Federation News Service/Ambassador Lily Ventu announces campaign for the presidency

			Federation News Service

Ambassador Lily Ventu announces camapign for the presidency By Tellaria D'Sol Stardate 239201.17 Ambassador Lily Ventu, formerly of Starfleet, is the first candidate to officially throw her hat into the ring in the upcoming United Federation of Planets Presidential Election. EARTH — A stunning development today as Ambassador Lily Ventu formally announces her candidacy for the Presidency of the United Federation of Planets. We go now to the Starship Britannia, where Ambassador Ventu made her announcement earlier this morning. From the bridge of the hospital ship Britannia, base of operations for Fleet Captain Hayden Reynolds, partner of Ambassador Lily Ventu. In the holo-announcement, the fleet captain stands behind the ambassador with his senior staff arrayed behind him. "I am announcing today my candidacy for the Presidency of the United Federation of Planets." "The Presidency is the most powerful office in the great republics of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Its great mantle provides the ability to provide for the many and varied citizens of the Federation and its allies. The years that immediately follow will involve many vital decisions for our citizens, including our response to the incursions and aggressive motions made by the Klingon Empire -- to new alliances and old partnerships between ourselves, new neighbors, and the beneficiaries of renewed commitments -- and to the role of the Starfleet and all our other wings of exploration as we push beyond known space." "Our preparation for the twenty-fifth century forces the people of the great Federation to choose carefully its direction in a new century. I urge them to choose carefully. In my many years of service as a Starfleet officer and as a Federation ambassador, I have encountered policies that embrace a desire for war, that would seek to minimize exploration and peace, that would turn us from our peaceful, prosperous life and the destiny that we have made for ourselves throughout the Federation's long life. I intend to ensure the prosperity and perseverance of our citizens, and it is upon this foundation that I wish to become your president." Many on Earth know Ambassador Ventu for her narrow defeat by Malcolm von Tesch in the 2389 special election to succeeded deceased Federation Councilor Kasumi Shakaturi. In the time since, the Ambassador has returned to the diplomatic corps, being assigned to the Menthar Corridor and the surrounding area and neighboring powers. A recipient of the Campbell Award and the Cochrane Medal of Honor, Ambassador Ventu was formerly a noted Starfleet psychologist and commander of Starbase 118, before resigning her commission to play a key part in the development of the Thracian Alliance. Her career since then, baring her defeat in the 2389 election, has been impressive, and she has handled more than 30 first contact situations. With her impressive career both in Starfleet and the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Ventu is seen as a natural candidate with broad experience in many fields, but not all reactions are supportive. A Natural Choice? "I mean who is she really? A psychologist turned failed Starfleet Captain and Ambassador to nowhere? I cannot believe Ambassador Ventu thinks she has a chance of winning this election." - Mara Kell, Former Junior Councilor from Betazed. "I served with Ambassador Ventu back when she was a Commander in Starfleet, she was a fine officer and has made an equally fine, if not better, diplomat. She's a natural peacemaker and a compassionate woman, that has experience in all major areas. She's got foreign policy experience, military credentials and is a decorated scientist. She wants to bring the Federation back on course for a shinning new century, she has my support and I'm sure much of the fleet as well." -Lieutenant Commander Lara Godolphin, Instructor, Starfleet Academy. "While I supported Ambassador Ventu in her quest to become Earth's junior Councilor, I think she's jumped the gun by declaring her candidacy, I mean must I remind everyone that the most important prospective candidate, the incumbent President herself, has not yet declared one way or another? We should hold all speculation of other candidates until President Bacco announces her decision to run again or not." - Maronida Shiir, FNS contributor. Given her extensive experience, no one seems to be doubting that Ambassador Ventu is somewhat qualified to be President, but it begs the question of just how much of a viable candidate she is. She has attracted only minor buzz since her electoral defeat 3 years ago but her natural ability and popular platform made her defeat an electoral upset. Should President Bacco not run, Ambassador Ventu would be the popular candidate for those in the Federation who call themselves 'idealists', committed to the virtues upon which the Federation was founded and continuing to push them as we inch closer and closer to the next century. Her previous endorsements by popular columnist Maronida Shiir and various retired Starfleet officials and civilian leaders were strong pushes in her campaign three years ago, but it is unknown if these will earn her the same respect on a Federation-wide scale. Regardless, should President Bacco not run, Ambassador Ventu's early announcement will certainly help her in the long run as she will have several weeks ahead of every other candidate and will have the limelight all to herself. Perhaps this is all the time Ambassador Ventu will need in preparation for the most intensive part of the campaign. For FNS, this is Tellaria D'Sol, signing off. Reporting for the Federation News Service from FNS Headquarters in Paris. About the FNS • FNS Forum •FNS Data Feed • FNS on FB • Join the FNS Team

	SD 239201.16 • Sol Sector Edition