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Biography of Senator Robert Albion Name: Robert Franklin Albion Seat: U.S. Senator for Ohio (Republican) Party: Republican Avatar: Valéry Giscard D’Estaign Major Caucus: Mainstreet Republican Committee Special Talent: Lion (Boost to Legislative Influence) GENDER: Male: 0 points AGE: 70 years old: -5 points SEXUALITY: Straight, married with 3 children: -5 points RACE/ANCESTRY: White/Caucasian: 0 points RELIGION: Roman Catholic: 0 points EDUCATIONAL HISTORY: Bachelor’s Degree from a non-Ivy public university: 5 points Law degree from a top university: 5 points SOCIOECONOMIC HISTORY: Middle Class upbringing: 15 points CAREER HISTORY: Enlisted Military Service: 0 points Commissioned Officer: 10 points Lawyer: 10 points Business Executive (founded a mid-sized law firm in Ohio): 20 points POLITICAL EXPERIENCE HISTORY: State Legislature Term (upper house, Ohio Senate): 6 points (3 terms) U.S. House of Representatives: 9 points (3 terms) U.S. Senator: 10 points (2 terms, current) Senate Subcommittee Chair: 6 points (2 Congresses) Senate Committee Chair: 10 points (2 Congresses) KEY VOTES: 109th Congress (2005-2007) | Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR): Voted Yea Explanation: As a pro-business Republican, Albion supported free trade agreements that benefited U.S. businesses and enhanced economic ties with Central America. 110th Congress (2007-2009) | Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (H.R. 976): Voted Nay Explanation: Albion was cautious about expanding government healthcare programs, viewing this as a step toward broader government intervention in health care. 111th Congress (2009-2011) | Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010: Voted Nay Explanation: Although Albion later shifted on certain social issues, he voted in line with conservative views at the time, opposing the repeal of DADT in the military. 112th Congress (2011-2013) | American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012: Voted Yea Explanation: Albion supported tax relief measures and was pragmatic about avoiding the "fiscal cliff," despite some elements of the bill that raised taxes on high-income earners. 113th Congress (2013-2015) | Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013: Voted Nay Explanation: As a strong proponent of stricter immigration controls, Albion opposed this bipartisan effort, viewing it as too lenient on immigration reform. 114th Congress (2015-2017) | USA FREEDOM Act: Voted Yea Explanation: Albion supported the balance between protecting civil liberties and ensuring national security, voting in favor of this revision of the Patriot Act that limited mass data collection. 115th Congress (2017-2019) | Health Care Freedom Act of 2017: Voted Yea Explanation: Albion backed efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), advocating for market-driven healthcare solutions and fewer government mandates. 116th Congress (2019-2021) | Trump Impeachment Articles I and II: Voted Nay Explanation: Albion remained loyal to his party’s stance on impeachment and viewed the charges against President Trump as politically motivated and lacking sufficient grounds for removal. AWARDS AND EXTRAS: Published a political memoir: 10 points Related to a Famous Person (a cousin of a former Ohio governor): 20 points Total Points: 100 --- Senator Robert Albion: A Life of Service and Pragmatic Conservatism Robert Albion, the long-serving Republican Senator from Ohio, has spent his career walking a fine line between staunch conservatism and pragmatic bipartisanship. Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1954, Albion grew up in a working-class neighborhood, where he learned the value of hard work, family, and faith. His parents were devout Roman Catholics, and it was in their modest home where Albion developed a deep commitment to public service and his Catholic faith, two forces that would drive much of his career. Early Life and Education Albion’s upbringing was typical of middle-class Midwestern families in the 1950s and 60s. His father, a machinist at a local factory, worked long hours to provide for the family, while his mother stayed home to care for Robert and his three younger siblings. Though they lived modestly, the Albions never lacked for what mattered most: love, discipline, and a strong moral foundation. His parents taught him that success came through dedication and sacrifice, and that one’s duty to community was just as important as personal ambition. Academically gifted, Robert excelled in school, eventually earning a scholarship to Ohio State University, where he majored in Political Science. After graduation, Albion felt a call to serve his country, leading him to enlist in the military. Serving as a commissioned officer, he honed the leadership skills that would later define his political career. After his service, he attended Georgetown University Law Center, where he earned his law degree, setting him on a path to blend his legal expertise with his passion for public service. Launching His Career: Law and Politics Returning to Ohio after law school, Albion joined a local law firm but soon felt constrained by the limitations of private practice. He wanted to be part of something larger and more impactful. In 1983, he founded his own law firm, specializing in corporate litigation and government affairs. Over the years, Albion built a reputation as a savvy and respected lawyer, representing businesses throughout Ohio and advocating for policies that would strengthen the state’s economy. It was during this time that Albion became more involved in politics, realizing that the issues affecting Ohio's industries needed a stronger voice in the state legislature. Encouraged by local Republican leaders, Albion ran for the Ohio State Senate and won in 1994, beginning what would become a long and distinguished career in public office. As a state senator, Albion was known for his pragmatic approach. Though he was fiscally conservative and an advocate for small government, he also understood the importance of compromise and working across the aisle to achieve tangible results for his constituents. Albion’s time in the state legislature established him as a thoughtful, diligent lawmaker. He helped craft legislation that promoted business growth, protected workers’ rights, and modernized Ohio’s aging infrastructure. His ability to bridge gaps between different factions of the Republican Party, as well as between Republicans and Democrats, earned him the respect of his colleagues and the trust of his constituents. His reputation as a moderate conservative helped him secure three terms in the Ohio Senate. A New Chapter: The U.S. House of Representatives In 2006, at the age of 52, Albion decided to take the next step in his political career, running for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His platform focused on revitalizing Ohio’s manufacturing sector, reducing government regulation, and bolstering national defense. Albion's deep roots in Ohio, combined with his successful legal and state political career, gave him the edge in a competitive race, and he won by a comfortable margin. During his three terms in the House, Albion worked tirelessly on behalf of his district, championing legislation that benefited Ohio’s businesses and workers. A proponent of free-market principles, he supported tax cuts for small businesses and advocated for lowering regulatory barriers that he believed were stifling economic growth. At the same time, Albion was keenly aware of the social challenges facing his district, which had been hit hard by the decline of manufacturing and the opioid epidemic. He pushed for bipartisan measures aimed at economic recovery and workforce retraining programs, believing that government had a role to play in helping citizens adapt to the evolving economy. Albion’s pragmatic conservatism became a hallmark of his political ideology during these years. He aligned with his party on key fiscal and national security issues but was willing to break ranks when necessary. One of his most notable moments came during the 2008 financial crisis, when Albion voted in favor of a bipartisan bailout package designed to stabilize the financial system. Though many conservatives opposed the measure, Albion defended his vote as a necessary step to prevent an economic catastrophe that would have disproportionately affected middle-class families in Ohio and across the country. The U.S. Senate: A Career of Influence In 2012, Albion made the leap to the U.S. Senate, winning a hard-fought race to represent Ohio. His moderate stances and pragmatic approach to policy allowed him to appeal to a broad range of voters, from conservative Republicans to centrist independents. As a senator, Albion quickly rose through the ranks, earning a seat on key committees, including the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. Albion’s time in the Senate has been marked by his ability to navigate the complex dynamics of an increasingly polarized political environment. He has maintained his commitment to fiscal conservatism, advocating for balanced budgets, reduced government spending, and tax reform. At the same time, he has continued to prioritize bipartisan solutions, especially when it comes to national security and economic issues. One of Albion’s key legislative achievements came in 2017 when he played a pivotal role in passing a comprehensive tax reform bill that lowered corporate tax rates and simplified the tax code for small businesses. He argued that these reforms were essential to making American businesses more competitive globally, and that they would lead to greater investment and job creation in states like Ohio. However, Albion has also been willing to push back against the more hardline elements of his party. In 2013, he voted against the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, a comprehensive immigration reform bill supported by some Republicans. Albion believed the bill did not go far enough in securing the nation’s borders and that it granted amnesty too easily to undocumented immigrants. This vote solidified his reputation as a politician who balanced party loyalty with principled decision-making. Family and Faith Through it all, Robert Albion has remained deeply committed to his family and his faith. He has been married to his wife, Margaret, for over 40 years, and together they have raised three children, all of whom are successful in their own right. His Catholic faith continues to be a guiding force in his life, shaping his views on social issues and providing him with a moral framework for his public service. Albion often speaks of his faith as a source of strength and wisdom, particularly during the most challenging moments of his career. Looking Forward As Albion enters his 70s, he shows no signs of slowing down. His experience, combined with his pragmatic and moderate conservatism, makes him a respected elder statesman in the Senate. He continues to focus on issues that matter to his constituents—strengthening national defense, promoting economic growth, and protecting individual liberties. In an era of increasing political division, Robert Albion stands out as a leader who believes in the power of compromise and common-sense solutions, a voice of reason in an often chaotic political landscape. Whether shaping national policy or serving the people of Ohio, Robert Albion remains steadfast in his commitment to the values he learned growing up in Akron: hard work, service, and faith.

Approved, masked, and added to Senate Roster. Welcome back!

Approved, masked, and added to Senate Roster. Welcome back! Note that in our Senate roster, there is no class 2 Senate seat. Therefore, I've given you the Class III seat so you aren't facing re-election until 2028.

That's nice of you. When you pick a new state tag me and I'll get you approved right away.

Approved, masked, and added to Senate Roster. Welcome back!

2026 Q1 (12/3 - 12/11) Q2 (12/12 - 12/20) Q3 (12/21 - 12/31) CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY: 12/25 CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY: 1/1 Q4 (1/2 - 1/14) 119th Congress Closes: 1/7 Campaign Turn 1 Due (Congress): 1/8 Campaign Turn 2 Due (Congress): 1/10 Final Campaign Turn Due (Congress): 1/12 Election Day: 1/14

2025 Q1 (10/27 - 11/4) 119th Congress Opens: 10/30 Q2 (11/5 - 11/13) Q3 (11/14 - 11/22) Q4 (11/23 - 12/2) CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY: 11/28

2024 Q1 (9/20 - 9/28) 118th Congress Opens: 9/23 Q2 (9/29 - 10/7) Q3 (10/8 - 10/16) DNC & RNC Day 1: 10/15 DNC & RNC Day 2: 10/16 Q4 (10/17 - 10/26) 118th Congress Closes: 10/19 Campaign Turn 1 Due (POTUS & Congress): 10/20 Campaign Turn 2 Due (POTUS & Congress): 10/22 POTUS Debate: 10/22 Final Campaign Turn Due (POTUS & Congress): 10/24 Election Day: 10/26

2024: 9/20/24 - 10/26/24 2025: 10/27/24 - 12/2/24 2026: 12/3/24 - 1/14/25 The game calendar will generally be 1 IC year = 40 RL days with the goal of getting through at least 2 POTUS terms for the round. Election years are extended slightly while odd-numbered years may be a little shorter. The posts below will provide greater detail on IC dates and timelines.

In the case of conflicting info from RL and posted by an admin on the boards, the admin-posted content will supersede real life info. It's an important precedent, especially as we go through the round and IC diverges more and more from RL. The admin team holds the right to change info from RL.

Each quarter, the admin team will post a new report showing how much market share that each news outlet has for each demographic group.

This would be a club banger. I see what you mean about being able to remix it too, this song is dieing for a Tiesto-style remix.

Song Quality: 19.5 Starting Song Buzz: 32.6

Lead Admin: @TedderBear VGS Owner: @Conrad Admin Duties @Baudin: Congress & IVS @Conrad: Personal & State Events @TedderBear: Player Media & Webmaster @Terrus: Foreign Policy, Economics & Supreme Court @Tuna: Elections, Public Opinion & Approval Ratings @Vesica: Domestic Scenarios & Issues, Lobbyists

via @Conrad: Can we please be a little more expansive with our family history? Otherwise I will be forced to make people up. And they will be really embarrassing names. via @Tuna: There will be snap presidential and congressional elections (House + Senate) this cycle. So when choosing a biography, be aware of the fact that seats up for reelection in 2024 may be flipped by the opposing side. via @Conrad: Invision Power have agreed to provide me with a backup of the old forums, otherwise known as the database. This means that everyone’s work will not be lost to the annals of history. Should the migration to Tedder not work, I will likely no longer be owner of the game and will provide this database to whoever takes over. I hope this alleviates some concerns folks have.

Announcements from the admin team go here.

Colonies

Tour Name: One Shot Artist: Jaden "J-Dub" Williams City/County: Harris County (TX) - Houston Song #1: One Shot Song #2: Rise To The Top Song #3: Campus Vibes View full gig

Tour Name: Shattered Illusions Artist: Celeste Hart City/County: Mecklenburg County (NC) - Charlotte Song #1: Sunset Boulevard Song #2: Eternal Flame Song #3: Frozen in Time View full gig

I love the haunting guitar here! Well done.

Song Quality: 29.6 Starting Song Buzz: 127.9

I'm torn here. These lyrics are poignant and giving me Hans Zelmerlow vibes. But I think Suno let you down a bit here with the chorus. The guitar solo is nice, but it doesn't quite make up for the mediocre chorus for me.

Metal is one of the hardest genres, and you're killing it with this song. Very good.