Siren's Senate Office (Virginia City, NV): Thanks for all the Fish

[Anna Komnene]

It's that time again... election time!  The voting booths are open in the South and all across Atlasia.  Go out for a hike through the snow covered mountains, dense forests, golden wheat fields, or sparkling beaches. Wherever you are, there's a voting booth that has your name on it.  If you like what I've been doing in the House or my plan to help end hunger, I'd love a vote.  If you want someone who can reach across the aisle to pass legislation, I'd still love it.  Really any reason under the Sun or Moon.  Let's have a fun, high turnout election that we can all nerd out over. 

Route to House of Representatives Voting Booth

Route to Southern Senate Voting Booth

[Anna Komnene]

Thanks to everyone who came out to vote in the elections this weekend.  I'm honored that I got the most first preferences along with my colleague Ted Bessell for the House.  Looking forward to continuing to represent you over the next few months.  Also I think we ran a pretty good Senate campaign that represented a diverse group of voters.   Muchas Gracias!

[Anna Komnene]

Hola everyone.  I'm happy to officially announce my staff and I have decided to move our office to Virginia City, Nevada.  I will always cherish my time in the South, but I felt it's time for a change, a new adventure and Fremont is the place for me to do that.  Virginia City is a wonderful, historic town.  As probably no one remembers but me, my first ever Atlasian office was in colonial Williamsburg.  Virginia City, once the residence of legendary author Mark Twain, has a similar kinda feel and provides a great look into the history of the west and the booming silver era of the 1800s.  It's got saloons, opera houses, museums, and wonderful people.  Not far from Carson City and the heavenly state parks at Lake Tahoe, I encourage all of the visitors to my office to check out everything this town has to offer!  Looking forward to getting to know all the awesome people here in Fremont.

[Anna Komnene]

Began reading "Virginia" and was hoping for just a state change. Being a Southerner, I consider the fact that it was in Nevada Sad!, though I'm obviously biased.

Sorry Peebs!   I kinda liked it too cause I used to live in Virginia.  Good news is we are still in the House.

[Anna Komnene]

Hola from Virginia City, Fremonters!  I'm excited to announce my campaign for the special election to be your Senator this upcoming weekend.  In whatever role I serve in, I always pride myself in bringing a unique perspective, whether in sponsoring different kinds of bills or bringing different concerns to the table.  I am primarily concerned with providing a voice for those of us who are struggling the most.  That's when we need someone looking out for us the most, but it's when we're least likely to find someone actually doing that.  The ultimate irony is that it can happen to any of us.

In the House, I've done this by sponsoring the Coming Out of the Shadows Act to create Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the No More Hunger in Atlasia Act to help eliminate our rampant food waste problem and help provide food for the poor.  When I was Speaker in the South, I did it by protecting human trafficking victims and helping veterans find work and peace.  If you elect me to be your Senator, I'll continue to do it for you.  Since the Senate has more of a foreign policy focus, I'd be excited to get to work on human rights around the world and here at home, as well as making sure we get the most bang for our buck on foreign aid.

Representing the people is important to me.  I've sponsored several bills and amendments from Atlasian citizens.  I'll even update you on how your bill is going, and in some cases, I might even ask you how you think I should vote on your bill if there are amendments.    I think it makes Atlasia so much more fun when we're working together, not just sending politicians off to do whatever in congress but actually interacting with one another and doing it together.  That's what I'll do for you in the Senate if you'll let me.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to drop by.  We've got all these cute little sandwiches and hor d'oeuvres, and my staff does not want to eat them all!

[Anna Komnene]

Thank you! to everyone that endorsed and supported me during the campaign.  That was a really fun election, and I want to thank Representative Goldwater for being such a great opponent.  One of the best in Atlasia.   Wow, I've run for region-wide office or Senate 6 times, and this is the first time I actually won.  Feels surreal.

I can't wait to get to work representing Fremont and its awesomely unique history.  I hear we will be commissioning a portrait of Viktoria Komova outside my office because of course her grace and beauty inspires us all.  

[Anna Komnene]

Congratulations!

Good news is we are still in the House.

Not anymore

Aw, don't worry.  They probably won't be able to get the smell of my perfume out of there for a few days if you miss me that badly.    And can always find me in the fancy room across the hall.

[Anna Komnene]

Congratulations on then win! I endorsed Goldwater, but I'm certainly not unhappy to see you join our (ahem) Upper (read: awesomer) House, and I look forward to working together in this session and others!

Also, that was a fun election, was it not? Good job to Fremont for turnout being so high.

Thanks!  Yeah, it was great.  Maybe the most fun election I've been in and not just because I won.    I'm always up for being awesome.  Looking forward to it.

[Anna Komnene]

Thank you for the endorsements everyone.  I appreciate the encouragement and support!

[Anna Komnene]

Thank you Fremontistas!  I'm excited to start my first full term representing you in the Senate.  Remember, my office is always open.  Your concerns are my concerns.  My mochacchino cupcakes are your cupcakes.

I totally didn't just forget to vote for myself or campaign.  Nope that totally didn't just happen!

[Anna Komnene]

I am so happy to announce that we finally have comprehensive immigration reform in Atlasia!  After working on it over the course of 3 presidential administrations and congresses in both the House and the Senate, the Come Out of the Shadows Act has finally passed and been signed into law by the President.  Seeing people come together from all sides of the aisle to create a bill that the vast majority of legislators were able to support has been so good to see and revived some of my faith in bipartisanship.

More importantly, this was just the right thing to do.  These people are our friends, neighbors, co-workers, sometimes even loved ones.  They shouldn't have to hide away in the shadows, wilting and suffering for fear of being cast away to places unknown where they could very well die.  Instead, they can come out into the light and join the rest of us to create a better tomorrow.  Whether it's through community service, education, activism, being a firefighter or nurse or whatever you want, that is all now possible.  We can call them dreamers for what they aspire to be, not for what they wish we would allow them to be.  And Atlasia will be a better and more welcoming place for it.  That's what Atlasia has always been after all.

Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me on this task.  I could not have done it without your support!

[Anna Komnene]

Hi Fremontistas!

As most of you probably know by now, I'm running for Vice President of Atlasia this June with my amazing friend Clyde.  I hope I can earn your support for that just like I did with the Senate over the next few months.  Some of you might be wondering what my plans are for the Senate race since it's happening at the same time.  It's been an amazing honor to represent you over the past several months.  I know I've only been here in Fremont for a little while, but I'm so happy that I moved here.  Honestly, I've never been anywhere close to how happy I am here in any other region I've ever lived in.  I just think we have an awesome group here with a lot of interesting people.

I feel like we've been able to accomplish a lot together during my Senate tenure.  I spearheaded several bills during my time in office, including Atlasia's first ever comprehensive immigration reform plan in over a decade, a bill providing inclusive and scientific sexed in schools, and a bill providing paid family and educational leave that's currently awaiting the president's signature.  I've worked on and passed bills ensuring Atlasia is taking steps to prevent deforestation in our own forests that addresses problems we face including biodiversity and invasive species, and I have bills in the queue that address Atlasia's massive food waste problem to help feed hungry people and to take steps to condemn and apologize for the practice of military coups.  Very soon you'll get a chance to vote on a constitutional amendment that abolishes the draft that I sponsored on behalf of Justice Jbrase.  I've always taken pride in sponsoring bills for my constituents, so if you have anything in mind, be sure to let me know!

With all these things in mind and including the honor of representing this region, I'm announcing that I will not be running for re-election to the Senate.  After being in Atlasia for a while, I've come to the firm belief that frequent injections of new blood is essential to keeping this game interesting.  We have so many wonderful minds here in Fremont that I wouldn't feel right blocking people from reaching for the stars to be able to bring new ideas to the Senate.  Thank you so much for putting your trust in me over the past few months.  I promise that I'll keep doing the best I can to represent you for the rest of my term.

[Anna Komnene]

Well Fremontistas, it's almost time for me to go.  My term ends on Friday, and as we wrap up the last few days, I just want to say again how much of a total blast it's been to be your Senator for the past 5 months or so.  You guys are such an amazing group of people with an eclectic and diverse culture and history.  That really inspired me, and while I think there's a lot of things I could have done better, I'm proud of the things we accomplished together!  It's been my honor to represent you guys, especially getting the chance to sponsor bills for you and to try to represent the interests of you all the best I can.  I always kept that in mind when making decisions on whether to support or oppose bills, and I'm confident that Barnes will continue to do the same in my stead.  I also want to congratulate HenryWallace, RFayette, and Anthony on being elected to the House of Commons, as well as Harry Truman as Prime Minister!  You guys are the life blood of the region right now, and I wish you luck during your next full term.  I'm expecting a lot of great bills out of you guys.  Just keep fighting. 

As for me, I'm taking a well deserved (I think!!!) break from politics for a while, but you can always find me here in Nevada if you need me for anything.  Or maybe at a soccer field screaming my head off. 

[Anna Komnene]

Deeply disturbing news in Nyman my friends. I was disappointed to learn today that the House of Representatives has brought forward a resolution, declaring a state of war between the Republic of Atlasia and North Korea. This is especially troubling in light of the fact that the House has ignored the Draft Restriction Amendment that was painstakingly crafted in the Senate over two months ago in order to address the former chamber's previous complaints. This amendment would have allowed you, the people of Atlasia, the people who could potentially have to go fight in this war, the chance to have a say in the decision. Declaring war whilst simultaneously ignoring the amendment that would restrict the draft flies in the face of individual freedom. I will not stand by while our freedom is trampled upon like a flimsy rag in such a manner! I announce that I stand opposed to this bellicose war declaration until such time as the House sees fit to actually allow the people of Atlasia to vote on the Draft Restriction Amendment.

[Anna Komnene]

There is only one thing that can be said to most of the replies in this thread friends...

[Anna Komnene]

And yes I know see that there was a subsequent Draft Amendment in July from the Senate, I was referring to the one in the Spring.

PiT can probably bring that up as soon as gets on in the House.

Still that has nothing to do with this war.

It has everything to do with the war. Congressional declarations are a serious matter that provide the President with a large degree of power that they do not have in normal times. Also, there are no guarantees that the draft wouldn't be authorized at a later date, after we've been driven further into the depths of war.

I feel like my demand is very reasonable. The people of Atlasia deserve to have a say on the Draft Restriction Amendment before Congress goes around declaring war willy-nilly.

[Anna Komnene]

And yes I know see that there was a subsequent Draft Amendment in July from the Senate, I was referring to the one in the Spring.

PiT can probably bring that up as soon as gets on in the House.

Still that has nothing to do with this war.

It has everything to do with the war. Congressional declarations are a serious matter that provide the President with a large degree of power that they do not have in normal times. Also, there are no guarantees that the draft wouldn't be authorized at a later date, after we've been driven further into the depths of war.

I feel like my demand is very reasonable. The people of Atlasia deserve to have a say on the Draft Restriction Amendment before Congress goes around declaring war willy-nilly.

We are not declaring war, willy nilly, we are formally recognizing a state of war which has existed since September 4th.

Guess this illustrates just who all has not been reading the GM thread.

Guess it also illustrates who's been paying attention to what bills get passed and when.

And the President's powers are limited without formal declarations of war from Congress. The reset put all of American statutes as Atlasian law unless people overruled them by writing new legislation. Congress declaring war and the president using their powers under the war powers act aren't the same thing.

[Anna Komnene]

Thank you Madame Speaker!

[Anna Komnene]

It's that time again Fremontistas! Feels kind of like déjà vu doesn't it? I was first elected to represent you lovely people in a special election back in January and found myself running for re-election just a month later. NOW it seems that I'm doing the exact same thing yet again. Maybe I just love campaigning. I apologize in advance for having to hear from me so often, but hey, you just love hearing from me don'tcha?

I'll tell you this. You know what you're getting with me. I'm a principled person that cares deeply about helping people. I read every bill, listen to my colleagues, and research the issues before taking positions on each issue. My orientation is primarily concerned with providing a voice for those of us who are struggling the most, victims, poor people, unemployed, immigrants, and many others. Perhaps most of all, that entity which needs the most protection but has no voice to speak for itself, the Earth. Times when we're down on our luck is when we need someone looking out for us the most, but it's when we're least likely to find someone actually doing that. The ultimate irony is that it can happen to any of us.

I have been hard at work since you elected me your Senator a month ago. I've wrote laws to provide a comprehensive set of protections for sex workers, to preserve Native Atlasian history and languages, and to ensure that Atlasia is committed to protecting women's rights around the world. I have worked across the aisle with all parties, and I feel like I have a good working relationship with each Senator. I've promoted a peaceful foreign policy based on alleviating poverty,ensured that the war in North Korea was not approved without a timetable for withdrawal, protected access to housing programs for immigrants and permanent residents, advocated for your rights to wear religious garb, and stood up for the rights of all religious students, including Christian students who's rights to free worship I felt were being infringed. Going forward, I'd like to work on a comprehensive human trafficking bill and provide more funding and opportunities to people suffering from PTSD or similar disorders. And I continue my open promise to you to bring bills to the floor for you if there's issues you care deeply about and want to see addressed.

If you're a Fremont resident and you've got any questions for me, I'd love to hear them. AND REMEMBER. Like Wonder Woman says, only love can truly save the world.

[Anna Komnene]

Endorsed (sane, normal, FF, etc.)!

Siren is a true ally to supporters of peace and civil liberties in the Atlasian Senate.  Endorsed!

Thanks lovelies. It means a lot.

[Anna Komnene]

Big thanks to you guys Truman, RPryor, Blair, and TimTurner and wow that's a very touching comment Mr. President! If having your support means the "kiss of death," I'll take that any day. Dracula is one of my favorite novels anyhow.

I appreciate having support from such a great group of people with a diverse variety of views.

[Anna Komnene]

wow that's a very touching comment Mr. President!

Briefly thought Frank endorsed you and you were calling her a guy.

Oh you! It's okay. That's what happens when you're on Atlas on the wee hours of the morning.

[Anna Komnene]

Friends, I understand one of my opponents has been rambling on about me in PMs. It happens in politics. I understand! I encourage you to disregard his bizarre fantasies about me and instead focus on the truth which is in my record. I've worked with three different presidents from Labor and Federalists and seen party control come and go. I've always adapted and been able to pass sensible policies that help you, no matter who I have to work with to get it done.

Things I've done in Congress, almost all of which received support from both major parties:

• Sponsored and passed the first ever comprehensive immigration reform
• Sponsored and passed family leave
• Sponsored and passed a program to eliminate food waste and feed hungry Atlasians
• Sponsored and passed a reforestation program
• Supported diplomacy and consistent foreign economic policies
• Sponsored four different bills from Fremont or other citizens on various issues, including voting rights and the draft
• Sponsored a resolution to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women after 35 years of Congressional inaction
• Sponsored a bill to help save dying languages in the Native Atlasian community
• Supported policies to protect our most vulnerable citizens, including immigrants, the poor, victims of violence, and sex workers
• Consistently supported civil liberties of all people, regardless of race, gender, or creed
• Worked together with all Senators, regardless of party

Things that have NEVER happened on my watch:

• A single one of my bills ever getting vetoed
• A single one of my bills ever dying in the chamber where I sponsored it

If you want a principled Senator who always tells you the truth and gets things done, I'm your gal.

[Anna Komnene]

Awww thanks Virginia, Kal, Spiral, and Henry!

I should really put together one of those lists of ALL THE COOL PEEPS that endorsed me that people love to do around here shouldn't I?

[Anna Komnene]

Thanks so much to everyone who's voted so far!

If you haven't voted, there's still time! Here's your ticket on the Wonder Woman Express to the Voting Booth.

List of Super Cool Peeps, Endorsers, and Honorary Amazons (in order of date endorsed)

Fremont Speaker Kamala
House Majority Leader Peebs
Senate President Scott
Fremont Prime Minister Harry Truman
Fmr. Vice President RPryor
Fmr. President Blair
South Speaker TimTurner
Virginia, my Campaign Manager
Fmr. Vice President Kalwejt
Senator Spiral
Senator Henry Wallace
Lincoln Governor Mike Wells
Fremont Representative Cactus
Fmr. Representative OneJ
Fremont Citizen Devout Centrist