Gabler Cleared In Car Fire-Bombing Incident

State ethics board says governor acted appropriately

PARKINS, CEA--Ceona Governor Christine Gabler (NAT) has been cleared by the state ethics commission, regarding an incident that occurred during the 2008 gubernatorial campaign.

On the evening of April 19, 2008, a vehicle owned by Todd Larich was fire-bombed and found abandoned and burning in rural Wilmington County in central Ceona. At the time, Larich was a top aide to former Governor Don Parkins (CNS), who was running against Gabler in the 2008 election. Larich's vehicle, a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, was covered with pro-Parkins and anti-Gabler bumper stickers. At the time of the incident, Mr. Larich was on the campaign trail, staying at a hotel in the nearby town of Olan Springs.

The Wilmington County Sheriff's Department, which had jurisdiction over the case, determined the vehicle was stolen from the parking lot of the Olan Springs hotel, where Mr. Larich was staying, and driven approximately 13 miles southwest to an empty gravel pit along Highway 19. It was then fire-bombed and abandoned, and later found by a concerned motorist. Evidence left at the scene, including anti-Parkins graffiti and pro-Gabler campaign literature, suggested Mr. Larich's vehicle was targeted because he worked for Governor Parkins.

Authorities immediately began investigating the campaign of rival candidate Christine Gabler, believing an over-zealous campaign worker or volunteer may have been responsible for the fire-bombing. Gabler was questioned, as were her top aides, and although they were never believed by officials to have been involved in the crime, critics, including Parkins supporters, charged Gabler and her staff were less than forth-coming with the release of campaign records and information.

"This is a crime that was politically motivated, and the best thing Christine Gabler and her friends could do is hand over their campaign records and information. But they won't do that. The governor is holding out for some reason and she is not cooperating," Randi Atwen, Ceona's Conservative party chairman said.

Police still believe the crime was motivated by politics. However, Gabler has cooperated, they say.

"We believe this was a politically-motivated crime, absolutely," Sgt. Jim Durbin told GNN. "Where we disagree with Mr. Atwen is on the cooperation of Governor Gabler. She has been fully and completely cooperative with our department and we believe she had nothing to do with this."

Despite allegations of a cover up, Gabler was cleared by investigators and was not charged with any crimes.

Following the criminal investigation, the state's ethics commission opened an inquiry into Gabler's conduct during the criminal investigation. During the eight-month-long investigation, ethics commissioners were able to find no misuse of public office or other ethics violations.

"We conclude today that Governor Christine Gabler has acted within reason and within the law during and after the aforementioned crime and subsequent investigation took place," Commissioner Sten Scott said at a hearing in Parkins Monday.

Gabler's office celebrated the news, telling reporters the commission's ruling is a vindication for the governor.

"The governor is obviously delighted. She feels vindicated. She feels like the truth has finally been confirmed," spokesman Todd Wright said. "This should put to rest the rumors and allegations that she acted unreasonably during this ordeal."

Officially, the fire-bombing incident is still unsolved. Police still maintain the crime was politically motivated, though they believe the goal of the crime was vandalism and intimidation, not physical harm against Mr. Larich.

Larich, and former Governor Parkins, who was defeated by Gabler in the 2008 election, are considering taking legal action against the governor and her aides, arguing that Gabler is still witholding information that may lead to the solving of the crime. A spokesman for Parkins, as well as a spokesman for Larich, would not comment on possible legal action.

McEdery To Replace Kelly As East Deschire Lt. Governor

State senator will become new lieutenant governor effective December 4th

DEROSA, EDS--East Deschire Governor Lynn DeMont (NAT) has selected State Senator Laurel McEdery (N-Noha) to be his next lieutenant governor, replacing current lieutentant governor Tatem Kelly, who is leaving to take a job in the private sector.

Kelly, who is known for her outspoken behavior and sarcastic style, announced back in June she would step down from the state's number two position. Officially, Kelly is leaving to take a job at an investment firm in Armana. However, speculation within the Derosa political circle is that Kelly was asked to resign following an outburst at a Nationalist party meeting in the small municipality of Belletown in the state's southwest back in May. During that outburst, Kelly engaged in a shouting match with attendees, calling them "backward hicks" and "losers."

Kelly did not apologize for the incident until three days later, when, with Governor Lynn DeMont by her side, she made a public apology at the Governor's Mansion in Derosa. At that press conference, DeMont rebuked Kelly's behavior, calling her conduct "hurtful" and "a huge disappointment."

Later, in June, Kelly announced she would be leaving her position as lieutenant governor to start a new career. However, she agreed to stay on the job for six months until a replacement could be named and to ensure a smooth transition for her successor.

Now, just nine days before Kelly's last day in office, Governor DeMont has appointed McEdery to be his deputy. McEdery, who has served three terms in the state Senate, gladfully accepted the governor's invitation.

"I am overjoyed that Governor DeMont has asked me to serve as his lieutenant. I believe there is no greater honor than serving the people of East Deschire," she said at a Wednesday afternoon press conference in Derosa.

DeMont also praised McEdery for her humility and dedication to the state.

"Laurel has a humble attitude and a huge heart--a combination that makes her a great choice for lieutenant governor," DeMont said.

Now that she has been nominated for the position, McEdery still has to be confirmed by the state Senate, where her colleagues are expected to overwhelmingly confirm her. State Senate Majority Leader Gerald Ivenroe (C-Waverly) confirmed the Senate will vote on McEdery's nomination Friday, November 27th.

McCann: 'I Voted With My Heart' On Stimulus Package

KLN senator says stimulus package violates capitalist principles

LAMBERTH, KLN--The economic stimulus package recently passed by both houses of Congress is in "clear violation" of basic capitalist ideals, Senator Shannon McCann (C-Kalnier) said Monday.

Speaking to a local newspaper in central Kalnier, McCann told a reporter she voted 'no' on the legislation because she believed it went against the principles of capitalism.

"I voted with my heart on this one, and I ended up voting 'no' because I believe that the government should not be taking additional money from the citizens of our country. The federal government already does that and it's called taxes," McCann said.

The $315 billion economic stimulus package passed in the National Assembly by a vote of 145-131 and in the Senate by a vote of 55-35.

Conservatives argued the stimulus was unnecessary because the economy was already on the upswing. Nationalists countered the economy was still in a fragile state and could slip back into a long-term period of recession.

"The whole purpose of the stimulus package was to ensure that our country gets out of this recession as quickly and painlessly as possible," Assistant Senate Majority Leader Bruce Kellney (N-Trinton) told the GBC.

McCann held her ground, however, insisting that the government does not need to be more involved in the economy.

"This is just a bad idea that takes money away from people at a time when most Grassadellans are saving their money and not spending it. The best way to stimulate the economy is to give tax breaks to the Grassadellan people," McCann said.

McCann, who is up for re-election in 2010, was the only senator from Kalnier to vote against the stimulus package. She was joined by two of Kalnier's Assembly members in opposing the legislation. The state's four other senators and sole NAT Assembly member voted for the bill.

Browning Jumps In To Biereland Senate Race

Timber executive to make senate bid

BROOKINGS, BIE--Biereland Conservatives now have their first official candidate for the 2010 senate race.

Robert Browning, a timber executive and businessman from Brookings, announced he will run for the seat currently held by Nationalist Michael Kreighorn. Browning's announcement comes as a relief to state CNS leaders, who struggled for months to find a viable candidate to take on the vulnerable Kreighorn, who is already facing primary competition from fellow Nationalist and former Brookings mayor Steve Pottomeaux. While the 2010 election is expected to be a bad year for the Conservative Party, which has controlled both bodies since 2000, Kreighorn's seat appears to be a possible bright spot for the CNS, who may have a shot at winning.

Browning made his candidacy announcement at the Grand Sky Regency hotel in downtown Brookings Thursday morning. Speaking to a crowd of 400 people, he criticized Congress for a "deluge of partisanship" and an excess of bureacracy and gridlock.

"Nothing's getting done in Mavocke, and the people of Biereland know it," Browning told his supporters. "It's time to put politics and partisanship aside and start working together for the people. I've done that my whole life in the timber industry, and I'll continue to do it in Mavocke."

Though he did not mention Kreighorn by name, Browning also took a swipe at "politicians who lack conviction" and "go back and forth, constantly changing their minds and their positions to appease special interests and secure their political future." Kreighorn has been criticized by many, including some in his own party, for changing his mind on key issues, including health care, economic reform, and environmental legislation.

Browning trails Kreighorn in fundraising. However, the timber tycoon has a large personal net worth, and a divisive primary election between Kreighorn and Pottomeaux will likely benefit Browning's campaign.

Hunter-Garrett Anxious To Get To Work At State Department

Newly-confirmed foreign affairs deputy secretary eager to begin job

MAVOCKE, CEA--Two days after narrowly being confirmed in the Senate, Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett is anxious to get to work.

"It's such a tremendous honor for me to be working with Secretary McCaren and President Menuhaeo and I'm very excited to get to work and help build strong relationships with other countries," Hunter-Garrett told the NFP, following her swearing-in ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Hunter, 44, was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 47-43. In all, five Conservatives--Sens. Victoria Albright of Ceona, Dick Ammons of Harvannah, Ayden Benning of New Portsmouth, and Chuck Danbury and Robert Maclan of Armana--voted to confirm Hunter. Only three Nationalists--Brian Altamont of Damoign, Michael Kreighorn of Biereland, and Lincoln Pacinow of Wellington--voted against her nomination.

President Menuhaeo nominated Hunter to fill the deputy secretary post, a position that has been vacant since Menuhaeo took office in January. Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert told reporters Thursday morning that six full-time staffers were assigned to find a qualified candidate for the post, and President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren ultimately settled on Hunter, who formerly chaired the International Affairs department at Kinn College in Armana.

At the swearing-in ceremony, McCaren praised his colleague as a "master of the international scene" and said he looked forward to working with Ms. Hunter.

"What I see in Dawnelle is someone who immensely understands our world and the challenging circumstances facing the international community," McCaren said. "What I also see is someone who is willing to work hard and tirelessly for the security and safety of our country."

Pleasantries aside, there won't be much time to formally celebrate Hunter's addition to the department. Her first day on the job was Thursday, and she plans to spend the weekend with the president and Secretary McCaren at Warren Place in Charrington.

Hunter's admission to the administration's cabinet marks the first time in Grassadellan history a woman has served as deputy secretary of foreign affairs. Hunter joins eight other women in the administration's leadership, including five cabinet secretaries and three under-secretaries.

Moderate Conservatives Come To Gilcrest's Defense

Senator's fellow moderates fear 'conservative hijacking' of party

TWIN LAKES, VER--The battle for the future of the Conservative party can be perfectly illustrated by the mini civil war happening in Veroche between moderate incumbent Senator Niles Gilcrest and the much more staunchly conservative Talley O'Neil, who is running against the senator in what is becoming an increasingly tense primary race.

Mr. Gilcrest has made a name for himself in the Senate by crossing over and joining Nationalists on key issues, including the war in Iraq, climate change, and the economic stimulus package. His bipartisanship is winning him accolades from moderates and independents, but not from the strongly conservative base of the CNS, who feel the senator has abandoned his allegiance to the Conservative party.

His cozy relationship with senate Nationalists and his defiance of CNS party leadership has been the central theme of his opponent's campaign. Last week, Ms. O'Neil, who is married to Congressman Rich O'Neil (C-VER), chided Gilcrest for "abandoning his party" and criticized him for leaving his "conservative principles at the door" when he entered the Senate in 2008.

The attacks from the right, combined with O'Neil's strong fundraising numbers, have prompted moderate Conservatives to come to Gilcrest's aid and join him on the campaign trail.

Joining Gilcrest at a rally in Twin Lakes Saturday were fellow moderate CNS senators Robert Maclan (ARA), Victoria Albright (CEA), and Ayden Benning (NWP), who urged supporters to brace for a tough campaign.

"It's not going to be easy," Albright told the crowd. "They're going after Niles pretty hard. But we won't back down and neither will he."

Maclan, who served with Gilcrest in the National Assembly prior to be elected to the Senate, praised Gilcrest's commitment to personal values.

"This is a man who will stand up for what he believes in, a man who is not beholden to party interests or pressures from the party bosses," Maclan said.

The most provocative comment at the rally, however, came from Benning, who, like Gilcrest, has been criticized for his moderate voting record and for frequently bucking his party. But for the freshman New Portsmouth senator, the future of the CNS party is threatened by the conservative uprising.

"Niles represents a rare breed of Conservatives these days," Benning told the audience. "He is a man who puts the interests of the people first. He's not a radical, he's not an activist. He's a centrist, and we need more like him because if we don't elect like-minded people, we won't be able to stop the conservative hijacking that some in our party want to take place."

Benning's comments were cheered at the Gilcrest campaign rally. But they sent unwanted shockwaves through the CNS party in Veroche.

State party chairman Mark Creason told the NPF Benning's words were "deepening the chasm that's threatening the party's unity" and, when asked if he condemned them, Creason responded "well, his comments today certainly aren't helpful."

The bitter battle between Gilcrest and O'Neil is only part of the larger war going on in the CNS party in Veroche. Senator Evelynn Blankenship, who is strongly conservative, is facing a primary challenge from former Lake City mayor Richard Scholinger, who is decidedly more moderate. A similar situation is unfolding in that race, only the role is reversed, with the incumbent being the staunch conservative and the challenger a centrist.

The division appears to only be worsening, as more prominent state and national Conservatives continue to take sides in the tense race. So far, Gilcrest has been endorsed by Maclan, Albright, and Benning, as well as Steve Leona, who ran unsuccessfully for Veroche governor in 2008. O'Neil has been endorsed by Lt. Governor Brad Davidson, Reps. John and Linda Bosworth, Margaret Spellanous, Roger Hatfield, Ethan Carr, and Gary Kessler. Veroche's other Conservative senator, Kit McHenry, who is the chairwoman of the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC), has vowed to remain neutral in the race.

Both campaigns are actively courting other prominent members of the party in an effort to score a high-profile endorsement. However, many Conservatives are holding off on endorsing until the campaign progresses.

O'Neil: Gilcrest Either A 'Closet Nationalist' Or 'Spineless Conservative'

Bitter attacks fuel tense campaign

LANAKIS--The bitter primary campaign for the Senate in Veroche has been taken to a new level, after Conservative candidate Talley O'Neil accused her opponent, incumbent Senator Niles Gilcrest, of being a "closet Nationalist."

O'Neil, who is locked in a tense race with the much more moderate Gilcrest, made the comments at a campaign stop Friday in east Lanakis.

"Senator Gilcrest is either a closet Nationalist or a spineless Conservative, because based on his voting record, it's clear he doesn't stand with our party," O'Neil told her supporters, many of whom were laughing and applauding.

O'Neil has taken issue with Gilcrest's support for a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, climate change legislation, and the economic stimulus package, which passed both houses of Congress last month.

Mrs. O'Neil, the wife of Congressman Rich O'Neil, is more outspoken than her more reserved husband. However, she insists she's not aiming to be a vocal critic.

"This isn't about attracting attention, it's not about belittling Senator Gilcrest, it's not about becoming a star within my party, it's just simply about change. I've traveled all around Veroche, and all across this state, everywhere I go, people tell me they just want someone to stand up to the tax-and-spend liberals. And it's not just Nationalists, it's Conservatives too. And unfortunately, Senator Gilcrest is one of those Conservatives that is either supportive of these policies, or unmotivated to do anything to stop them from taking effect," O'Neil told Lake City Living magazine on Tuesday.

The Gilcrest campaign does not buy Mrs. O'Neil's claims of decency, pointing to her "mean-spirited" attacks against the senator.

"She's not interested in talking about the issues, she's not interested in change. She's just interested in bashing Senator Gilcrest and tearing down his character," campaign spokesman Todd Walin told GBC Radio.

Following O'Neil's latest attack, Gilcrest's campaign released a more firm response.

"Talley O'Neil's latest attacks on Niles Gilcrest are reprehensible. Senator Gilcrest is not a 'closet Nationalist.' He is and always has been a devoted, true Conservative. Just because he does not fit into Talley O'Neil's narrow-minded definition of 'conservative' does not mean he is not committed to his party and the principles it stands for. Talley O'Neil's questioning of Senator Gilcrest's allegiance is deplorable and offensive not only to the senator but to his supporters and the people of Veroche," the campaign said in a written statement.

Sources for national Conservatives say privately that top party officials are appalled at the lack of civility in the campaign and are quietly urging a more peaceful competition. However, a spokesman for CNS party Chairman Bob Viacrosa declined to comment on any potential actions the chairman may take to calm the situation.

Senator Denies Marriage Rumors, Rebukes Media For 'Personal Attacks'

Jones-Micaebun says media taking 'personal attacks' to extreme

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--She's a senator, a mother of three, and the wife of a mega-church minister. And now she's becoming the center of a tabloid frenzy.

Senator Alyssa Jones-Micaebun (C-DMG), who is more commonly known just as Alyssa Jones, took a swipe at the media Tuesday night after several tabloids and Grassadella City-area newspapers published stories about her family and marriage.

The most aggressive article, which came from The Informer tabloid magazine, suggested the senator and her husband, Darren Jones, who is a senior-associate pastor at the mega-size Falls Church in Grassadella City, are having marriage problems and have split up. The article also said the couple's three children are staying with their grandparents until the problem is resolved.

Senator Jones used her appearance on GNN's The Capitol Report Tuesday night to address those rumors.

"I have no idea where these rumors are coming from," Jones told host James Madine. "My husband and I are not split up. We are not having problems. We have a very strong, healthy, happy marriage, and we would certainly never put our kids through that kind of ordeal. These rumors are completely false and untrue, and they are just that, rumors."

Jones told Madine the rumors may have began circulating after she and her husband purchased a home in Mavocke in February, following her induction into the senate. In a letter disseminated to church members in Grassadella City, the couple announced they would be splitting their time between their home in Grassadella City, where Mr. Jones still holds a pastoral position, and their new home in Mavocke.

"At the time, I had just arrived in the senate, and Darren was still working in Grassadella City, and we didn't know whether I should fly home on the weekends or if the family should come up to Mavocke during the week or what," Jones said.

Eventually, the couple was able to negotiate an arrangement with church leaders to allow Rev. Jones to work at the church's sister-congregation in Mavocke, where he now works part-time. The couple still own their home in Grassadella City, and Rev. Jones continues to travel to the Grassadella City congregation once a month. However, the couple's children are now living in Mavocke permanently and are attending school in the Mavocke area.

"It's possible that some people may have read that letter and misinterpreted it and thought we were separating or something. But the truth is we were just trying to figure out how to balance my new job in Mavocke as a senator and Darren's job as a pastor in Grassadella City. It took a few months to figure it out, but now we are all happily living in Mavocke," Jones said.

The couple's children are living at home, Jones added.

"No, they are not living with their grandparents. They go to visit, but they are living with Darren and I in Mavocke," she said.

As for the media frenzy, Jones had strong words for the reporters and publishers who have been propagating the 'lies.'

"These are nothing short of personal attacks on me and my family," she said. "And I have to say, I am appalled and deeply hurt that someone would accuse me of putting my children through something like this. I love my kids. I love my husband. And I am deeply offended that someone would suggest otherwise. And the fact that newspapers and magazines publish this stuff is just shocking."

A spokesman for The Informer said the magazine will not retract its story.

Jerri Watkins, a spokeswoman for the senator's Mavocke office, said Jones' legal team will continue to pursue legal options and will "not rest" until a retraction has been made. 

Magiscanti Draws Primary Challenger

Freshman CNS senator to face primary opponent

HARLYNE, HVN--Freshman Senator Andre "Bourret" Magiscanti (CNS), who is known for his moderate voting record, now has an opponent for the primary election.

Jill Webster, a nurse and Christian activist from Harlyne, announced she will challenge Magiscanti, who is seeking his first full term after winning a special election in June 2008. In a speech given outside her campaign headquarters on Harlyne's northeast side, Webster took aim at Magiscanti's moderate stance on social issues, including his support for abortion.

"We cannot have a senator representing us that does not believe in the sanctity of human life and the values that founded this country," Webster said.

Ms. Webster has strikingly different views on social issues, including her opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, than many of her fellow Conservatives in Harvannah. Magiscanti has avoided many social issues while serving in the senate. However, he has sided with the NAT on economic issues, including his recent support for the economic stimulus package, to which Webster took issue.

"I am ashamed to say we have a senator that supported an unnecessary bill that will burden our children and our grandchildren with mountains of debt," Webster said. "We need a senator who will stand up for the tax-payer."

Webster is no stranger to politics. She served on the Harlyne School Board from 1995-2001, and ran unsuccessfully for the Harlyne City Council in 2005 and again in 2007. Her campaign for the senate, however, looks just as grim as her unsuccessful bids for the city council. Despite facing difficult general election poll numbers, Magiscanti appears headed for an easy primary victory. With just over $1.4 million cash-on-hand and the support of top party officials, he is likely to cruise to an easy primary win.

BREAKING NEWS--Former Senator Brown Critically Injured In Auto Accident

Former Trinton senator in urgent care center following severe wreck, other driver deceased

WILMINGTON, TRI--Former Senator Brian Brown (C-TRI) is in the urgent care unit at a Wilmington hospital following a fatal auto collision Sunday night.

The accident happened in the small town of Carsten Moors, about 75 miles southeast of Wilmington. According to local authorities, the senator was en route to the seaside town of Larigan, where he was scheduled to speak Monday morning to local business leaders.

Police say the black Ford sedan carrying Brown was heading east-bound on a side street around 8:45 pm when it was struck by a silver Acura sports car. Authorities believe the driver of the Acura failed to stop at the intersection and t-boned the sedan. Brown, and the person driving his vehicle, were pinned inside their sedan until medical personnel arrived. The 26-year-old driver of the Acura, who was riding alone, was taken to the hospital but later pronounced dead.

Mr. Brown was taken to Middlebury Hospital in Wilmington by helicopter. Doctors say the former senator has suffered several broken bones, including vertebrae in his back and neck. The passenger, whom has not been identified by police, has been released from the hospital. Doctors say despite his severe injuries, Mr. Brown is expected to recover, though his stay in the hospital could be lengthy.

Police are releasing few details about the crash. A spokesman for the Carsten Moors Police Department declined to say if alcohol or illegal drugs played a role.

Brown served just one term in the senate from 2002-2008. He lost his bid for re-election in 2008 to Nationalist Tim Blakewell.

A spokeswoman for the senator's office said his speech scheduled for Monday morning has been cancelled.

Lanman-Trau: Lessons To Be Learned From England, Canada Health Care Systems

Universal health care 'detrimental' to Grassadella, says POG lieutenant governor

MAVOCKE, CEA--A universal health care system would be "detrimental" to Grassadella, POG Lieutenant Governor Beth Lanman-Trau (CNS) told GNN's James Madine on Country Time.

Citing problems with health care systems in England and Canada, Lanman-Trau, who is currently battling breast cancer, told Madine a similar system in Grassadella would result in widespread shortages of doctors, medicine, and less choices for patients.

"What this comes down to, James, is a sharp decline in the quality of health care in this country, and we can't afford that," she said. "In this age of increasing technology and advancement in medicine, we shouldn't be going backwards, we should be going forward."

In Mavocke, health care has taken a back seat to the troubled economy. However, an emotional debate about the subject in the U.S. has prompted many politicians to propose changes to the way health care is ran in Grassadella.

Lanman-Trau also took issue with the health care plan being proposed in the United States, calling it "a recipe for failure."

"There are some good things in [the U.S.] plan, but from what I've seen of the bill in the U.S.A. is that much of the plans being called for will put the U.S. track to socialized medicine and that's not what we want here in this country, and as we're seeing in the media with the protests and the controversy surrounding the U.S. plan, it's not what a good many Americans want either," Lanman-Trau said.

Lanman-Trau also specifically criticized the government-ran health care systems in England and Canada, citing recent reports in the UK of incorrect diagnoses that led to patients' deaths.

"Essentially what you see in these countries is a history of patients dying and not getting the care they need in a timely fashion. You see doctor shortages and long waiting periods to see a physician. These are clear things we can learn from and take away: government-ran health care does not work."

Nationalists did not waste time pouncing on Lanman-Trau's comments, saying the lieutenant governor is "clearly disillusioned."

"It's surprising that Beth Lanman-Trau, a cancer patient herself, would ignore the ugly realities of the Grassadellan health care system and promote a system that favors wealthy, healthy Grassadellans," Nationalist Party spokesman Derrick Weber said in a written statement to media outlets. "Perhaps she should travel around the country or even within her own state of POG and meet the many people who are not being adequately served by the current system."

Lanman-Trau admitted that "certain changes could be made" to the existing system, however, she did not elaborate.

The lieutenant governor was in Mavocke for a national cancer prevention rally. She was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in March.