NationStates Jolt Archive

From Capital Cities Times

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The Election season has begun across the Empire
as Hamptonians prepare to vote for the first time since the
adoption of the Constitutional Act, 2006 (http://www.freefilehosting.org/public/9666/CONSTITUTIONALACT.doc). Legislative
candidates are beginning their campaigns today while
the Federal Parties will take the weekend to select
their candidates for the Federal Chancellery ticket.


By Thomas Sanchez, Hamptonshire City

At the Elections Oversight Department this morning, representatives from five political parties presented the necessary information to make the respective political organizations recognized nationwide political parties. With the election scheduled to take place in mid-July, the parties and their candidates have just more than four weeks to campaign. This election will mark the first time that Hamptonians have ever voted for their Head of Government. The election will also determine, indirectly through the election of the Royal Senate, the conclave that will take place in August that will elect the next monarch.

Three of the five parties, the Labor-Democratic Reformists, Liberal Democratic Alliance and Sandrin National Party, have already selected their candidate to run in the Federal Chancellery election. The Independent Progressives, who are favored to win a narrow plurality in both elected houses of the Royal Congress, are expected to hold a convention to pick their candidate this weekend. The New Federalist Union will be making their own choice early next week. Campaigning for the Chancellery will officially begin soon after. Candidates will have to crisscross the entire Empire to gain the vote necessary to capture the office. According to the Federal Election Regulations Act of 2006, unless a candidate receives 45% of the vote the top two finishers will have to face each other in a runoff.

Media outlets and think tanks around Hamptonshire are preparing themselves for the monumental task of tracking public opinion about the issues, the parties and the candidates. The unique nature of this election will make it hard to predict the final results. While a party might have widespread support across the nation, it must win in each individual district in order to secure representation in the Royal Congress. The sheer number of available Chamber seats, 1400, will make it difficult for pollsters to accurately predict the final result. The Times has compiled a list of the new parties and, in conjunction with the University of Portshire, has listed what analysts believe should be reasonably close to the final result.

Federal Parties (in alphabetical order)

Independent Progressives
Leader: To be determined
Expected to win 90-110 seats in the Royal Senate. Expected to win 620-650 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.
Additional Information: IP wiki article (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Independent_Progressives)

Labor-Democratic Reformists
Leader: Miguel Luis Cipriani
Expected to win 60-70 seats in the Royal Senate. Expected to win 90-130 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.
Additional Information: LDR wiki article (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Labor-Democratic_Reformists)

Liberal Democratic Alliance
Leader: Cristiano Arikan
Expected to win 20-25 seats in the Royal Senate. No candidates running for the Chamber of Representatives.
Additional Information: LDA wiki article (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Liberal_Democratic_Alliance)

New Federalist Union
Leader: To be determined
Expected to win 80-105 seats in the Royal Senate. Expected to win 575-625 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.
Additional Information: NFU wiki article (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/New_Federalist_Union)

Sandrin National Party
Leader: Abetje de Vries
Expected to win 2-5 seats in the Royal Senate. Expected to win 10-15 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.
Additional Information: SNP wiki article (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sandrin_National_Party)


[OOC: Feel free to respond if you want to. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank Pacitalia for "appropriating" some ideas he used in previous threads.]

Hamptonshire City

John Carpenter smiled as he fingered the documents that had granted him entry into the Grand Duchy. As a senior political analyst for the KBC he had felt it necessary to fly to Hamptonshire in order to provide Oceanians with appropriate coverage of an historic event in a country that seemingly was growing into a strong ally of the United Kingdom – despite the odd absence of an official embassy, a point which his sources in the UK informed him was attempting to be ‘immediately rectified.’

For now, he simply walked into the hotel that he had booked before leaving Imperium and presented his luggage and papers to the concierge, who promptly handled the matter allowing Carpenter to find his way to the check-in desk at what would conceivably be his home for the next four weeks.

[Bump. Post to come soon.]

From Capital Cities Times Online Edition

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Independent Progressives Party President Mikulas Drazba (left)
arrives at the Portshire Convention Center to convene
the party's Executive Assembly. The Assembly is set
to pick the IP's candidate for the Federal Chancellery
this weekend.

Independent Progressives sort out candidates while SNP fires the first broadside

By Olivia Olsen, Portshire

As the Mikulas Drazba, the Independent Progressive Party President, called a meeting in Portshire together to pick his party's candidate for the Chancellery, the first shots were fired in what is increasing looking to be a very exciting election season. Sandrin National Party Chancellery candidate Abetje de Vries called for a dramatic cutback in military spending. Mrs De Vries took particular aim at the Royal Navy saying, "Our current naval forces do nothing more than drain our national resources and show the world that, at heart, our government is aggressive.” The attack is notable not only for its language but also the timing. The five parties had informally agreed to hold of campaigning until Monday. It is yet to be seen if this was an isolated outburst or if this signals that the agreement had broken down.

In Portshire Mr Drazba was rather dismissive of Mrs De Vries's comments, "As a private citizen she is free to voice her opinions. As a political candidate, though, she must be mindful of what she says.” Mr Drazba, a former Senator and lawyer, is under mounting pressure to get his party to pick a Chancellery candidate. While no one knows for sure, several senior aides have said that the IP's Executive Assembly has a short list of four people that it is actively considering. Those same sources say that if such a list existed it would most likely consist of Lord Philip Rosecrans, Foreign Minister Wolfgang Hayek, former Speaker of the House Jacob Astor and Mr Drazba himself. None of the possible candidates responded to The Times' request for a response. Current opinion polling has Mr Astor and Mr Drazba gathering 35% of the vote against any candidate in the general election. Dr Hayek pulls a higher 45% while Lord Rosecrans amasses a truly overwhelming 75% of the popular vote should he run.

Even at this early stage in the elections the overwhelming public support for Lord Rosecrans looks to be the determining factor. With a personal public approval rating hovering in the low nineties, the Lord Protector is immensely popular with all segments of society. He has, however, said in private communication that he does not want to run for political office. If true, the Chancellery race would become actually competitive. These factors are almost certainly on the minds of the Executive Assembly of the Independent Progressives as they meet in Portshire. A senior source in the Lord Protector's Office has told The Times that should it look like Lord Rosecrans will be picked as a candidate, he will deliver a national address to make clear his future political intentions.

From Capital Cities Times Online Edition

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Party President Mikulas Drazba (left)
welcomes Foreign Minister Wolfgang Hayek to
the Executive Assembly meeting in Portshire
moments after Dr Hayek's nomination was confirmed.

Independent Progressives pick Foreign Minister to lead them to the Chancellery

By Olivia Olsen, Portshire

In a surprising turn of events Dr Wolfgang Hayek, Hamptonshire's (Acting) Foreign Minister, was picked by the senior leadership of his party to run for the Federal Chancellery. His successful nomination, allegedly after only the first round of voting, gives the Independent Progressives a strong and well known figure to run for the top position as well as function as the central figure in all races across the Empire. His quick confirmation was unexpected given the figures that the Executive Assembly had to pick from.

A senior figure in the Assembly, who does not wish to be named because of the nature of the discussions, told The Times that Dr Hayek was chosen so quickly because "The Assembly members were afraid that [Lord] Rosecrans would reject and that Mr Drazba or Mr Astor are too unknown to most Hamptonians. Hayek had everything the Assembly wanted without the things they were looking to avoid." After an early morning session the board voted unanimously to offer the Chancellery slot to the Foreign Minister. Dr Hayek, a native of Portshire, was in town to give the commencement speech at the University of Portshire School of Law. He was scheduled to leave Portshire at noon, but the call from Mr Drazba persuaded him to stay.

After an hour long meeting with the IP Executive Assembly, Dr Hayek gave a short speech in which he outlined several of his campaign points:

"In order to survive, let alone thrive, in this dangerous world of ours we must concern ourselves with the real problems that confront our people. There have to be real and concrete solutions to social welfare, the economy, taxes, education and national security. Abstract notions of ideology will only distract us."

"A political organization that truly wishes to best govern the people must rise above partisan rivalry. I am not going to dismiss a potential solution to a problem just becomes it comes from a 'conservative' or a 'socialist'. At the same time I challenge my ideological rivals to accept that compromise and centrism are necessary in a democratic system of governance."

"One of the primary goals of a Hayek Chancellery would be the maintenance of a responsible and mature foreign policy. We will strengthen ties to our friends, build links to new allies and exert gentle, yet constant, pressure upon those governments and regimes that pose a threat to the international community. Let us never forget that the price of peace and civility is eternal vigilance."

"Our people have brought it upon themselves to form a great new nation from the ashes of The Regency. The United Realms, or what some may call the Empire, is a combination of unique peoples united by a common heritage, a common belief in the power of democratic government and an abiding love of freedom. It will not always be easy to satisfy the concerns of every Dominion and Semi-Autonomous Region. What we have to do now, at the beginning stages of this great experiment, is lay the foundation for the future. No matter who wins in July or which party holds the balance of power, it is the responsibility of every man and woman elected next month to make this experiment work. There is simply no room for error."

Escorted by security agents and the Party President as he left the Convention Center, Dr Hayek told reporters outside that he already informed Lord Rosecrans and the other two members of the so-called "Triumvirate" about his decision to accept the nomination. The other two members, Princess Anne and Luis Santiago, were both out of the country at the time. Both of them are thought to be in consideration for high-level positions in the Federal and imperial government. Reportedly Mr Santiago is being courted by the New Federalist Union for his own run at the Chancellery and Princess Anne's name is being floated as a candidate for the Royal Conclave to be held in August. Neither would respond to our questions.

From HNN.gd

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Finance Minister Luis Santiago accepted the Chancellery
nomination from the New Federalist Union this evening. With this,
two of the three members of the 'Triumvirate' are running for Chancellor.

New Federalists put money on Finance chief to win the Chancellery

The New Federalist Union made it officially at 8:00pm: Luis Santiago will run be on the Chancellery ticket. The Finance Minister, in the Manium territories following a meeting with Oceanian Prime Minister Lord Salisbury, warmly received the news. "I look forward to the election and to leading the NFU to victory" he said to local reporters while at a meeting with Dominion Commerce Ministers. This last nomination of a Chancellery candidate will allow all five parties to finally kick off their full scale campaigns for the July Federal elections.

While all five Federal-level parties are running candidates for the office of Chancellor, only the Independent Progressives, Labor-Democratic Reformists and the New Federalist Union have a serious chance of capturing the necessary votes. While current polling puts Dr Hayek (IP) ahead with 43%, current election law unless one person receives 45% of the vote, a run off will occur between the top two finishers. Dr Hayek will be fighting to reach and maintain poll numbers of 45 percentage points while his rivals Luis Santiago and Miguel Cipriani will endeavor to both keep Dr Hayek from reaching the threshold while positioning themselves as the second-place finisher.

HNN asked representatives from all candidates to release preliminary campaign statements. All of the campaigns declined saying that the first campaign ads will be aired tomorrow. An aide in the Cipriani campaign said, "In twelve hours you'll know all you wanted to know about us and everyone else involved. Be prepared."

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Hamptonshire News Network - We give you the world

HNN: Your Election Headquarters


Campaign Season in Full Swing; Candidates swarm across the Empire

Across the Hamptonian Empire today, hundreds of candidates began their campaigns for various Federal offices. Men and women participating in the 1,400 races for the Chamber of Representatives spent time at local barbecues and churches while Royal Senate hopefuls met business leaders and local leaders throughout the United Realms. The five candidates for the Chancellery marked their first official day of campaigning in different corners of the Empire.


Highlights from the Chancellery race:

Sandrin National Party candidate Abetje de Vries (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/deVries1.jpg) stayed in her stronghold in Nieuw Groningen when she made her first major campaign speech to more than three thousand supporters. Mrs De Vries, who is also running for Minister-President of the Sandrin Semi-Autonomous Region, stuck to her core issues attacking the central government and calling for a drastic reduction in defense expenditures.

"While I may be running at the head of party calling for Sandrin self-determinacy, make no mistake about it- I speak for all people of Hamptonshire. Just as our people have a right to become a self-governing part of the Empire, so do the other groups that make up part of the new Grand Archduchy. People from the Island of Harrkona, Seaburg, or Frederiksberg deserve devolved government just as much as the people of Sandrin do. This election boils down to a single issue: Freedom.

"My constituents believe in our traditional values. The government should assure that its citizens are provided with the necessities of life and protect them from harm. The government must also do everything in its power to ensure the integrity of society as a whole. If the price we have to pay for stability is the loss of some peripheral freedoms, so be it.

"The single greatest evil in our entire Empire is the Royal Armed Forces. It is one thing to maintain a military force that is capable of defending our homeland. It is quite another to continue to support a military that is so large and powerful that it facilitates war instead of deterring it. We don't need a single man or women in uniform more than is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of our homes. Anything more than that is an affront to international peace.


In Riverside, the capital of the Dominion of Nova Excelsior, Liberal Democratic Alliance standard bearer Cristiano Arikan (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/Arikan1.jpg) spoke to a group of international and Dominion college students at Riverside Imperial College. Mr Arikan kicked off his campaign by introducing the LDA's theme for the July elections, "Free to Chose, Chose to be Free". The Liberal Democrats, organized in 7 out of the 10 Dominions, hope to become, in the words of Mr Arikan, "The voice of Imperial citizens to the Federal government". The LDA's campaign goals are similar to those of the Independent Progressives, except for a great emphasis on local power.

"We, the Liberal Democratic Alliance, represent the true voice of the majority of Dominion citizens. We don't want unilateral independence any more than we want to be wholesale subjects of the central government in Obsidia and Hamptonshire City. Dominion citizens want a place at the table, a voice in negotiations. The LDA will provide you all with that. We are your friends, neighbors and family.

"The first step toward personal freedom comes from the reinforcement of the community and the state. By allowing Provinces, Semi-Autonomous Regions and Dominions the ability to set the policies that affect their inhabitants, we will strengthen the integrity of the Empire. No two places will face the same situation in the same way. The Federal government therefore must allow for some flexibility. That independence of action, however, must be tempered by a total and uncompromising devotion to the continued union of the United Realms. We support independence of action, not succession and separatism."

"While the government can, and must, participate in the open market as an independent consumer and producer, the state has no place directing the economy. While I support regulations that seek to prevent predatory business operations and break up cartels and monopolies, I cannot and will not support a turn toward socialism. The government has its place in society, and it has its place in the market. Just as the government should be a servant of the people and not their master, so must the government be a servant of the economy, not its master. There must be freedom in the marketplace just as there is freedom in the town square."


Miguel Cipriani (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/cipriani4.jpg) started off his effort to capture the Chancellor's office at a meet-and-greet with Labor-Democratic Reformists Senatorial candidates in Seaburg. The event, in the heart of Hamptonshire's conservative heartland, was meant as a bold signal. Unlike previous leftist parties in the Grand Archduchy, the LDR are not shying away from directly confronting the nation's powerful conservative elements. The meeting of a social democratic party in Seaburg, the heart of laissez-faire capitalism in the Empire, should be seen as a sign of how aggressive the Labor-Democratic Reformists and Mr Cipriani intend to be.

"It is true that the near unrestrained capitalism that Hamptonshire has functioned under for the past two centuries has been good to us. Looking around me today at the great shining steel and glass buildings of Seaburg, it is hard to be anything by awestruck by our achievements. However, for all the good that our current system has done us, we still have many problems. Not everyone enjoys the high standard of living that most Hamptonians enjoy. We still have poor people, there are still children that do not receive the education that they truly deserve. There are millions of hardworking men and women in their fifties and sixties that worry about not when, but if, they can retire let alone afford healthcare. Capitalism has brought us this far; now it is time for market socialism to take us the rest of the way. We must leave the past behind and embrace the future with open arms."

"When it comes to social justice and welfare we must give credit to the Provinces. While the Federal government has wavered on this issue and hidden behind the veil of 'tradition' and 'custom', Provincial governments across the nation have established social welfare systems that are second to none the world over. The Provinces have been able to successfully combine the free market with the best of socialist ideals. That is what I want to recreate. The LDR's version of socialism isn't the mass nationalization of industries and taxes up to the hilt. Our version of socialism is a free marketplace within a framework of job place democracy that provides the needy with the support they need and deserve. We're not asking, I'm not asking, for universal healthcare or a massive social security program. What we're asking for, and what this Empire needs, is a basic framework to provide all of our citizens with the support they need when they need it."

"All that the anti-drug and anti-prostitution laws on the books accomplish is the oppression of the economically disenfranchised. Instead of targeting and irradiating the problem, we are attacking the symptoms. We have to increase social spending so that the poor and disenfranchised have a chance to move up in life. We have to improve our education system so that those that might turn to a life on the streets have a real choice to become a productive member of society instead. We must give community leaders the tools and authority that they need to ensure that their communities receive the attention and resources they need. No matter what politicians in the Capital Cities may think they know about their constituents, no one knows what their community needs more than those that live and work in it every day. The government should be acting to right all of those wrongs, not imprisoning young men and women because they make poor personal choices."


Finance Minister Luis Santiago (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/santiago43.jpg) stopped over in the west coast city of Port Easton on his way back to Hamptonshire City from a conference in the Manium territories. Mr Santiago appeared with New Federalist Union Party President Goran Erlander at a quickly arranged event in downtown Port Easton. The Finance Minister, just slightly less than twenty-four hours after accepting his nomination for the Chancellery, quickly and effortless jumped into his role as electoral candidate. NFU Senate and Chamber hopefuls were quick to plug their new leader in their home districts.

"We need a well-defined and centralized Federal government. Without the unifying force of the Federal government, the United Realms will collapse before they even had a chance to establish themselves. The democratically elected representatives that the people send to the Capital Cities are the guardians of both local interest and national integrity. While Provinces and Dominions are, and should be, free to legislate on local matters, issues that affect more than one Province or Dominion or affect the entire Empire should be the sole prerogative of the Federal government. Only a central government has the legitimacy to act for all of its people. Local authorities are elected to deal with local issues. Federal authorities are elected to deal with federal issues. There can be no devolution without disunion. If we have disunion, then we have chaos. Did we fight to emerge from The Regency only to fall back into its darkness?"

"The government has one very important responsibility to its citizens: protection. A government must ensure that society is protected through a framework of just laws. The New Federalist Union believes that there is no compromise when it comes to this basic requirement of good governance. We know what society believes is wrong and what actions most damage the integrity of our communities, businesses and homes. Those people that decided to break these laws and societal conventions have to be punished. Unless there is a viable and meaningful deterrent to crime, our legal system will not work. Police have to have the power to arrest and investigate. The courts must have the ability to lock up offenders that they believe are a serious threat to society. The NFU sees compromise in the issues of law and order as nothing more than half-measures. We will not tolerate that. And neither should you."

"International diplomacy is nothing without the force of will and firepower to back it up. When diplomatic efforts are backed up by a determination to fight for what is right, should it be necessary, that is when internationalism wins. Foreign despots and authoritarian regimes don't give brownie points for strong diplomacy. They only recognize, and accept, strength. As Chancellor I would bring the Empire's best diplomats into the Foreign Office. The world would come to know the dedication that Hamptonians have for the values of civilized society. I would also make every possible effort to make sure that the Royal Armed Forces are ready to defend Hamptonshire, her allies and her beliefs against any possible rivals anywhere in the world."


Current front runner Dr Wolfgang Hayek (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/hayek2.jpg) spent most of the day at the Foreign Office. The Foreign Minister's campaign is attempting to project the image of the "statesman above politics" as one junior staffer put it. Rank and file members of centrist Independent Progressives have warmly received their Chancellery candidate. "Hayek has a personal and professional reputation that is beyond reproach. I thank God that the Executive Assembly picked him," Senatorial candidate Stephen Larsen said in an interview with a local television station. After Dr Hayek left the Foreign Office at 4:30pm, he did attend a high-level campaign event in central Hamptonshire City. There he revealed his campaign strategy, the "Three Ps" "Progress. Pragmatism. Prosperty".

"It is not enough to just win elected office, one must desire to better society. Such progress shouldn't come from outside ideology or political egoism, it must come from the natural movements that are part of society. When I talk about progress, I don't talk about making the nation into the Independent Progressives' idea of what Hamptonshire should be, I talk about making Hamptonshire into what Hamptonians want it to be. The government should facilitate change, not impede it. The government that obstructs change obstructs the human spirit."

"I could spend my time for the next month repeating the manifesto of the Independent Progressives. I could come on television for the next four weeks and talk about nothing else but grand ideas that I have, but will never realistically happen. Or I could engage all of you, for the next month, in a serious dialogue about what needs to happen today, tomorrow and next week. Our political system has gone through radical change in the previous months. We have to take a step back and digest what has happened. We must utilize the tools at our disposal to fix the problems that pose the most imminent danger to our Empire. If I was running to be the Party President, then I could engage in theoretical and ideological debates. I could talk about grand strategies to solve problems that don't really exist. But I'm not. I am running for Chancellor. I am going to offer you real solutions to the real problems that we all face. I am going to give you a real choice."

"Time and again Hamptonshire has shown the world that we are nation that cherishes democracy, freedom and civil rights. We cannot back away from that. The United Realms must solidify its reputation as a beacon of light to the world. Peace, understanding and liberty will be our marching orders. I will work with our friends, especially those in Pacitalia and Oceania, to ensure that should despotism rear its ugly head, we will be there to scare it off back into the shadows. As Chancellor I will direct the Foreign Office to establish and strengthen ties to those nations and peoples that share our ideals. We have to be active in the defense of democracy. If we neglect our duties, even for a second, we will pay the price for years to come."

Bump for a post later tonight

The Financial Review

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One of the world’s pillars of democracy is preparing to showcase itself and its unique political system to the world in an election cycle likely to reconstruct the international image of the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire. After the two year interregnum following the death of King Leopold the Grand Duchy has embraced a new constitution that will see for the first time a directly elected head of government in the new position of Federal Chancellor.

With the selection of Dr. Wolfgang Hayek, acting Foreign Minister, by the Independent Progressives for their Federal Chancellery candidate over popular favourite Lord Rosecrans, the contest for the position has suddenly become just that. The fear of rejection of a nomination by the Lord Protector dissuaded the Independent Progressives from nominating a man favoured by the Hamptonian public by a large majority.

In the eyes of many within the United Kingdom, the Grand Duchy is seen as a strong partner and ally, thus it comes as no surprise that many local and regional politicians and pundits have begun to express great interest in the many races that will determine the next government with which Lord Salisbury’s administration will communicate. Already, several polling institutions have released results from snap polls conducted since the official announcement of the chancellery candidates.

According to a preliminary poll by the Financial Review, taken before the official announcements by the Independent Progressives and New Federalists, most Oceanians support a Hamptonian government built around an Independent Progressive majority, or an IP-led coalition government. Many within the United Kingdom cite the support offered by Lord Rosecrans and Dr. Hayek, two-thirds of the ruling Triumvirate, in the recent crises of the Mohammed Cartoon Protests and the ongoing situation in New Albion. Hamptonian support has come at a time when few governments across the world have openly supported Lord Salisbury and the UK.

As for the government of Lord Salisbury, officials in the Citadel and the Foreign Office remain tight-lipped about their preferences for who will become the first Federal Chancellor. At a question and answer session after a speech in Kingsbridge, Lord Salisbury smiled when asked who he would like to see as the Federal Chancellor and then replied, I would like to see the person selected by the Hamptonian electorate, for he or she is the will of the majority of the Hamptonian people and he or she will have in the United Kingdom the will of the majority of Oceanians. Foreign Secretary Emily Deveraux had even less to say on the matter, preferring to issue a blanket ‘no comment’ upon her preferences.

For now, as the candidates begin to stretch their legs and wear out their hands, the United Kingdom, and indeed the world, waits anxiously for the real campaigning to begin in the Grand Duchy.

---University of Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Hamptonshire---

The warm sun beamed down upon the campus as a gentle breeze seemed to almost caress those who felt it. While Frederiksberg was far from a tropical hot spot, its mild climate made into a year round haven for the otherwise nearly frozen Hamptonians. But that advantageous weather wasn't the reason that the Labor-Democratic Reformists pounced upon the city. It was Miguel Cipriani's hometown and the UofF was his alma mater. The province was also the LDR's stronghold. If they could make a strong showing here, they had a chance of being competitive nationwide.

The critical importance of this campaign appearance wasn't far from the front of Cipriani's mind as he addressed a crowd of supporters. The group, five thousand strong, was mostly made up of young university students. Their youthful exuberance and dedication to the idea that social democracy could take root in Hamptonshire ensured that the LDR Chancellery candidate would see nothing but friendly faces. As he spoke, though, he couldn't help think to himself They support us now, but is this just the naivete of youth? Will they still vote LDR in twenty years?. Those nagging doubts haunted him almost constantly but he knew that if he didn't fight them, they would control him. All that he could do was just to continue working toward victory.

He pushed the distractions from his mind and refocused himself on the speech he was in the process of giving, "One day soon the time will come when our government stops playing lip service to social justice and actually resolves to improve the condition of social services. What you have to ask yourselves is whether that day will come in one month or six years!" The crowd erupted into raucous cheers and applause. He continued, "The Independent Progressives and New Federalists are nothing but defenders of a traditionalist system that nearly caused the downfall of our great nation. There must be not only a change in the parties that control the government, but a revolution in how we, Hamptonian, even come to think about the problems that affect us."

Cipriani continued speaking and the crowded continued to hang on just about his every word. He knew how to work a crowd, how to get them to hang on his every word. It was second nature to him and it made him uncomfortable. Cipriani didn't feel that he gained the attention of an audience or the devotion of his supporters because of what he was but because of who he was. That was the central doubt that plagued him for almost his entire adult life. The campaign didn't help his occasional self-doubt, in fact it was increasing the tension within him. While in his mind he was racked with doubt and argued with himself, the crowd only saw a strong and confident leader. When he finished with his trademark ending, "Now is the time to seize change and a better world for ourselves and our children and we, the Labor-Democratic Reformists, are the only ones who can deliver!", practically all five thousand listeners erupted into almost uncontrollable cheering. With a quick wave and a smile for the cameras, Miguel Cipriani left the stage where he just finished speaking. He was glad to be out of the spotlight.

---

The candidate quickly retreated to the makeshift headquarters in one of the University's faculty buildings. It was a rather small collection of offices and conference rooms, but it was enough to coordinate operations for the few days Cipriani was in town. He rather liked the accommodations, actually. The building was rather airy and painted inside and out in bright, but soft, colors. It was in stark contrast to the grim, cold and staid architecture and design of most Hamptonian buildings. When they moved into the rooms, Cipriani told his campaign manager that the office almost perfectly reflected the Labor-Democratic Reformists itself: open, modern and optimized for the welfare of the workers. Of course that was before the space was crammed with pushy, aggressive campaign stuff and way too much electronics equipment.

Betty Grier, the Campaign Manager, grabbed Miguel's left arm and led him into his office. "Communications will have a first draft of the speech for the Longshoreman Union Conference in your hand in about an hour."

"Good," he sighed as he closed the office door, "I've been asking for that since this morning."

"It's not the writers' fault. The Longshoreman kept on requesting different things from us. I had to practically threaten them with physical harm so they would leave us alone."

"Betty," there was slight irritation in his voice as he walked to the nearest office chair and plopped himself in it, "I know you have a tendency to pander to our core supporters but it is not necessary. Labor unions won't support anyone else but us. We're the only game in town for them."

Grier adjusted her glasses. It was one of her nervous habits. "It won't happen again", she said with her head hung ever so lower.

Cipriani leaned back in his chair and motioned for Betty to sit next to him. He sensed her nervousness and cracked a smile in an attempt to relax her. "Just don't let it happen again", he said with a wink. He paused to regain his composure and folded his hands together. He looked around from side to side. He knew there wasn't anyone observing them, but it was almost a reflex. Betty leaned in closer to her boss. She was about to speak when Miguel cut her off. "How is the war chest looking?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Betty looked down at her feet before she responded. The long pause between the question and her answer was almost maddening to them both. "We just are not getting in enough contributions to cover costs. As of right now, Thad* tells me we have less than thirty million kroner in campaign accounts. With our current expenditure levels, that won't last us through next week."

Cipriani shook his head in disappointment. While the LDR were mounting an increasingly successful ideological battle, it was sorely losing the funding war. Both the IP and NFU had tens of billions of kroner in the bank with millions more coming every week. There wasn't a single IP or NFU race that was facing a funding shortfall. Labor-Democratic Reformists politicians, on the other hand, were constantly short of money. When they did get contributions, it immediately went back out to the campaign. Local groups, unions and student organizations were constantly asking for money to stage events for the party. It was providing the LDR with the exposure it needed, but its ad hoc nature was a severe drain on the party's limited resources. The problem was that very few people recognized that. Officials at the national headquarters freely gave money to local candidates even though fundraising was sporadic at best. That's the reason why Miguel Cipriani, his campaign manager, Thad Schatz and a few others resolved to save the party from itself. To do that, though, they would have to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.


*- Thad Schatz, Chief Financial Officer, Labor-Democratic Reformists

LDR Party Headquarters, Hamptonshire City

Thad Schatz, the party's Chief Financial Officer, locked the door to his office before he opened the bottom right drawer of his desk and pulled out several flash drives. He gently cupped them in his hands, treating them like they were precious porcelain figurines. Thad carefully placed the drives right by his laptop. Hitting the shift key to bring the computer out of sleep mode he entered his password and plugged in the first of the flash drives. The file directory was filled with spreadsheets. On those spreadsheets were names, addresses and other numbers of hundreds of different people and organization. Labor union leaders from across the Empire, even from as far away as Pacitalia, were listed on the pages. The first column had their names. The second, their addresses. The third, how much money they were funneling into the LDR.

These illegal and clandestine 'donations' were the only way that the Labor-Democratic Reformists could compete in the Federal election. The party was losing money left and right and legal donations could barely cover maintenance costs and staff salaries. Schatz was the first to realize this. He confronted Miguel Cipriani and his campaign manager about the impending crisis. After a very long and tense late night meeting the three officials agreed there was only way one to go: solicit money from nonofficial channels. The illegal funds, however, demanded yet another willful departure from the law. Schatz would have to alter the party's accounting records so regulatory agencies and the press wouldn't find out the dirty little secret.

As Schatz moved around tens of millions of kroner from secret account to front organization to third-party labor union back to secret account and finally into the LDR's General Fund he kept on going back to that late night meeting he had with Cipriani just a few weeks ago. If we have to bend the law to give our nation a chance to redeem itself, Miguel said as he tried to convince Thad, then so be it. It's better to be dirty and in power than clean and on the sidelines. Schatz hoped that Cipriani's words of wisdom would actually be true. He was taking a great risk, not only for himself but for every single candidate running under the Labor-Democratic Reformists banner. If the duplicity of the party and its senior leaders were discovered before the July election not only would the party soon find itself out of funds, it would be almost impossible for the LDR to remain an effective political force.

Thad's head swam with all these disturbing thoughts as he continued with his work. It was actually getting more and more difficult for him as time went on. Some of the party's own accountants were growing suspicions at certain possible irregularities in the books. There were only so many ways to hide money and the longer something like this went on, the more likely someone would discover the ugly truth. "Imagine," Thad quietly said to himself as he moved onto the second flash drive, "if people found out the party with 'Democratic Reform' is its name was doing this. I don't know what would happen."

He, and the two others that authorized this operation, of course knew what would happen. That was the problem.

LDR Party Headquarters, Hamptonshire City

Melinda Kerns, one of the party's senior accountants, slowly came into the office. It was a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon and most of her coworkers were either at home or at a field office. She was scheduled to go to the LDR office in Portshire but she drew the proverbial short straw and was pulled for central office duty. Not that there was much for Melinda to do. She just needed to get the final income and expense reports ready for delivery to the Federal Government's Elections Department. It was pretty much just a formality. There hadn't been a case of fundraising or elections fraud in nearly fifty years.

"I could have been in Portshire," Melinda sighed as she pulled the chair out from under her desk and sat down. She turned on her computer and opened the finance files on the main server. Quickly Melinda got into a quick rhythm of cross checking the daily income reports with the daily expenditures list. There really wasn't a nice way to put it: the job was boring. The constant stream of numbers was almost hypnotizing. As the hours passed she became something resembling a drone. In fact, she was so caught up in the utterly boring task that she failed to notice the man standing right behind her.

"Mrs. Kerns," the man said in a cold, tin-like voice, "what are you doing here?"

Melinda jumped in her seat when she heard the man's voice. It was if he came from no where. She was still slightly disoriented when she swivelled her chair to see who was standing behind her. She relaxed when she realized whom he was.

"Mister Saunders," she said with more than a little relief in her voice, "I didn't expect anyone else to be in accounting today. I drew central office duty. I have to compile the finance report for the Elections Department."

In the back of her mind it was a little odd that Mister Saunders was in this particular area of Party Headquarters. He was a newly hired labor union liaison, quite far detached from accountancy. She only remembered him because she was on the committee that decided to hire him. Mister Saunders continued to make some small talk with her. All during their conversation, if it could even be called that, she couldn't help shake the feeling that there was something fundamentally off with that man. Still, she wasn't really concerned.

"Have you seen Mister Schatz around?" Mister Saunders asked.

"Um, no." She paused, "Is there something you need? I may not be the Chief Financial Officer but I can still get things done around here."

"There is something you could do for me actually," his voice dropped to a slightly lower tone, "Schatz was supposed to give me a detailed listing of labor union members who have donated to the party. I believe the information is in his desk. I wouldn't ask you except that Miss Cohen* wants the list on her desk by the end of the day. As you can see, it's quite important."

Melinda thought for a second. She knew going into Thad Schatz's office was an invasion of privacy but getting this list done could put her in the party president's good graces. She wrestled with part of her conscience for a second. "I'll get it right now. I'll be done in a few hours."

Mister Saunders smiled. When she saw him smile she felt a chill run down her spine. "Thank you very much, Mrs. Kerns" was all he said before he turned around and left through the open door.

Melinda shook off the many odd feelings she had since Mister Saunders came into the office. She stood up and quietly went over to the door to Schatz's office. Well, this is it she thought to herself as she grabbed the door handle. Holding her breath she opened the door and walked into the darkened office. "He said they were in the desk" she said to herself as she knelt down in front of the drawers. She pulled them open one by one looking for the data disks. She came up dry until she opened the bottom right drawer. There were several flash drives. They weren't marked as containing any particular data, but the fact that they were on top of a stack of financial records led her to conclude they were what she was looking for.

Mrs. Kerns carefully closed all the drawers and silently walked back to her desk. She plugged one of the drives into her computer and opened the first file she saw. At first she was struck by the information. It had lists of names and totals of donated sums but they looked very familiar. She kept on scanning the spreadsheet but she could not shake the feeling that she had seen this data before. On a hunch she reopened one of the spreadsheets she had been working on earlier that morning. She compared the information in the two supposedly different databases.

This just doesn't make sense, she thought to herself as she poured over the data from her boss's desk.

The files on the flash drives held essentially the same information as the files on the main server. They had the party's daily expenditures, fundraising lists and political donations. What was wrong was that the amount of money in the files were drastically different. There were tens of millions of kroner popping out of nowhere in the CFO's list that were shifted around on the server's files. The daily expenditure figures were also way off. According to the numbers on the flash drivers, the party was burning through hundreds of thousands of kroner a week more than it was taking in. The worst part was that even with that huge hole burning in the party's pocket, the LDR's bank accounts were growing at a very steady rate.

Melinda hunched over her keyboard and thought about what to do with this information. Would she confront Mr. Schatz? Inform Laura Cohen? Ultimately the solution came to her. It wasn't something that she wanted to do but this situation put her in a very awkward position. No matter what loyalty she may have to the Labor-Democratic Reformists, her duty to Hamptonshire was far stronger.

She wrote an email summarizing the information and what she thought it meant and quickly copied both sets of data onto her computer. The last thing she did before leaving for the day was to attach the data files to the email and send it to five addresses: the Elections Department, HBC, HNN, PBC and Laura Cohen.


[*- Laura Cohen- Party President, Labor-Democratic Reformists]

This is a PBC National News Exclusive

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Hamptonshire's Labour-Democratic Reformists party, which
sits in third in many races for the Grand Archduchy's upcoming
elections, including the Federal Chancellery, may be deliberately
misspending their campaign funds, an anonymous email sent from
within the party charges.

[ Hamptonian party mishandling campaign funds ]
Email sent from within the party warns of massive impending fund shortages due to poor bookkeeping
Communication also charges the bookkeeping inequities are deliberate
____________________________________________________________________________________________

HAMPTONSHIRE CITY (PBCN) -- A senior accountant with Hamptonshire's Labour-Democratic Reformists, who wishes to remain anonymous, has voiced concern over massive irregularities in the party's campaign spending.

PBC National News can exclusively reveal evidence that allegedly points to senior party officials backchanneling themselves millions in Hamptonian kroner. It also shows a worrisome trend of party pockets getting deeper, which would be a good thing for the LDR, except for one catch: in all the fiduciary inequities on the party's books, said money has no actual source, and said money doesn't exist.

The major figure implicated in these irregularities appears to be the LDR's chief financial officer Thad Schatz, who, on his own accounting books, appears to have conjured tens of millions of kroner out of nowhere. In addition, it appears because of the accounting missteps, the party is thusly spending thousands if not millions per day more than it is receiving in donations and revenue. And while this fire continues to burn a hole in the pockets of the LDR, the party's bank accounts are swiftly increasing in size, fluffed up by non-existent funds.

The email warning of this massive miscalculation in party funds was also sent to the Hamptonian elections commission and two Hamptonian media networks but there has been no comment from either the elections body or the party itself on this startling evidence provided by an insider accountant. Party leader Miguel Cipriani, an outspoken critic of capitalist greed, was also unavailable for comment on this immensely ironic situation, despite various tries by PBCNews staff to contact him.

The LDR is supported unofficially by the Workers' Cooperative Alliance Party of Pacitalia and various unchartered labour organisations in the Democratic Capitalist Republic (unions being both banned by the government in 1986 legislation, and shunned by the public itself for the fact that they 'promote an unhealthy form of socialism'), but PBCNews' attempts to contact them at best ended with replies of "no comment" or that such organisations were "unaware of the charges against [the Labour-Democratic Reformists]".

HNN Exclusive


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Elliot Pierce, head of the Federal Elections Department,
received search warrants from the Supreme Court earlier today.
FED agents quickly seized financial records from LDR party
headquarters. Mr Pierce announced to the press later that
the FED is in the process of attaining arrest warrants.

Leftist party finds itself in dire financial scandal

Late last night a senior source within the Labor-Democratic Reformists alerted the Federal Elections Department and several news outlets about irregularities in the party's finances. According to the information received by HNN, the LDR is being actively funded from large, illegal slush funds. Party Chief Financial Officer Thad Schatz has allegedly covered up illegal campaign donations by secretly altering the party's accounting records. While it is yet to be seen how much money has been shifted around preliminary estimates put the figure of illegally attained money at K630 million. That sum amounts to a stunning sixty percent of the LDR's entire campaign war chest.

The alarming data was sent to both the party's president and the head of the Federal Elections Department. Less than six hours after receiving the email, FED chief Elliot Pierce had search warrants in hand as election regulatory agents payed a visit to the LDR's central headquarters. "There is an absolute zero tolerance policy for any irregularities," Mr Elliot said at a press conference after the search, "if the allegations made today are true, I will take action." HNN sent several requests to Laura Cohen's office for the party's official reaction to the scandal but she declined to be interviewed. A spokesman for the party did, however, respond to one of our inquiries. "The Party President had no knowledge of Mr Schatz's activities. She has directed party officials to work with the FED."

The growing scandal is a deep embarrassment from the Labor-Democratic Reformists. Billed as the party fighting against corruption, greed and cutthroat capitalism, the LDR now finds itself having to answer for the very crimes it has called millions to rally against. It is too soon to see how this scandal will affect LDR Senatorial and Chamber candidates but already there is growing discontent with Federal Chancellery candidate Miguel Cipriani. Community leaders in several LDR strongholds, such as Frederiksberg and Port Easton, have called for full criminal investigations of all the party's national leaders. Several have said that it would be nearly impossible to believe that Mr Cipriani had no idea something was wrong with the party's finances. As the party's leader and principal fundraiser, they say, he either has to be involved in the impropriety or, if not aware of the misdoing, is incompetent.

Mr Cipriani, at a long scheduled campaign event in the Nova Excelsior capital of Riverside, offered a tepid response to this new critics, "No one knows for sure if anything actually illegal occurred. There are only allegations being thrown around right now. The fact that the press has seemed to run with the story as far as they have shows the Hamptonian media's conservative bias."

Independent Progressives Party President Mikulas Drazba, also in Nova Excelsior, said that Mr Cipriani's answer to the critics, "shows that he's out of touch with reality. The numbers don't lie, hundreds of millions of kroner are involved in this scandal. And to say that the press is whipping up this story because of a right-wing bias is ludicrous."

Back in Hamptonshire City Elliot Pierce and FED officials began to examine seized records from the LDR. According to sources that don't want to be named to the sensitive nature of the investigation, Mr Pierce has asked (Acting) Attorney-General Jacob Astor to convene a grand jury. Those same sources say that arrest warrants could be issued by as soon as Wednesday afternoon. It is not known whom the investigation will focus on. The FED could limit itself to the party's office staff or, if the evidence is strong enough, it could take action against the LDR's leading political figures.

Faced with possible indictments of the party's leadership and star candidates it will be very difficult for the Labor-Democratic Reformists to raise enough money to get it through the last weeks of the campaign. No action has yet been taken against the organization's bank accounts but legal analysts say that the FED could seize any or all the funds that it thinks are tied to Mr Schatz's irregularities. Even with the money that it has on hand, the party would have to drastically cut back on its expenditures, forcing hundreds of candidates to fight much better financed opponents in the crucial final days of the election.

In addition to Mr Cipriani, HNN was able to get reactions to the news from all four other Chancellery candidates.

"If the allegations prove true the Labor-Democratic Reformists are guilty of a great miscarriage of democracy. Hamptonians must not stand for any attempt to subvert the democratic process. Our election laws must be strictly enforced. They ensure the stability of our political system."
- Dr Wolfgang Hayek (IP)

"Those who broke the law must be punished. However, the actions of a corrupt few should not taint the reputation and intentions of an entire party. While I do not agree with the LDR's positions on many issues, it is not right that the poor choices of a few dooms the entire party. Voters should judge the merits of their local candidates first and the dark deeds of party bureaucrats second."
- Cristiano Arikan (LDA)

"I would like to see the FED and the judiciary examine every bit of the national leadership of the LDR. This horrid scandal shows the voters that not only is the LDR irresponsible in its public policies, it is irresponsible in its own finances. If they can't keep their own house in order, how can they claim to be able to govern the Grand Archduchy?"
- Luis Santiago (NFU)

"The financial shortcomings of the Labor-Democrats show that even a party that supposedly supports the workers is still subject to massive corruption. The political system is poisoned and it consumes all those that try to work within it. The only choice, then, is to destroy the old system and build again. Scandals like this won't happen when political power is rested in the hands of communities and regional governments. Until that change is made political corruption will remain the norm in this country."
- Abetje de Vries (SNP)

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

Hamptonshire Elections: Corrupt Kleptocratic Criminal Party Suffers Drop in Popularity After Revelations of Honesty
By Édith Boulle

Page 3

Hamptonshire City, Hamptonshire- On Tuesday a senior source within the Corrupt Kleptocratic Criminal Party dropped a bombshell by alerting the Federal Elections Department and several news outlets to the stunning lack of irregularities in the party's finances. Instead of acquiring its campaign money from a well hidden illegal slush fund, the party instead raised it through conventional and transparent channels in full compliance with all laws and regulations. “If the allegations made today are true, I will not be taking any action,” stated FED chief Elliot Pierce.

The growing lack of scandal is a deep embarrassment for the Corrupt Kleptocratic Criminals. Billed as the party fighting for corruption, greed and cutthroat capitalism, the CKC now finds itself having to answer for the very lack of crime it has called millions to rally against. The party’s core constituency has reacted with anger and disappointment.

“I frankly expected more from our leadership,” complained Frederiksberg cutpurse Alison Smith. Local arsonist and sneak thief Jack Brooks agreed. “Their behavior is disgraceful, and I thought they were serious about mucking up the system.” Others have contemplated disserting the party altogether. “I am seriously considering giving my time and vote to another party,” remarked white collar criminal and embezzler Robert Napier. “I’ll probably stay home,” commented Marshall Galloway, former infamous corrupt Parliamentarian and train hijacker. All reacted to party leader Miguel Cipriani’s prior claims of ignorance with skepticism, saying that he was either involved in insuring that no impropriety occurred or was “a completely incompetent crook.”

Mr. Cipriani, at a long scheduled campaign event in the Nova Excelsior capital of Riverside, offered a tepid response to all the criticism, "No one knows for sure if anything legal actually occurred. There are only allegations being thrown around right now. The fact that the press has seemed to run with the story as far as they have shows the Hamptonian media's anti-criminal bias." Mr. Cipriani assured supporters that all the money had been raised dishonestly and had just been “too well covered up.”

Independent Progressives Party President Mikulas Drazba, also in Nova Excelsior, said that Mr. Cipriani's answer to the critics, "shows that he's out of touch with reality. The numbers don't lie! Not one kroner has been raised illegally.”

Le Canard Blessé was able to get the personal reactions of all five Chancellery candidates.

“Now I assure you, while most of the money may not have been raised from seedy and illegitimate sources by shady and downright illegal means as we previously stated, our party is the foremost organization for the promotion of criminality and corruption in Hamptonshire. I would like to remind everyone that all our candidates are pathological liars and I’m sure the majority of our party activists have been involved in some form of petty crime.”
-Miguel Cipriani (CKC)

"If these allegations prove true it only shows that the Corrupt Kleptocratic Criminals are completely incapable of subverting democracy. Hamptonians must stand only for serious attempts to subvert the democratic process. Our election laws must be constantly violated to ensure the instability of our political system."
- Dr Wolfgang Hayek (IP)

"Those who failed to break the law shall be punished. However, the actions of an honest few should not taint the notoriety and intentions of an entire party. While I do not agree with the CKC’s positions on many issues, it is not right that the poor choices of a few doom the entire party. Voters should judge the lack of merits of their local candidates first and the honest deeds of party bureaucrats second."
- Cristiano Arikan (LDA)

"This horrid absence of scandal shows the voters that not only is the CKC responsible in its public policies; it is responsible in its own finances. If they can keep their own house in order, how can they claim that they would be able to misgovern the Grand Archduchy?"
- Luis Santiago (NFU)

"The financial shortcomings of the Corrupt-Kleptocrats show that even a party that supposedly supports massive corruption is in fact completely honest. The political system is healthy and it fails to consume all those that try to work within it. The only choice, then, is to destroy the old system and build again. Non-scandals like this won't happen when political power is rested in the hands of communities and regional governments. Until that change is made a lack of political corruption will remain the norm in this country."
- Abetje de Vries (SNP)


Page 4:

Ministry of Health and Human Welfare: “Drug Use Up Among Worthless People.”

Allanean Man defends the Right to own Firearms without safeties and accidentally blow off his own leg.

Local Pacitalian Catholic and his Church have wildly conflicting views about what constitutes healthy sex life.

HNN Exclusive

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LDR standard bearer Miguel Cipriani was pensive when
asked about his party's prospects in next week's election.
While not directly defending the indicted members of his party,
or commenting on the further investigation, Mr Cipriani has
taken on the role of the LDR's 'Apologist-in-Chief'.

FED issues arrest warrants for Schatz, Grier

Law enforcement agents arrested Labor-Democratic Reformists Chief Financial Officer Thad Schatz and Chancellery Campaign Manager Betty Grier on corruption, money laundering, fraud and elections tampering charges this afternoon. Federal Elections Department head Elliot Pierce attained arrest warrants for the two senior party officials after a series of grand jury panels in Hamptonshire City. Showing evidence that, in his words "prove that senior members of the party willfully broke the law", Mr Pierce pledged that the accused would still be able to prove their innocence in a court of law. "This is just what I have seen so far. Who knows what everything will look like once it's all said and done", he said to reports outside of the Justice Ministry.

The LDR continue to take a hit at the polls because of the financing scandal. Chamber and Senate candidates are seeing five to ten percent drops in polls. Federal Chancellery candidate Miguel Cipriani has slipped in most polls by an average of five percentage points over the past week. With the indictment and arrest of his campaign manager, however, it is yet to been seen if that is the limit of his slide or merely the beginning of a total meltdown. Political opponents have seized the opportunity to label the Labor-Democratic Reformists and "hypocrites, thieves and liars". Both Wolfgang Hayek (IP) and Luis Santiago (NFU) have used the scandal to highlight their own plans of government and elections ethics reform.

At an event in Seaburg, Dr Hayek questioned the LDR's commitment to representative democracy. "The state core values of the LDR may be sincere, but their actions leave much to be desired. If a party that has incorporated the term 'democratic reform' directly into their name flagrantly disregards election laws, what can the voters truly believe? They are simply being lied to. No matter how pure the LDR's intentions may be the fact is that they have violated the law. If The Regency has taught us anything, it is that no one and no group are above the law. They can't disobey a law because they think it might help them out. You can't pick and choose what laws to obey but you can pick and choose whom you want to represent you in Hamptonshire City and Obsidia. Remember that."

Federal Chancellor candidate Miguel Cipriani, visiting the Merticean capital of Santa Alexandrina, finally directly replied to questions about the scandal and its impact on this month's elections. He had previously kept tight lipped about the issue. Outside of city hall, he spoke to the press,
"On advice of counsel, I will not comment upon the on going investigations. I will say, though, that the LDR in no way intended the harm the people of the Empire. No matter what else may happen, no matter what allegations may be leveled the people must remember that this party genuinely believes in change. Certain elements may have diverged from the beaten path. They may have engaged in unsavory acts but they did so out of a deep love for this nation.

We're fighting to bring social democracy to Hamptonshire and that's a battle that requires immense resources. I will readily admit that our party cannot match the NFU or IPs when it comes to raising money. But that just further reinforces who we are. We aren't in the pockets of big business or the rich. We are a party of the lower working class and the labor unions. When you're living from pay cheque to pay cheque, you can't afford to give a hundred kroner to some political party. The six hundred and thirty million kroner weren't dumped into personal bank accounts. They were used to further the cause of popular democracy in our nation. That sad truth is that it appears that could only happen by breaking the law."

Sources in the LDR's central headquarters have also confirmed reports that the party's coffers have run dry. Those same sources have told HNN that party president Laura Cohen is in the process of securing several private loans. The loans, of an undisclosed amount, should be enough to see the party through until next week's election date.

Four Seasons Hotel, Santa Alexandrina, Dominion of Merticea

Miguel Cipriani sat alone in his fortieth story suite looking out over the urban expanse of the Dominion's capital. It was only the second time in his entire life that he had visited Merticea but he grew to find its desert charm quite appealing. Perhaps under different circumstances and at a different time he would have considered settling down in the city. Now, though, wasn't the time to entertain such thoughts. He and his party were in the political fight of their lives. It was not enough that the Labor-Democratic Reformists were trying to win an election against steep odds, now they had to defend themselves from a massive political scandal. The worst part about it all was that it was Cipriani's fault. He was the one who organized the financial cover-up.

How could things have gone so wrong? he thought to himself, eyes still glued to the city below him. I wasn't trying to defraud anybody. We needed the money. Without it there was no chance that we could bring about change.

His thoughts turned from himself to his two "conspirators": Thad Schatz and Betty Grier. Not more than thirty-six hours ago they were arrested and charged with numerous fraud charges. They could both be counted on to keep quiet and not get Miguel or the LDR in any more trouble than they were already in. The problem was that as long as the FED's investigation continued there was a growing possibility that investigators would find that Miguel was the mastermind. If there was enough evidence to get warrants for Schatz and Grier, it was only a matter of time before Elliot Pierce himself was knocking on Cipriani's door. There were really only two options for the politician-- continue on for as long as possible and hope, or come clean now and turn himself in.

Miguel sank lower in his chair as he thought about his two options. As the could-bes and what-ifs poured through his mind he grabbed a nearby glass of gin. He threw it back in a single gulp. "They won't indict me before the election. The public would riot." He quietly said to himself through closed teeth. He stood up and poured himself a full glass of gin. The glass was so full of the potent spirit that his little corner of the suite began to fill with the faint stench of alcohol. He put the glass up to his nose and drew in its citrus aroma. He tried to gulp down the liquid in a single go but there was so much that a few teaspoons found themselves running out the sides of his mouth.

He carefully placed the glass down on the nearest table. He turned to the window again and whispered, "Schatz can take the heat until the time is right for me to come forward."

He wanted to believe that was the truth. He wanted to believe that this was all a terrible dream and he would awake in the morning. Quite simply, Miguel was tired of dealing with the pain of reality. He did not want the responsibility of leading a party. Deep down he realized that he was trying to rationalize his illegal behavior by fooling himself to believe it was for the good of the nation. The truth was that he willingly broke the law and his own moral code. Sure, he could claim that the ends justified the means but those were only hallow words. He was wrong to order the cover-up and he was now wrong to try to escape punishment.

Miguel straightened his posture and fixed his ruffled shirt. He picked up the now half empty bottle of gin and walked toward the phone. "Hello," he spoke into the microphone when he pressed the intercom button, "is there someone there?"

A soft feminine voice that he recognized as one of the campaign's interns answered back, "Is there anything I can do for you, sir?"

"Yes," Miguel paused to drink from his bottle, "I want to have a press conference tomorrow afternoon. Have someone tell the press I'll be talking about the scandal, the indictments and my role in this whole mess." He waited several seconds for a response but all that followed was silence. "Are you still there?"

"Uh, yes sir," the voice was now a bit shaky, "I'll pass along the information."

Miguel pressed the button again to turn the intercom off. He slowly returned, bottle in hand, to the seat in front of the window. He knew this was going to be the last time he saw the city like this. Part of him was suddenly overcome with deep grief but another part, in fact most of him, was relieved that it would soon all be over.

He raised his bottle to the sky and dipped his head. With eyes cast downward to the ground hundreds of feet below he toasted the memory of a man almost forgotten, "To my long lost brother Faust. I don't think I understood your story until now."

City Hall, Santa Alexandrina, Dominion of Merticea

Hard-nosed reporters and cameramen impatiently waited in the harsh afternoon sun for Miguel Cipriani. There were representatives from all the major Hamptonian networks as well as some reporters from Pacitalian and Oceanian outlets in City Hall's parking lot. The rumor was that Cipriani was going to reveal something big about the FED indictments. However, no one but the candidate himself knew what he was going to say. Or what he would do.

Just when several of the reporters were about to ask the event organizer about Cipriani's arrival time, he walked onto the stage. In his right arm he carried a small black brief case. There were four small manilla folders in his left hand. He acknowledged the press and laid the contents of both arms on a waist high table to the right of the podium.

"Thank you for coming here today. I know it's quite hot so I'll try to get through this as quickly as possible."

Reporters quickly took their seats and camera operators focused in on the rather dashing middle-aged man.

In a clear and commanding voice Miguel began to speak, “The purpose of this briefing was to inform the press and the people about the extent of my involvement in the LDR's financing scandal." He took the four envelopes and held them out in his extended right hand. One of his aides took the cue and grabbed them from him. "I have written four letters," he said, "addressed to Elliot Pierce, Laura Cohen, Lord Rosecrans and my partner Paul. They clearly outline my participation in the scandal at hand."

Immediately dozens of flashes went off and reporters bounded up from their seats shouting out questions to Miguel. He motioned for everyone to sit and waited for the audience to calm down a bit before continued. "I have a prepared statement that I would like to read right now..."

"I made mistakes. I am an imperfect man who tried to cheat the system. Thad Schatz and Betty Grier acted on my orders when they altered the party's financial data. Under my direct orders and supervision all of the crimes being investigated by the FED were perpetrated. I willfully committed, ordered and facilitated fraud. I have no defense for my actions because, simply, there is none. I am a criminal and a hypocrite. I have betrayed the trust of my fellow LDR members and the trust of every single person in the United Realms.

I tried to rationalize what I did. At night I would tell myself that what we were doing was for the good of the nation. When I helped to found the Labor-Democratic Reformists it was with the hope that the party would be able to measurably improve the lives of all Hamptonians. When I see homeless people on the streets and poor families that struggle to afford even basic healthcare for their children, my heart breaks. The LDR was supposed to be fighting the good fight, about righting the serious wrongs. We were supposed to be a new kind of party. A party concerned about the welfare of the people more than even winning electoral power. Somewhere along the line, though, I lost that drive. I tricked myself into thinking that power could help solve society's ills.

That blind drive for power is what lead me toward my own little pact with the devil. I knew that the LDR could not compete with the fundraising abilities of the Independent Progressives or the New Federalists. I approached Mister Schatz and asked him to review some ideas that I came up with. The scheme focused around using illicit funds from labor unions, sympathetic companies and private donors to bankroll our campaign. Not a single øre was pocketed for personal use. All of the funds I ordered incorporated into the party were used for the election. It provided us with the money to fund voter registration drives, town hall meetings and advertisements for hundreds of candidates. But the real truth remains-- They are the poisoned fruit from a poisoned tree.

I cannot ask the electorate to support me any longer. I used what authority I had to circumvent our laws. It is startling to think that I thought I could somehow rise above the law. Our nation just arose from the disastrous reign of the Regent yet I have forgotten the lessons that we all should have learned. I've been asking myself more and more these past few days how I could condemn the Regency when I was guilty of committing many of the same crimes. However, while I am guilty of these crimes the Labor-Democratic Reformists as a party are innocent. The party still believes in democratic reform, social justice and market socialism. I plead with you, my fellow Hamptonians, to not punish those under the LDR banner for my mistakes. I tainted the party, perhaps, with my removal it will be able to recover.

I am sorry for the pain and anguish I have caused my friends, family, coworkers and supporters. I cannot even begin to ask for their forgiveness. All I can do is ask for fair judgement.

The time for words is at an end. I must face up to what I have done."

By the time he finished his statement his voice quivered. He expected the reporters to once again shout hundreds of questions at him but they were oddly silent. It was if they were trying to process what he had just said but couldn’t quite understand it all. A correspondent from the PBC raised her hand to ask a question but all he did was cast his eyes down at the black brief case beside him. Without looking up he unlocked and opened it. He reached in with his right hand and withdrew a .357 Magnum revolver. The first person to see the gun, a young female intern, screamed. That's when the entire room noticed that Miguel Cipriani was holding the revolver.

"Don't do it! Miguel! No!" Dozens of concerned voices called out.

"Stay back," Miguel yelled out in a strangely calm voice, "I don't want anyone to get hurt."

A nearby photographer began to move toward him in an attempt to take the gun but Miguel turned the gun toward his head. "I'm so sorry" was the last thing he said before he put the gun's barrel in his mouth. Before anyone could do anything to stop him, he pulled the trigger. The sharp pop of the gun pierced the humid air of the parking lot. Miguel's body quickly collapsed on the floor and blood streamed from his mouth and nose. Someone in the crowd called out for a doctor but there was nothing that could be done.

Miguel Luis Cipriani was finally free.

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KBC World News Broadcast

I am Niles Ledger and we interrupt the Business Hour to bring you live a press conference by Hamptonian Federal Chancellor candidate Miguel Cipriani. Ledger’s warm face vanished to be replaced by the scene of a mobbed parking lot in Santa Alexandrina.

KBC Broadcast Centre

Thousands of kilometers, and mere seconds, away the control booth for the KBC World News broadcast remained quiet save for the rattle of the overhead ducts pumping cool dry air into the stuffy room, heated by thousands of circuits and motors controlling the KBC output. Servers layering graphics and formats onto the digital video before sending it out via satellite or cable to not just the United Kingdom, but the entire globe as the leading Oceanian broadcaster.

Elizabeth Shaw leaned against the cheap black table at the back of the room, arranged much like a flight centre with stepped rows of technicians monitoring everything from sound to visuals and camera feeds. Shaw was the off-duty producer for Ledger’s programme, and if a story broke Shaw would be the one producing the show until the regular staff arrived at the office. On a giant flat panel display, the high-def widescreen input was shown, the yet untouched end result of their unnoticed but tireless labours broadcasted out seven seconds later.

Like many Oceanians she had taken a passionate if not active interest in the Hamptonian elections, for as one of the United Kingdom’s most important allies their new government would become extremely important in opening up markets and securing Oceanian defence, a concern highlighted by the recent troubles in New Albion.

As Cipriani handed out the letters, Shaw raised an eyebrow wondering what sort of political stunt he was attempting. When he shifted to his prepared statement Shaw stiffened her back and stood, turning to her aide standing beside her. Get Bill on the line and tell him he needs to get here right now. With Cipriani admitting electoral fraud, the Hamptonian elections had just become even more fascinating. Fascinating enough that the regular producer would need to come to the office and prepare an extended broadcast with Ledger.

She walked quickly over to the front of the room, which featured monitors allowing her to watch what was going on in the studio below her. Ledger’s smile disappeared quickly, fading into a stone observing and critiquing everything the LDR leader was saying. He too knew that Cipriani’s admission was monumental in the campaign. Turning her back to the studio monitors she bounced up the few steps as Cipriani’s voice now quivered. What the bloody hell is going on? she muttered, she turned to see Cipriani pull out a handgun.

Oh fuck, muttered some technician.

And then the room echoed with a loud pop, Cipriani’s once smiling face a bloody heap of flesh and bone.

One

Shaw covered her mouth instinctively, disturbed by what KBC cameras were recording –

Two

- and in turn beaming out to the UK and the KBC’s international audience. She turned to the monitors and found Ledger in a similar position, obviously shocked at the horrific turn of events.

Three

In front of her, the director also stood in shock. Having covered footage of wars, the entire crew was used to bodies blown to pieces, mangled and mutilated persons. But they were all anonymous. Never a leading political figure. Never on live television.

Four

Shaw at last removed her hand from her mouth, Frank! she screamed to the director.

Five

He turned his head and found Shaw standing in the back.

Six

Cut to Niles!

KBC World News Broadcast

The image on the screen suddenly shifted from Cipriani holding a gun in his mouth to a visibly shaken Niles Ledger. Ladies and gentlemen, I… Ledger hesitated, as he quickly regained his composure. I am terribly saddened to report that Miguel Cipriani, leader of the Hamptonian Labour-Democratic Reformists, has shot himself. Out of respect for the family of Mr. Cipriani and in accordance with KBC concerns for our viewing audience we will not be showing the video, although I assure all people it is unnecessary to see such a tragic end to the life of one who had been such a promising politician and potential leader…

Throughout the United Kingdom, those watching the press conference on the KBC saw none of the horrific actions of Cipriani, nor did those watching ABN, the third largest broadcaster. ITN, however, failed its live feed from going out to the public and for those interested in the gruesome demise of Miguel Cipriani, ITN provided raw footage for those brief seconds. Afterwards, however, ITN rejected all calls to rebroadcast the shot quite literally heard around the world.

Office of the Lord Protector, Hampton Palace, Hamptonshire City

Lord Rosecrans sat, right leg crossed over left, in front of a roaring fireplace. The scene looked like it could be from some dramatic turn of the century painting if not for the ring of television cameras around the Lord Protector. He was wearing the form fitting dark blue wool tunic and frock coat of the Hamptonian Court Uniform. Lord Rosecrans didn't really like wearing such ultra-formal attire but his wife thought under the current circumstances a more dignified and courtly look was called for. As he sat waiting for the television networks to cut to him, he began to think about the past days' events. How many more good men have to die? He thought to himself. When he saw Miguel shoot himself yesterday, Rosecrans was nearly devastated. He had known Miguel for almost twenty years and deeply respected him. He never thought it possible that a politician would commit suicide, let alone in such a public manner. Thoughts of friends, death and the evils of power bounced around his head before his chief of staff motioned for the cameras to turn on.

In a solemn and firm voice, he began his address to the nation,

"My fellow citizens of the United Realms, ladies and gentlemen of the world's countries, I come to you this evening during our hour of grief. Yesterday Miguel Luis Cipriani shot himself on international television. No one can begin to comprehend his motives. We can only mourn the loss of a good man, a good political leader and great civil servant. Despite any shortcomings he may have had, he will be deeply missed by the entire nation. Hamptonshire has lost a powerful voice for reform and social justice. Time will only tell if and when another will arise to take his place."

Lord Rosecrans paused for a beat. He subtly licked his top lip and shifted his weight in the chair. Clearing his throat, he continued,

"I would like to take this time right now to share some personal thoughts with you. I had known Mister Cipriani for seventeen years. We first met when I was the Royal Navy Chief of Staff and he was the Deputy Minister of State International Labor Affairs. We didn't agree on many policies but I deeply respected him. He was driven by a sense of duty and morality that is all too rare in the world. Back in those days he acted in accordance with that internal compass. Miguel could always be counted upon to do what was best of the people.

That's why his participation in the LDR financial scandal is so shocking. When someone so dedicated to the enlightened principals of social justice and democracy becomes tainted by the allure of power, we must all take pause. As I said before, none of us can ever really understand why he did what he did. However, we can force ourselves to examine our system to try to discover what drove him to action. Through vigorous introspection we may find our entire political system is inherently flawed or we could find that Miguel was a lone tragic figure. The important thing is that we learn from his mistakes. His life and his death must not be pointless. After we have overcome our grief and shock, we have to carefully explore the very foundations of our society. It will take time but I believe this nation owes it to itself to not allow another Miguel Cipriani to happen.

I have spoken with Federal Elections Department director Elliot Pierce and representatives from the major federal parties. I have informed them all that out of respect for the dead and to give time for friends, family and associates to decided what to do next, I am ordered all campaigning for the elections to cease for three days. I am now requesting that the domestic media respects this moratorium and holds off any election coverage until the evening of the fifteenth. I hope everyone takes this time to reflect upon yesterday's developments. I do not know what the Labor-Democratic Reformists intend to in regard to the Federal Chancellery race, but I hope that the voting populace will have the opportunity to support the candidates they feel best represent them.

It is my intent to leave the date for the elections unchanged. It is important that we hold on to a sense of stability. However, if party leaders and Mister Pierce feel it would be in the public's interest to delay the vote I would consider such a request. But I don't believe that will be necessary. Our nation has confronted hardship and adversity like this before. Every time we have rallied together and gone forward stronger than before. We will do that again. We will be Hamptonians.

Thank you and may God bless the United Realms."

He finished speaking and began to crack a smile. It wasn't a sincere smile, it was one of those things that politicians always did after a public address. Before he could form it, though, he caught himself. Instead of leaving the public with an upbeat image, he closed his eyes and tilted his head downward.

"How many more people must I see die?" he sighed under his breath, almost too low for the microphones to pick up. On that note that the cameras faded out.

From Channel News Asia Online
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Shock, Awe and Tragedy at Cipriani suicide, several Neo cabinet members send their "warmest condolences," but decline to comment on Hamptonian election progress.

Singapore, Southeast Asia - In a shocking move yesterday, Labor-Democratic Reformist leader Miguel Luis Cipiriani shot himself in the mouth mere minutes after confessing to his role in the recent LDR financial scandal live in front of of international television. Shock, awe and tragedy has effectively caught the Grand Archduchy of the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire by storm and the nation is in mourning.

In a preliminary poll before this fantastic turn of events, the Southeast Asian general public is divided over the Acting Foreign Minister Dr. Wolfgang Hayek of the Independent Progressive Party and the Liberal Democratic Alliance's Cristiano Arikan. The Labor-Democratic Reformist Party, in the Southeast Asian community, according to preliminary polls, was just behind the Liberal Democratic Alliance, but due to the recent financial scandal, has fallen greatly. Many political scientists have stated that had Cipiriani not killed himself live in front of thousands of television viewers worldwide, his party actually would have had restored respect (which can be said quite so for the Southeast Asian people), but as a result of his suicide, respect for the LDR and more so for the man himself in Southeast Asia (despite limited contact and budding relations with the Hamptonian Grand Archduchy) has hit an all-time low.

Prime Minister Yao Yang Nelson Neo, when questioned about his stance in the Cipriani death, stated that "Mr. Cipiriani did a very honorable and brave act by confessing to his role in the LDR financial scandal....it is never easy to get up in front of an audience to apologize for such a dastardly deed [in reference to the financial scandal]. He would've at least retained his respect in the political community both in his own homeland and abroad had he not taken his own life by a gunshot just moments later, and if he were even luckier, forgiven and pardoned. However, by taking away his own life, I have lost a lot of respect for Mr. Cipiriani due to his foolishness. Nevertheless, I wish the Cipiriani family the best of luck and the warmest condolences, and that they can go through this great tragedy and come out more vigilant in this challenge fate has thrown them. Cipiriani will most likely go down as the 'Eddie Carbone' of Hamptonshire, the Hamptonian Empire's modern day tragic hero....may his memory never be forgotten and may future Hamptonian leaders learn the mistakes and the lessons of Mr. Cipiriani's actions."

Senior Deputy Prime Minister Henley Leong when questioned about the LDR party leader's suicide, said that "Cipiriani....had great potential as a Hamptonian Federal Chancellor and as a paragon of social justice. He however, threw that all away by falling to the dark temptations power can bring as useful a tool it is for making progress and change for the better. He might have had a second chance but alas he took the coward's decision and that oppurtunity out the window....however, I feel sorry for the man and his family, and only wish them to remain strong and the best of luck during this crisis they are experiencing, along with the rest of the Grand Archduchy."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Joshua Lin Cheuk Kitt when asked, has stated that "despite the unwiseness of his decision and the fact that he was too hard on himself and needed help, at least the man found peace in death...it is most unfortunate that Southeast Asia and Hamptonshire may become closer friends in this bitter moment." The rest of the Southeast Asian cabinet has declined to comment to further questioning and stated that they '"stand beside Prime Minister Neo in his decision to send the Cipiriani family and others close to the deceased individual warmest condolences."

However, all have cabinet members have declined to comment on who they support in the Hamptonian election progress with a simple "No comment". However, an anonymous source close to the Prime Minister has stated that '"it is the cabinet's general policy in foreign national political elections, to remain independent and not support political parties in any form. However, whoever emerges the victor, shall be treat as a friend regardless of political belief, unless the victor does possess extremist views and is willing to execute them in order to serve a radical political ideology and agenda."

So for now, the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia, awaits like the rest of the world for who to emerge the election victor in anxiety and in hope whoever candidate one may support shall win and that they shall not be dissappointed.