Chames Bows Out Of Damoign House Race

Two-Term NAT Representative Says Lackluster Fundraising Reason For Dropping Out

MATTINOW, DMG--Damoign Rep. Sasha Chames announced Wednesday she is dropping out of the race for the open House of Delegates seat after her months-old campaign has gained little traction.

Lackluster fundraising was the primary reason Chames, a two-term congresswoman from Damoign's 12th district, dropped out.

A poll released by the GBC yesterday was the final straw, according to campaign spokeswoman Mary Lou Dome. The poll showed Chames with just 2% of support from likely NAT voters.

"Sasha had been campaigning for months, and it just never gained traction. We couldn't compete with the other high-powered candidates. There wasn't enough money out there for us," Dome said.

The race for the open seat is a crowded one. So far, there are now 13 NAT candidates (not including Chames) in the running, and on the conservative side, there are 9 announced candidates. There are also four DR candidates, as well as one independent running.

Yesterday's poll surveyed both parties. On the NAT side, Rep. Allison McGint was in the lead with 14%, followed closely behind by Rep. Peter Bennelly with 13%, Mark Andres, Mayor of Harvannah with 12%, and Rep. Melissa Chavez-Hollings with 10%. Other candidates included Rep. Jean Chaveau-9%, Rep. Shard Bergen, former house candidate Jack Schlessinger, and Rep. Betsy Deedrick all with 8%, Rep. Dahmariche Michaelikov-5%, Reps. Bruce Cardinelli and Michelle Gates-4%, Mattinow Mayor Chaz Beio-3%, Chames-2%, and environmentalist Melissa Swamp-1%.

The conservative side was split also. On top was Grassadella City Mayor Sid Hoffa with 26%, followed by Rep. Ron Wilder with 20%, and Christian leader Mercer Diego with 18%. Rep. Roman Chatskovy registered 14%, Rep. Kyle Rhimren-9%, Rep. Patty Waters-6%, conservative businessman Michel Dillon-5%, Rep. Brandon O'Malley-3%, and conservative journalist Rali Ramont with less than one percent.

It's tough for voters to decide when there are so many good candidates, says Damoign University politics professor Dan Besch.

"The problem for voters is there isn't just one candidate that they love more than everyone else. There are three or four or five candidates that they like equally, and so it makes it very tough. That's why you're not seeing one candidate way out in front. Because voters are split," he said.

And, as Ms. Chames discovered, money can be hard to get.

"Some candidates are just better at raising money, and they really solicit the funds a lot better than others," Besch said. "It's all about fundraising."

Congresswoman Chames has no hard feelings though. After announcing she's leaving the race, she endorsed one of her opponents, Allison McGint.

"I think Allison is the best candidate for the job. She's a great friend of mine, and I know personally that she'll put the people of Damoign first."

McGint's campaign returned the pleasantries, thanking Chames for her "valuable service on behalf of all Damoignites and Grassadellans," and praised her for her "strong leadership in the National Assembly."

Chames says she will now focus on running for reelection to the National Assembly.

Pacinow To Run For WEL House Seat

Popular NAT Moderate To Run Against Conservative Icon Lauren Bronure


WELLINGTON, WEL--Congressman Lincoln Pacinow (N-WEL) made it official: he's running for the House of Delegates. The Wellington Nationalist filed the necessary paperwork with the Wellington Secretary of State's office Tuesday afternoon.

Speculation that Pacinow might run began back in June, after Conservative Lauren Bronure, the widow of the late billionaire Paul Bronure, announced her candidacy for the seat. An NAT party insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told GNN NEWS that party leaders privately urged Pacinow to run, because they believe he is the only NAT candidate that can beat Mrs. Bronure.

Lauren Bronure is seen as a formidable candidate. Though she has only lived in Wellington for three years, she became a house-hold name across the country following the sudden car accident that took her husband's life in 2003. And she and her family are close friends of President and First Lady Byelle's. Her conservative ideas resonate strongly with Wellington's predominantly conservative voters.

However, Pacinow is a conservative Nationalist. He is pro-life, pro-gun rights, and has supported a larger military. Furthermore, he has served in the National Assembly for over 30 years and is widely popular throughout Wellington.

Though a political new-comer, Bronure is no stranger to politics. Her husband was urged on several occasions to run for office. In 2004, her daughter Lindsey Bronure ran for Congress in Wellington's 6th district, winning handily. In 2006, her youngest daughter, Katie Bronure, won a congressional seat in Lial's 1st district. The Bronure sisters became the first sisters to serve in Congress simultaneously. Additionally, Paul Bronure Jr. is exploring a possible run for office in Lial, the family's home-state, in 2008.

Bronure's campaign had no comment on Pacinow's candidacy.

Kelley Wastes No Time Getting To Work

New DES Governor Isn't Waiting To Get Things Done

NORTH BERIVIAN, DES--Newly-elected governor Sharon Kelley (CON) isn't wasting any time getting to work in her new role. Since taking office last week, the governor has made several staff changes, laid out a transportation plan, has called a special session and urged the legislature to reduce property taxes, and has called for smaller classroom sizes in public schools, although she did not give specific details of how she would solve over-crowded classrooms.

According to sources within the administration, Kelley fired 14 members of the governor's office and cabinet that had previously served under former governor Jim Schiffer. She has also reshuffled some staff, sending them to different departments and cities.

Last Tuesday, she laid out a transporation plan that calls for more attention on the roadways north of Berivian, the state's largest metropolitan area. Kelley says she will pay for the road improvements and construction projects using money that is currently funding state parks, welfare programs, and the state energy department. Kelley says too much money is being spent on these programs, and some of it could be taken out those budgets and used for much-needed transporation projects.

On Thursday, Kelley convened a special session for the state legislature, asking lawmakers to pass a vote lowering property taxes across the state. The legislature has not voted on the measure yet, but many nationalists have pledged to join Kelley and the minority conservatives in voting for the measure.

"We need to ensure that Deschirean families are not being taxed out of their homes," Kelley said. "The only way we can do that is by passing a property tax measure that would reduce those taxes and reduce the burden on our citizens."

Though early in her term, Kelley is moderately popular. In a poll released last week, 51% they "liked" her, while 64% said they "approved" of what she was doing as governor.

"There are some people who don't like her, because they're bitter about the election, but most people still agree that she is focusing on the right issues and that she's doing an okay job," said Rick Miller, political analyst for WBER-TV in Berivian.

Kelley spokeswoman Amy Hanes said the governor is "going to work and getting things done right away."

"Getting things accomplished is especially important, because in this state, we have had two years of Jane Sonda doing nothing; nothing legal, that is; and we've had one year of Jim Schiffer doing nothing," Hanes said, attacking Kelley's predecssors.

The state NAT party responded by saying, "Sharon Kelley is ultimately another broken promise of Conservative change. She is a radical, far-right conservative disguised as a champion of bipartisanship. In the end, however, Deschireans will realize her only strategy as governor is attacking nationalists."

Bosseau Campaign Advisor Resigns Amid Tax Evasion Reports

Donnigan 'Knew He Had To Go'

GRANTHAM, NWP--A campaign advisor to Conservative gubernatorial candidate Jacqueline Bosseau resigned Tuesday, after revelations about past tax evasion came to light.

John Donnigan, who had been a senior advisor to Bosseau since her campaign began two months ago, officially submitted his resignation Tuesday. According to the Federal Tax Commission, Mr. Donnigan owes some $300,000 in back taxes on a home he inherited from his father. He still currently owns that home, which is located in rural Sabadohn County in central New Portsmouth.

Donnigan's attorney, Don Fineman, told GNN affiliate WYNB-TV that the former campaign aide is working with his legal team to pay off the back taxes as soon as possible.

"Mr. Donnigan will work to immediately pay off his debts. He regrets withholding payment on them for so long."

The Bosseau campaign, meanwhile, insisted that neither Ms. Bosseau nor any of her campaign staff knew of Donnigan's tax evasion.

"Jacqueline was totally unaware of Mr. Donnigan's hidden past, as was everyone else within the campaign," spokeswoman Julie Renner said in a statement. "We are shocked," she continued, "and deeply disappointed that Mr. Donnigan had engaged in these illegal activities and failed to tell us, and we also regret not researching his past more thoroughly."

Dale Rochey (NAT), Bosseau's opponent in the race, pounced on the resignation, calling it "classic corruption in politics." A Rochey campaign spokesman said in an e-mail to GNN NEWS, "this is another example of how Jacqueline Bosseau has chosen to surround herself with people who are corrupt and dishonest. Integrity in government must come first, and that's why voters are going to elect Dale Rochey governor of New Portsmouth on December 16th."

Jail time is possible for Donnigan, but unlikely, as he is cooperating with officials. Instead, he will most likely face additional fines, possible community service, and be placed on probation.

New Portsmouth Governor's Race Could Be Close

Polling From Both Candidates Shows Tight Race

YANCEYBURG, NWP--With just weeks to go before the December 16th gubernatorial race in New Portsmouth, the race is already shaping up to be a close contest.

Polling from both candidates show the race will likely be close. NAT candidate Dale Rochey's campaign released a poll last month that showed him leading by an astonishing twenty-two points over his CON opponent, political activist Jacqueline Bosseau. The poll showed Rochey with 62%, and Bosseau with 38%.

Rochey, a state delegate from Dayle-Locke, heralded the poll results as proof of a strong campaign.

"The [poll] results show that delegate Rochey is the strongest candidate in this race, and the most preferred candidate. It looks as if he will win this election hands-down," Bart Tobald, spokesman for the Rochey campaign said.

But Bosseau's campaign released a poll earlier this week that shows the Conservative from Grantham has made up some ground. In fact, the poll, conducted for her campaign by INT Suveys, shows Rochey leading by about 11 points with 56%, Bosseau with 44%. The Bosseau campaign said their results show the race will be "anything but a 'hands-down' victory for Rochey."

"In just three weeks, Jacqueline Bosseau has nearly halved Dale Rochey's lead. As voters continue to learn about Jacqueline and hear her positive message of change and reform, they will increasingly support her and join her in the campaign for government over-haul," Bosseau spokeswoman Clarissa Cheans said.

Both polls showed Rochey with a wide lead in the Gadley County, the most populous county which includes the state's largest city and liberal stronghold Dayle-Locke. In both polls, Rochey was also leading significantly in Lanard County, arguably the most liberal county in the state, and Bosseau led in the southern region of the state in Haines and Ruxley Counties. The battleground counties, it appears, are going to be Bethany County, which includes the capitol and second-largest city Yanceyburg, and Erlwick County, which includes Boroughton.

"This election is really going to come down to Bethany County and Erlwick County," said Dr. Tim Cummins, professor of domestic politics at Southern New Portsmouth University in Hestock. "If Jacqueline Bosseau is going to win, she must win Yanceyburg at least by five points, and she must win Boroughton by the same."

Rochey is campaigning on several issues. He has said as governor, he would like to increase education spending and do more to protect the environment. He also wants to increase healthcare coverage for the state's 615,000 citizens and wants more gun-control laws in place.

Bosseau is ardently opposed to more taxes. She has vowed to cut taxes if elected. She also wants to improve the state's transportation system by investing more money in the NH-1 corridor project. She is supportive of allowing hunting on the west side of Mt. Sabacca National Park, and she says she is adamantly opposed to gun-control.

The one and only debate between the two candidates will be held December 2nd, 7:00 PM in Yanceyburg.

Rochey's Lieutenant Governor candidate, Jane Hanman, of Grantham, will also debate Bosseau's running mate, Evan Kershing, of Hestock, in Dayle-Locke on December 6th at 6:00 PM.

VER, WIK Primary Races Extremely Close; Some Candidates Not Conceding Defeat Yet

Argouth Narrowly Wins Four-Way-Race; Houston With Small Lead Over Pastor; Jepsey And McDougal Too Close To Call

Friday was the scheduled primary election date for newly-formed states Veroche and Wilkonshire. And tonight, some of the races are still too close to call.

In Veroche, Todd Argouth, a Conservative city official from Twin Lakes, has claimed victory in the four-way race for the nomination for governor. Poll results released by the POG Secretary of Elections show Argouth garnered 29.23%, followed by Lake City municipal politician Richard Scholinger with 27.69%, Lake City businessman Steve Leona with 24.62%, and former professional football player Steve Serpino with 18.46%.

Scholinger was favored to win, but intense campaigning from Argouth late in the race reaped extra votes for the Twin Lakes candidate. Despite the early poll results, Scholinger is refusing to concede defeat. Both Leona and Serpino called Mr. Argouth earlier this evening and conceded. Argouth is urging Scholinger to do the same. A spokesman for the Scholinger campaign said in an e-mail statement the campaign will wait until tomorrow to make a concession.

Also in Veroche, Rep. Brent Houston (CON), the nephew of former president Dave Houston, was in a tight race with Rick Pastor, a molecular engineer from the north-side of Lake City. The two were vying for the conservative nomination for the Veroche House position in the December 4th, 2007 general election. Houston was recruited late in the race by the far-right wing of the state party to compete against the self-admitted liberal Pastor. Houston earned 51.11% of the vote, with Pastor getting 48.88%. As of tonight, Pastor had conceded, but has vowed to run as an independent or possibly a Democratic-Reformist.

And in Wilkonshire, two nationalists were running against each other in a contentious race for the party's nomination for governor. State delegate Caroline Jepsey was up against Marcy McDougal, a social agent from the northwestern part of the state. In the beginning stages of the race, Jepsey held a 30 point lead over the lesser-known and under-funded McDougal. But Ms. McDougal closed the gap in the final days of the election, and the latest results show Jepsey barely leading with 50.47% and McDougal with 49.53%. McDougal, however, refused to concede until the results are recounted tomorrow.

The POG Secretary of Elections Office says votes will be re-counted in the morning. Certified results, however, will not be available until two weeks later.

Former President Houston's Father Passes Away

FEAS, PONDELLA--Former President Dave Houston's father, Richard V.H. Houston, died on Friday at his home in Feas. The elder Houston had been diagnosed with prostate cancer back in March 2006.

His father's illness was the reason the former president left Grassadella for his parents' native Pondella. At the time, Houston's departure drew sharp condemnation from his critics, who said his move out of the country was unpatriotic.

Richard Houston and his wife Viola, both born in Pondella, later moved to Grassadella, where their children were born. Their fourth child, David, rose quickly in politics, first serving as mayor of Grassadella Falls and later as Governor of Lial.

A Houston family spokeswoman did not say much to the media, only saying the family "is grieving the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather."

Richard Houston is survived by his wife, 84-year-old Viola, of Feas, Pondella; son Dave Houston; daughters Liola Kemp, Arnellson, DMG; Lyla Hursch, Anderson, NWP; Jason Houston, Kenoly, LIA; and Richard Houston Jr., Clothen, LIA. Houston was age 85.

National Assembly Overwhelmingly Votes To Begin Troop Withdrawal In Iraq

Assembly Measure Stuns Collester; Not Expected To Pass In House Of Delegates

On Monday, the National Assembly shocked President Byelle by voting overwhelmingly, with strong bipartisan support, to begin troop withdrawals in Iraq.

The measure was introduced by Reps. Pat Nelson (N-LIA), Pat Alosha (N-LIA), Nathan Lister (N-MON), Don Cheager (N-POG), Richard Oxnard (N-DMG), and John Yannes (N-POG). It calls for Grassadellan troops to begin coming home in January 2008, and gradually draw down over the next year, if conditions permit.

Supporters said the bill would finally bring Grassadella's involvement in the unpopular war to an end. Opponents argued terrorists would only wait for troops to leave before resuming attacks, and, they contended, the bill would stimie progress being made in Iraq.

After hours of intense debate, the final vote tally was 150 in favor of withdrawing troops and 120 against, or 55% in favor, 45% against.

According to the Assembly Clerk's Office, all Nationalists except one, Rep. Mary Kay Allen (N-MON), voted for the measure. An astonishing 15 Conservatives voted for it, including: Roman Chatskovy (DMG), Andrea Doorfield (LIA), Dave Eckleberg (CEA), Tom Etheridge (REM), Niles Gilcrest (POG), Pat Leemore (DMG), Robert Maclan (ARA), Robert Mitford (WEL), Rick Newbunn (POG), Brian Paricho (POG), George Reedsworth (TRI), Greg Simms (POG), Allan Virtue (CEA), Patty Waters (DMG), and Ron Wilder (DMG).

Only two of the eighteen Democratic-Reformists, Reps. Jessica Blaine (DMG) and Devon DuBois (WEL), voted against the resolution. All five Liberal Democrats and all three independents voted for it.

Political observers note that many of the conservatives who crossed the aisle and voted for the resolution are either facing a tough fight for reelection or are running for a higher office in 2008. Chatskovy, Waters, and Wilder are all vying for the open House seat in Damoign, while Gilcrest, Reedsworth, and Maclan are also running for open seats in Veroche, Trinton, and Armana, respectively.

Still, the margin the bill passed by was astounding to all. Assembly Speaker Josty Pottsman (C-POG) told the GBC he was "surprised it had so much support," and Majority Leader Mark Rolen (C-POG) told the STAR Radio Network he was stunned at the vote.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the votes coming in," he said.

Even opposition leaders were surprised at the broad support the resolution gained.

"I honestly was not even sure this thing would pass," Assistant Minority Leader Bruce Cardinelli (N-DMG) told GBC Radio.

Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Paul Leitcher (N-WEL), said in a press conference afterward he was happy the bill passed.

"I'm actually elated," Leitcher said. "I applaud my colleagues, and especially those from the majority party who came over and joined our side. I am so proud of you. Today, I am very proud to not only be a Nationalist, but more importantly, I am proud we have spoken on behalf of the Grassadellan people. We have spoken for the majority of the public, and we have voiced the consensus loud and clear."

Collester did not immediately comment on the vote results; only saying in an e-mail statement to the media it was "stunned" that so many conservatives crossed over.

The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to fail. President Byelle has also promised to veto the resolution if it does pass, and an over-riding majority is unlikely in either house.

Kelley Wins In DES Governor's Race; Becomes First Minority Governor In Nation's History

2007 Election Coverage--DES Gubernatorial Election

BERIVIAN, Deschire--In a state that is still reeling from a scandal surrounding its first governor, Jane Sonda, voters went to the polls Tuesday to elect a temporary governor to serve out the remainder of Sonda's term.

The four way race, which pitted Lieutenant Governor Jake Kemp (NAT) against Conservative Sharon Kelley, an African-Grassadellian state delegate, also included Democratic-Reformist businessman Grant Riley. A fourth candidate, interim Governor Jim Schiffer (NAT), who initially declined to run but changed his mind after the filing deadline, was not on the ballot but launched a vigorous write-in campaign.

With all precintcs reporting, Deschire Secretary of State Mary Jo Richardson reported Kelley with 32.26%, or 665,865 votes; followed by DR candidate Riley with 30.65%, or 632,634 votes. Lt. Gov. Kemp was next with 27.42%, or 565,965 votes; and Schiffer, with his write-in campaign, garnered 9.68%, or 199,801 votes. About four percent of Deschireans voted for other minor party candidates.

At her victory party, held at the De Louise Royal Ambassador Hotel in Arch, Kelley told local television station WDES-TV she was "elated" and promised to "serve the people of Deschire with my whole heart."

"This is a new day for Deschire. As governor, I won't put myself first. I won't put my friends first. I won't put politics first. I will serve the people with integrity and honor. I will bring much-needed change this state so desperately needs."

Kemp, who held his election night rally at the Kisho Club in downtown Berivian, told WOAB-TV he was "surprised" the race was not closer.

"I really thought it would be closer than that," Kemp said. "Obviously, I'm disappointed that the voters of Deschire have chosen to take our state in a different direction. I think--I mean, despite all the scandal in North Berivian with the former governor, I think...I think we really had something good going and our state was on the right track...we were better off than ever before."

Even though he lost, Democratic-Reformist candidate Grant Riley, a businessman and self-made millionaire, was pleased with his performance.

"I'm upbeat about this though," Riley told GNN NEWS. "Even though I lost, I look at the poll numbers, and we're down only 33,000 votes. I defeated an incumbent official, Lieutenant Governor Kemp, and I nearly beat Sharon Kelley. This just goes to show I really can effectively compete and am a major contender."

Riley told supporters, who had gathered at the Marian Restaurant in West Berivian, that he was proud of his campaign. He also hinted he may run again for governor in the 2008 general election.

"I'm proud of what we've done. We didn't win, but we came extremely close. And it proves that we ran an effective campaign, and that our message resonates with voters. Our message is simple: Nationalists and Conservatives are too busy with partisanship and political in-fighting. Only a third-party candidate can bring about the change our state needs. Folks, we still need change. Our message is still relevant. Our work is not finished."

Asked if he was leaving open the possibility of running in 2008, Riley replied he was unsure.

"That's a decision I'd have to think about with my family. It's going to be a while though before we make a decision."

Riley also congratulated Ms. Kelley on her victory, but reiterated the importance of change.

"I'm very happy for Sharon Kelley, I think she ran a fabulous campaign. I certainly wish her the best as governor, but the bottom line is we still need change, and I sincerely hope she will deliver that."

Jim Schiffer, whose last-minute write-in campaign was seen as a long-shot, conceded he stood little chance of winning. Gathering with his supporters at the Donglin Hotel in downtown Berivian, Schiffer congratulated Sharon Kelley and complimented his opponents for a well-ran election.

"My congratulations to Ms. Kelley. And my thanks to Lieutenant Governor Kemp and Mr. Riley as well," Schiffer said.

The state's election office's records show that Kemp raised the most money, over $1.3 million, compared to Kelley's $1.2 million. DR Grant Riley, who poured hundreds of thousands of his own money into the race, reported just over $1 million. Schiffer's supporters raised about $350,000, most of it just days before the election.

As recent as last week, polls showed a dead-heat race between Kemp, Kelley, and Riley. One showed Kemp with 30%, Kelley with 28%, Riley with 25%, Schiffer with 5% and 12% undecided.

Election results show Kemp led in southern Deschire, with southern Berivian county and all of Canman county voting strongly for him. Kelley's support lied in the northern, more affluent communities of Berivian county, and most of Prince, Courtsman, Messlin, and Kingsman counties. Kelley also had a strong lead in the Ridgeview area and most of eastern Deschire. The Dillingham-Dunham metro area in the northern part of the state, just barely went to Kemp. The Brookeford area in west-central Deschire, voted mostly for Riley.

During the campaign, Kelley attacked Kemp for his being tied to the Sonda scandal, though state police said there was no evidence to suggest Kemp was involved. Kemp counter-attacked Kelley as unqualified to lead the state and a mud-slinger. Riley portrayed Kemp as out of touch with voters and Kelley as inexperienced. Schiffer, who attempted to enter the race but was denied entrance by the Deschire Supreme Court, was attacked by the Kemp campaign, which believed he would siphon votes from the Lieutenant Governor. Schiffer attempted to high-light his accomplishments during his four months in office, and claimed he brought unity to Northbridge and was moving the state forward.

With the majority of the vote, Sharon Kelley has become the nation's first African-Grassadellian governor, and the first minority governor. She is also Deschire's first governor to be unmarried.

GNN NEWS has learned President Byelle and Conservative Party Chairman Bob Viacrosa both called Sharon Kelley to congratulate her.

The Secretary of State's office will officially certify the election results in the next three weeks.