Sunday, April 27, 2008

The Issues

The Franklin Times -

In an effort to reach more voters, our paper has decided to introduce a new issues feature. The concept is simple, our paper will pose a variety of policy questions and simply invite the parties to answer the questions directly through the NEC blog. Without further ado...

1) In the 2007 campaign, FCP leader and current Prime Minister Brent Sexton promised to continue Franklin's membership in the North American Free Trade Agreement. After a heated debate in the National Assembly membership was extended. In light of increasing unemployment, should the Franklin States of America continue its membership in NAFTA?

2) A recent report issued by the National Research Council criticized the current state of the national educational system and recommended legislative reforms modeled after the United State's No Child Left Behind Act. Does your party support such reforms?

3) Recent reports have shown a growing number of Franklin citizens cannot afford heathcare. What role should the government play in providing healthcare for all citizens?

Wallup National Poll

The Capital Courier -

The Wallup National Poll (4/27/08)

If the election were held today, which political party would you support?

LLP 21%
LFP 23%
FMP 15%
ALP 4%
FHSRP 4%
JRP 4%
FDRP 26%
Undecided 3%

Poll Analysis: We notice three large trends. 1) For the fifth straight poll, the three parties of the left have gained in voter support. 2) Undecided has fallen dramatically in the last week with all breaking for the leftist parties. 3) The right's support has remained static with the FDRP dominating. Many conservative voters voice frustration over the campaign. Many complain of not seeing viable options. Many are beginning to question the commitment of these parties to conservative principles: free trade, conservative views on social issues, low taxes, and an aggressive foreign policy.

Excitement on the Left

The Capital Courier -

In recent weeks the campaign has finally taken off. Many parties are actively campaigning throughout the nation as election day draws closer. Yet, much of the activity seems to be centered on the left side of the political spectrum. Three parties, the LLP, LFP, and FMP are all competing fiercely for votes. All three have developed policies and promoted sound bites that show they are all interested in competing for the political left. It remains unclear which party will emerge dominate come election day.

Some political analysts point to positive and negative aspects of this fierce competition. "On one hand, there is a fear that such competition could split up the left leaving it fractured and divided. However, it is also clear that the left is where all the excitement is," explained Trevor Gilead, political science professor at Franklin National University. Many analysts are not certain how large the left leaning base is or how large it could grow. The left's strength is usually made up of union members, minority groups, the young, and liberal upper middle class voters. Big issues driving these voters include opposition to the Iraq War, lukewarm support for free trade, increased government funding for social welfare programs, environmental protection, and support for socially liberal policies. The weakening state of the economy and current state of healthcare and education seem to favor these parties if they adopt the right policies.

The Environmental Protection Council Endorses

The Franklin Times -

Eric Greene, President of the Environmental Protection Council, announced the EPC endorsement for the upcoming National Assembly elections. "We were pleased to hear from many of the parties competing in this election. The Council was impressed with the environmental policies and plans laid out and the willingness of political leaders to directly address our organization. With this in mind, and after careful consideration, the executive committee with the support of our members is pleased to endorse the FMP and the LLP." Greene went on to explain that while many parties seemed generally committed to environmental issues, these two parties seemed to possess the true political will to accomplish necessary reforms.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

NEC Updates

Wallup Tracking Poll (4/20/08):

If the election were held today, who would you support?
LLP - 17%
LFP - 19%
FMP - 13%
ALP - 4%
FHSRP - 4%
JRP - 4%
FDRP - 27%
Unsure - 12%

What is the top issue in the election?
Economy 47%
Iraq/Terrorism 12%
Healthcare 12%
Education 5%

The National Election Commission announced that the 2nd round of campaign spending reports are to be submitted by Thursday, April 24th.

The Environmental Movement

The Franklin Times -

The Environmental Protection Council (EPC), one of the certified interest groups, has announced its annual national convention will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd. It is inviting representatives from the seven political parties to speak at its convention. Any party interested in speaking is to reply by April 23rd with an attached speech transcript. "We hope all the parties will attend and inform our members of their plans to protect and defend our precious environment," said Eric Greene, President of EPC.

Budget Deficit

The Capital Courier -

Budget Deficit Hits High

The Royal Treasurer announced today that the nation's budget deficit has hit a new record. The current national budget shows a deficit of $42 billion dollars. When asked to explain, Michael Bradburn responded, "Simply put: we spent more money than we took in. No matter, let the democratic revolutionaries solve the problem." It is unclear how this financial situation will play out, but it is hoped parties will explain their views.

Its the economy stupid?

The Franklin Times -

The Free Market Association, a collection of business owners and supporters of free trade, announced today it will endorse a single political party on Friday, April 25th. In a press release, the FMA, stated that the economic stances of many parties remain unclear and confusing. "Many of the parties have offered only vague economic policies and have utterly failed in providing clear cut statements. Do these parties believe in free trade or protectionism? Do they favor progressive or flat taxes? Do they support minimum wage laws? These are questions for which our members must have answers." This organization, according to its mission's statement, believes that free market economics and free trade that the only proper means by which a nation can enjoy a healthy economy. It also states a strong distrust and dislike for government intrusion and high tax policies. It invites all parties to express their clear economic policies by responding directly to this story and hopes parties will debate the many pressing economic issues facing the Franklin States of America.

Leaders of the NWU and FWA released a joint press release late this afternoon encouraging the pro-worker and pro-labor parties to participate in the FMA economic online debate. "We hope that parties representing the working man will make their voices known in this debate. Any party hoping for labor's support in the upcoming election has a duty to engage and challenge radical free marketers who care more for profit than they do the well being of their fellow citizens."

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Headlines 4/12/08

The Franklin Times -

Wallup Poll 4/12/08

If the election were held today who would you support?

LLP - 17%
LFP - 17%
FMP - 13%
ALP - 6%
FHSRP - 6%
JRP - 6%
FDRP - 23%
Unsure - 12%

Results show three parties in political trouble with their voter support falling.

Royal Veterans Association Endorses

Citing the party's stance on the Iraq War, the RVA announced its endorsement of the FDRP. This is a politically powerful endorsement within the conservative community. The RVA brings to the campaign a large membership and very committed voters.

Labor "loves" the Love and Freedom Party

The countries two major labor unions both issued statements of support for the Love and Freedom Party. While falling short of a complete endorsement both unions stated their appreciation of the LFP's support during the unions' recent rallies and marches.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Interest Group Updates

The Franklin Times -

EPC Convention Approaches -

Final preparations are being made for the annual national convention of the Environment Protection Council (EPC), which is being held in South Winsota's capital, Milwaukee. Delegates from around the F.S.A. will be in attendance at the meeting, which because of the upcoming election has taken on new significance. Eric Greene, President of EPC, described how the election has increased the power and influence his group has. "Now that political parties have to compete for power they need the people," He explained, "as of now five of the major parties are planning on addressing our delegation; presenting their environmental platforms. It is clear that an endorsement from our organization will go a long way to assuring electoral victory in May."

Gun Gala -

Today thousands of gun owners met at the Gun Gala, the largest gun show held in Franklin. The annual event represents not only a prime opportunity for gun buyers and sellers to do business, but also represents a political event. "As our nation moves into its democratic future, it is critically important that our government respect the rights of gun owners," explained Greg Godsen, President of the Franklin Rifle Association (FRA). Many political analysts agree that gun rights will not play a pivotal role in the 2008 election, but this interest group and its supporters could play crucial roles in key States. "This will force many political parties to develop a delicate balancing act," stated Kyle Smithson, a political analyst. Gun ownership is extremely high in the western States, while gun control remains a popular issue in urban areas of the East.

Labor March

The Franklin Times -

The streets of Bordeaux, Irondequiot were filled with the supporters of organized labor today, as the National Workers Union organized a massive show of force. A spokesman for the NWU estimated the crowd number to be 30,000. This number was confirmed by local law enforcement. The march, according to the NWU spokesman, was held to demonstrate the raw strength of their organization and of the labor movement in general.

"It is critically important for our nation and our nation's political parties to realize the will and determination of Franklin workers," explained John Taylor (NWU President in Irondequiot), "Our members will support any party that fights for the common man against corporations driven only by a pursuit for higher profits. We need a government that will stop the outsourcing of Franklin jobs and is willing to fight and protect Franklin's industries."

Irondequiot, the most populous of the Franklin States, is a sympathetic host. This State and its capital, Bordeaux, have lost 70,000 manufacturing jobs in the last five years. A recent Wallup poll also found that 70% of all Irondequiot residents believe the economy is the number one issue.

A Quiet Election

The Capital Courier - Editorial

We understand that our nation is new to the democratic process and that our political parties are new to the game, but we are left to wonder where the political debate is? This editorial board has been utterly unimpressed with the ability of our parties to actively engage each other in any substantive political debate. The parties are too concerned about playing it safe in the closing days of the campaign and our democracy is worse for it.We know there exists real and substantive differences between the parties. It is clear by simply visiting the parties' websites that they differ on issues ranging from economics, to social programs, to Iraq.

Yet, despite these differences, parties are not criticizing the weaknesses of their opponent's policies. We are not calling for nasty name calling or personal attack ads but we are calling for intelligent political debate on the issues.

So our call goes out: parties wake up! Our democracy needs more than polished campaign slogans and careful electoral strategies. Our nation and voters need a political debate reflective of our diverse opinions and backgrounds. Parties engaged in honest debate will not be punished by the voters but admired for their ability to present clear and coherent policy alternatives.

World Affairs Council Endorses LLP

The Franklin Times -

In an early morning press conference, the President of the World Affairs Council, Jake Briggins, announced his groups formal endorsement of the LLP. "The LLP is the only party promising to end the failed policy in Iraq and to return our troops home." It was clear that the party's stance on the war and its commitment to withdrawing troops were keys to the endorsement.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Election News

The Franklin Times -

Wallup National Poll (4/6/08)

If the election were held today, who would you support?

LLP - 13%;
LFP - 10%
FMP - 13%
ALP - 8%
FHSRP - 7%
JRP - 7%
FDRP - 17%
Unsure - 25%

The National Election Commission, with the approval of King Guy, has announced that Election Day will be moved back to May 11th. The NEC cited concerns about the availability of new voter machines for the delay.

A Foreign Gathering

The Capital Courier -

In Franklin City yesterday, four party spokespersons addressed a joint gathering of the Royal Veterans Association and the World Affairs Council. In speeches to the audience, the speakers laid out the foreign policies of their respective parties. Spokespersons from the LLP, FMP, FDRP, and the LFP detailed their foreign policy plans if they were to win the upcoming election. Reaction from the audience was polite but bitterly divided. "The LLP and the LFP both seem committed to seeing this country fail in Iraq. They both represent the politics of cut and run. The FMP seemed to take a moderate stance but offered few details. The FDRP is the only party seemingly firmly committed to victory in Iraq," explain Joel Smithson the RVA's Bennett State President. Yet, there was a radically different opinion from Susan Prompt, WAC Policy President. "From conversations I had after the presentations, my supporters were most impressed with the LLP's Gentry Plan. Their call for troop withdraw seems the most intouch with the will of the people. I would not be surprised to see our organization endorse the LLP in the coming week."

The Trade Issue

The Franklin Times -

The nation's two largest labor unions, the National Workers Union and the Franklin Workers Alliance, issued a joint statement today asking the parties to clearly state their policies as they relate to labor issues. "Today, we call on the political parties to explain their views on the rights of workers to form unions, have affordable healthcare, possess secure pensions, and a living wage," said Luke Hooper, spokesman for the NWU.

With unemployment rising and many working class voters feeling squeezed these issues are clearly important to union members. Tied to these economic concerns is the issue of free trade. NAFTA has been increasing blamed for rising unemployment in the large urban centers of the country. However, many farmers and high tech firms have benefited greatly from the free trade agreement. These groups have found support from the Free Market Association, which explains that the future of economic growth is found in free trade agreements not in protectionism.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Wallup Poll

The Capital Courier -

The Wallup Polling Corp. released it latest round of national polling...

If the election were held today, who would you support?
FMP - 10%, FHSRP - 8%, LFP - 8%, LLP - 7%, ALP - 6%, JRP - 5%, FDRP - 18%, Undecided - 38%

Do you feel well informed as to the Parties' policies?
Yes - 25%; No - 75%

Should the country boycott the Olympics?
Yes - 38%; No - 38%; Unsure - 24%

What is the most important issue in the election?
Economy - 41%; War on Terror/Iraq - 20%; Healthcare - 10%; Education - 10%; Other - 19%

Should the Franklin States withdraw from Iraq?
Yes - 64%; No - 36%

Should the Franklin States continue its membership in NAFTA?
Yes - 42%; No - 30%; Unsure - 28%

Do you consider yourself "pro-choice" or "pro-life"?
Pro-choice - 44%; Pro-life - 32%; Neither - 24%

The Future of Energy?

The Franklin Times -

Gas prices reached a new record high on Tuesday. The national average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline was $3.41. The price of gas was caused in part by rising oil prices on the global market. However, the energy question remains an open one as no party has yet proposed a comprehensive energy policy. After winning the 2007 election the FCP led coalition failed to pass a compromise energy policy through the National Assembly leaving the country directionless on the energy question. However, as consumers continually feel this economic pinch it is bound to grow in political importance.

What is the answer to the energy question? The answer may not be so clear...
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1725975,00.html