Former Business Executive To Seek Harvannah Governorship

Former Kondack C.E.O. To Run For Governor

HARLYNE, HVN--Less than two weeks after being sworn in, Governor Mark Andres (NAT) already has a new challenger for the fall election.

Bill Barnes, the former C.E.O. of Harlyne-based Kondack Industries, an automobile parts manufacturer, announced he will seek the Conservative nomination for governor.

"I have decided, at the prompting of my friends, family, and colleagues, to run for governor," the 56-year-old Barnes said. "I am doing this because Harvannah needs a leader who is honest, experienced, and prepared to handle the challenges our state faces."

Barnes' candidacy came on the heels of an announcement from Andres' former Conservative rival Julia Giorchani, the state's District Attorney, who told reporters Friday she will not seek a rematch with the governor in the fall.

"I've just weighed the decision with my family in mind and my own health and well-being, and I've come to the conclusion that running for governor is a big deal. It takes a lot of energy and time and commitment, and there's a lot of sacrifice involved, and at this point, I'm not ready to start the campaigning up again. I want to spend some much-needed time with my husband and kids," Giorchani told The Island News.

With Giorchani's declination, the party will likely coalesce around Barnes. But he will face an uphill battle in his effort to unseat the new governor. A poll conducted by the Universities of Harvannah and Damoign shows Andres leading Barnes 63%-37% in a head-to-head match-up.

Barnes' campaign downplayed the poll.

"Right now, Mark Andres is new. People like him. He's a young, fresh face. But give Bill Barnes a chance to share his message and his ideas, and come back in a month or two and then do your poll, and I think you'll see a much closer race," Greg Blix, Barnes' campaign manager, told WHLN-TV.

Neither Barnes nor Andres have raised significant amounts of cash for their campaigns. A report released Friday by the Harvannah Elections Bureau shows Barnes has raised $117,000, while Andres has $213,000 on hand.

Anderson To Run For National Assembly

Torch-Bearer of Traditionalist Party To Seek Assembly Seat

WELLINGTON, Biereland--A prominent Christian conservative, and co-founder of the Traditionalist Party, will compete to represent Biereland's 7th Congressional District in the National Assembly.

"Today, after many months of prayerful consideration, I have decided to seek to represent Biereland's 7th Congressional District in the National Assembly," she told assembled reporters.

Sharon Anderson, who made international headlines in 2006 when she went from long-shot to major contender in Wellington's House race, has announced her candidacy for the National Assembly. Anderson is the wife of Tom Anderson, the senior pastor at Brookings' Global Christian Centre, an evangelical mega-church on the city's northeast side. Their son Kyle Anderson already represents Biereland's 3rd Congressional District in the National Assembly, though as a Conservative, not a Traditionalist.

Back in 2004, the Andersons, along with several other powerful Christian leaders from across the country, founded the Traditionalist Party--a political party "rooted in the deep biblical truths that have been the cornerstone of [Grassadellia's] society and culture for centuries," according to its website.

In 2006, Anderson competed for Wellington's Senate Seat, held by Sen. Robert Harold (NAT). Despite given little chance of winning, she came in a close second place in the general election, losing to Conservative Bob Kozzy and defeating Harold. Though she lost the election, Anderson remained unusually popular among Wellington's voters as her conservative, traditional movement gained momentum.

Anderson's defeat was still viewed favorably by the fledgling Traditionalist Party because her candidacy, though unsuccessful, galvanized conservative voters and spurred unprecedented party growth. In early 2008, John Isaak Slooter, a young pastor from Grantham, New Portsmouth, was elected to the Senate in a special election. He became the first Traditionalist ever elected to the Se nate, and his victory was largely credited to Anderson.

Since her narrow loss to Kozzy, speculation has been widespread that Anderson would again seek election to the Assembly. As a result, her announcement today came as a surprise to many.

"I'm not surprised she's running for something, I just didn't expect the Assembly to be her choice," said Wellington State Senator Jim Hemmens (C-Starksmin), who worked closely with Anderson during her Senate bid.

Anderson said preserving life would be her top priority in Congress.

"If we fail to protect life, we fail to protect any of the other freedoms we treasure so greatly," she said.

So far, Ms. Anderson is the only candidate in the race.

Killings Won't Rule Out VP Slot

Popular Remmington Governor Open To VP Position

REMMINGTON CITY, REM--Governor Michael Killings (CNS) is not ruling out running for vice president with Conservative nominee Jim Frasier if asked, according to an interview this morning.

The popular two-term governor appeared on GNN's "Awakening A Nation" this morning, and when asked by host Michael Micardi if he would accept an invitation to be Frasier's running mate, Killings would not rule out the possibility.

"I can't say for sure exactly what I would do, Michael. I would be very honored and humbled if asked, but right now, I am focused entirely on being the best governor for the state of Remmington that I can be. That's my job right now and I am completely focused on it."

Killings has been mentioned as a possible VP for Frasier since the conservative delegate from Deschire effectively secured the party's nomination last month. An attorney-turned-governor, Killings would bring much needed executive experience to the Conservative ticket, as Frasier has never served in an administrative role. At age 43, Killings would also add some youth to 61-year-old Frasier's campaign.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Frasier's campaign declined to comment about Killings as a prospective vice presidential running mate. The governor's office also did not issue further comment after the interview.

Killings' term as governor of Remmington ends in January 2009.

New Poll Shows Close Race In Damoign House Contest

Minor Party Candidates Creating Splits Within Parties

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--A new poll shows Damoign's house race could be one of the closest races of the election season.

The poll, conducted in partnership by Deedrick University and The Grassadella City Times, shows NAT Congresswoman Jean Chaveau of Vicksburg leading, with 29%. CNS challenger Rep. Roman Chatskovy of Grassadella City trails Chaveau with 22%. He is followed closely by former NAT-turned-Liberal Democrat Jack Schlessinger, who has 21%. Next is Democratic-Reformist Diane Rosselli with 15%, and finally, independent Helen Parnamy comes in with just 7%. Another 6% favor other candidates.

Not included in the poll was former Traditionalist candidate Austin Keller of Olean, who dropped out last month due to a lack of funds.

The poll shows the race this fall will likely be one of the closest of the season, says Deedrick University politics professor Dan Roberts.

"It looks as if it's going to be a run to the finish line here," Roberts said. He also explained that the number of candidates makes the race more complex. 

"Part of the reason this race is so close is because there are five major candidates. Normally, there are only two candidates--a nationalist and a conservative--sometimes a third like a democratic-reformist...but it's unusual to have five candidates," he said.

The contentious race is causing the candidates to resort to bitter attacks. Just yesterday, front-runner Chaveau attacked her main competitor Roman Chatskovy for voting to cut social security benefits for millions of Damoignites. 

"These are scary economic times. The last thing we need is someone taking away the only financial security we depend on," Chaveau told a crowd of seniors in East Grassadella City.

Chatskovy countered the particular bill, which he voted against, was too big and would have spent too much of the tax-payers' money.

"The nationalists in Congress have spent more of our tax-payer money than ever before in history. People like Congresswoman Chaveau are more than willing to spend money, but when you ask them how they're going to pay for it, they don't have an answer," Chatskovy said at a town hall meeting on Grassadella City's southwest side.

The bitter partisan attacks have given Chaveau and Chatskovy's other rivals heavy ammunition.

"Look at what's happening between Congresswoman Chaveau and Roman Chatskovy," D-R candidate Diane Rosselli told a group of women in Arnellson. "They're so focused on attacking each other, they've lost the focus of what this election is about--the people."

The rhetoric flying from all sides in the campaign is a sign of things to come, Roberts says.

"It will only get worse. Until the election is over, it's going to be this bad and then some."

Byelle Promotes Wind Energy In Monomi

President Says Wind Energy "Part of Grassadella's Energy Future"

HEYDWORTH, MON--President Byelle was in western Monomi today promoting wind energy as an alternative power source.

The president visited the East Grafton Wind Power Facility in the village of East Grafton, located 20 miles northwest of Heydworth. While there, he took a tour of the grounds and spoke afterwards on wind energy's role in the future.

"Wind is essential to our nation's quest for alternative energy sources. We must invest more in wind technology as part of a coordinated effort to reduce our nation's reliance on foreign oil," Byelle said.

Alternative energy largely took a back seat during the president's first term. But it has become an increasingly important issue, especially in light of rising oil prices and volatility in the middle east, Secretary of Energy Bill Kolbes told the STAR network.

"Oil is so unreliable right now. It's up, and then it's down. It's accessible, and then it's not. We need a better energy source that is more dependable and does not fund terrorist activity in the middle east like much of these oil programs do," Kolbes said.

Despite bipartisan support for the facility's construction, none of Monomi's delegates were on hand Thursday for the president's visit. Some congressional candidates and aides were in attendance, but no major politicians from Monomi were on site.

Still, President Byelle praised the facility and its staff, and promised to fight for additional funding for similar projects.

"As president of this country, I will fight for more dollars and investment in this emerging technology."

"Emma's Wish" Raises $8.6 Million In Eight Months

Charity Founded In Honor of Governor's Daughter Raises Millions For Cancer Research

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--The charity organization founded in honor of Emma Huuvanna, the 6-year-old daughter of Trinton Governor John Huuvanna, has brought in over $8 million since its creation eight months ago. 

Back in November, the Huuvanna family announced their daughter Emma had been diagnosed with leukemia. After extensive media coverage, little Emma won the hearts of many Grassadellans, and a group of family and friends created a foundation named after the youngster, called "Emma's Wish." 

The goal of the organization, as described on its website www.emmaswishfoundation.org, is to raise money to "assist families of low-income children with paying medical bills," and "promote and fund cancer research." Foundation Vice President and Huuvanna family friend Sheri Craille told the GBC, "too many children in this country are suffering from life-threatening diseases, and their families can't afford the proper medical care. Our goal is to help these families financially so they can afford to have their son or daughter given the best care possible."

Craille also praised the group's massive fundraising.

"I think it's great. It shows that the people of this country do care and are reaching into their pockets to help."

While the group has received sizable donations from large corporations, most donations have come from individuals. Several businesses in many industries, such as retail stores and media networks, including Zimmer Media Corp., the parent company of GNN News, have partnered with Emma's Wish to raise money.

While Emma's story has captivated the nation, the foundation has come under fire for its alleged partisan leanings. In February, the group made a prominent appearance at a Nationalist party dinner fundraiser. However, when the group was invited by organizers of a similar function for the Conservative party, it declined to make an appearance. Critics complained the organization boycotted the Conservative party because of its opposition to stem-cell research. The group claims it was a scheduling conflict that prevented it from attending the CNS fundraiser, not politics.

Despite some criticism, however, the group has received bipartisan praise. President Byelle said today he was "thrilled" at the group's fundraising pace.

"It's outstanding. It's a wonderful cause, and the people of Grassadella should get behind it and support our children," he said.

It's not yet clear if all of the funds raised will go directly to Emma's Wish Foundation, or if those funds will be distributed and allocated to similar organizations.

Meiyer Recovering After Heart Attack; McCaren To Serve As Acting Governor

Damoign Governor Temporarily Handing Over Power


MATTINOW, DMG--Governor Whit Meiyer is in serious but stable condition after suffering a heart attack yesterday afternoon.

According to a spokesman, Meiyer wasn't feeling well and decided to stay home instead of going to work at his capital office. At around 2:00 p.m., the governor collapsed on the floor of his office in his east Mattinow home. His wife called 9-1-1, and EMT crews were at the home in minutes.


He was rushed to Bay View Regional Hospital, which is located just two miles from his home. Initially, the cause of Meiyer's collapse was unknown, but his staff later confirmed it was a massive heart attack.


"Governor Meiyer is currently in the hospital recovering after a heart attack," his office said in a statement. "Because he is in the hospital, he is currently unable to perform his duties as governor."


Taking over for him temporarily, as the state constitution outlines, will be President of the State House, Delegate Jim McCaren (N-South Grassadella City). While he will only be serving as acting governor, McCaren said he is prepared to take over permanently if Meiyer is incapacitated long-term.


"Our hope is that Whit is back on his feet and back to work soon," McCaren told Michael Micardi on GNN's Awakening A Nation. "But if he isn't able to return to work, I am prepared to step in as governor until his term is finished or until he can come back."


Doctors say they are unsure if Meiyer will be able to return to work.


"At this point, we won't know for another week or so if the governor will be able to return to work or not," Dr. David Stevens, director of the cardiac department at Bay View Hospital told reporters.


McCaren will serve as acting governor until Meiyer is able to return. If he is unable to return to work, McCaren will take over permanently as interim governor.

Andres Wins Governorship, Olsen and Giorchani Concede After Voting Problems

Judge Orders Recounts In Several Counties

HARLYNE, HVN--Nationalist Mark Andres, the mayor of Harlyne, has won the governorship of Harvannah, the Damoign Secretary of State's Office confirmed today. The results come following a day of recounts, after a state judge ordered a re-evaluation of ballots in five counties.

Andres defeated his two rivals, democratic-reformist Bernie Olsen and conservative Julia Giorchani, narrowly--winning just 35% to Olsen's 33% and Giorchani's 32%. Damoign Secretary of State Rob Mercheck said Andres led with 104,237 votes, while Olsen had 99,760, and Giorchani 95,038.

Earlier counts of the ballots showed a wider lead for Andres. But after complaints were filed by the Olsen and Giorchani campaigns, a state judge ordered recounts in Scandinaugh, Bourneham, Saoca, Enore, and Hamith counties.

The recounts saw more votes for both Olsen and Giorchani. They were later certified by county elections officials. Officials believe mistakes by elections workers were responsible for the wrong numbers, not vote tampering by any candidates' campaigns.

The final tally of votes showed interesting results. Andres was strong in Scandinaugh and Bourneham counties, the two liberal strong-holds in the state. Giorchani did expectedly well in eastern Harvannah, where voters typically trend conservative. Olsen did not win a majority of votes in any counties, but was competetive state-wide.

Mark Andres' victory was not surprising. The popular mayor of Harlyne was expected to win in the nationalist-leaning state.

After being declared the winner, Andres told the almost 3,600 supporters gathered at Centre Square in Harlyne that his vision for the state would be implemented right away.

"When we set out on this mission, we had a lot of dreams, and a lot of goals," Andres said. "Now, it is time for us to get to work to accomplish the goals we have set for our state."

He also spoke of bridging partisan differences between political parties.

"I will bring with me to Clevey Springs the same principles of leadership that guided me as mayor of Harlyne, that guided me in my candidacy for the House, and that continue to guide me to this very day," he said.

Just a few blocks away, Bernie Olsen spoke to supporters at the Downey Conference Centre, telling the crowd of nearly 2,500 people that though he lost the race, he was "proud of the race we ran."

"Before I entered this race, we had two grossly inexperienced and unqualified candidates. There was no alternative, no other option. That's when, at the prompting of friends, neighbors, and supporters, I decided to run--to give the voters of Harvannah a different choice, a better option," Olsen said to cheering fans. "We didn't win, but we gave the people of Harvannah a better choice."

The mood was more despondent at Julia Giorchani's "victory party." Only about 1,100 people were in attendance, and the atmosphere was somber. Giorchani said she too was disappointed, but pleased at the tough campaign she ran.

"It is disappointing," she said. "We sustained attacks from our opponents' parties, and even from within our own party. We went through the storm, and we were bruised and tattered, but we emerged strong," she said.

Giorchani added that she had conceded to Andres.

"I did call Mayor Andres, and I conceded," she said. "I thank him for a hard-fought campaign."

Olsen did the same.

"I congratulate Mayor Andres on his victory. I sincerely hope that he will deliver on his promise to be bipartisan," he said.

Andres is slated to officially begin his term on Monday, June 9th.