Connor Williams

Connor Williams was a major politician from the early 27th century. He was the sixteenth President of the Republic

Early Life

Connor Williams was born on Fort Pitcairn in 2585 to a middle class family. His father, Esorain Williams, was a lawyer and his mother, Gillian Williams nee Spence, was a doctor. His parents stressed the value of education, hard work, compassion and knowledge.

Connor grew up in a house where learning was put as a premium and he and his brother, Padraig, were both pushed to excel academically. They had a home tutor in addition to their schooling from the age of ten and then both were enrolled in a prestigious academy school.

Connor was a strong student, excelling in literature, citizenship and history. He was also active in the school community and took part in the school's organizing committee and student legislature.

Connor's parents were politically active, both of whom were progressives. Connor was taken to many SDP and Gurava rallies with his parents.

Personal Life

Connor met Alissa Williams (nee Pattersen) in 2614 at an SDP event. The two dated for three years before getting married in 2617.

Connor has one daughter, Alix Williams, who was born in 2620.

Connor converted to Valtinism whilst at Cydonia law school. By his own admission he "only attends a few times a year". He does not identify as a part of any faction but he has stated his concern about "the SAC's involvement in politics".

Connor Williams is known to enjoy badminton and golf. He began playing golf whilst he was a young lawyer in Cydonia and "got the bug for it." Connor reached a handicap of 11 as a golf player.

Connor Williams enjoys hiking, video-games and is a self confessed "addict to Road to the Stars", a long running media show.

Education & College

Connor attended Redfall College on Mars, for which he received a partial academic scholarship. His parents also pushed him to "work his way through college" and he worked in a cafe in his freshman year. He became very active in student politics, joining the SDP's student wing and also becoming part of the student union at Redfall.

Connor studied Political Science with a minor in Government and he confessed that "He had to work very hard to keep up with the brightest and best of the class". He wasn't part of any fraternity and did not overly socialize. Never the less, as a senior, he was named Student Union Vice President and in his year book for his graduating year, he was named "Most likely to be President" by his class-mates.

From his sophomore year, Connor was a volunteer in the office of Senator Braer Tanner (SDP), who at the time was in his first year in the senate.

He graduated with a BA in political science somewhere in the middle of his class.

Connor was sponsored by the Teacher's Union of the Republic (TUR) and Senator Braer Tanner to go to Cydonia Law School, where he studied his Juris Doctorate.

Connor admitted that "he did not enjoy his time at Cydonia College" stating that he saw a lot of elitism and classism. He enjoyed moot-courts and debate classes and involved himself in student politics.

Connor graduated in the top third of his class at law school. He turned down an offer from "Spellman & Glass", a Cydonia law firm and went to work for the Unions through the Cydonia City law firm "Watkins, Moureau & Honda".

Union Lawyer

Connor was named an Associate Counsel at his firm and his main clients were the TUR but he also worked for the powerful Civil Services Union. Connor's primary work was representing union members in unfair dismissal cases but he also worked in litigation cases.

Connor developed a reputation for his intelligence, his deal making abilities and his deftness. He only went to court five times on behalf of his clients.

Due to his Union connections, Connor's name began to be mentioned in political circles and the SDP began to see him as an attractive prospect.

In 2609 he met with Governor Braece Kirkbride (SPD) at a Union event. Governor Kirkbride took a liking to the young lawyer and offered him a route into the SDP and active politics.

According to the Governor:

Connor and I talked about either a spot on my staff, likely as comms director, or perhaps a senior role in the SDP policy shop. Connor was mulling it over and then blurted out 'what about the GA?'. I could tell he was actually serious and so I talked this out with my strategy team. We concluded that we could offer him something, probably in the '300s'. He just replied 'let's do it!'. From that, I knew he was going to go far in this business!

— Governor Brace Kirkbride

Connor attended the 2610 SDP convention, where he was a delegate and a nominee. The CSU and Teacher's Union both pushed hard for him but his youth and lack of experience stood against him and he was granted the #203 spot, which all but made it certain he would win a seat in the 2610 General Assembly

General Assembly Rep

Connor was elected to the General Assembly in 2610 and, at twenty five years old, was sworn in as one of the youngest GA reps.

Rep Williams made a few maverick choices on arriving in Dhaka. He did not hire an office, instead sharing an office with veteran Rep Claudine Spaer (SDP). He also saved money for expenses by hiring a small flat above the office as "it cuts down on my commute."

Rep Williams kept a small staff, with only two full time staffers working for him and the rest of his staff "even younger than him", according to Rep Spaer.

Rep Williams was initially assigned to the GA's Farming and Agriculture committee but he admitted that "he knew nothing about the subject" and initially found it very unrewarding. However, he knuckled down and became an active and inquisitive member of the committee.

In 2615, he had been noticed for his skillful debating technique, his skill with the press and his charisma. The SDP leadership decided to promote him and he moved to the Finance Committee, with a much more prominent role.

During his time in the GA, Rep Williams was seen as a member of the progressive wing of the party. He formed a strong working relationship with Rep Claudine Spaer, Rep Janice Potter and Rep Handley Dominguez.

Rising Star of the SDP

Rep Williams took part in several big media events including several televised debates and round-table events. He was deployed as a surrogate to Fort Kurzon, a somewhat thankless task for the SDP but he was praised for his charisma and his strong speeches.

On the GA's finance committee, he championed education spending, sensible tax reforms and strong support for social welfare spending. He clashed with Rep Willard Falk (ONX) in several heated debates on welfare spending.

Rep Williams was promoted to his first official leadership role in 2619, named as Deputy Chair of the SDP caucus. Roll Call named him as "the SDP's rising star" and his support among top Union leaders began to see his name mentioned for higher office.

The 2620 Convention

Going into the 2620 SDP convention, Rep Connor Williams was seen by some SDP members as a dark horse for the nomination, though few expected him to overcome Senator Keegan James, who had a huge amount of institutional support.

Rep Williams speech for the conference was very well received and he networked well. He spoke at length with Senator Braer Tanner and later admitted that "I very nearly dropped out and got behind him. Braer will always be a rock-star to me."

In the first ballot, Rep Williams got a credible number of votes and survived. He was courted by a number of candidates and the leading moderate, Rep Paxton Fields, approached him and presented him "a very attractive offer" to drop out.

Rep Williams held his ground and worked hard to keep his coalition together. Rep Fields saw a surge in support but Rep Williams also saw his support increase.

Going into the 3rd ballot, Rep Williams was offered to speak again and gave a passionate and impressive speech, where he called on the delegates to:"Vote for the person who inspires you, vote for the person who you think will make a good president. Vote for the person that makes you feel proud to be SDP."

The third ballot saw the two Senators; Keegan James and eventual winner Julianna Knottman, surge ahead. Rep Williams agreed to drop out at this point, calling for party unity.

The party leadership were hugely impressed and pushed him to make a senate run, which he agreed to do.

Rep Williams won a comfortable victory for the Senate on Fort Pitcairn and was sworn in as part of the new Senate class in 2620.

Senator

Senator Connor Williams joined the senate as a rising star and was seen by many within the SDP as "the future of the party". The young Senator was named to the Senate Judiciary Committee and also joined the SDP's fund-raising committee, which increased his power within the party.

Senator Williams took up his own offices, working out of the LaGunda Tower in Dhaka and he hired Osgrey Baskin to be his chief of staff. Senator Williams staff, which skewed young, expanded rapidly over his ten years in the senate.

Senator Williams also kept up his relationships in the GA, with his law-school friend and confidante, Rep Martina "Marty" Cursic often his go to ally and his key strategic adviser.

Senator Williams moderated some of his views during his time in the senate, becoming less of a firebrand and more open to consensus building and bi-partisanship.

He attempted to forge good working relationships with VPP and ONX. However, he did clash notably with Senator Kimmy Lozano (HOT) on a few occasions.

In 2625, Senator Williams began to draw up plans for a presidential run. He hired several top consultants to put together an exploratory committee and began to raise funds.

In 2628 Senator Williams formally set up a staff and offices on Whitworth. He began to meet with top SDP leaders and the momentum behind him began to increase.

SDP Nomination

At the 2620 convention, Senator Connor Williams was the clear front-runner but there were still a significant number of opponents and it was clear that there would be no coronation.

He faced challenges from Rep Caspar Schilling, son of the late President Walt Schilling , former Senator Keegan James, Governor Jayne Rochner and Rep's Jon Fiermont and Wednesday Alvarez.

Rep Schilling impressed the delegates with a powerful speech at the start of the convention and he saw his support surge. Whilst Senator Williams won the first ballot with 45% of the vote, this was not enough to secure the party's nomination.

Much of the party's progressive wing appeared to have rebelled against Senator Williams and support had split to Governor Jayne Rochner, the popular progressive governor and Rep Caspar Schilling.

Overnight, there was a great amount of deal making and wrangling, as various figures including Governor Braece Kirkbride, Finn Knottman and Rep Martina Cursic worked to try and ensure the party had a strong ticket.

On the second day of the convention, Rep Jon Fiermont and Rep Casavila both came out vocally in support of Senator Williams, boosting his support. The second ballot saw Senator Williams increase his support to 51% but this was still short of the 65% required to secure the nomination.

Between the second and third ballots, Senator WIlliams met with former Senator Keegan James and the two talked at length whilst the floor-leaders wrangled to try and find a consensus choice.

Keegan James then dropped out, throwing his support firmly behind Senator Williams. This was the progressive seal of approval and in the third ballot, Senator Connor Williams passed 70% of the vote, defeating Governor Jayne Rochner for the party's nomination.

Senator Williams and his team then met with the SDP strategists to talk about his pick for VP. Whilst the progressives wanted to see Governor Jayne Rochner on the ticket, Senator Williams instead offered the slot to Rep Casavila. The former Naval officer was seen as a moderate but would be a history making pick, if he won, he would be the first Indirian to be Vice President.

The ticket was confirmed that night and, out of the convention, they seemed to enjoy a huge lead going into the 2630 election.

"The SDP is the natural party of government in the Republic, as well as the party of social justice, of the rule of law, of the rule of democracy and of positive foreign policy. We will make right the wrongs of the prior government. But we will not wield a flaming brand and slash and burn. President Dando did her office proud with the creation of a Federal health-care service and will honour that, expand and protect that. We will also aim to continue efforts to strengthen the Republic's military."

"The SDP is the natural party of government in the Republic, as well as the party of social justice, of the rule of law, of the rule of democracy and of positive foreign policy. We will make right the wrongs of the prior government. But we will not wield a flaming brand and slash and burn. President Dando did her office proud with the creation of a Federal health-care service and will honour that, expand and protect that. We will also aim to continue efforts to strengthen the Republic's military."

— Senator Connor Williams

2630 Election

see 2630 Republic Election

Senator Williams went into the 2630 election as the front-runner with the SDP ahead by 6-8% at the start of the campaign. However, the SDP struggled to build on and maintain that lead and unpleasant echoes of the 2620 Republic Election came to the SDP leadership.

Rep Martina Cursic was named as campaign manager, with Mathie Santangelo named as a senior strategist. The SDP raised a huge amount of money and waged a pragmatic, positive and ideas based campaign.

The SDP won the 1st ballot with a narrow lead over Heart of Terra. In the 2nd ballot, it was even closer, with two recounts required before Senator Elsa Elkholm conceded the election

President of the Republic

President Connor Williams (SDP) was formally sworn in as President of the Republic on June 11th at 12:05 by associate Justice Eleanor Birch, the court's most senior liberal judge.

The new government issued its first formal statement at 13:00 stating that "Rep Martina Cursic has been appointed Chief of Staff to the President. The senior staff will be confirmed in the coming hours"

Coalition talks began immediately, with the left wing party's looking hard at a GA that had more than 50% for the National Patriotic bloc.

After weeks of negotiations, the SDP formed a coalition with Onyx and the VPP.

Senior Staff

• Chief of Staff - Martina Cursic (SDP)
• Deputy Chief of Staff - Kline Canterbury (SDP)
• Special Adviser - Jaimie Gebir (ONX)
• Senior Counsel - Mathie Santangelo (SDP)
• Senior Counsel - Padraig Williams (SDP)
• Senior Counsel - Claudine Spaer (SDP)
• Communications Director - Ainsley Adams (IND)
• Deputy Communications Director -Bethany Armitage (SDP)
• Press Secretary - Michelle Fox (SDP)
• National Security Adviser - Admiral Kelley Deakins (IND)
• Legal Counsel - Haskill Whittingham (SDP)

1st Williams Cabinet

• Vice President - Casavila (SDP)
• Attorney General -Vondell Hopkins (ONX)
• Secretary of Defence - Kevan Sondeheim(ONX)
• Foreign Secretary -Dr Carpenter Rufus (VPP)
• Treasury Secretary - Haswell Riesner(SDP)
• Interior Secretary -Violetta Garza (VPP)
• Intelligence Secretary -Connie Baxter (SDP)
• Trade & Transport Secretary Bradley Newsome(ONX)
• Education & Skills Secretary -Susanne Potter(SDP)
• Culture Secretary -Sita Panikkar (SDP)

As the President's Chief of staff, Martina Cursic was also named to the 2630 cabinet.

The Moderate Coalition

Under President WIlliams, the SDP formed a coalition with Onyx and VPP, leaving KA and the now wiped out RCP out of their coalition. As a part of their coalition agreement, Onyx appointed Jaimie Gebir to the senior staff as a Special Adviser.

The coalition actually managed to cooperate well, though Onyx made it very clear that they would not back any increase to the wealth tax, though they did agree to a luxury tax and a capital gains tax.

New Berlin Crisis

Governor Madolyn Weston (IND) passed away in 2629. She was replaced by Lt-Governor Gunther Reiss. The Bunde-Schutzen and its political arm, the New German Republican party (NGR). Joachim Kohler was the NGR candidate for Governor and faced competition from Finn Knottman (SDP) and Torsten Emmerhard (IMP).

The election was cancelled after accusations of off-world intervention. An executive committee of General Hafir (chief of staff of the Bunde-Schutzen), Acting Governor Gunther Reiss and Joachim Kohler (NGR).

General Hefir was assassinated in 2630 and there was an attempted coup launched by the Federal Guard, the planet's professional armed forces.

New Berlin had fallen into what could only be described as a state of civil war.

President Williams suspended all Federal aid and payments to New Berlin and deployed the Marine 15th Rifle Division to New Berlin to enforce security on Federal bases.

Nova Terra Tensions

There were a series of terrorist attacks on Nova Terra and St Lawrence as Burning Path appeared to attack the Rangers and sites on Nova Terra.

There was escalating tensions on Nova Terra and President Williams agreed to deploy the Marine 3rd Air Landing Division to Nova Terra to help protect Federal facilities.

The crisis on Nova Terra appeared to die down very quickly.

Crime in the Republic

Since 2628 there had been an increase in drug related violence and violent crime across the Republic. Organisations such as the Black Dragon Yakuza, Torment and the Therien Brotherhood were heavily involved in an increasing drugs trade.

The RFP were deployed to try to crack down on the drugs trade and the RFP won a significant victory against Torment on Whitworth as a part of Operation Crystal Pier.

The President also moved to get additional resources granted to the RFP to help deal with the crime wave in the Republic.

Expansion of Federal Healthcare

As per the SDP campaign, President Williams had promised to increase the funding and scope of the Federal Healthcare provision. Significant money, much of it private donations including a major donation from House Knottman, helped to fund a large scale expansion of the healthcare service.

This was achieved over strong objections of Heart of Terra, who felt that the budget did not contain enough money for law enforcement.

Intervention on New Berlin -Operation Grandstand

After a vote in the legislature on the New Berlin Security Act of 2631, the President signed Executive Order 2999 which would deploy 100,000 marines to New Berlin as a part of Operation Grandstand to enforce the peace between the warring factions.

In 2633 an additional 100,000 marines were also deployed to the planet. The peace-keeping force was largely successful in stopping major battles but there were ongoing skirmishes and the peace-keepers came under fire from snipers on many occasions.

National Service Instituted

As per the coalition agreement with Onyx, a vote to institute national service in the Republic was brought forward. There were objections from the libertarians in Heart of Terra and some of the progressives, with KA strongly opposed to it.

VPP had not agreed to back this measure, as per the coalition agreement but in the end National Service was brought back in 2634.

Mid-Term Reshuffle

In 2635 as per convention in the Republic, the cabinet handed in their resignations to give the president the option to hire them or not. The coalition was thought to have been very effective and stable.

Martina Cursic, the president's chief of staff, stood down in 2635 citing exhaustion and the need for "new blood" at the top of the President's staff.

Senior Staff

• Chief of Staff - Sita Panikkar (SDP)
• Deputy Chief of Staff - Atif Zafar (SDP)
• Special Adviser - Jaimie Gebir (ONX)
• Senior Counsel - Padraig Williams (SDP)
• Senior Counsel - Kline Canterbury (SDP)
• Communications Director - Michelle Fox (SDP)
• Deputy Communications Director -Alvi Sabian (SDP)
• Press Secretary - Mathis Devlin (SDP)
• National Security Adviser - Lt-General Sophie Herring (IND)
• Legal Counsel - Bogdan Lucetti (SDP)

2nd Williams Cabinet

• Vice President - Casavila (SDP)
• Attorney General -XXXX (XXX)
• Secretary of Defence - XXXX (XXX)
• Foreign Secretary -Dr Carpenter Rufus (VPP)
• Treasury Secretary - Haswell Riesner(SDP)
• Interior Secretary -Violetta Garza (VPP)
• Intelligence Secretary -Connie Baxter (SDP)
• Trade & Transport Secretary XXXX (XXXX )
• Education & Skills Secretary -XXXX (XXXX)
• Culture Secretary -XXXX (XXXX)