2012 Election Game: Campaign Thread

[Lumine]

I'm in, Superique! The more debates the better!

[Lumine]

I could do an Obama vs Ventura debate...

OOC? By the way was my attempt to moderate a debate a success?  I 'll do more if people like them...

By all means, keep moderating them! They make the race a lot more interesting...

[Lumine]

Mitch Daniels's Schedule: February 29 to March 6, 2012:

"Mitch is back on the game"

"I can see the momentum growing! Senator Hutchison may be the frontrunner right now, but that's about to change! We won the last debate, we pulled an upset in Michigan, we have a strong organization in Virginia, Wyoming and Ohio, and we are not going to stop right now! The Daniels campaign is full of surprises, and we are not running low on them!"

February 29th:

Bus Tour in Canton, OH.
Bus Tour in Parma, OH.
Bus Tour in Youngstown, OH.
Barnstorm and Rally in Columbus, OH.

"I'm proud to have Senator Portman and Governor Kasich with me while travelling on the state! They are both great leaders of the GOP, tireless fighters for our beliefs, and good men. Who knows? Ohio might be getting a Vicepresident very soon... (Laughs) Let's continue the optimism and the momentum growing, Ohio, I'm counting on you!"

March 1st:

Bus Tour in Lorain, OH.
Bus Tour in Hamliton, OH.
Rally in Cinncinatti, OH.
Bus Tour in Springfield, OH.
Barnstorm and Rally in Cleveland, OH.

"We need to rethink our aproach as a government towards college students. The insane amounts of debt we have right are making things a lot worse that what they should be, and thouse young people, who are supposed to be the sucessful future of America, find themselves broke, in debt and unable to find jobs. Do we really want that for them? Do we really want them to see the American dream shattered in a thousand pieces? It's all about the deficit, don't forget that."

March 2nd:

Barnstorm and Rally in Norfolk, VA.
Barnstorm and Rally in Richmond, VA.
Rally in Arlington, VA.
Town Hall in Portsmouth, VA.
Town Hall in Lynchburg, VA.

"I want to have a serious talk with you about politics. It's likely what some of you in the audience voted for President Obama in 2008, and I don't blame you. Hope and Change was a catchy slogan, and everything was set against the republicans... And yet, we didn't face a landslide, our own landslide came in 2010. I invite you to join us, to regain your enthusiasm for the GOP, to believe that we deserve to win because we are the party of ideas, the party of the middle class, the party that brings true progress... And not progress in the way some liberals understand it, but true progress, progress that you can see and you can touch."

March 3rd:

Barnstorm and Rally in Virginia Beach, VA.
Barnstorm and Rally in Chesapeake, VA.
Rally in Alexandria, VA.
Town Hall in Suffolk, VA.
Town Hall in Roanoke, VA.

"How do I manage to get the stress off my back? It's not easy, and I hardly have time to sleep, so I have to work with what I have to feel relaxed... Believe it or not, the debate training always makes my happy. Why? It's because those sessions are always in buses or airplanes, so whoever is travelling with me has to play a part. And I'm telling you, there's nothing more hilarious than watching Condi Rice trying to play Michelle Bachmann or Sen. Hutchinson, Tim Pawlenty trying to imitate Governor Huntsman and Senator Portman sounding and acting like Governor Romney... I wish you could see those performances."

March 4th:

Bus Tour in Toledo, OH.
Bus Tour in Cinncinatti, OH.
Bus Tour in Akron, OH.
Rally in Cleveland, OH.
Barnstorm and Rally in Columbus, OH.

"Seeing the news that come out of the White House you might believe that things are fine. After the American Jobs act, the President suddenly dissapeared... I mean, I know he is busy, I know his schedule is very hard and that he tries to do his best, but seriously, where is he? So far the only thing we have is Vice President Biden and President Clinton giving comment after comment on our race. I think there are some more important matters that they should be discussing..."

March 5th:

Barnstorm and Rally in Virginia Beach, VA.
Barnstorm and Rally in Hampton, VA.
Rally in Burke, VA.
Rally in Reston, VA.
Rally in Centreville, VA.

"We're almost there, Virginia! The last polls had us at a tie with Senator Hutchison, and I'd like to think that our efforts will be answered and that we will win tomorrow. I need your help to achieve the goals of my campaign, and I'm confident that you will give the victory in the primary. And not only that, I also believe that you will give your confidence in the general election, and that we will retake Virginia for the GOP!"

March 6th:

Morning: Fly to Tennesee, Rallies in Memphis and Nashville.
Afternoon: Fly to Ohio, Rallies in Columbus and Cinncinatti.
Night: Victory Party at National Campaign HQ in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"Wow, it's been a while since I visited this place. It sad to be away from Indiana for such a long time, but I'm happy to return home for the night. Because this night is not like any other night, this is a special night, a night to remember. This is the night we retake the lead on the race, the night the Daniels campaign upset again and won Ohio and Virginia. I don't have doubts at this point, we are going to take the nomination and then we are going to beat the President! I really look forward for the next nine months, for they are going to be really intense! I started my campaign late in October, after more relevant candidates had spent months of campaign... And look where we are right now. We are not going to stop tonight, tomorrow or in November! We will go forward until the end!"

[Lumine]

Daniels Campaign Surrogates:

Ohio:

Rob Portman and John Kasich:

February 29: Barnstorming Columbus, OH.
March 1-March 3: Barnstorming and Holding Rallies in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo, OH.
March 4-March 6: Bus Tour in Akron, Dayton, Parman and Canton, OH.

Virginia:

Tim Pawlenty, Condi Rice and Rick Perry:

February 29: Barnstorming Virginia Beach and Richmond, VA.
March 1-March 3: Rallies in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Alexandria and Hampton, VA.
March 4-March 6: Barnstorming Arlington, Portsmouth and Roanoke, VA.

Tennessee:

Bill Haslam and Newt Gingrich:

February 29: Barnstorming Jackson and Murfreesboro, TN.
March 1-March 3: Barnstorming and Holding Rallies in Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Clarksville, TN.
March 4-March 6: Rallies and Barnstorming in Memphis, TN.

Alaska:

John Sununu Sr. and Brian Sandoval:

February 29-March 2: Barnstorming Anchorage, AK.
March 3-March 6: Rallies in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, College and Wasilia, AK.

[Lumine]

OOC: I know the picture is from "This is Engineering", but I couldn't find good pictures of Students for Daniels, so my apologies for that, I'll delete the ad if it's too unrealistic.

New Daniels Ad: "Students for Daniels" (To run in Ohio, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois and Hawaii):

Student N°1: In January 2011, we decided that we wanted Mitch Daniels to run. We tried and tried, we created our own Super PAC, and we finally convinced him to run.
Student N°2: Now he is fighting to win the nomination, and he needs our help. We believe that he is the only one who can deal with the debt crisis and help college students across this nation.
Student N°3: We believe that he is the right one, and that he can defeat President Obama and bring real change to the country.
Student N°4: Now that Super Tuesday is here, we have a message for you: Mitch is the one!

Mitch Daniels: These young men inspired me to run for President, and I plan to honor the qualities that they believe I have: Leadership, experience and a honest approach to the issues. I think our campaign has what it takes to win and lead this nation to the right course, and that's why I approved this ad.

[Lumine]

OOC: The suspense... Three states out of my reach already, and Ohio and Virginia are crucial...

[Lumine]

OOC: Hmmmm... As much I would like to continue, and even considering that I still have some advantages going forward, I'm going to consider the possibility of dropping out after next update. Sure, I can still upset in several places, but too many defeats to Hutchinson are making my position far weaker than Santorum fighting Romney in OTL.

[Lumine]

OOC: Hmmmm... As much I would like to continue, and even considering that I still have some advantages going forward, I'm going to consider the possibility of dropping out after next update. Sure, I can still upset in several places, but too many defeats to Hutchinson are making my position far weaker than Santorum fighting Romney in OTL.

Don't forget that you are Biden (in 92).

Indeed, I should focus on bringing the Biden Express to the White House! That said, my dream is to play as Dan Quayle in an election game or timeline (1996 or 2000), create an intellectual side for him and actually win, just for fun.

[Lumine]

OOC: Sorry to be insistent, but I'd like to know what happens next, when can we expect next update?

[Lumine]

Governor's Mansion in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 7:

It feels very nice to return to Indiana after such a long race. From the moment I launched a late campaign for the Presidency in October I have been neglecting some of my duties as a Governor, and for that I ask the forgiveness of all hoosiers. This campaign has been long and hard, well fought and very tough. We got to the top, we won Iowa, we got to the bottom, we won Minnesota and Michigan, and we managed to win Ohio in Super Tuesday.

I entered this race with a dream and a vision, because I wanted to take care of the deficit and give America the change it deserved. I wanted to improve the economy and lives of Americans, and I wanted our nation to regain its strength and change the current course. I always tried to ran on that, and I'm happy that I never had to change my views or my message, since Republicans were always receptive to my ideas.

I enjoyed the support of many good hard working people: the Students for Daniels Super PAC, Eric Holcomb and my campaign staff, Herman Cain, John Sununu, Dick Lugar, my mentor, Cheri, my dear wife, and so many others… I am in debt to all to you for your constant support and help on the campaign trail, and I will always treasure the memories of my presidential campaign. As I said, we managed to win the polls, to outlast many candidates, and we won four states.

But it's not enough. I can't pretend to be the nominee after losing so many states, and I can't go on like this. These days have been filled with discussions with my staff, with my endorsers, with my supporters, and a decision has finally been taken. I am formally withdrawing my campaign for the Presidency of the United States today.

The Presidential nomination for the GOP has been reduced to two candidates: Senator Ayotte and Senator Hutchinson, who are truly remarkable choices to take down President Obama. Senator Ayotte has the necessary enthusiasm, the conservative views, and she can generate consensus. Senator Hutchinson has always been a voice of reason and moderation, and she was able to stand up to the negative campaigning of Gov. Huntsman and Gov. Huckabee, and that was brave of her.

It was a hard choice for me, but finally I understood that only one of them could really articulate the message we want to send in November to the White House. That's why I'm endorsing New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte for President of the United States! Our beloved Grand Old Party can be sure that she has what it takes to lead, she has the message, and she has a good record! And I know some will say: She has no experience. And that's not right, since we have the good kind of experience and the bad kind of experience. Senator Ayotte has as much and even more experience than several former Presidents, and she will lead us to victory in November!

With those words my campaign ends, ladies and gentlemen, and I end it on a positive note.

Thanks to the staff, to my supporters, to the voters, thank you!

[Lumine]

OOC: It's beginning to look like as if this one died... I'm not a player anymore, but bump!

[Lumine]

OOC: One does not simply drop Joe Biden from a Presidential ticket. (I know he was sick and all in this timeline, but still...)

[Lumine]

Chris Christie:

"It's time for a change, and this time it's real change!"

Governor Christie addresed a Republican meeting back in New Jersey, saying that it's time to go in full force to defeat the President.

"Well, well, well... It looks like Jesse Ventura is rising on the polls and the President is ahead! Well, Gov. Ventura sure does raise several interesting points, like calling us negative while being negative... I respect the Governor, but sometimes his outbursts about conspiracies do concern me from time to time. And the President sure likes to attack Senator Ayotte for lack of experience, and he knows a lot about it, since he was so experienced back in 2008. The truth of the matter is that we have to move ahead of this petty fights and present real and feasible solutions to the American people, and the Republican Party is the one with a true plan.

We want an America with a strong and truly coherent foreign policy, we want our government to work better, we want lower taxes and we want a true recovery! I'm tired of seeing so many Americans unemployed and without a job, for they are suffering while many are discussing empty policies. President Obama started his term with a tough hand, yes, but his policies have failed in all levels, and the American people rejected him back in 2010. They will reject him again in November!

From now on to November, you are going to see Chris Christie's A-game to help Senator Ayotte win the White House, and I won't stop until we win this election! I'll be there offering solutions and providing a contrast, for we have to stand up. I'm sick and tired of hearing that the GOP created negativity and gridlock when President Clinton is openly mocking us, and Senator Ayotte and I will prove him wrong! Now let's get back at the trail and fight for the America we want! It's time for a change, and this time it's real change!"


OOC: I had decided that I was out of this particular game after the Daniels campaign, but since Jerry asked me and I want this game to end in a high note, I'll take care of Christie and some surrogates until the end!

[Lumine]

(Some) Ayotte surrogates:

After Christie's remarks, GOP leaders go on the campaign trail:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Artur Davis:

"Virginia, Obama has failed us!"

"I know that many of you were dissapointed when I joined the Republican ranks, and I understand the unique appeal Barack Obama has for all of us. When elected, he made history for the right reasons. But governing this country, he has made history for the wrong reasons. I respect the President, but in all honestly he is not getting things done. And please, don't blame it on a Republican Congress, he had a big majority for the first two years! Virginia, Obama has failed us! He failed you, the African American Community! The economy keeps getting worse, and he is unable to fix the problem. We face urban decay and violence, and he does nothing. Cities like Chicago and Detroit face economic collapse and violence crisis, and the only thing we hear from the White House is "it's the GOP's fault!"."

Susana Martinez:

"Ayotte and Christie get things done!"

"They say we can't get things done in politics. Two years ago, we faced in New Mexico a staggering budget deficit, and they usual attacks where launched: Oh, they can't balance this budget without tax increases or education and health care cuts. But we worked with Democrats and we reached across the aisle, and it worked. We passed good and balanced budgets, we proved it can be done while protecting those in need, and we created a surplus. I don't see the Democrats as the enemy, but I think President Obama has big problems when dealing with Congress. Kelly Ayotte and Chris Christie know how deliver a powerful attack, but they get things done as well. That's what a GOP White House is about, getting things done!"

Paul Ryan:

"Kennedy and Reagan cut taxes and reduced the deficit, and so can we!"

"These are hard times for all of us. They are hard for hard working middle class Americans, they are hard for both parties, and they are hard for the President. We see a lot of suffering here in America, and it doesn't seem to stop at all. But here in the House we proposed a solution (actually, we proposed several solutions) that try to address our economic woes. We want to lower the deficit, close loopholes and lower taxes. And they keep saying it can't be done, they said it's impossible to do all those things at once. It can be done! Democrats did it with Jack Kennedy, and we did it with Ronald Reagan! We can do it!"

[Lumine]

Chris Christie:

"September 10-September 16: On the trail, Part I:"

"You know, all politicians have their appeal. Paul Ryan has his massive economic knowledge, Newt Gingrich has experience, Kelly Ayotte has the charisma and the ideas, and I have my good looks and my charm. (Laughter) No, in all seriousness, I like the truth. I love telling it how it is, for voters need that these days. I try not to be aggressive, I really do, I say: "Christopher, please, be nice today.", but somethings I feel I have to say why do I think certain things are wrong. But I'm a positive man as well, and I'll tell you this: Things may be bad, you might have lost your job, perhaps even your house. But we are here to help. We can help you, we can create something positive for this country and bring much needed change. All we need is your help."

September 10:
-New Jersey: Rallying the voters:
 -Rally in Jersey City, NJ.
 -Rally in Patterson, NJ.
 -Rally in Elizabeth, NJ.
 -Rally in Edison, NJ.
 -Rally and Barnstorm in Newark, NJ.

September 11:
-Ohio: So goes Ohio, so goes the nation:
 -Bus Tour in Cleveland, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Toledo, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Akron, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Lorain, OH.
 -Barnstorm and Rally in Columbus, OH.

"The real issue here is more than deficits and budgets. People are in really bad shape out there, I see it every day. We could be doing better, we should be doing better. The President and Mrs. Clinton will promise new days, they will promise a second prosperous and wonderful term. But the first one hasn't been so good, so why try with a second? I invite you to give it a try and vote for Kelly Ayotte, for real change and economic recovery. We know how to deal with this, and trust me, we will do so."

September 12:
-Pennsylvania: Barnstorming the next swing state:
 -Barnstorm in Pittsburg, PA.
 -Rally in Allentown, PA.
 -Barnstorm in Scranton, PA.
 -Barnstorm in Erie, PA.
 -Rally in Reading, PA.
 -Barnstorm and Rally in Philadelphia, PA.

September 13:
North Carolina: In search for turnout:
 -Barnstorm in Raleigh, NC.
 -Rally in Durham, NC.
 -Barnstorm in Cary. NC.
 -Rally in Greensboro, NC.
 -Voter Registration drive in Charlotte, NC.

"There are some people out there rooting for failure, and I think that's fundamently wrong. Some people say: you can't do it. You can't recover. You can't stand up. Expect that we can! We did it in New Jersey, with our wonderful comeback. You can do and be anything you want if you’re willing to work hard enough, which is I'm so confident that we can do the job. We are responsible, we believe in not squandering the money and we want the people to have more money and less taxes. Why is that so unreasonable?"

September 14:
Virginia: Never ending Tour:
 -Rally in Richmond, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Chesapeake, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Arlington, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Alexandria, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Hampton, VA.

September 15:
New Hampshire: Town Hall Day:
 -Town Hall in Berlin, NH.
 -Town Hall in Dover, NH.
 -Town Hall in Salem, NH.
 -Town Hall in Concord, NH.
 -Rally in Manchester, NH.
 -Rally in Nashua, NH.

"Some of you think that I shouldn't be here in New England, that we can't win it. But we are no quitters, Kelly Ayotte and I won't quit at all. All states can be won with hard work, and New Hampshire is not the exception. This is the state that looks at candidates, that test candidates and that pressures them to see the best of them. That's why you delivered Senator Ayotte a primary victory, not because she was from here, but because you believed she was the right choice. She had powerful opponents, most of them among our very best, and you chose her. That says a lot!"

September 16:
Maine: Another Bus Tour:
 -Bus Tour in Bangor, ME.
 -Bus Tour in Auburn, ME.
 -Bus Tour in Biddeford, ME.
 -Bus Tour in Augusta, ME.
 -Rally in Lewinston, ME.
 -Rally and Barnstorm in Portland, ME.

[Lumine]

OOC: Now that is how surrogates should be used! (This is going to be really interesting)

[Lumine]

OOC: My schedule will be up in one or two hours, I'm really sorry for being so late!

[Lumine]

(Some) Ayotte surrogates:

Following a sucessful week and with the GOP fired up, more leaders go out for Ayotte/Christie:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Paul Ryan:

"Debt will crush our economy:"

"The President and Secretary Clinton have said that they want to stop pointing fingers to get things done, but we must not forget that there is constant infighting within Congress thanks to this administration's policies. We are critized for passing our own budgets, for cutting down the increases in spending. Look, we can't increase spending, it's that simple. Our debt is growing too large, and Governor Daniels spent his entire Presidential Campaign speaking about it.

It's imperative that we reduce debt, because if we don't, our very own children will have to pay two times more taxes, to pay for a government twice as large. And the economy will collapse. Mark my words, debt will crush our economy. It's not a partisan concern, or a fight that is born out of pure dogma. I'm concerned with this as a father, and I think we all are. Democrats and Republicans, both parties are responsible for increasing our debt in irresponsible ways. The difference is that our party is now trying to change the course and reduce debt, while this Administration is pursuing bigger spending. That's why electing Ayotte is so important."

Marco Rubio:

"America wants and needs a smaller and more efficient government, not the other way around:"

"Very often we see rethoric going very negative during these times, and we are as guilty as the other side is. We don't have to demonize the other side, and President Obama has several positive qualities: he is a good man, a good father, and apparently a fantastic golfer! But he is not a good President, or at least not the President we need during these troubled times. He ran while speaking of change, of a different America, and it's becoming increasingly evident that despite his best efforts, he can't solve this.

This nation is losing hope on itself, thinking that we need to replicate other models just because it might work. The middle class suffers and struggles to keep going on, and this administration increases debt, creates unnecesary regulations and fails to deliver the promises. This is not an election between a Democrat and a Republican, this is a decision on styles of government and governance. America wants and needs a smaller and more efficient government, not the other way around."

[Lumine]

Chris Christie:

"September 17-September 23: On the trail, Part II:"

"Barack Obama was elected four years ago with the power of hoping for change. And right now we're all still waiting for it. Where is that spirit of change? Where are those new ideas? What happened to the America that President Obama wanted and promised? It's easy to blame George W. Bush and the economic crisis, but back in the 2008 Debates both the President and Joe Biden said that it was not going to change their plans and platform, that they were just going to cut foreign aid a little and we would be fine. And here I am, Christopher James Christie, wondering to myself: Whatever became of that Hope and Change?"

September 17:
Maine: Town Hall Day:
 -Town Hall in Gray, ME.
 -Town Hall in Cumberland, ME.
 -Town Hall in Rockman, ME.
 -Town Hall in Waterboro, ME.
 -Town Hall in Brewer, ME.
 -Barnstorm in Portland, ME.
 -Rally in Augusta, ME.

September 18:
Maine: Town Hall Day (2)
 -Town Hall in Biddeford, ME.
 -Town Hall in Saco, ME.
 -Town Hall in York, ME.
 -Town Hall in Windham, ME.
 -Town Hall in Sanford, ME.
 -Barnstorm in Bangor, ME.
 -Rally in Lewiston, ME.

"They say it takes a formidable candidate to deliver New England to the Republican Party. Kelly Ayotte is that candidate! She has the ability, the compassion, and the will that a President needs, and voters find that attractive. I'm just the man who screams very loudly that she has to be our next President... Hey, if Bill Clinton can do it, why can't I? This team will carry Maine in November, believe it or not. They said we couldn't win the House in 2010, they said she was not going to win the primary, and look what happened. That is Republican perserverance, my fellow Americans, we work hard until we finally get things done."

September 19:
New Hampshire: In search for turnout:
 -Voter Registration Drive in Nashua, NH.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Concord, NH.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Rochester, NH.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Salem, NH.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Dover, NH.
 -Meeting with Republican officers in Manchester, NH.
 -Appearance in local media.

September 20:
Pennsylvania: Destroying the Firewall:
 -Barnstorm in Pittsburgh, PA.
 -Rally in Allentown, PA.
 -Barnstorm in Erie, PA.
 -Rally in Reading, PA.
 -Barnstorm in Scranton, PA.
 -Rally in Philadelphia, PA.
 -Barnstorm in Philadelphia, PA.

"I am a lucky man, ladies and gentlemen. I am the first Vice-Presidential candidate who has to fight not one, but two candidates for the position! Congressman Paul and President Clinton - Sorry - I mean Secretary Clinton. But I think it was Bill Clinton who said that it was time to get serious, and that's something I would prefer to hear from the Vice-Presidential nominee. They say that Hillary Clinton and I are upstaging Senator Ayotte and President Obama, but Senator Clinton is upstaged by President Clinton! And his time has passed already, don't you think so?"

September 21:
Ohio: Solving the Problem:
 -Bus Tour in Toledo, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Akron, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Dayton, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Canton, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Parma, OH.
 -Rally in Cleveland, OH.
 -Rally in Columbus, OH.

September 22:
North Carolina: Back to the GOP:
 -Voter Registration Drive in Durham, NC.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Cary, NC.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Fayetteville, NC.
 -Rally in Greensboro, NC.
 -Rally in Charlotte, NC.
 -Barnstorm in Raleigh, NC.
 -Barnstorm in Charlotte, NC.

"We lost this state four years ago, and in true Grand Old Party comeback style we are taking it back. Why? Not because of electoral tactics or the time we spend here, but because the people here will reject this administration policies in November. President Obama could have won North Carolina, and at a point this was a toss-up. Not anymore, this is real progress territory from now on. Which is why I'm encouraging all of you to register and vote, so North Carolina manages to speak with the voice of maximum turnout."

September 23:
Virginia: The Electoral Holy Grail:
 -Bus Tour in Chesapeake, VA.
 -Rally in Hampton, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Arlington, VA.
 -Rally in Roanoke, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Portsmouth, VA.
 -Rally in Suffolk, VA.
 -Bus Tour in Lynchburg, VA.

[Lumine]

OOC: Woah! I was not expecting that to happen... Things are getting more and more interesting!

[Lumine]

Whoever runs the better campaign the rest of the way wins. The debates could also decide things. I think the Obama campaign got a little complacent, and the Ayotte campaign has drastically improved in the last few weeks. Christie/Lumine has provided a major boost to the campaign.

Well, in all fairness Clinton1996/Obama's schedules are better, but without Hillary Clinton and a complacent Obama I can see why he is losing voters. About the Debates, it seems Ventura is the only one who has mentioned about trying to get the Commission to include him, does that mean he is out of all debates?

[Lumine]

(Some) Ayotte surrogates:

With an electoral tie, new and old faces join to give Ayotte an extra push:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Susana Martinez:

"This is an election between policies, not political parties"

"I said it once, I'll say it again. This is not an election about political parties! It's not a duel to the death that confronts Democrats and Republicans and Independents. This is an election of policies, of issues, of ways and styles of governing. This Administration speaks of the death of bipartisanship... Well, here in my state I'm a Republican Governor with a Democratic Legislature, and guess what? We came together, we turned a budget deficit into a surplus, we reduced unemployment, we created a political environment of discussion and real collaboration.

I don't claim to be the perfect leader, but I think that kind of leadership we see across this nation with Democrat and Republican Governors is the leadership our President lacks. Remember the promises? Immigration Reform, a better and united America, less unemployment, and my favourite: cut the deficit in half. And this very same President added 5 trillion dollars to the national debt. It doesn't matter which party do you belong to, this is the wrong way to go!"

Paul Ryan:

"We want more leadership, not more words"

"When a President begins his term under a bad situation, it is perfectly understandable that they commit mistakes once in a while, it would be ridiculous to see the contrary. But we are not talking about specific mistakes anymore, this administration made gross mistakes that we are paying now. We started with a debt crisis, and that crisis is worse. We had excellent credit rating, and that was downgraded. We want leadership, and we are offered words.

They went with big speeches and big announcements, attacking us for promising things we couldn't do while they promised to fix our country's problems. And what do we have now? The same old tired speeches, the same old tired slogans, the same old tired approach. Apparently we are irrational because we refuse to follow the exact road the current Administration wants us to follow, and when we don't, it's because we refuse to compromise, because the Republicans supposedly refuse bipartisanship. We don't refuse bipartisanship! We don't refuse working together for a better America! We are refusing to vote for tired old slogans and irresponsible proposals!"

Susan Collins:

"Kelly Ayotte is the woman who can bring real change to Washington"

"I should, I want, I wish, perhaps, maybe, someday... These are words that I hear every single day in Washington. How about now, ladies and gentlemen? I think it's time to actually do things and break this gridlock, and a Republican President is a good starting point. Kelly Ayotte has the chance to be the first female President, and not only I think she is the best candidate in this election, I think she's the strongest female candidate for President in all American history. I have worked with her on the Senate, and trust me, she has what it takes to lead. Her leadership is strong and compassionate, her beliefs steady, and a great will.

As you know, as a moderate politician, I think the character of a President is as important as the policies, for you need a good an efficient commander in chief to put those policies in action. With all due respect to President Obama and Governor Ventura, Senator Ayotte has the right character. She leads without pointing fingers, without attacking people, with positive leadership. What you saw back in the GOP Primary is what America will get, no flip flops at all!"

[Lumine]

Chris Christie:

"September 24 - September 30: On the trail, Part III:"

"Sometimes I feel bad for the President's team. They really have a problem with surrogates... You see, they have a former President who wants to talk and nobody wants to hear, and a Vice-Presidential nominee that doesn't want to talk and that everybody wants to hear. I'm just pointing out that Senator Ayotte and I have a better coordination of our respective jobs. I know, it doesn't make much difference, and it's an empty argument when compared to the issues we are facing now, but still... I can't shake off that feeling that perhaps collaboration and team work is at least somewhat important."

September 24:
New Hampshire: Back to New England:
 -Barnstorm in Rochester, NH.
 -Rally in Concord, NH.
 -Barnstorm in Salem, NH.
 -Rally in Nashua, NH.
 -Barnstorm in Dover, NH.
 -Rally in Manchester, NH.
 -Barnstorm in Merrimack, NH.
 
September 25:
Maine: Blowing up the firewall:
 -Bus Tour in Auburn, ME.
 -Bus Tour in Biddeford, ME.
 -Bus Tour in Augusta, ME.
 -Rally in Bangor, ME.
 -Rally in Lewiston, ME.
 -Rally in Portland, ME.
 -Interviews with local media.

"You know, pundits say all the time: Seriously, what's the problem with Chris Christie? Is he really going to travel to Maine every single week. Well, it's very simple, my problem is them. I'm tired of pessimist people who say: They can win Maine!, and tired of extreme optimistic people who say: They'll win in a landslide, why bother... Look, all things can be achieved with hard work, that's the basis of the American dream. And yes, Maine can vote Republican if we work hard, if we hear the people here, if we an effort to fight an honest battle devoid of political cynism. Hear me out, Maine, we are going to win here in November! I'll personally make sure of it!"

September 26:
Maine: Blowing up the firewall II:
 -Voter Registration Drive in Saco, ME.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Windham, ME.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Westbrook, ME.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Waterville, ME.
 -Voter Registration Drive in Brunswick, ME.
 -Voter Registration Drive in York, ME.
 -Rally and Barnstorm in Portland, ME.

September 27:
Ohio: For a Republican landslide:
 -Barnstorm in Cleveland, OH.
 -Rally in Youngstown, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Cinncinatti, OH.
 -Rally in Lorain, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Columbus, OH.
 -Rally in Hamilton, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Toledo, OH.

"Ohio problem? I see no Ohio problem! I see a state ready to go for Kelly Ayote! (Applause) Look, I know many of you have a doubt. I know that Ventura/Paul sounds tempting, and I admire the guys for having the courage to fight against such odds. But to succeed in Washington you need to be either admired by the whole country or have substancial success. And forgive if I say this, but Jesse Ventura, as much as he wants to change things, won't be able to do so because he has no political support. And let me tell you this: I am not saying this because he is an independent, but his views are extreme for most of America. You're dissappointed, I get it, but I'll ask you to vote for the option that can win this election and bring change. That is Senator Ayotte."

September 28:
Ohio: For a Republican landslide:
 -Barnstorm in Akron, OH.
 -Rally in Springfield, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Dayton, OH.
 -Rally in Elyria, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Canton, OH.
 -Rally in Kettering, OH.
 -Barnstorm in Parma, OH.

September 29:
Virginia: There we go again...
 -Town Hall in Charlotessville, VA.
 -Town Hall in Harrisonburg, VA.
 -Town Hall in Danville, VA.
 -Town Hall in Blacksburg, VA.
 -Rally in Reston, VA.
 -Rally in Annandale, VA.
 -Rally in Centreville, VA.

"I know exactly what's on your mind right now: Is Governor Christie in a good mood today or is he mad? I really hope he is not mad... But no, seriously, I am delighted to be here in Virginia, trying to get our message across. Virginia used to be a GOP stronghold, now it's a swing state. They say it's demografics, but I have a different answer, an honest answer: We failed. We failed to convince you, to motivate you, to show you what we really stand for. And that is going to change! I promised Maine, and I promise every single swing state on the country, we are going to win this! And if this angry and loud Governor has to visit every single country and every single town, have no doubts, I will do so!"

September 30:
Virginia: There we go again... and again:
 -Town Hall in Chantilly, VA.
 -Town Hall in Leesburg, VA.
 -Town Hall in Woodbridge, VA.
 -Town Hall in McLean, VA.
 -Rally in Alexandria, VA.
 -Rally in Roanoke, VA.
 -Rally in Suffolk, VA.

[Lumine]

I'll post my schedule later today, I'm sorry!

[Lumine]

Chris Christie:

"October 1st - October 7th: Christie v. Clinton:"

"Wow! Ladies and gentlemen, this is what I call a real October surprise! I can't see Bill Clinton anywhere now! (Laughter) Secretary Clinton, jobs are one of the things we are trying to improve here in New Jersey, but if we are talking about records, I don't remember the President's job creation record to be that good, either... But naturally, you where the one who claimed that we should not point fingers at each other, so I guess that the Obama campaign still has that small problem with coordination and teamwork. See you at the debate, Secretary Clinton!"

October 1st:
Maine: Christie's back, baby!:
 -Town Hall in Augusta, ME.
 -Town Hall in Saco, ME.
 -Town Hall in Windham, ME.
 -Town Hall in Westbrook, ME.
 -Town Hall in Waterville, ME.
 -Town Hall in Brunswick, ME.
 -Meeting with campaign volunteers.

October 2nd:
Maine: Christie's back, baby! (2)
 -Barnstorm in Lewiston, ME.
 -Town Hall in Auburn, ME.
 -Barnstorm in South Portland, ME.
 -Rally in Bangor, ME.
 -Rally in Augusta, ME.
 -Barnstorm in Augusta, ME.

"So I heard the President was here a few days ago. He finally decided to actually campaign here, so that means we must be doing something right. But you know what? We are rising higher and higher here! That's hard work, pure hard work. It's not me, it's you. You, the voter who comes to the town halls, the voter who reads and compares both candidates, the voter who votes for what's best for America. It depends on you and only you, and if we are doing so good in Maine it's because you have listened to the message our young and hard working volunteers are trying to send across."

October 3rd:
Florida: Christie goes to Miami:
 -Bus Tour in Orlando, FL.
 -Rally in Tallahassee, FL.
 -Bus Tour in Cape Coral, FL.
 -Rally in Tampa, FL.
 -Bus Tour in Tampa, FL.
 -Rally in Maimi, FL.
 -Bus Tour in Miami, FL.

October 4th:
Florida: Christie goes to Miami (2)
 -Town Hall in Miramar, FL
 -Town Hall in Gainesville, FL.
 -Town Hall in Clearwater, FL.
 -Town Hall in Palm Bay, FL.
 -Rally in Fort Lauerdale, FL.
 -Rally in St. Petersburg, FL.
 -Rally in Jacksonville, FL.

"I think I might stay here one more day... Florida is that nice of a place. Perhaps you think that I'm not serious enough when I throw those comments or make light hearted responses, but that's my style. And that's what you're going to see at the debate this week. Hillary Clinton is a formidable adversary by all standards, but I'm confident. Our President kindly proved to the nation that Mrs. Clinton is everything but invincible, don't you think so? Now, I don't have Barack Obama's charisma and style, I actually wish I had those things, but honesty, blunt honesty is something I always deliver."

October 5th:
Virginia: Again, and again, and again...
 -Town Hall in Suffolk, VA.
 -Town Hall in Lynchburg, VA.
 -Town Hall in Hampton, VA.
 -Town Hall in Portsmouth, VA.
 -Rally in Arlington, VA.
 -Rally in Richmond, VA.
 -Rally in Norfolk, VA.

October 6th:
Ohio: Back on the firewall: (With Kelly Ayotte)
 -Bus Tour in Toledo, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Akron, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Dayton, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Canton, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Parma, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Lorain, OH.
 -Bus Tour in Hamilton, OH.

"Ohio wants a different America! Ohio wants more and better jobs, a strong economy, a coherent foreign policy, less deficit and a different attitude in government. Those are things that we lack right now, and I'm not sure that another Obama term would solve those problems. I think he said that change was needed in times of trouble, but I don't see change in the White House. I don't doubt the good intentions of the administration, they are trying to do what they think it's best for America. But after four years of gridlock you can't tell me that those ideas are what we need right now. Pointing the finger at us is also not the right answer, they had a majority in congress for two years and they still failed to get anything passed. Kelly Ayotte is the way to go!"

October 7th:
Pennsyvania: Town Hall Day: (With Kelly Ayotte)
 -Town Hall in Scranton, PA.
 -Town Hall in Reading, PA.
 -Town Hall in Levittown, PA.
 -Town Hall in Harrisburg, PA.
 -Town Hall in Altoona, PA.
 -Town Hall in Penn Hills, PA.
 -Meeting with campaign volunteers.