Porce News Network: October 2005

[Ebowed]

LIVE ELECTION TRACKING
* Presidential/Senate Election Tracking and Discussion (October 21, 2005)
* Midwest Referendum (October 21, 2005)
* Absentee Ballots for October Federal Elections (October 15, 2005)

POLLS, INTERVIEWS, AND DEBATES
* Interview with Southeast Governor Bono (October 20, 2005)
* Southeast Gubernatorial Debate Between Bono and TCash101 (October 19, 2005)
* Interview with Senator MasterJedi (October 18, 2005)
* NMEP: Joe Republic/Defarge for President Ad (October 16, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate Mike Naso (October 15, 2005)
* Interview with Senate Candidate Jake (October 15, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate Joe Republic (October 15, 2005)
* Senate, Governor, GM Approval Ratings (October 15, 2005)
* October 2005 Poll #5 Results (October 15, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate Dubya (October 11, 2005)
* Interview with Northeast Governor MAS117 (October 7, 2005)
* Interview with Senate Candidate hughento (October 4, 2005)
* Interview with Senator True Democrat (October 4, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate Emsworth (October 2, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate Supersoulty (September 29, 2005)
* Interview with Presidential Candidate LiberalPA (September 18, 2005)
* Interview with Senate Candidate Ben Meyers (September 18, 2005)
* Interview with Pacific Governor John Ford (September 17, 2005)
* Interview with Gubernatorial Candidate EarlAW (September 14, 2005)
* Interview with Gubernatorial Candidate Keystone Phil (September 13, 2005)

NEWS BITES
* In the News, 10/17 (October 17, 2005)
* Official List of Candidates; Absentee Voting Open (October 15, 2005)
* Endorsement Tracker for Federal Elections (October 14, 2005)
* In the News, 10/12 (October 12, 2005)
* Secretary of Defense Ben Meyers Resigns (October 11, 2005)
* Attorney General John F Kennedy Resigns (October 9, 2005)
* This Week in the Senate (October 8, 2005)
* Statement from Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate King (October 6, 2005)
* A Northeast Pre-Election Analysis (October 6, 2005)
* Jesus Announces Presidential Candidacy (October 6, 2005)

OLD POLLING DATA/ELECTION DATA:
August 4 - October 14, 2005

The content broadcast on this network is copyright and property of The Ebowed Corporation Ltd (TM).

[Ebowed]

September 8, 2005

Vote on Northeast Region Symbols Act
Aye: 12
Nay: 2
Abstain: 0
Invalid: 1

Detailed Voting Results
Kesytone Phil (PA) voted Yea.
Colin Wixted (PA) voted Yea.
Max Power (PA) voted Yea.
LiberalPA (PA) voted Yea.
King (MA) voted Yea.
EarlAW (NY) voted Yea.
MAS117 (NJ) voted Yea.
Supersoulty (PA) voted Yea.
Defarge (NY) voted Yea.
Flyers2006 (PA) voted Yea.
TexasGurl (NH) voted Nay.
danwxman (PA) voted Yea.
fEzZyFeStOoN (NJ) voted Yea.
Boss Tweed (NY) voted Nay.

Invalid Votes
Winfield (RI) voted Yea, but he was not a registered voter at the time of the vote.  VOTE DECLARED INVALID BY DSOFA ALCON AND GOVERNOR MAS117 10/7/05.

The original voting booth can be accessed here.

Voting is closed as of 9/14/05.

[Max Power]

Not that it matters, but I, Judge Max Power, Earl's running mate in the Northeast Gubernatorial Race, endorse the LiberalPA/EarlAW ticket.

[Ebowed]

Not that it matters, but I, Judge Max Power, Earl's running mate in the Northeast Gubernatorial Race, endorse the LiberalPA/EarlAW ticket.

Noted.  Like the new network look?

[Max Power]

Not that it matters, but I, Judge Max Power, Earl's running mate in the Northeast Gubernatorial Race, endorse the LiberalPA/EarlAW ticket.

Noted.  Like the new network look?

I love it!!! Very sleek!!!

[Ebowed]

September 9, 2005

Pacific Vote On Amending Proposed Abortion Law
Would add the health of the mother as an exception to a proposed third trimester abortion ban.
Aye: 5
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
hughento voted Aye.
John F. Kennedy voted Aye.
Emsworth voted Aye.
AkSaber voted Nay.
Alcon voted Aye.
WMS voted Aye.

The original voting booth can be accessed here.

Voting closed as of 9/15/05.

Pacific Vote On Amending Proposed Abortion Law
Would remove Section 3, which assigns a $50,000 fine to any woman seeking an illegal third trimester abortion, from the proposed act.
Aye: 5
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
hughento voted Aye.
John F. Kennedy voted Aye.
Emsworth voted Aye.
AkSaber voted Nay.
Alcon voted Aye.
WMS voted Aye.

The original voting booth can be accessed here. here.

Voting closed as of 9/15/05

[Ebowed]

September 10, 2005

October 2005 Poll #1
Number of Responses: 44

1.) What party are you registered in?

• Constitutional Union Party 29.5%
• Independent Liberal Party 22.7%
• Atlasian Conservative Alliance 22.7%
• Christian Democrat Party 11.4%
• Social Democratic Party   9.1%
• Independent 4.5%
• Other 0%

2.) Mideast residents: Who will you support for Governor this September? (8 responses.)

• Dean (I-WI) 37.5%
• 9iron (ACA-WI) 37.5%
• RBH (ILP-MO) 25%

3.) Northeast residents: which ticket will you support in the upcoming Gubernatorial election? (14 responses.)

• Keystone Phil (ACA-PA)/King (CUP-MA) 64.3%
• EarlAW (SDP-NY)/Max Power (CUP-PA) 35.7%

4.) Southeast residents: Who do you support for Lieutenant Governor?  (There are no announced candidates.)

• Dubya - 2
• Ian - 2
• TCash101 - 1
• Democratic 'Hawk' - 1
• Jake - 1
• Undecided - 1

5.) Southeast residents: Who do you recommend Governor Bono should appoint to be Southeast Lottery Commissioner?

• TCash101 - 3
• StatesRights - 2
• htmldon - 1
• KatieG - 1

6.) Out of the three announced presidential tickets, who would you first preference if the election were held today?
Emsworth (ILP-NV)/TBA - 61.4%
Jake (CDP-MS)/TBA - 22.7%
LiberalPA (SDP-PA)/EarlAW (SDP-NY) - 15.9%

7.) Would you first preference Wildcard if he ran for president?
Yes - 29.5%
Lean Yes - 13.6%
Lean No   - 25%
No - 31.8%

8.) Assuming Wildcard runs, who would be a good running mate choice for him?  (All responses shown.)

• ford
• al
• Al
• dont know
• Doesn't matter, I won't preference him
• Harry
• Dubya
• John Ford
• WMS
• A moderate Democrat, though none of the populist loneys.
• WMS
• Not Sure
• .....
• Somebody equally inept.
• WMS
• my penis
• King
• Governor John Ford
• A moderate leftist, possibly Nation
• Ford
• MAS117
• Keystone Phil
• John Ford
• John Ford
• ColinW (if he'll take it), Sam Spade, John Dibble, King, Dubya, MHS2002, ...
• TexasGurl
• Defarge, Gabu or Al
• Hobbes
• Joe Republic
• Peter Bell
• Gabu, John Dibble
• ColinW
• Don't know
• Dubya
• No idea
• Mike Naso
• Dubya
• ColinW
• Fezzyfestoon
• Keystone Phil
• Um....Boss Tweed.
• WMS
• John ford. why dont they get married
• He shouldn't run.

9.) Who would be a good running mate choice for Emsworth?  (All responses shown.)

• Ebowed or dibble
• Ebowed
• Q
• dont know
• Ebowed
• Ebowed
• Ebowed
• True Independent
• Ilikeverin
• A credible left-winger.
• Who cares? He's not going to win if Wildcard runs, and that's a good thing.
• Not Sure
• Ebowed
• dunno
• Wildcard
• my testicles
• Casey
• Senator Ebowed
• A moderate leftist, possible Nation
• Alcon
• MAS117
• Al Reapolitik
• Ebowed, he'd be stupid to pick anyone else.
• Joe Republic
• John Dibble, maybe John Ford
• His Cat
• I Like Verin
• Robert Goldwater (Bob)
• TCash101
• Ebowed
• Wildcard, Gabu, or Ebowed
• Ebowed
• Q
• Ernest
• Ebowed
• Dick Nixon
• No advice!
• Peter Bell
• Max Power
• Q
• Ebowed is TEH ONLY CHOICE!!
• Ebowed
• alcon
• Ebowed

10.) Who would be a good running mate choice for Jake?  (All responses shown.)

• dont know
• ben myers
• States Rights
• dont know
• John Dibble
• Bob
• Harry
• Al
• Cosmo Kramer
• Someone not afraid to lose...
• Who cares? He's not going to win if Wildcard runs, and that's a good thing.
• Not Sure
• WMS
• dunno
• Don't care, he won't win, I won't vote for him
• my anus
• Nation
• Secretary of the Interior WMS
• Mr. Snowflake of Hell
• Ben Meyers
• He should drop out
• Keystone Phil
• Mr Hobbes or Ebowed
• Ben Meyers
• Al, WMS
• Hitler
• States Rights
• Ernest
• Harry
• some Nazi
• Bono
• Dubya
• Don't know
• Ben Meyers
• No idea
• Keystone Phil
• Mr. Hobbes
• Harry
• ?
• Mr. Hobbes
• WMS
• Hitchabrut
• the lord satan
• Josh22

11.) Who else would you like to see run for president, if applicable, and who would you want to be their running mate choice?  (All responses shown.)

• no
• no one
• No one else
• just Wildcard
• Dubya/DanielX, Keystone Phil/BrandonH
• Lewis Trondheim/True Democrat
• Dubya and htmldon.
• DanielX/Dubya
• Wildcard is enough.
• Skybridge has said he's running, and though I don't want him to win, I want him to run. He probably won't find a running mate, though
• Wilcard
• WMS/Frodo
• Keystone Phil, so he can get raped again.
• DanielX or Dubya
• Harry Jesus
• BRTD/Opebo
• None
• gabu/ford
• MasterJedi/Dubya
• Keystone Phil/Mike Naso
• Al Reapolitik/Harry Nelson
• Nobody, really. I hope we don't get another six-ticket mess.
• PBrunsel/True Independent!!!!!
• Dubya/MHS or Dibble; if I absolutely have to then DanielX/I dunno.
• NO one
• no one else
• Joe Republic, with Ernest as his running-mate
• PD/Migrendel
• Josh22/Kevin
• MasterJedi/Cosmo Kramer would make a very good selection
• John Dibble / unsure
• Ben Meyers
• MHS2002
• Don't know
• Keystone Phil-Dubya
• DanielX-Dubya
• DanielX-MasterJedi
• No one, the left must triumph!
• Mike Naso
• Governor Dubya/DanielX
• Ford
• Everett
• Not applicable
• Ilikeverin/jfern (AMRLP)
• I'm very happy with the current candidates
• we have enough candidates
• PD/migrendel

12.) Any additional comments?  (All responses shown.)

• No
• QN4KP!
• I'm not an ACA member but the ticket that I said of DanielX/Dubya would be excellent for them. I hope many, many, people try and run for the presidency. The fewer the candidates the less fun the election is.
• Wildcard would get a very high preference from me, but just probably not my first.
• I'm gonna be nice and not say anything mean.
• As should be obvious from the above, I don't intend to first preference Wildcard but I do intend to second preference him.
• My first preference will actually be for PD/migrendel
• Go Packers!
• Jew
• MOTHERLAAAANDD
• LiberalPA needs to drop out
• Why are there no Senate polls?
• BTW, I hope Naso doesn't win the ACA nomination. I'll vote against him, that's for sure!
• 42
• No.
• Do dogs have lips?
• ba-da-ba-ba-baaaaaa im lovin' it!
• This will be the February Election all over again.
• Mike Naso
• Santorum for Senate
• Jim,

I was here.
-George

• Nope
• Ebowed is still gay.
• Ebowed is gay
• Nah

[Keystone Phil]

I love the responses: "Keystone Phil so he can get raped again" and "Keystone Phil/Mike Naso"

How was MAS able to vote more than once in this poll?

[ilikeverin]

Emsworth/Ilikeverin would be the strangest, most frightening ticket ever.

Hence, IT IS PERFECT!

[Emsworth]

Emsworth/Ilikeverin would be the strangest, most frightening ticket ever.

Hence, IT IS PERFECT!

Does the alignment of the stars and the planets indicate a victory for this ticket?

[ilikeverin]

Emsworth/Ilikeverin would be the strangest, most frightening ticket ever.

Hence, IT IS PERFECT!

Does the alignment of the stars and the planets indicate a victory for this ticket?

Oh yes, due to the unlikely trine between the Moon in the sign of Presidentius, conjunct the star Emsworth and the Sun in the sign of Vice-Presidentius, conjunct the star Ilikeverin our victory will be assured!

The stars also indicate that I am a very, very sexy man

[PBrunsel]

I forgot to put down Ilikeverin/PBrunsel, the greatest ticket ever!

[Everett]

People sure have trouble being serious, don't they?

I would definitely preference Emsworth the highest if he took up Wildcard as a running mate, though.

Now, who is the fiend that wants me to run for president?

[CheeseWhiz]

Go Emsworth, Ilikeverin, Everett or PBrunsel!

[ian]

Not one, but TWO nazi references to Jake's ticket!  HAHAHAH!!

[Ebowed]

September 13, 2005

Election Exclusive: Interview with Keystone Phil
Ebowed News Network interviews former Vice President and Northeast Gubernatorial candidate Keystone Phil of Pennsylvania for The Atlasian Observer.  Subjects include the gubernatorial campaign and the October 2005 presidential race.

Ebowed:  Hello, Phil.  Thanks for speaking with me today.

Phil:  It's a pleasure.

Ebowed:  You have been accused of not having a plan for the Northeast, and not doing enough for the region.  How do you answer these accusations?

Phil:  I believe that I have been a well known individual in this region and I have fought for the people in the past, present and will in the future.  As a citizen, I turned to the administration.  That administration failed us.  The Governor's ratings were low.  The people believed the Governor was incompetent and didn't engage us.  He claimed he believed in what he said and wanted another term yet decides a day later that he doesn't want to run again.  If that doesn't say that he is a failure, I don't know what does.  Now they want to accuse me of not doing enough?  That's absurd.

Ebowed:  What would you say is one positive quality about your opponent?

Phil:  I think he has done more in terms of presenting somewhat of an agenda to the public than the current Governor.

Ebowed:  Why do you believe the Northeast should elect you over Earl?

Phil:  Experience and desire to do the job.  Lt. Governor Earl is running for two positions at one time.  He says he wants to be Governor and Vice President.  Which one does he really want?  He needs to make a decision.  He cannot play around with the people of the Northeast.

Ebowed:  After losing the Senate race last month, do you think you can win this election?

Phil:  Absolutely.  I don't base everything off of polls but they do show that I am doing pretty well right now.  Also take into account my opponents in each race.  Al was clearly more popular and a much stronger opponent than Earl but I still believe this will be tough, don't get me wrong.

Ebowed:  Do you regret any of your past actions in Atlasia?

Phil:  I regret the way some people view me.  I am not really the vicious bulldog people like to think of me as.  I guess I could have done more to show my gentler side.

Ebowed:  Do you think you will be able to appeal to leftists in this election?

Phil:  Yes because I truly do believe that ideology is not the determining factor here.

Ebowed:  Your opponent stated in your townhall thread that you "[do] not care about the Northeast."  What do you have to say to that?

Phil:  In all honesty, I can't address such a silly point.

Ebowed:  Did you support EarlAW's effort in the Northeast to make it so that gubernatorial candidates had to choose their lieutenant gubernatorial candidate to run on an official ticket with them, rather than having the posts elected separately?

Phil:  I do support such an idea and I am sure that whenever it was brought up, I voted in favor of it.  I am a strong supporter of these tickets.

Ebowed:  What sort of things do you plan to do as Governor, if elected?

Phil:  Whenever intiatives come up, the people WILL know. I will engage the voters. I will seek that they become more active. That's my goal.

Ebowed:  What initiatives do you intend on proposing?

Phil:  I hope to push through more socially conservative initiatives but I am mindful of how the voters feel.  We'll disagree but I will push for what I believe to be right.  Also, I know economics are important in this area so I hope to work with my Lt. Governor and all Northeasterners on these issues of importance.

Ebowed:  What issues do you find yourself to be more left-leaning on, and therefore perhaps have in common with the region?

Phil:  I don't know that I can say I am more left leaning on issues.  I think that it might be easier to compromise on issues like education.

Ebowed:  Do you think you can work in a bipartisan manner with the citizens of the Northeast, who tend to be more socially liberal than yourself?

Phil:  Absolutely.  I think a main problem that people have with me is that they think I automatically tune out those who disagree with me.  Send me your most far left wing citizen and I will be MORE THAN WILLING TO DISCUSS ANYTHING with that voter and hopefully get something resolved.

Ebowed:  Why did you choose King as your running mate?

Phil:  I chose King as my running mate because I can trust him.  We have had our disagreements but I believe he is a good public servant and someone the Northeast can turn to for leadership.

Ebowed:  What do you think about the upcoming Presidential race?  Which candidate do you intend to first preference?

Phil:  I am currently undecided but with DanielX saying that he won't run, I lean towards former Governor Dubya.

Ebowed:  Are you worried that a split among the right will cause a leftist ticket to win?

Phil:  We won't be split this time.  You watch.

Ebowed:  There are two rightist tickets in the race, though, and both seem to be popular in their respective parties.  Will this be a problem for the right?

Phil:  The level of frustration with recent leaders of the left will allow us to unite.  Will that mean a candidate might drop out?  Possibly.

Ebowed:  Do you have any ideas on who Dubya will choose for a running mate?  Do you think he'll pick someone from the Constitutional Union Party or elsewhere outside of the ACA?

Phil:  I haven't spoken to him about that.

Ebowed:  What would you recommend?

Phil:  The best person for the job who shares our principles. I will make no specific suggestions as to who it should be, though, unless asked by the candidate.

Ebowed:  What do you see in the future for your party, the Atlasian Conservative Alliance?

Phil:  Great, great things. We were considered a joke at one time but our standing in the Senate is the second best in Atlasia.  We are looking good in Gubernatorial races, too.  And soon enough, we'll be in the White House.  This is a great, strong party with a bright future ahead.

Ebowed:  Finally, what message do you wish to send to the voters of the Northeast?

Phil:  My message is that I actually want this job.  My opponent is too busy wanting to become Vice President.  Elect someone who wants to serve, not someone who might hold an office for a few weeks and forget about us.

Please note; an interview with Lieutenant Governor EarlAW is in process and will be ready soon.  You can ask to schedule an interview by contacting me.

[Ebowed]

September 14, 2005

Election Exclusive: Interview with EarlAW
Ebowed News Network interviews Northeast Lt. Governor, Vice Presidential candidate, and Northeast Gubernatorial candidate EarlAW of New York for The Atlasian Observer. Subjects include the gubernatorial campaign and the October 2005 vice presidential race.

Ebowed:  Hello, Earl.  Thanks for chatting with me today.

Earl:  Hello, Ebowed.  Always a pleasure.

Ebowed:  Let's get down to business.  Many voters in the upcoming Northeast gubernatorial election will want to know about you record as Lieutenant Governor.  What do you consider your greatest achievement?  How about something that you regret?

Earl:  Well, my greatest achievement is yet to occur, Ebowed.  I would like to get the New Constitution up, but that might not be completed until after the elections.  It's still a work in progress.  Another proud accomplishment has been my Official symbols bill, which is moving swiftly through the legislature as we speak.  As for something I regret, I can't honestly think of anything.  I don't regret anything, I have enjoyed my time as Lt. Governor.

Ebowed:  Do you think that criticism of your running for two offices simultaneously is justified?

Earl:  Maybe to a degree, but I dont think voting against me because of it is however.  It's really just petty.  I mean, this is a race between Keystone Phil and myself.  People have to ask the question, do they really want to vote for Phil?  Or will they vote for someone who has done a lot of hard work in the region?  Well, I think anyone who wants the Governor to play an active progressive role will pick myself, and let the foolish and the petty decide otherwise.

Ebowed:  How do you think your chances are in the October vice presidential race?  Do any of the recently announced presidential candidates intimidate you and LiberalPA?

Earl:  I'll be frank with you, while I would like to win, our chances will be slim to nil. That's why people shouldn't be worried about me running for Vice President. I am mostly focused on the Governor's race, and that's what's most important to me. Out of what I have heard, I think Emsworth is the most intimidating, because I know for a fact he will win.

Ebowed:  If you lose the Gubernatorial race, do you intend to persue the Vice Presidency more vigorously?  If you win the race, do you intend to drop off the VP ballot?

Earl:  I would say yes on both fronts.

Ebowed:  Why do you believe Northeasterners should choose you over Phil?

Earl:  People should choose me over Phil, because Phil has done very little for the region over the last few months.  I, on the other hand, have.  Phil is the kind of guy who would most likely be a divider, not a uniter.  He opposes many pieces of legislation that everyone else in the region has supported.  I would always seek a compromise.  Just look at my running mate, Max Power.  He is right wing economically.  With me, you can have your progressive politics, but Casey will keep me in check when it comes to balancing a budget, which I will see as my top priority.

Ebowed:  Do you consider yourself to be a uniter, as opposed to Phil?

Earl:  I dont want to speak for what Phil will do as a Governor, but right now he is a divisive person.  As Lt. Governor, I have seeked compromise on many issues.  Phil is a staunch conservative.  I have selected Max Power to run with me, to show my commitment to moderation and fiscal responsibility.

Ebowed:  Don't you think that Phil's selection as King of his running mate also shows a commitment to moderation?

Earl:  I suppose that's true, but how can we be so sure he will be a moderate as Governor?  We've already seen me act as a moderate.  What has Phil done?  He has opposed many pieces of legislation that everyone else has supported.  Doesn't sound like a moderate to me.

Ebowed:  What sort of legislation are you referring to?

Earl:  He was the only person to vote nay in both the Amendments to Northeastern National Guard Act and to the Northeast Pornography and Age of Consent Act.

Ebowed:  If elected Vice President, would you maintain the activity held by Emsworth or would you let the President pro tempore reclaim more control of the Senate?

Earl:  Emsworth is doing a fabulous job, so it would be difficult to top it. I think I would be active, but I would give the PPT a little more control.

Ebowed:  During your campaign, you have spent considerable time criticizing the President, Siege40.  What are your main criticisms, and why do you think LiberalPA would do a better job?

Earl:  Well, until very recently, Siege has been generally an inactive President, even today he is rarely seen. I feel the President as Commander in Chief, and the leader of our great nation, the President should play a big role in the country, not neccesarily legislatively or executively, but symbollicaly as well. I feel that LiberalPA would be obligated to do a better job in this respect, mainly because we would be seen as hypocrites if we didn't. 

Ebowed:  Do you have any idea of LiberalPA's plans on who he would appoint to the Cabinet assuming a LiberalPA/EarlAW win this October?

Earl:  Well, we haven't really talked it through.  It would be best to talk it through with him.  Some may suggest our good friend Max Power, but under such a circumstance, he would become Governor of the Northeast, and well it would be unfair to the voters to have him in cabinet.  But, we have a lot of good people in different parties that would be good.

Ebowed:  Do you care to comment on the current status of your party, the Social Democratic Party, in Atlasia?  How long do you think it will survive?

Earl:  I think we are doing quite well now. I hope it survives quite a while, and I think it will, because we have active leadership.

Ebowed:  What would be the LiberalPA/EarlAW administration's position on the balance between federal law and the regions?

Earl:  Well, I think regional determanism is very important, but at the same time, there are certain rights that everyone in Atlasia should have, no matter what the region.

Ebowed:  Back to the gubernatorial election, what message do you wish to send to the citizens of the Northeast?

Earl:  I wish to tell my fellow Northeasterners that we need someone who will do the job that they want.  I won't sit around and do nothing like Phil.  Win or lose, I plan on being very active in the Northeast, and make sure it remains the best region it can be.  Phil hasn't yet set up a plan for leadership.  I plan to introduce a Secretary of the Treasury to make sure we balance our budgets.  I plan to finish our constitution up as well.  Neither Phil nor King (who is supposed to be helping me) has done anything to contribute to re-doing our constitution.  Four months with them in office is four months of inactivity at the top.  I plan to lead the Northeast with the help of compromise and fiscal constraint and lead the Region into the next four months like it has never seen before.  And I plan on introducing productive non-partisan legislation, like I have already.

Ebowed:  What is one positive quality about your opponent?

Earl:  Phil is an experienced individual who is a very dedicated person.

Earl:  I would also like to add this:  I am planning to drop off the LiberalPA ticket, I am just trying to find a replacement.  I will hold a press conference when I am ready to make an official announcement.

Ebowed:  Thanks for your time, Mr. Lieutenant Governor.

[Ebowed]

September 16, 2005

Mideast Gubernatorial Election

Due to the optional secret ballot system implemented in the Mideast, these results may be incomplete.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

ROUND 1:
9iron (ACA-WI) - 6
write-in Ben (CU-VA) - 3
Dean (I-WI) - 2
write-in Joe Republic (I-OH) - 1
RBH (IL-MO) - 0

FINAL ROUND:
9iron (ACA-WI) - 7
Dean (I-WI) - 5

Governor Joe Republic has stated that no valid secret votes were cast.

Therefore, 9iron is elected Governor and Dean is elected Lieutenant Governor.

Detailed Voting Results (Any nonserious write-ins were not included)
Dean (WI) voted for 1.) Dean, 2.) RBH, 3.) 9iron.
Frodo (VA) voted for 1.) Write-in Ben., 2.) Dean.
Akno21 (MD) voted for 1.) Dean, 2.) RBH, 3.) 9iron.
MasterJedi (WI) voted for 1.) 9iron, 2.) Dean, 3.) RBH.
A18 (VA) voted for 1.) 9iron.
Al (WV) voted for 1.) Write-in Ben., 2.) Dean, 3.) RBH, 4.) 9iron.
milk_and_cereal (MI) voted for 1.) 9iron, 2.) RBH.
Kucinich4Prez (MI) voted for 1.) 9iron.
MHS2002 (VA) voted for 1.) 9iron, 2.) RBH, 3.) Dean.
Peter Bell (IN) voted for 1.) Write-in Joe Republic, 2.) RBH, 3.) Dean, 4.) 9iron.
9iron (WI) voted for 1.) 9iron, 2.) Dean, 3.) RBH.
Joe Republic (OH) voted for 1.) Write-in Ben., 2.) 9iron, 3.) Dean, 4.) RBH.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Proposition 22: Second Mideast Constitutional Amendment
Allows Mideast residents to vote in regional elections without denoting their state of residence in their avatar and/or signature.

Due to the optional secret ballot system implemented in the Mideast, these results may be incomplete.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

Yea - 10
Nay - 0
Abstain - 2

Detailed Voting Results
Dean (WI) voted Yea.
Frodo (VA) abstained.
Akno21 (MD) voted Yea.
MasterJedi (WI) voted Yea.
A18 (VA) abstained.
Al (WV) voted Yea.
milk_and_cereal (MI) voted Yea.
Kucinich4Prez (MI) voted Yea.
MHS2002 (VA) voted Yea.
Peter Bell (IN) voted Yea.
9iron (WI) voted Yea.
Joe Republic (OH) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 11: Sex Crime Legislation
Establishes different ages of consent for various types of sexual behavior and definitions for sex crimes.

Due to the optional secret ballot system implemented in the Mideast, these results may be incomplete.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

Yea - 10
Nay - 0
Abstain - 2

Detailed Voting Results
Dean (WI) voted Yea.
Frodo (VA) voted Yea.
Akno21 (MD) voted Yea.
MasterJedi (WI) voted Yea.
A18 (VA) abstained.
Al (WV) voted Yea.
milk_and_cereal (MI) abstained.
Kucinich4Prez (MI) voted Yea.
MHS2002 (VA) voted Yea.
Peter Bell (IN) voted Yea.
9iron (WI) voted Yea.
Joe Republic (OH) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Voting Closed 9/19/05

[Ebowed]

September 15, 2005

Pacific Vote On Amending Proposed Abortion Law
Would lower the amount of time that doctors who perform illegal third trimester abortions stay in prison for 18 months, as opposed to 5 years.
Yea: 5
Nay: 1
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
hughento (OR) voted Yea.
Emsworth (NV) voted Yea.
Alcon (WA) voted Yea.
TrueDemocrat (WA) voted Yea.
AkSaber (AK) voted Nay.
WMS (NM) voted Yea.

Pacific residents are invited to vote here.

Pacific Vote On Amending Proposed Abortion Law
Would remove incest as an exception to the illegality of third trimester abortions.
Yea: 4
Nay: 2
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
hughento (OR) voted Yea.
Emsworth (NV) voted Yea.
Alcon (WA) voted Yea.
TrueDemocrat (WA) voted Nay.
AkSaber (AK) voted Nay.
WMS (NM) voted Yea.

Pacific residents are invited to vote here.

Pacific Vote On Amending Proposed Abortion Law
Would define "health of the mother" to include only the physical health of the mother, and not allow mental trauma as an excuse to get a third trimester abortion.
Yea: 2
Nay: 3
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
hughento (OR) voted Nay.
Emsworth (NV) voted Nay.
TrueDemocrat (WA) voted Nay.
AkSaber (AK) voted Yea.
WMS (NM) voted Yea.

Pacific residents are invited to vote here.

[Ebowed]

September 17, 2005

Interview with Pacific Governor John Ford
Ebowed News Network interviews former Game Moderator and current Pacific Governor John Ford.  Subjects include his work as Game Moderator, initiatives passed by the Pacific, and his future plans for the Pacific.

Ebowed:  Governor Ford, thanks for speaking with me today.

A good way to start things off would be to talk about your previous position, Game Moderator.  What sort of things influenced you and what did you take into account when deciding the events that would be happening in Atlasia?  Do you think Sam Spade is doing a good job as the new Game Moderator?

Governor Ford:  Mostly I took the effort people put into things into account.  If you put rersearch and effort into something, you'd usually be rewarded for it.  Supersoulty for example put a lot of effort into his oil sands project, and was rewarded by the signing of a favorable trade agreement.  On the other side, President Alcon, who I really like personally, showed tremendous disregard for filling the required cabinet posts, and he sufferred consequences for it.  Effort was the key factor, and using effort as the main arbiter of success or failure helped me keep ideology out of the job as much as I could.

Ebowed:  Your opponent in last month's gubernatorial election, Immy, was generally respected and active as Lieutenant Governor, until suddenly disappearing without notice a month before voting occurred.  He has not been heard from since.  What do you think of Immy's unexplained absense?

Governor Ford:  Whenever someone disappears, you worry about their safety.  You never know if they've simply decided the Forum takes away from their studies, or if they've been injured in a car wreck.  You just can't know.  I simply hope's he's alright and can return to the Forum someday in whatever capacity he feels appropriate.

Ebowed:  The elected Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Hobbes, abruptly resigned after less than a month in office.  For those who may be unaware, what is the procedure to replace a resigned Lieutenant Governor, and if appointed, who do you plan to appoint; if replaced via special election, who do you think should run?

Governor Ford:  The vacancy is to be filled with a special election.  There are no announced candidates, but I am Constitutionally obligated to open a voting booth next Friday, and we'll see what happens.  A write in candidate could win, obviously, but we won't know who and we won't know if that person is going to be willing to take office.  Wild scenario.

Ebowed:  The Pacific is currently voting on amending the proposed third trimester abortion criminalization law.  What do you think of the various amendments, such as removing incest as an exception, adding the health of the mother as an exception, removing the penalties completely for a woman seeking an illegal abortion, etc.?

Governor Ford:  I'm going to let the legislature work out all of these exceptions, but I do hope to have a bill that will restrict the availability of abortion.

Ebowed:  You recently proposed several initiatives in the Pacific: the Rule of Law Act, the Budget Act, and the Revenue Act; they all passed, and you signed them into law.  What will be the real impact of these acts in the Pacific, and do you think they are steps that other regions should take?

Governor Ford:  The Rule of Law Act, while important, is largely a formality.  It's important to do, but it won't change the way people live their daily lives.

The other two bills will quite simply make this Region the economic engine of the country.  By ending taxes on business and commerce, we've done the most important thing you can do in an economy, and that's let the marketplace grow without unnecessary impediments.  The average Pacifican has seen their tax burden drop by between 25%-50%, because the sales and gas taxes were eliminated and income taxes on most people, except the very wealthy, were cut.  The economic effects are going to be spectacular.  I expect unprecedented growth and a significant increase in the standard of living out here.

Will we be the model for other Regions?  I think we will, because people will see us succeed and it will suddenly become easier for other leaders to convince voters to support these kinds fo reform packages, which in the case of the tax reform was not an easy sell and a lesser Governor could not have put the votes together to do this.

Ebowed:  Will you be supporting the Death Penalty Abolition Act proposed by resigned Lieutenant Governor Mr. Hobbes?  You claimed during your campaign that a moratorium on capital punishment would be appropriate due to the racial disparities in the application of the death penalty.  Would abolition of the practice be a better solution, or one that you would oppose?

Governor Ford:  I don't support abolition, I support the moratorium.  It's a difficult issue, and one that, like the other cultural issues, I've tried to steer clear of because I respect all sides opinions and I don't want to deepen the divisions over cultural issues unless my hand is forced.

It doesn't appear that the Death Penalty Abolition petition is going to get to the legislature anyway, though.

Ebowed:  What initiatives do you intend to propose in the Pacific later on?

Governor Ford:  First, I want to fulfill my promise to establish a minimum wage at $7.00 per hour.  I'd also like to pass a law ensuring that Nevada's gambling revenue can stay in Nevada.  They pay the price of having legalized gambling, and we should ensure that only they can reap the rewards, I think that's the fair thing to do.

Eventually, I'd like to invest some money in transportation, but that won't be for the immediate future.

Note: This interview will be continued in the next post due to a 10,000 characters per post limit.

[Ebowed]

September 17, 2005

Interview with Pacific Governor John Ford
Ebowed News Network interviews former Game Moderator and current Pacific Governor John Ford.  Subjects include his work as Game Moderator, initiatives passed by the Pacific, and his future plans for the Pacific.

Ebowed:  The Constitutional Union Party appears unlikely, at this point in time, to have its own presidential candidate for the October 2005 election.  However, rumors are buzzing that some of the candidates may choose running mates from the Union Party to help gain support.  As you were originally a supporter of Wildcard, who has stated he will not be running, do you have any preference out of the candidates at this point in time?  How do you think the race is likely to turn out?

Governor Ford:  I haven't made up my mind on who to vote for yet.  It would be between Dubya and Emsworth right now.  I hope others enter the fray, though.  The CUP ought to find someone to run, if only to stay in the mix.

Ebowed:  The Pacific Senatorial election for October so far has only one announced candidate, the incumbent, True Democrat of Washington.  Do you think anyone else should run?  Do you plan to support True Democrat in his re-election bid?

Governor Ford:  I think that people should run for Lt. Governor instead!  I do intend to support True Democrat barring some unusual circumstance arising.

Ebowed:  What do you see in your political future in Atlasia?

Governor Ford:  I will seek re-election to the Governorship at least one more time.  I may run for president someday, but not right now.  The left has a lot of very partisan voters who block any right or center right candidate.  We saw that with KEmp, if he couldn't win who can?  If I do run for the Presidency, I'd only do it if I thought I could win.  I'm not going to run just to make a point.

Ebowed:  Don't you think it's fair to say that the right also has a lot of partisan voters who would attempt to block any leftist candidate?  For example, PBrunsel winning the October 2004 election, or Keystone Phil getting to the final round of the June 2005 election.

Governor Ford:  It's obviously true that there are partisan right wing voters, but at the same time there are not nearly enough of them to prevail.  They can be as partisan as they want, but there's nothing they can do to get to vote more than once.  They're losing the numbers game is all.

Ebowed:  What do you think of the legislation currently going through the Senate?  What issues would you like to see the Senate tackle?

Governor Ford:  Social Security must be reformed.  This is the top domestic priority, followed by energy.  The new reform trial balloon is a good start, but eventually the government will have to address solvency and that will someday mean benefits cuts or igher taxes, and who's got the courage to go forward with one of those?  I hope this current Seante does, but I have my doubts whether anyone will take the risk until they really have to.

Ebowed:  Do you think criticism of President Siege40 is valid?  Which Presidential administration was the most productive to work with as Game Moderator?

Governor Ford:  In my experience, both Alcon and True Democrat were very reluctant to take the initiative, not very interested in the Presidency.  It should be obvious why, they came to office under similar circumstances.  They were about the same in terms of activity.  Siege40 doesn't seem to want to be President much either, I get the feeling he ran because there was no one else willing to do it on the left.  None were very responsive to what I was writing in the Planet.  Sometimes the cabinet was, though, Emsworth and Supersoulty in particular.

Ebowed:  What do you have to say about gubernatorial races going on at the moment-- the one in the Mideast, where voting is open now, and October's race in a few weeks?  What sort of work do you have to do, if any, with other Governors?

Governor Ford:  I'd like to see Dean lose the Mid East Governorship, simply because I don't care for him and he doesn't care for me.  Whether RBH or 9iron win I don't know, I don't know RBH well and I'm not sure about 9iron's activity level.

Soon we'll do redistricting, and that will be a colllaborative effort with other Governors.  There's not much else going on between us all, but maybe there should be, say a National Governor's Conference.

Ebowed:  What is your greatest concern for the Pacific?

Governor Ford:  The lack of interesting political races, which can breed apathy among voters and complacency among the government officials.

Ebowed:  Thanks for speaking with me today, Mr. Governor.

[Ebowed]

September 16, 2005

Southeast Lieutenant Gubernatorial Election
Declared candidates: Ian of Louisiana.  Gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial elections in the Southeast are conducted using approval voting.

Ian (IL-LA) - 15
(write in) Brandon H (ACA-LA) - 4
(write in) Democratic 'Hawk' (CD-GA) - 2
(write in) Q (CU-GA) - 1

Projected Winner: Ian (IL-LA)

Detailed Voting Results (Any nonserious writeins not included.)
Ebowed (SC) approved of Ian.
Sam Spade (AL) approved of Ian.
Ian (LA) approved of Ian.
Ernest (SC) approved of Ian.
Dubya (TX) approved of Ian and Brandon H.
Q (GA) approved of Ian.
Jake (MS) approved of Ian.
Harry (MS) approved of Ian.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) approved of Ian.
John Dibble (GA) approved of Ian.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) approved of Ian and Democratic 'Hawk'.
htmldon (TN) approved of Brandon H.
nclib (NC) approved of Ian.
Bono (SC) approved of Brandon H.
Ben Meyers (FL) approved of Ian.
BrandonH (LA) approved of Ian, Brandon H, Democratic 'Hawk', and Q.
ThePrezMex (TX) approved of Ian.

Southeast residents are invited to vote here.

Initiative 54: An Amendment to the Southeast Constitution on the Amendment Procedure
Yea - 10
Nay - 6
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Nay.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) abstained.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 56: The Ensuring Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment
Yea - 13
Nay - 3
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) abstained.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Yea.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 59: Southeast Forum Elite Conspiracy Initiative
Yea - 9
Nay - 8
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Nay.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Nay.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Nay.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 60: A Constitutional Amendment Establishing a Bill of Rights
Yea - 11
Nay - 5
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Yea.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) abstained.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 61: Amendment to the Southeast Constitution: Addition of a Bill of Rights
Yea - 7
Nay - 9
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Nay.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) abstained.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 62: Bill of Rights Commission Initiative
Yea - 9
Nay - 5
Abstain - 3

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Yea.
Dubya (TX) abstained.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Nay.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) abstained.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) abstained.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 63: Federal Amendment Initiative
Yea - 7
Nay - 9
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) abstained.
Ernest (SC) voted Yea.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Nay.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Nay.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Nay.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 64: Southeast Death Penalty Abolition Initiative
Yea - 6
Nay - 8
Abstain - 3

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Nay.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) abstained.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Yea.
Bono (SC) abstained.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) abstained.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Voting Closed 9/19/05

Due to a 10,000 character per post limit, this will be continued in the next post.

[Ebowed]

September 16, 2005

Southeast Vote on Initiatives, Part 2


Initiative 65: Brutal Crimes Initiative
Yea - 10
Nay - 7
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 66: The Pro-Informed Choice Initiative
Yea - 11
Nay - 5
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) abstained.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Nay.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 67: Protection of Commerce in Arms Initiative
Yea - 15
Nay - 2
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Yea.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 68: Repeal of Day of Rest Initiative
Yea - 6
Nay - 11
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Nay.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Nay.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Nay.
nclib (NC) voted Yea.
Bono (SC) voted Nay.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) voted Nay.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 69: Affirmative Action Initiative
Yea - 11
Nay - 6
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Nay.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Nay.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 70: The Independent Voter's Roll Initiative
Yea - 11
Nay - 5
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Nay.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) abstained.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Nay.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Yea.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 71: Amending Concealed Carry Law
Yea - 8
Nay - 8
Abstain - 1

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) abstained.
Jake (MS) voted Yea.
Harry (MS) voted Nay.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.
htmldon (TN) voted Nay.
nclib (NC) voted Nay.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Nay.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Initiative 72: Constitutional Amendment to Define Initiatives
Yea - 12
Nay - 5
Abstain - 0

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Yea.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Ernest (SC) voted Nay.
Dubya (TX) voted Nay.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
Harry (MS) voted Yea.
Democratic 'Hawk' (GA) voted Yea.
John Dibble (GA) voted Yea.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Yea.
nclib (NC) voted Yea.
Bono (SC) voted Yea.
Ben Meyers (FL) voted Nay.
BrandonH (LA) voted Yea.
ThePrezMex (TX) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

Voting Closed 9/19/05

[Ebowed]

September 17, 2005

Midwest Ratification of Adding States Amendment
Yea: 5
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1

Detailed Voting Results
DanielX (WY) voted Yea.
CheeseWhiz (MT) voted Yea.
Ilikeverin (MN) abstained.
Jas (IA) voted Yea.
PBrunsel (IA) voted Yea.
OWL (ND) voted Yea.

Midwest residents are invited to vote here.

[Ebowed]

September 18, 2005

Interview with Secretary of Defense Ben Meyers
Ebowed News Network interviews Secretary of Defense and Southeast Senatorial candidate Ben Meyers. Subjects include his the military policy towards homosexuals, his views on issues such as gun rights and free trade, and the experience he has from his previous two Senatorial campaigns.

Ebowed:  Hello, Secretary Meyers.  Thanks for speaking with me today.

Secretary Meyers:  It's my pleasure, Senator, anytime. 

Ebowed:  You've run for Senate twice already, once as a write-in candidate.  What have you learned from these two campaigns, and what did you think of the outcomes?

Secretary Meyers:  I've learned all about Atlasia, the political process, my region, and my fellow Atlasians.  I've learned so much from my opponents, Sam Spade, Harry, htmldon and Josh22.  They've shaped me into a better and more experienced candidate.  The outcomes...  You win some, you lose some.  I performed better than expected in both.  I lost to two very admirable people, who are both friends of mine, and who I respect greatly.  I tried my best and that's all I can do.  I'm very proud of my previous campaigns.

Ebowed:  Under the Department of Defense headed by yourself, the main change in the military has been the implementation of a passed Senate bill that ended the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy that sent homosexual men serving their country home if they were outed.  What do you personally think of the policy?  Is the Atlasian military better off without it?

Secretary Meyers:  Let me begin by saying that I have the same respect for a gay Atlasian as I would for a straight one.  Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, etc. are all human beings.  Now about the policy...  I support this policy because it has been proven that by having a gay person among straight people in a military unit, it causes some unease and/or distraction.  If gay men or women in the military do not openly discuss their orientation, there's no problem.  But when a distraction is caused because of the oriention of a person, we must take action.  Therefore, I support the policy.

Ebowed:  Who do you think your opponent(s) will be in this Southeast Senate race?

Secretary Meyers:  I can't be sure, honestly.  It's possible that Senator Q will seek election, and if he does, I look forward to a good race with a very nice guy like him.  I might have an unexpected opponent.  I will welcome any candidate who enters the race.  I'm prepared to campaign just as hard if I'm unopposed than if I had an opponent.  My campaign is about the people of the Southeast, not about my opponent.

Ebowed:  What is your greatest concern for the Southeast?

Secretary Meyers:  Well, there are many concerns for Atlasia in general, but I think that's for a different question.   Specifically for the Southeast, I think that we have a major issue over division.  During the past election cycle, there was some heavy fighting going on between some Southeasterners.  Many people in this region are extremely proud of it, including myself.  However, some are understandably embarrassed at some actions taken by previous generations of Southeasterners.  I believe that we must overcome this division, and become one region.  I'm proud to be a Dixie Unionist, and we need to see some more union in our region.

Ebowed:  The Southeast saw its first non-tied gubernatorial election in months a couple weeks ago when Governor Bono won the run-off over Jake and Dubya.  What do you think of this outcome?

Secretary Meyers:  While I think that all three candidates were qualified and ready for the position, I was personally a supporter of Dubya.  However, I believe that Southeasterners should unite behind Governor Bono, the victor of the race.  So far, he is doing a fine job and I am proud to call him my Governor.

Ebowed:  Who are you likely to support in the presidential race?

Secretary Meyers:  I'm an undecided voter as of now.  There are so many great candidates out there - Emsworth, Jake, Dubya, StatesRights, LiberalPA, and others to come.  All five are great candidates and I am personal friends with many.  As the race progresses, I think I'll make up my mind, but for now, it's hard to find the best one out of these.

Ebowed:  You just announced your candidacy less than an hour ago and have already received pledges of support from many.  What do you think about the preliminary support?

Secretary Meyers:  I'm honored and touched.  Just a couple months ago, I was a new guy in Atlasia, running against a powerful Senator.  I have very little support and I didn't know much about it.  Throughout my time in Atlasia, I have made great friends, and continue to do so.  I am honored by every single one of my supporters and non-supporters alike.  I am proud to call these people my friends.

Ebowed:  If elected Senator, what legislation would you introduce?

Secretary Meyers:  A whole bunch of it, hehe.  I'd definitely like to introduce bills to expand our military for new threats, to increase regulation of businesses when it comes to the environment, to revise the Patriot Act to make it more effective while also being more constitutional, as well as many others.

Ebowed:  What would be your policy on guns?

Secretary Meyers:  I am for responsible gun rights.  I'll elaborate...  People should be allowed to own a gun, no doubt about it.  I will never enact or approve of any legislation which limits someone's second amendment rights.  However, we have to be responsible about this.  Allowing people to purchase M16s is pointless.  A person doesn't need an M16 for protection or for hunting...  We need to give the people freedom, but as the Founding Fathers would agree, freedom needs to be watched over.   

Ebowed:  Don't you think that purchasing an M16 is protected by the constitution?  The constitution doesn't make an exception for M16s.

Secretary Meyers:  You raise a good point, however, there are always limits on liberty.  One can't shout fire in a movie theater.  One can't encourage violence against the government.  The Constitution guarantees basic rights, but when these rights could threaten others, protection comes first.

Ebowed:  Do you think you could secure the endorsement of the NRA, which is very powerful in the Southeast?

Secretary Meyers:  Sure.  I'm a member of the NRA.  As I said, people have a right to own a gun, and I will do whatever I can to secure that right.  I strongly support the NRA's cause, and many in that organization realize this.

Ebowed:  You are also a member of the Right to Life League.  Although the death penalty, abortion, and physician assisted suicide are regional issues, how would your positions on these issues influence your votes as Senator, if elected?

Secretary Meyers:  Morals are an important guide in life.  It will be important for me as Senator to use my head and my heart to make ethical decisions.  I'll fight for the braindead woman or unborn baby just as much as I'll fight for any citizen.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on a health care system in Atlasia?

Secretary Meyers:  I believe that for those who need a helping hand, our government should provide health care.  I see no valid reason as to why we should deny hard-working Atlasians the right to a good health care plan.  I support Universal health care in Atlasia.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on the CAFTA bill currently being debated in the Senate?

Secretary Meyers:  I'm a big support of free trade.  However, incentives must be given to companies to keep jobs here at home.  Our primary responsibility is to our citizens, not our businesses.  If we can keep a sufficient amount of jobs here at home, I'll fully support this bill.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on reforming or gradually abolishing social security?

Secretary Meyers:  It needs to be reformed, but it must never be abolished.  I support a partial, optional privatization plan where citizens can opt to place some money into a private account.  This must be regulated, however, to make sure that citizens do not place too much of their money in a risky investment.  All Atlasians must have the guarantee that the government can pick them up if they fall to the ground.

Due to the 10,000 character per post limit, the rest of this interview will be posted in the following post.