Whig Party Convention, Columbia, SC (MERGER VOTING!)

[ZuWo]

Chairman:

Goldwater

Vice-Chairman:

Oldiesfreak


As for the idea that the Whig Party should merge with the People's Party, I'm ardently opposed to it. While I respect many people in that party, it's really not clear what the TPP stands for as it consists of Atlasians that are very far away from each other politically. We need to highlight our own identity, which is center-right on economic and social issues (with a special emphasis on our pro-life stance, which goes back to the days when the Whig Party was founded). We will never win the presidency, nor will we ever have a majority in the Senate and we will probably lose most elections. But that's ok - we should just be who we are.

[ZuWo]

Chairman:

Goldwater

Vice-Chairman:

Oldiesfreak


As for the idea that the Whig Party should merge with the People's Party, I'm ardently opposed to it. While I respect many people in that party, it's really not clear what the TPP stands for as it consists of Atlasians that are very far away from each other politically. We need to highlight our own identity, which is center-right on economic and social issues (with a special emphasis on our pro-life stance, which goes back to the days when the Whig Party was founded). We will never win the presidency, nor will we ever have a majority in the Senate and we will probably lose most elections. But that's ok - we should just be who we are.

I must say I found this outlook disappointing. I never intended for the Whigs to be some sort of testimonial party, but one that was both competitive and influential. You appear to be proposing a more holding group for those who are right of center, and I feel like you can and should do more.

What I propose is clarity. People should know what our party stands for. A political landscape with numerous ideologically different parties is just much more fun than a situation where we have a few powerful parties that don't really stand for anything except a desire for political success at any cost.
Also, if you look at the recent registration figures you will notice that no center-right candidate can be successful in the near future if he has an opponent to his left. The current advantage the left enjoys is by far the largest I have ever seen in Atlasia. It's huge, it's brutal. Whatever the "center" or the "right" tries or does, it is doomed electorally speaking.

[ZuWo]

By a vote of 5-0, Goldwater is elected Chairman & Oldiesfreak is elected Vice-Chairman.

Chairman:

Goldwater

Vice-Chairman:

Oldiesfreak


As for the idea that the Whig Party should merge with the People's Party, I'm ardently opposed to it. While I respect many people in that party, it's really not clear what the TPP stands for as it consists of Atlasians that are very far away from each other politically. We need to highlight our own identity, which is center-right on economic and social issues (with a special emphasis on our pro-life stance, which goes back to the days when the Whig Party was founded). We will never win the presidency, nor will we ever have a majority in the Senate and we will probably lose most elections. But that's ok - we should just be who we are.

If the uniting factor of this party is being pro-life, than I should resign from my chairmanship & leave the party...

No, that wouldn't be desirable since you have been an active member for quite some time now. I don't strive for complete ideological purity; a certain degree of heterogeneity is not bad as long as the main stances within the party are still recognizable and those who deviate from the mainstream feel comfortable about that. What I wanted to emphasize was that the Whig Party emerged from the "Right to Life Caucus" and that our opposition to abortion and the death penalty is explicitly stated in our platform. Thus, being "pro-life" is probably a defining criterion for most, albeit not all, members of the Whig Party.

[ZuWo]

Odds are I'll give my support to some of the People's Party folks, but I'm torn on the Whigs actually endorsing them right now. Simfan and Spamage were Whigs. I'd like them back. Throwing our official support behind them basically sends the message that it's okay to leave the party.

I agree with your sentiments. Seeing that a couple of TPP members already endorsed other candidates, Spamage and Simfan can probably count more on the support of the members of the Whig Party rather than on their own guys. I am very likely to vote for at least one of them as well. However, I think that we, as the Whig Party, shouldn't officially endorse anyone in this race for the reasons you have outlined. Of course, holding an endorsement vote is a good idea.

[ZuWo]

NVGonzalez (LIB): NAY
Simfan34 (TPP): NAY
Snowstalker (LAB): NAY
Spamage (TPP): NAY
Speed of Sound (IND): NAY
True Federalist (IND): NAY

[ZuWo]

I've just had a look at the voter list to see what people the Imperial Bloc is currently composed of. I don't know all of the party members, but from what I have seen I can say that this is a bunch of people I would like to work with. Therefore, at this point, I'm in favor of a merger.

[ZuWo]

Aye!

[ZuWo]

Just FTR, I'll be PMing party members and inform them about the current vote so that more than just three or four people turn out and vote. Or has this already been done?

[ZuWo]

Just FTR, I'll be PMing party members and inform them about the current vote so that more than just three or four people turn out and vote. Or has this already been done?

No, I was actually planning on doing that but I forgot to do it.

Alright, it's done. I sent a PM to all members except to myself and Inks, who has already voted. Since you're the boss, you've received a PM as well.

Ok, now let's wait for the verdict!