Compromses and Passions, Chapter 4

the senate (Photo credit- Jeremiah Lorrig. This picture was really taken at a mock senate called "IGovern", but I thought it may serve as good illustration for this senate scene. Although "Van Fordley" is nowhere to be found in this picture, lets imagine she is there ;)))

Disclaimer: I know many awesome people with the name "Michele", I'm not targetting anybody in particular... I just thought the name sounded catchy with "Van Fordley" :)
Also, sadly, Van Fordley's crime were extremely common in the early 1800s.  I was going to choose a more serious crime, but I decided "this seems exciting!"





All this time, behind the scenes was Michele Van Fordley.  Van Fordley was a crafty politician from the state of New York and also Secretary of State, with dyed red hair and piercing eyes she approached President Dickinson. "Van Fordley! we meet again!" Dickinson smiled. "Mr.President, I just came back from the nullification convention in South Carolina... spying." Van Fordley said with confidence. "Spying? well done my dear!" replied Dickinson.  Van Fordley looked down; "That former Vice President of yours nearly caught me though!"   Just as she said that, Senator Emily Hausheer indigantly opened the door and approached the president and Van Fordley. To the president she said; "I came to make sure you received my resignation." "I did." replied Dickinson. The senator then exited.


Sen.Hausheer was elected Minority Leader, and served the senate. During that senate term, she united with Ryan McDonald and Danielle Jack to help block President Dickinson's policies.  These senators were called the "Great Triumvirate."

Van Fordley was elected to the senate as part of the same party the Great Triumvirate was in, but had a sinister purpose in mind.  Van Fordley was still a spy for the president, she beat Senator Hausheer for being minority leader by one vote. Ryan McDonald accidently stumbled upon Van Fordley giving party information to the president and the opposite party.  Van Fordley then through her charm, convinced the Whig Party who she was minority leader for that she was one of them. Many of the Whigs fell for her trap, except Senators Jack and Hausheer. Hausheer accidently picked up a paper she thought was her own, but then discovered it was from Van Fordley's pile.... information on how to destroy the Whigs from within.   Senator Hausheer approached her and said; "I'll forgive you for your crime, if you promise never to do it again!" Van Fordley just smiled. Later that night Van Fordley approached the president and still gave party information.  The senate investigated and was shocked to find she wasn't just spying, she rigged the previous election to put the blame on Danielle Jack. Senate Majority Leader for the Democrats, Paul Breakinridge was shocked, he knew that Hausheer spoke the truth. In his heart, Breakinridge wanted to follow her, but something stood in the way. Van Fordley controlled most of New York, and he was a senator from New York. If Breakinridge stood against her, his political career would be dead. Paul sat back in his chair and regretfully supported Van Fordley. Danielle was outraged! how could somebody support such a criminal? Also, Danielle Jack was amazed how Senator Hausheer could actually forgive such a traitor. Hausheer looked down, "I couldn't believe she'd actually do it still!"   One option was left, expulsion.  Senator Van Fordley was expelled from the senate for high crimes and misdemeanors. Hausheer decided she was more effective as a prominent senate leader. She wasn't in any official party leadership office, other then what she called "a plain senator" but in reality, Hausheer along with Jack and McDonald became on of the most prominent senators to serve. The Great Triumvirate became better known then the actual floor leaders! Charismatic and cheerful Dani Jack of Kentucky orator and passionate Ryan McDonald of Massachusetts, and thoughtful and stubborn Emily Hausheer of South Carolina.

President Dickinson had spies and was sending troops to South Carolina.  Against the cold snow, and sparkling marble of DC a intense quite prevailed. “President Dickinson! You are out of your mind!” protested Danielle Jack.  “President Dickinson, listen to me!” Senator Andrew Robertson of Maine tried to get his attention “I’m your political supporter, but this has gone too far! Remove your troops from South Carolina at once!” Dickinson just smirked.   The senators heads turned towards…. Emily Hausheer, having been elected by a landslide to the United States Senate, shortly after resigning the Vice Presidency.   Senator Hausheer took the floor, looked President Dickinson right in the eyes.  “Mr. President, you are violating several amendments. I’ll start with the forth, arresting citizens without warrant. Shall I continue? The first violating free speech. And….” “Silence!” the president demanded. Senator Luke Douglas also of South Carolina took the floor “Mr.President, what right have you to silence a senator?” Andrew Dickinson was silent.  “I move for censure!” demanded Danielle Jack.  The senate passed a censure on President Dickinson, he couldn’t be impeached since he controlled the media and the citizens were ignorant of his deeds. South Carolina wasn't backing down and neither was Dickinson.  After the censor however, Dickinson was forced to remove troops and peace was restored.