2012 Election TL (Gameplay Thread)

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Marsha Blackburn headlines a Republican fundraiser in Nashville, Tennessee, where she talks about the important of the party's, and nation's future...

We had moderately good results in the last election, am I right? More and more Americans are beginning to reject President Obama's liberal policies, and are looking to conservatism as a viable alternative. Friends, it's time we all unite as one party in order to give those concerned Americans a clear option. Whoever that candidate may be, it is vital that this candidate ha strong, conservative credentials and will be able to lead a strong campaign against Obama's policies, as well as offer solutions to the problems we're in.

I ask you all to consider donating to the Republican party, as well as the WedgePAC, a PAC I founded a couple years ago. This PAC has the goal of electing strong conservatives to various offices across the nation, regardless of political party. Together, we can shape the future into a stronger and safer one. Thank you, and God Bless!

After the debate, a reporter approached Congresswoman Blackburn...

Reporter: Ms. Blackburn, do you have the intention of running for President of America?
Blackburn: Right now, I'm keeping all options open. I think it's extremely important that a strong, common-sense conservative is nominated to this party. I'll have to pray with my family and friends about it before making any big decisions.

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Marsha Blackburn headlines a traditional marriage rally in Knoxville, Tennessee...

Thank you! Welcome to this historic city, and welcome, all, to Tennessee! This is a great state, and I'm proud to be a representative of it.

Today there are some people who are trying to establish one religion: the religion of secularism.
They want to reject our nation's traditional values, and reject the values of our founders, casting aside the wisdom of the ages. Activist judges from across the nation are striking down something extremely important to America: the family.

Even in our schools, we have elementary school teacher's read to their second graders from a book titled "The King and the King," about a prince who marries a prince . What's even more disheartening, is that a second grader's father is denied the right to have his child taken out of that classroom while the book is being read. The government is truly taking advantage of the situation by spoon-feeding our children into believe same-sex marriage should be accepted.

States like Massachusetts and California are battling over same-sex marriage, but unless we adopt a federal amendment to protect marriage, what's happening there will unquestionably enter every other state. This spreading secular religion cannot be allowed to weaken the foundation of the family, or the faith of our fathers who loved their country even more than they loved there life.

Thank you all, you have been amazing! God Bless!

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Marsha Blackburn appears on Anderson Cooper 360, where she vigilantly argues against Obamacare...

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Marsha Blackburn hosts a rally in Arlington, Virginia, where she is accompanied by Governor Bob McDonnell...

In Washington, America has created a perfect job-killing storm, with more government control and higher taxes. It's time for Republicans to have a leader who will stand up to the liberal policies being implemented under the Obama administration. It's time that both the Tea Party and the Republican party come together and end an error in America's history.

Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for President of the United States. I am excited to get the chance to meet with thousands of Americans over the next few months. I am excited to hear your stories and will take those stories all the way to the White House, where I will implement the policies that can put American's dreams in motion again.

The next few months won't be easy, and our road to the White House won't be a smooth ride. I'm proud to embrace the underdog status, and I'm also proud to be able to add even more cracks in that thick glass ceiling. Hopefully we can finally break the darn thing! I look forward to an amazing ride, where Americans can learn more about myself, my husband Chuck, and my two beautiful children, Mary Morgan and Chad. Thank you, and God Bless!!!

Bob McDonnell walks up to the microphone...

If I may, Marsha, I'd also like to say a couple of words. *crowd laughs* I'm proud to endorse Marsha Blackburn for President, because I believe she represents what the Republican party is truly about: Smart, fiscal conservatism. I look forward to campaigning with Marsha and her family over the next few months, and with Virginia now being a leadoff state, hopefully we can deliver her a victory on primary day!

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Many prominent females endorse Ms. Blackburn from across the nation...

I'm ready to break that glass ceiling, and not only do I think Marsha is capable of doing that, but I also think she is the most qualified candidate in this race and will bring back conservative values to the White House, which is why I'm proud to endorse her.
- Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

I've had the privilege of working with her in the House several times, and I know my fellow Tennessean will make a great President!
- Congresswoman Diane Black

Marsha Blackburn's stances on the issues is what attracts me to her. She's going to be a tough lady in there, and will do us proud. I'm proud to endorse her.
- Senator Kelly Ayotte

America is truly lucky to have such a great candidate in this race, and I will personally do everything I can to help Represenatative Blackburn take the state of Colorado.
- Former Lt. Governor Jane Norton

Wow...It's so great to see such an amazing conservative woman seeking the nation's highest office. I look forward to helping Marsha throughout this campaign, and I'm excited about her candidacy. I endorse her heartily, because I know she will govern with integrity and honesty.
- Former Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell

Sarah Palin also weighs in, but doesn't give an official endorsement yet...

I'll have to step back and see who all is running. I realize my endorsement could potentially carry a lot of weight, so I'm not going to rush into it. There are some very good candidates out there like Governor Daniels and Congresswoman Blackburn. I'm confident though that Republicans will wisely select a true conservative as our nominee.
- Sarah Palin

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Marsha Blackburn heads up to Scranton, Pennsylvania where she is endorsed by Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey...

America is at a crucial hour. We have an opportunity to take back the Senate as well as expand on our majority in the House. But what we must win, is the Presidency. We cannot afford to continue down the socialist road President Obama is leading us. We need a clear alternative in this election; a true conservative voice. That candidate is Marsha Blackburn, and I am pleased and honored to endorse her today. I have no doubt that under a Blackburn administration, America will be seeing much better days than the ones we've been seeing.
- Senator Pat Toomey

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Marsha Blackburn makes a stop in Asheville, North Carolina, where she is endorsed by Senator Richard Burr...

Today, President Barack Obama announced he'll seek reelection. This means that the President is asking Americans to give him four more years to let this nation spiral out of control with insurmountable spending and a government takeover. We can't let that happen, and we need a leader who will stop it! That's why I'm endorsing Marsha Blackburn, and I encourage all North Carolinians to get on board her campaign!
- Senator Richard Burr

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At a Tennessee Republicans dinner, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn receives the endorsement of the entire Tennessee Republican Congressional delegation.

It'd be great for someone as strong and faithful as Marsha Blackburn to be our party's nominee, and I am going to do everything I can to help Ms. Blackburn win the nomination!
- Senator Bob Corker

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I welcome Governor Haley Barbour into the race. It's great to have another Southernor in the race for the Republican nomination. I know this will be a close election. While we may be low in the polls now, my friends, we are not in this race for a respectable showing. I...am not in this race to prove that a woman can run a strong campaign for the Republican nomination. Friends, I, we, are in this race to win it! We'll begin our journey with a strong win here in Illinois and January, and we'll end it with Inauguration day in January, 2013! Thank you, and God Bless you all!
- Marsha Blackburn at a rally in Peoria, Illinois

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The Marsha Blackburn releases a schedule for the next week. They will be making several specific stops for endorsements...

Monday: Springfield, Illinois; Mattoon, Illinois; Terre Haute, Indiana
Tuesday: Fort Wayne, Indiana (Marlin Stutzman endorsement); Cincinnati, Ohio (Tea Party Rally)
Wednesday (Accompanied by Bob McDonnell): Roanoke, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia
Thursday: Spending day at Virginia Beech with family (No campaign events)
Friday: Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Hickory, North Carolina
Saturday: Maryville, Tennessee; Cookeville, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennesee
Sunday: Attends home church (No campaign events)


I'm excited and happy that we have a great, conservative female running for the Republican nomination. Marsha Blackburn. I've spoken with her several times, and I know she'd make a strong and successful President. I'm happy to endorse her, and I encourage all California Republicans, Independents, and even Democrats to support her too!
- Governor Meg Whitman

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Congressman Marsha Blackburn makes a statement while in Washington D.C...

I am simply shocked my Mitt Romney's decision, and I thank him for his support. But more importantly, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife. I've had the chance to meet with Anne several times, and she is such a joyous woman. I pray she has a speedy recovery.- Marsha Blackburn

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Advisor: Marsha, did you know Romney's basic endorsement was coming?
Marsha: Honestly, Dave, I had no idea. I'm simply floored. This is great for our campaign, but it's disappointing that the Governor had to drop out.
Advisor: This could really give us momentum. After his wife starts to get better, if we could possibly get him to make an appearence with us, we'd be golden.
Marsha: Let's plan some visits in the Northeast. With Mitt's exit, we have a real shot there.

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Energized by rising poll numbers, Marsha Blackburn announces as Southern tour, with planned stops in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. She focuses on her conservative credentials. She is accompanied by Governor Bob McDonnell.

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Marsha Blackburn flies out to Sacramento, California, for a rally with Meg Whitman. A popular former Governor also makes a surprise visit...

It's great to be in the Sunshine state! Today, I'm here to make an endorsement. I've looked through all the candidates carefully, but one stood out, and her name is Marsha Blackburn! (crowd roars) Today, I ask you all to vote for Marsha. She is a woman of integrity, honesty, and conservative principles. Let's win back the White House!!!
- Sarah Palin

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Marsha Blackburn suspends her campaign for President...

Personal issues have caused me to step aside. I will not be making an endorsement till after the primaries.
- Marsha Blackburn

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Jeff Bingaman makes a statement on CNN regarding a run for the Presidency...

Reporter: Senator, have you considered running for President yourself?
Bingaman: The fact is, I'm sick of the politics being played by both sides. I'm ready to get more Americans back to work. It's time to put political differences aside and come together for the sake of Americans. I haven't decided if I'll run myself, but if the course remains the same, I may jump in.

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Jeff Bingaman announces that he will be conducting a tour, titled "Hearing the American Voice". Bingaman will mainly tour the Southwest where he will mainly listen to the concerns and problems of Americans and offer his solutions.

I'm doing this for a simple reason: The government has become out of touch with the American people. It's time we listen to them and start working for them again, not ourselves or our party.
- Jeff Bingaman

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Jeff Bingaman holds a "Hearing the American Voice" town-hall meeting in Carson City, Nevada. He is introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Thank you all for having me. It's great to be here, and I thank Senator Reid for being such an excellent host.

In 2001, America started on a downward spiral. In just months, President Bush managed to wipe away the surplus left by Clinton. By the end of his second term, America was in heavy debt. Now, President Obama has been forced to spend us into even more debt to fix the many problems that President Bush left us! I'm deeply concerned about the future of this government. I'm a Democrat, and I'm a liberal. But that doesn't mean I support the reckless spending by both Bush and Obama administrations, and it doesn't mean I think having a mounting national debt is a good thing. It's time to give some money back to the people, reign in government spending, and get the government working for the people again.

Recently, President Obama made a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, my home state. Hopefully he spend lavishly there, like he has elsewhere, because New Mexico sure could use some help! (crowd laughs) I have a major concern when we have an administration that has spent so much government money on personal matters. Not just him, but his entire family. I sincerely hope that if Obama is re-elected, he spends less his second term across the board. It's simply embarrassing.
- Jeff Bingaman

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Continuing on his tour, Jeff Bingaman visits the state of Arizona, accompanied by his wife, Anne. They make multiple stops throughout the states, and hold their first rally in Tucson...

It's simply a blessing to see so many excited faces out there! I am the luckiest one of all though. I have been blessed to hear the stories of so many Americans over the past few days, and I'm very enthusiastic about taking those stories back to Capital Hill. I've learned that Americans are tired of the corruption that has plagued our national government, and are ready for common-sense solutions. It's time we reform our welfare system, secure our borders, and secure jobs here in America, not encouraging them to go overseas like Republicans have been doing.

Recently, Obama accused me of making this race personal by bringing his family into it. I'm sorry he took it that way, but what he's doing is wrong. Americans from all over are having to cut back. While many are bypassing their yearly vacation this summer, President Obama continues to spend. Americans are struggling due to the  the economic foundation both Bush and Obama have laid. I simply believe if everyone else is having to cut back, why shouldn't the President too?
- Jeff Bingaman

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This is CNN...

We are now reporting that Senator Jeff Bingaman from the state of New Mexico has begun planning a challenge to President Obama for the Democratic nomination. He has reportedly hired several notable Democratic strategists, and has apparently scheduled events in Virginia, Illinois, and Colorado in the coming days, all three being lead-off states.

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This is CNN...

We now take you to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Democratic Senator Jeff Bingaman is expected to announce that he will be challenging President Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. On stage with the Senator is colleague's Barbara Boxer, Harry Reid, and Tom Udall. Former Governor Bill Richardson is also on stage...

I'd like to thank all of you for joining us here today. It means so much to me to officially announce my candidacy in New Mexico, the state I have served for in the United States Senate and the state whose primary I plan on winning on my way to becoming the next President of the United States!

The United States faces huge challenges, but we also have huge opportunities. I am running for President because these times call for a leader with a proven track record, and a demonstrated ability to bring people together to tackle our problems at home and abroad.

In 2008, I was a supporter of Barack Obama. I believed in the change he promised. However, this administration has been filled with disappointment after disappointment. America continues to suffer from high unemployment numbers, a growing deficit, an education system that continues to get passed by other nations, and a weak border. I believe the liberal policies touted by great leaders such as Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton do work. However, they must be implemented properly.

Out of control spending is not a solution, which our President seems to think. It is a growing problem. We cannot afford to let our children be placed in increasing debt, and at the rate we're going, they're going to be faced with tough decisions.

Some may ask why I'm running. President Obama is liberal enough, and polls have me down. Well here's your answer: I'm running because I am sick and tired of the political games being played in Washington. I'm tired of drinking the kool-aid. And I believe it is time for liberals to stand up to our incompetent President and say enough is enough! It's time for real liberal leadership, not what we've faced for the last few years. I'm running for President to be that leader, and I ask for your support. Thank you, and God Bless!

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The Jeff Bingaman campaign has released their upcoming schedule of events. The Senator looks to make serious inroads in the Southwest, where he hopes to emphasize Obama's liberal spending in hopes of winning over Libertarian voters.

Monday: Arizona, Nevada
Tuesday: Idaho, Utah, Colorado
Wednesday: Colorado, Kansas
Thursday: Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia
Friday: New Jersey, Delaware, New York
Satuday: Family vacation at Niagara Falls
Sunday: Pennsylvania, Ohio

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Senator Jeff Bingaman holds a rally in Boulder City, Nevada, where he responds to recent comments made by President Obama...

When Franklin D. Roosevelt sat down and envisioned America's future, I'm sure that he did not envision one that included a skyrocketing debt. The New Deal was brilliant, and brought America back to life. But President Roosevelt also understand that some cuts needs to be made, and spending had to be curved. I'm also sure Roosevelt didn't freely spend government money like Obama has been doing for personal expenses.

America can continue down the same path that President Bush and President Obama have taken us down. Or we can go down a new path, with smart liberal policies. Let's reform Obamacare at a fraction of the cost. There are great parts in that bill, and I'm proud to have voted for it. But some improvement can be made. Let's cut earmark spending out of our legislation, and ban lobbyists from being present when voting occurs. We have to get this nation working again for the people, not the government!

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At a rally in Boulder, Colorado, Senator Mark Udall joins the Bingaman campaign...

The fact is, I'm tired of wasteful spending. While I believe some spending is good, as well as the social programs that come with it, I think the way this government is spending is atrocious. It's not liberal, it's socialist. I'm ready for some real, common-sense liberal leadership in the White House. If people actually think the policies Barack Obama are implementing are liberal policies, our kind of people will die out really quickly. That's why I've decided to endorse a real liberal, Jeff Bingaman. He'll take America back to the days before Bush and Obama when we had a surplus. I ask Colorado to stand beside me in support of Bingaman.

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The Bingaman campaign has announced that Maggie Williams, who served as Hillary Clinton's second campaign manager in 2008, will manage the Bingaman campaign.

I'm excited to work with Senator Bingaman on developing a winning strategy. Polls have us down by a lot, but I truly believe once we spread our message out, we can close that gap very quickly. If I didn't think we could win, I wouldn't have taken this task on.
- Maggie Williams