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.