1996 - The year things change.

[MadmanMotley]

It has been an interesting election year, Richard Lugar of Indiana has clinched the republican nomination, with support from Bob Dole, and former President Bush. He has campaigned on his expertise in foreign policy, helped by his choice of running mate, Colin Powell. Despite being behind in the polls at the beginning of the race, he is currently in the lead. He has lead with expert knowledge of the issues at hand and though barely holding on in the debates, with less air of charisma about him than President Clinton, he could very well be our next president. It is down to tonight.

Alright, who's interested in this TL?

[MadmanMotley]

After a very long election night, we can finally make an announcement. The next president of the United States is.... RICHARD LUGAR!

Richard Lugar/Colin Powell 281 EV
William Clinton/Albert Gore Jr. 257 EV

[MadmanMotley]

President Richard Lugar

Vice-President Colin Powell

Secretary of State - Bob Dole

Secretary of Defense - George W. Bush

Secretary of Treasury - Jack Kemp

Attorney General - John Ashcroft

CIA Director - Richard Cheney

Senate Makeup:
54 (R)* - 46 (D)
President Pro Tem: Strom Thurmond (R)
Majority Leader: Trent Lott (R)
Minority Leader: Tom Daschle (D)
*Note - Governor O'Bannon of Indiana appointed Evan Bayh to the Senate after Lugar resigned.

House Makeup:
228 (R) - 206 (D)
Speaker: Newt Gingrich (R)
Majority Leader: Dick Armey (R)
Minority Leader: Richard Gephardt (D)

[MadmanMotley]

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[Talleyrand]

...Tmthforu is going to love this timeline, I'd guess. Anyway, this is a great timeline and I look forwarding to reading it.

What in particular weakened Clinton's position in this timeline from RL events that caused him to face outright loss, instead of a nine point win?

[Enderman]

This is awesome!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

This is good, but I think the cabinet picks are a little off. Why would Jack Kemp, who was the representative of the GOP's tax policy, be in a position that involves foreign policy. I think Dole would fit better there, and someone else could be Sec. of Defense. Alan Keyes would never be in the cabinet at all, though Ashcroft would most certainly be the Attorney General.

[MadmanMotley]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll prolly do some cabinet editing. Any suggestions?

[Enderman]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll prolly do some cabinet editing. Any suggestions?

I'd say that Kemp should have been VP. Dole or Powell SoS... I'd say Jeb or Dubya should be on there to... Oh, Sec of Def Cheney...

[MadmanMotley]

Changed the cabinet around, check it out, tell me what you think.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

That is a good cabinet. Bush might not go over well for Sec. of Defense, and the confirmation by the Senate would be rough, but he could make it through with the GOP majority.

[MadmanMotley]

...Tmthforu is going to love this timeline, I'd guess. Anyway, this is a great timeline and I look forwarding to reading it.

What in particular weakened Clinton's position in this timeline from RL events that caused him to face outright loss, instead of a nine point win?

It was a combination of things, Bob Casey Sr. ran a primary challenge against him, lost but cost Clinton voters. Especially in the the Penn. and Ohio areas. Perot did not run in the GE. Lugar campaigned heavily in foreign policy, and made Clinton look downright inexperienced. Powell campaigning helped with moderate and minority voters. It was close nonetheless.

[MadmanMotley]

1997:
Things are looking good for President Lugar in his first year, with Republicans controlling both the legislative branch and the Presidency many republican reforms are able to pass. Such as welfare reform, and across the board tax cuts. Through much trial, an decrease in the Department of Education bill was passed. Several Republicans and all the democrats voted against the bill, and fought against but it passed anyway.

1998 Part 1:
Coming up to midterms
With the Economy doing well, President Lugar is popular, but not overly so. Midterms are expected to favor Republicans, but it is likely that they will lose some seats.
Races to note:

Indiana Senator: Special Election for Lugar's seat. Dan Coats is also retiring, so there are 2 seats up for grabs in Indiana.
SE: Dem: Acting Sen. Evan Bayh (D) Vs Rep. Mark Souder (R)
Coats's Seat:
Dem Primary: Rep. Tim Roemer, Rep. Jill Long Thompson, St. Sen. Richard Young
Rep Nominee: Rep. Dan Burton

Texas Governor: To replace Gov. Bush.
With the Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock a Democrat, there is a tough race here. Rep. Primary includes, Com. Rick Perry, Rep. Ron Paul, and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison

[HoosierPoliticalJunkie]

Great time line!

I wish Richard Lugar were still in the Senate......