Poll: Monomians Split On Governor's Fate

Once highly-popular governor faces calls for resignation

TREETON, MON--A new poll released today by the Treeton Sun newspaper shows Monomi citizens are divided on the political fate of embattled Gov. Scott King Jr. (NAT), with some wanting him to resign, some wanting him to stay in power, and others unsure about what should happen to the governor.

The poll found 37% of respondents want the governor to resign, while 28% want him to stay on as governor. The remaining 35% are unsure of what should happen to King, who is serving his second and final term, due to term limits.

Most of the respondents who answered "unsure" in the poll said they will have a more clearer opinion of the situation once state and federal investigators announce if they will press charges against the governor. Currently, state and federal agencies are investigating King for possible fraud, extortion, bribery, and prostitution-patronization.

On April 2nd, acting on a search warrant, federal police seized a total of five computers from King's office and private residence. They also took security cameras which may provide footage of alleged crimes. Officials stress the governor has not officially been charged with a crime, but may be charged at a later date if enough evidence exists.

King is under suspicion for bribery crimes, after people close to the governor tipped off police he may have tried to bribe state officials to award grants to organizations and businesses owned by his friends and political donors. He has also been suspected of patronizing a major escort service in the Treeton area over the last several years.

King has denied all allegations, and said last Thursday he will "fight" for his reputation, which he claims has been "smeared."

"Everything that has been said about me is false. Every allegation, every rumor, every suspicion. It's all untrue," he said at a press conference.

While he hasn't officially been indicted, members of all political parties are calling on the governor to step down, or at least step aside until the scandal is over.

"This is a distraction that Monomi cannot afford to have right now," said Charlie Charman, the Monomi Conservative Party Chairman. "While hard-working Monomians are worrying about a failing economy, Scott King and his Nationalist allies in Treeton are busy worrying about his personal life and alleged corruption. We can't have that," the chairman wrote in an e-mail to supporters.

The list of individuals and organizations calling for the governor's resignation is growing, though so far lacking any state-wide officials. National Conservative Party Chairman Bob Viacrosa, as well as state party Chairman Charman, have called for King to step down. Conservative Reps. John Densy, Frank Barber, Pete Doonan, Sean Mellow, Ryley "Rill" Stevens, and Shannon Tribe have all called for the governor's resignation. The state's five senators, including two Conservatives, have so far been silent on the governor's scandal.

Talks of impeachment are on the table in the state capitol, Treeton. But speculation about removing the governor will have to wait until an ethics investigation, headed by the state assembly, is complete, which is expected to be sometime next week.

King, who at 42 years old is the youngest governor in Monomi's history, has held high approval ratings throughout his almost seven year tenure, with his approval topping 70% in 2005. That number has slipped to a modest 55% in January 2009, before the scandal broke. Mr. King has long-been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate. It's unclear if this scandal will end a future shot at higher political ambitions. King is the son of former Monomi Governor Scott King Sr. (NAT), who served from 1982-1990.