Porce News Network: October 2005

[Ebowed]

September 24, 2005

Pacific Vote on Third Trimester Abortion Ban Act
Yea: 4
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1

Detailed Voting Results
Hughento (OR) voted YEA.
WMS (NM) voted YEA.
AkSaber (AK) voted YEA.
Emsworth (NV) voted YEA.
TrueDemocrat (PA) abstained.

Pacific residents are invited to vote here.

[Ebowed]

September 24, 2005

ILP Vote on Convention Location
Round 1:
Atlanta, GA - 3
Memphis, TN - 1
Little Rock, AR - 1
Baton Rouge, LA - 1
Las Vegas, NV - 0

Las Vegas is eliminated.

Round 2:
Atlanta, GA - 3
Memphis, TN - 1
Little Rock, AR - 1
Baton Rouge, LA - 1

Baton Rouge is preferenced on five of six ballots while Atlanta, Memphis, and Little Rock are preferenced on six out of six ballots.  Baton Rouge is eliminated.

Round 3:
Atlanta, GA - 4
Memphis, TN - 1
Little Rock, AR - 1

Atlanta, GA is the chosen convention location of the Independent Liberal Party.

Ballots counted: Emsworth, Ebowed, Defarge, Peter Bell, CheeseWhiz, nclib.

The original booth can be accessed  here.

[Cashcow]

Why don't you interview me you dick

[Max Power]

Why don't you interview me you dick

I'll interview you.

[Ebowed]

September 27, 2005

Pacific Lieutenant Gubernatorial Race
Round 1:
AkSaber (ACA-AK) - 8
John Ford (CU-CA) - 1

AkSaber has an absolute majority of first preferences; therefore, there is no second round.

Detailed Results
Wildcard (CA) voted 1. AkSaber.
TrueDemocrat (WA) voted 1. AkSaber.
Alcon (WA) voted 1. AkSaber.
AkSaber (AK) voted 1. AkSaber. (INVALID BECAUSE IT IS EDITED)
WMS (NM) voted 1. AkSaber.
Emsworth (NV) voted 1. AkSaber.
hughento (OR) voted 1. AkSaber.
Gabu (WA) voted 1. John Ford (write-in).
John Ford (CA) voted 1. AkSaber.
Jesus (WA) voted 1. AkSaber.

The original booth can be accessed here.

[Defarge]

Please withdraw my name from Emsworth's endorsement list.

[Ebowed]

September 27, 2005

Vote on Northeast Euthanasia Proposition
Yea: 6
Nay: 5
Abstain: 2

Detailed Voting Results
LiberalPA (PA) voted Yea.
Supersoulty (PA) voted Nay.
Max Power (PA) abstained.
MAS117 (NJ) voted Yea.
FezzyFestoon (NJ) voted Nay.
Defarge (NY) voted Yea.
EarlAW (NY) voted Yea.
dazzleman (CT) voted Nay.
TexasGurl (NH) voted Nay.
KeystonePhil (PA) voted Nay.
danwxman (PA) voted Yea.
Flyers2006 (PA) voted Yea.
King (MA) abstained.

Northeast citizens are invited to vote here.

[Max Power]

Please withdraw my name from Emsworth's endorsement list.

And add mine to Joe Republic's. Sorry, LiberalPA, I can't vote for Skybridge.

[Ebowed]

September 29, 2005

October 2005 Poll #3 Results

Number of Responses:  44

1.)  What party are you registered in?
* Independent Liberal Party 25.0%
* Constitutional Union Party 22.7%
* Christian Democrat Party 20.5%
* Atlasian Conservative Alliance 11.4%
* Social Democratic Party 9.1%
* Independent 6.8%
* Other 4.5%

4.) Who would be a good running mate for Joe Republic that would make you more likely to vote for him?  (All responses shown.)

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5.) Who would be a good running mate for Supersoulty that would make you more likely to vote for him?  (All responses shown.)  (Please note:  while this poll was open, Supersoulty announced his running mate to be Frodo of Virginia.)

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6.)  How will you vote in the presidential race?
I am unable to retrieve a percentage because of the question format I used-- I apologize for the inconvenience.  Anyway, the lower the ranking, the better.

Emsworth 2.77/6
Joe Republic 2.91/6
Supersoulty 2.93/6
Dubya 3.45/6
LiberalPA 4.27/6
StatesRights 4.66/6

As you can see, a very close race among the top three candidates.

7.)  Southeast residents:  How will you vote in the Southeast Senatorial race?  (13 responses.)
Jake – 53.8%
Ben Meyers – 46.2%
StatesRights – 0.0%

8.)  Midwest residents:  How will you vote in the Midwest Senatorial race?  (5 responses.)
DanielX – 40.0%
Blank “Other” Response – 40.0%
Nym’s Cookies – 20.0%

9.) What is your opinion of a person running for two offices at the same time?  (All responses shown.)

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[Ebowed]

September 29, 2005

Nationwide Poll on CAFTA, Declaration of Candidacy Bills

Number of Responses: 44

Central American Free Trade Agreement Bill
Yea:  34.1%
Nay:  45.4%
Unsure:  20.5%

The poll found that the bill was strongly opposed in the Southeast, which also had the highest turn out in the poll; the poll's strongest favor came from the Pacific.

Declaration of Candidacy Bill
Yea:  38.6%
Nay:  50.0%
Unsure:  11.4%

The poll found that the bill was majority opposed in the Northeast and Southeast.  The only region where the bill garnered 50% support was the Pacific, where 50% also opposed it.


Regional Results of CAFTA Bill Poll
 
"Do you support the Central American Free Trade Agreement Bill before the Senate?"

Northeast (11 responses.)
* Yes 45.5%
* No 36.4%
* Unsure 18.2%

Southeast (13 responses.)
* Yes 23.1%
* No 76.9%
* Unsure 0.0%

Mideast (8 responses.)
* Yes 25.0%
* No 50.0%
* Unsure 25.0%

Midwest (4 responses.)
* Yes 25.0%
* No 25.0%
* Unsure 50.0%

Pacific (8 responses.)
* Yes 50.0%
* No 0.0%
* Unsure 50.0%


Regional Results on Declaration of Candidacy Bill Poll

"Do you support making it an official requirement for anyone who wishes to run for office to post so in the Declaration of Candidacy thread (even if they have already stated they are running)?"

Northeast (11 responses.)
* Yes 36.4%
* No 54.5%
* Unsure 9.1%

Southeast (13 responses.)
* Yes 38.5%
* No 53.8%
* Unsure 7.7%

Mideast (7 responses.)  (Note:  I don’t know why there is a discrepancy here between the number of Mideast results on questions 2 and 3.  Perhaps someone put the wrong region for one question by mistake.)
* Yes 42.9%
* No 42.9%
* Unsure 14.3%

Midwest (5 responses.)  (See above regarding the discrepancy.)
* Yes 20.0%
* No 40.0%
* Unsure 20.0%

Pacific (8 responses.)
* Yes 50.0%
* No 50.0%
* Unsure 0.0%

[MAS117]

I'd like to thank the Senator Ebowed and the Ebowed News Network for keeping such an accurate tally on all the regional voting booths.

[Platypus]

can we expect a senatorial poll in the near future?

[CheeseWhiz]

4.) Who would be a good running mate for Joe Republic that would make you more likely to vote for him?  (All responses shown.)

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Hah, neither of those was mine

Joe Republic is the only candidate left that hasn’t picked their VP that I’d be happy to run with.  Wouldn’t be a good choice for him, though; doubt I’d get him much support

Well, I’m just pleasantly surprised that I got written onto a poll

[ilikeverin]

4.) Who would be a good running mate for Joe Republic that would make you more likely to vote for him?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

to whoever wrote me in.

[Ebowed]

September 29, 2005

Interview with Presidential Candidate Supersoulty
Ebowed News Network interviews Secretary of the Treasury, former Vice President, former Senator, and Presidential candidate Supersoulty.

Ebowed:  Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining me today.

Supersoulty:  Thank you for having me.

Ebowed:  You have served Atlasia as a Vice President, a Senator, and now, as Secretary of the Treasury.  What have you learned from each of these offices?  Do you believe this makes you qualified to be President?

Supersoulty:  Well, first, as Vice President, I learned from something that I thought was absent from the Lundgren Administration, and that was leadership.  Being there convinced me that we need a strong, proactive President in our government, whereas, before that, I was content for the President to be more of a by stander.  I was also the first Vice President who was active in Senate affairs.

As a Senator, I learned the value of compromise, but I also learned that many other Senators seemed to be not as interested in building real leadership cooalitions.  It also became apparent to me early on how easy it is for the Senate to roll the Executive branch on many issues.  This has troubled me since.

As Treasury Secretary, well, I would like to think more that I showed the Atlaisan people the value of a previously disregarded office, and, in a way, helped to invigorate the cabinet and make these possitions really mean something.  I think there is a lot that we can do with this government that we are not, and I have discovered that in this post.

Ebowed:  Emsworth has been one of the most active Vice Presidents in Atlasian history.  Do you think your running mate, Frodo, will be of the same mold if elected, or will you support giving the President pro tempore more control?

Supersoulty:  If elected I would give the office to Frodo to do what he would want with it.  The primary reason I picked him is because I trust him.  I would not discourage him from being as active as Emsworth, but I would make sure the executive did not encroch on the Legislative branch too much.

Ebowed:  What are the main issues you want to focus on in this campaign?

Supersoulty:  In no real order; the deficit, minimum wage, terrorism, rebuilding our global standing and prestige, building a Global Treaty Organization and restabalizing the domestic situation.

Ebowed:  On the minimum wage issue, would you support a constitutional amendment allowing the Senate to establish a minimum wage?

Supersoulty:  Most definatly.  I believe that those who are against the minimum wage have the best intentions.  But people don't live off of good intentions and I think that they oppose the minimum wage based off a premise that is largely false.

Ebowed:  Do you think you can win this race?  This is your third run for the White House, and each time you have had formidable opponents.  Do you think you can unite Atlasia this time?

Supersoulty:  In the end, that is for the people to decide, but if they put their trust in me, I promise that I will do everything in my ability not to disappoint.  I simply hope that I have earned their trust this time around and can continue to hold it is the future.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on forum affairs legislation recently introduced by Sen. True Democrat?  One of these bills, for example, would make it a requirement for someone wishing to run for office to post so in the Declaration of Candidacy Thread; another would make officials responsible for showing that they are certifying federal election results within one half hour after voting has concluded.

Supersoulty:  Personally, I think it is too much formality.  I am sure that he has the best of intentions in mind, but I don't think it is nessesary.  Though, I am not opposed to their being a time period within which the SoFA should certify the results... allowing for court challenges, of course.

Ebowed:  You staunchly opposed a bill that eliminated the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.  Would it be a policy of the Supersoulty administration to reestablish these organizations?

Supersoulty:  Provided that congress cooperates, yes, it most certainly would.  I think that there is plenty of fat to cut in other areas of the budget, without having to diminish the cultural prowess of this country.  The programs, authors and arts founded by these programs enrich all of our lives.  Art has been government funded since the Hellenic times.  Fact is, starting out, the arts are not very profitable.  Though, with skill and backing, it can be self sustaining.

Ebowed:  What would be your administration's policy on Social Security?

Supersoulty:  Partial Privitization is the best route, I think.  I think there are looming problems in the system that need to be fixed, but the system itself is inherently good, and nesseasary.  That's why I will do what I can to preserve it.

Ebowed:  What sort of Cabinet can we expect from the Supersoulty administration?

Supersoulty:  An active and commited one, above all.  I will not play politics.  I will pick those who I think are the best for the job.

Ebowed:  President Siege40 has made it clear he will oppose any efforts to move Virginia into the Southeast region if the Mideast gets nothing in return.  If such a bill moving Virginia into the Southeast came up during your administration, what would be your policy?

Supersoulty:  Veto it.  I have nothing against the Southeast, but I don't want to see classic regional identifications, bigotry and sterotypes brought into Atlaisan politcs.  No one region should attempt to gain land or terrirtory for itself, regardless of the reasoning.  We are all one and we should act as though that were the case.

Ebowed:  What will be your gun policy?

Supersoulty:  Atlasian citizens not convicted of a crime or involved in a crime have the right to bear arms, period.  Anti-gun laws do not deter criminals.  They simply place the advantage into their hands.  There was recently a scuff in New Orleans over an old woman who was carrying a firearm, and federal officials.  One of my opponents endorsed the actions of the federal government in tackling her to the ground and taking it.  She was not hurting anyone and they simply should have left her alone and able to defend herself if she were attacked by the thousands of criminals and looters in the area.  My approach to guns is not extreme, just common sense.  Guns should be out of the hands of criminals and in the hands of responsible, law abiding adults.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

[Ebowed]

September 29, 2005

Interview with Presidential Candidate Supersoulty
Ebowed News Network interviews Secretary of the Treasury, former Vice President, former Senator, and Presidential candidate Supersoulty.

(Continued from Previous Post)

Ebowed:  You recently voted against legalizing euthanasia in the Northeast.  Would you consider yourself pro-life?

Supersoulty:  I am strongly pro-life, in all but the most extreme cases.  I support the death penalty for the worst criminals and abortion rights when the woman has been raped or her life is in danger due to pregnancy.  Euthanasia is a terrible act that causes us to devalue life in our culture and society.  Now, this all comes with the understanding that I have that, as human beings, it is our duty to watchout for our fellow man.  Take care of the sick.  Help struggling mothers.  Work to rehabilitate and help those in prison seek a new sense of self-worth and the worth of humanity.  It is a big picture philosophy, not simply one based on knee-jerk politics.

Ebowed:  Would you be able to put aside your exceptions on abortion and the death penalty and support a Right to Life Amendment that would outlaw these and euthanasia?  And, do you support universal healthcare in order to better take care of the sick?

Supersoulty:  I think that a Right to Life Amendment is a great idea.  I once tried to advance such a compromise amendment as Vice President.  I think that the exceptions that I mentioned are nessesary, none-the-less.  Certainly, not one expects any woman to die due to pregnancy, esspecially if it would mean the life of the child as well.  And, I do believe that their are some people who crimes are too horrendous or are simply too dangerous to be allowed to remain in any society.

I support universal health care for the poor and very sick, yes.

Ebowed:  Will you seek the endorsement of any organizations, such as the Right to Life League, National Rifle Association, etc.?

Supersoulty:  Not openly, no.  If any of their members express interest in supporting me, I will certainly look into winning their endorsements.  Endorsements really aren't that important, though.  I am more concerned with building a base of individuals.

Ebowed:  Which opponent in this race do you regard as most formidable?

Supersoulty:  All my opponents are quite worthy and are all good men, but I would have to say that Emsworth is the most fomidable, and the biggest counterbalance to my message.

Ebowed:  What is one positive quality about each of your six opponents (Emsworth, Joe Republic, Dubya, StatesRights, Mike Naso, LiberalPA)?

Supersoulty:  Emsworth is a great organizational leader.  Joe Republic is honorable, and considerate, StatesRights is a modern day lion of the politcal world, even if his message doesn't carry well.  Dubya is a quality individual who has the ability to govern, if elected.  Mike Naso has a lot of heart.  LiberalPA, is a great guy, who is both reasonable and compassionate.

Ebowed:  Your party, the Christian Democratic Party, is growing in size and influence.  This network's latest poll shows it to be nearing the Independent Liberal and Constitutional Union Parties in size.  What do you see in the future of the party?

Supersoulty:  All I hope is that we can continue to spread our message that liberal and conservative principles do not have to contradict each other, and that one can support capitalism and be a humanitarian.  And one can preserve the value of the individual and still support the community as a way of life.

Ebowed:  You have been an outspoken critic of things such as the Southern Alliance Party.  Although we briefly touched on this earlier, what is your view on regional polarization?  What sort of laws should be decided by the regions, rather than the federal government?

Supersoulty:  I opposed the Southern Allaince Party, not because of ideology, but because I think it is dangerous and destructive to make the region into an ideology, of sorts.  That is my basic attitude towards regional rights.  The regions should have the ability to decide on some social issues and in issues such as welfare and such, but most of the rest of policy should be for the federal government to decide, until elected representatives decide otherwise.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on abolishing farm subsidies in Atlasia?

Supersoulty:  I don't think corparate farmers should be receiving subsidies from the federal governmentment.  Unfortunately, most of the money that goes to farm aid today ends up in the hands of these corporations, which is wrong.  I fully support aid for family and co-op farms, however.  I think that we shoud cut all aid that is going to corperate farms immediatly, give 25% of their money to family farms, and, otherwise keep subsidies for small farmers where they are.

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

Supersoulty:  Because he is honest, respected, capable, and I know I can work with him.

Ebowed:  What is your greatest concern for Atlasia?

Supersoulty:  Sorry to sound like a broken record, but the same as the last election; leadership.  A lack of it has placed us in an even worse situation than before the last election, both domestically and internationally.  President Siege is not solely to blame, nor is anyone else.  The general atmosphere in the government feeds the problem.  I intend to change that.

I have to get going.

Ebowed:  All right.  Thanks for your time, Mr. Secretary, and good luck next month.

Supersoulty:  Thank you.

[jokerman]

4.) Who would be a good running mate for Joe Republic that would make you more likely to vote for him?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

to whoever wrote me in.

That was me

[ilikeverin]

4.) Who would be a good running mate for Joe Republic that would make you more likely to vote for him?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

to whoever wrote me in.

That was me

lol

Though Joe Republic/Ilikeverin would not be as weird as Emsworth/Ilikeverin would've been.

[12th Doctor]

September 29, 2005

Interview with Presidential Candidate Supersoulty
Ebowed News Network interviews Secretary of the Treasury, former Vice President, former Senator, and Presidential candidate Supersoulty.

Ebowed:  Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining me today.

Supersoulty:  Thank you for having me.

Ebowed:  You have served Atlasia as a Vice President, a Senator, and now, as Secretary of the Treasury.  What have you learned from each of these offices?  Do you believe this makes you qualified to be President?

Supersoulty:  Well, first, as Vice President, I learned from something that I thought was absent from the Lundgren Administration, and that was leadership.  Being there convinced me that we need a strong, proactive President in our government, whereas, before that, I was content for the President to be more of a by stander.  I was also the first Vice President who was active in Senate affairs.

As a Senator, I learned the value of compromise, but I also learned that many other Senators seemed to be not as interested in building real leadership cooalitions.  It also became apparent to me early on how easy it is for the Senate to roll the Executive branch on many issues.  This has troubled me since.

As Treasury Secretary, well, I would like to think more that I showed the Atlaisan people the value of a previously disregarded office, and, in a way, helped to invigorate the cabinet and make these possitions really mean something.  I think there is a lot that we can do with this government that we are not, and I have discovered that in this post.

Ebowed:  Emsworth has been one of the most active Vice Presidents in Atlasian history.  Do you think your running mate, Frodo, will be of the same mold if elected, or will you support giving the President pro tempore more control?

Supersoulty:  If elected I would give the office to Frodo to do what he would want with it.  The primary reason I picked him is because I trust him.  I would not discourage him from being as active as Emsworth, but I would make sure the executive did not encroch on the Legislative branch too much.

Ebowed:  What are the main issues you want to focus on in this campaign?

Supersoulty:  In no real order; the deficit, minimum wage, terrorism, rebuilding our global standing and prestige, building a Global Treaty Organization and restabalizing the domestic situation.

Ebowed:  On the minimum wage issue, would you support a constitutional amendment allowing the Senate to establish a minimum wage?

Supersoulty:  Most definatly.  I believe that those who are against the minimum wage have the best intentions.  But people don't live off of good intentions and I think that they oppose the minimum wage based off a premise that is largely false.

Ebowed:  Do you think you can win this race?  This is your third run for the White House, and each time you have had formidable opponents.  Do you think you can unite Atlasia this time?

Supersoulty:  In the end, that is for the people to decide, but if they put their trust in me, I promise that I will do everything in my ability not to disappoint.  I simply hope that I have earned their trust this time around and can continue to hold it is the future.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on forum affairs legislation recently introduced by Sen. True Democrat?  One of these bills, for example, would make it a requirement for someone wishing to run for office to post so in the Declaration of Candidacy Thread; another would make officials responsible for showing that they are certifying federal election results within one half hour after voting has concluded.

Supersoulty:  Personally, I think it is too much formality.  I am sure that he has the best of intentions in mind, but I don't think it is nessesary.  Though, I am not opposed to their being a time period within which the SoFA should certify the results... allowing for court challenges, of course.

Ebowed:  You staunchly opposed a bill that eliminated the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.  Would it be a policy of the Supersoulty administration to reestablish these organizations?

Supersoulty:  Provided that congress cooperates, yes, it most certainly would.  I think that there is plenty of fat to cut in other areas of the budget, without having to diminish the cultural prowess of this country.  The programs, authors and arts founded by these programs enrich all of our lives.  Art has been government funded since the Hellenic times.  Fact is, starting out, the arts are not very profitable.  Though, with skill and backing, it can be self sustaining.

Ebowed:  What would be your administration's policy on Social Security?

Supersoulty:  Partial Privitization is the best route, I think.  I think there are looming problems in the system that need to be fixed, but the system itself is inherently good, and nesseasary.  That's why I will do what I can to preserve it.

Ebowed:  What sort of Cabinet can we expect from the Supersoulty administration?

Supersoulty:  An active and commited one, above all.  I will not play politics.  I will pick those who I think are the best for the job.

Ebowed:  President Siege40 has made it clear he will oppose any efforts to move Virginia into the Southeast region if the Mideast gets nothing in return.  If such a bill moving Virginia into the Southeast came up during your administration, what would be your policy?

Supersoulty:  Veto it.  I have nothing against the Southeast, but I don't want to see classic regional identifications, bigotry and sterotypes brought into Atlaisan politcs.  No one region should attempt to gain land or terrirtory for itself, regardless of the reasoning.  We are all one and we should act as though that were the case.

Ebowed:  What will be your gun policy?

Supersoulty:  Atlasian citizens not convicted of a crime or involved in a crime have the right to bear arms, period.  Anti-gun laws do not deter criminals.  They simply place the advantage into their hands.  There was recently a scuff in New Orleans over an old woman who was carrying a firearm, and federal officials.  One of my opponents endorsed the actions of the federal government in tackling her to the ground and taking it.  She was not hurting anyone and they simply should have left her alone and able to defend herself if she were attacked by the thousands of criminals and looters in the area.  My approach to guns is not extreme, just common sense.  Guns should be out of the hands of criminals and in the hands of responsible, law abiding adults.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

Bump

[Ebowed]

October 2, 2005

Interview with Vice President Emsworth
Ebowed News Network interviews Vice President and Presidential candidate Emsworth of Nevada.

Ebowed:  Mr. Vice President, thank you for joining me today.

The Vice President:  Thank you very much, Senator, for conducting this interview.

Ebowed:  This presidential race has been largely unpredictable, now with seven candidates making a run for the White House.  Why should the voters of Atlasia choose you for this position?

The Vice President:  I would say that my activity leadership in the Senate should encourage voters to choose me.  I have consistently participated in debates, and have performed my duties as President of the Senate.  Moreover, several bills have been written by me.

Ebowed:  What agenda would your administration propose in the Senate?  What sort of things would you hope the Senate would get done?

The Vice President:  My primary focus will be on reducing the size of the federal government.  It has grown far too large, regulating several matters which it should not meddle in.  For example, I strongly oppose federal regulations of "decency" on television.  Furthermore, I would hope that the Senate would agree to cut wasteful spending.

Ebowed:  You have faced charges of having a darwinian worldview, and received criticism for opposing a minimum wage.  Would you care to shed light on these accusations?

The Vice President:  Certainly.  My opposition to the minimum wage is a philosophical position, not a political one.  Indeed, there can be differences between philosophy and policy:  just ask all those devout Christians who have supported maintaining the barrier between church and state, or all those personally pro-life individuals who support a woman's right to choose.  My policy will not be composed purely of my personal ideology alone, but will take into account a broad range of views.

Furthermore, I would suggest that any accusation of having a "Darwinian worldview" are unjust.  I would hope that the voters judge me by my record, not by the accusations and aspersions of others.

Ebowed:  What is your opinion on establishing relations with other micronations?  Would this play an important role in your administration's foreign policy?

The Vice President:  I do not believe that full and formal relations are necessarily the best idea.  They might add undue complications to the "game," and entangle the country in unneeded convolutions.  Many micronations occupy the same geographical area as us.  Others concentrate not on politics, but on unimportant matters like what the national fish should be, or the color of the national flag.  I have, however, no qualm about informal and unofficial relationships, which will probably promote Atlasia and help increase its size.

Ebowed:  You have been one of the most active Vice Presidents in Atlasian history.  Will your would-be successor, Q, be in the same mold, or perhaps of a more laid-back style?

The Vice President:  I certainly believe that, if elected, Q would be an active Vice President.  This office is not a sinecure, with no duties whatsoever.  On the contrary, the Constitution attaches to it the duty of presiding over the Senate, and I believe that any Vice President should endeavor to do so.

Ebowed:  You have served Atlasia as Secretary of Defense and as Vice President.  Do you believe this makes you the most qualified candidate in the race?

The Vice President:  I don't know if it would be fair for me to say that I am the most qualified candidate; the other candidates do have plenty of experience. But it is not the number of offices one has served in that matters: rather, it is the quality of service. I feel that I have done well as Vice President, but I will leave the ultimate judgment to the voters.

Ebowed:  What would be your administration's position on transferring the state of Virginia to the Southeast region?

The Vice President:  I would oppose the transfer. The issue has already been discussed in the Senate, and has drawn fierce opposition in one region, as well as only lukewarm reception in Virginia. I would not be eager to reopen the issue, unless the People of the Mideast change their mind.

Ebowed:  Some people accuse you of being too "radical" of a libertarian for Atlasia.  How do you rebut that?

The Vice President:  I think that such a criticism is very unfair.  Yes, I hold strong views:  that the federal government is currently too large, that taxpayer money is being wasted, that taxes should be low, that capitalism ought to be the basis of our economy.  But are these views radical, or out of the mainstream?  I would think not, as I believe that they are shared by a majority of Atlasians.

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

The Vice President:  Q is a very hard-working Senator, and is one of the most dedicated in the Senate. Furthermore, he is very intelligent, and contributes positively to debates. Should he become Vice President, I have little doubt that he will be an excellent and effective leader.

Ebowed:  If elected, what sort of Cabinet could we expect you to appoint?

The Vice President:  The Cabinet would encompass a wide range of political views. I would not appoint only those who agree with me, but those who disagree as well. My only demand would be that the Cabinet officers be active leaders of their respective departments, helping formulate policy and write legislation whenever necessary, not mere figureheads.

Ebowed:  What is your view on the balance between regional and federal government?

The Vice President:  The balance currently subsisting in Atlasia is very good.  Ideally, the size of the federal government would be somewhat smaller, but I am not unhappy with the current situation.

Ebowed:  What do you see in the future of the Independent Liberal Party, and leftwing causes in general in Atlasia?

The Vice President:  I am quite confident that the Independent Liberal Party will continue to be an active player in fantasy politics; I highly doubt that it will die out or fade away.  In general, the left was not particularly successful in the past few Senate elections, although that may have changed.  I would point to the strong resistance put up against the CAFTA bill in the Senate.

Ebowed:  Various bills that will reach the Senate floor soon that will impact the budget include one to abolish farm subsidies and a bill to repeal the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities Elimination Bill.  What is your opinion on these issues?

The Vice President:  In the interests of cutting the federal deficit, I would support the former bill, but oppose the latter.  Farm subsidies consume billions of dollars:  most of them go to very rich farms that do not need them.  At the very least, I would advocate a significant cut.  As to the NEA and the NEH:  I am confident that private investment will support the arts.  Historically, art has depended primarily not on the government, but on private benefactors and patrons.

Ebowed:  What is one positive quality about each of your opponents (Dubya, Joe Republic, Supersoulty, StatesRights, Mike Naso, LiberalPA)?

The Vice President:  Dubya is a very good leader.  Joe Republic is intelligent and considerate.  Supersoulty is very hard-working.  StatesRights is a very principled individual, one who bravely fights for his message, even when some disagree with him.  Mike Naso means for the best.  LiberalPA is extremely dedicated.

Ebowed:  Will your membership as a cardinal of the Church of PD affect your ability to do your job as President?

The Vice President:  I'm afraid that it will not.  I remain committed to the separation between church and state, whatever my personal views may be.

Ebowed:  What is your greatest concern for Atlasia?

The Vice President:  My greatest concern is that, at present, the number of voters is stagnant, even falling.  It is vital that more voters are engaged and interested in that process.  To that end, I believe that a politically active President and Senate are needed, as are good political races.  The latter, of course, is not in my hands, but I will do whatever is necessary for the former.

Ebowed:  Thank you for your time today, Mr. Vice President, and good luck in the election this month.

The Vice President:  Thank you, Senator.

[Ebowed]

October 3, 2005

Southeast Ratification of the Lowering Registration Post Count Requirement Amendment
Yea: 5
Nay: 3
Abstain: 1
Invalid: 3

Detailed Voting Results
Ebowed (SC) voted Yea.
Jake (MS) voted Nay.
htmldon (TN) voted Nay.
Ian (LA) voted Yea.
Dubya (TX) voted Yea.
Q (GA) voted Yea.
Sam Spade (AL) voted Nay.*
Bacon King (GA) voted Nay.*
Harry (MS) voted Yea.*
John Dibble (GA) abstained.
TCash101 (TN) voted Nay.
Cosmo Kramer (AR) voted Yea.

*Invalid for campaigning in the voting booth.

The original booth can be accessed here.

[Ebowed]

October 3, 2005

Midwest Ratification of the Lowering Registration Post Count Requirement Amendment
Yea: 5
Nay: 3
Abstain: 0

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

Declared passed 10/17/05.

The original booth can be accessed here.

[Ebowed]

October 3, 2005

Mideast Ratification of the Lowering Registration Post Count Requirement Amendment
Yea: 7
Nay: 2
Abstain: 1

Detailed Voting Results
MasterJedi (WI) voted Yea.
Joe Republic (OH) voted Yea.
KucinichforPrez (MI) voted Yea.
Dean (WI) voted Yea.
Frodo (VA) voted Nay.
MHS2002 (VA) voted Nay.
Peter Bell (IN) abstained.
Akno21 (MD) voted Yea.
Blerpiez (VA) voted Yea.
9iron (MI) voted Yea.

The original booth can be accessed here.

[Ebowed]

October 3, 2005

Northeast Ratification of the Lowering Registration Post Count Requirement Amendment
Yea: 5
Nay: 6
Abstain: 1
Invalid: 1

Detailed Voting Results
FezzyFestoon (NJ) voted Nay.
MAS117 (NJ) voted Yea.
Max Power (PA) voted Nay.
TexasGurl (NH) voted Nay.
LiberalPA (PA) voted Nay.
Keystone Phil (PA) voted Yea.
King (MA) voted Yea.
Defarge (NY) voted Yea.
EarlAW (NY) abstained.
nini2287 (PA) voted Yea.
KEmperor (NY) voted Nay.
Boss Tweed (NY) voted Nay.

Invalid Votes
Winfield (RI) voted Yea, but he is no longer a registered voter, and the vote is therefore invalid.

The ratification is declared failed 9/11/05.

The original booth can be accessed here.

[Ebowed]

October 4, 2005

Pacific Ratification of the Lowering Registration Post Count Requirement Amendment
Yea: 6
Nay: 4
Abstain: 0

Detailed Voting Results
Gabu (UT) voted Yea.
hughento (OR) voted Yea.
Emsworth (NV) voted Nay.
True Democrat (WA) voted Yea.
Jesus (WA) voted Yea.
WMS (NM) voted Yea.
AkSaber (AK) voted Nay.
John Ford (CA) voted Nay.
Mr. Hobbes (CA) voted Nay.
Lewis Trondheim (NM) voted Yea.

Declared passed on 10/12/05.

The original booth can be accessed here.