[COMPLETE] Nomination of Vice-President

[OYID]

Members of the Mountain States Senate:

In all my years working in government rarely have I come across men with such a passion for cooperation and tri-partisanship as the likes of Charles Edward Stone and Anthony Calhoun Nordquist. I met knew President Stone well, but sadly his time with us was cut much too short by a terrible tragedy of unspeakable murder. The loss of this great man can truly only be qualified as a magnicide.

Since ascending into Presidential office, I have worked closely with Congressman Nordquist, and thus I am certain that he is the right choice to continue to accompany me in this great, momentous and uncertain journey.

I come to the Senate now to formally present the nomination of Anthony Calhoun Nordquist for the Vice-Presidency of the Mountain States of America. I sincerely believe he is the best possible candidate at this point.

The Socialist Caucus stands by the President's choice for Vice-President, and trust Mr. Nordquist will honor the office.
((3 Socialist Votes in Favor))

[Huojin]

[[Reminder for all that Vice Presidential confirmations go through both Senate and House. OYID likely remembers, but just thought I'd state it for those less aware.]]

[Gesar]

Acquaintances of mine have asked me, "Anthony, why haven't you ever ran for Senator?" Clearly, none of my friends have ever had to stand before the Mountain States Senate on the verge of a life-changing event.

In his address, the President wasn't wrong about how surprised I was. When I endorsed Charles Stone's campaign for the Presidency, I did it because I knew him as a colleague, a friend, and a leader of men and women. When then-Vice President Roux-Johnson was added to the ticket, I knew I had made the right choice. The Socialist Party, despite the differences we have between ourselves, has been a strong ally in the fight for an America built on the legacy of the Constitution, an America fully dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It never once occurred to me that I would be offered the role he was.

But, in these past few days since the death of President Stone, I've grown to recognize the opportunity the new President has given me. Together, the Progressive and Socialist Parties can once again fight side by side for the rights of the working people of the United States. Despite the tragedy which we're facing, in the past few days, I've begun to see President Roux-Johnson as a steadfast defender of the gains we've made since the Treaty of St. Paul, just as President Stone was. It's clear to me that the American people, by voting for a Coalition ticket, have made the right call.

I accept your nomination, Mr. President. Together, we'll make this great nation even greater. We've done it before, and we can do it again.

I've known Congressman Nordquist for quite some time now, and share the confidence of my Socialist colleagues in his ability to serve the Mountain States of America.

((2 Progressive Liberal Votes in Favor))

[Snacks]

I am sure my colleagues, especially those across the aisle, can agree that it is an occasion as momentous as it is terrible when I find myself at a loss for words. Such is the loss of Charles Stone, a respected friend to us all. But I take heart at the statements of President Roux-Johnson and our esteemed friend, and I am confident in the ability of this coalition, this Congress, and the nation we serve to keep looking forward. I am also confident in Anthony Nordquist, an experienced legislator and dedicated son of the MSA, to capably fulfill the duties of the office of Vice President at home and abroad when neccesary. As such I urge the support of my colleagues from both parties.

((2 Progressive-Hard Left Senators vote in favor))

[Flamelord]

The death of President Stone was a tragedy, a man taken from us in the prime of his life, with his greatest works yet to come. The Mountain States of America lost a true friend, a true patriot, that day, and now it falls upon us to ensure that the work he did does not go to waste, that the future he would have wanted for our nation still comes to pass. And I have full faith and trust that the Socialists will respect that as they take up the mantle of the Presidency.

But that is not why we are here. We are gathered here today to confirm Congressman Nordquist as the new Vice President of the Mountain States, a position that surely means more in all our eyes now that we have seen the thin line between that position, and that of the Presidency. It only takes a single bullet from the gun of a madman to propel this office holder into the most powerful position in the land. As such, we need a person of strong moral character, with the certainty and conviction to do what needs to be done to take us forward, as we move on to the future.

It is my belief that there is none more suited for this position at the present moment than Congressman Nordquist, as can be evidenced by his record, and as such we agree with his confirmation as Vice President of the Mountain States of America

((5 Progressive Moderate votes in favor))

[Huojin]

The Socialist Party stands united behind the President's choice.

((1 Socialist-Worker votes in favour))

[Zar]

I hope that the Vice-President will do his job to the best of his ability.

((1 Neo-Conservative vote in Favor))

[Coin]

I am firmly of the belief that Anthony Nordquist will make a capable and committed Vice-President. His ability to get legislation through Congress is well-known, and his backing for President Stone well-publicised, as well as their common standing on many issues.

Thus in the spirit of ensuring the governance of this nation continues smoothly and efficiently, the Republican Conservative caucus is glad to be present at the vote and ensure a quorum is reached and the nomination moves to the House. However we cannot in good conscience vote for this situation, as with respect, a Socialist President strikes me personally and millions of Americans as unmandated by the election. We respect the appointment of Nordquist and the office of the president, but believe that in this hour the democratic deficit of the electoral deal made by the Progressives is self-evident.

3 Republican Conservatives Abstain [For reasons given above]

[Huojin]

OFFICE OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CLERKS

The votes in favor: fourteen (14).
The votes against: zero (0).
The votes abstaining: three (3).
The votes not present: thirteen (13).

If the remaining thirteen (13) senators not present were to vote against this measure, they would be unable to overturn or override those voting in favor of this measure. Therefore, the ayes have it. This measure is formally submitted to the Mountain States House of Representatives for consent and approval.

[Snacks]

Might I be the first, then, to vote for this measure. One that, to be perfectly frank, has taken far too long to reach this chamber due to political posturing that has done little to advance freedom and democracy in this country while belittling the voting public. My esteemed friends, let us set an example for our colleagues in the Senate: if you agree with the nomination of Anthony Nordquist, then vote for him. If you do not, vote against him. If your conscience allows neither, then state your abstention.

If you have objections to coalition tickets, or the constitutional succession to the presidency, then draft legislation against these things or take it up on the talk-show circuit.

11 Progressive Hard Left votes IN FAVOR

[Gesar]

Anthony Calhoun Nordquist has been a friend to me since before my election as a representative of the great state of Iowa and a friend of the average Mountain American since before then. I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination as Vice President, and wish him and the rest of the Coalition Administration the best of luck in taking our country back from eight years of corporate mismanagement.

14 Progressive Liberal votes IN FAVOR

[Flamelord]

I echo the sentiments of my fellow Representatives that have been expressed so far, and I hope that our colleague Anthony Nordquist will continue to do his utmost to support and serve the citizens of America, in the position of the Vice Presidency

10 Progressive Moderate votes IN FAVOR

[Rising Phoenix]

The Progressive Conservatives believe that Mr. Nordquist is a man of capacity and resolve. While we don't share the complaints expressed by the Progressive Liberals we support his nomination as a means to restore confidence in national stability.

6 Progressive Conservatives Vote IN FAVOR

[Coin]

I cannot in good conscience vote for this nomination, and it's vindication of an inherently undemocratic situation. Nonetheless, neither do I encourage members to vote against the present nomination.

Anthony Nordquist is a man I respect and have debated with over the years, and I am sure he shall be fully dedicated to the task. Before I and the Republican Conservatice caucus vote, I wish it to be clear we have no doubt of the man's ability to hold the office. But his supporting a party which is by some margin the smallest in Congress to the Presidency, we cannot support. Nonetheless, this government is already more than adept at sitting in limbo, and a Vice-President must be nominated swiftly.

In a similar vein to our colleagues in the Senate, we shall therefore abstain.

13 Republican Conservatives vote PRESENT [Abstain]

[Huojin]

OFFICE OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CLERKS

The votes in favor: forty-one (41).
The votes against: zero (0).
The votes abstaining: thirteen (13).
The votes not present: thirty-six (36).

If the remaining thirty-six (36) congressmen not present were to vote against this measure, they would be unable to overturn or override those voting in favor of this measure. Therefore, the ayes have it, and this Congress officially confirms the appointment of Anthony C Nordquist as 44th Vice President of the Mountain States of America.

Oath administered by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Anthony Meier, on the lawn outside the Vice Presidential residence.

MEIER: Having fully signed and submitted his letter of resignation to the Mountain States Congress, effectively immediately, we are now ready and able to administer the Oath of Office to Mr. Nordquist.

Mr. Nordquist, please place your right hand in the air, your left hand on the Bible, and repeat after me.

[Mr Nordquist does so, cameras click and flashes briefly illuminate the building's facade.]

"I, Anthony Calhoun Nordquist, do solemnly swear."

NORDQUIST: I, Anthony Calhoun Nordquist, do solemnly swear.

MEIER: "that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Mountain States"

NORDQUIST: that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Mountain States

MEIER: "against all enemies, foreign and domestic;"

NORDQUIST: against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

MEIER: "that I will bear truth faith and allegiance to the same;"

NORDQUIST: that I will bear truth faith and allegiance to the same;

MEIER: "that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;"

NORDQUIST: that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;

MEIER: "and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."

NORDQUIST: and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

MEIER: So help you God?

NORDQUIST: So help me God.

MEIER: Congratulations, Mr Vice President.

[Hands are shaken, the two pose briefly for photographs.]