Hamblin Endorses Fulbright In ARA Governor's Race

Dale Fulbright holds comfortable lead over Ray Cognelli

MAINE CITY, ARA--Conservative delegate Dale Fulbright holds a comfortable lead over nationalist rival Lieutenant Governor Ray Cognelli, according to a new poll released Wednesday.

Fulbright leads Cognelli 52%-38%, with 10% of voters undecided, according to the Tallingham University poll. The margin of error is 4.5 points. The poll included 777 registered voters from across the state.

Fulbright, the popular two-term delegate, has long been a respected member of Armana's political community. He is a staunch conservative--on economic and social issues--and even made history by becoming the first Mormon elected to the federal congress in Grassadellan history. Though strongly conservative on issues like gay marriage and abortion, Fulbright is well-respected, even by members of the Nationalist party, for his bipartisanship and ability to reach across the aisle. Though somewhat more conservative than Armana's electorate, Fulbright's affable personality and his bipartisan record have buoyed his popularity and helped him stay in office.

Originally a state legislator, Fulbright went on to become president of the state senate, and then ran for the House of Delegates, sailing to victory in both his 1996 race, and his 2002 bid for re-election.

Last year, Fulbright announced he would not run for a third term in the House, but instead would run for governor. "It's time for a change, a personal change for me," he told Maine City's Morning News last January. "I've enjoyed representing our state in Mavocke, but I would love to represent the people of Armana as governor, and I think I would be a good fit for the job."

Since then, Fulbright has steadily raised money for his campaign. As of July 31st, the senator had raised $8.1 million, while nationalist opponent Lieutenant Governor Ray Cognelli had raised a little over $6.4 million. Despite a sizeable edge in money, Fulbright has spent only about $1.4 million, while Cognelli has spent $3.2 million. Cognelli must spend more money, however, as he has far less name recognition than his conservative opponent.

Fulbright has been endorsed by just about every conservative congressional representative in Armana. Reps. Dave Charm and Jerry Topahane of southwestern Armana have announced their support for the senator. Reps. Mary Vaagen, and Kelly Frois of south-central Armana have also voiced their support. Reps. Dave Charm and Jodie Holles of western Armana and Reps. Joel Zuckermann, Lou Rhelmna, and Robert Maclan, who represent districts in the Maine City area, have also endorsed Fulbright.

Analysts note that Zuckermann and Maclan are both seeking election to the House of Delegates, so their endorsements may be part of a campaign strategy. "It's very likely that Joel Zuckermann and Robert Maclan have endorsed Senator Fulbright for governor because they're hoping his popularity will spill over to their campaigns and boost their candidacies," says Dr. Robert Duncan from the University of Armana--Maine City.

Fulbright's conservative colleagues in the House of Delegates are also campaiging on his behalf. Senators Chuck Danbury, Dana Glow, and Bill Koeltz have all publicly endorsed Fulbright in his bid for the governorship.

Perhaps the most surprising and significant endorsement for Fulbright, however, comes from outside his own party. NAT senator Bert Hamblin announced yesterday he is supporting his fellow colleague over Cognelli, a fellow nationalist.

"I have weighed the decision, and I think what it really boils down to is, 'who is the better candidate?'" Hamblin told GBC's Gene Caughley. "I've worked with Delegate Fulbright. I've seen him in action. I've seen the kind of man he is, the kind of character he has. Not only is he prepared to lead our state as governor, he is also able to bring nationalist and conservatives together. I have seen him do it here in the House of Delegates in Mavocke, and I know he will do it as governor of Armana in New Salem," Hamblin said.

Hamblin, a moderate nationalist who retired from the House of Delegates in 2005, but was appointed by Governor Billy Jay Nelson to fill out the remainder of the late Delegate Elizabeth Riley's term, has stunned his nationalist colleagues by repeatedly crossing over to vote with the opposing conservative party. Particularly on issues of national security and the military, Hamblin often sides with the Byelle administration and his conservative colleagues in the House.

His endorsement of Fulbright stunned fellow nationalists, who saw it as an unnecessary move that could damage the campaign of the often-divisive Cognelli. But because the senator is not running for re-election, it is unlikely he will face any political repercussions.

Fulbright's campaign heralded the endorsement, touting it as an example of the senator's bipartisan ways and wide appeal to people of all political ideologies.

"Senator Hamblin's endorsement is further proof that Dale Fulbright is the person most likely to get things done in New Salem by bringing together nationalist and conservatives and breaking down partisan lines to get things accomplished for the people of Armana," David Arks, spokesman for the campaign, said in a statement.

Cognelli turned the endorsement around, claiming it is proof Dale Fulbright is out of touch with ordinary Armanans.

"I think the endorsements from Senator Hamblin and Senator Danbury and all these other senators and congressmen are proof that Dale Fulbright is more connected with Mavocke than he is with the state of Armana," he told the press at a campaign stop in Dube City.

Endorsements notwithstanding, it appears Lieutenant Governor Cognelli has a lot of catching up to do before November, according to Dr. Duncan.

"Armana is a nationalist-leaning state, and the fact that Ray Cognelli is trailing Dale Fulbright by so much at this point in the race is troubling. He has a lot of work to do to become competitive."