Chain of Destiny: An Alternate 2016 and Beyond

[rpryor03]

MITCH MCCONNELL SUFFERS HEART ATTACK
-New York Times, May 3rd, 2013

MCCONNELL: I WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
-New York Times, May 10th, 2013

GRIMES DEFEATS BARR BY 1,000 VOTES
-Lexington Herald, November 4th, 2014

CORNYN AND THUNE TO LEAD REPUBLICANS
-Politico, November 10th, 2014

"We are marching forward to a new day, together!"
-Senator Jeff Sessions, May 4th, 2016

"It is our goal to have an America that works again!"
-Governor Sam Brownback, July 16th, 2016

"Washington must work for us first and foremost!"
-Senator Alison Lundergan Grimes, July 27th, 2016

"These are economic effects that we can't just handwave. That's the success that Barack and I have made."
-Vice President Joe Biden, July 28th, 2016

"I was on the Judiciary Committee when you were rejected for that judgeship, Senator Sessions, and that wasn't without cause."
-Vice President Joe Biden, October 17th, 2016

"14! #ForwardToANewDay #MAGA"
-@realdonaldtrump, October 25th, 2016

"@realdonaldtrump We must secure the existence of our People and a future for White children."
-@CharlesMartel, October 25th, 2016

"Only @jeffsessions will #MakeAmericaGreatAgain! He's much better than that loser Biden or pothead Johnson! #ForwardToANewDay"
-@realdonaldtrump, November 8th, 2016

Vice President Joe Biden/Senator Alison Lundergan Grimes - 358 EV, 50.0%
Senator Jeff Sessions/Governor Sam Brownback - 180 EV, 44.6%

[rpryor03]

2016 Senate Elections

Republican Party (Cornyn/Thune) - 51 Seats (-3)
Democratic Party (Reid/Durbin) - 49 Seats (+3)

(There were no changes for Governors.)

House Results
Republican Party (Ryan/McCarthy/Scalise) - 227 Seats (-20)
Democratic Party (Pelosi/Hoyer/Clyburn) - 208 Seats (+20)

[Blackacre]

guessing that Bevin appointed a Republican placeholder to replace Grimes? Also how close is Wisconsin  in both the Presidential and Senate races?

[rpryor03]

Cabinet of Joseph Robinette Biden

Secretary of State: John Kerry
Secretary of the Treasury: D. Nathan Sheets
Secretary of Defense: Ashton Carter
Attorney General: Loretta Lynch
Secretary of the Interior: Tim Johnson
Secretary of Agriculture: Michael Scuse
Secretary of Commerce: Gregory Meeks
Secretary of Labor: Jennifer Granholm
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Dr. Catherine Woteki
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Julian Castro
Secretary of Transportation: Anthony Foxx
Secretary of Energy: Dr. Ernest Moniz
Secretary of Education: Dr. Tommy Chang
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Robert McDonald
Secretary of Homeland Security: Suzanne Spaulding
Chief of Staff: Avril Haines
Senior Advisor: Steve Richetti

[rpryor03]

Senate Committee Leadership, 115th Senate

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas, Chairman
Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Ranking Member

Committee on Appropriations
Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Chairman
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Ranking Member

Committee on Armed Services
Senator John McCain of Arizona, Chairman
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Ranking Member

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Senator Michael Crapo of Idaho, Chairman
Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Ranking Member

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Chairman
Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, Ranking Member

Committee on Energy and National Resources
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Chairman
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, Ranking Member

Committee on Environment and Public Works
Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Chairman
Senator Tom Carper of Delaware, Ranking Member

Committee on Finance
Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Chairman
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ranking Member

Committee on Foreign Relations
Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, Chairman
Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, Ranking Member

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, Chairman
Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Ranking Member

Committee on Judiciary
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman
Senator Diane Feinstein of California, Ranking Member

Committee on Health, Environment, Labor, and Pensions
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Chairman
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, Ranking Member

Committee on Budget
Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, Chairman
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Ranking Member

Committee on Rules
Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama, Chairman
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Ranking Member

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, Chairman
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Ranking Member

Committee on Veterans Affairs
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Chairman
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Ranking Member

Select Committee on Intelligence
Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, Chairman
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Vice-Chair

Special Committee on Aging
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Chairman
Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania, Ranking Member

Committee on Indian Affairs
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, Chairman
Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Ranking Member

Select Committee on Ethics
Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Chairman
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, Ranking Member

[Heisenberg]

So, Reid stays on as Democrat leader in this TL? One quick note: Jim Inhofe is termed out as Environment Committee Chairman this year, Barrasso took over, and Hoeven became Indian Affairs Chairman (unless Inhofe got a waiver in this TL).

[rpryor03]

guessing that Bevin appointed a Republican placeholder to replace Grimes? Also how close is Wisconsin  in both the Presidential and Senate races?

The new Senator from Kentucky is Thomas Massie. WI is closer than RL for Senate.

So, Reid stays on as Democrat leader in this TL? One quick note: Jim Inhofe is termed out as Environment Committee Chairman this year, Barrasso took over, and Hoeven became Indian Affairs Chairman (unless Inhofe got a waiver in this TL).

Schumer is Democrat leader. Inhofe got a waiver.

[Heisenberg]

guessing that Bevin appointed a Republican placeholder to replace Grimes? Also how close is Wisconsin  in both the Presidential and Senate races?

The new Senator from Kentucky is Thomas Massie. WI is closer than RL for Senate.

So, Reid stays on as Democrat leader in this TL? One quick note: Jim Inhofe is termed out as Environment Committee Chairman this year, Barrasso took over, and Hoeven became Indian Affairs Chairman (unless Inhofe got a waiver in this TL).

Schumer is Democrat leader. Inhofe got a waiver.

Thanks!
So that brings us to:
Senate Republicans (Cornyn/Thune) - 52 Seats (-2)
Senate Democrats (Schumer/Durbin) - 48 Seats (+2)

[Blackacre]

guessing that Bevin appointed a Republican placeholder to replace Grimes? Also how close is Wisconsin  in both the Presidential and Senate races?

The new Senator from Kentucky is Thomas Massie. WI is closer than RL for Senate.

So, Reid stays on as Democrat leader in this TL? One quick note: Jim Inhofe is termed out as Environment Committee Chairman this year, Barrasso took over, and Hoeven became Indian Affairs Chairman (unless Inhofe got a waiver in this TL).

Schumer is Democrat leader. Inhofe got a waiver.

Thanks!
So that brings us to:
Senate Republicans (Cornyn/Thune) - 52 Seats (-2)
Senate Democrats (Schumer/Durbin) - 48 Seats (+2)

No, because Grimes was a Dem in a senate seat held by Republicans OTL. If Grimes stayed or was replaced with a placeholder of her party, it'd be 50-50, but since Massie but the seat back into the same party's hands as have it OTL, it's 51/49

[Heisenberg]

guessing that Bevin appointed a Republican placeholder to replace Grimes? Also how close is Wisconsin  in both the Presidential and Senate races?

The new Senator from Kentucky is Thomas Massie. WI is closer than RL for Senate.

So, Reid stays on as Democrat leader in this TL? One quick note: Jim Inhofe is termed out as Environment Committee Chairman this year, Barrasso took over, and Hoeven became Indian Affairs Chairman (unless Inhofe got a waiver in this TL).

Schumer is Democrat leader. Inhofe got a waiver.

Thanks!
So that brings us to:
Senate Republicans (Cornyn/Thune) - 52 Seats (-2)
Senate Democrats (Schumer/Durbin) - 48 Seats (+2)

No, because Grimes was a Dem in a senate seat held by Republicans OTL. If Grimes stayed or was replaced with a placeholder of her party, it'd be 50-50, but since Massie but the seat back into the same party's hands as have it OTL, it's 51/49

Oh okay, Thanks for the correction. Going into the election, Senate was 53-47 R (one less than OTL), then Democrats gain 3 seats, then Republicans get Kentucky back. That makes sense. The only seat that is different from OTL is Pennsylvania.

[rpryor03]

The First Term of Joe Biden: Part One

As Joe Biden transitioned from Vice President to President, one name ran through his mind: George HW Bush. He wanted to avoid the example of his predecessor who made the job switch and win re-election. And in Joe's mind, the best idea to accomplish that was to differentiate himself from President Obama and focus on a comprehensive foreign policy, working to exterminate ISIS and increase America's international relationships. This would be helped by the death of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, on October 7th, 2017, his 65th birthday. (Autopsies showed that Putin died of a sniper wound as he slept. This caused the resignation of CIA Director Michael Morrell, a proponent of drone strikes, who was suspected of having authorized a mission against Putin. Julian Assange and Wikileaks were able to hack Morrell's emails, and there was no discussion of assassinating Putin.) Dimitry Medvedev assumed the Presidency, and Igor Shuvalov assumed the Prime Ministership. This led to warmer fronts between the US and Russia, as Medvedev had struck up a semi-friendship with Biden during Biden's second term as VP and Medvedev's term as Prime Minister, and Medvedev was interested in striking out on his own. As Russia started pulling their forces out of Syria and Biden continued his mission to defeat ISIL, he was forced to turn his attention back to domestic policy.

President Obama's main domestic policy achievements, namely the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and the economic recovery were both hampered by moderate democrats during his first two years. As the recovery money slowly shriveled up, it led to decreases in the economic sphere. And it happened to end around the end of 2018, 10 years after the stimulus plan was passed and signed. And as such, it was right before the midterms. While close enough to the midterms to hurt the Dems, it was also close enough to blunt the impact.

[rpryor03]

2018 Senate Elections

Republican Party (Cornyn/Thune) - 57 (+6)
Democratic Party (Schumer/Durbin) - 43 (-6)

Arizona
A relatively popular Jeff Flake squeaked by Kelli Ward and then was able to dispatch Krysten Sinema.

California
In another DvD general, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti defeated Loretta Sanchez.

Connecticut
Safe D for Chris Murphy. Next.

Delaware
See CT, put in Matthew Denn for Murphy.

Florida
Governor Rick Scott entered and mainly self-funded his campaign. However, the popular bipartisan figure of Bill Nelson defeated a divisive governor.

Hawaii
Safe D for Mazie Hirono.

Indiana
With the Republicans coalescing around Representative Todd Rokita, he was able to set his sights firmly on Senator Joe Donnelly, linking him with the Obama and Biden governments. R Gain.

Maine
See Florida, replace Scott with LePage, replace Nelson with King.

Maryland
In a state that split ballots, John Sarbanes was elected to the seat his father held, replacing Ben Cardin, facing no real opposition.

Massachusetts
Curt Schilling gave up a home run to the Democrats, ensuring another two or six years of Elizabeth Warren in the Senate.

Michigan
As is tradition for the MIGOP, they failed to get a good candidate for Senate.

Minnesota
Popular D senator. Next!

Mississippi
Safe R, duh.

Missouri
Claire McCaskill's good luck finally ran out with Ann Wagner running a tight and disciplined campaign to defeat her.

Montana
In a retail politics battle, Montanans kept the politician they knew better (Tester) over the one they knew less (Zinke).

Nebraska
Safe R.

Nevada
With the entrance of businessman Stephen Cloobeck, the race sprang to toss-up, but it easily went in Heller's favor thanks to the Biden economy and a series of devastating ads on Cloobeck by the Koch Brothers, making him out to be a shadowy figure who rules the Biden WH.

New Jersey
The New Jersey Democratic Party, led by Governor John Wisniewski, had promised to take on corruption and government, and he got major brownie points with the party and state as a whole when he came out to denounce his own party's nominee for Senate, former Congressman Rob Andrews (replacing a retiring Bob Menendez), was caught doing "improper use of campaign funds", causing Andrews to resign from the ticket and getting a Wisniewski ally willing to lose face, Barbara Buono, on the ticket. Tom Kean easily dispatched her.

New Mexico
One of the two candidates that scared Senator Martin Heinrich, Alberquerqe Mayor Richard Berry entered the race. As a moderate Republican running a liberal city, Berry was able to cast himself as a competent governing figure, narrowly defeating Heinrich.

New York
Chris Gibson was no match for a tacking to the center Kirsten Gillibrand.

North Dakota
State legislator Rick Becker took the national mood to defeat Heidi Heitkamp.

Ohio
The national swing and extremely popular surrogate John Kasich brought Pat Tiberi above Sherrod Brown.

Pennsylvania
State Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman could not unseat the popular Bob Casey Jr.

Rhode Island
Safe D.

Tennessee
Karl Dean was no match for Bob Corker.

Texas
Beto O'Rourke couldn't fight off the national trends to defeat the unpopular Ted Cruz.

Utah
Mia Love replaced Orrin Hatch in a close race against SLC Mayor Ben McAdams.

Vermont
Safe I/D.

Virginia
Eric Cantor couldn't be coaxed out of a retirement job, Ed Gillespie retired after his loss to Ralph Northam, and so one man took up the GOP mantle: Jim Gilmore. He tried, but he could not succeed.

Washington
Safe D.

West Virginia
A checkered record in office brought down Patrick Morrisey's challenge against Joe Manchin.

Wisconsin
Tea Party favorite David Clarke was nominated for Senate by the GOP. One guess as to how that went.

Wyoming
Safe R.

[rpryor03]

2018 Gubernatorial Elections

Republican Party - 29 (-3)
Democratic Party - 20 (+3)
Bill Walker - 1 (=)

Alabama
In this Safe R state, Attorney General Luther Strange defeated former US Attorney Doug Jones.

Alaska
State Senator Charlie Huggins ran a disappointing campaign, losing to the Independent/Democratic fusion ticket of Walker/Mallott.

Arizona
The unpopular Doug Ducey was defeated by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. D Gain.

Arkansas
2016 Senate nominee Conner Eldridge couldn't unseat Asa Hutchinson.

California
In a DvD final round, Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom defeated Treasurer John Chiang.

Colorado
State Treasurer Walker Stapleton dispatched former Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia thanks to the national mood and an ad campaign that focused on Garcia leaving the Lt. Governorship. R Gain.

Florida
While the appearance of Bill Nelson on the ballot helped Democratic nominee Gwen Graham, Adam Putnam was able to get a squeaker of a win in this eternal toss-up state.

Georgia
The extreme unpopularity of Casey Cagle made it possible for Stacey Abrams to win in a runoff. D Gain.

Hawaii
A safe race for Governor David Ige.

Idaho
Safe race for Lt. Gov. Brad Little.

Illinois
Kwame Raoul got the promotion from State Senator to Governor, defeating Bruce Rauner thanks to an assist from his predecessor in the Senate and popular Illinoisian Barack Obama. D Gain.

Iowa
Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds faced an easy challenge from Rich Leopold on her way to succeed Terry Branstad.

Kansas
When polls showed that Lynn Jenkins would defeat Jeff Colyer and Kris Kobach, Paul Davis decided not to run, and Jenkins had Barry Grissom, a former US Attorney, as her competition.

Maine
Commissioner Mary Mayhew was sane compared to Paul LePage, but quite uninspiring on the campaign trail, allowing Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap into the office. D Gain.

Maryland
Tom Perez, former US Secretary of Labor, was an unenthusiastic campaigner, losing to "Big Fun" Larry Hogan.

Massachusetts
Only Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll stepped up to challenge the popular Charlie Baker. He easily dispatched her.

Michigan
The unpopular Lt. Gov Brian Calley lost in a landslide to Gretchen Whitmer. D Gain.

Minnesota
Commissioner Jeff Johnson put up a good fight in this pseudo-swing state, but St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman held the Governorship for the Democrats.

Nebraska
Pete Ricketts couldn't get a top-tier challenger in the primary, and winning the primary was tantamount to election.

Nevada
Attorney General Adam Laxalt was able to defeat Ross Miller again.

New Hampshire
Senator Jeff Woodburn could not unseat Chris Sununu.

New Mexico
John Sanchez could not match his boss on the campaign trail, and he lost to Michele Lujan Grisham. D Gain.

New York
Andrew Cuomo got no real challenge.

Ohio
Fresh off a bruising three-way primary, Mike DeWine used John Kasich for all he was worth and defeated Joe Schiavoni.

Oklahoma
Todd Lamb had no problems against Kenneth Corn.

Oregon
Kate Brown had an easy time.

Pennsylvania
Former State Senator Rob Wonderling put up a fight for the Governorship, but Tom Wolf was helped out by the popular Bob Casey Jr to remain in office.

Rhode Island
Gina Raimondo surprisingly didn't get a primary challenge and receiver Robert Flanders was an easy challenge.

South Carolina
Bakari Sellers put up a spirited fight, but he could not match Representative Tommy Pope.

South Dakota
Representative Kristi Noem had no real challenge.

Tennessee
Mayor Sara Kyle was stopped by the national mood and Senator Mark Green succeeded Bill Haslam.

Texas
No real challenger stepped up to face Greg Abbott.

Vermont
In a rematch, Phil Scott defeated Sue Minter.

Wisconsin
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson was the one to defeat a broken Scott Walker. D Gain.

Wyoming
Former Representative Cynthia Lummis had no real opposition.

[rpryor03]

House Election Results

Republican Party (Ryan/McCarthy/Scalise) - 239 Seats (+12)
[color]Democratic Party (Pelosi/Hoyer/Clyburn) - 196 Seats (-12)[/color]

Leadership of the 116th Congress
President of the Senate: Allison Lundergan Grimes
President Pro Tempore: Orrin Hatch
Senate Majority Leader: John Cornyn
Senate Majority Whip: John Thune
Republican Conference Chair: Roy Blunt
Republican Conference Vice-Chair: Cory Gardner
NRSC Chair: Rob Portman
Senate Minority Leader: Chuck Schumer
Senate Minority Whip: Dick Durbin
Democratic Caucus Chair: Patty Murray
Democratic Caucus Vice Chairs: Elizabeth Warren and Mark Warner
DSCC Chair: Bernie Sanders
Speaker of the House: Paul Ryan
House Majority Leader: Kevin McCarthy
House Majority Whip: Steve Scalise
Republican Conference Chair: Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Republican Conference Vice-Chair: Doug Collins
Republican Conference Secretary: Jason Smith
House Minority Leader: Tim Ryan
House Minority Whip: Joaquin Castro
Assistant Minority Leader: Ro Khanna
Democratic Conference Chair: Joe Crowley
Democratic Conference Vice-Chair: Linda Sanchez
Democratic Conference Secretary: Diana DeGette

[rpryor03]

Senate Committee Leadership, 115th Senate

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas, Chairman
Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Ranking Member

Committee on Appropriations
Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Chairman
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Ranking Member

Committee on Armed Services
Senator John McCain of Arizona, Chairman
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Ranking Member

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, Chairman
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, Ranking Member

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Chairman
Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, Ranking Member

Committee on Energy and National Resources
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Chairman
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, Ranking Member

Committee on Environment and Public Works
Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Chairman
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Ranking Member

Committee on Finance
Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, Chairman
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ranking Member

Committee on Foreign Relations
Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, Chairman
Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, Ranking Member

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, Chairman
Senator Jon Tester of Montana, Ranking Member

Committee on Judiciary
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Ranking Member

Committee on Health, Environment, Labor, and Pensions
Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Chairman
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, Ranking Member

Committee on Budget
Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming, Chairman
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Ranking Member

Committee on Rules
Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama, Chairman
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, Ranking Member

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, Chairman
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Ranking Member

Committee on Veterans Affairs
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Chairman
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Ranking Member

Select Committee on Intelligence
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Chairman
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, Vice-Chair

Special Committee on Aging
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Chairman
Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania, Ranking Member

Committee on Indian Affairs
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, Chairman
Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, Ranking Member

Select Committee on Ethics
Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Chairman
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, Ranking Member

[Free Bird]

Um where's Connecticut Gov?