Romano Fails Confirmation; Kolbes Narrowly Passes

MAVOCKE--The House of Delegates spent nearly half of working time on Thursday holding confirmation votes on several Cabinet nominations from Collester.

Among them was Bill Kolbes, President Byelle's nominee to replace out-going Environment Secretary Emily Savage. Kolbes is a former oil executive from Wellington, with long connections with the Byelle family. His past in the oil industry had many in the House and National Assembly bitterly opposed to his nomination.

"How can someone who worked in the oil industry, an industry that has done nothing but brutally harm and rape the environment for decades, be qualified for the position of Environment Secretary? How is that possible? It just doesn't make sense," said Rep. Bob Luego (N-WEL).

Dlg. Grace Kemp led the fight against Kolbes in the House, saying he is "a vicious enemy of the environment, and a Byelle crony."

Even some fellow Conservatives had apprehensions about Kolbes' nomination. Six of them voted against him. They include Victoria Albright (CEA), Brian Altamont (DMG), Greg Baxter (TRI), Brian Brown (TRI), Steven McIntosh (LIA), and Lee Schefsky (CAR).

Despite all of the criticism of Kolbes and his oil-man past, he still was confirmed--but narrowly. His nomination was passed by one vote, 28-27.

Other Cabinet nominees sailed through confirmation. Dr. Cornelius Savage, nominee for Secretary of Economy, passed by a vote of 41-14. Brad Davidson, nominee for Sec. of National Security, passed with a vote of 33-22, and Leann Foster-Townman, nominee for Sec. of Taxation and Currency, passed with a vote of 37-18. All three previously served as Under-Secretaries in their departments.

But Benita Romano, President Byelle's nominee for Secretary of Transporation, struggled in her pursuit of confirmation. Since Byelle nominated her a week ago, she has faced heavy criticism from delegates of all parties for her work as Under-Secretary at the Transportation Department. Her former boss, Sec. Claude Gormasson, also came under heavy fire after a string of small plane crashes happened in early 2007. The agency, led by Gormasson and Romano, was criticized for its slow response to the series of crashes and its bungled investigations.

"We did have some problems within the department during the period of time that this series of crashes occurred. I know that. I'm aware of that," Romano defensively told delegates during confirmation hearings.

Following the agency's poor response to the crashes, Sec. Gormasson was pressured to step down by several delegates and representatives. He did not immediately step down, and President Byelle did support him initially. However, two weeks ago, Gormasson announced he was leaving the department. He denied, though, that his departure was related to the scandal at the department.

When Gormasson resigned, it was logical for the president to nominate his Under-Secretary, Benita Romano. However, many on Capitol Hill felt Romano was partially responsible for the department's lackluster response to the airplane crashes, and questioned her nomination.

In a heated exchange with Dlg. Hanna Gorbachy (N-MON), Romano defended her performance as Under-Secretary.

"I know what I'm doing. I have served as the director of inland communications, and subsequently as the Under-Secretary of this department..."

"I'm not asking you for your resume, Ms. Romano. We know your credentials and employment history. I'm asking for an explanation as to why your department did such a poor job, and I'm asking you to tell us how someone like you, who was heavily involved in this scandal, can re-gain the trust of the department and its workers and can re-gain the trust of the Grassadellan people," Gorbachy said. "How can you bring the agency credibility when you were deeply embedded in the one of the worst controversies to rock this department in recent memory?"

"I don't know how to respond to that...I just don't," Romano replied.

"I know. You have no explanation for it. And that's because you are not fit for this position. You were deeply involved in the scandal, personally responsible, to an extent, for the agency's slow response...I'm not saying it's all your fault. It's not. It is mostly Secretary Gormasson's fault, and others in Congress. But you do share a portion of the responsibility, don't you agree?"

"I do. I do share a portion, but a small portion. And the fact is, that under my leadership, this department will thrive. It will move beyond where we were three, four, even six months ago. Under my direction, this department is going to make some serious changes," Romano vowed.

Romano and Gormasson were not the only ones facing fire during the airplane crash scandal. Dlg. Brian Brown (C-TRI), head of the House Transportation Committee, became a lightning rod for criticism from many in Congress for his seemingly inadequate job of working on the case.

Still, despite all the criticism, some delegates came to Romano's defense. Dlg. Sam Byelle (C-CAR) said Romano is "independent from the problems that have plagued the department of transportation. She is a different person than Claude Gormasson. They are not the same and she would do a different job as Secretary."

But Byelle's confidence in Romano was not enough. She failed confirmation by a vote of 29-26. Afterward, Romano said she was disappointed but respected the members' votes.

Collester was also taken by surprise at Romano's failed confirmation.

"We knew she would face some criticism, but we didn't expect so many within the Conservative Party to turn against her," said Press Secretary David Arnett.

Eight Conservative delegates voted against confirming Romano. Those included Brian Altamont (DMG), Greg Baxter (TRI), Brian Brown (TRI), Robert Hannity (MON), Steven McIntosh (LIA), Richard Parker (TRI), Lee Schefsky (CAR), and Adam Schindler (REM).

Upon hearing the results from Romano's failed vote, Collester announced a new nominee at around 3:30 PM today. President Byelle has now nominated Clayton Ashton, former head of the department's Armana division, to head the entire department. Ashton will face confirmation next Thursday. If confirmed, Ashton would become the first Asian-Grassadellan to head the Department of Transportation.

NATs: Cabinet Resignations Signal Trouble In Byelle Administration

MAVOCKE--Nationalist politicians and party activists say the recent resignation of several of President Byelle's key Cabinet members signal trouble within the Administration.

Speaking to the Mavocke Capitol newspaper, Ast. Min. Ldr. Dlg. Bruce Kellney (N-TRI) said the resignation of Dr. Ann Kocheni, Dpty. Sec. of Health, Sec. Emily Savage of the Environment Department, and Sec. Dr. Helen Parnamy of Tax/Currency Department are "a sign of trouble within President Byelle's Administration."

Kellney told the newspaper the resigning Cabinet members are "jumping ship" and are "trying to leave a failing presidency before it spirals further out of control."

"The people that are leaving are not leaving because they have better job opportunities, although I'm sure they could get better job offers," Kellney said. "They're leaving because they know that President Byelle is going under and they'd rather leave now while they can rather than wait until it's too late."

Other delegates showed similar signs of concern. Even Conservative Delegate Brian Altamont (C-DMG) told the West Lake Register newspaper that he was 'worried' that "so many Cabinet officials are leaving all at once."

Kellney was joined by House Minority Leader Dlg. Shay Robertson (N-DMG), who said the resignations proved "there is a lack of management within the Administration."

But Collester denies Kellney and Robertson's assertions. Press Secretary David Arnett said the resignations "are happening for different reasons unrelated to politics or turmoil within the Administration."

"These people are leaving for different reasons. Some are leaving because they've found different, better-paying jobs. Others are leaving because they want to seek elected office. And even others are leaving because they just want to spend more time with their family and a full-time job in Mavocke cannot sustain a family-friendly lifestyle."

But Arnett denied suggestions from reporters that the announced candidacies of Ann Kocheni and Helen Parnamy were signs of disagreement between Collester and Cabinet members.

Both Kocheni and Parnamy announced they will be launching campaigns for the House of Delegates in coming months--but neither will run as a Conservative. Kocheni, a self-proclaimed "life-long Nationalist", will be running as an NAT in Carova, while Parnamy will be running as an Independent in Damoign.

GNN Mavocke Correspondent Tracey Fitzgerald asked Press Secretary Arnett if the fact that Kocheni and Parnamy are running for office under opposing parties troubles the President.

"No, the President is not bothered by their candidacies because he feels that every person should be entitled to their own political feelings and affiliations, and he feels no responsibility or obligation to hold them to the Conservative Party."

Arnett added that the departures of Kocheni and Parnamy are not signs the two former Cabinet members are "turning their backs on the Conservative Party or the President" because "neither of them were members of the Conservative Party to begin with."

GNN Political Analyst James Madine agreed with Arnett's comments.

"Ann Kocheni has already admitted she has always been affiliated as a Nationalist, so I don't think she's 'turning her back' on the Conservative Party like some in the media have been suggesting," Madine said. "Now, she may be turning her back on the President. She may be doing that. But not on the Conservative Party."

Other Cabinet members also announcing their resignations Monday included Sec. of National Security Robert Austin, Sec. of the Economy Kevin P. Hindricks, Sec. of Transportation Claude Gormasson, Dpty. Sec. of the Environment Brian W. Goldman, Dpty. Sec. of Social Services Elizabeth Parker, and Dpty. Sec. of Statistical Services John Oakes.

Claude Gormasson's resignation was expected after the former Transportation Secretary came under fire for his department's handling of several recent airplane crashes. His agency came under scrutiny after 13 small planes crashed in Grassadellan air space, killing a combined total of 21 people. The Transporation Department was criticized for its slow response and seeming incompetence and irresponsible investigations. Dlg. Brian Brown (C-TRI), who heads the House Transportation Committee, also came under fire for his handling of the tragedies. Calls for Gormasson's resignation and Brown's resignation from the House Transporation Committee, have been coming since the first plane crash in northeaster Ceona happened back in April, killing 13 people on board.

Ritegia Arrested; Assaults Bouncer At Night Club

KOKOMOKALO, DMG--Actress and model Maria Ritegia was reportedly arrested Monday night outside a prominent Kokomokalo night club, where she had participated in a fashion show earlier in the evening.

According to police reports, several guests at the club had complained to club security about Ritegia's behavior. She appeared to be drunk and was behaving belligerently and becoming violent with fellow guests. After receiving complaints, club bouncers confronted the model; asking her to leave. She refused, and then reportedly assaulted one of the security bouncers; hitting the man on the head with her purse.

Police were then called to the scene and, after administering a breathalizer test, arrested her for public intoxication and assault. Court records show Ritegia had a blood alcohol level of .12, fourt tenths over the legal limit. She was then taken to a sub station on the city's north west side, where she spoke with her lawyer, and was released at about 11:00 PM.

Ritegia did not linger in Grassadella City following her arrest and subsequent booking at the local jail. After being released, she got on a Treeton-bound flight that left King Andrew Int'l Airport at 6:00 AM, arriving in Treeton at 10:00 AM.

Upon hearing of her arrest, local and national media congregated at the Ritegia residence in the Treeton suburb of Northcrest. There were so many media outside Ritegia's home, police came and asked them to move their vehicles because satellite trucks were blocking parts of the street Ms. Ritegia and her husband, Andrew, live on.

The Grassadellan Association of Contracted Models (GACM) said in a statement that it "does not condone Ms. Ritegia's actions and is seeking justice in the case." GACM Vice President Victoria Mitchell told GNN NEWS via telephone Tuesday that the Association, which co-sponsored the Kokomokalo fashion show Ritegia had appeared in directly before the assault incident, knew nothing of Ritegia's behavior or apparent intoxication.

"She appeared at and participated in our fashion show at 6:00 PM that evening, and after that, we didn't see her or stay in contact with her. We had no idea she was drunk or involved in a dispute with club patrons, and we take no responsibility for her actions," Mitchell said.

Mitchell added that she is "disappointed if the allegations against her [Ritegia] are true."

"We certainly believe that models, just like every other celebrity, should hold the highest moral and ethical standards," Mitchell said.

Outside Ritegia's home, among the mass media presence, were ten protestors, holding signs that read "Models Are Supposed To Be ROLE-Models" and "Assault Is Never An Option."

Ritegia refused to speak with members of the media. Her publicist, Ann Conway, also declined to comment on the case.

GNN NEWS has confirmed, however, that Ritegia has officially been charged by a prosecuting attorney in Damoign. She is facing one count of public intoxication (2nd degree) and one count of assault (3rd degree). Her first court appearance is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 4th at 9:00 AM in Kokomokalo.

Symbolic Measure Condemning Byelle's Immigration Quotas Fails

GNN NEWS--Politics

MAVOCKE--Nearly a month after the Grassadellan Head Court upheld President Byelle's Immigration Quota program as legal, the House of Delegates and National Assembly attempted to pass a symbolic resolution that would have condemned the program.

Led in the House by Dlgs. Debbie Madronas (N-DMG) and Hanna Gorbachy (N-MON), Nationalists and some moderate Conservatives voted for the symbolic resolution. The resolution failed, however, by a vote of 31-24. A similar outcome came out of the National Assembly, with 142 voting against the resolution, and only 128 voting for it.

The program puts a quote on the number of immigrants that can come to Grassadella from countries that are dubbed "terrorist-states" or "rogue nations." Immigrants are still allowed to become Grassadellan citizens, but few immigrants are accepted from these countries compared to other nations not on the terrorist list.

Dlg. Gorbachy told the GBC that the President's program, which is run in cooperation with the Dept. of National Security, "wreaks of Hitler-era practices," and is "cruel and discriminatory."

Even Conservative Delegate Victoria Albright (C-CEA) said the "Quota program is insulting to Arabs and citizens from other countries."

But other Conservatives defended the program, citing terrorism, not hatred and discrimination as the reason for the program's existence.

"This isn't about hate. This isn't about discriminating against people from Arab nations. This is about protecting our country," said Dlg. Chuck Danbury (C-ARA).

House Majority Leader Dlg. Joan Fhonda said the program is perfectly legal and should be used without limitation.

"Many of the people coming into our country, or attempting to come into our country, are terrorists and radical Muslims. The last thing we're going to do, is let them cross our borders and come into our country," Fhonda said.

"I don't care if the Nationalists say it's discrimination...it's not. It's called protecting our country. It's called common sense. You don't let crimninals inside your borders. You don't open up your country to the very people who want to kill you," Fhonda continued.

President Byelle pointed out that the Head Court upheld the program's legality, and also reminded offended lawmakers that the program does allow people from the targeted or "black-listed" countries to immigrate to Grassadella, but that it is vey selective about who can and cannot enter the country.

"The purpose of the program is not to discriminate against people of a specific ethnicity or nationality. It is simply to make sure we're not letting in foreign terrorists."

Back in January, the Head Court ruled 6-3 that the program was legal, but recommended some changes be made to it. In July, the updated version of the program was taken to the high court once again, and this time, the court approved it by a vote of 5-4.

Dlg. Gorbachy told GNN NEWS that "the bigotry and discrimination conveyed through this program would not happen under a Nationalist President or Nationalist Congress."

"This would never happen with Nationalists in power. That's why in 2008, we're going to make sure that a Nationalist is elected President and that a Nationalist majority is elected into the House and Assembly, so we can change the laws of radicalism that have been promoted and perpetuated by this Administration and Congress."

More Cabinet Members Leaving Byelle Administration

GNN NEWS--Politics

Following Dr. Ann Kocheni's lead, several other prominent members of President Byelle's Cabinet have announced their resignations.

Last week, Kocheni, who is the Deputy Secretary of Health, announced she is resigning her post to run for delegate in Carova. On Friday, more officials announced they too are leaving. Among them, Dr. Helen Parnamy, Sec. of Taxation/Currency; Robert Austin, Sec. of National Security; Emily Savage, Sec. of the Environment/Protected Lands; Kevin P. Hindricks, Sec. of the Economy; and Claude Gormasson, Sec. of Transportation.

Three other Deputy Secretaries are expected to announce their resignations on Monday, as well, according to an Administration official, who asked not to be identified due to protocol which prohibits members of the Administration talking to the media on resignations.

Furthermore, the same source told GNN NEWS that there are other Cabinet members that will step down later on this year, sometime before or after Christmas.

As for now, Kocheni and Parnamy will be running for office--but not as Conservatives. Kocheni will be running on the NAT ticket in Carova, while Parnamy will be running as an Independent in her home state of Damoign.

On Thursday, President Byelle told a reporter at a press conference that he was "disappointed" Kocheni was running as a Nationalist, but he also added that Mrs. Kocheni, who describes herself as a "lifelong Nationalist," "has the right and freedom to choose who she wants to be and is not obligated to be apart of one party or another."

Kocheni, who is the first Asian-Grassadellan to work as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Health, said she was "honored" to have served as long as she did, during both President Byelle's Administration and former President David Houston's four-year term as well.

"I have enjoyed the last eleven years. I will always treasure my time at the Department of Health. At this time, though, I feel called away from the Department, and instead believe I should run for delegate in Carova," Kocheni said. "I feel I can take what I've learned at the department and use it productively in the House of Delegates."

There is still speculation that Dr. Megan Sellious, Sec. of Education, may run for delegate in Ceona. However, Sellious has denied any plans to do so for the past several months. There was also rumor last month that Dep. Sec. of Education, Deborah Nassey, was leaving her post to run for delegate in Lial. Nassey also denied those rumors.

There is no word on who will replace the departing members of the Cabinet. President Byelle's Press Secretary did tell reporters that "the President is considering some very qualified people to take over these positions."

BREAKING NEWS--19 Found Dead At EW Park

BREAKING NEWS--GNN NEWS

STETSON, EAST WOODWARD--GNN NEWS is following breaking news out of Stetson, East Woodward, where police say 19 people were found dead in a state park facility.

Little is known about the scene, but East Woodwardian media is reporting that foul play was likely not involved, and that instead, the men simultaneously committed suicide together in a large gathering and mass killing. Some media, including GNN affiliate EWTV, are reporting that the men were all members of a cult-like group, and had organized and planned the joint suicide event months earlier.

East Woodwardian officials have not yet confirmed nor denied the reports of suicide or of a cult-like group. Authorities are remaining extremely tight-lipped and are releasing little information as they try to confirm exactly what happened. Earlier this afternoon, Police Commissioner Art Renfalli asked the media to use restraint in their coverage and to "let the police do their job." He also scolded reporters for engaging in "sheer speculation and hearsay" and asked members of the media and news outlets to "wait for official reports from police and confirming things before reporting what could potentially be false and inaccurate information."

What we do know as of now is limited. Police have confirmed that 19 victims, all males, ranging in age from 17 to 27 were found dead inside Chanberry State Park, which is located about five miles southwest of the East Woodwardian city of Stetson.

The bodies were found at about 5:00 AM this morning by joggers who were running nearby. According to police, the area where the men were found is a popular place for morning joggers and bikers. Several passersby called emergency officials to report the scene, although police say several other citizens walked past the scene but did not call for help because they thought the men were sleeping.

Officials have also confirmed that 15 of the men were East Woodward residents. One victim is reportedly a resident of Dalford, one of Pondella, and two from West Woodward. None of the victims were of Grassadellan citizenry.

Chanberry State Park has been shut down while dozens of police officers and medical investigators have swarmed the area. Local and state investigators are on scene, and EWTV tells GNN NEWS that federal investigators flew in to Stetson earlier this afternoon.

The park is closed as of now, and police say they will likely examine the crime scene all day tomorrow. Meanwhile, a press conference has been scheduled by police for Tuesday at 4:00 PM.

Reaction to the news was somber. East Woodwardian President Jacques Raelle said in a statement that "this is a national tragedy and we vow to investigate to the fullest extent what happened to these young men and how to prevent something like this from happening in the future." Grassadellan President Dan Byelle also called his East Woodwardian counterpart to offer his condolences.

"I just want to let President Raelle know that the people of Grassadella are mourning with you. Our hearts go out to the people of Stetson, the people of East Woodward, and of course, to the families and friends of the victims."

Police have not released a motive for the killings but they believe terrorism was no involved.

---GNN NEWS will carry LIVE coverage of tomorrow's press conference on our website, www.gnnnews.com. You can also watch the press conference LIVE on GNN-TV International.

Byelle, Gymbal, Other Lawmakers Survey Drought Damage In Lial

GNN NEWS--Politics

Cleaven Ames, LIA--President Byelle made his first visit of the year to the state of Lial to survey the damage being wrought on Lial farmers following three months of a severe drought that has plagued much of the western-central portions of the state.

Byelle's visit comes nearly a month after Lial Governor Gavin Gymbal (CON) declared a state of emergency and asked the president for federal aid.

Many have criticized President Byelle for his seemingly slow response to take action. Governor Gymbal expressed similar criticisms during a July 17th news conference, in which he called Collester's response "anything but rapid."

But Byelle has not been ignoring the situation in Lial, says spokeswoman Dana Jensen. He simply has had more pressing concerns to deal with.

"President Byelle has not ignored the situation or downplayed it. In fact, he immediately dispatched and allocated $14 million in emergency aid to Lial farmers directly following Governor Gymbal's declaration of emergency status. He was unable to come in person until now, however, because he has been dealing with more pressing concerns, such as the war in Iraq, and the conflict in Afghanistan."

At the time Gov. Gymbal declared a state of emergency, Byelle did free up $14 million in aid for Lial farmers. He also sent Sec. of Agriculture Cynthia McKennue and Sec. Emily Savage of the Department of Energy, the Environment, and Protected Lands to the affected regions.

This time, Byelle was surrounded by a large group of lawmakers and government officials. McKennue and Savage joined him, as did several members of Lial's congressional delegation: Dlgs. John Morandi (NAT) and John BiGadi (CON), Reps. Katie Bronure (CON), Paul Cumberland (NAT), Andrea Doorfield (CON), Emily Guddenelly (CON), Luke Gymbal (CON), Stephanie Manning (NAT), Ryan Moore (CON), Pat Nelson (NAT), and Hans Phickinson (CON). Several state lawmakers also joined the group. Gov. Gavin Gymbal led the tour of the devestated counties.

Gymbal is asking Byelle for $6 million more in emergency funding, and asking for special federal subsidizing for affected farmers.

At a news conference after the tour, President Byelle said he will work hard to aid the situation.

"We're going to do everything we can to alleviate the suffering of these farmers and to restore their crop," he said.

He added, "Lial's agriculture industry is vital to our nation's economy, and extremely imperative to Lial's economy and economic independence."

Dlg. John Morandi called the drought "devestating."

The drought has harshly affected many residents in Rep. Katie Bronure's district. Bronure said, "This is possibly the worst natural problem in our state this year, and we are going to do everything in our power to remedy the situation to the best of our human abilities."

Closing the press conference, Gov. Gavin Gymbal said the drought has intensified and needs to be dealt with immediately.

"We can't have any more half-hearted responses. We must act now to save the crops and help these poor farmers."

Riley Enters Tight Race For DES Governor

DR businessman says voters want alternative to NAT and CNS candidates

BERIVIAN, Deschire--Democratic Reformist activist Grant Riley announced today he will join the race for governor in Deschire's special election coming this November. Already running are Lieutenant Governor Jake Kemp (NAT) and Conservative State Delegate Sharon Kelley.

Riley's candidacy had been expected for some time, though he didn't make it official until this morning at a news conference in Berivian, where he said he believes the two candidates already seeking the office are not fit for the job.

"With all due respect, Jake Kemp is simply not in a position to assume the job. He is deeply embroiled in the Jane Sonda bribery-fraud scandal. And Sharon Kelley does not have the experience nor the qualifications for the job either."

Riley was referring to Kemp's alleged involvement in former governor Jane Sonda's bribery and fraud scandal. Following the breaking of the scandal, Sonda survived a recall attempt launched against her, but was subsequently impeached by the Deschire State House of Delegates. Kemp has denied any involvement in the case, though unproven accusations have still been made against him.

Sonda was arrested and charged with fifteen counts of bribery, two counts of illegal gambling, three counts of conspiracy, twelve counts of assisting in the commission of a crime, and one count of obstruction of justice. In addition, she was also charged with third degree assault after she allegedly attacked a police officer during a court hearing. She has since settled the assault suit out of court, but her trial for the other alleged crimes is still in progress.

Kemp has been trying to distance himself from Sonda ever since the scandal first broke. The night of the special recall election, while the votes were being tallied, Kemp told Sonda and her supporters that if, "God forbid, Jane is recalled, I will then seek her position. This is not because we want to get rid of her, because we don't. We want Jane to stay. But if she is removed from office, I believe I would be the next best-positioned person to assume her role."

Kemp's enemies allege that while his comments appeared to be in support of Sonda, he was actually subtly hinting that Sonda would be removed and he would take over as governor.

The people of Deschire, however, have, so far, made little connection between Kemp and the embattled Sonda. Investigators haven't been able to link the two either. Police have yet to charge Kemp with anything, citing a lack of evidence. Furthermore, Deschire Provincial Police Sergeant Don Jurisma told reporters on May 5 that "there is no evidence to even indicate Mr. Kemp was involved in this case or had any knowledge of it."

While some voters are still suspicious of Kemp, many have faith in him. His opponent, Sharon Kelley, has hinted that Kemp may have been involved in the scandal, though she has never specifically, publicly mentioned anything of that nature.

This past week, two polls were conducted. The first, by WOAB-TV and GBC NEWS. The results: Jake Kemp with 45%, Sharon Kelley with 42%, and Grant Riley, who at the time was not officially running, with 13%.

Another poll, sponsored by the non-profit/non-partisan Alliance For Better Government, showed similar results, only in this poll, respondents were allowed to select "undecided." Some 37% supported Kemp, 32% supported Kelley, 10% for Riley, and 21% selected undecided.

Both polls also showed Kemp gaining ground in rural eastern Deschire, which is a predominantly Conservative area. At the same time, the polls also showed Kelley gaining support in west-central Deschire, most notably in Brookeford.

Riley says his candidacy will change the scope of the election.

"Voters now have a third party to vote for. They don't really want to vote for Jake Kemp, because he's too close to this whole Sonda scandal thing. But they don't really feel Sharon Kelley is qualified either. They'd rather vote for someone who is outside of the two main parties and who has no connections to North Bridge whatsoever. They want an outsider, someone who is not afraid to change. This is about reform. And the voters are going to vote for reform."

Hogan Announces Candidacy; Attacks Nate

Banking and real estate mogul will make another bid for the House

BERIVIAN, DES--Former delegate candidate Richard "Boscoe" Hogan announced Sunday he plans to run for delegate again in 2008 as a Democratic Reformist. The 51-year-old banking and real estate executive previously ran back in 2006 as a DR, but came in third place after incumbent Brown Mourray (NAT) and Conservative opponent Sharon Kelley.

This time, Hogan says, he will run a more aggressive campaign. Speaking to the Prince County Democratic Reformist Party, Hogan said he believes his opponents this time around will be easier to attack than Mourray and Kelley were in the last election.

"In the last election, you had a popular incumbent, and a Conservative opponent with a strong record. It was hard to portray them negatively because there really was not a whole lot negative about them," he told guests.

Hogan will be running for Deschire's third delegate position, the seat currently held by House Maj. Leader Dlg. Joan Fhonda (CNS). He will likely face Congressman Jay Burns (CNS), who currently represents the northern and eastern suburbs of Berivian in Anleigh, Rumley, Courtsman, Kingsman, and Messlin Counties. On the Nationalist side, it is expected Congresswoman Debra Nate will win the nomination. She currently represents eastern Deschire in Congress. Nate formerly served as Assembly Min. Leader until May 2007, when she resigned following the release of a video, which showed her making inflammatory comments about President Byelle. NAT party leaders asked her to step down from her position as a result of the scandal.

Hogan says Nate's corruption makes her more vulnerable and makes voters less likely to vote for her.

"I don't even know why Congresswoman Nate is running, to be frank," Hogan told the audience. "I mean, she is a very volatile, jump-at-the-gun sort of person. She doesn't think before she speaks. She's very impulsive. I think that's what got her in trouble when she was calling the president vulgar names and obscenities."

Hogan says she has no chance at winning the election.

"I don't know why she's running because the people of Deschire are not going to elect a corrupt, partisan creature like her. She's everything the people don't want. She's dishonest, she's rude, she's partisan, she's flamboyant, she's prideful, she's just not fit to represent our state in the House of Delegates. Maybe the third [congressional] district likes her, but the rest of the state has had enough."

Congresswoman Nate did not directly reply to Hogan's comments, but her campaign spokeswoman responded to GNN News via e-mail.

"If Mr. Hogan is planning on saying things like this the rest of the campaign season, it's going to be a long year and a half," Julie DeWento said. "If anyone's being partisan, dishonest, rude, and proud, it is Mr. Hogan. All the proof we need of Mr. Hogan's lack of integrity is the fact that when he left his position as CEO at Clefmore Mutual Inc., he took a $20 million payout. I don't think he's ever mentioned anything about his excessive retirement pension that he took without formal agreement from his shareholders."

DeWento was referring to Hogan's retirement from Clefmore Mutual, a financial loan corporation based out of Berivian, in which Hogan took a $20 million bonus when he retired. The deal was not decided by company shareholders, but instead by the company's board of trustees.

GNN News attempted to speak with Congressman Jay Burns's campaign, but did not receive comment back.

Deschire's primary elections are scheduled for April.

1 Dead, 1 Injured In Grocery Store Shooting; Nation-Wide Manhunt Underway

Gunman on the run, authorities say

LAKE CITY, VER--GNN News has confirmed that one person is dead and another critically injured following a shooting at a grocery store in Lake City.

The shooting happened earlier this evening at approximately 9:00 PM on the city's northwest side. Officials tell GNN a gunman entered the Check-Co store carrying a loaded .38 caliber gun and immediately shot a grocery store clerk, and then shot another grocery store worker while running out the front door.

Investigators say the shooting was pre-meditated, and that the suspect had previously selected the male victim. According to authorities, the suspect was a disgruntled customer who had gone to the store earlier in the evening, and engaged in a heated argument with a male grocery clerk over a perished food product he had purchased earlier. When the clerk did not appease the angry customer, the man left in an angry rage. Police do not believe the female victim was targeted by the gunman, but only happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Store management told police they were aware of the heated exchange between the customer and clerk, but believed it had been resolved. Store officials told authorities they believe the man was upset over a jar of pickels he had previously purchased last week that had perished. The man reportedly wanted the store to assume responsibility for the perished pickels and reimburse him.

The suspect is 47-year-old William "Bud" H. Wilson, a local resident of Lake City. Veroche State Police have activated a nation-wide manhunt for Wilson, who fled the scene, because they believe he may be headed to nearby states Remmington or Monomi.

The victims' names have not been released as next-of-kin are being notified, but police have identified the deceased as a 28-year-old man, and the injured victim as a 43-year-old woman. The male victim died on scene, the woman was taken by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital and is listed in critical condition.

William "Bud" H. Wilson is described as a white 47-year-old, approximately 225 pounds, 5'11" with brown/grayish hair and a medium build. He was last seen wearing a plain white t-shirt, black pants, and a black baseball cap. He also has bird tatooed on his left upper arm. If you see Wilson or know any information that might lead to his apprehension, call 9-1-1 immediately or call the Veroche State Police or the Lake City Police Dept.

'Group of 15' Reps. Petition Byelle To Increase Aid To Darfur

Group of lawmakers upset over lackluster charity funding

MAVOCKE--Even without the backing of Assembly leaders, 15 Nationalist representatives signed a letter petitioning President Byelle to allocate more dollars to help aid the war-torn region of Darfur in Sudan.

The "group of 15," as they are being called by the media, were led by Rep. Melissa Chavez-Hollings (DMG) and Rep. Stephanie Juarez-Mickas (MON). The group held a press conference at the Capitol Friday morning, simultaneously calling for more aid and attacking the Byelle Administration for neglecting the Darfur crisis.

"This Administration has failed the people of Darfur, and has ignored the human suffering for too long," Chavez-Hollings said.

Rep. Juarez-Mickas added, "The Administration has provided, at best, dismal aid to Darfur and has portrayed a disinterest in the suffering of the people of Darfur." She added that the Grassadellan government could afford to send much more aid to foreign countries if "we didn't spend billions of dollars on Iraq and Afghanistan."

Currently, the Grassadellan government gives $50 million monthy to over 60 war-torn and impoverished countries, Sudan among them. But the group of 15 argues that $50 million dollars distributed to 60 countries means each country receives very little in actual aid dollars, on average, just over $830,000. They want to increase aid money to all countries, but especially to Sudan.

Collester defended its funding policies, saying the group's attacks were 'unwarranted' and 'without reason.'

Reacting to the group's comments, Byelle Press Secretary David Arnett pointed out the Administration gives $50 Million monthly to various war-torn countries. He also pointed out that federal aid to foreign countries must be approved by Congress before the President can approve it.

"If they have a problem with the amount of funding in Darfur, then they should talk to [Rep.] Paul Leitcher (Assembly Min. Ldr.) and [Rep.] Bruce Cardinelli (Ast. Min. Ldr.)--they shouldn't be attacking the president," he said.

"All foreign aid has to be approved by both bodies, so instead of attacking the president for no reason, they should direct their anger to their leaders in the Assembly and House," Arnett added.

For Dlg. Jhinny Addelson (N-DES), who was the only delegate to join the group of 15 in signing the letter, Arnett's rebuttle was more rhetoric.

"We've already heard how it's not the Administration's fault, that it's Congress' fault," she told Mavocke's Capitol newspaper. "But it's not. It's just as much the president's fault as it is Congress'. And enough of the excuses."

Rep. Melynda Jazz (N-LIA), called the Administration's funding a 'shame' and Rep. Laura Kinley (N-LIA) said it was 'inexcusable' for the Grassadellan government to not act.

While the group of 15 had the backing of many NAT members of Congress, it did not have the full blessing of the Nationalist Party, as many nationalists, especially older members of the party, believe domestic needs should come before foreign aid.

"This idea that we should send millions of dollars to other countries is ridiculous, and it goes against the basic founding principles of the Nationalist Party. That's why it's called the 'Nationalist Party', because the founders of our party believed we should focus more on the homeland, more on domestic issues than on war and involvement in foreign nations," Rep. Joe Carlin (N-WEL) told Starksmin television station WSTZ-TV.

The Conservative Party's reaction to the group of 15 was split. Some members called for a compromise, saying that both Congress and the president shared fault for neglecting the Sudan crisis.

"This is something that I think the Administration and Congress have both failed on, and instead of pointing the finger and blaming each other, we need to come together and realize that we have all, to an extent, ignored or neglected the issue, and we need to, in an all-partisan way, solve the issue," Dlg. Dale Fulbright (C-ARA) told reporters outside the House chambers.

Other more hard-line members argued that the government should give little if any aid to foreign countries when the needs of the Grassadellan people are not being fully met.

"What are we doing sending foreign aid other countries who, many of which, don't even appreciate our help, when we have Grassadellans who are homeless, hungry, living in poverty, uneducated, roads that need repaired, hospitals that need equipment, and troops in harm's way?" asked Rep. Bernard Kessing (C-CEA).

Rep. Sharon Dackadett (C-WEL) added, "the Grassadellan government should first be taking care of the needs of our own people, of the Grassadellan people, before we start helping other countries. It's not fair to our citizens to give their money away to foreign countries when we could use that money for so many other things here at home."

The remaining eleven members of the group of 15 included representatives Derrick Godbrey (POG), Jordan Gorgon (ARA), Alex Korchimney (POG), Steve Krotin (CEA), Jim Mahenas (POG), Stephanie Manning (LIA), Rick Martes (POG), Allan Shepard (CEA), Dahmariche Michaelikov (DMG), Sabrina Yioshi (TRI), and Destiny Ubanite (LIA). All of them sent out e-mails to their supporters, urging constituents to write letters to and phone members of Congress to lobby for increased aid to Sudan.