Democratic Alliance (+Allies) Local Campaigning Thread 2021

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ Memorial Park, Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City Downtown
Kevin Gabbert - User: (WT-shared) Kevin James at  wts wikivoyage, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 1000.

Good Morning Rapid City!

I'm glad to be here in South Dakota to continue to spread the DA's core message and values. Yes, this may be a very strong Labor state, but that doesn't mean we don't care about you.

Rapid City remains the biggest place for healthcare in a five-state region. You all have some damn great facilities, in fact. But that doesn't mean we can't do better, and that certainly doesn't mean we should cut back on spending in this area. The DA is committed to growing and maintaining the local healthcare apparatus here in Rapid City, and all across the state. We know that these matters are life-and-death, and we will always work to make sure that the balance is tipped in life's direction as much as possible.

Our candidate for Governor knows this all too well. He was an ambulance driver before he was elected as an MP for Rapid City. He's fought for you all these past few months, and he's gonna fight for you as governor! Let's give a big round of applause to Mr. David Hollingsworth!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ James Madison Park, Madison Wisconsin

James Madison Park shelter rooftop garden (July 2014 - 3)
James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed with an attendance of approx. 700.

Good afternoon Madison!

Well, I'm very happy to be here with Governor Baldwin today, because this is a very important election. The Governor has been thrown challenges left and right, and each one he has dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Whether it's folks in the legislature who care more about themselves than their constituents, or battling COVID, or just making sure that people are taken care of during these turbulent times, he's been able to handle them as best as he can.

But we can not allow the progress we've made to be shaken. We need your support for another term, and we need a renewed mandate to keep up all the success we've had in this state!

With that, I'm glad to introduce the Governor of Wisconsin, Mark Baldwin!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ Wolfenbuttel Park, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kenosha's Lakefront
Theodore Ruffalo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed with an attendance of approx. 2000.

Good afternoon Kenosha!

I'm so glad to be here continuing my tour of the nation, and specifically Wisconsin, in this beautiful town.

I chose to come here because the echoes of the cries of justice still ring in this city. In August of last year, then-Rep Beeman marched with activists in this city calling for better oversight in the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake. And thanks to folks like you who voted DA, we have, despite some opposition from the forces of injustice, prevailed in passing new legislation that increases punishments for using excessive force. We've made strong action while we've been in office, and that's exactly why our motto is "Unity and Action". Because we need to unify in this moment, take action on the issues effecting us today, and stand strong to see to it that we will be ready for the issues of tomorrow! We need another term of DA to keep Wisconsin going on the path to a better tomorrow!

With that, I'm glad to introduce one of the folks who's been leading Wisconsin down that path! Your state senator, Harold Gottfried!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ Marinette City Park, Marinette, Wisconsin

MarinetteWisconsinSign
User Royalbroil on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 700.

Good morning Marinette!

I'm glad to be here today continuing my tour of Atlasia, and I gotta say it's been amazing here in Wisconsin. It reminds me of the golden rule: treat others the way you wish to be treated. Well, we've worked hard for you, and you've been so open and helping these past couple days.

My good friend Scott was in this state the other day talking about how Labor would help out, well, labor, in this state. And I don't think he'd be wrong. However, I also say that DA has been working on that here in Wisconsin and the rest of the rust belt. We've proven ourselves here in Wisconsin, and we'll keep up this era of good leadership if you entrust us with another term. You don't need to choose between progressivism and a focus on local issues. You can get both with DA.

Rally
@ Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park, Menominee, Michigan

MenomineeMichiganGreatLakesMarinaPark
User:Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 500.

Hello Menominee!

Well, I was just in your twin city across the border in Marinette, and I know you all could hear me from there, you could hear our positive, progressive message. We aren't just bringing that to one state, but all states we've been governing. At every level we have listened to the people's concerns and dealt with them. That's why Governor Elliott, when he heard local business' concerns about a shortage of skilled workers for Menominee's shipbuilding and helicopter construction industries, fought for funding to create new vocational schools across Michigan, including one here in Menominee. Already we're seeing the effects with towns like Menominee recovering from the economic downturn caused by COVID. DA is managing this state not just with competence, but mastery.

With that, I'll introduce y'all to the man who has guided Michigan so well these past few months, Governor Elliott!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ Ferris Park, Lansing, Michigan

Lansing skyline brobb 11 2009
Subterranean, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 750.

Good afternoon Lansing!

Well, we're here in the capital, and that's because Michigan needs your help! Governor Elliott and DA state reps have been working themselves crazy helping y'all. I think there's one thing that you may have noticed in particular that we've been working real damn hard on. We're fixing the DAMN ROADS!

Yes, others may joke about our seemingly single-minded focus on rail transport, but we know damn well that roads are just as important, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile we've been helping larger cities like Lansing further develop their public transport systems to reduce our carbon footprint while also expanding social and economic mobility.

But our work is never done. The problems facing Michigan are many, but DA is the real party to face them! That's why at the end of this week, Michigan needs a renewed, expanded mandate for DA to get more done! Let's make it happen!

Meet the Candidates
@ Hell Saloon, Hell, Michigan

NWS Hell MI
Sswonk, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Masks required.

WB and local DA candidates, as well as Governor Elliott, met with locals at the Saloon. They discussed local policy, as well as sharing personal stories.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ Lundquist Bicentennial Park, Elkhart, Indiana

ElkhartSummer
Acsmith3, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 1000.

Good morning Elkhart!

Glad to be here in Indiana, and I'm extremely glad because I am here with two great individuals.

Governor Donnelly has been a shining example of who and what Indiana needs right now. Sensible, yet progressive leadership.

The DA has always been about working with all sides. That's why we've worked with Federalists and Liberals in the past. And today I'm happy to say that we're working with the Good Ol' Labor Party as well! I had a great talk with Vice President OBD earlier today, along with other DA and Labor leaders including DA Governors Cunningham and Donnelly, as well as Labor Governor Gaviotti. We worked out a plan to create a better, more progressive Atlasia through the local elections. Now, I'd like to hand the mic over to the folks who are gonna bring that vision to Indiana! Governor Donnelly and your next Lieutenant Governor, Judd Laurel!

Rally
@ Thompson Park, Guymon, Oklahoma

Texas County, Oklahoma courthouse from NE 1
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 500.

Hello Guymon!

I'm happy to be here out in Oklahoma campaigning for the DA.

You know, there's a tumblin' issue rumblin' round these parts, and it seems like no one has wanted to address it. So I will. Tumbleweed, as y'all definitely know, is a bit of a nuisance round these parts. It hurts crop yields, it creates fires easily, and it can collect and clog up roads. We've been fighting for years to get rid of the stuff. The DA plans on allocating additional funding to help further this fight, so that y'all can get some relief from it. And with me now is one of the principal figures in this fight, your next Lieutenant Governor, Henry Edmondson!

Rally
@ Maurice A. Ferre Park, Miami, Florida

Bicentennial Park June 2014
AuntieMamesTravels, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines were followed, with an attendance of approx. 3000.

Good Afternoon Miami!

Well, I just have to say that I can tell y'all love Mayor Diaz. We've seen an outpouring of support from Cubans, Haitians, African-Atlasians, and everyone in between. And I can't blame you! Expanded public transportation. Aid for small businesses during the pandemic. Measures to clean up pollution all across the city. This is the Mayor's record, and I know the best is yet to come! I know y'all are gonna vote for more of the proven, strong leadership Mayor Diaz has brought to Miami! Without further ado, here is the Mayor herself!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Speech
@Palo Seco, Toa Baca, Puerto Rico

Punta Salinas Beach, Toa Baja
Ishamari Drennan-Colón / CC0
Only media presence allowed. An interpreter was present.

Good morning Puerto Rico!

I think many of you may recognize this spot. It was here that, rather than throw childish names around, I calmly dispelled mistruth. My example here in August paved the way towards a better way of campaigning. Yes, we saw things get worse, but now tensions have cooled. We have brought Atlasia back from the brink of partisan insanity. We have not just done this in our campaigns, but in the way we govern. We've worked with all sides in all states, including Puerto Rico, to provide real, structural change while not resorting to short-sighted, blindly partisan deals.

That's how we've governed across Atlasia, and that's how we will govern in Puerto Rico.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Speech+Meet the Candidates
@Sullivan's Restaurant, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Sullivan's Island viewed from Fort Moultrie
Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Masks Required

Good evening Sullivan's Island!

I'm happy to be back home again in the Palmetto State, and thought where better to go to start off a tour here than one of my favorite restaurants?

I'll be meeting with the owners tonight, but they've already told me that if it weren't for aid that Governor Cunningham and the DA-AFP majority got to small businesses, they would have gone under months ago.*

It's another success story for the DA-AFP trifecta, and another reason why y'all should give Governor Cunningham another term and renewed mandate. After all, without him, y'all wouldn't be able to have Sullivan's amazing she-crab soup!

WB and local candidates, including Gov. Cunningham, met with constituents in the restaurant, discussing local issues and the DA-AFP government's accomplishments.

*This happened IRL. https://abcnews4.com/news/local/sullivans-seafood-restaurant-to-close-next-sunday-after-32-years-of-business

Speech
@Garrison's Place, Hartsville, South Carolina

Hartsville SC
Evanoco, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines enforced, with an attendance of approx. 100.

Good evening Hartsville.

I'll jump right into it: right behind me is a testament to what the Governor has been able to do in this state.

I stood here back in August, and I told you all that the DA would fight to make public parks and recreations areas more accessible. Not only did I introduce the GARRISON Act while in the Chamber of Delegates, but Governor Cunningham took it a step further, creating another fund statewide that would focus on the same goal. With those funds, the city of Hartsville expanded Garrison's Place into a full, accessible play area for kids. A child confined to a wheelchair due to SMA, like Garrison was, can enjoy the ziplines, swings, and  here. He was an inspiration to me, and thanks to him, kids just like him can have fun like everyone else.

This is the legacy he leaves behind, and it's the legacy the Governor and I have carried on.

(Note to Peanut, in case he is unaware of Garrison's story: https://scnow.com/news/pee_dee_weekly/a-young-life-a-lasting-legacy-garrison-murph-2008-2019/article_743db270-c1e7-11e9-b815-af374f3e25fb.html)

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@Carolina Wren Park, Anderson, South Carolina

Anderson-South-Carolina-e1277145929610-1024x793
Skywalker195, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines enforced, with an attendance of approx. 100.

Good Morning Anderson!

I'm glad to be here in the upstate campaigning for another term for Governor Cunningham and the DA-AFP majority. Since my last time speaking here, we've seen some amazing things come out of this government. Tax breaks for first time homeowners and new small businesses. Better schools. Upgrades to public parks, including making them accessible. And, of course, beginning to implement the ambitious light rail program Ninja and I introduced back in August.

This is just the beginning. Let's make this new era of progress in South Carolina continue! Let's get out there and re-elect the trifecta!

Now I'll hand off the mic to my good friend, the State Senate Leader Cameron Tillrson!

Meet the Candidates
@ Black Sheep Cafe, Piedmont, South Carolina

Piedmont Mill Stores
Upstateherd, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Masks required.

WB and local DA candidates, as well as Governor Cunningham, met with locals at the Cafe. They discussed local policy, as well as sharing personal stories.

Rally
@Falls Park, Greenville, South Carolina

Fallsparkonthereedy
Marc Averette a.k.a. Averette of English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Social distancing guidelines enforced, with an attendance of approx. 200.

Good afternoon Greenville!

So happy to be here keeping up the good fight for you.

I'm also happy to introduce our logo for the statewide campaign:
 

It's the DA logo, including the colors of the AFP on one hand, signifying the partnership between the parties to help out SC. It's a good representation of what we've been doing in this state, and it's a great representation of what we'll be doing for another term, if you entrust us to it.

I think the man who could explain what will happen in another AFP-DA term better is none other than your governor, the great James Cunningham! Come on up here, Governor!

Meet the Candidates
@ Saskatoon Lodge, Greenville, South Carolina

Masks required.

WB and Fmr. VP Scott met constituents at the restaurant, along with local candidates from both Labor and the DA-AFP coalition. They discussed local issues and potential points of cooperation in the future between the parties.


(Good sh*t btw just gonna plug them real quick https://saskatoonrestaurant.com/)

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally
@ the National Mall, Nyman

Social distancing guidelines enforced, with an attendance of approx. 1500.

Good Evening Nyman!

Well, this is the last stop in my nationwide tour that started at the top of the world in Alaska, and what better place to end it than in Atlasia's Capital?

DA has proven ourselves to be the party of reasonable progress. All of the South has seen it, all of those states where DA is in power has seen it. And hopefully, you all see it too when you elect a new DA government.

We've been focused on local issues since day 1. We will help clean up Nyman, both figuratively and literally. We will aid the folks who live on the streets. We will ensure that there are no cuts to crucial city programs. We will improve the Metro.

With that, I hand it over to your next City Councilor, Bill Harrington!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida

50biscaynefountain
Averette at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 7,000.

Good evening Miami!

It's nearing the end of the campaign, and that means that y'all need to get out and VOTE!

DA has shown time and time again our commitment to you. On making public areas accessible. On helping out first-time homeowners. On public transportation. On COVID. We have fought for you every step of the way, and we will keep fighting and fighting, because our work is never done! We're here in Miami because it's been a shining beacon of what the DA has been doing, on the local, state, and regional levels!

And with me now is a man who has worked so hard for the folks in this region. He and I used to be enemies, and now he's a good friend of mine because we found our common love of the people of Atlasia.

Come on out here, Speaker!

It is great being here in Miami tonight, and as we close out the campaign, I'm glad to set the record straight on the results that the Democratic Alliance is producing for Southerners in the Southern Chamber.

Recently, former Southern Governor West Midlander went on the attack and said that the DA is aligning with Labor in the Chamber, which couldn't be further from the truth. He is intentionally misleading you and using fear tactics to suggest that we will keep everything shut down for the forseeable future. This is just silly and ironic considering he called out making baseless attacks, yet that is exactly what he is doing now. Let's check the factbook: It was the Democratic Alliance that wrote and pushed through the initial COVID legislation in February, supported by the Federalist Governor and Federalists in the Chamber. And now, it is the Democratic Alliance that authored an amendment that just went through that supports a smart reopening of the region and moves control of the issue away from the region and to local entities where it belongs. So his scare tactics could not be further from the truth, and it is clear that the former Governor needs to pay a little more attention before spouting nonsense on the campaign trail!

The Democratic Alliance is currently leading the South forward. As our the Speaker of the Chamber, it is my responsibility to work with all delegates to provide results for the region, and I will gladly work with a Federalist, Laborite or anyone else who wants to achieve positive outcomes for the region. I won't let my record be falsely attacked, and we will continue fighting hard for the South and all of Atlasia each and every day. On Election Day, vote for a party with proven results. Vote for the Democratic Alliance!

With that, I'm happy to introduce our next guest, a distinguished former Governor, who has fought for DA's values since it's inception. He led that region well, and he knows good leadership when he sees it! And he sees it in all of our candidates, not just here in Miami, but across the nation! Give a warm welcome to Mr. ReaganClinton!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ McEuen Park, Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Coeur d'Alene 2018b
Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 1,200.

Good morning Coeur d'Alene!

I'm so happy to start a new tour of Atlasia right here in northern Idaho.

I feel obliged to address the big elephant in the room. Fremont's budget is, to put it lightly, a disaster for local communities. This isn't because of any big program that has failed, this is because the funding of pensions simply is not complete. It's like Rep. Ninja said last year:

When you go crazy spending on everything, the essentials suffer.

And now even your own mayor has come out in open criticism of the regional government on this issue!

Now let me be clear, this is not an attack on the character of Laborites, and it may seem odd to turn around and attack them after our pact last cycle. But this is not a petty attack, this is valid criticism. If the Federalists were to make a similar mistake in the South, I'd be saying the same thing. If you see a friend messing their life up unknowingly, do you stand by and watch them destroy themselves? Or do you try to point out what's wrong and give them a push in the right direction, in a solution that makes life easier for everyone involved?

That's what we aim to do here in Idaho, and across the nation. We want to fix what has gone wrong at all levels of government. We need the state government to help out communities through this crisis, so that here in Coeur d'Alene, you can invest in expanding your tourist sector rather than cover something that should already be covered. That's what we'll do here in Idaho if you elect us.

RALLY
@ Pioneer Park, Grangeville, ID

Grangeville Idaho August 2017
Jstuby, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 350.

Good Afternoon to Grangeville!

It's great to be here in this little town, and I can see why our candidate for Governor calls this place home. Sadly, however, Grangeville has begun to decline.

One issue has been that the rail line that came here, the Camas Prairie Railroad, shut down the station here 20 years ago. I don't find it a coincidence that since then, Grangeville has stagnated. DA will, among other things to aid small towns, rebuild that old infrastructure. It's hard enough to get here for a lot of folks. You're out of the way, which is part of why so few people seem to notice y'all.

Luckily, the DA sees these issues, and how couldn't we? We're made up of folks like you who live in underprivileged areas. Folks like our candidate for governor, who's Grangeville born and raised. I'd like to introduce you to your next governor, though a lot of ya already know him, Jack Kennedy!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ Ann Morrison Memorial Park, Boise, Idaho

Ann Morrison Memorial Park
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 8,500.

Hello Boise!

I'm so happy to be here in front of such a diverse crowd. It's always nice to see folks of all walks of life here on the ground.

I want to start off by addressing, once again, the pensions issue. It shocks me that we have heard nothing from the regional government on how they'll help local communities with the burden they created, or even given the crisis a passing mention!. Not even a token gesture has been made. When you make mistakes, you don't ignore them. The right thing to do is address them to stop the effects of the mistake as soon as possible. I hope that the Fremont government does the right thing here.

With the money Boise is having to spend on pensions, we could do so much more. Like expand the VRT system, or construct community centers, or any number of other things! Believe me when I say that the DA will rectify this. We can, and will, do better.

RALLY
In Antler, ND

Customs house in Antler, North Dakota
Andrew Filer from Seattle (ex-Minneapolis), CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 15.

Good afternoon Antler! Always glad to be back here after the AFP convention a few months ago.

Let's be honest, small towns like y'all are struggling all over the state. You're at a quarter of your population from 1980, when the grade school was threatening to close, and finally did a few years later.

DA has a plan to help y'all out. Just like what we did in the South, we're going to help out first-time homeowners with a tax break. However, we will also push for a larger tax break for those who move into small municipalities to breathe new life in small towns like Antler. Let's bring our small towns back from the brink. Let's get out there and vote DA this month.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ Cowles Commons, Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa aerial 01A
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 500.

Good morning Des Moines!

I'm excited to be here in Iowa advocating for you.

I want to talk about, well, one of my favorite topics, so much so that it's been memed quite a bit by Labor youth groups and well, you know what, power to 'em. Public Transportation is still such a huge issue to me.

Maybe it's because of my mom who can't drive because of her epilepsy, or friends of mine who are disabled as well. Maybe it's because of the poor or homeless folks I've met all over the nation who can't get around on anything but their own two feet, or maybe a bicycle if they're lucky and live in an area that's bike friendly.

But luckily here in Des Moines you all take care of your people well. You have, at least from what I can tell, a very good system. But we can always make it better. You needed a grant to have an electric bus pilot program. We should fund that more through the state and local government.

Of course, don't take it from me, take it from your next Governor, the DART Commissioner from Windsor Heights, Gus Huxley!

Meet the Candidates
@ Windsor Heights Dairy Queen, Iowa

WB and candidates including Gus Huxley met constituents at the Windsor Heights Dairy Queen, famous for being a good place for u kno what

RALLY
In Beaconsfield, Iowa

BeaconsfieldSupplyStore.NRPH-07000451.Beaconsfield.Iowa.20170409-6194
Mclarenj, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 10.

Hello Beaconsfield!

Well, I'm glad to see a good turnout here in such a small, but extremely important town. I've said before that tiny towns can do great things, and you all are the prime example of it. Home of the first Hy-Vee, and also to Peggy Whitson.

Why can't we invest in small towns like you all to create more success stories like these? DA has been saying this from the beginning, and we're gonna keep saying it. We'll work for you.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ Kansas Statehouse, Topeka, Kansas

Kansas Statehouse 2015
Crazy Fred ET, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 1700.

Hello Topeka!

I'm overjoyed to be back here in the South, helping spread the DA's message.

I stood here at the beginning of the year telling you all that the DA would help fight for a more civil Atlasia. Well, I think it's fair to say that we have succeeded in getting that ball rolling. We haven't participated in the mudslinging, the name-calling, and the non-policy focus some other folks have been doing on the campaign trail. Civility doesn't mean no criticism, of course. Just look at what I've said over in Idaho for that. But I kept it focused on policy to help people. I didn't call anyone names. Sadly, we can look over in Iowa, where I was just a couple days ago, for the opposite. While I made nice, positive comments about public transportation and investing in rural communities, two things the DA has always been hammering on, others were calling each other puppets and quacks!

The DA doesn't resort to such rhetoric because we don't have to. Everything we say is genuine, and focused on you, the people, not on the eternal "enemy" of the other side.

I'll continue by saying that we've been helping reduce the tensions through our rhetoric. When I came here at the beginning of this year, your beloved Governor was nearly kidnapped, and who knows what could have happened if those terrorists succeeded. Now, a few months later, we've seen a cooling of tensions. We have, hopefully, prevented a new Bloody Kansas over 150 years after the previous one.

Now, to the man who can attest to those cooling tensions better than anyone else, your Governor, James Benson!

Rally
@ Big Well Park and Playground, Greensburg, Kansas

Big Well Museum
GreensburgKansasTourism, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 400.

Good afternoon Greensburg!

I'm glad to finally visit this town that I've been interested in for so long. Your town's rebirth is an inspiration to all.

I have to say I love the way Greensburg looks now. I think a lot of what y'all have here is close to my, and I'd say a good majority of the DA's, ideal of development. Green, clean, and modern. The only thing that's missing is a bus system! Laughs

Nah, I'm joking, but DA hopes to bring this type of development to Kansas' growing suburbs by providing financial incentives to those building a new house if they meet LEED Platinum standards. That's how we work to help the environment on the small scale, and that will help you all! Climate change is predicted to have a big effect on agriculture. Y'all have had to make enough revolutionary change, let's make sure you don't need a new round of that in farming.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Speech
In Furry, Mississippi

Good morning to the people of Mississippi!

I'm here because I found a place where I think we could encourage a new community to grow. A community of folks who the DA, and especially the AFP, have fought for for a while.

And we've been helping folks all over the south through initiatives like the tax credit for first-time homeowners. Thanks to it, we can make places like this into new bastions of culture and growth. I have done my part by personally aiding certain folks into moving here, and they stand with me today in their full garb, showing what this new town will become.

It's not a success story yet, but it's well on it's way there. And it's thanks to the DA and AFP. Thanks to the work we've done, and the work we will continue to do, new, modern, environmental houses will be built across this state.

MEET THE CANDIDATES
@The Froghead Grill, Clinton, Mississippi

WB and DA candidates met constituents at the Cajun-style restaurant.

Rally
@ IG Levy Memorial Park, Pascagoula, Mississippi

Pascagoula sign
User:Staecker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 1000.

Good afternoon Pascagoula!

Glad to be here on the Gulf Coast again after a couple months. It's almost as beautiful as Charleston, though I think y'all would say the opposite if you came to South Carolina! Laughs

Well, just like in Charleston, y'all have to face the mounting issues of climate change, and there's multiple fronts we can do that on, and DA has always been at the forefront of local solutions making change beyond city, county, and state borders. In SC we just passed a tax credit bill that gives financial incentives to large developers and individuals alike if they build LEED Platinum certified housing. Some folks would criticize us for giving this to the developers, but if you ask me, I'd rather they build environmentally friendly housing than the alternatives. And of course we have advocated for public transport within big cities and to small towns to cut down on car emissions.

It's stuff like that that effects everyone. From Kansas' farms to Mississippi's coasts, climate change will have a big impact unless we fight against it. That's what we've done in other states and that's what we'll do here in Mississippi.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

The Virgin Islands branch of the Young DA recently posted the following meme online. It has also been made an online advertisement in social media.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@ David C. Canegata Park, Christiansted, Virgin Islands

Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, from Recovery Hill
Jpheym Jason P. Heym, Seascape Pool Center, Inc., CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 500.

Hello Christiansted!

I'm so happy to be here in the beautiful Virgin Islands to continue my campaign. Sadly, despite your home's beauty, there are still problems here.

And the one I want to address here on Saint Croix is the need for diversification of the economy. We saw after the hurricanes of 2017 that keeping the VI's economy almost entirely dependent on tourism was not stable. Before 2017, tourism employed 8000 people. Now it is at 5000, which has increased over the past couple months thanks to Governor Allen's work.

We need to make sure that the next time a storm comes, not just the people of the Virgin Islands, but your economy as well, weather the storm. Governor Allen has been working to do that, through small business initiatives, and especially through green energy initiatives. Y'all need another term of Governor Allen!

Speech
@ Cruz Bay Beach, Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay, Saint John; United States Virgin Islands
FloNight  (Sydney Poore) and Russell Poore, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 50.

Good morning Cruz Bay!

I came here to Saint John because the DA is here to fight for you. We've already been doing that. Thanks to the hard work of Governor Chad D. Allen, the Virgin Islands clean as far as COVID goes. But that's not the only thing he's done.

It's no secret that electricity costs a lot in the Virgin Islands, but you may have noticed it's gotten a bit cheaper recently. That's because the DA, working with parties from all over the spectrum, was able to get a solar generating station funded and built, which is now employing dozens. It's a small step on the road to a better life here, but it's one the DA fought for, and it's a sign of what will come should you entrust Governor Allen with another term.

Rally
@ Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park, Charlotte Amalie

View of St. Thomas
Sunil Pereira, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social Distancing Guidelines enforced with an attendance of approx. 500.

Good afternoon Charlotte Amalie!

I wanted to talk to you all about one of the big looming threats that faces the Virgin Islands: Climate Change.

Everyone here is aware at how bad hurricanes can damage your economy, your livelihoods. Now imagine what would happen if we saw more intense hurricanes more often, with higher sea levels to boot? We need to make sure that nightmare doesn't become a reality.

Luckily, the DA and Governor Allen have worked hard to move the Virgin Islands to green energy, not only helping slow climate change, but also employing several Virgin Islanders at the solar facility located here on Saint Thomas. Governor Allen is already working to see an expansion of these facilities, and construction of other renewable energy facilities. It's the way forward!

Now, I'm glad to introduce to you all the man who has worked so hard the past couple months, and is ready for another term to serve you! Please welcome Governor Chad D. Allen!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

WB's events (Since I've been very busy I don't have the time to do big writeups of the speeches, sorry about that)

Rally @ Long Leaf Park in Wilmington, NC
-Discussed the need to better maintain the Intracoastal Waterway
-Approx 1000 attendees

Meet the Candidates @ Whit's Frozen Custard in Hendersonville, NC

Rally @ Aston Park in Asheville, NC
-Discussed expansion of public transport in the area, introducing the DA Gubernatorial Candidate and Asheville Mayor Eugene Shivers
-Approx 750 attendees


Rally in Logan, WV
-Discussed DA's commitment to a transition towards Green energy in WV, bringing back lost jobs
-Introduced Gubernatorial Candidate and State Senator Jo Ojeda

Rally @ Oak Hill Park in Olean, NY
-Discussed my small town heritage (my dad grew up across the border in Bradford) and how DA has had a strong focus on them since the beginning
-Approx 1,500 attendees

Meet the Candidates @ Abbott's Frozen Custard in Rochester, NY (can you tell that I like frozen custard? )

Rally @ Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, NY
-Discussed the need to continue expanding tech industries in the city, as they helped prevent the drastic loss of jobs that was seen in other Great Lakes cities. Brought up the AFP's role in the DA and how the "Future Focus" of the DA looks to expand those industries.
-Introduced DA Gubernatorial Candidate and Rochester Mayor Ethel Mannheimer
-Approx. 6000 attendees

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Symbols are powerful things. The DA's campaigns in all states now have logos. Each logo includes the DA Logo over a simplified outline of the state/territory/city, and a line stating our main focus for each one. For example in North Dakota it is "DA FOR NORTH DAKOTA'S SMALL TOWNS".

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Rally @ Crotona Park in the Bronx, NY
-Discussed implementing numerous efficiency improvements to the subway system with cooperation with Mayor Silver
-Approx 2,500 attendees

Rally @ Brookwood Hall Park in Islip, NY
-Discussed DA's focus on public transportation, improving the LIRR and expanding it
-Approx 1,000 attendees

Rally @ Prince Henry the Navigator Park, New Bedford, MA
-Discussed impact of climate change on the local fishing industry
-Introduced Dr. Martha Vine, who has a PhD in climatology and is the DA Gubernatorial Candidate
-Approx 500 attendees

Rally @ Nelson Memorial Park, Plymouth, MA
-Discussed MA's focus on localities and the DA's similar focus
-Approx. 500 attendees

Rally @ Boston Common, Boston, MA
-Discussed plans to expand the T, give more power to local community councils, and fight climate change
-Introduced numerous candidates for State House and Senate running in the Boston area.
-Approx. 10,000 attendees

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

RALLY
@Parade Ground, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY

Entrance To Van Cortlandt Park 2012
Anthony22 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Social Distancing guidelines were enforced with an attendance of approx. 16,000.

Hello New York!!!

I'm so, so happy to be here in the capital of the world, and to be here with your next governor, as well as a number of folks who hope to be your next state reps and senators.

New York has been a big center of innovation for years. Now, we must ask ourselves: which party has offered solutions that other parties haven't? which party is innovative? which party is partnered with another that promises a focus on the future? It's the DA.

We were the ones who helped first-time homeowners. We are the ones wanting to improve environmental standards for housing through incentives. We are the ones wanting to expand public transport to reduce our emissions. We are the ones fighting for mixed-zoning to make life easier for everyone.

We have been the party of innovation since the start. We have been focused on fact-oriented solutions. That's what we've fought for, and that's what we're gonna keep fighting for if you elect DA folks up and down the ballot! Now, to the woman who's guided Rochester down that path, and who will guide New York down it! Welcome your next Governor, Ethel Mannheimer!!!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

TURN UTAH BLUE TOUR, PART 1

RALLY
@ Rees Pioneer Park, Brigham City, UT
Approx 1000 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Hello to Brigham City!

I'm happy to be here with my good friend UT Neolib to kick off another great DA campaign, and this one will see a lot of issues talked about here in Utah. Just last month Labor cemented their hold on Fremont, and I think we can all agree that no place should be under one-party rule!

But of course, the DA plans on campaigning, and delivering on, more than mere platitudes.

Like my good friend said, we have shown our commitment to small-town revitalization around the nation, and we've delivered that in South Carolina, Kansas, Rhode Island and elsewhere, where we've been able to work with all sides and make real solutions for the people. We want to add Utah to that list of success stories, and if you vote in Ben Matheson for Governor, he and the other amazing folks in the DA will do it. Now, here he is, your next Governor, Salt Lake County Councilman Ben Matheson!


RALLY
@ Merlin Orsen Central Park, Logan, UT
Approx. 3000 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Good morning Logan!

Glad to continue this tour of Utah, where my friend Utah Neolib and I are visiting every single county in the state. That's because everyone in this state matters, and the DA listens to local concerns.

Like here in Logan, where there's a single high school for a city as big as this. Back home in South Carolina, we had a whole new high school built for a growing community one-fifth the size of Logan. It's clear that whatever the current government is doing is not working. We need to construct another high school here in Logan. There's no reason that we couldn't when other states are doing it far more frequently. Ben Matheson will do it as your next Governor, but the man who will be fighting for you all right here in Logan is my good friend Chase Hunter, your next MP!


RALLY
@ Randolph City Park, Randolph, UT
Approx. 75 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Good day to everyone here in Randolph, Utah!

I wanted to talk about your town's reputation because, well, it's been bad by no fault of your own.

Even though it closed 15 years ago, the Old West Academy just outside of town has remained Randolph's biggest point of notoriety, and it sure wasn't a good one. Beatings, sexual abuse, and what can only be described as child torture occurred there. Their director had been previously arrested for child sexual abuse. Even now the shadow of that school looms over Randolph, and was likely a contributing factor to this town's decline over the past 2 decades.

We need to both ensure this doesn't happen again, and bring in something better to give Randolph the reputation it deserves, rather than one that was foisted upon it by horrible folks.

We need better oversight of private schools, to make sure that they aren't hurting our kids. We need to make sure that it's always possible for victims to contact the authorities. And we especially need to make sure there aren't damn child abusers coming into contact with everyone's kids every damn day!

And to help Randolph, we here in the DA know that you all know how best to improve your reputation, but you don't have the resources. Like in other states, we plan on giving back a good amount of money to small towns in order to create revitalization projects and encourage community growth.

This is not a controversial topic, it's common-sense, and the DA has always been about common-sense. For common-sense government that's gonna make sure nothing like Old West happens again, vote DA.


RALLY
@ Liberty Park, Ogden UT
Approx. 2500 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Good afternoon Ogden!

Well, I found a great excuse to talk about one of my favorite topics, public transport.

Because the extremely important FrontRunner train line needs attention. This single line serves a huge portion of Utah's population, going from here down to Provo. But it can be improved. Even with the funding Fremont gave this state, we have seen little progress on the proposed expansions north to Brigham City and south to Nephi. Hell, the line has shrank in recent years with the closing of Pleasant View station in the north.

Research has showed time and time again that public transportation increases more than physical mobility, but social and economic mobility as well. It's a win for everyone involved. We must ensure that people can get to and from work, school, and elsewhere, without having to break the bank. The FrontRunner is a key part of that, and the DA has focused heavily on this issue before.

We have delivered elsewhere. We can do it here in Utah too.

With that, I bring you to a guy who knows just how much the FrontRunner can help folks! He was born in poverty, and worked 2 jobs just to get by. He was only able to break this cycle by going to school on nights and weekends, something he only could do because of the FrontRunner, because he had no car. Give a warm welcome to your next state senator, Jesús Romero!


RALLY
@Ellison Park, Layton, UT
Approx. 1750 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Hello Layton!

When I was on my way down here from Ogden, riding on the FrontRunner, naturally, I noticed how much green space y'all have around here. It's a shame that so much of it, however, is not accessible to those with disabilities, especially kids.

But the DA has a plan to fix that. We already did it in the South. The GARRISON Act has seen many disabled kids in the South finally be able to have fun with everyone else. The fact that mirror acts have not been passed in Lincoln and Fremont is disappointing. But, we can push for similar acts on the state level. And that's what we're going to do. With me now is the woman who says that her very first act will be to introduce an act like the GARRISON Act. She lost a child to the same disease Garrison had, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She has felt the pain of knowing that her kid couldn't even enjoy a playground like others. That's why she wants to make sure that no other parent in Utah has to deal with that too! I'm glad to introduce your next state Senator, Maria Hetkamp!


RALLY
@Riverside Park, Morgan, UT
Approx. 500 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Good afternoon Morgan!

Well, I was on my way here and being interested in every place I stop, I looked y'all up and found out that nearly half of you commute out of the county for work. I was surprised, but I was doubly surprised to see how you're forced to drive into Ogden. What of the people who can't afford it?

We need to expand Utah's rail to not just be one line. The infrastructure is there. The railroad that brought this town to life is only a quarter mile away from here. We need to give everyone a platform to lift themselves off of, and for some, that platform happens to be a train platform. That's why I'm glad to be here with your next Governor, who's gonna fight for expanding light rail across Utah, Ben Matheson!

SPEECH
In Echo, UT
Media presence as well as a small group of bystanders attended with social distancing guidelines followed

Good evening Echo!

Well, I think a lot of folks would call y'all a "dead town". I've seen plenty in my life. But I don't think everyone should give up on you. The town, like any creature threatened with extinction, must adapt. And with that I bring an idea that could increase tourism and breathe some life into the city. Because someone's written about this town, and it's gotten famous among certain circles because of it. But, it's not famous enough. We should fund an effort to expand Echo's name recognition to bring in these folks to see what Echo's about. And with me is a guy who won't give up on this town either! He's running to be your next MP, give it up for Leo Alvarez!

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

TURN UTAH BLUE TOUR, PART 2

RALLY
@City Park, Park City UT
Approx. 1,200 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Good morning Park City!

Ah, it's so nice to be here in such a beautiful town as this. Consistently, y'all have been listed as one of the prettiest towns in Atlasia. But we need to realize the looming threat that could destroy the city's beauty, and it's economy. Climate Change keeps getting brought up as on issue on the coasts, but need we forget that ski areas like Park City would also be damaged by higher temperatures?

Luckily, the DA has been supportive of domestic green energy production, and we also are incentivizing new buildings to be as environmentally friendly and energy efficient as possible. Let's make sure that we can spread that to Utah by electing Ben Matheson for governor! Speaking of, here he comes! Ladies and Gentlemen, your next governor!


SPEECH
@Site of Fmr. Pleasant View Train Station, Pleasant View, UT
As this was not planned far in advance, only media presence was allowed.

Hello to Pleasant View!

I wanted to come here because it seems like my good friend Scott didn't quite hear me right when I was in Ogden yesterday. He seems to think that I said that Fremont has done nothing for public transportation. I quite clearly said that "Even with the funding Fremont gave this state, we have seen little progress on the proposed expansions north to Brigham City and south to Nephi." I did not say that Fremont did nothing, I simply said they have not done enough. The fact that this station is closed is a testament to that.

I also want to rebuff whatever idea the Labor Party has about our plan to revitalize Utah and other states with public transport. They seem to think that everything would be controlled by the state. That is not the case. Citywide services would, logically, be the responsibility of the cities. That fits with the idea the DA has always had. However there are services, like the FrontRunner, that need to be operated on the state level because they cover such a large distance over multiple cities.

It would be difficult for folks to get from Ogden to Provo if each city had its own system, and nothing else. It would also be against our principles and platform, as well as good governance and rationality, to have no local systems. The DA's proposed system combines the best of both worlds by giving localities control over their internal public transit, while also ensuring that travel between those localities is possible as well. I hope this can, after several months, put this misunderstanding to rest.


RALLY
@ Sugar House Park, Salt Lake City, UT
Approx. 12,000 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed.

HELLO SALT LAKE CITY!!!

I'm so happy to see such a huge turnout today! With how "fired up" Labor is elsewhere, it seems like we're moreso!

Right next to us is Highland High School, and as we reopen, we need to make sure our schools are ready.

I heard that last night Scott said that the DA is being crazy for wanting to have new schools built. I ask, what good is reopening schools if they're overcrowded? We have kids that are coming fresh off a year of online schooling, something that has been widely regarded as not as effective as in-person schooling. We need to make sure they're able to learn as well as possible, and that's not going to be possible if they're having to sit on the floor because there's no desks left in the classroom!

We are not shortsighted, we see what's coming and we know that we must be prepared for future issues in schooling! Hell, if we didn't have one school per 50,000 people like they do in some parts, then we could've seen the virus spread slower! Back in South Carolina we have schools built for communities of 10,000, something that helped Governor Cunningham as he fought the virus.


Now, how many of y'all read the news? Well, I'm sure you're damn angry right now! Yes, the "beloved" Governor of Utah has lied to you. Faking death numbers, especially those of old folks. Stopping any attempt at transparency. Complete incompetence in tracking deaths in the first place. Deliberately ensuring that no change would be made to the tracking system.

And why did he do this? Why did he betray the very people who elected him? Why did he cover up so many people's deaths? To prevent him and the First Minister from "looking bad". Those aren't even my words. Take it from him!

We gotta cover this up - we can't have Truman looking bad over in Denver.

This is disqualifying to the highest degree. It's an absolute disgrace, and I'm damn angry about it. I know you all are too. I can promise you now that the DA will investigate this further, and make sure that Governor Udall wasn't covering up anything else to make himself look better. Can you say "NO MORE LIES"?!

[Crowd] NO MORE LIES! NO MORE LIES! NO MORE LIES!

Now, to the man who's gonna make sure there are no more lies in the Governor's mansion, Councilman Ben Matheson!!!

Crowd cheers


PROTEST
In front of the UT Governor's Mansion, Salt Lake City, UT
WB and Others joined an ongoing protest in front of the Governor's Mansion that began shortly after the Dispatch story was released.

Picture of WB Protesting caught by local media. He stated that the odd look on his face is "because there's a shine on one of the windows that got right in my eye"

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

TURN UTAH BLUE TOUR, PART 2.5

RALLY
@ Plat C Park, Tooele, UT
Approx. 1000 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Hello Tooele!

Well, even with everything going on I wanna talk about local issues, and like my good friend said earlier, transportation is a big issue.

Tooele has been growing phenomenally quickly, nearly tripling its population in the past 2 decades. With growing population would mean growing travel to Salt Lake City. However, there's only 1 way that goes directly to there, I-80, which is only 2 lanes wide in each direction. That's not going to be sustainable in the future. However, Tooele also has a railroad going to SLC and that's what will be important. We can have a short line heading from here into SLC, something that would bring a much needed connection to Tooele. We can do it, but we need your support. Vote DA to make it a reality.


RALLY
@Fox Field, Provo, UT
Approx. 2,000 attendees w/social distancing guidelines followed

Hello Provo!

Well, today's been a busy day, and while I've been scrambling around Utah making sure every corner of the state hears our message, Labor has been scrambling doing damage control.

Governor Udall, even with the DA leading the charge in calls for his resignation, continues to insist that he will serve out his term. Us in the DA believe that he can not. That's why with me is Provo's MP Angela Kipling, who has just introduced Articles of Impeachment against the Governor. We must send a strong message that this behavior can not be tolerated. We must also make sure that there was not anyone else covering this up. Utah, as a state, can't be taken advantage of like this. That's why this campaign's theme song is gonna be Won't Get Fooled Again by the Who, because I know that Utah won't get fooled again!

With that, here's the honorable MP who is fighting to make sure the Governor faces consequences for his actions, Angela Kipling!