November Senate Election Coverage

Eleven candidates for seven seats in this Senate race, which found itself mostly dictated by talk of committees, and Senate Aides. Say what you will about Europeian politics, we also find something to talk about.

The election is way too close to call right now, with the poll opening only minutes ago. Early leaders (with two votes) are: Drecq, Notolecta, Anumia, Writinglegend, and Kraketopia. Follow us throughout this event for more coverage, and discussions from our panel on the IRC.
 
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The election has now settled into a more established pace, with a top six emerging, and a contested seventh place.
Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 6
Kraketopia - 5
Notolecta - 5
Drecq- 4
Anumia - 4
Sopo - 4

We will also include commentary from our panel throughout the event. They discuss early results:
Panel said:
[15:11] <Kraketopia> As long as seven people don't pull ahead of me I'm not too worried :p
[15:11] <Mousebumples> noto is making a much better showing than i expected
[15:12] <Kraketopia> He was strong at the start of the last election too
[15:12] <Mousebumples> true
[15:12] <Rach> he just can't finish....
[15:12] <Mousebumples> there are 6 candidates with 4+ votes and then the other 5 candidates
[15:12] <writinglegend48> Do you think this implies something?
[15:12] <writinglegend48> Will he finish?
[15:12] <Rach> I think it implies.... he has issues.....
[15:12] <Rach> and that there is help he can get for it
[15:12] <writinglegend48> Who do you think will get that seventh seat?
[15:12] <writinglegend48> It'll be really close
[15:12] <Kraketopia> Lmfao Rach
[15:13] <CalvinCoolidge> Well, she went there.
[15:13] <writinglegend48> imo
[15:13] <Kraketopia> The last seat is usually hotly contested
[15:13] <Rach> the person with the 7th amount of votes WL
[15:13] <Mousebumples> i think it'll be angelus
[15:13] <writinglegend48> ^
[15:13] <writinglegend48> Lmfao Rach
[15:13] <Mousebumples> but who knows? he could surge up and have _not_ the 7th seat
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About an hour into the election, a top seven still has not developed, with a tie at the bottom between Shin, Angelus, and Seven Deaths, each with three votes.
Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 7
Kraketopia - 6
Notolecta - 6
Drecq- 6
Anumia - 5
Sopo - 4

The panel discusses the President's term so far, and activity.
Panel said:
[15:30] <Mousebumples> does anyone know/think this means we'll have a bigger turnout for the next presidential election?
[15:30] <Rach> I think it depends on the election
[15:30] <Mousebumples> meaning who else runs?
[15:30] <Rach> last years election was incredibly boring
[15:30] <Mousebumples> or do you mean _if_ mal runs again?
[15:31] <Kraketopia> Last year's?
[15:31] <Mousebumples> (i don't want to say IF like he probably will or won't, but i didn't know if it was more of a general question or if it was mal-specific question)
[15:31] <Kraketopia> Do you mean last term's? :p
[15:31] <MS_> Only if we continue encouraging political participation among newcomers and sidelined political aspirants
[15:31] <MS_> I don't necessarily see an inherent connection between Senate and Pres elections
[15:31] <Kraketopia> ^
[15:31] <boobcat> And, 15 minutes!
[15:32] * Mousebumples thinks we should get WL a new watch for the holidays
[15:32] <Rach> how do you guys feel about this current term, Presidential wise
[15:32] * Mousebumples braces for blunt criticism
[15:32] <CalvinCoolidge> NEW WAD. MOUSE BAD.
[15:32] <Mousebumples> are you calvin? or sopo? :p
[15:32] <CalvinCoolidge> I love that comment so much. :D
[15:32] <Rach> lol
[15:33] <Mousebumples> it was from the WA survey awhile ago
[15:33] <CptCarrot> Hang. Draw. Quarter... the pandas
[15:33] <CalvinCoolidge> D:
[15:33] <CptCarrot> unless you disown that statement
[15:33] <Mousebumples> Z-Day Survey has a few interesting responses
[15:33] <CptCarrot> in which case get the Sloth
[15:33] <Mousebumples> notably: Do you have any suggestions to improve curing over the RMB method employed for Z-Day 2014? "No. Yes. Wait. Kill Anumia."
[15:34] <Rach> I guess the answer is that no one here wants to say :p
[15:34] <Kraketopia> Lol
[15:34] * Mousebumples will leave if you guys want to talk about me for awhile
[15:34] <Mousebumples> i should make dinner anyhow
[15:34] <Rach> I think you've been good as Vice
[15:34] <Mousebumples> thanks, rach :)
[15:34] * CalvinCoolidge senses a but.
[15:34] <Rach> and the best Vice in a long while, whatever that means though :p
[15:34] <Mousebumples> well, Vice isn't necessarily a visible position
[15:35] <Rach> Well, the but is that we traditionally haven't had great Vice-Presidents. But Mouse has done a good job nonetheless
[15:35] <Mousebumples> i think mal was a great Vice, but i know he spent most of his terms filling in for MIA ministers
[15:36] <CalvinCoolidge> That's a pretty nice but.
[15:36] <Mousebumples> well, my point is more that his "work" as VP was less the standard VP work and more the "um, sure, i can cover interior and other stuff."
[15:36] <Mousebumples> "um, sure, i can cover comm and other stuff."
[15:36] <Mousebumples> "um, sure, i can cover FA and other stuff."
[15:36] <Rach> I think many ministries have been ok, but idk. I just prefer to have more inspiring Presidents who can give rousing speeches :p
[15:36] <Mousebumples> anumia had a _bad_ streak going of various ministers going MIA midterm
[15:36] <Rach> mhmm
[15:37] <MS_> After a somewhat charged summer/fall period, the region has once again become relatively de-politicized, meaning that there's not a lot of talk about how the government is doing, outside of the government itself beating off to its own accomplishments
[15:37] <MS_> which I now realize sounds more negative than I had intended
[15:37] <Rach> speaking of Anumia, where is this competitor to TRT? :p
[15:37] <Mousebumples> i believe in progress?
[15:38] <CalvinCoolidge> It is. Mal should make a speech about it soon. *hint*
[15:38] <MS_> there hasn't been much talk about the paper, the GAP, or Innovation
[15:38] <Mousebumples> most of phdre's work has been behind the scenes, working with ministries to check out new possibilities
[15:38] <Rach> oh, we're still doing the GAP? :p
[15:39] <Mousebumples> i can't speak for the GAP and what the status is there, so i'd talk to anumia on that one
[15:39] <Kraketopia> I think this has been a great Presidential term so far, and obviously Mousey has done a good job as VP.
[15:39] <CalvinCoolidge> I mention the International Paper every week in my updates. D:
[15:39] <Mousebumples> (had someone ask me about becoming a gap region today, so i told them to talk to anumia)
[15:39] <Kraketopia> They've gotten lucky though, all ministers have been active so far.
[15:39] <Mousebumples> thanks, kraken
[15:39] <Mousebumples> out of curiosity, has anyone here submitted an issue to the game for consideration?
[15:39] <Mousebumples> and/or is anyone thinking about doing the issues contest gameside?
[15:39] <Rach> No, those are for the people who do that on a regular basis :p
[15:39] <MS_> since we just hit 800 nations, that's a flag that Interior can wave around for awhile, so they're good. Culture and Comm have been status quo, FA has been okay I guess (still not paying attention to FA)
[15:40] <MS_> Navy has been doing well under Kraken, so yay for that
[15:40] <Mousebumples> to be fair, culture and comm "status quo" is way ahead of where it was a few terms ago
[15:40] <Mousebumples> i mean, kraken's second term, there was talk about disbanding comm
[15:40] <Kraketopia> Thank you MS. That's the first MS compliment I've had in a long time :p
[15:41] <MS_> yeah, I meant status quo relative to the last couple excellent terms
[15:41] <Mousebumples> no, i know - i just didn't want WL and calvin to feel underappreciated
[15:41] <MS_> Interior, Comm, ERN, Culture = all good
[15:41] <MS_> no idea about FA or Innovation
[15:41] <Mousebumples> what do you think of the changes in structure to FA?
[15:41] <Kraketopia> End of first term really Mouse, I think once Calvin got into Comm it was pretty clear Comm was here to stay.
[15:42] <CalvinCoolidge> :D
[15:43] <MS_> like all ministries, Comm's relevance is heavily dependent on having someone consistently active and dedicated at the helm. it took awhile for us to find one, but now (keeping the metaphor going) it's pretty smooth sailing
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An hour and a half in, the race is heating up, with new candidates rising in the ranks, and the tie at the bottom becoming more contested.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 10
Kraketopia - 9
Drecq - 8
Notolecta- 8
Anumia - 8
Seven Deaths - 5
Sopo - 4
Angelus - 4
Shin - 4

The Panel talks about the race and the Presidency:
Panel said:
[16:08] <CalvinCoolidge> We now have a top five, with a three-way tie for the last couple of seats.
[16:08] <Mousebumples> and angelus pulls into a tie with SD
[16:08] <CalvinCoolidge> And Sopo.
[16:08] <Mousebumples> oh, true
[16:09] <MS_> the top 5 are probably safe, given the fact that most if not all were clear frontrunners from the start
[16:09] <MS_> those last two spots will be the contentious ones
[16:10] <Mousebumples> i still think it's too soon to know for sure
[16:10] <Mousebumples> but you're probably right
[16:10] <CalvinCoolidge> More votes.
[16:10] <Mousebumples> SD ahead of sopo and angelus now 5-4
[16:10] <Mousebumples> shin also has 4 votes
[16:10] <CalvinCoolidge> I didn't expect SD to be getting a lot of momentum.
[16:11] <MS_> everyone likes Archer
[16:11] <Mousebumples> or everyone who likes archer votes early
[16:11] <CalvinCoolidge> I'll be honest, I do respect him more with his new avatar.
[16:11] <Rach> I wished the next season of Archer didn't start in January
[16:12] <Rach> It's weird to think SD was a President
[16:12] <MS_> but yeah, if he really wants to win, he should capitalize on this momentum with some real ideas
[16:12] <CalvinCoolidge> It's weird to think you were a President, Rach. :p
[16:12] <Rach> why? :p
[16:12] <Rach> all you need is more votes than other people
[16:13] <CalvinCoolidge> Because I've been here in a period of low Rach activity. D:
[16:13] <CalvinCoolidge> Relatively.
[16:13] <Rach> Yeah, moved on to Hollywood :3
[16:13] <MS_> it's weird to think Mouse hasn't been President
[16:13] <CalvinCoolidge> Mouse/MS!
[16:13] <Rach> Yeah
[16:13] <Rach> Mouse would have been a President than Mal
[16:14] <MS_> my inactivity had a worse impact on my political capital than my previous jerkishness did, so I wouldn't be a good running mate anymore :p
[16:15] <MS_> Mouse/Mouse could work
[16:15] <Rach> Yeah, wasted your momentum :p
[16:16] <CalvinCoolidge> I think you underestimate your political capital. :p
[16:16] <Rach> Political Capital is fleeting, burying your enemies is forever.
[16:17] <Rach> sooo boring
[16:17] <Rach> omg, so bored
[16:17] <Mousebumples> with what? burying your enemies in balder?
[16:17] <Writinglegend> More votes
[16:17] <Rach> lol, idk :p
[16:18] <CalvinCoolidge> Shin now in this.
[16:18] <Rach> I was more going to say political capital is fleeting, glory is forever. But then thought burying political enemies would be funnier
[16:19] <Mousebumples> if you could pick one political enemy to bury, who would you pick?
[16:19] <Rach> like one who isn't burried yet? :p
[16:19] <Rach> or one I still got to burry :p
[16:19] <Mousebumples> or one to bury further
[16:19] <Mousebumples> some people you just can't bury deep enough
[16:19] <Rach> obviously Unibot lol
[16:20] <Rach> any person who goes around making jokes about giving me anal needs to be burried
[16:21] <Rach> beyond that, I don't have anyone I really dislike :p
[16:21] <Mousebumples> fair enough
[16:21] <Rach> I'm not impressed with most people, but that's a different issue :p
Click to expand...
 
Roughly two hours after the election started, it is still very close, with many candidates battling it out for the last couple seats.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 12
Kraketopia - 11
Drecq - 10
Anumia - 10
Notolecta- 8
Seven Deaths - 5
Sopo - 5
Angelus - 5

Honorable Mentions:
Shin - 4


The Panel discusses the CA and the election:
Panel said:
[16:36] <CalvinCoolidge> If Sopo wins the Senate before Noto opens the CA election, what happens?
[16:36] <Mousebumples> welllll, ca elections were supposed to start today sometime
[16:37] <Mousebumples> so technically, the senate race shouldn't be over before elections start
[16:37] <Writinglegend> :O
[16:37] <Mousebumples> but if he wins senate, i'd expect we'd need an SC to run the next set of elections
[16:37] <Mousebumples> sopo's not a CA member anymore if he's a senator
[16:37] <Mousebumples> there's no elected speaker yet (probably - unless the new senators are super speedy)
[16:38] <MS_> hm, maybe I should run then
[16:38] <MS_> MS FOR CHAIR
[16:38] * Mousebumples nods
[16:38] <Mousebumples> otherwise, i expect calvin will run if we need new elections
[16:39] * CalvinCoolidge wants it.
[16:39] <MS_> hm, now I definitely want to deny the panda the Chairmanship
[16:40] <CalvinCoolidge> Boo. D:
[16:40] <Mousebumples> you already declined your nomination
[16:40] <Mousebumples> do you need to be renominated to accept?
[16:40] <MS_> posts can be edited
[16:40] <Mousebumples> :eek:
[16:40] <CalvinCoolidge> Double :O
[16:40] <Mousebumples> .<3~
[16:40] <MS_> I found that out yesterday
[16:43] <MS_> I think Moosy can run for Chair
[16:43] <CalvinCoolidge> Nobody nominated her, actually.
[16:43] <Mousebumples> if no one else ran, i would have run with the intention of reopening elections after the senate elections concluded
[16:44] <Mousebumples> i think there are a lot of senate candidates (and calvin) who may be interested in the CA chair position if they weren't on-going simultaneously
[16:44] <CalvinCoolidge> SD's reaction: Why? Why do I have votes? D:
[16:44] <CalvinCoolidge> XD
[16:46] <CalvinCoolidge> Now three-way tie with votes, Angelus moved up.
Click to expand...
 
About three hours after the election began, the candidates at the top are starting to pull away, but the bottom seats are still highly contested.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 13
Kraketopia - 12
Drecq - 11
Anumia - 11
Notolecta- 9
Angelus - 6
Seven Deaths - 5
Sopo - 5


Honorable Mentions:
Shin - 4
Legendofpie - 4
 
Four hours into this election, not much has changed from our last update.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 14
Kraketopia - 13
Drecq - 11
Anumia - 11
Notolecta- 9
Angelus - 6
Seven Deaths - 5
Sopo - 5
Shin - 5

Honorable Mentions:
Legendofpie - 4

The Panel discusses the tight race:
Panel said:
[18:39] <CalvinCoolidge> There is a three-way tie for the final seat.
[18:39] <CalvinCoolidge> Any thoughts?
[18:41] <Writinglegend> Very close. I do think Sopo will pull it out imo
[18:41] <Rach> Sounds like there is a three-way tie for the final seat
[18:41] <CalvinCoolidge> I am kind of surprised Sopo is so low, honestly.
[18:41] <Writinglegend> ^ I agree
[18:42] <CalvinCoolidge> I know he has activity concerns, but he had a pretty solid platform, and great ideas.
[18:42] <Writinglegend> I would think because of activity concerns
[18:42] <Writinglegend> But like you said. Solid Platform + Great Ideas
[18:43] <Rach> Maybe he's losing amongst people who don't read platforms :p
[18:44] <CalvinCoolidge> I suspect Sopo's sloth supporters are just coming in late to the polls.
[18:44] <Malashaan> It's a very competitve election for the last two seats. I'm surprised Angelus hasn't received a few more votes to be honest. He's shown good commitment and in Senate that will have plenty of experienced members, it's a good chance for a keen newcomer to do well if elected
[18:46] <CalvinCoolidge> That's true. He is really our most active newcomer, so it would be a shame to see him lose here.
[18:47] <Malashaan> He's in 6th place right now, but that could easily turn into just missing out.
[18:48] <CalvinCoolidge> Especially with Sopo, Shin, and SD right on his heels.
Click to expand...
 
Six hours into this, things are heating up. As before, the top seats seem to be out of reach, but the bottom half are still very much alive.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 16
Kraketopia - 14
Drecq - 12
Anumia - 11
Notolecta- 10
Angelus - 8
Sopo - 7
Shin - 7

Honorable Mentions:
Seven Deaths - 5
Legendofpie - 5
 
The panel discusses the election, and Notolecta's chances:
Panel said:
[20:47] <Writinglegend> Noto still hasn't gotten a vote for some hours now
[20:47] <Writinglegend> Any cause for worry?
[20:48] <Writinglegend> Angelus is two votes back?
[20:48] <Writinglegend> Others are three and four
[20:48] <Mousebumples> happened last election
[20:48] <Sopo> apparently some people are waiting to vote
[20:48] <Mousebumples> noto was in the senate ... and then didn't happen
[20:48] <Writinglegend> Could we witness the same thing?
[20:48] <Mousebumples> we'll see if history repeats itself, but it could be a concern
[20:49] <Writinglegend> Or can Noto get in?
[20:49] <Mousebumples> of course, noto can get in
[20:49] <Sopo> Noto can be kind of abrasive, his comment on Angelus' platform irked me a bit
[20:49] <Mousebumples> but i don't know that anyone is technically "safe" at this point
[20:49] <Sopo> it may turn people off
[20:49] <Sopo> of course, he's ahead of me :p
[20:49] <Sopo> his chances are still good
[20:49] <Writinglegend> ^
[20:49] <Mousebumples> but the sloth voters are still slothing along
[20:49] <CalvinCoolidge> I wish we did a Grand Hall poll this time to see how people liked the candidates.
[20:50] <Mousebumples> eh, learn for next time
[20:50] <Sopo> I was going to do a NoPo Poll, but many people stood late in the period
[20:50] <CalvinCoolidge> We did it last time, but people got upset. I shouldn't listen to the haters. :p
[20:51] <Writinglegend> How do you think the comment on Angelus' platform reflected/impacted on/x Noto? Did it turn some voters away, or possibly turn some towards him with his directness?
[20:51] <CalvinCoolidge> I don't think anyone voted for Noto because of that.
[20:51] <Mousebumples> i can't speak for others, but i might have viewed noto's comments differently if he wasn't also running in the election
[20:51] <Mousebumples> rather than being somewhat abrasive towards a newcomer and just annoying (like CSPs comments), i wondered if he was trying to get people to dogpile on an opponent to take him out
[20:51] <CalvinCoolidge> If they voted for him for his directness, I don't think they needed this push,
[20:51] <Mousebumples> not usually noto's style, so i doubt that was his intention
[20:52] <Mousebumples> however, for those who don't know him as well ... it definitely could have lost him some votes
[20:52] <Writinglegend> Respeack
[20:52] <Writinglegend> Nm
[20:52] <Writinglegend> Bah
[20:52] <Writinglegend> I missed your comments...
[20:52] <Sopo> sometimes it just feels like he's unnecessarily harsh, is all
[20:52] <Mousebumples> that can be said for a lot of europeians, though
[20:53] <Mousebumples> noto, CSP, and cerian are all pretty harsh at times
[20:53] <CalvinCoolidge> How dare you?! We are a kind and loving people!
[20:53] <Sopo> only Noto is running in this election, though
[20:53] <CalvinCoolidge> *flips table*
[20:54] <Mousebumples> yeah, i know, sopo
[20:54] <Sopo> and CSP has a longer track record of service that sort of excuses his behavior sometimes. Noto has done a lot for Europeia, but not enough that he can take the same role CSP seems to occupy: rude, curmudgeonly uncle
Click to expand...
 
The Panel discusses Shin's last minute platform, and the Citizens' Assembly Chair election:
Panel said:
[20:55] <Mousebumples> RZM has a platform!
[20:55] <Mousebumples> http://s6.zetaboards.com/Europeia/topic/8921586/1/
[20:55] <Mousebumples> thoughts? is it too late to make a difference, or will this boost him into the senate?
[20:56] <Sopo> I already voted, so no impact on me
[20:56] <Sopo> pretty 12th hour
[20:56] <Sopo> wait
[20:56] * Mousebumples nods
[20:56] <Sopo> 11th hour
[20:56] <Sopo> that's the saying
[20:56] <Sopo> right?
[20:56] <Mousebumples> yeah, but elecitons haven't been open _that_ Long
[20:56] <Mousebumples> i wonder how many votes are still out there - there's been a lot of one or two-vote voters
[20:57] == RZM has joined #EBC
[20:57] <Sopo> speak of the devil
[20:58] <Mousebumples> xD
[20:58] <Mousebumples> i like your images in your platform, RZM, even if i don't agree with each of your stances
[20:59] <Sopo> Committees will triumph
[20:59] <Writinglegend> ^
[20:59] <RZM> I prefer the idea of Ministers having offices open to all people, rather than just the Senate.
[20:59] * Mousebumples is preparing to question RZM
[21:00] <Sopo> looks like I'm going to win one election at least
[21:00] <RZM> I feel the tradition of Senators opening up offices with vodka, scotch, and potatoes for citizens to inquire on the goings on of the Senate is something the Ministers should copy.
[21:00] <Sopo> Calvin, if I lose the Senate election I might stay Mayor
[21:00] <Sopo> :eek:
[21:00] <Sopo> and yeah, I know that's not the name
[21:00] <Sopo> but I like it better
[21:01] <RZM> New Senate position: if Sopo is CA Chair, he gets to call the position Mayor.
[21:01] <Mousebumples> VoNC!
[21:01] <Mousebumples> ;)
[21:01] <CalvinCoolidge> Well, then I should definitely vote for Sopo.
[21:01] <RZM> Sopo, have you got a platform for CA Chair?
[21:01] <Sopo> because I fail to deliver on my campaign promise to resign immediately? :p
[21:01] <RZM> If not, there's apparently no Mouse-Vote for that
[21:01] <Sopo> RZM: no
[21:01] <Sopo> my platform is to resign
[21:02] <Sopo> actually, my platform is to immediately call elections again
[21:02] <CalvinCoolidge> His platform: I will resign and let Calvin run, should I become a Senator.
[21:02] <Mousebumples> ^
[21:02] <Sopo> the people know what I stand for. What I stand for is sitting down.
[21:02] <Mousebumples> btw, question posted to RZM
[21:03] * Sopo sees his name, reads the question
[21:04] <Mousebumples> yeah
[21:04] <Sopo> if I have a racist meltdown right now, will that help or hurt my chances?
[21:04] <CalvinCoolidge> XD
[21:05] <Mousebumples> probably hurt
[21:05] <Mousebumples> unless you're relying on the Nazi sympathizer vote (<-- not a smart play in euro)
[21:06] <Sopo> what if I post nudes?
[21:06] <CalvinCoolidge> Bikini pics or GTFO.
Click to expand...
 
The panel discusses the race, and who, if anyone, is safe:
Panel said:
[21:13] <Mousebumples> angelus is only 2 votes under noto's slot for the 5th senate seat
[21:14] <Writinglegend> 0-0
[21:14] * RZM releases the Kraken
[21:14] <CalvinCoolidge> I don't see Noto losing his seat at this point.
[21:14] * Sopo fries Kraken to a delicious golden brown
[21:14] == Kraketopia has joined #EBC
[21:14] <Writinglegend> 0-0
[21:14] <Kraketopia> Hey
[21:15] <CalvinCoolidge> So... have you voted, Kraken?
[21:15] <Mousebumples> well, angelus is 2 votes down, and sopo and shin are 3 votes down
[21:15] <Mousebumples> i wouldn't count noto as safe by any stretch
[21:15] <Sopo> Kraken, did you only vote for yourself? :p
[21:15] <Mousebumples> even anumia could be in jeopardy
[21:15] <Kraketopia> I will not comment on my voting timing or preferences.
[21:15] * Mousebumples hasn't voted yet
[21:15] <Mousebumples> but i also won't share who i'm voting for at this time, minus a few previous comments i've made
[21:15] <Writinglegend> You haven't? :p
[21:15] <Mousebumples> nope
[21:15] <Mousebumples> i'm waiting
[21:16] <Writinglegend> 0-0
[21:16] <Kraketopia> For candidates to put up last minute platforms so you can ethically vote for them? :p
[21:16] <Mousebumples> not too late - probably tomorrow morning since i'll be gone most of the afternoon and i don't want to NOT vote
[21:16] <Mousebumples> no
[21:16] <RZM> The single vote for Kraken was probably Lord Kaiser.
[21:16] <Mousebumples> i counted shin's previous Q&A as a platform
[21:16] <CalvinCoolidge> So, is anyone safe, you think?
[21:17] <RZM> ^_^
[21:17] <Kraketopia> I will not speculate on how Kaiser voted, but I will say that the man is a personal hero.
[21:17] <Writinglegend> 0-0
[21:17] <Sopo> I'm pretty sure WL and Kraken are safe
[21:17] <RZM> No one is safe. Have you learned nothing from our Town of Salem games?
[21:17] <Kraketopia> I imagine Writinglegend is safe
[21:17] <Kraketopia> I'm not going to comment on myself :p
[21:17] <RZM> Kraken is an apex predator. He is a mobile danger zone.
[21:17] <Writinglegend> No one is safe -_-
[21:17] <Mousebumples> WL and kraken, i'd think, but we're not that far in yet - only a little over 6 hours
[21:17] <Sopo> I love Salem
[21:17] <Mousebumples> so i'd still be hesitant to call anything
[21:17] <Kraketopia> RZM xD
[21:18] <Writinglegend> There can still be ten votes out there
[21:18] <Sopo> something something danger zone
[21:18] <Writinglegend> ten is enough to knock me out
[21:18] <Writinglegend> kraken out
[21:18] <Writinglegend> ten can flip the script :O
[21:18] <Sopo> what are the chances really though?
[21:19] <Writinglegend> It doesn't matter 'What are the chances?' it matters that there are chances
[21:19] <Writinglegend> There is still THE CHANCE
[21:19] <Writinglegend> it may be a small one
[21:19] <Writinglegend> but it's still there
[21:19] <Writinglegend> Reason why I don't think anything is solid until we get a few votes deeper
[21:19] <Sopo> well, I'm calling it for WL and Kraken
[21:19] <Writinglegend> xD
[21:20] <Kraketopia> I think it's reasonable to call it for the leaders, but it's not impossible for them to lose.
[21:20] <Mousebumples> i think there are probably more than 10 votes out there
[21:20] == Notolecta has joined #EBC
[21:20] <Notolecta> hey
[21:20] <Mousebumples> however, i think it's _highly unlikely_ that 10 votes will go against them
[21:20] <Mousebumples> but this definitely has changed over the past few hours
[21:20] <Mousebumples> hi, noto
[21:20] <Writinglegend> Hey Noto!
[21:20] <RZM> Heya Notty.
[21:20] <Sopo> indeed
[21:20] <Sopo> hey Noto
[21:20] <Kraketopia> Oh shit, it just got Notty in here.
[21:21] <Notolecta> here's the thing there are probably around 10-15 votes yet to be cast, so from a statistical veiwpoint, nothing is certian.
[21:21] <Mousebumples> ^
[21:21] <Writinglegend> ^^
[21:21] <Mousebumples> i'd probably put kraken and WL at like a 90% likelihood of election
[21:21] <Mousebumples> (not considering anything other than stats at this point)
[21:22] <Mousebumples> considering they've collected a majority of votes to this point, that pattern is likely to hold, but it won't necessarily hold
[21:22] <Notolecta> I expect at this point to see the top 5 in the senate
[21:22] <RZM> Even with the other numbers, that'd take every single person not voting for Kraken and WL and voting for all other candidates.
[21:22] <Notolecta> I really think it's mostly a fight for those final two spots, which are too close to even determine a lead.
[21:22] <RZM> There shouldn't be a debate about the commanding lead both of those excellent public servants have at the midway point.
[21:23] <Mousebumples> given seven seats, that's probably true, but the margin for "seats" 3-10" are getting fairly close
[21:23] <Mousebumples> SD and Pie both have 5 votes and are _probably_ out, along with applebanie
[21:23] <Kraketopia> Yeah, it's the lower seats that are interesting. As always.
[21:23] <Notolecta> I don't know mouse
[21:24] <Kraketopia> I thought SD's campaign, judging it as a satirical campaign against other satirical campaigns, was one of the best I've seen.
[21:24] <Mousebumples> however, we've got 8 people working for 7 seats, and i could feasibly see Sopo, Shin, and Angelus possibly moving ahead of Drecq, Anumia, or Noto - obviously, only one of those 6 would not be in the senate
[21:24] <RZM> *makes a joke about seats and how his platform used the term "ass" in the title*
[21:24] <Mousebumples> a 5 vote margin - with 10-15 votes still out there - is by no means insurmountable
[21:24] <Mousebumples> (drecq - 12, anumia - 11, noto - 10, angelus - 8, sopo/shin -7)
[21:25] <Mousebumples> i still think we might get a runoff
[21:25] <Notolecta> We could.
Click to expand...
 
The panel continues their discussion:
Panel said:
[21:25] <Notolecta> I'd be surprised to see dreq lose.
[21:25] <RZM> Euro is a stable democracy, and I am of the mind that incumbency for the current Senators/CA Chair works in their favour
[21:25] <Mousebumples> i would too - i thought he'd be leading the pack
[21:25] <Mousebumples> but if people don't check results before they lose, they might assume he's "safe" and vote for someone else
[21:25] <Mousebumples> *check results before they vote
[21:26] <Mousebumples> the perils of being the frontrunner, i guess
[21:26] <Kraketopia> I think last election he was being more controversial so people were voting for him to ensure he stayed in, because he's a favourite for many. This term it was essentially guaranteed he'd win.
[21:26] <Notolecta> Also I think me anumia and dreq would have to lose outright, in a run-off against anyone in the other group I'd suspect a win to go to me/dreq/anumia.
[21:26] <RZM> ^
[21:26] <Mousebumples> .... or so we thought
[21:26] <Mousebumples> maybe, but maybe not
[21:27] <Mousebumples> it depends on the pairing, but i'd really like to see angelus in the senate
[21:27] <Notolecta> I think drecq is doing not as well because of comittees.
[21:27] <Mousebumples> i know you have a different opinion this one, but i think this sort of senate - because of all the experienced legislators in the bunch- would be a great chance for angelus to get a taste of being a senator
[21:27] <Notolecta> I think there are definitely some people voting on the issue.
[21:28] <Notolecta> I don't.
[21:28] <Mousebumples> you don't .... to which?
[21:28] <Notolecta> Think this is a great chance for angelus.
[21:29] * Mousebumples nods
[21:29] <Notolecta> I think he could use more time being more heavily involved in the CA.
[21:29] <Mousebumples> i understand that's your opinion, and i respectfully disagree
[21:29] <Mousebumples> i think the view of a newcomer is valuable in the CA, even if he needs more practice with legislating
[21:29] <Mousebumples> *valuable in the senate
[21:29] <Notolecta> The pattern with young members in the senate is not promising.
[21:30] <Mousebumples> yeah, because WL and calvin were terrible this past term [/sarcasm]
[21:30] <Notolecta> Most of them wind up gone.
[21:30] * CalvinCoolidge perks his ears up.
[21:30] * Writinglegend listens up
[21:30] <Notolecta> Those two were far more active legislatively before their senate runs.
[21:30] <Mousebumples> historically, maybe, but i think our integration program has greatly improved since those days
[21:30] <Mousebumples> they were both senate aides and maybe proposed a piece of legislation in the CA
[21:30] <Mousebumples> they'd probably know better than i would, but i don't know that i'd agree with that assessment
[21:30] <CalvinCoolidge> WL actually got a law on the books.
[21:31] <Mousebumples> so? that means that he suggested a more helpful piece of legislation than separation of powers
[21:31] <Mousebumples> that doesn't mean that he got "more CA practice" which is what noto is advocating for
[21:31] <CalvinCoolidge> I am backing you up. :p
[21:31] <Notolecta> They were also involved in the discussions of the proposals of others more.
[21:32] <Mousebumples> there were not many proposals that were being discussed in the CA this past term, though, to be blunt
[21:32] <Mousebumples> and i can't speak for others, but i had no clue what i was talking about with IP rights, so i steered away from that discussion
[21:32] <Mousebumples> i would expect many relative newcomers in the CA to be in the same boat
[21:32] <Mousebumples> i respect angelus for taking the initiative to join the senate aide program and to propose new pre-legislation, which few other members did this past term
[21:34] <Notolecta> I have no malintent or malice for angelus, I just don't think the odds are good for his carreer if he gets a senate term now.
[21:36] <Mousebumples> i know you're probably looking historically, but i think that's a bad frame of reference
[21:36] <Notolecta> I don't
Click to expand...
 
The panel's debate shifts to whether newcomers are the proper choice for the Senate:
Panel said:
[21:36] <Mousebumples> clearly
[21:36] <Mousebumples> things have changed a lot over the past 6 months and a lot of things that may have been the case awhile ago are no longer the case
[21:36] <Mousebumples> plenty of experienced europeians that are elected to the senate go inactive
[21:36] <Mousebumples> PASD, for example
[21:36] <Notolecta> That isn't new
[21:37] <Mousebumples> so if newcomers aren't the only ones that go inactive in the senate, why is it the fact that they are newcomers the only feasible explanation for their inactivity?
[21:37] <Mousebumples> couldn't it be that - for that term - they were the one who got busy in RL and had to step back?
[21:37] <Notolecta> I didn't say anything about activity.
[21:37] <Mousebumples> you said most young members in the senate "wind up gone"
[21:37] <RZM> That's where the expectation of the Senate as a bustling hub of activity is misguided.
[21:37] <Mousebumples> how does that not equate with inactivity?
[21:38] <RZM> It is not upon the Senate to be ultra active with matters. It exists as a reactionary and vetting mechanism, for laws, for treaties, for Ministers.
[21:38] <Notolecta> Long term they do, they burn out overall in the region, not nessarrilly in that term.
[21:38] <Mousebumples> and it's _only_ newcomers that are elected to the senate that burn out overall?
[21:38] <RZM> When there is a drop in items being submitted to the Senate for consideration, there will be a corresponding drop in "Senate Activity"\n[21:39] <Mousebumples> those that don't run for senate never burn out?
[21:39] <Mousebumples> this seems like a prime example of seeing what you want to see and drawing conclusions accordingly
[21:39] <Mousebumples> you'll never have a 100% retention rate - of newcomers, of more senior members, of anyone
[21:39] <Mousebumples> people burn out and walk away, people get busy in RL (new job, new s.o., etc.) and leave NS
[21:40] <Mousebumples> i don't see why being elected to the senate would have any greater impact on the likelihood of those things than anything else
[21:40] <Notolecta> Being put into any position to early can.
[21:40] <Mousebumples> and being put into any position when you don't have the time or dedication can too
[21:41] <Mousebumples> maybe it's my interior side shining through, but i LIKE seeing newcomers run for things, and i LIKE seeing newcomers get elected sometimes
[21:41] <Mousebumples> and i LIKE seeing newcomers succeed when they're presented with these sorts of challenges
[21:41] <Notolecta> We see it all the time, a young member either doesn't have the impact they wished and get put off, or can't handle all the work, or in any nuber of other ways just get overwhelmed by the expeirnce and get put off.
[21:42] <Mousebumples> and you see it all the time - an experienced member gets a new job, gets a new girlfriend, gets busy with school, and doesn't have the impact they wished to have in the position
[21:42] <Mousebumples> they try to stay involved, but they can't do it and eventually resign or just disappear and are removed for inactivity
[21:42] <Mousebumples> this is not a newcomer specific incident, noto, no matter how much you may want to paint it as such
[21:42] <Notolecta> I like newcomers being sucessful, but I'm wary of putting them into positions to soon because they could get overwelmed, and we lose that influence forever.
[21:43] <Notolecta> No, but there is a difference between the two.
[21:43] <Mousebumples> electing a newcomer president? not smart
[21:43] <Mousebumples> electing a newcomer to a senate seat when they don't have to be senate speaker on day 1... i think you're overstating the challenges
[21:43] <RZM> Kraken was a "newcomer of the year" when he became president.
[21:43] <RZM> I'd say he was a smart Prez.
Click to expand...
 
The panel's talk continues with the same subject:
Panel said:
[21:43] <Mousebumples> and i think at some point, you need to give newcomers the chance to determine for themselves if they will sink or swim
[21:43] <Notolecta> With older members it's usually an outside factor, with newer members it could just be that they were elected to soon.
[21:43] <Mousebumples> why?
[21:44] <Mousebumples> that makes no sense
[21:44] <RZM> Newcomer itself is a very fluid term. When does someone stop being "new"?
[21:44] <Kraketopia> ^
[21:44] <Mousebumples> elected too soon, so you don't know how to type yet?
[21:44] <Notolecta> Additionally older members might come back, new members usually don't
[21:44] <Mousebumples> you can't figure out how to hit the reply button?
[21:44] <Notolecta> mouse it's not all about posting
[21:44] <Mousebumples> i know i've never been in the senate - and that's because i know that it doesn't match with my skill set - but new senators don't need to be proposing new legislation
[21:44] <Notolecta> Contribution is about quality not just quantity.
[21:44] <Mousebumples> they need to be able to critically evaluate legislation proposed by other senators
[21:45] <Mousebumples> and i don't see why the input or opinions of newcomers are inherently bad to the point that they shouldn't even bother trying to win a senate seat
[21:45] * RZM sneaks Calvin some cookies for dutifully scribing the panel's conversation for public consumption
[21:45] <Mousebumples> they need to be able to ask questions of the president's nominees - which, again, is not super challenging
[21:45] <Mousebumples> if we had a requirement that each senator must proposal a piece of legislation per term, i could see an issue - but that's not a rule
[21:45] <Notolecta> I'm not saying their input is bad, but being in the senate is also not the only way to have input.
[21:46] * CalvinCoolidge eats the cookies.
[21:46] <Mousebumples> yes, but if you're a senator, i would think the other senators would give your opinion more credence
[21:46] <Mousebumples> not that all votes in the senate are unaninmous, but there's a definite effort towards collaboration in euro
[21:46] <Mousebumples> newcomers have different opinions and approaches - ones that may be discounted or minimalized by some more experienced europeians at many times
[21:47] <Mousebumples> however, that doesn't make their opinions inherently bad or unworthy of being expressed in the senate chambers
[21:47] <Notolecta> Some of the opinions you mention aren't discounted without reason.
[21:47] <Mousebumples> i'm not saying _you_ don't have reasons for why you discount opinons
[21:47] <Mousebumples> however, i don't think debate - even if it's a debate that euro had 2 years ago - is a bad thing
[21:48] <Mousebumples> the makeup of europeia changes, her needs change, and redebating these topics is a good thing
[21:48] <CalvinCoolidge> Dang straight. Let's get ourselves an economy. :D
[21:48] <Notolecta> No, but sometimes it's pointless to rehash the same debate every 6 months.
[21:48] <Mousebumples> i got that suggestion from one newcomer in a PM earlier this week
[21:49] <Mousebumples> and that attitude makes newcomers - in the CITIZENS ASSEMBLY, which is made for newcomers, btw - feel like their opinions aren't worth even talking about
[21:49] <Mousebumples> yes, we may have discussed it 6 months ago, but they weren't here 6 months ago
[21:49] <Mousebumples> the recency should make it easier to recap the reasons why X is not right for us now, but that doesn't mean that we should shut them down without a discussion
Click to expand...
 
Roughly eight hours into the election, things are still too close to call.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 16
Kraketopia - 16
Drecq - 12
Anumia - 11
Notolecta- 10
Angelus - 8
Shin - 8

Honorable Mentions:
Sopo - 7
 
With five hours left in the election things are getting very interesting, with a much closer race than anticipated.

Top Contenders:
Writinglegend- 22
Kraketopia - 20
Drecq - 16
Anumia - 13
Notolecta- 13
Angelus - 13
Sopo - 12

Honorable Mentions:
Shin - 11

At this time, the EBC would like to make its first prediction, that Writinglegend will return to the Senate. He's been leading the pack this whole time, and it would seem he's now pulled enough away to guarantee himself a seat. The other seats are still very open, with the number of votes likely remaining. Especially the bottom four, separated by only a vote.

The panel discusses the votes and what they mean for the election:
Panel said:
<Mousebumples> WL still in first, with 22 votes
<Mousebumples> kraken second with 20
<Mousebumples> drecq in third with 16
<Mousebumples> and then, this is where it starts to get interesting
<Mousebumples> we have 3 candidates with 13 votes - noto, anumia, and angelus
<Mousebumples> sopo has 12, which would win him the seventh seat
<Mousebumples> shin as 11, which would be just out of the senate
<Mousebumples> (SD: 8, pie: 5, apple: 3)
<Mousebumples> i think WL is probably save at this point - he has 11 more votes than the candidate who is placing 8th right now, and i don't know that there are enough votes out there to change that
<Mousebumples> kraken is also probably safe, but with the one or two votes that a lot of voters have been using, i'd probably prefer to see a few more votes come in before i call anything
<Mousebumples> drecq is also probably safe, but the same goes
<Mousebumples> however, with the way things are going, i could see noto, anumia, or angelus possibly being overtaken by sopo and shin
<Mousebumples> interesting since noto and anumia both started strongly this election and haven't been getting as many votes as of late
<Notolecta> All but one of the people you just named will make it though.
<Notolecta> Which one depends.
<Mousebumples> well, of course - largely probably dependent on who still has yet to vote
<Notolecta> It also depends on if it goes to a run-off.
<Mousebumples> yup
<Mousebumples> right now, none would be necessary, but who knows what's in store for the future
<Notolecta> In 5 way for 4 seats between that group to be honest I think shin falls through.
<Mousebumples> yeah, i could see that - however, he could get enough votes to not be subject to a run off
<Mousebumples> not sure who's all left to vote
<Mousebumples> we'll see, i suppose
<Notolecta> Of course.
<Notolecta> He also might be able to win some 1 on 1 run-offs depending on who against.
<Notolecta> I was more saying he probably suffers from a multi-candidate run-off.
<Mousebumples> ah, gotcha
<Mousebumples> i thought you were talking about in case of a 5-way-tie
Click to expand...
 
The panel talks about the close race, and the possibility of a runoff:
Panel said:
[10:00] <CalvinCoolidge> So, it looks like the bottom four seats are still wide open. Pretty interesting stuff.
[10:02] <PhDre> Yes, I think that it's curious that so many 'established' members are flirting with being the odd one out of the Senate
[10:03] == Kraketopia has joined #EBC
[10:03] <CalvinCoolidge> EBC has just predicted WL is returning to the Senate, with a huge number of votes. Any surprises that he is so far ahead?
[10:05] <Kraketopia> Not really, he's been a good Senator, and he's still new. Newer Senators tend to have high surges of votes.
[10:09] <PhDre> There is a tendency to reward newer Senators when they meet or exceed expectations. I think that's what we're seeing here
[10:11] <CalvinCoolidge> All right. So, does anything think we are looking at a runoff, with the votes being so close?
[10:13] <Kraketopia> It's hard to say, really.
[10:14] <CalvinCoolidge> I would say voters like elections, but I'm not so sure they would like them enough to go to a runoff. Voters might not cast their votes to create a tie.
[10:15] <CalvinCoolidge> They might cast them for the more safe candidates, or maybe for only some the contested seats.
[10:15] <CalvinCoolidge> *some of the
[10:15] <Kraketopia> We'll see. I'm not sure that people hate elections to the point of not voting for somebody they want to see in office.
[10:15] <Kraketopia> Also, some people love elections, so you could argue that somebody will vote to create a runoff.
[10:16] <CalvinCoolidge> That's true, I suppose.
[10:18] <PhDre> I see it other way around - there are a lot of people who like seeing runoffs and might 'throw' their vote in favor of one.
Click to expand...
 
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