Westman Timeline Pt. I

[Mechaman]

Character Bio:

Name: Rebecca Colleen Westman Roth
Birth: May 2nd, 1945 in Washington, D.C. (age 39 in June 1984)
Family Second eldest daughter of William and Anne Westman, aunt to Scott and Lenore Westman, married to David Hyman Roth (born January 9th, 1933 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, age 51 in June 1984) on October 18th, 1968.  One son, Daniel Jacob Roth, born December 19th, 1969 (age 14 in June 1984)
Political Identification: Democratic
Current Office: United States Representative from New York Congressional District 28 since January 3rd, 1979 (youngest woman elected to US Congress from the state of New York at age 33)
Previous Political Offices: New York State Comptroller from January 1st, 1975-December 31st, 1978, making her the youngest woman (age 29 at swearing in) to ever be elected to that office.
New York State Assembly district representing Rochester from January 5th, 1973-January 1st, 1975, making her one of the youngest members of the state assembly.
Occupation before politics: Public Tax Accountant for Rederick, Smiths, and Goldstein Associates from September 15th, 1968-December 19th, 1973.
Education and Alma Mater: studied at Old Dominion University August 1962-May 1966, post graduate studies at New York University August 1966-April 1968
Graduated with a 3.72 GPA with honors.
Languages: English, Latin, Irish, German, and Hebrew.  Some French.
Ethnic Makeup: 1/4 Dutch, 1/4 English, 1/2 Irish
Religion: Reform Judaism (converted a few years after marriage)
Achievements:
Ranked "best tax expert" at RSG Accounting in 1972.
Arranged more efficient state retirement budget process that prevented unnecessary cuts to the retirement programs.
Author of the "Fairness and Equality" Act in the US House in 1980 that did away with discriminatory pay differences in the service industry due to sexual orientation.
Was key House ally to push forward Senator (and nephew) Scott Westman's Energy Independence Bill in 1981.
One of the most vocal opposition to the Federal Death Penalty Bill of 1983, including a 20 minute diatribe against the "unethical practice of retribution in criminal punishment."
Winner of the Americans for Progressive Action's "Congress member of the year" award for her bold stance against discrimination in the workplace, civil liberties, opposition to nuclear arms buildup, and support of LGBT rights.
Notes:
Daughter of well known US New York Senator, Secretary of Commerce, and British Ambassador William Westman, Rebecca Westman Roth has become well known in her own right as a well accomplished congresswoman from New York.  Among her accomplishments was becoming the first woman to be elected State Comptroller of New York (and at the age of 29 she is to this date the youngest to do so).  Although her political success, at such a young age, has often been meet with accusations of "voter enforced nepotism" due to being the daughter of the very popular William Westman, Rebecca continues to prove herself a very independently minded and successful woman on the political battlefield.  Her first political job, as a state representative representing Rochester, New York was very unmemorable, seen by many critics as a mere "stepping stone" for her transition to higher office.  Instead of run for another term as State Comptroller she instead decided to run for the US House of Representatives for district 28 representing parts of Rochester and Buffalo, New York.  She ended up winning the election with 62% of the vote in a bad year for Democrats, again reflecting the popularity of the Westman name in New York.  Once in Congress she gained a reputation for being a principled yet pragmatic liberal who worked with key allies such as Lawrence Watson (D-PA), Ralph Nader (D-CT), Stephen N. Murphy (D-MA) and even some notable cross party working with Giovanni Russo (R-SC) and Paul Owens (R-OR).  She also had some good workings with the Senate, helping work with her nephew Scott Westman (D-MT) to help pass some of the landmark Democratic bills of 1981 in the face of a strong conservative leadership in the US Congress.
Rebecca Roth is known for her connections with other members of Congress.  In the early 1960's Rebecca Westman dated and lived with current Virginia Senator Tobin MacMahon, then owner of the Happy Clam Resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Friends of the couple defend the relationship, saying that "Tobin wouldn't dare corrupt a woman's "honor", especially a woman of Rebecca Westman's stature."  Once in Congress the two former flames would begin a new relationship, this one based off of a mutual love of American liberalism.  Having had such a close relationship with the now Democratic Senate Leader has made Rebecca Roth's voice a very influential one not just in the House, but in the US Senate where the progressive opposition is usually weaker.
Rebecca Westman Roth, though less known than her infamous nephew from Montana, has already built a position of power at the young age of 39 that will make her a major power player in the Democratic Party for years to come.
Rebecca Roth is married to David Hyman Roth, the billionaire owner of Roth Enterprises, one of the most profitable film corporations in Hollywood.  Mister Roth is the son of German Jew refugees who fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and settled in Irvine, California.  He grew up wanting to become a movie director, a dream he never saw fulfilled.  However, his ability to deal with finances and create profit inevitably made him a natural at being a studio owner.  Through shrewd negotiations and his charm he was able to buy out most of his competitions from the mid 1950's to the late 1970's.  He met his wife, Rebecca, at a social event in Manhattan in 1967 after being introduced to her by his friend Charles Cutledge.  The two immediately hit it off and became an item.  After being married to Rebecca and settling down in Rochester David Roth would move his headquarters up north to Buffalo and appoint his close friend Clint Eastwood, a fellow Californian, to head up his Hollywood operations.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

"Bryan Adams Jennings", sounds like a copy off William Jennings Bryan. And David Hyman Roth? A copy off the Godfather character?

[Mechaman]

"Bryan Adams Jennings", sounds like a copy off William Jennings Bryan. And David Hyman Roth? A copy off the Godfather character?

Actually I was thinking Bryan Adams, the Canadian rock guy, plus Jennings.  And yes, Hyman Roth was a blatant Godfather reference.

[Mechaman]

Character Bio:

Name: Rachel Noleen Westman O'Farrell
Birthdate: January 8th, 1948 (age 36 in June 1984)
Family: Third eldest daughter of William and Anne Westman, aunt to Scott and Lenore Westman, married to novelist Cillian O'Farrell (born September 9th, 1943, married May 11th, 1972)
Political Identification: Democratic
Occupation: Artist with interests in sculpting, architecture, and some interest in poetry.
Education and Alma Mater: Ithaca University August 1966-May 1971.
Graduated 2.67 GPA.  Well known as "one of them enlightened people" on campus.
Languages: English and Irish (she was the slacker of the family)
Ethnic Makeup: 1/4 Dutch, 1/4 English, 1/2 Irish
Religion: Apathetic Catholic
Notes:
Known as "the lazy one" by family friends, Rachel Westman O'Farrell grew up leading a most laid back existence compared with her overzealous sisters.  Not one who demanded the spotlight or one who sought to follow Daddy, she would become interested in the arts at a real young age.  Rachel was a most content being, she did not dream of being the most well known or the wealthiest, just given the opportunity to share her artistic vision with the world.  As with many other artists she would excel well at her craft, even making a few profitable paintings in high school that fetched a few thousand dollars worth, but she would also excel at the art of laziness in other areas.  Rachel would have very little to do with other subjects like science or math, preferring instead to delve wholly into the liberal arts.  As a result her grades would suffer and she would graduate from high school with a dismal 2.52 GPA.  Not one to be deterred she decided to pursue an Art degree at Ithaca University where she would also excel at Art and Laziness.  She would end up staying another year to finish her studies, graduating in May 1971 with a Bachelorette degree in the Arts.
When Rachel was younger she would often see her nephew and niece Scott and Lenore Westman in White Fish, Montana.  Young Rachel would get attached to them, especially Scott who she considered "the closest I ever had to an older brother".  Over the summer Scott would occasionally come to Buffalo to visit her and the two would have lots of fun boating and swimming in Lake Erie and hanging around the cafes in town.  Later on the two would participate in anti-war protests together and she, like Scott, even ended up in jail (though for a shorter tenure than he) for "resisting authority".  Even in the present the two hang out from time to time, talking about the good ole days and sharing music, art, and other things.
After graduating from college Rachel would meet Cillian O'Farrell, a struggling novelist from Liverpool, England who had moved to the states to find publishers for his works.  Cillian's novels often focused around the ethos of the modern working man, the inspiration of which came from his own experiences as the child of a steelworker and a school nurse in his hometown.  Rachel and Cillian would fall for each other and then marry within a year after meeting.  The first six months were hell for both of them trying to get a job but being rejected left and right.  Then in November 1972 a publisher finally picked up Cillian's work True Lives of a Buffalo Family, a novel based around the lives of an English immigrant father, his Welsh wife, and their two kids who are born in America.  The people, though family, would show how in the modern world the differences in culture were hard to look past.
As of June 1984 the O'Farrells are living comfortable in Buffalo, New York with their five cats Mars, Volgate, Jupiter, Augustus, and Uranus.  The couple do not entertain having any kids at the moment, saying that they get enough love from their five "furballs O'Love".

[Mechaman]

The Controversial Record of Montana Governor Richard J. Peters (Republican-Circle)
Campaign Ad by Scott Westman (Democratic-Missoula)

The Peters campaign wants you to believe that the Governor is highly approved of by those he has worked with and that his vision is the right vision for Montana.  Let's hear what a few people associated with him have to say.  Better yet, how about people within his own party?
"Governor Peter's record is that of a moral tyrant."-Republican State Senator Michael J. Clark (Billings)
"Under Richard Peters the rate of spending in this state has increased 20% (on average) every year.  If he stays in office, it's only going to get worse."-Republican State House Representative Robert R. Kimball (Great Falls)
"There is never enough money for projects, yet the governor insists on pushing forward with pointless highway projects, keeping the state monopoly over alcohol distribution, and more and more money to big oil.  When will this madness stop!"-Republican House Representative Ronald K. Killingsworth (Cascade)
"The rate of spending under our Republican Governor would be unacceptable under any Democratic administration, why are we putting up with it now?"-Mayor Shawn K. Hickens of Kalispell (Republican)
"It has become obvious by his willingness to spend like a drunken sailor, willingness to use government to enforce morality over personal choice, handouts to special interests, and the year after year raiding of our "rainy day fund" instead of fiscal responsibility that Richard J. Peters not only goes against traditional Montana Republican Party principles, but is wholly unfit to be governor.  Scott Westman, the Democratic nominee for Governor, is more true to our traditional principles than our current governor."-Former State Senator Jacob L. Israel (Republican-Missoula)
"It is against my conscience, as a Montanan and as a believer in libertarian values, to willingly support our governor, regardless of party identification.  It is with great pride that I run with a true believer of fiscal conservatism and defender of civil rights.  This man is Scott Westman, the Democratic nominee for Governor."-Former State Representative Mendelik D'Israeli (Republican-Billings)
"It is with great humility that I run on behalf of all Montanans, not just that of special interests.  These brave men, all Republicans, have spoken out against the excesses of the Peter's Administration, so can you.  If you believe the time is now to defend Montanan values such as fiscal conservatism and the preservation of civil liberties this is the ticket for you.  I will not forsake this state's values for petty partisan gain.  This is Scott Westman and I approve this message."-Former United States Senator Scott Westman, candidate for governor (Democratic-Missoula).

[Mechaman]

1984 Presidential Primaries
President Crane:

To the shock of many Phil Crane would not seek the Republican nomination for President.  Rather he would get together with several different politicians (namely the Buckley brothers, Bob Dornan, and Junior Montana US Senator David Walters) and announce that he would run under the "Conservative America" ticket.  Many on the right would lambast this move, claiming that by throwing a blatant ideological label on his campaign he would damage attempts to reach a wide audience.  Crane, however, would counter the criticism with the observation that David Walters, a third party underdog running under the "Montana Conservative" banner, managed to upstage the favored to win incumbent Democrat Scott Westman.  The policy plank of the Conservative America Party was:

Conservative America Party Platform

• Propose and pass a Right to Life Amendment in the US Constitution declaring life beginning at conception and ending at death.
• Stop the growth of spending on social welfare programs.
• Peace through Strength: Support of a strong military budget that includes significant increases for border security.
• Support of reciprocal trade policy that puts America's advantage ahead of ideological viewpoints (against both protectionism and free trade).
• Support of a Balanced Budget Amendment.
• Support of 1st Amendment Rights on radio and tv media.
• Reform the "radical" immigration policy put into place by decades of Democratic administrations.  Choose the best skilled and qualified citizens over "special citizens" (people with relatives in US, "Independent Nations", etc. etc. etc.)
• Opposition to gun control agenda as threatening to 2nd Amendment rights.
• Defend the institution of marriage between one man and one woman.  Civil Unions depend on individual politician's viewpoint.
• Support lowered taxation across the board to stimulate economic growth.
• Revive the now defunct NASA Program.
• Privatize the Environmental Conservation Agency to be run by "green entrepreneurs".
• Increase transparency of tax dollars spent to reign in spending.

The platform which would contain policies that appealed to a wide conservative-libertarian audience would win praise from many who saw it as a "new conservative agenda for the late 20th century."

At the "Conservative America" Convention the delegates would unanimously nominate incumbent President Phil Crane and Vice President Ray Hutchison to the first Conservative America ticket to run for President.  Ray Hutchison, though more libertarian than Crane, would gladly drop his party label and run alongside Crane in 1984.

United States President Philip Miller "Phil" Crane of Illinois and United States Vice President Elton Ray Hutchison of Texas, the Conservative America ticket

[Mechaman]

Republican Primaries:

Due to the absence of Phil Crane from the Republican Party Primaries the primaries the primaries ended up being a bit more moderate than they were before.  Most of the candidates in the running stressed the need of "pragmatic and smart thinking" politics before ideology.  Most everyone except Beauregard D'Israeli of course.
The primary race first started with contests between the youthful "Green" Republican Michael Harrison of California and the long time congressional veteran Robert P. Nahum.  After a few months of campaign losses and disappointments as well as the fatigue of old age getting to him, Robert Nahum (who was 68 years old) would drop out and endorse Harrison in early March.  By that time Senator D'Israeli would recover his lost momentum from his earlier bad press and with a helpful amount of campaign donations he would shoot up in the polls and give Harrison a fight for his life.  The two would trade barbs, with D'Israeli calling Harrison "a neo-statist Republican In Name Only" while Harrison would outright campaign on D'Israeli's questionable sanity ("would you trust your kid with this man as dogcatcher?  Well how about President!?").  Eventually the bad air between the two would come out in their first and only tv debate with the two men getting into a near fistfight.  Many commentators would call the air of the Republican Party Primaries as "absolutely dreadful" and that it seemed as though "the GOP has accepted it's fate as second fiddle to Philip Crane in the presidential race, why don't they just nominate him and make it unanimous?"
Republican 1984 Primary Results:

US Representative Michael Harrison of California
US Senator Beauregard D'Israeli of Wyoming
US Representative Robert P. Nahum of Connecticut

Michael Harrison would beat D'Israeli in popular vote count and in delegates.  The most shocking vote of the primary would be the southern and plains vote that went for the Satanic D'Israeli.  To this day political experts can't make sense of the results except to theorize that at the time with evangelicals flocking to the Crane ticket only the most radical GOP members were left to vote in the primaries in those states.  Nevertheless Harrison would end up gaining the victory over D'Israeli in the primary.  But what about the Convention?
At the Convention the D'Israeli Republicans would fail to repeat 1980 as Harrison would get the needed majority of votes to become the party's nominee for President.  Later on in the convention US Senator Harry Callahan of Washington would win the nomination for Vice President, making the Republican ticket the first all west coast ticket in history.  Senator Callahan would also become the first Catholic to be nominated to a GOP ticket.

Republican Ticket: US House Representative Michael Robins Harrison of California and US Senator Harold Francis Callahan of Washington

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Hell yeah, it's back and with a Conservative America ticket!

One typo though, you refer to Westman as the Democratic nominee for President, not Governor.

[Mechaman]

Hell yeah, it's back and with a Conservative America ticket!

One typo though, you refer to Westman as the Democratic nominee for President, not Governor.

Where?  I don't see it.
Maybe when I sober up I'll see it.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

By the way, I'm wondering how the election will come out. Assuming you have the Classic Liberals, the Moderate Reformers, and the Constitution Parties all running, what color would be used for the Conservatives?

[Mechaman]

By the way, I'm wondering how the election will come out. Assuming you have the Classic Liberals, the Moderate Reformers, and the Constitution Parties all running, what color would be used for the Conservatives?

I'll go ahead and give away part of the election:
Yellow, since the Classic Liberals won't win a state and I'm not sure if the Moderate Reform Party will run.  Hell, I might pull a TR on the MRP and have them go back to the Republican Party for all I know.
I actually don't have it all planned out.  I do know what the final result will be but not the road taken if you will.
I do know who will win the Democratic nomination I'm just trying to think of how to do the primary season since there is like a dozen or so nominees running.

[Mechaman]

The Democratic Primaries:

In the lead up to the Iowa Caucus Ohio US Senator John Glenn was the heavy favorite to win the nomination for President due to his status as an American hero and his wide appeal amongst the different factions of the Democratic Party.  However, just before the Caucus Senator Glenn would die of heart failure.  Due to the passing of Glenn the Democratic field would be wide open as challengers for the nod would start appearing left and right.  Although the chances of victory were slim for Democrats in 1984 quite a few prominent Democrats felt the need to run for the nomination to rally the base.  Political pundits initially gave the advantage to established party leaders former VP James Carter of Georgia and New York Governor Stephen Smith due to name recognition and funding advantage.  However, in the days leading up to the Iowa Caucus insurgent candidate Fred Harris, the former Oklahoma Senator and 1980 Vice Presidential candidate, would hit the roads of Iowa hard in his RV with his wife LaDonna to get out the vote.  The couple would, in stark contrast to the more well funded campaigns of Fred's opponents, stay at houses instead of hotels.  This method would ultimately endear the Harris campaign to the people, helping Fred Harris win an upset victory at the Iowa Caucus.  After his victory in Iowa he would become a serious contender for the nomination as well as the strongest social democratic candidate.
Another candidate that would step up through the ranks would be California Governor Roger Ebert, the former film critic turned governor who was known for his youth, sharp wit and libertarian leaning views.  Widely considered an underdog early in the race his campaign would commence a door to door campaign in New Hampshire that brought him a well earned second place victory.  Although Ebert lost the New Hampshire Primary his strong finish behind Massachusetts Senator Daniel Lynch would bring a well needed boost of momentum to his campaign.
Eventually these two insurgent campaigns would gain the momentum necessary to become frontrunners in the race.  By the end of March candidates Missouri Senator Thomas Eagleton and former Vice President James Carter dropped out of the race and put support behind New York Governor Stephen Smith.  Washington Governor Robert Barker, who had dropped out of the race by the end of February, made a symbolic gesture of endorsing fellow West Coast Democrat Roger Ebert, a move that surprised many due to political disagreements between the two.
Although Governor Smith did not have as much momentum going for him as the two insurgent campaigns of Ebert and Harris he had the backing of the party establishment and the financial support of the Kennedy clan backing him up.  Due to these factors he was able to stay competitive well after some of his contemporaries had dropped out of the race.  He was able to portray his message differently from the campaigns of Ebert and Harris by portraying them as lacking pragmatism or being "radicals".
However, on April 14th Roger Ebert would drop out of the race after revelations that his live in girlfriend, a Shania Leone, was sent to the hospital after suffering a cocaine overdose.  The scandal would destroy Ebert's credibility with many predicting 1984 to be the year that "Ebert's promising political career died".  After he dropped out of the race Ebert would endorse Fred Harris for President, a token of support from one anti-establishment candidate to another.  Thanks to Ebert's support the Harris campaign would find a new number of donors to help the campaign fight back against the well funded Smith campaign that seemed to be on the verge of victory.
In the end the Primary Map results:

Former US Senator Fred Harris (Oklahoma)
Governor Stephen Smith (New York)
Governor Roger Ebert (California)
Former Vice President James "Jimmy" Carter (Georgia)
Senator Thomas Eagleton (Missouri)
Senator Daniel Lynch (Massachusetts)

The endorsement of Ebert would ultimately play into Harris' favor as it would help him gain momentum in the states of Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and the final primary in California, Ebert's homestate.  Up to that point Smith had held the lead in delegate and popular vote count thanks to overperforming in a number of urban states.  It was Harris' last two victories, a strong victory in Oregon (68%) and a strong finish in California (55%) that put him over Smith at the end of the primaries.  Many grassroots activists would praise his victory as "proof positive that when forces for change come together nothing, not even party establishment and limitless financial backing, can stop it."
At the 1984 Democratic National Convention there was a great air of change.  There was a great atmosphere of cheer amongst the social Democratic wing of the party as the votes were tallied for the nomination.  Instead of resisting the primary results the Convention voted by majority vote to nominate Former Senator Fred Harris of Oklahoma as the Presidential Nominee.  Although it was a joyous event for progressive activists around the country with the victory of Fred Harris in reality many would call it "the death knell of the Democratic Party" due to the perception of Harris as a "radical" candidate.
To balance out the ticket the Convention would nominate Massachusetts Senator Daniel Lynch, a populist Democrat, as the Vice President.  Senator Lynch would also be the first African American to be nominated to a major party ticket in US history.

Democratic Ticket: Former US Senator Fred Roy Harris of Oklahoma and US Senator Daniel Brendan Lynch of Massachusetts

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I didn't know you were going to take your hero all the way! I assumed Ebert or Smith were going to win the nomination and Harris would do reasonably well but fade out of the spotlight. I guess I guessed wrong. Hoping to see who the other parties put up, if they put up anybody at all. Damn, it's going to be a wild election map.

[Mechaman]

Constitution Party National Convention:

Since so much momentum had died off for the Constitution Party since Phil Crane left the party there were no party primaries.  Instead the Constitution Party held a convention on May 21-22.  At the party convention former Vice President Jesse Helms would be nominated unanimously for the presidential nomination.  In his acceptance speech he would let loose a torrent of racial slurs in a rant about how Affirmative Action and Civil Rights have killed society.  News media would be shocked by the words uttered by Helms at the Convention, causing most reporters and journalists to leave the convention instead of stay for the whole show.
The Convention would also nominate Clyde M. Taylor (Arkansas) for the Vice Presidency.
Many commentators have compared the 1984 Constitution Party Convention to that of the Nuremberg Rallies Hitler spoke at.
With many conservative politicians and voters moving en masse to the Conservative America movement the Constitution Party, deadened by the rhetoric and actions of radicals, would begin to fade into oblivion................

The Moderate Reform Coalition:

Formed in 1980 as a counter party to the extremism of the 1980 Republican ticket with Beauregard D'Israeli running the Moderate Reform Coalition ran out of reason to exist in 1984 with the success of the moderate Republican ticket of Harrison/Callahan.  Not wanting to split the moderate vote the MRC would disband in 1984 and endorsing the Republican ticket.  Like Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Progressive party, the MRC would be very short lived.

The Marxist-Leninist Party:

After losing the 1984 Republican nod to Michael Harrison Beauregard D'Israeli's mind would start to degrade.  One night he was an extreme Randist radical and then the next.....well.......

US Senate Floor, July 18th, 1984
In the middle of a debate

Adrian Moore: And that is why I am taking this stand.  The death penalty is simply too barbaric for our time-
Suddenly Beauregard D'Israeli stands up, looks towards the ceiling, and begins to speak.
D'Israeli: Yes!  Yes!  I HEAR THE GHOSTS OF MARX AND LENIN GAINING A HOLD OF MY SOUL! I AM THEIR DIVINE AND MORTAL HELPER!  I AM THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF THE NEW COMING AMERICAN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC!  TOGETHER WE SHALL CRUSH THE EVIL CAPITALIST NATIONS OF THE WEST AND BRING FORTH A NEW ERA OF MARXIST-LENINIST THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION!!!!  HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
Joe Biden stand ups and speaks:
Biden: With all due respect to the Senator from Wyoming, what the hell have you been smoking?

A few days later D'Israeli would form the American Marxist-Leninist Party and run as it's presidential nominee.  This would make him the first and so far only openly communist member of the United States Senate.  To this day many people wonder what the hell he was smoking..........

[Mechaman]

July 18th, 1984
At Scott Westman's house near Flathead Lake, Montana:

Scott Westman is walking back to his house after fishing when a reporter approaches him.
Reporter: Good afternoon sir.
Westman: Good afternoon love.  Here to ask a few questions about the campaign?
Reporter: No I thought I would ask a few questions about D'Israeli.
Westman: I know I know he doesn't seem to have that much depth to him, blah blah blah.  I've had it with you press people insulting my runningmate alright?  I mean he just isn't as vocal as some people, I mean Jesu-
Reporter: No, I mean Beauregard D'Israeli, the Senator from Wyoming?
Westman: Well he means well but he comes off as a bit erratic sometimes.  His wife makes some really good Rocky Mountain Oysters though.
Reporter: What do you think about his outburst today in the Senate?
Westman: Well probably same as usual: a bit abrasive but it kind of gets the job done.
Reporter: Scott, you haven't heard?
Westman: I was about to ask you the same thing about my marital status Jane.
Reporter glares at Westman.
Jane: Today the esteemed Senator declared himself the successor to the vision of Marx and Lenin.
Westman: Well I had no idea he was such a fan of the Marx brothers and John Lennon.
Jane: No smart guy, I mean Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.
Westman does a double take.
Westman: You do know that April Fool's day happened three and a half months ago right?
Jane: Scott, stop being difficult.
Westman: Again Jane, did you get the memo about my status?  Surely you could've thought up a better joke story than Beauregard D'Israeli becoming a full blown commie.  Now if you'll excuse me I have to go into my house and cuddle with my wife.

20 Minutes Later

Scott Westman is laying on the coach with his pregnant wife Caroline.
Caroline: Man it's been such a long day.
Westman: Ha tell me about it.  Jane Tony tried to interview me earlier.  I told her I would be too busy holding hands with my wife to do one.
Caroline: Aww that's so sweet sweetheart.
Westman: What can I say you're my girl.
Caroline scoots up on Westman and gives him a kiss.
Westman: Let's see what's on the news.
Westman turns on the news.......
CNN: Today in the US Senate Senator Beauregard D'Israeli went crazy in the middle of debate and has declared himself the successor of Marx and Lenin.
Westman: WHAT.............THE............F**k?!

[Mechaman]

Montana Presidential Poll 7/20/84
Who are you thinking about voting for?:

President Phil Crane (Illinois)/Vice President Ray Hutchison (Texas) Conservative America 40.2%
Former Senator Fred Harris (Oklahoma)/Senator Daniel Lynch (Massachusetts) Democratic 27.5%
Representative Michael Harrison (California)/Senator Harry Callahan (Washington) Republican 24.1%
Former Vice President Jesse Helms (North Carolina)/Clyde M. Taylor (Arkansas) Constitution 6.7%
Undecided/Other: 1.5%

Montana Gubernatorial Poll:
Who are you thinking about voting for?

Former US Senator Scott Westman (Democratic-Missoula)/Mendelik D'Israeli (Republican-Billings) 37.2%
Governor Richard J. Peters (Republican-Circle)/Lieutenant Governor Gerald Schweicker (Republican-Great Falls) 31.7%
Michael L. Oglesbee (Conservative-Flathead)/Julian R. Masters (Conservative-Glacier) 23.1%
Undecided/Other: 8%

To the surprise of quite a few Democratic gubernatorial candidate Scott Westman's poll ratings were about the same as President Crane's rating statewide.  A strong showing by the Conservative ticket would draw voters away from the Peters camp thus giving Westman an advantage due to his appeal to progressive and libertarian leaning voters.

[Mechaman]

1984 Democratic National Convention
June 28th, 1984
Vinetti Event Center, San Francisco, California:

Caroline Kennedy Westman takes the stage and addresses the audience.
Caroline: Fellow Democratic delegates, it is with great pride that I have the pleasure of introducing this next speaker.  He is one of the bravest and most courageous people I know.  Having experienced first hand his immeasurable compassion for others, as well as his almost infinite drive I have to say I am most honored to be his lady and to have his child.  Coming from the Big Sky state of Montana, the Democratic nominee for governor and my love forever, Scott Westman.
Scott Westman comes out on stage and kisses Caroline.
Westman: Woooooo!  Now that is a welcome I can walk out to any day of the week!
Audience chuckles
Westman: Now, I could go into a long pointless talk about my relation to the Kennedy family, I could talk about my grandfather, I could talk about how much better my state is than any other state in the Union (loud cheering from Montana contingent).  But you know what?  I'm not going to do any of that!  You wanna know why!?  Because I give you guys enough credit to put two and two together that's why!  Anyway, since I am up here I guess I should just give a speech about how evil, how corrupt, and how disorganized the Crane Administration is.  Well I won't do that either, you wanna know why?  Because my upbringing in the political battlefield has taught me that negative campaigning is indeed a killer!  Instead I am here to remind you, to remind the nation and the world what the United States Democratic Party has to offer!
What the Democratic Party has to offer is very simple: the freedom and health you need to make your own decisions!  You see I am all for small government, but there are some things like roads, like public libraries, and our great public healthcare system that must be maintained!
(audience cheers)
Now, I don't know what the Crane or the Republicans' plans are for your healthcare or your civil liberties but I can guarantee you that under a Democratic administration you don't have to worry about those things, why?  Because the Democratic Party, the party of the people, esquire, will always have the needs and Constitutional rights of the people in mind when making decisions!
And now I give you somebody who is a way better speaker than I my good friend Lawrence Watson!

The audience claps as the rotund and jolly Lawrence Watson comes on stage and greets Westman with a hug.
Watson: I'm telling you people the US Senate has been way lacking in the humor quotient ever since that man left (points at Westman).
(Audience chuckles)
Watson: You see me and Scott came to Washington in the same year.  I came to the US House of Representatives as one of it's youngest members at age 25 while Scott came into the US Senate as one of it's most "enlightened" members.
(Audience laughs)
Watson: However, it wasn't until I got into the US Senate that I got to see how this man really worked.  A word to the wise though, if he cooks up some brownies......don't eat them.
(Audience laughs)
Watson: Oh and if you see a teenage girl in his office don't worry it's only the congressional page.  She gets paid.
(Audience dies laughing)
Watson: Oh man, that one was bad I apologize.  Anyway this year is a very important year.  This is the year that we can defy all the odds.  Many people are saying that we can't pull off a victory this year, that President Phil Crane is invincible this year.  His approval ratings are in the sixties!  We have no chance bar a major disaster!  I however strongly disagree, I believe that we do indeed have the ability to bring home the victory because we, as Democrats, know what it's like to be the underdog.  We know what it's like for one to grow up in poverty, for one to be stuck in minimum wage job after minimum wage job, we know what it's like to fall victim to the forces of unrestrained capitalism.  We are the party of the common man, we are the party of the working man, we are the party of those who are struggling in health and in wealth.  We are the party of FDR, the man who taught us that a caring government is indeed a great government.  We are the party of the New Deal, the single greatest government social welfare program of all time!
(Audience erupts in cheers, Scott Westman shrugs)
Watson: No longer do the poor have to worry about dying of old diseases or easily curable conditions because we have a public healthcare system!  Thanks to the Democratic Party!  No longer do those who work day in and day out from paycheck to paycheck have to worry about saving up for retirement because Social Security will do that for them!  Thanks to the Democratic Party!  No longer do workers have to fear about wage manipulation due to a minimum guaranteed wage for all Americans!  Thanks to the Democratic Party!  No longer are women considered secondary to men in the workplace due to laws guaranteeing wage equality! Thanks to the Democratic Party!  No longer do the forces of segregation separate our brothers and sisters of different races!  Thanks to the Democratic Party!
(Audience goes into riot mode)
Watson: Tell me fellow Democrats: WHAT HAS PHIL CRANE, THE CONSERVATIVES, THE CONSTITUTION PARTY MEMBERS, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ACCOMPLISHED THESE PAST THREE YEARS!?  BESIDES BILLS PROPOSED BY OUR OWN DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS WHO EVEN IN MINORITY HAVE COME UP WITH THE MOST IDEAS!?  IF YOU ANSWERED "NOTHING" THEN NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO RECLAIM WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS!  IN 1984 WE WILL TAKE BACK AMERICA!!!!
{Audience is out of control as security is dispatched to keep them under control)
Lawrence Watson gets off stage.
Westman: Damn fatso, I had no idea you were storing 800 decibels within that gullet.
Watson: Really?  You thought it was good?
Scott takes a hold of Watson and points towards the back.  Larry sees Laura, his wife, with reddened eyes.
Westman: It was damned good.  You should run for President one day.  You would totally kick the opposition's ass.  Hell, you should've been the Keynote Address speaker instead of Toby MacBoy.
Watson: Meh, I might be a good speaker but the ladies love the Irish lilt.
Westman: (horrible Irish accent) Tits lute asier den et suns lady!
Watson: Haha, you are atrocious.
Westman: Yeah that's me alright!  You got your speeches, Toby's got the sex appeal, and I've got the jokes.

[Mechaman]

1984 Democratic National Convention
June 29th, 1984
Senate Minority Leader Tobin MacMahon of Virginia, Keynote Speaker:

Good evening fellow delegates of the Democratic Party.  Today is a most glorious day, today is the day we begin to retake this nation district by district, city by city, county by county, state by state, region by region.  Today is the day we have appointed two men, Fred Roy Harris of Oklahoma and Daniel Brendan Lynch of Massachusetts, to take back the White House from the forces of right wing radicalism that has befallen this nation.  For far too long this nation has been at the mercy of these anarchistic laissez faire radicals who seek to eliminate the system of governance and social security we have long established.  In these first four years Phil Crane and his Republican and Constitution Party allies have done much to destroy the legacy of Franklin Roosevelt, the legacy of the New Deal that we established to give every working man down on his luck a chance at regaining success and employment in hard times.  All of this supposedly in the name of lowering our national deficit which has only continued to grow in the light of the President's agenda to continue building weapons of mass death in an era when they are no longer required.  Soviet Russia has fallen, as has Maoist China.  The United States alone is the sole remaining superpower yet the President still insists on an enormous military budget including the continued build up of the nuclear bomb, the Great Harbringer of Death.
Mister President, may I ask you why the continuation of instruments of death and destruction takes precedent over taking care of the sick and the poor of this nation?  Can any nation truly call itself a nation of human rights when it has devoted more to the art of war than the art of humanity?  Can any nation truly call itself a beacon of greatness and opportunity when the cost of living for the lowest of classes has risen?  My friends any nation that scoffs aside the cares of the suffering of this nation, your fellow millions of unemployed and poverty stricken citizen, is a nation that we should not be proud of.  The America that is here today is one that I don't recognize, it is an America where "survival of the fittest" is no longer an inhumane quote of a long gone era, it has once again become the norm.  The poor are no longer expected to accept the generous helping hand of government in times of trouble, instead they are expected to suffer and die as the eyes of upper class America watches on.
When I was a little boy I dreamed of coming to this nation, of becoming one of many who came from different nations to give the best of our gifts to benefit this nation.  As a young man I finally accomplished the dream, leaving my native Tralee, Ireland to pursue the most ultimate of American dreams, the dream of entrepreneurship, the ownership and operation of profitable business.  I do not intend to beat a dead horse by telling of my successes in this field, but needless to say I know more than anybody that even the most low and poor of individuals can come to this nation and achieve many great things.  People who are starving, people who don't have a dollar to their name, can come here and through perseverance and hard work make it.
What is of equal to these notions of perseverance and hard work is the willingness and sacrifice of good hearted people to give great charity and hospitality of those who are truly in need of assistance.  Charity and goodwill are fundamental characteristics of what makes this nation great.  Never in anywhere in the world have I known people more willing to give the shirt off their back or the money out of their wallet to help those struggling with evils of poverty or disease.  And the American Government that I had come to know, the American Government I came to appreciate so much that I decided to become one with it, had become a great symbol of the people who represented it.  An American Government that won't let men, women, and children starve to death, an American Government that won't let people die because of a dangerous medical condition, an American Government that gives those of us born less off the tools with which to succeed.  I am a proud citizen of this America and so are all of you.
But alas this America is no more.  This America has been replaced by a vicious and cold America in the likeness of right wing reactionary radicals who seek to repeal the 20th century.  A century of progressive leadership that has made this land a land of great opportunity all threatened by the presence of this Crane Administration and his right wing allies in Congress.  We can't allow this to continue onward, we must press forward.  No matter what the odds, no matter how little of a chance the media and press gives us we must push forward defend our ideals of a truly fair and free society.  We cannot let this country go into the dark of care nothing government.  We must make a stand.
As long as the people suffer the Democratic Party won't give up, the Democratic Party won't throw in the towel, we will not give up on the people.  This is the pledge that every one of us should swear by, this is the pledge that every decent society should swear by.
Together we must, and we will, accomplish this creed.

The audience would erupt with applause as Tobin MacMahon walked off the stage.  To this date this speech is considered one of the greatest DNC speeches of all time.  Although MacMahon would never be able to run for president many Democrats began to consider him the "heart and soul" of the Democratic Party after his keynote address to the DNC of 1984.  With the Democratic Party at one of it's weakest moments in history MacMahon's speech would bring great hope to a party scarred by defeat for a better tomorrow.  Against a President with approvals in the 60's the Democratic Party of 1984 would make a stand, no matter how hard, no matter how impossible the chance of victory may be.

[Mechaman]

Scott Westman: Believe the Hype?
Richard Peters Campaign Ad
First Aired July 24th, 1984:

So far all of us have hear about how great the esteemed Scott Westman is.  It seems as if though no matter where Westman goes greatness is suddenly thrust upon him.  Let's examine just how great Westman's tenure as a US Senator was........

Over Westman's near six years in office as Senator he has amassed such a great record of accomplishments such as:

Record low attendance in his last year in office with him being present only 22% of the time.
Had a consistent record of showing up late to US Senate sessions.  The Senate Clerk certifies that Westman has only been on time to his job 10% of the time that he even showed up.
Despite this Westman brags about passing "scores" of "landmark legislation", legislation that he had DOZENS of fellow Senators helping him with.  Which makes sense considering he rarely showed up to Senate sessions anyway.
In defense of his lazy work record Westman maintains he was qualified for Senate duty by claiming he "just works at a higher mental capacity than others".  So not only does he believe not showing up to work is perfectly okay, he believes he's entitled to it because he thinks he's better than everybody else.
And finally, it is estimated that Westman has bragged about sleeping with scores of single women at least 235 times.  At least half of those were reporters, making the phrase "getting comfy with the media" pretty literal for Scott Westman.

Do you want an absent minded arrogant hound dog for Governor?  Well Scott Westman has the record for you!  Otherwise you can vote to re-elect Governor Richard Peters this November!

Remember, every vote counts!

[Mechaman]

Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You!

Days of Camelot, the new novel by acclaimed alt history writer Richard Nixon!:

Set in an alternate universe America after the Election of 1960 that saw the victory of the youthful John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the nation's first Catholic President, over the experienced Vice President Richard Nixon, the "Days of Camelot" is a truly mesmerizing account of a President who never was.  From his first days in office up to an unbelievable event to John Kennedy's most tragic ending the "Days of Camelot" is a spellbinding read for anyone interested in alternate history!  This alternate account of one of America's favorite tragic heroes should be at the top of every best seller list!

Be sure to check out some of the best sellers!
Hearts of Fire by alternate history genius Michael J. Dietrich:

One of the best written alternate history novels ever, this fictional account begins in the year 1948, the year of Thomas Dewey's victory over Harry Truman.  After becoming President Dewey offers one of his worst enemies, the former US Senator from New York and former Secretary of Commerce William Patrick Westman, one of the most prominent political figures of Irish and Catholic America, the role of Ambassador to Great Britain.  However, instead of accepting the role due to "precedent" William refuses the role out of spite to the Republican administration.  Four years and a disastrous war in Korea later William Westman is amongst one of the most vocal opponents of the Republican Thomas Dewey's program of military interventionism and large scale government spending.  With the absence of former Supreme Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower from either party William Westman wins the Democratic nomination at a very divided national convention between remnants of the Dixiecrats and the northern political machines.  After his nomination the southern Democrats would organize their own Convention in spite of Westman's strong support of Civil Rights.  Will Westman's support of peace, non-interventionism, smaller government, and equal rights win in 1952?  Or will the Dixiecratic revolution hand the Republicans four more years?  Find out in the acclaimed New York Times Fiction Best Seller "Hearts of Fire"!

Get both of these books and more at Samson's Reading Lodge in Boulder, Colorado!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I miss Winston too...

[Dr. Cynic]

I've enjoyed catching up on what I'd missed. I, as always, look forward to more.

[Mechaman]

Believe it Baby!
Scott Westman Campaign Ad
First Aired July 30th, 1984:

A few days ago the Peters Administration let loose their first attack ad.  I must congratulate the Peters Administration for it's sense of humor and for being more tactful than most of the joke opponents I've squared off against in political campaigning.  However, there are a few distortions that he presented with my US Senate record and I feel obligated to point them out:

Record Low Attendance in 1982 with 22% attendance: I will say that this number is indeed a record.  However, Richie conveniently left off what this record low attendance refers to.  This isn't the lowest attendance record in the US Senate, it's my lowest Senate attendance out of my entire political career for key votes.  What is meant by "key votes" are votes that take more than one week of discussion to pass to a vote.  There was only one "key vote" legislation in 1982 and that had to do with parking meter legislation in National Parks.  Not a record I'm proud of to be sure, but if one took the time to research one would find that among Senators running for re-election "key vote" attendance averaged about 28%.  This makes my attendance below record, but a lot more forgivable than Richie's extreme distortion.
Consistent record of showing up late: Hey, at least I'm consistent.  Besides Richard has never been to Washington.  If you don't leave the house before 7AM, you're late.  And that's hard to do when you got Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Ten Percent on time: Not to sound condescending but this is politics, not high school.  Most of the work that the Senate does is well after nine in the morning.  Hell, knowing the tendency to filibuster amongst some of the Senators more probably gets done at 1AM than it does between 9AM-9:45AM.  The 10% "on time" number is indeed true, I've only shown up BEFORE NINE O'CLOCK 10% of the time over a six year period.  Know what happens at nine?  The doors open.  Senate business doesn't officially begin until 9:45.  I usually showed up around 9:15, thirty minutes before actual business began.  According to the official time keeper sheet I've only showed up past 9:45 12% of the time I was present.
Help with Landmark Legislation: Of course I had help Richard, what the hell kind of political system do you think this is?  An oligarchy?  Senators propose legislation and committees and other Senators help them make it a bill people can agree to.  I didn't craft entire pieces of legislation and then force it down the rest of the Senators' throats Richard, that is not how a republican form of government works.  I didn't tell Joseph Biden to write letter of intimidation to Daniel Crane and Mark Hatfield, which judging by the tone of this accusation is how you think US Government works.  If that's the case it's a miracle that our state isn't in shambles due to your heavy handed governorship.
Rarely showed up to Senate: This is an absolute falsehood.  Peters has deliberately capitalized on an earlier statement in his ad that I rarely showed up based on my voting record regarding parking meters in National Parks.  My record isn't perfect, but it's far from "rarely showing up".  (sheet of paper shows up indicating Westman's attendance record)  As you can see I've showed up to the Senate 72% of the time.  Not perfect, but it's actually quite average.
Statements about work load: I understand that acting overly cocky about oneself isn't always a good thing but it needs to be pointed out that a majority of the major legislation that was passed in 1981, 5 out of 6 of those were bills proposed by myself.  I worked harder than any other Senator did in 1981 and *SHOCKER* my attendance that year was the highest out of all the other Senators.  So sorry my attendance wasn't over 95% in 1982 when I was campaigning for re-election!
Bragged about sleeping with single women 235 times: This is also another distortion.  I've admitted to being sexually active with women 241 times.  If you are going to put in a joke statistic at the end Richard at least make sure it's the correct joke statistic.
Comfy Relation with the Media: Yeah I've been known from time to time to get my beak wet with the Media and Press.  It's their job to screw over politicians, I thought I would at least return the favor by being "friendly" with reporters.  If this is the best insult Richard Peters can offer his campaign is in a hell of a shape.

This feels extremely silly even addressing this fail of a campaign commercial since I'm running for the Governor of Montana and not a US Senator.  But if my opponent will distort my record to make me out as a Do Nothing politician I will call him out on it.

Think logically, think Westman

[Mechaman]

Alcohol Liberalization
Scott Westman Rally
Anaconda, Montana
August 1st, 1984
Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall:

Scott Westman is in front of a crowd of a few thousand people who came from all over Montana to hear him speak at this important rally.  This rally, unlike many others Westman held in the past, would be one of the most vital moments not just in Westman's political history, but in the history of the state of Montana.  Because at this rally Scott Westman would announce his plans for alcohol liberalization, the elimination of state control of alcohol.
Fellow Montanans, today is a momentous day.  Today is the day I announce that this campaign, unlike any other before it, is wholeheartedly dedicated to the principle of market liberalization!  Therefore it is with great honor that I announce that today I have dedicated this campaign to the wholesale liberalization of alcohol in this state!
The crowd assembled at Hibernian Hall erupts into cheers at Westman's announcement.
For far too long the State has inhibited the possibility of innovation in this beloved industry of many Montanans.  They say they do it to keep alcoholism from becoming rampant, but the truth is far more sinister.  The truth is they keep it in their hands to maximize government profit while limiting individual innovation.  Alcohol, like any other commodity, should be about innovation, of making the best of itself.  The individual right to entrepreneurship should never be sacrificed in the name of feel good morality of stamping out undesirable social behavior.  This issue should not be about moral crusade, it should be about individual right, the individual right to profit, the individual right to entrepreneurship, the individual right to choice, the individual right to innovation.  Montanans should be able to open their own alcohol stores, free of government interference.  Montanans should be able to open their own breweries and not be reliant on the state or imports from other states for their own drink.  The state government needs to get it's nose out of the business of what Montanans drink and into providing the maximum amount of freedom and civil rights to it's citizens.  Lord knows the State has spent too much money legislating and regulating morality.  We have come to end that, we have to propose a new beginning.  Under a Westman/D'Israeli administration the entrepreneur in all of you won't be denied the right to profit and innovation due to moral crusaders.  You can bank on that.

Although many would call his speech "mediocre at best" Westman would win lots of praise amongst many communities in Montana for his bold support of alcohol liberalization.  Alarmingly for the Peter campaign Westman's speech in front of Hibernian Hall would make major inroads with various demographic groups, especially German and Irish Americans.  Many pundits would claim that the instant Westman said he was for alcohol liberalization "Westman turned German Americans Democratic for a whole generation."  His support amongst Irish Americans was already high, but his declaration of alcohol liberalization would give him higher poll showings in the months leading up to Election Day.
Westman's approval amongst the two demographic groups that made up almost half of Montana's population would be of grave concern to the Peters Campaign.

August 15th, 1984 Poll:

Of the following candidates who are you thinking about voting for?

Former US Senator Scott Westman (Democratic-Missoula)/Former State Senator Mendelik D'Israeli (Republican-Billings) 40.7%
Governor Richard J. Peters (Republican-Circle)/Lieutenant Governor Gerald Schweiker (Republican-Great Falls) 28.81%
Michale J. Oglesby (Conservative-Flathead)/Julian R. Masters (Conservative-Glacier) 25.39%
Undecided: 5.1%

Despite being a Republican year nationally Governor Peters was considered a widely unpopular Governor due to his increase of regulations and tax increases on items like imported alcohol, tobacco, overturning of Marijuana Decriminalization, strong handed approach towards immigration from Canada, and attempts to censor "hateful speech".  His actions resulted in a split in the Republican Party of Montana.  The libertarian faction, led by men like Mendelik D'Israeli and Kalispell Mayor Shawn K. Hickens would split from the Republican Party in 1984 and end up siding with the small but growing number of Westman Democrats who espoused libertarian positions of issues of morality and were supporters of free enterprise in most areas of the economy.  Due to the party split, as well as a strong third party Conservative ticket, the Republican ticket would be at a disadvantage going towards the election.  Even months before the election many were predicting that Scott Westman, once thought to be too radical for Montana, would win a very comfortable election to the Governor's Mansion come November due to his "superior and foolproof coalition" over "conservative infighting".

[Mechaman]

Scott Westman
Alcohol Liberalization, what does it mean?
Westman Campaign Brochure

A lot of people wonder what exactly is it that your Democratic candidate for Governor stands for.  Well it's pretty simple really: Scott Westman stands for the freedom of opportunity for all Montanans to succeed and perform their livelihood.  That is why Westman has made the controversial issue of Alcohol Liberalization a key issue.  Scott Westman believes that a state monopoly that doesn't have to worry about profits and losses in regards to alcohol will only be motivated to set prices as high as possible, thus stifling initiative and drive within the people who work within this state's breweries.  Instead Scott Westman believes a radical approach must be taken, selling off the state control of alcohol to small business entrepreneurs and getting rid of all the restrictions and regulations thereof.  Storekeepers who sold alcohol under a truly free enterprise system advocated by the Westman Campaign would only be subject to the same regulations and taxes as every other grocer.  The only requirement that would have to be met would be that the owner sell his or her alcohol products to people over the age of 18.  Under the Westman plan Montana would become the freest state in the nation in regards to alcohol laws, opening up countless opportunities and innovations for the industry to truly thrive in a state that for the past twenty or so years has been extremely restrictive on the issue of alcohol.
And not only will this apply to domestic brews.  Imported brews like the kind most enjoyed by our many ethnic communities would be free from state imposed tariffs that make imports so expensive in some places.  It is Scott Westman's belief that by treating foreign breweries as equals in the state of Montana that it will only encourage foreign brewers to build their own breweries within Montana and thus become part of this state's eventual legacy as one of the country's best brewery states.
Together we can make Montana a land of opportunity, freedom, and libertarian values once more.  If you care about Montana traditional values of individuality please vote for Scott Westman and Mendelik D'Israeli for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.  Together we can make Montana a great place to have a drink once more.

The campaign brochure would make headlines with news anchors and political pundits scratching their heads at Scott Westman making the alcohol business a vital part of his campaign.  The Westman Campaign would send out spokesmen to major news networks who stated that Westman sent out the brochure to win over libertarian Republicans who felt turned off by the Peters Campaign.  This reasoning was considered sound considering that Westman nominated Mendelik D'Israeli, a vocal anti-Peters Republican, as his runningmate.  With three months to go before the election many were already beginning to predict a safe Democratic win in Montana due to a bitterly divided Republican Party, a strong Conservative Party ticket taking many conservative voters mad at the Peters administration's record on spending and taxation, and some libertarian Republican voters already drifting towards the Westman/D'Israeli campaign.
In fact, Westman himself would note that the only time the word "Democratic" is used by the campaign is to describe Scott Westman's party identification.  The ticket itself was called "the Westman/D'Israeli" ticket, a strategy used to win over independents turned off by party labels.  Would the Westman/D'Israeli's strategy of focusing on the disaffected libertarian voting bloc work?  Or would Scott Westman's liberalism on issues such as healthcare prove too much come election day?