The Commonwealth Chronicle

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Violence in Virginia[/b][/u]
Several gunmen were killed after attempting to storm the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond today. While there has been no official confirmation that this was connected to the recently formed insurgency an anonymous source has stated that the probability was extremely high. Security at the Capitol had been increased due to recent threats and as a result the attack was thwarted by a heavy presence of law enforcement personnel. The governor of Virginia has announced that the national guard would increase its presence in the Capitol and other essential government facilities but refrained from announcing a state of emergency.

[u][b]DERP[/b][/u]
The Commonwealth military has announced the creation of the Defense Enhancement Research Program in an effort to improve military research efforts for all branches. DERP is an agency of the Department of Defense and will be setting up facilities in Arlington. It is responsible for important and more specific research projects versus general research and development. With a staff of 200 it is designed to be the premier research agency for the military and has received a as of yet classified budget. Operations are expected to begin within the next week.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Delaware[/b][/u]
President Bronson has announced that after a period of talks with the government of the Continental Republic of America, it has been decided to allow a referendum to take place to see if Delaware is willing to integrate with the American Commonwealth. This is coming at a time when the government of the Republic is beginning to come apart due to internal political discord and a faltering economy. The referendum will be held in one week and independent observers are invited to oversee the process. Polls of the residents of Delaware have indicated that over 90% of the population is in favor of statehood. High level bureaucrats from both nations have begun meeting together to discuss how to make the integration of Delaware as smooth as possible. A small amount of Commonwealth troops have entered the Continental Republic to secure important government and utility facilities at the request of the Republic's government but the deployment has stopped short of a full military occupation.

(OOC: Suiza hasn't posted for a pretty long time (March 1st apparently) and I'd rather have something a bit different than so and so's government falls into complete anarchy.)

[u][b]Peacekeeping[/b][/u]
Peacekeeping operations in the Carolinas and Georgia have ended with troops returning home but the Commonwealth now has taken on a new peacekeeping mission. The Midwest Republic has collapsed due to civil war and an invasion by the CAU. The military has announced that several divisions could possibly be mobilized for the new operation. There have also been influxes of refugees streaming into western Pennsylvania from the former Midwest Republic through Ohio. Border Patrol agents and local military units have the processing under control and are setting up refugee centers to accommodate them. Immigration officials have hinted that there is a strong possibility of granting citizenship to these refugees. The military has also announced the movement of a smaller amount of troops into Ohio in order to ensure the area remains stable amid this crisis.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Military Maneuvers[/b][/u]
A government spokesman has announced that an surprise military exercise has been initiated in order to test the defense capabilities of the armed forces. "I understand that many will be inconvenienced by the movement of military troops and vehicles around the nation but please remain calm and understand that this is for the benefit of the nation as a whole". When asked the spokesman denied that this was related to the recent outbreak of hostilities between the Atlantic Confederacy and the Umbrella Corporation.

[u][b]Infrastructure Overhaul[/b][/u]
Congress has allocated funds for a nationwide infrastructure improvement including highways, rails, communications and utilities. Highway routes will be expanded and renovated along with the rail system. Wifi and telecommunications coverage will be expanded to service the whole nation. Utilities networks will also be completely renovated and the power grid will be hardened against EMP attacks.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Peace Terrorists?[/b][/u]
In the midst of the ongoing military exercises in the there has been a growing anti-war that has begun to appear in many areas of the nation. The first incident involved protestors blocking a armored convoy that was en route to a mock staging area in Maryland. Soldiers were ordered not to interfere before local police arrived and arrested the protestors charging them with obstructing traffic, disorderly conduct, and interfering with national defense. Several other incidents similar to this occurred with some spiraling out of control as the groups of protestors began to throw bottles and bricks at soldiers and police. Dozens were arrested and charged. The protests are organized by a group called [i]Peace at all Costs[/i] which advocates disarmament and demilitarization. The most daring action they have taken was infiltrating several shipyards in New Jersey and sabotaging several naval vessels under construction there with explosives and arson. This has led to the government labeling [i]Peace at all Costs[/i] as a terrorist organization and has launched an intense effort to destroy the organization.

[u][b]Elections[/b][/u]
It is almost time for the upcoming elections in the House of Representatives and Senate. Neither the Democrats or Republicans have a clear cut majority and have had to appeal to the fairly large number of independent moderates currently in both legislative branches. The next election could see Democrat and Republican numbers erode even further as many grow weary of partisan politics that have prevented several important issues from being resolved. Many pundits are predicting an increase in moderate and green party candidates as well as a decline in the major political parties.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]West Virginia[/b][/u]
The state government of West Virginia has recently begun talking about about independence from the American Commonwealth. Stating that they were not properly represented during the referendum to integrate the USVR into the Commonwealth, much of the population has stated a desire to form their own independent nation. During the referendum the entire territory of the USVR was counted together and while a majority voted in favor of the union, the population of West Virginia was overshadowed by the more populous Virginia proper. Negotiations have been ongoing between the federal government and the state with indications that independence is a possible reality.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]West Virginia Independence[/b][/u]
The federal government has announced the results of the new West Virginia referendums and that independence was the prevailing sentiment. With independent monitors confirming the accuracy of most of the votes West Virginia will be allowed to gain their independence with no ill will on either side. As the vote was done by county there were several along the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland that voted to remain in the Commonwealth and after some negotiation it was decided to allow them to remain. The Secretary of State announced that friendly ties will be pursued with the new nation. It has also been announced by the State Department that the American Commonwealth retains sole jurisdiction over West Virginian Territory in the event of collapse or other events that would incapacitate the ability of the West Virginian government to maintain law and order.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]High Seas Smugglers[/b][/u]
The coast guard announced that today it sank two ships and boarded another in the Chesapeake Bay after they opened fire on coast guard vessels. A spokesman said that the vessels were initially suspected to be drug smugglers and were ordered to stop to be inspected by two coast guard cutters. The three ships disregarded the orders and proceeded at top speed into the Bay where the Coast Guard tried to ram the ships and force a boarding action. After receiving fire from two of the ships the cutters opened fire and sank them. The third surrendered and was taken by a coast guard boarding unit. It was soon discovered that the ships had been attempting to smuggle a combination of drugs and weapons into the Commonwealth which has been recovered and confiscated by the coast guard.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Social Security System Implemented![/b][/u]
Today the American Commonwealth Social Security Act, a bill establishing a unified and centralized social security system in the American Commonwealth, passed a congressional vote by a fair margin and was signed into law by President Bronson shortly after. Hailed as a triumph by the Democrats and other left leaning politicians, it received considerable moderate and independent support allowing it to push through Republican opposition. Prior to the Social Security Act such programs were run at the state level and did very little to alleviate poverty due to a lack of direction and funding. The new system will replace the state run programs and provide the same benefits for all Commonwealth citizens. The social security system will be funded with the creation of a small payroll tax as well as the creation of a small capital gains tax. The new Social Security Administration will be headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland. Republican leader and tanning enthusiast John Boehner has stated that his party remains opposed to the law and will make an effort to see it repealed. While the act initially contained a provision for Universal Healthcare it was shelved due to Republican opposition but many left leaning politicians have given optimistic outlooks on passing such an act if they were to gain a majority in the upcoming congressional elections.

Edited June 24, 2012 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]American Commonwealth 20XX Elections[/b][/u]
Election season is here and the politicians are hitting the streets in earnest to garner votes this year. This will also be the first election of both Congress and the Presidency since the creation of the American Commonwealth. The only confirmed presidential candidate is incumbent David Bronson but other parties are expected to put forth their own candidates as well very soon.

Edited July 3, 2012 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Government Blocks Take Over[/b][/u]
The Federal government has stopped the Hershey Corporation's attempt to acquire Lockheed Martin for over $300 million. The government filed for and received an injunction on the deal citing several anti-trust laws. The government claims that if Lockheed Martin were bought by Hershey then the Hershey corporation would be the only company in the Commonwealth active in the defense aviation industry. Faced with a legal battle and the rumors of possible contract cancellations the Hershey Corporation has decided to drop the acquisition for now, stressing that it was not and had no intention of breaking any of the Commonwealth's anti-trust laws.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Election 20XX Results![/b][/u]
[quote]
[i][u]President[/u][/i]
David Bronson (I): 70.25%
Neil Theodore (R}: 20.51%
Cody Heiden (D): 8.24%
Lonny Fraiser (G): 1.00%

[i][u]House of Representatives[/u][/i]
Republicans: 200 seats
Independents: 100 seats
Democrats: 50 seats
Green Party:36 seats
Communist Party: 4 seats

[i][u]Senate[/u][/i]
Independents: 18 seats
Republicans: 12 seats
Democrats: 10 seats[/quote]
These results have shocked most political analysts who predicted that moderate independents would retain their slight majority with a downturn in the conservative Republican Party. Many now feel that the recent economic downturn has helped boost the Republican party's support along with a perceived notion of isolationism given off by many independents. In retrospect President Bronson came out of the election with a landslide victory due to his overall popularity with both conservatives and liberals who see him as an effective leader who is willing to compromise in an attempt to meet the needs of both parties. The senate race has Independents maintaining a slight lead over the other two parties but without a majority. Many analysts predict that many independents will begin to side with Republicans on some issues to ensure their own legislation can be passed.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Withdrawal from NADU[/b][/u]
Today the President confirmed that the American Commonwealth Department of State is invoking Article Six of the North American Defense Union Charter and is withdrawing from the organization. When asked for the reason the State Department cited the lack of the organizations effectiveness and activity as well as it's often overzealous leadership and members. The President reiterated that this was not the start of a isolationist foreign affairs policy and that separate initiatives will be taken to expand the Commonwealth's foreign relations.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Selective Service Act Passes[/b][/u]
Today Congress narrowly passed the American Commonwealth Selective Service Act which will provide the government the ability to institute a draft to bolster the armed forces when deemed necessary for an national mobilization. Critics have claimed the measure is another step towards government militarization supported by the newly elected Republican congress and is a totally unnecessary measure. Proponents have said that this is not a peacetime draft and is only intended to be used in the event of a true national crisis. President Bronson signed the bill saying that "it is better to be prepared for an action that never occurs than to not be prepared for one that does". All males ages 18-40 must register and conduct an annual examination for classification by the Selective Service System which can be done at an official selective service system exam center or through approved private physicians. Selection of draftees is done by random lottery using social security numbers for each age group starting at 18 and going up as needed. Provisions have been made for conscientious objectors and religious beliefs through alternate service in non-combat or other government positions. Students are not exempt other than to finish out their current school semester.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]SUSA Collapses![/b][/u]
The collapse of the Southern United States of America has led to a small exodus of refugees entering the American Commonwealth from it's borders with the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. Relief camps have been set up under the direction of the federal government while a decision is reached on how to handle the situation. In the meantime it has been decided to maintain a primarily civilian presence at these facilities with the military providing logistical support. Public support has been strong as donations of money, food and other items have started a massive private relief effort.

President Bronson had this to say about the situation. "I am truly shocked that a nation as stable as the Southern US has fallen so unexpectedly. However, it has happened and now it is our duty to help our southern brethren in their time of need. The Commonwealth will not be sending troops into former SUSA territory as of now in the hopes that Mexican and Greenlandic forces can establish stability in the region. Our nation, however, is still committed to regional stability and we are willing to offer the services of our military if required on by either nations. In the meantime we must do what we can to take care of the refugees coming across the borders and show them the kindness and hospitality that defines our great nation".

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Another Day in Congress[/b][/u]
The Republican Party narrowly shot down a proposed healthcare coverage reform bill seeking to extend national health insurance coverage and availability in a 199-191 vote. Republicans officially rejected the bill stating that it was "an anti-American, big government social policy program that was being pushed by the socialist agenda of the Bronson administration". Allegations that the Healthcare Bill would increase the cost of healthcare, lead to a huge budget deficit, and allow massive government control over healthcare were refuted by the Congressional Budget Office as "completely untrue allegations that have no basis in fact". The Bill itself would have extended private insurance coverage to any willing citizen while preventing pre-existing medical conditions from being a reason for insurance rejection or higher costs. Costs for lower income families would be subsidized by providing tax credits for those families as well as well as providing a health insurance exchanges allowing people to compare and contrast prices for different insurance companies. The National Board of Healthcare Services published several reports showing cost savings over the long run with the amount of money initially spent equalizing over the next give years compared to current costs. Party Majority Leader John Boehner stated that "this bill was an anti-business measure and an attempt to vastly expand the size of government to uncomfortable levels. It is the official policy of the Republican Party to protect the constitutional rights of all Commonwealth citizens and to minimize the size and scope of the federal government".

On the same day the Republican proposed Defense of Marriage Act was narrowly passed 196-194 and was promptly vetoed by President Bronson less than half an hour later and the Republican Party was unable to come up with a 2/3 vote to override the veto, actually losing several votes since its passage. The Bill would have nationally defined marriage as between a man and a woman, and mandated governmental non-recognition of same sex marriages making them ineligible for things such as insurance benefits, Social Security survivors benefits, military benefits and the filing of joint tax returns among other things. Republicans have decried Bronson and his actions as a "socialist extremist who seeks to subvert and destroy the very fabric of the family and moral foundations of our nation". President Bronson responded saying "I do not believe it is the government's responsibility to legislate and govern issues of personal morality beyond the base necessities of what is required to maintain law and order. Currently same sex marriages are legal and there haven't been any notable problems with that. The proposal of this bill highlights a disturbing hypocrisy in the Republican Party that I don't understand. Why is the party that advocates small government and non-government interference advocating the legislation and government implementation of morality?". Most legal experts asked about the bill concluded that almost all of the bills provisions were unconstitutional and would not have been held up by the court system.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]20XX Capitol Defense Enhancement Act[/b][/u]
Congress has narrowly passed the 20XX Capitol Defense Enhancement Act in a 196-194 vote. The Capitol Defense Enhancement Act allocates extra funds for the military and civil security of Washington D.C. While defense legislation is normally passed fairly easily with the involvement of all parties, the 20XX CDEA has met heavy resistance from many moderate independents and Democrats. This is mostly due to a provision for the activation of a new semi-military unit to be called the Republican Guard, a reinforced battalion with the duty of protecting Congress and the Capitol. The provisions of the act exclude the Republican Guard from normal military control, instead it answers to the Speaker of the House of Representatives who is in charge of forming and commanding the unit.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have formally issued protests against the establishment of a paramilitary force that encroaches on the military's responsibility for the defense of the Capitol and is not part of or answerable to the military's command structure with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Alexander Morgan saying that this is a "dangerous, unnecessary and concerning event". Supporters of the act claim that it provides enhanced security for the capitol with a force that was loyal to Congress and not to the executive branch. While signed by the President, he indicated a large measure of unwillingness saying that it was approved only because the act also includes necessary upgrades for the military's capitol defense forces as well as the fact that Republicans have threatened several key pieces of legislation currently on the line if the CDEA wasn't passed.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Commonwealth Energy Reformation Act[/b][/u]
Today Congress has passed the Energy Reformation Act by a wide margin with multi-party support. The bill was devloped with cooperation from the Department of Energy and dozens of experts on energy issues and provides funding to the Department of Energy to begin an improvement and expansion of the nation's energy production and distribution capabilities. The main tenets and goals of the program are to achieve total or near complete energy independence within the next five to ten years taking into account future requirements.

One of the major provisions is the expansion of the usage of nuclear power. Currently there are 11 existing nuclear power facilities providing a combined output of a little over 24 gigawatts. Plans are also in place to reactivate two former nuclear power sites at the Saxton and Shippingport Nuclear Generation facilities. Funds are provided to improve the output of existing plants with the replacement of current reactors with third generation+/++ reactors and the installation of additional reactors. The goals are to increase the power generation of each plant to at least five gigawatts with a total nuclear power generation capacity of 65-80 gigawatts.

While nuclear power will provide a majority of power generation in the nation, coal and natural gas based energy production will still be used and expanded. Existing facilities will be renovated to use clean coal and other new green technologies while slightly increasing current output. Over a dozen new plants will be constructed with some older facilities being deactivated and put on warm storage maintenance as reserve capacity once the nuclear power generating capacity has been created.

Energy independence must also be achieved in the military and civilian sectors of the nation and the American Commonwealth posesses no really meaningful oil reserves and therefore imports most of its crude oil supplies. Energy independence is one of the major goals of the program and will be achieved with the creation of a system of synthetic fuel production utilizing, primarily, coal and natural gas and, to a lesser extent, biofuels. Within a year of the start of production synthetic fuel production facilities will be able to supply most if not all of the military's fuel requirements and most of the civilian sector in another three. In addition to this a six month supply of petroleum and petroleum products will be created and stored in facilities built in the Appalachian mountains, renovating old abandoned mining operations for storage capacity as an additional safety measure against possible supply disruptions.

Investment in Green Energy technologies is also a priority and will be provided funding for both current needs and future development. Additional wind and solar power facilities will be constructed as an interim measure. Research funding will be provided for the development of hydrogen fuels and alternative power development for automobiles. The most ambitious project is probably the Commonwealth's Fusion Power Energy Devlopment Project. While a breakthrough is likely many years away it is believed that laying a foundation for the project is important.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Referendum Results[/b][/u]
Today the final results of the referendum of the northeastern states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine regarding their future relations with the American Commonwealth have been announced. All four states have voted overwhelmingly in favor of statehood and have been granted entry to the Commonwealth by Congress. The results are as follows:

[quote]
[u]New York[/u]
[i]Statehood: 93.6%[/i]
[i]Independence: 5.9%[/i]
[i]Protectorate: 0.5%[/i]
[u]Vermont[/u]
[i]Statehood: 81.3%[/i]
[i]Independence: 12.7[/i]
[i]Protectorate: 6.0%[/i]
[u]New Hampshire[/u]
[i]Statehood: 73.6%[/i]
[i]Independence: 18.1%[/i]
[i]Protectorate: 8.3% [/i]
[u]Maine[/u]
[i]Statehood: 76.8%[/i]
[i]Independence: 13.5%[/i]
[i]Protectorate: 9.7%[/i]
[/quote]

Most local government institutions and services have been reconstituted in all four states in the time leading up to the election. Representation on the federal level in Congress will be done through temporary representatives and senators appointed by the state governors and legislatures until the upcoming national elections occur, where representatives and senators will be elected by popular vote in each state.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]National Elections[/b][/u]
The 20XX American Commonwealth Presidential and Congressional elections are upcoming in less than three months and the candidates have all been finalized and announced. The incumbent President Bronson is looking at a tougher and more varied election than he has faced in the past as new political trends have come to light as well as the fact that many minority political parties have managed to become organized. President Bronson is an independent self-described moderate presiding over a congress with a Democrat dominated Senate and a house of representatives with a slim majority of Republicans. Many political pundits predict that the coming elections will result in a political shift towards smaller parties and the necessity of the two major parties to cooperate with them in order to succeed in Congress.


[quote][u]Presidential Candidates:[/u]
[i]David T. Bronson[/i] (Independent)
[i]Alton P. Berk[/i] (Democrat)
[i]Donald A. Roberts[/i] (Republican)
[i]Arthur E. Shelton[/i] (Libertarian)
[i]Patricia L. Price[/i] (Green)
[i]Ralph D. Wheat [/i](Communist)
[i]Beatrice R. Doyle[/i] (Nationalist)[/quote]

Most political analysts favor incumbent President David Bronson as he has presided over the largest economic growth in the Commonwealth's history in his current term as well as the fact that he has nearly doubled the size of the nation very recently. His most recent approval polls show an average of 76.4% of the nation in favor of his handling of the presidency. The newest states of the Commonwealth are also participating in the elections and are expected to provide a boost to the Democratic Party as New York and the New England states tend to lean more liberal than conservative. This comes as a blow to the Republican party which has seen its base of support in Virginia and Maryland erode over the last two years due to unpopular measures they had managed to force through congress as well as a splintering of the party into other minor conservative movements. The Libertarian movement alone is said to have drained about 15% of the Republican party's membership. With the inclusion of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine into the American Commonwealth the number of representatives has been lowered to one per county while the number of senators has been increased to ten per state for a total of 407 representatives and 100 senators.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Drill, Baby, Drill![/b][/u]
A national geological survey conducted by the federal government has uncovered a previously undiscovered sizable reserve of petroleum in western Pennsylvania as well as offshore in the mid-Atlantic along with large quantities of natural gas. Estimates of the size of the combined finds are said to be able to provide the petroleum needs of the American Commonwealth for several centuries according to the most conservative estimates. The western Pennsylvania fields have been open to bids by the state government and will be developed in a joint venture between Pennsylvania Gas & Oil and the Hess Corporation. The Mid-Atlantic field is on federally owned territory within the Commonwealth's Exclusive Economic Zone and will be developed and managed by the newly created government corporation Atlantic Petroleum, the first government owned corporation in the nation.

[MostGloriousLeader]

[u][b]Infrastructure Overhaul Completion[/b][/u]
The federal government has announced the successful completion of the National Infrastructure Revitalization and Expansion Program. Under the program funding was provided for the expansion and renovation of a wide variety of utility and infrastructure systems.

[u]Power[/u]
One of the primary goals of the program was to provide adequate protection of power generation facilities and the power grid from attack. As such the national power grid has been hardened against EMP weaponry to prevent the loss of a critical utility system in the event of a war or terror attack. Another safety measure is the storage of large amounts of spare parts and equipment to allow for rapid repair to damage to the power grid.

[u]Telecommunications[/u]
As another critical utility, the telecommunications network has also been hardened against EMP and conventional attacks in the same manner as the power network. Funding has also allowed for a massive expansion of the network with fiberoptics providing secure and reliable communications capabilities.

[u]Cyber Net[/u]
National WiFi availability was accomplished with a separate program several years ago but cyber security were found to be lacking. While the Department of Defense had its own top of the line cyber security systems other non law enforcement/intelligence government agencies came up short. As a result the FBI Cyber Division has been doubled in size and reorganized, becoming the FBI Cyber Security Branch. With the increase in manpower and operational capacity the Cyber Security Branch is responsible for countering criminal and terror activities using the net as well as the defense of government and critical utility networks against all external and internal cyber threats.

[u]Highway System[/u]
Under the NIRE Program the national highway system received a large amount of funding for repairs and renovation. Areas that required repairs have been taken care of while major highways have had their capacities enlarged to allow for a larger volume of traffic.

[u]Rail Network[/u]
While the national rail network received funds for maintenance and repair one of the major projects of the program was the creation of a national high speed rail line. The Maglev train line will connect the Commonwealth's major cities including Norfolk, Richmond, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City, Albany, Syracuse, Manchester, Portland and Bangor.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Scuffle in the Capitol

A fight broke out in front of the Capitol Building this afternoon as protestors gathered to protest the bill passed yesterday providing for the expansion of the Republican Guard.  The bill calls for the guard to be upgraded from a battalion to a brigade sized force responsible for security and protection of the Capitol and Congress.  While the Guard was out in force during the protests they maintained positions at the perimeter and allowed the Capitol Police to handle the situation, which escalated when a fight broke out between protestors and counter-protestors.  Capitol Police officers in riot gear quickly dispersed both sides with teargas and arrested two dozen individuals from both sides identified as participating in the brawl.   Several dozen people were injured in the event along with four officers.  After the event, security at the Capitol building was increased with the presence of dozens of officers and additional troops from the Republican Guard.  The mayor of Washington D.C. stated that "While freedom and the right to gather and protest is an important right for the people of this nation, we cannot and will not tolerate violent gatherings or hooliganism in any way".  The president issued a similar statement asking people to "remain calm and use dialogue to solve issues".

[MostGloriousLeader]

Space Program Expansion

The National Space Agency is being renamed and reorganized into the National Aeronautics and Space Agency.  In addition to the name change its funding has also drastically increased along with its responsibilities.  NASA is charged with being the primary government agency in the fields of aeronautics and space research and development.  The new agency's headquarters are being relocated to the Neil Armstrong Space Center, a new facility under construction in Montauk, New York, part of the military complex being built in East Hampton and Southampton.  Long term plans for the facility include the creation of a mass driver to lower the costs of space launches and a moon mission. 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Economic Slowdown

Today the NASDAQ and NYSE stock exchanges fell about 510 points when quarterly reports from dozens of major companies posted low earnings or losses.  While most analysts say that this is a temporary trend which should reverse soon, many political pundits predict this will have some bearing on the upcoming congressional elections.  President Bronson announced that while concerning, the issue wasn't serious enough to warrant large levels of intervention at this time but that the government should and would step in if it became necessary.  An announcement heavily criticized by Republican leaders who claim that less government involvement and deregulation is the only way to stimulate economic growth.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Election Results

The 20XX elections have taken place and the results are as follows:

 

Presidential Election

68.92% - David T. Bronson (Independent)
11.53% - Alton P. Berk (Democrat)
10.37% - Donald A. Roberts (Republican)
3.15% - Arthur E. Shelton (Libertarian)
3.3% - Patricia L. Price (Green)
1.58% - Ralph D. Wheat (Communist)
1.15% - Beatrice R. Doyle (Nationalist)

 

Congress

House of Representatives:

Republican Party - 231 seats

Democratic Party - 150 seats

Independents - 20

Green Party - 2 seats

Nationalist Party - 2 seats

Communist Party - 1 seat

 

Senate:

Republican Party - 43 seats

Democratic Party - 30 seats

Independents - 5 seats

Green Party - 2 seats

 

The congressional election came as something of a shock to political analysts who predicted a closer race between the Republicans, Democrats and many independents.  Instead the Republican Party rebounded and managed to gain a slim majority in both the Senate and the House.  Many pundits looking back now point to the increasing polarization of politics at the expense of independents which caused many moderate conservatives to back the Republican party as their only viable choice. 

 

On the other hand, President Bronson's re-election came as no surprise to analysts.  The professed moderate incumbent has established himself as an fair and effective national leader, garnering votes from across party lines.  His approval ratings have consistently stayed above 60% throughout his presidency.  At his victory speech President Bronson announced that restarting economic growth and an expansion of the scope of the Commonwealth's foreign affairs policies were among the goals he would pursue during his next administration