Having realized his presence was best to be maintained in Ulterior until the final minute of his term elapsed, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus had his brother Gaius deliver his speech to the roman people, asking for their support for his candidacy for pro-praetor. The procession began at the Domus Aemilia Lepida and winded down the Vicus Cuprius. And with a turn down the Clivus Pullius, soon the small collection of nobleman and wealthy businessmen were met by a larger crowd gathered at the Statua Romuli. The people there appeared festive and applauded the arrival of the man from the Palentine in his purple-bordered toga. Gaius Aemilius did not have the show of professional bodyguard about him, yet he mingled with the suburan folk with great ease. Some hands were shaken and some smiles were exchanged and soon the entire collection of people set forth to march down the Clivus Suburbanus, passing under the Arcus Livius, to finally reach their destination at the Rostra.

“People of Rome, I come to announce the candidacy of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus for the office of ProPraetor. When Rome needed a steadfast man in the field to hold her armies together to face the Gallic onslaught in 190BC, who risked his life and generaled the only Roman victories that year and brought two rebellious cities to their knees holding no more that the title of legate? Yes, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus! In 189BC when our fair city was plagued with civil unrest and corrupted aediles, who stepped in and gave the people more spectacles within half a year as most aediles offer in entertainment in an entire year of service? Yes, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus!

“This is the man you have trusted and counted on time and time again. This past year you, the people of Rome, returned him at the top of the poll and entrusted him with the governorship of the wealthiest possession that the republic holds outside of Italy. And that faith you placed in him has been proven yet again. Your governor of Hispania Ulterior has maintained one of the largest fleets in the Mediteranian, patrolling the distant reaches of our sea and discouraging all piracy. Trade has boomed and the free flow of goods to Rome has seen stability in the marketplace.

“When the Germans crossed into Hispania Citerior, he mobilized three new legions in lightening speed, setting a wall to discourage the further invasion and securing his province. Not one drop of blood was shed to secure the peoples of Ulterior.

“The administration of Hispania Ulterior has been flawless. The judicial system has been fair and the law has been applied even handedly. The fiscal matters have been dealt with the utmost responsibility and Rome has received all taxes from a compliant and contributory populace. Indeed, despite all the maintenance and mobilization fees for the military might in his province, Lepidus completed his plans to upgrade the city of Aeminium, bringing further wealth and stability to that region for generations to come.

“People of Rome. You know this man Marcus Aemilius Lepidus as your brother. He has given to you and his country time and time again. He has answered every call to duty that has been placed before him. He has met every challenge that has been in front of him. All of us have benefited from his loyal service to Rome. And now he asks for your help. Allow him to serve you once more. Cast your vote for prosperity and security. Cast your vote for Marcus Aemilius Lepidus!