[hider=Character Sheet]
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[h2]Howard "Hal" Hoke[/h2]

[sup][h3]46 (b. Jan. 3rd, 1971)[/h3][/sup]
[sup][h3]Republican, Chairman of the Liberty Caucus[/h3][/sup]
[sup][h3]North Carolina[/h3][/sup][/center]

[u]Appearance (Leave out if using an image above)[/u]:

[u]Biography[/u]:

Born in Boone, North Carolina to Patrick and Elisa Hoke, Howard "Hal" Hoke studied international politics at UNC Chapel Hill, working his way through college through scholarships and as a part-time mechanic, having learned the trade from his grandfather. It was during his studies that Hoke became greatly involved in campus politics, aligning with the Republican Party. Seeing that his education and future was secured by his own hard-work, Hoke proved a staunch advocate for the typical American dream of limited government and success through personal achievement.

Following college, Hoke worked as a staff assistant during the presidency of George H.W Bush, whereafter he served in multiple foreign posts around the Middle-East. His first major appointment was as ambassador to Syria in 2004, however he was recalled following the 2005 assassination of Lebanese President Rafiq Hariri. Although he would remain in the region, primarily within Iraq, in a variety of diplomatic roles, Hoke would grow increasingly critical of American policy, most especially in regards to what he saw as excessive interventionism.

Politically, Hoke became deeply involved with the Republican Liberty Caucus and regularly corresponded with libertarian Republicans. In 2008, having resigned from diplomatic service, Hoke would throw his hat into the ring for the 5th District of North Carolina, challenging the incumbent Virginia Foxx. Against the odds, Hoke would prove victorious, however observers cite less his own personal appeal and moreso the unfortunate health issues suffered by Foxx in the period preceding the selection, requiring her to bow out.

Since 2008, Hoke has managed to cling to his seat despite dissent from among his own. Nationally, Hoke made a name for himself by spearheading the 2011 creation of the House Liberty Caucus, pushing him forward among his peers and allowing him a unique spotlight that intrigued those of the left and the right. Although fiscally conservative, libertarian views on social policy and foreign affairs has forced Hoke to suffer a variety of accusations of immorality, weakness, and "Democrat-ness" that so far has not succeeded in forcing him out. Within the House, his main focus has been on his work within the Foreign Affairs Committee, specifically the Middle East and North Africa Sub-Committee, where he has levied his own insults focused on the failings of both the Bush and Obama Administration.

This 2016 election, dividing as it was, saw Hoke originally on the side of Rand Paul. However, following his departure from the race, Hoke controversially threw his support behind Donald J. Trump. While not particularly trusting in his rhetoric, Hoke justified his endorsement by stating that a Trump Presidency had the potential to not only shake up the corruption of D.C, but also usher in a better chapter for American foreign policy.

[u]Personal information[/u]:

In 1992, Hoke married his college sweetheart Lucy Reynard, with whom he has remained nearly inseparable from since the day. The two have one son - Randal Hoke - and two daughters - Ayn and Lindsay. The three work together to manage a technology company, operating it as a family business, though Hal himself is not involved in it.

[u]Positions[/u]:

Ambassador to Syria (2004-2005)
US House Representative (2008-Present)
Chairman of the House Liberty Caucus (2011-Present)
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