Spark/CentristRepublican: Running an independent ticket - the CHANGE we need!

[Senator Spark]

Statement on the Registrar General

If elected President, I hereby intend to retain Peebs as the Registrar General and Secretary of Federal Elections. Peebs has done a good job and provides timely updates regarding these matters.

Thank you.

[Senator Spark]

Oh, sweet! You're definitely going to lose the primary now. (These are two separate thoughts, just to be clear)

My mind can be changed, but your job is safe with me for now.

[Senator Spark]

Statements on my Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff

DeadPrez has been selected as my intended Chief of Staff, lfromNJ will be my Deputy CoS if elected.

[Senator Spark]

You declared way too early. Nobody is gonna take you seriously if you keep this up.

I am running a campaign, nothing out of the ordinary here.

Nobody else running a serious campaign has ever declared this early.

There is a first time for everything. I am an exceptionally dedicated candidate.

[Senator Spark]

The next game moderator of Atlasia

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hi everyone, I know I've posted a lot today. But this announcement is vitally important for the continuity of our game. The game moderator handles the game engine and is essentially regarded as a "God". The current occupant is Peanut. The game mod handles simulations of the game and news in general.

I intend to nominate Harry S Truman for this position upon my election. Mr. Truman has an extensive service to Atlasia and needs no introduction. He has been extremely active in his career and will do a fine job for the game engine's upkeep. He covered various events from the Korean Civil War to Britain's exit from the EU. Mr. Truman is a dedicated citizen who is committed to seeing Atlasia thrive. He will perform well in this job.

Best,

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Why are you selecting random people to be in your Cabinet?   

These are not random people. These are public servants who have a consistent track record of activity and contributions to the game.

[Senator Spark]

Welcome to Atlasia's SIMP FUTURE

A better and brighter future filled with promise.

[Senator Spark]

Why are you selecting random people to be in your Cabinet?   

These are not random people. These are public servants who have a consistent track record of activity and contributions to the game.

Did you ask them?

Yes, I did.

[Senator Spark]

Leadership in Atlasia

Nashville, Tennessee

If you are tired of being left behind by Labor, it's time to join me in the effort to dismantle their hold on power. I am a committed and principled reformer who knows how to get the job done. I seek to implement pragmatic solutions that work for everyone. The Labor party can claim that they are the party of moderates, but they have not represented the interests of the center. I am the true moderate in this race and will lead from the first day of my administration. The current President has neglected to offer any insight to further the discussion on how we can move forward and settle into the new Constitution. We need stability and activity in this time of transition, and not inaction. The President cannot implement his agenda unless he helps to move the discussion forward. I am calling on President SevenEleven to work with the Senate to ensure the smooth transition to the 5th Constitution.

The Labor Party will continue to take your support for granted. I will not. Leadership means setting a positive example and bringing our country forward. The party in power right now is failing in that endeavor, and as a result, is failing the people of Atlasia.

I hope you consider a change in direction for our country, it is well needed to get us back on track.

Best,

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Statement on social issues

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Hello everyone, today I am going to speak to you about social issues. Often times, I get many questions from Atlasians about these issues. On abortion, as President, I will strive to implement a Right to Life constitutional amendment to protect our citizens from the moment of conception. I do support exceptions for danger to the life of the mother, rape, or incest. We need to get rid of federal funding for abortions because we should not take the chances away for success and a chance at life for our citizens. I fundamentally believe that each person should be granted the opportunity for life. This is the reason I will be the most pro-life President in Atlasian history. We will respect life in my administration.

On the issue of gay marriage and LGBTQ citizens, we need to do more to protect these people from discrimination and senseless attacks and violence. It will be my highest priority, if elected, to ensure that our LGBTQ citizens can leave in peace and harmony without fear of being threatened or marginalized. We need to bring everyone into the fold if we are going to have a successful future in Atlasia. I can assure you that I will leave no one out of that bright future.

To the Atlasians left in the shadows, you will be brought out of them. Just know, that our greatest days are yet ahead.

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Update on presidential campaign activity

According to the results of the poll I took here at my office, a majority of Atlasians (50%) that voted believe that I should cease actively campaigning until closer to the election. I pledge to remain active behind the scenes in planning events, scheduling appearances, opposition research, and polling. I remain committed to this race and will continue to show how a Federalist as your President is better than the Labor monopoly that we have seen over the past few years.

For official statements, please see my Senate office.

If you have any questions about my candidacy, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you.

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Shortlist for Supreme Court nominees

St. Paul, Minnesota

It is my intention to release this shortlist should a vacancy occur on the Supreme Court of Atlasia during my tenure if elected President.

According to Article 2, Section 2, Clause 3 of the Fifth Constitution of Atlasia,

[The President shall have the power, except where limited elsewhere by the Constitution],

to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the Justices of the Supreme Court;
to establish such executive departments as may be necessary for the execution of the laws, and to appoint their principle officers with the advice and consent of the Senate;

I intend to release this list of Supreme Court nominees who I believe are qualified to serve in the event of a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Atlasia.

They are the following:

Oakvale
Dereich
Rpryor

These individuals have served Atlasia well previously, and I believe that should they need to be called upon again, will do a fine job as Justice of the Supreme Court.

[Senator Spark]

RPryor isn’t even registered

He might re-register but I will remove him from the list for now.

[Senator Spark]

Nominations for Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense

Charlotte, North Carolina

My fellow Atlasians, today I am announcing more nominees for my potential cabinet of Atlasia. If elected, I would like to name Jimmy7812 to lead the State Department and OldSchoolRepublican (OSR) as Secretary of Defense, a position I intend to revive. OSR's positions on national security will serve as an important measure to protect our country.

These individuals are qualified to serve in these roles because they demonstrate a commitment to Atlasia through their public service. Jimmy served as Vice President and Lincoln Secretary of State. He has a breadth of knowledge regarding foreign affairs from those roles.

I have full faith that they will lead our country well into the next presidential term.

Thank you all.

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Presidential debates

Today, I requested three public presidential debates to inform the citizens of Atlasia about our policy positions and changes we intend to make in Atlasia. It is important to me that we are as transparent as possible to the people regarding our political positions and initiatives. This is the reason I intend to participate in these debates. It is my utmost hope that Wulfric will be able to host these debates requested for August 18, September 22, and October 13. I also think we should have one VP debate.

Our main opponent, President SevenEleven, has declined to even say he is running again for a second term in light of a recent scandal. We need commitment and crystal clear transparency in Atlasia. The people deserve a leader who will serve them for the long haul. I will bring that leadership on the first day in office. Soon, I will be tasking my runningmate for Vice President, RC, to elaborate on our initiatives through a speech tour across our land. I promise to make communications a focal point of my administration.

I look forward to participating in these debates and do hope that my opponents choose to do the same. My team and I are committed to a better Atlasia.

Best,

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Intended Appointments and Cabinet updates

Hello all, I have additional appointment announcements today. If elected, I will select lfromNJ as CG as we need to fill the position. TimTurner will be debate moderator, and WxTransit will head the Press Corps. I hope to remain as transparent as possible regarding all of my activities if elected President this fall. The press corps' mission will be just that. To inform and be clear about all of my initiatives that I intend to propose. This team will do a fine job and I will come into office with a full cabinet ready to hit the ground rolling.

Best,

Spark

[Senator Spark]

A change in direction for Atlasia

Chicago, Illinois

Hello my fellow Atlasians. Some of you may be wondering why that you should vote for a Federalist and change directions. The reasons are plentiful. We need dire change in Atlasia. We need to commit to moderation, sensibility, transparency, and ridding the waste and corruption from our government. I pledge to you today that I will run an administration that promotes fairness for all people.

I will not use my office for personal gain or to sell political appointments based on your vote. I will not compromise my principles. I promise to remain above the fray and getting things done for the people of Atlasia. This is what Labor has failed to do. Moving forward, we must discontinue the petty politics of the past and return Atlasia to a brighter future. That is what I will do as your next president.

Best,

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Federalist Nomination

This is an official announcement that I do intend to seek the nomination of the Federalist Party when that respective convention is held. I have been a Federalist my entire career and hope to be the first Federalist elected to the presidency since Tmthfor94 in 2019.

I am confident the people of Atlasia will be able to move forward from the divisiveness of the past two election cycles; and that they will be ready for a civil debate and public discourse that will be refreshing to see. I have great respect for those in my party, and I do hope that they can come to support my eventual nomination on behalf of my party. To my party members and colleagues in the Senate, you have my ear. From conservatives to moderates, I will embody the principles that I, and my party stand for at all times.

[Senator Spark]

Seeing as I had previously had made a public statement in opposition to this campaign, I am incredibly honored to be included on this list alongside distinguished citizens such as Truman who will also not take part in a Spark administration.

I do hope that you reconsider, as you are welcome in my administration should we prevail.
"I support the motion -- not for any personal reasons -- but because of past actions that have been brought to light by the candidate in question that I do not need to bring up here due to their nature. All I will say on the question of such actions is that they are highly concerning and inconsistent with the values of the Democratic Alliance. In addition, as a result of these actions, it is my belief that such a campaign would be unlikely to be supported by moderate Federalists and a significant portion of this party if it were to go forward; thus, in one of the most important elections for the opposition, we would run the risk of running a candidate unlikely to draw the crossover support needed to win against a Labor candidate."
Let the past be the past. I have learned from mistakes and am very much ready and prepared to lead Atlasia into the future.

[Senator Spark]

Seeing as I had previously had made a public statement in opposition to this campaign, I am incredibly honored to be included on this list alongside distinguished citizens such as Truman who will also not take part in a Spark administration.

I do hope that you reconsider, as you are welcome in my administration should we prevail.
"I support the motion -- not for any personal reasons -- but because of past actions that have been brought to light by the candidate in question that I do not need to bring up here due to their nature. All I will say on the question of such actions is that they are highly concerning and inconsistent with the values of the Democratic Alliance. In addition, as a result of these actions, it is my belief that such a campaign would be unlikely to be supported by moderate Federalists and a significant portion of this party if it were to go forward; thus, in one of the most important elections for the opposition, we would run the risk of running a candidate unlikely to draw the crossover support needed to win against a Labor candidate."
Let the past be the past. I have learned from mistakes and am very much ready and prepared to lead Atlasia into the future.

Perhaps I got a bit too snarky with my comment -- including people without even asking them is quite presumptuous, annoying, and offensive; the reason for my post -- but I fully stand by the statement that I made, every word. Not only have you alienated every member of the leadership and a supermajority of members in the opposition's second-largest party, but your previous actions have also alienated independents and swing voters from a potential Spark candidacy. You may very well prefer that your past is left in the past, but Labor voters who would need to be swung to the opposition will not do so.

In addition, you bolded the easiest part of my statement to wave away with a "keep the past in the past" argument. Even if we choose to ignore the past -- which will simply not happen (and should not, due to its nature) -- the damage done to your crossover appeal through the way this campaign has been conducted over the past month is enough by itself to tarnish the reputation of an opposition ticket led by you beyond the chance of electoral success. In a campaign when opposition parties need absolutely everything to break their way to win, running anyone with half the controversies you have been involved in would be far too much a risk from an electoral perspective. If you continue to run this campaign, you could inflict damage to not only your reputation but the reputation of the opposition as a whole. You are doing no one but Labor any favors by staying in this race -- a race that, by the way, is over three months away, something that in itself has harmed your reputation and alienated the nation against your campaign.

I mean this all respectfully but seriously. I have tried to stay away from making statements that concern a largely personal issue ever since I have returned to this game, but this situation has warranted a response from me.

Should it be said that running a candidate with the controversies I had would have not been a Representative? What about Senator? I don't let my past define me. We have to reinvent ourselves.

I have addressed and apologized for my past actions but there is nothing I can do to change the past. I am not saying we should ignore it but rather acknowledge and learn from it. I'm here to build a better Atlasia for all of its citizens, regardless of what the party leaders say or think. This is something to which I will remain committed. I am focused on establishing a coalition that seeks to create and foster a better future. Let the voters decide my appeal to them and if my ideas make sense for the times.

I've said this ad nauseum since I've announced, but the reason I am running so early is to get to know the concerns of voters. For my opponents, of which they are a vocal number, I hope to quell their doubts about my candidacy. We must buy into a vision that lifts up all of our people. My candidacy is not about me, it's about our country. That is something I put above all else.

[Senator Spark]

Vice Presidential nominee updates

My fellow Atlasians, I come before you with an update regarding my vice presidential runningmate Mr. ReaganClinton. Mr. RC needed to withdraw due to IRL commitments, of which I completely understand. Mr. ReaganClinton is a dedicated and hardworking public servant of whom I have the utmost faith and confidence. I do hope that all will be well for him in these endeavors and that you should know that he has a place in my administration.

For now, I will restart the vice presidential search and re-establish the short-list. I intend to continue running this campaign as scheduled. Should no vice presidential nominee come forward, I do hope that a nominee for VP is selected at the Federalist convention.

Thank you all.

Spark

[Senator Spark]

Vice Presidential Search

Hello everyone, I am accepting suggestions for the vice-presidential spot on the ticket. You may send me a PM or post publicly here to be considered. I am not opposed to running with a member of any party except the Labor party, due to the divergence in views that I believe is needed. I will consider all perspectives of my running-mate and heed their advice. It is important to me that the person that is selected as my vice president is able to serve on day 1 of my administration.

I do have a short-list of individuals that I am releasing to the public today. You deserve nothing but full transparency about this matter.

My short-list for Vice President of Atlasia is as follows (in no particular order):

House Speaker Rep. Joseph Cao
Fmr. Lt. Gov. RGN
Sen. AGA (declined)
Sen. Jimmy (declined)
Fmr. Gov. ReaganClinton (selected June 28, withdrew July 26).
Lincoln Speaker LfromNJ (selected as CG and Deputy CoS)

There may be instances where I may need to add or remove candidates from this list. Should no candidate accept, I hope that our nominee will be selected on the floor of the convention.

All of the above named officeholders are more than qualified to serve as Vice President. I look forward to considering their candidacy.  

Thank you.

Best,

Senator Spark

Restarting this

[Senator Spark]

VP Selection [repost]

Hello my fellow Atlasians, I proudly come before you tonight to announce that I have concluded my short vice presidential search. I have the pleasure of introducing to you a man who has the commitment, drive, and ability to strive to never before seen heights. That man is no other than Former Speaker Joseph Cao. Mr. Cao has served Atlasia well during his tenure. He is extraordinarily active and devoted to the game engine. Joseph Cao is a principled leader and legislator. Mr. Cao also conducts himself with integrity through his own volition and rises above the fray when it comes to politics. I am confident that he will be a dedicated and responsible public servant as your next Vice President. Mr. Cao is more than qualified to assume the presidency in the event I am no longer able to do so.

Should he be inclined to accept, we will be a team like no other who will be devoted to the mission of Atlasia and protect it for the future.

Dave bless this land.

Best,

Senator Spark, presidential candidate

I have chosen Speaker Cao a second time, as his qualifications and service to Atlasia are unparalleled. I will provide Mr. Cao enough time for his consideration by end of day Friday.

Thank you.

[Senator Spark]

What is your reaction to the 75% of people who don't want change in Atlasia?

That they are satisfied with the status quo, we all know that it must change.

[Senator Spark]

Statement on President SevenEleven

My fellow Atlasians, it has been said as of a few days ago, that our President was involved in an auto accident. All politics aside, this moment calls for our nation to come together in hopes for a swift and healthy recovery for him. The President and I share the same commitment to better our nation and provide for its future. I wish him well on his recovery.

Best,

Senator Spark