2010 US Presidential Election

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday January 3rd 2012

Prime-Minister Carter "look forward to the future"

Prime-Minister Andrew Carter has said that the country should "look to the future" in his first new years address as Prime-Minister.
He said that he was "very pround" to have been elected and formed a government at the General Election last April.
"I am not going to lie to you, the path will be long and rocky, but I have a great faith in the people of this country".

[Westbrook 49]

politico.com, Monday, January 2nd, 2012.

A Bartlet Back in Washington? Eldest Daughter to Seek Dem Nomination for NH 1st.

A Bartlet could soon be back in Washington, as former President Jed Bartlet's eldest daughter Elizabeth will seek the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District in New Hampshire, a seat that was once represented by her own father.

A source within the Bartlet family let the news leak, along with details that Ms. Bartlet was seeking support and funds for a run in the 1st, where incumbent Franz Duke is mulling retirement. The source also said that Barlet "had sought her father's blessing before attempting a run."

Elizabeth Bartlet is the eldest of the three Bartlet siblings, and the most visible behind her sister Zoey. She has worked with several charitable organizations and companies within the state, and has also worked with the state Democratic Party. Bartlet was recently in the news due to her divorce from businessman Doug Westin in 2010. Westin himself was a candidate for the 1st district in 2006, when he lost to Duke.

Former President Bartlet currently boasts 93% approval ratings in the Granite State.

[Westbrook 49]

politico.com, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.

Ross' Last Day Monday of Next Week, McClinton to Start One Week From Today.

White House Counselor Pete Ross will serve his last day on Monday of next week, as he mulls a possible return to elected politics, and will be replaced by former Walken campaign manager Ron McClinton, who will start on the 10th, a statement from the White House read today.

Ross' departure continues a shakeup began with the departure of Senior Advisor Anne Stark. With Ross' leaving, President Walken has lost a potentially valuable line into the more conservative elements of the House, as well as a close personal friend.

McClinton, meanwhile, is not a newcomer to government work, as he served as Undersecretary for Economic Affairs in the Commerce Department in the Lassiter Administration. However, most of his work has been in high-profile campaigns across the globe, including Republicans Chuck Webb in California, Eric Swenson in Florida, Jack Stephens and Jesse Crase in New York, as well as leading Maureen Graty's Tory campaign in the United Kingdom in 2004, and serving as a senior advisor to Andrew Carter's successful run last year. While McClinton will be taking Ross' old role, his responsibilities and the attitude that he bring to the Walken Administration is still unknown.

While the House will not be back in session until the 17th, and the Senate is out until the 23rd, it appears that President Walken would like his new team to be in place before the start of Congressional business.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Tuesday January 3rd 2012

Poll results Democratic Nomination 2014

It may be two years this week until the start of the 2014 Presidential Primary campaign, but a poll for CNN today shows a clear field starting to develope.

1. Former Vice President Robert Russell (CO): 24%
2. Senator Andrew Thorn (NY): 18%
3. Former Vice President Wendell Tripplehorn (SD): 17%
4. Senator Tim McCord (SC): 15%
5. Governor Mark Katzenmoyer (WI): 11%
6. Senator Hayden Straus (OH): 8%
7. Senator Mitch Bryce (IL): 5%
8. Others: 2%

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Tuesday January 3rd 2012

Straus "I have no intention of running for President"

Ohio Senator Hayden Straus has laughed off a CNN poll that shows him with 8% of the vote for the Democrtic nomination in two years time.

"I have no intention in running for President in 2014. I have a job to do for the people of Ohio".

[disputed]

capitolbeat.com, Thursday January 5th

Crossley Trip To Iowa Sparks Speculation of 2014 Bid

Former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley created a major stir last night as she addressed Iowa Democrats at a yearly meeting of state officials.

Crossley, who was Governor until 2002, currently hosts a TV show on NBS News and a nationally syndicated radio show attacked the economic policies of President Walken saying “this President continues to stand by and allow our economy to stand still rather than taking the action required to get it moving. He intends to re-engineer the social fabric of the country under the guise of deficit reduction.”

Senator Crossley took the unusual step of criticizing members of her own party. Though she didn’t name anyone in particular but said “our party must stop being obedient to this radical right wing agenda - me must start to challenge it.”

There was previous speculation that Crossley may consider a presidential run at some point but few expected the 54 year old to run in 2014.

New Jersey Congresswoman Annie Long, a long time friend and confidant of Crossley told CapitolBeat.com denied the speculation saying “Kate filled in late for (former Illinois Governor) Byron (McAlster) late due to an illness, there is no underlying story here.”

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Thursday January 5th 2012

Now Senator Bryce laughs off Presidential bid in 2014

Senator Mitch Bryce (Ill) laughed of a protential bid for the Democratic nomination in two years time. It comes two days after fellow Senator Hayden Straus(OH) made the same decleration.

"I have no intention of running for the nomination in two years time. I have serious work to do in the Senate for the people of my state and the Democratic party".

[disputed]

sacramentobee.com, Thursday January 5th

Heilemann Tops Governor Polls As Clarkson Continues Fight For Job

California Governor Kevin Clarkson has launched a $3m ad buy as he continues to struggle to turn around polls suggesting that he will lose February 7th’s recall election.

Daily tracking suggests the “yes” campaign leads with 58% of the vote, with only 38% responding that they will vote “no”. These numbers reflect a similar poll suggesting 61% of Californians blame Clarkson for the state’s economic mess.

Clarkson is not being helped by the increasing popularity of State Attorney General Abby Heilemann. Polls show a majority of Democrats that Heilemann now narrowly leads Clarkson among Democrats when asked who they would prefer as Governor.

In the event of a “yes” vote, Heilemann leads polls to replace her current boss with 39% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Republican Richard Lassiter on 35% and independent Tom Falkner on 20%. Falkner has been gradually taking support from both of his opponents over the past few weeks.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Friday January 6th 2012

Breaking News Breaking News

Malcolm Cutter rushed to hosiptal

Labour leader Malcolm Cutter has been rushed to hospital after collaspsing at his office at the House of Commons this afternoon.

He is belived to have been taken ill at around 4.00 PM, and taken to Westminister Hospital.

There no further information at the current time.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Friday January 6th 2012

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Labour Leader Malcom Cutter dies

Labour Leader Malcolm Cutter has died of a massive heartattack after collapsing at his office in his House of Commons.

He was rushed across the river to Westminister Hospital, but attempts to save his life failed, and has was pronounced dead at 4.35 PM.

More as we get it.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Friday January 6th 2012

Westminister shocked by death of Labour leader

Westminister and MP's of all parties are in shock tonight following the death of Labour Leader Malcolm Cutter following a fatal heart attack in his office at the House of Commons.

Mr Cutter, a former Defence and Foreign Secretary in the last Labour government, had only been elected leader just over three months ago to replace John Green. Indeed the man he replaced as Leader was close to tears when interviewed from his home minutes ago.

Cutter who was 53 years old, had been MP for St Helens North since the 1996 General election. Before that he had been a sucessful law teacher of International relations at Manchester University.

The Prime-Minister is expected to make a statement outside Number Ten at 9.00 PM tonight. He is understood to have already called Cutter's wife Jenny in the last hour or so.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.co.uk/News

Friday January 6th 2012

Prime-Minister Carter pays tribute to Malcolm Cutter

Prime-Minister Andrew Carter has payed a tribute from outside Number Ten tonight to Labour Leader Malcolm Cutter who died today of a heart-attack. He called Mr Cutter "a geniue public servent, although I had many political differances with him, he was always my opponent, never my enemy". He said that he peace in the middle-east "owned much to him" during his time as Foreign Secretary from 2009 to 2011.

"I have already spoken to Jenny to offer my sympathy. One think is for certain, political debate in this country has become weeker today because of his death".

[Marky Bunny]

I like to keep you all on your toes, with the killing of the Labour Leader.
I have based this of course on the death of John Smith in the real world in 1994, which of course didn't happen in our timeline.
See here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sm...r_Party_leader)
I also felt that Malcolm Cutter was not working out as a charachter, so I decided to kill him off!! Ruthless or what!!!

[Marky Bunny]

SKYNEWS.COM

Friday January 6th 2012

Labour Leader Malcolm cutter dies aged 53

The Labour leader Malcom Cutter has has died in following a heart-attack. The 53-year-old leader of the opposition suffered the attack at his office in the House of Commons this afternoon.
He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead at 16.35. He leaves behind his wife, Jenny, and two sons.
The news comes as a shock to his party and the nation. He was regarded as a man of integrity - decent and honest and had served as both Defence and Foreign Secretary under John Green between 2007 and 2011.Senior politicians from all parties have paid tribute to Mr Cutter.
He trained as a lawyer and a teacher and entered Parliament in 1996 as MP for St Helens North. After the Conservative election victory last year, he took over from John Green as party leader in September and has set about unifying the left and right factions of Labour. The deputy party leader Ed Miller is interim party leader until a successor is chosen.

Malcom Cutter during the middle-east peace talks in 2011.

[JoeMulk]

Capitalbeatradio.com

Draft Seaborne Movement gaining popularity

On New Years Day a website entitled "Draftseaborne.org" was launched and already they have gained at least five hundred signatures. According to the groups mission statement, "It is our belief that Sam Seaborne of California best embodies the Bartlett legacy and is liberalisms best hope in the twenty-first century." Senator Seaborne's office has denied any connection to the petition although it is rumored that Josh Lyman may be pushing for his old friend to run.

[Marky Bunny]

Former New Jersey Governor Kate Crossley

(Photo by Kate Mulgrew)

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Saturday Janauary 7th 2012

Labour NEC meets to discuss leadership

The NEC of the Labour party has meet this morning to discuss the leadership after the tragic death of leader Malcolm Cutter yesterday.

Deputy-Leader Ed Miller has become acting leader, before a leadership election can be arranged. There are many sources from within the NEC including Labour MP's who do not want another leadership election just four months after the last one. One suggestion is that no other candidates come forward for the leadership and Miller becomes leader unchallenged. that would allow for a full election for deputy leader instead.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Saturday January 7th 2012

Former Labour leadership contenders say they will not stand again and back Ed Miller

The three losing leadership candidates from last years contest, Gerald Fox, Peter Kennedy and Martina Gregory have announced in a joint statement a few minutes ago that none of them will seek the leadership following the death of Malcolm Cutter yesterday.

"We support Ed Miller as acting leader, none-of us intend to stand for the leadership again. We need to unite around Ed, and believe he should be the next leader of the party".

There is no word yet from the other possible contenders, Jonthan Moseley who was out of Parliament during the leadership election, has now returned to the House of Commons has made no comment regarding a possible leadership bid. Rachel Lilburn and Andrea Benn ruled themselves out last year, and it is believed that they will not stand now.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Saturday Janauary 7th 2012

Haffley announces that he is ready to challenge Governor Boone in Primary

Former Speaker of the House and Washington Congressman Jeff Haffley has announced in an e-mail to supporters that he intends to challenge current Republican Governor Sean Boone for the Republican nomination to be held on August 7th this year.

"This state has serious problems, and it needs a serious and experienced Governor. Everyone knows my record and ability. Governor Boone has shown himself to be weak and a hostage to Liberal Democrats" Haffley announced.

The problem for Haffley is that he is regarded by many as "yesterdays man" and a failure after his doomed Presidential bid in 2010. Governor Boone who became Governor after the regisnation of Democratic Governor Alex Folan in November 2010, came the 5th youngest governor in the nations history at just 32, indeed he turns 34 on Monday, but is very popular in the state, with an approval rating of 65%.

No Democrat has yet to announce for the race.

[disputed]

washingtonpost.com, Friday January 6th

The Mix

Dave Dernazza Political Blog

Governor’s Line

Top 10 Gubernatorial Races going into 2012


10. Maryland (D)

Governor Joe Derrick is term limited but really this appears on the line only because the Democrats look likely to fight a fierce three way primary whilst the Republicans are settled on former Senate candidate Meredith Charnley. It looks like the Congressman Andrew Fitzpatrick is the front runner but the major battle is whether Congresswoman Andi Wyatt will follow through with her run after previously endorsing State Senator Sean Henley. The Henley camp is said to be furious at Wyatt’s about turn but that hasn’t stopped the congresswoman continuing to explore the run.

9. West Virginia (D)

This is either a non event or a major contest in waiting. It all depends on whether a case brought by former Governor Billy Ray Tomlinson to amend term limits is successful. Should Tomlinson succeed he will run for a third term aged 72. More interestingly there are some suggestions that Ray Sullivan might run again. If not former Congressman Julia McBride would be the front runner.

8. Missouri (R)

Governor Henry Shallick leaves office with his lowest consistent approval rating of his tenure. He still remains relatively popular at 52%, but that’ll be largely disappointing for a Governor who has prided himself in his popularity. The fight to replace him on the Republican ticket looks a straight fight between Lt. Governor Dominic Riordan and former Senator and current Attorney General Lucas Foley. That could be shaken up if Congressman Zac Thibodeaux decides to run. Democrats are very keen on convincing St Louis Mayor Winston Garwood to run and are expecting an announcement soon but for the moment State Senator Paul Pizano is the only declared candidate.

7. New Mexico (I)

I think everyone would be grateful not to have to go through another race in New Mexico. Governor Rudi Vansen scraped home in a controversial three way race against Congressman Simon Ratner and Republican incumbent Henry Gomez. We know Gomez is in for a rematch, the question is whether Ratner runs again or whether he steps aside for Albuquerque Mayor Matthew Stimson. Either way this will be a very close race and for the moment Gomez looks favorite.

6. Arkansas (D)

Governor Bobby Rimmer is likely on his way to bigger things as he ends his second term. Rumour has it that Congressman Jack Stanton is considering another run, but for now Buisnessman Lori Butter or State Senator Tim Spender are the only announced candidates. That being said this should be an attractive race Republicans, but so far only State Representative Kurt Templeman has declared. The RGA are still hopeful of convincing former Attorney General Carol-Anne Slater to try her luck.

5. Minnesota (R)

Michael Jack has been a popular Governor and Republicans will be hoping that Lt. Governor Marcel Lindley can take advantage and succeed his boss. The Democrats face a three way between two Congressman, Ed McBain and Jarod Daniels (who lost a Senate run last year) and State Representative Leanne Donaghy.

4. Texas (R)

Job creation and unemployment in numbers in The Lone Star state, and the ability of Governor Prior to finally get a deal on balancing the budget should probably have been enough in any normal year to comfortably secure re-election. The problem for Prior is that his abrasive nature and aggressive posturing and the fact that the took the state to the brink before getting his budget deal makes this a more interesting race than many think it should be. All of this opened the door for Democrats and they hit the jackpot with John Hoynes. The former VP doesn't have issues to seek, but he'll raise a ton of money and has a high profile. Polls show a dead heat for now.

3. Pennsylvania (D)

With Michael Kellner retiring, Democrats continue to hope for Congressman Matt Clausen to get into the race. Kellner’s Lt. Governor Wade Collingham is passing but State House Speaker Helen Dewsbury is in. The problem for the Dems is that the GOP couldn't have done better than Senator Morgan Mitchell. No poll shows Mitchell anything less than 8 points ahead of any potential opponents.

2. Illnois (D)

With Governor Andrew Cordy retiring (with many expecting him to make a run at the White House), it’s an open race - and both sides are shaping up for a major battle. Republicans seem to be attempting to push a number of high profile candidates into the race. Representative Jasper Irving is heavily favored by some and White House Director of OMB Jim Hoehner Jr. has many supporters. The favorite for now looks to be Congressman Teddy Hart, but even if the bigger names don’t get in he’ll face a challenge from his right from State Senator Max Carver. The Democrats were expected to unite behind Lt. Governor James Leyland, but the announced run of Congressman Daniel Maddox could make for an intriguing primary contest.

1. Washington (R)

It was always likely to be a challenge for Governor Sean Boone to hold onto his office, but with news of what’s likely to be a brutal primary challenge from former speaker Jeff Haffley this is looking like Boone’s only hope would be if somehow the Democrats can’t find a candidate. Unfortunately with State Treasurer Harrison Wiley and former Congressman Dick Rand close to confirming or having confirmed that they are running that’s pretty much out as well!