20RP12/Pingvin: Announcement

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University of Pennsylvania Campus, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



Friends,

I'm glad to have you all gathered here today for my announcement. Now, I haven't leaked many details, but I can assure you that it is important. But first, I'd like to bring around a concept on which I have based almost my entire political career on; Leadership. When I first ran for office in Atlasia, I was eager to help in the Northeast in any way possible and I did, I introduced countless legislation and even became speaker of the Northeast Assembly at one point. Then, my time came. The Northeast had an inactive Governor and in coordination with right and left wingers alike, we nearly recalled him. Unfortunately, our efforts were too close to election day, so it was superfluous to even try. But the Governor was not re-elected, thankfully. Instead, I was elected. I screwed up in my past and it came back to bite me, so I had to resign. It was one of the toughest things I've ever done. I never wanted to make people mistrust me. The decision was made so Northeasterners would have leadership they could trust and that wasn't me at the time. I couldn't lead the region being the political pariah that I was. My decision was intended to help the Northeast, not hurt it. My decision worked wonders for the region, ironically. Governor Winfield did far better than I could have ever expected or wished and I thank him for his service to the region. But today, I'm ready to ask for forgiveness and redemption. Because today, I am announcing that I am running for At-Large Senate. Now, I know I need help from all the regions on this one, but I have faith in my base here in the Northeast. I will be touring throughout the country, but right here at home is what'll make or break the election. I thank you all for coming out. Spread the message and have a wonderful day!

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Just to be clear, so people don't get confused- you are running in the election in December, and not in the special election for Snowguy's seat against Nathan and Cincinnatus.  Correct?

Correct.

As usual, I'll probably offer my "valuable" and "influential" endorsement.

All endorsements are valuable

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Friends,

I have introduced a bill in the Northeast Assembly that would decriminalize music piracy within the region. I am proud of this bill and if elected to the Senate, I will introduce similar legislation. Here's to liberty!

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I made you a campaign sign

i'm running 4 senate

but tnx<3

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Fixd

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Friends,

I endorsed Cincinnatus for Senate yesterday. I feel he'll be a great addition to the Senate. He's a principled, hard worker and I consider him a friend of mine. Vote for him!

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Friends,

I endorsed Cincinnatus for Senate yesterday. I feel he'll be a great addition to the Senate. He's a principled, hard worker and I consider him a friend of mine. Vote for him!

Payed for by Citizens to elect Cincinnatus

Shhhh just make the check out to "20RP12 for Senate"

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That's fantastic!

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Columbus, OH, Ohio State University



I'm so glad to be joined by Atlasians young and old today. Thank you all! I'm running for Senate because I want to see results. I want to hear progress being made, not rhetoric being spewed. As Senator, I will actively participate in debates, as well as propose legislation as often as possible. I will also listen to questions and concerns voiced by citizens all over the country. I'll even write legislation that citizens want to see written, regardless of whether or not I agree with it. I will be the people's Senator. I can assure you that I will be an active leader. My track record back in the Northeast shows that I am not lying when I say that. So when you go to vote in December, ask yourself: Do you want a leader or do you want a politician? Thank you!

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Upcoming stops:

11/11 Detroit, MI
11/12 Indianapolis, IN
11/14 Nashville, TN
11/15 Atlanta, GA
11/16 Orlando, FL
11/18 New Orleans, LA
11/19 Dallas, TX
11/20 Oklahoma City, OK
11/21 St. Louis, MO
11/22 Chicago, IL
11/23 Madison, WI
11/24 Minneapolis, MN
11/26 Lincoln, NE
11/28 Denver, CO
11/30 Boise, ID
12/1 Seattle, WA
12/2 Sacramento, CA
12/3 San Francisco, CA
12/4 Oakland, CA
12/5 Los Angeles, CA
12/6 Phoenix, AZ
12/7 Las Vegas, NV

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Detroit, MI



Audience member: What are your thoughts on the Occupy Atlasia movements?

20RP12: -chuckle- I knew I was gonna get this question. I think Occupy is a sign that people are fed up with Government, but they aren't correctly allocating their anger. Instead of protesting businesses, they should be protesting the Government. Some of the Occupy protesters argue that the big banks fund the Government via lobbying and whatnot, so why not get mad at the Government as well? If I put $100 in your hand right now and told you that you're going to do as I say, would you accept it? You have the choice whether or not to. So, no. I don't "support" Occupy per se, but I agree with some of their reasons for protesting.

Audience member: Here in Detroit the economy is suffering due to failed economic policy. If elected Senator, what will you do to make sure that not only Detroit rebounds economically, but every struggling Atlasian city rebounds economically?

20RP12: Well I think, ultimately, it comes down to tax cuts. Obviously I'm a firm believer that Government is less trustworthy with people's money than people are. So I think giving people more money to spend will stimulate the economy more than Government spending ever could. I'd also like to see cuts in wasteful spending on the Federal level. Less Government is better Government as I say -chuckles-

Audience Member: You're coming off as a bit of a right-winger today. How do you expect to win the left-leaning and Independent vote with rhetoric like this?

20RP12: Well I don't consider myself to be a "right-winger." I consider myself an Atlasian. I think we all do. Right? -chuckles- I mean, some left-wingers and Independents wouldn't agree that tax cuts are the right way to go, but I'm willing to sit down with them and see what their ideas are. I'm all about bi-partisanship. So frankly, my politics don't matter. I'm not representative of JCP values or RPP values or even Silly Party values, I'm representative of Atlasian values and I think voters will see that come time to vote.

Audience Member: Do you have the experience to be an At-large Senator? You've only served so many terms in the Northeast Assembly and you were Governor of the region for a few days, tops. Do you have enough experience?

20RP12: One could say that I don't. But I think I've proven that I'm enough of a leader to be trusted in this position. I've proposed plenty of legislation, I've been Speaker of the Assembly, I helped lead the charge to recall an inactive Governor, then I became Governor. What happened afterward I won't be discussing, but I think I have a pretty lengthy resume for someone my age.

That's all for today guys, thanks for coming out! Spread the word! God Bless you all!

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You were in Detroit on Veterans' Day! Why didn't you swing by my office?

Shoot I knew there was something else I needed to do

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I'm impressed with your answers.

the questions weren't bad either

Thanks!

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Indianapolis, IN



Audience member: You were Governor of the Northeast for a few days before abruptly resigning. Before the election, you promised that you'd be a leader and gave the impression that you'd serve out your term. How can you be trusted again when you're running on the same platform with the same rhetoric?

20RP12: Oh boy, not this question. -chuckles- Look, I'm not going into details, but something was uncovered about me that put pressure on me to resign. I didn't want to lie to the people of the Northeast Region and act like everything was okay when it wasn't. Now, everything is okay. The matter has been resolved and I'm more ready to lead now than ever. Trust is important and I believe everyone deserves a second chance.

Audience member: You talk a lot about how you want to reduce the size of Government, yet you've never formally proposed a plan to do that. Do you have a plan in mind or are you just saying pretty words to attract a larger base?

20RP12: I absolutely have a plan in mind. In the Northeast Region, about 5 or 6 people can serve in the Assembly at one time. I want to see legislation proposed to fix that problem by setting the official number of Representatives able to serve at once at 4. That way, you have a small number of Representatives. In the event of the tie, the Governor may break the tie. So that way, you have a more efficient working Government with less members.

Audience member: You tend to talk highly a lot of left-wing candidates throughout Atlasia but you never vote for any. Why is that?

20RP12: I make friends with both left and right wingers throughout Atlasia and I tend to vote for more Right wing candidates because that's who matches my ideology more. But again, I'm very willing to compromise. The Speaker of the Northeast Assembly at the moment is a left winger, Scott. I've worked with left wingers such as Napoleon, Homelycooking, Snowstalker, Nathan and the like and they're all wonderful people. I just tend to vote for candidates that match my views more than ones that don't.

Audience member: Hypothetical question: If you were to run for President, who would you pick as your VP?

20RP12: -chuckles- I guess my shortlist would include Shua, Mechaman, Cathcon, Napoleon, PiT, Teddy, Chairman Sanchez and Kalwejt. Pretty long for a short list. -chuckles-

Well, that's all everyone. Thanks for coming out! Spread the message!

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You chuckle a lot.

If I didn't laugh, I'd be crying

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Go Jake go! :-)

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Nashville, TN



Audience member: What would be your top priorities in your first term if you become senator?

20RP12: Above all, I'd like to see an increase in activity, bi-partisanship and interest in Atlasian politics. In terms of political issues, I'd like to see tax cuts, initiatives taken to clean up our environment and more transparency in Government.

Audience member: How do you plan to increase activity and whom would you like to see become more active?

20RP12: I dream of an Atlasia in which every elected politician is active and frequently participates in townhalls like these, not just when they're campaigning for election or re-election. Unfortunately, this isn't the case at the moment. I'd like to see more citizens like yourselves becoming active in politics.

Audience member: You mentioned cleaning up our environment, yet you oppose tax increases. How are we to go about cleaning up our environment without raising taxes?

20RP12: By cutting useless spending to make room for useful spending. There's plenty of Government programs that can and should be cut, plenty of subsidies that can be cut. Politician's salaries should be cut as well.

Audience member: Would you be willing to take a pay cut in order to help pay for programs that would benefit the environment or Atlasia in general?

20RP12: Absolutely! I'd take pay cuts, benefit cuts and such. I just fear that other politicians won't. But that's why I'm not your average politician.

That's all for today! Thanks for coming out! Spread the message!

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Would you support the following:
A flat tax of 20% starting with a $15,000 exemption, and no other exemptions of any sort
Along with the government giving everyone $15,000 a year just for being alive.

I like the idea of a flat tax, but I don't understand the reason behind giving someone $15 grand just for being alive...that almost sounds a tad bit socialist...I think people are plenty capable of providing for themselves, and the ones who aren't may seek proper help from the Government. It just seems superfluous to hand out money for no good reason.

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Atlanta, GA



Audience member: A recent poll shows that nearly half of Atlasia opposes gay marriage. Why do you think this number is so high?

20RP12: Personally, I find it shocking and quite heartbreaking that such a large amount of people in this country oppose gay marriage. I honestly can't give a reasonable answer as to why the number is so high. Perhaps people just aren't comfortable with the idea of gays being married. I couldn't tell you.

Audience member: If your At-Large Constituents supported banning Gay Marriage altogether, would you vote accordingly?

20RP12: I can't say that I would. In the instance that there's a small bill on, say, Environmental policy or Social Security or something, I would listen to the majority of my constituents and vote accordingly. However, when it comes to gay marriage, I can't say that I'd support any bill that restricts human rights. It's just common sense.

Audience member: So if a majority of your constituents supported a tax increase, would you vote accordingly?

20RP12: Perhaps. It depends what the financial situation of the country is at that point in time. But right now, I wouldn't, no.

Audience member: For fun: What's your favorite pizza topping?

20RP12: Ah I love fun questions. I gotta say mushrooms are my favorite. You can't go wrong with mushrooms. I also like broccoli and pepperoni on my pizza. Yum.

Thanks for coming out! Drive home safely! Spread the message! Thank you!

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Orlando, FL



Audience member: What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?

20RP12: I believe my strengths are my willingness to be bi-partisan and work with members of all parties to create the best Atlasia possible. My weaknesses, I would say, is also my willingness to be bi-partisan. Politicians view me as "weak" or "soft" or "too nice." That's why I'm not a politician. I'm running for the Atlasian Senate, not the Career Politician's Senate.

Audience member: What is your opinion of the Washington Post story this morning about an 84 year old woman who was pepper sprayed during the recent Occupy Atlasia raids?

20RP12: Frankly, it's disgusting. It's pathetic. What will other countries think of us when they find out that we're terrorizing average citizens just for exercising their right to protest. They're not gonna want to trade with us or be friends with us. It's a very bad spot on our reputation.

Audience member: Don't you think it's fair that the top 1% of Atlasians pay more in taxes? It seems logical that because they have more money, they should pay their fair share.

20RP12: It's not logical at all, it's socialist. If one works hard to make a million dollars, then let them keep it. Why work hard if you know you're not going to keep what you earn? Inventors will have no motivation, employers will have no motivation, unemployed Atlasians will have no motivation...it's just not good economic policy.

Audience member: Why tour around Atlasia?

20RP12: Well I've got to build up a base outside the Northeast if I want to win! -chuckle- No that's not it at all. I love meeting regular Atlasians. I love hearing them voice their concerns and I like offering my viewpoints and alternatives. I love watching democracy working at it's finest...it's just so beautiful.

Thank you all for coming out! Drive home safely! Spread the message!

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I object to your continuous use of the word socialist.  I do commend you on taking the initiative and campaigning however.

Socialism is, by definition, taking money from one group of people and giving it to another group of people. Education is socialist, infrastructure is socialist, anything that tax money goes to is socialist, in a very literal sense. Necessary socialism, if you will.

But thank you.

Moar Silly?

Without objection, the motion passes!

D: !sessap noitom eht ,noitcejbo tuohtiW

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New Orleans, LA



Audience member: You recently proposed a bill in the Northeast Assembly which would decriminalize online music downloading. When do you plan to propose a bill that would allow people to steal CDs from retail stores and not be arrested?

20RP12: Sarcasm, eh? I've been questioned about this before and my answer is as follows: I am a musician. As a musician, I understand that times are tough. I could work hard to create the greatest song ever, but if only 10 people hear it because they bought it, what's the use? I'd much rather have 100 listeners with only 10 buying the song than have 10 listeners, all of whom bought the song.

Audience member: That may be your opinion, but what about other artists? What do they think about illegal downloading?

20RP12: If any musician said that they care more about money than about their fans, they don't deserve your money. Any band that goes out of their way to have their fans arrested for listening to their music, then they don't deserve to have their music bought.

Audience member: But I thought you were a staunch supporter of "letting those who earn their money keep it"?

20RP12: I am. But times are tough. People can't afford to buy every CD they want, people can't afford to go to every concert. But a lot of people do. Kids still go out to shows and buy t-shirts and CDs. The money that's supposedly being "stolen" from these artists is still ending up in their possession thanks to concert and t-shirt and other merch sales. But if we started cracking down on kids for downloading, nobody would go to concerts anymore cuz they'd all be in jail.

Audience member: For fun: What are some upcoming concerts in your area that you're itching to see?

20RP12: Well once I get back home from touring around Atlasia, I'm hoping to go see The Devil Wears Prada on December 10th in Philadelphia, PA, Attack Attack! on February 23rd in Allentown, PA and August Burns Red on March 3rd in Philadelphia, PA.

That's all for today! Thanks for coming out! Spread the message!

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Now available: 20RP12 For Senate Bumper Stickers! Show off your support with a stylish bumper sticker!

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Y U NO use hello kitty?

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Dallas, TX



Audience member: Why do deserve to enter the Senate?

20RP12: I don't think I "deserve" anything, per se. But I'd like to enter the Senate so I can help make a positive impact on a national level, not just in the Northeast.

Audience member: Are you proud of your accomplishments in the Northeast?

20RP12: I'm very proud. I do wish I could have been Governor for longer than I was, but that's not the point. I've proposed a lot of great legislation, I've voted for a lot of great legislation and I've worked with a lot of great people in my time in the Northeast.

Audience member: You've run your campaign claiming that you're not a 'career politician', yet you've served countless terms in the Northeast Assembly. Are you lying just to win?

20RP12: Absolutely not. I'm not a career politician. I don't do things for political benefit, I do things for the benefit of the the Atlasian people. A career politician is someone who only does things for their own political or personal benefit. That's not me.

Audience member: Do you support term limits?

20RP12: I'm kind of in the middle on this one...not really. As much as I hate the idea of having someone being a Senator for 6 or 7 terms, who am I to tell them that they can't run? It's a matter of personal liberty and being allowed to pursue your own dream. I support Presidential term limits though.

That's all for today! Thanks for coming out! Spread the message!