It Takes Hart: A Political TL

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I've replaced the Copyrighted image with one from Wikimedia Commons, sorry about that!

Thank you.

[NyIndy]

I've replaced the Copyrighted image with one from Wikimedia Commons, sorry about that!

Thank you.

Yeah no problem. I was wondering how to tell the difference between copyrighted and non copyrighted pics because that one didn’t have a watermark

[NyIndy]

NH NAILBITER! KERRY SQUEAKS OUT A WIN!
January 28th, 2004



John Kerry managed to eke out a narrow win in New Hampshire, staving off a devastating blow to his campaign that he would have been unlikely to survive. The Howard Dean campaign has received the blow the Kerry camp so narrowly avoided. The Governor has refused to drop out, citing his outperformance of the opinion polling in New Hampshire. No candidate has dropped out and all excluding Al Sharpton have crossed the Delegate threshold.

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY RESULTS:
John Kerry - 25.6%
Howard Dean - 25.4%
John Edwards - 18%
Joe Leiberman - 15%
Wesley Clark - 15%
Al Sharpton - 1%

[NyIndy]

MELISSA HART RECEIVES THE ENDORSEMENT OF PRES. BUSH OVER PRIMARY RIVAL
January 30th, 2004
Representative Melissa Hart has lined up the Republican establishment behind her in the race to replace Senator Arlen Specter, but there have been a few holdouts. While more moderate and establishment candidates have lined up behind the Pittsburgh congresswoman, many conservative thinkers and elected officials have backed more conservative Pat Toomey. The most obvious holdout was until now, the President. Bush has just endorsed Hart and will be holding a campaign event with Hart in her Pittsburgh District.

GOING INTO NEXT SET OF PRIMARIES, KERRY GAINS STEAM BUT SO DOES CLARK
Feburary 2nd, 2004



John Kerry is hoping to put the competition to bed in the newest set of primary states. With Clark coming at him in the south and southwest and Edwards trying to win the states of OK and MO. Kerry's team is trying to keep the momentum they seem to have regained with their New Hampshire win and cement his front runner status. Meanwhile, Governor Howard Dean is mostly just hoping to ignore the majority of the states up for grabs and move on from this week's south-focused primaries, the Governor's weakest region. The Joe Lieberman Campaign meanwhile, seems set for a poor finish and will likely come to an end within the week.

Other Headlines:
It's official! Schwarzenegger wins Gov. Race in CA!
Bush Attempting to expand the electoral map with investments in WA, HI and ME
Olympia Snowe ranked best Senator!

[NyIndy]

I'm going to assume that Blanco (LA), Barbour (MS) & Fletcher (KY) are elected in their respective states in this TL like they were in real life ?

Yes 2003 Gov. Election results are unchanged

[NyIndy]

"SUPER TUESDAY 1:" KERRY TAKES MOST LIEBERMAN OUT

Map Post-Super Tuesday
John Kerry
Howard Dean
John Edwards
Wesley Clark

John Kerry was hoping to use this set of primaries as a launching point from which he could separate himself from the rest of the candidates as a clear front runner. With the exits of Joe Lieberman and Al Sharpton, all of the remaining candidates have reason to be happy. Clark won in AZ and OK while Dean upset both Kerry and Clark in NM, the only state he gave serious attention to in this round of primaries. While Edwards won SC and narrowly lost MO and OK. Kerry was the candidate who won the most delegates and was competitive in almost every state. The consensus seems to be that Kerry is in no way inevitable, but that the divided opposition leaves him in a much better place that he would be against one candidate.

CNN National Democratic Primary Poll
John Kerry - 30%
John Edwards - 23%
Howard Dean - 22%
Wesley Clark - 17%
Undecided - 8%

[NyIndy]

KERRY BEATS OUT DEAN IN MI, LOSES WA
Feburary 7th, 2004

Howard Dean skipped the primaries last week in favor of competing in MI and WA. His attempts seem to have been smart, as he has taken Washington and only barely lost MI. However, Kerry Held his head high and pointed to polling suggesting he would lose both contests that were released last week. Tomorrow is Maine's caucus, which gives Dean a chance to make up his Michigan loss.

[erſatz-york]

Toomey! Toomey!

[NyIndy]

Toomey! Toomey!

Well see

Kerry Takes Maine!
Feburary 8th, 2004



Following the previous night's win in Michigan, Kerry turned to Maine to try and totally knock the wind out of Howard Dean's sails. He succeeded in doing so tonight, winning Maine by a 7 percent Margin. Kerry will now turn south to Virginia and Tennesee following his win to hold off Clark and Edwards.

EDWARDS WINS TN, KERRY VA CLARK'S OUT!
Feburary 11th, 2004

Kerry has won the Virginia Primary narrowly and coming in 3rd in TN, John Kerry has a mixed bag of successes tonight, losing the chance to possibly take out both Clark and Edwards tonight, but he is still ahead in delegates. Edward's win and 2nd place showings are great news for his campaign as he tries to prove that he is the main anti-Kerry candidate. Wesley Clark's exit makes this a 3 man race. Dean and Edwards are still nipping at Kerry's heels as the Massachusetts Senator is still the clear favorite.

[erſatz-york]

Toomey! Toomey!

Well see

I know that I’m backing the loser!

[NyIndy]

PRIMARIES FEB. 14TH - 17TH ROUNDUP
Feburary 18th, 2004

The Democratic Primaries have continued with 3 candidates, following each taking a contest between the primaries held on the 14th and 17th. Dean and Edwards both won out in contests all 3 candidates contested while Kerry got a big win in Nevada with Dean, his closest competition losing by double digits. Dean has confirmed he plans to stick around until at least the March Second Primaries. "This race isn't over" a campaign spokesman told a CNN correspondent following the disappointing  finish in Wisconsin.

[NyIndy]

KERRY SHUT OUT IN LATEST PRIMARIES!
Feburary 24th, 2004

John Kerry is facing a major setback after having lost all 3 of the contests held today. John Edwards edged out his opponents in the 3-way races of Utah and Idaho. Meanwhile, Governor Dean took Hawaii in a runaway win. This is a much-needed win for the two candidates going into the primaries on March 2nd, where the candidates must place all hope in stopping Kerry before his momentum and delegate lead becomes insurmountable.

[NyIndy]

IT'S KERRY! DEAN AND EDWARDS DROP OUT AFTER BEING UNABLE TO STOP KERRY'S MASSIVE LEAD
March 2nd, 2004

Howard Dean and John Edwards have exited the race for the Democratic nomination despite respectable performances, both cited party unity as their reason for leaving the race. Howard Dean was unable to win New York or California but took MN and his home state of VT overwhelmingly. Meanwhile, John Kerry won GA and OH but was unable to win MD. Edwards successes and the favorable contests next week mostly in the south make many think Edwards was offered a good slot in the potential Kerry Administration for his withdrawal and endorsement.

Final 2004 Democratic Primary Map:

[NyIndy]

KERRY SET TO CRUISE THROUGH PRIMARY SEASON, BUSH STARTS WITH LEAD
March 15th, 2004

While John Kerry seems all but certain to become his parties nominee, he is still behind President Bush if the election was held today. President Bush maintains a strong lead in polling and if the election was to be held today, he would be very likely to win. Most cite Bush's leadership with the Iraq War and their general satisfaction with the economy as reasons why they support the President. At the same time, Kerry supporters support their man for his policies which entail for a more international force in Iraq although a large chunk of voters wish he was a candidate who opposed the war in Iraq in its entirety. Some of these candidates have moved to back the independent candidacy of Ralph Nader despite claims he lost the 2000 election for Democrats by siphoning votes from Al Gore.

Avg. Poll Numbers Kerry v. Bush:
George Bush (R) - 47.6%
John Kerry (D) - 42.2%
Ralph Nader (I) - 3.2%

CNN National Race Rating Mar. 2004:

State Polling Averages:
North Carolina:Bush +7
Virginia:Bush +8
Florida: Bush +5
Ohio: Bush +4
Colorado:Bush +4
Iowa:Bush +4
New Mexico:Bush +3
Wisconsin:Bush +2
Pennsylvannia:Bush +1
New Hampshire: Bush +1
Michigan:Tie
Minnesota:Kerry +2
Oregon: Kerry +4
Connecticut:Kerry +5
New Jersey:Kerry +7
Wasingtion:Kerry +9

Projected Electoral College Results:
Bush: 286
Kerry: 190
Tossup: 62

[NyIndy]

ILLINOIS SENATE RACE ONE TO WATCH: 2004 SENATE RATINGS
March 19, 2004

Races to watch: PA, FL, AK, NC, KY, SD, IL, AR, SC*, LA, CO, OK

*Jim DeMint is no longer the nominee, it's Thomas Ravenel

[NyIndy]

Can't believe I forgot to add this, thought I did. Matt Gonzalez won the 2003 SF Mayoral Election. Retconned.

[NyIndy]

Matt Gonzalez endorses Ralph Nader in SF

San Francisco's Green Party Mayor Matt Gonzalez endorsed Ralph Nader in a large Rally in San Francisco. The Mayor said that Ralph Nader is the only candidate who cares about the environment and ending the Iraq War and getting American troops home. The endorsement got a lot of Media attention, just as Gonzalez winning in the first place did. The Kerry Camp has been focused on trying to discredit Nader's candidacy, reminding voters of Al Gore's loss in the 2000 election and Nader's siphoning of votes off of Gore in Florida which likely cost him the election. It did not stop Nader from turning his attention north to Oregon, a state believed to be in contention in 2004. The Nader campaign is saying that they are heading to Oregon to campaign for Ballot access and only intend to truly campaign in blue states in the election.

[NyIndy]

PHOTOS WITHIN ABU GHARIB PRISON SHOCK WORLD, SPARK FRESH DOMESTIC OPPOSITION
April 30th, 2004

The American people have now seen freshly leaked images of the conditions inside a POW detainment center, namely Abu Gharib which shocked the public and has gathered momentum behind the anti-war calls from some in the country. President Bush's approvals have dropped and challenger John Kerry has been gaining on him following a loss of confidence from the public on what was one of the president's strongest talking points, his handling of the war in Iraq and national security. Kerry for his part has come under more fire from the left of his party for being insufficiently anti-war. Leading the charge is sole challenger Dennis Kucinich, who despite having little to no hope of Dislodging Kerry hopes to move the conversation to the left on issues like the war in Iraq. Independent and Libertarian Candidates Ralph Nader and Michael Badnarik, respectively have also called for an end to the War and is hoping to gather some of the anti-war votes.

WINS KEEP COMING FOR KERRY
May 19th, 2004

John Kerry has seen a lot of success in the past week. Dennis Kucinich, his final opponent for the nomination of the Democratic Party has been held off in a state he heavily campaigned in for the past 2 months. While slightly embarrassing that the chosen candidate of the Democratic Party had 37% of ballots cast in a primary against him, Kucinich spent all of his resources on Oregon. Meanwhile President Bush has entered a tailspin following the Abu Garib Scandal. His approvals have sunk and Kerry has opened a small lead for the first time in the campaign.

[NyIndy]

IT'S OFFICIAL, HART & HOEFFEL NOMINEES IN PA SENATE
April 28th, 2004

Pennsylvania sticks with its moderate streak by dumping Pat Toomey for Melissa Hart to face Rep. Hoeffel in the General Election. It was a close-fought battle, but President Bush seems to have made the difference in his endorsement of Hart.

Rep. Melissa Hart - 41.95%
Rep. Pat Toomey - 40.02%
Other - 19.03%

Sorry! Posted Chapters out of Order. Expect a new update by tomorrow night

[NyIndy]

FMR. PRES. REAGAN PASSES AWAY
June 5th, 2004



Former President Ronald Reagan has passed away after a battle with Alzheimers. The President has been remembered for leading the Nation through the Cold War and 1980's where his close bond forged with Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as his choice of Rival turned friend George H.W. Bush as Vice President leading to him becoming President. His Presidential Successor will join all of the living former presidents at his state Funeral. Current President George W. Bush and rival John Kerry have suspended campaigning and will both be attending the State Funeral on June 11th.

RALPH NADER GAINS BALLOT ACCESS IN OREGON
June 25th, 2004



Democrats are nervous that Ralph Nader will again throw the election to Republicans as Ralph Nader is gaining steam as the presidential candidate has used his anti-Iraq War stance to energize progressives who wish for a candidate who will denounce the president's policies towards the war.
Ralph Nader for his part has claimed that the two major parties have not done enough to stop the War and are one and the same, leaving him as the only candidate to be able to oppose the Iraq War. However, on the right, Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik has begun to gain steam in some circles for his anti-interventionist and anti-government intervention ideology.

[NyIndy]

KERRY VP SHORTLIST LEAK
June 29th, 2004

Presidential candidate John Kerry's VP shortlist has been leaked:

Governors


Ed Rendell - Governor of Pennsylvania

The Governor of the Swing State of Pennsylvania is a good pick for the VP slot for being able to appeal to moderates and of course his States 21 EV, but the progressive wing of the Democrats may be turned off by another moderate on the ticket.


Mark Warner - Governor of Virginia

Another safe centrist pick, however, Warner could possibly change the map by bringing Virginia into play. Warner is the popular Senator of Virginia and could bring a red state into play.
Red State Governors


Phil Bredesen - Governor of Tennesee


Kathleen Sebelius - Governor of Kansas

Like Warner, these are Southern Centrist Governors of red states, but unlike Warner, they are unlikely to make their states competitive, making them less valuable as picks.

Senators


Hillary Clinton - Senator from New York

The New York Senator has been the center of speculation from many who wished for a Clinton in the White House. Many feel that Ms. Clinton is too strong of a presence at the bottom of the ticket and that her talent and influence may best be used in the Senate or possibly as a high-level cabinet member.


Russ Feingold - Senator from Wisconsin

A pick who would allow Kerry to utilize the Progressive energy people like Ralph Nader is trying to take from him, as well as helping the Campaign lock down a swing state due to his popularity in Wisconsin, but would also give Republicans a shot at a competitive Senate Seat.

 
John Edwards - Senator from North Carolina

Edwards is a candidate that can unite the party being Kerry's last Primary challenger and a candidate that progressives can get behind while also bringing geographic diversity to the ticket. Edwards withdrew from the Primaries despite a decent Super Tuesday result leading many to speculate that a deal was made where Edwards was promised a pick for something, especially considering that Edwards has already announced he won't be running for Reelection in NC.


John McCain - Senator from Arizona

Republican John McCain is easily both the trickiest but best potential pick. John McCain could possibly hand Kerry the presidency. A poll in June showed a 17 point lead for a Kerry/McCain ticket. McCain himself has expressed an unwillingness to join Kerry on a ticket putting most of the speculation to rest but if Kerry could bring him onto the ticket it could be a victory for the ages.

Who do you think will be Kerry's VP?

[😥]

I hope that Kerry/McCain or Kerry/Rendell will be Democratic ticket

[NyIndy]

IT'S EDWARDS!
July 7th, 2004



John Kerry has attempted a unity ticket between him and his strongest primary opponent John Edwards. The candidates appeared with their wives Theresa and Elizabeth as Edwards gave his first speech as Kerry's running mate. Edward's speech referenced "Two Americas" and suggested that President Bush allowed rich Americans to get richer while the poor stagnated and contrasted his ticket to the Bush administration's economic policies,
"John Kerry and I believe that we shouldn't have two different economies in America: one for people who are set for life, they know their kids and their grand-kids are going to be just fine; and then one for most Americans, people who live paycheck to paycheck..."
- John Edwards July 7th, 2004

[NyIndy]

DONALD TRUMP STEPS INTO NY POLITICS
July 10th, 2004

Donald Trump has used his star to lend credence to a proposal to rebuild the Twin Towers, alleging corruption and mismanagement in the selection process of rebuilding the WTC. Trump has appeared on numerous media outlets to try and influence Governor Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to green light the project. Donald Trump also hinted at a potential challenge to one of the Republicans next time they are up for election. Trump was quoted as saying,
"I'm a Democrat, you know. In New York we don't like Republicans too much. We're sick of 'em."
Others such as Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields have also been supportive for Trumps project.

DEMOCRATS GEAR UP FOR TOUGH RACE AGAINST HART



Democrats had hoped for an easy pickup in Pennsylvania after Senator Specter chose to retire. However, the very conservative Pat Toomey lost his party's nomination and moderate Melissa Hart won. While unable to court as many independents and Democrats as Specter, she also has been better at keeping the GOP's conservative base with her. Specter retired in the face of a looming conservative primary challenge. Prior to the Primary, Democrat Joe Hoeffel led Rep. Toomey by 7 points, and Rep. Hart by 1. Following her win Hart's numbers have increased slightly and she now leads by 1 point. Both sides are putting a lot of money in this state, which is also expected to be a major presidential battleground in the Presidential election.

[NyIndy]

BUSH CATHOLIC OUTREACH DIRECTOR RESIGNS FOLLOWING SCANDAL
August 19th, 2004

Deal Hudson, the man in charge of reaching out to Catholic voters on behalf of the Bush 2004 campaign has resigned following the uncovering of an affair he had with an 18 year old Fordham Freshman during his time as a Teacher at the University.

RNC IN NYC: REPUBLICANS BANK ON SECURITY MESSAGE
September 2nd, 2004



Republican's convention was very security oriented and was energizing. They received a decent boost coming out of the convention, with Bush opening a small lead for the first time since spring when the president's lead collapsed following controversial images being released from prisons in Iraq and the administrations seeming lack of inaction. Stand out speeches included Senate Candidates Melissa Hart and Mel Martinez who are facing competitive races in Pennsylvania and Florida respectively. As well as New York Governor George Pataki who hammered home Bush was the one to lead the country out of Iraq.
"America did not choose this war. But we have a President who chooses to win it. This is no ordinary time. The stakes could not be higher. Fate has handed our generation a grave new threat to freedom. And fortune has given us a leader who will defend that freedom. This is no ordinary time. And George W. Bush is no ordinary leader." - George Pataki, September 2nd 2004 at 2004 RNC
Meanwhile there were large protests as the liberal city lashed out at the conservative messages being espoused from Madison Square Garden during the convention.