him as one of the best presidents of the 20th century. Having previously served as Agriculture Secretary and Governor of Iowa, Sheldon Sawyer was elected President in 1972, at a critical point in America's history.  Faced with a soaring budget deficit and an unpopular war abroad, Sawyer worked quickly to end both, although their effects continued to plague his agenda throughout the 1970s. After his landslide re-election in 1976, Sawyer remained popular throughout his presidency, and upon leaving office in 1981, achieved an impressive 66% approval rating.  Many people cited his warm and friendly demeanor as a factor contributing to his popularity.

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The presumptive Republican nominee for President, Governor Helen Hudson, offered her condolences during a rally in Kansas City yesterday. "President Sawyer served during some of my formative years," said Hudson.  "His bold ideas and dedication to American values shaped who I am today.  Although none of us could ever replace him, I like to think that if elected, I could help restore his vision for a better America." Indeed, it seems that nostalgia for the days of Sawyer's presidency has actually helped to boost Hudson's campaign.  A new Vorlon poll has shown an increase of two percentage points for the Arkansas Republican. President Sawyer's funeral is scheduled for next Friday.  The other surviving presidents and several foreign heads of state are expected to attend.

 

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Xander Xiao will receive a wild card this week.  His campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

How do you decide if the event is positive or negative? Coin flip?

Same principle.  I have a list of pre-prepared news events, and I used the random number generator to determine the order by which they are called.  The balance between positive and negative events is exactly 50-50, but the effect of the event varies.

This has just gotten embarassing.

I endorse Helen Hudson

wow, too bad the election wasn't tomorrow

Not sure if my endorsement during the primary flowed to Hudson for this stage, if not, I endorse her now.

 

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()()	ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Iowa 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Arizona 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Washington 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Connecticut 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Kentucky 1 0 +3 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Michigan 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser New York 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Georgia 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser North Carolina 1 0 +5 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +10 credits big bad fab Smid

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by Billy Stupid Experts are applauding the bold new strategy to reform the ailing public education system, unveiled by Democratic presidential candidate Xander Xiao on Tuesday. Speaking at a fundraising event in Des Moines, Xiao outlined his goals for reform. "For too long we have allowed too many of our nation's children to be left behind," said Xiao.  "If I'm elected, I will ensure that every child will have met basic learning requirements by the time they graduate."

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The plan also includes a radical restructuring of the public and private schooling systems, which has achieved the seemingly unlikely task of uniting both liberal and conservative education campaigners in support. "This new plan is certainly original," said Brian Burgess, spokesman for the National Education Association.  "I can see many good reasons to throw our overwhelming support behind Senator Xiao's proposals." A new P. Brower Research poll has shown a small bump for the Democrat, possibly due to this major policy announcement.

 

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Helen Hudson will receive a wild card this week.  Her campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

Sorry bud, I must have overlooked your original post.  I'll add yours to Hudson's next round of endorsements.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Arizona 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Kentucky 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser North Carolina 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Connecticut 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Missouri 1 0 +3 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser California 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +5 credits Vosem

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by Wings Dingaling Helen Hudson's presidential campaign is celebrating a massively successful funds drive this week, which has broken all previous fundraising records. Following a co-ordinated strategy among grassroots activists, a reported $20 million* in new donations was channeled through Hudson's website.

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"We raised so much money this week that we don't know what to do with it," said a Hudson campaign spokesman.  "We've already bought new cars for every staffer, and we're still swimming in cash." The new boost to Hudson's coffers has beaten the previous record set by David Dillinger in 2008, who pledged to use his personal wealth to refund anyone double the amount they donated.  His campaign was bankrupted within six days.

* $20 million equates to 20 credits.

 

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Xander Xiao will receive a wild card this week.  His campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

I endorse Xiao.

I officially endorse Xahar (Xandar Xiao).

x Rochambeau

I shall endorse Tmthforu94

I endorse Tmthforu94.

President Sawyer lol... seems based off Ronald Reagan!

I endorse Hudson

Woah!

Let it be known I tried to convince Bgwah to endorse Xahar and it backfired. :P

I endorse Tmthforu94

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Minnesota 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Minnesota 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Indiana 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Indiana 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser North Carolina 1 0 +5 credits Positive Ad New Hampshire 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Ohio 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Wisconsin 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Iowa 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Colorado 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Nevada 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad California 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Oregon 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Washington 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad New Mexico 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Minnesota 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Michigan 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Pennsylvania 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad New Jersey 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Delaware 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Maine 0 1 Small swing to Xiao ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +15 credits Obamaisdabest politicalchick20 Rochambeau

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Georgia 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Tennessee 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Ohio 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Pennsylvania 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser New York 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +20 credits RowanBrandon MasterJedi bgwah Umengus

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by Chappie Schlitz A video of presidential candidate Xander Xiao's dramatic pratfall has now achieved over two million views on popular video sharing site YouTube. The video depicts Xiao accidentally stumbling over a step as he climbed onto a stage at a fundraising event in Indianapolis on Monday, before losing his footing and landing face first on the stage floor. The footage was uploaded to YouTube less than two hours later, and was quickly spread further by media outlets via the Internet.

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Xiao was physically unhurt by the fall, but the humorous quality of the incident may have repercussions for his campaign.  The clip has already been used to full effect on all the major topical comedy shows this week, and is expected to be a main feature of the opening sketch in the upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. The incident is being credited with a decline in Xiao's poll numbers this week, with a MyPalFish Institute poll showing a small decrease in the number of likely voters who "take [Xiao] seriously."

I would totally hit Hudson like the fist of an angry Greek God but........

I endorse Xander Xiao

 

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Helen Hudson will receive a wild card this week.  Her campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

Oh yeah, what good those ads did.

This looks nearly impossible to make a comeback from.

unless Hudson gets something just as bad for a card

I endorse Xander Xiao.

I endorse tmthforU94

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT State Visit California 1 10 Small swing to Xiao State Visit Illinois 1 7 Large swing to Xiao State Visit Connecticut 1 3 Medium swing to Xiao State Visit Washington 1 5 Small swing to Xiao State Visit New Jersey 1 6 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad New Hampshire 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Ohio 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Wisconsin 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Iowa 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Colorado 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Nevada 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad California 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Oregon 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Washington 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad New Mexico 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Minnesota 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Michigan 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Pennsylvania 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad New Jersey 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Delaware 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Maine 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Illinois 0 1 Small swing to Xiao Positive Ad Connecticut 0 1 Small swing to Xiao ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +10 credits Mechaman Deldem

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Florida 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Missouri 1 0 +4 credits Positive Ad Ohio 0 1 Small swing to Hudson Positive Ad Pennsylvania 0 1 Large swing to Hudson ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +5 credits zorkpolitics

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by Bob Flange Republican presidential candidate Helen Hudson has been ordered by doctors to rest at home and stay clear of the campaign trail for the next week, after being diagnosed with flu. Hudson reportedly began feeling unwell after a fundraising event in Jacksonville earlier this week.  Doctors quickly indicated that the symptoms signified an onset of flu, and soon recommended a week's rest.

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As a result, all events scheduled for the Arkansas Republican to attend next week have been canceled. The Hudson campaign has not declared if they will run any advertising or commission any polls as yet, but has ruled out the possibility of any fundraisers, state rallies or national 'barnstorming' events occurring next week.

 

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Xander Xiao will receive a wild card this week.  His campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

For some reason I overcharged Hudson for her positive ads in the last stage, which has now been fixed (including the credit balances).

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Pennsylvania 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Illinois 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser New Jersey 1 0 +5 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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()()	ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Positive Ad Michigan 0 1 Small swing to Hudson Positive Ad Pennsylvania 0 1 Small swing to Hudson Positive Ad Minnesota 0 1 Small swing to Hudson ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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by Seymour Flaps Faced with flagging poll numbers, Xander Xiao pledged on Wednesday to double his efforts on the campaign trail for next week. Citing a "need to recapture the advantage", the California Democrat has vowed to spend twice as long participating in campaign activities next week, compared to his previous schedule.

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Until now, Xiao has attended five general election campaign events each week since the end of the primary season.  Next week, he will be attending ten, his campaign has confirmed. He is expected to return to the usual schedule of five weekly events after next week.

 

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Helen Hudson will receive a wild card this week.  Her campaign will be either positively or negatively affected by a random event in the news.  To neutralize the effect of the wildcard, it will cost 3 credits.

Please declare if you want to neutralize the wildcard when submitting your instructions.

 

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser Texas 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Pennsylvania 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Ohio 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser Virginia 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser Illinois 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Michigan 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser New York 1 0 +1 credit Fundraiser Massachusetts 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Georgia 1 0 +4 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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ACTIVITY () LOCATION () TIME () COST () EFFECT Fundraiser California 1 0 +3 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +2 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +4 credits Fundraiser California 1 0 +5 credits Fundraiser Virginia 1 0 +2 credits ENDORSEMENTS Former candidates:  +0 credits None Citizens:  +0 credits None

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by Tina Bupkis The Federal Elections Commission has reported "irregularities" in Helen Hudson's presidential campaign fund, and has accordingly issued a fine of $10 million by way of correction.

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The fine is seen as a significant blow to the Hudson camp, which has recently made strides to close the gap with the rival Xiao campaign.

N.B. $10 million equates to 10 credits.