Shirley To Back Reedsworth In Contentious Trinton Primary

Former presidential candidate to endorse moderate CNS congressman in senate race


VALLEY DUNDER, TRINTON--Former Conservative presidential candidate and Under-Secretary of State John Shirley, who is known for his moderate views, is expected to endorse a fellow moderate in Trinton's Conservative senate primary.

Sources close to Mr. Shirley say he will soon endorse Rep. George Reedsworth (C-Wilmington) in what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious senate primaries in the country. Reedsworth is facing off against ultra-conservative state Senator Randy Kalamaza, who has been endorsed by Reedsworth's old foe, federal Sen. Kelsey Frascanio.

Kalamaza has been in the race longer, and has a money edge. But Mr. Shirley "completely, one hundred per cent backs Reedsworth" over Kalamaza, a source close to the former presidential candidate, who asked not to be named, told GNN.

An endorsement from Shirley would give the Reedsworth campaign some welcomed news, as it has struggled to get its campaign off the ground.

Reedsworth's office would not comment on the rumored forthcoming endorsement. A spokeswoman in his Mavocke office referred GNN to his campaign, which also declined to comment.

Senator Wants To Meet Sarah Palin, Jamie Foxx

New Portsmouth senator says former US vice presidential candidate is a 'sincere conservative,' actor Foxx 'adorable'

NESTLEY, NEW PORTSMOUTH--Former US Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is endeared by conservatives and reviled by liberals. But she has one new supporter: Senator Nadine Pietrasaelis.

In a campaign rally in the southwest New Portsmouth city of Nestley, the Conservative senator, who is facing an uphill re-election battle against NAT Congresswoman Jean Larae Dowd, was asked by an audience member, "If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?"

"Well, gosh, I don't know. There are so many people. Can I pick more than one?" the senator asked.

Pietrasaelis then rattled off a list of figures--both alive and historical--including Winston Churchill, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher, and Princess Diana.

She also named Hollywood stars Mel Gibson, whom she called "cute" and Jamie Foxx, whom she described as "adorable" but "a little too young for me."

British actor Hugh Grant "might be more suitable for an old woman like me," the 48-year-old married mother of three joked.

Finally, the senator said her top choice would probably be former US vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska, who ran for the White House with Republican John McCain in 2008.

In the US, Palin is beloved by the right and abhorred by the left. But even in other countries, many have an unfavorable opinion of the folksy, populist Palin.

Not Pietrasaelis.

"I find her brand of conservativism to be refreshingly genuine," Pietrasaelis said. "I think she's a sincere conservative, and more importantly, a wonderful mother and wife, a patriot, and just a fascinating person. I would love to sit down with her and talk about her story."

Pietrasaelis has never met Palin, but did buy a copy of her New York Times' best-selling book Going Rogue, which she has read, a spokeswoman said, and "very much enjoyed."

Congresswoman Regrets 'White World' Comment

Veroche congresswoman calls remark a 'silly mishap'



FLETCHERFIELD, VEROCHE--Following an outcry from minority groups and liberal activists, a Conservative congresswoman has apologized for her controversial comments.

Rep. Margaret Spellanous of Veroche's 5th Legislative District made the comments Friday during a hearing for the Assembly's Ethnic and Cultural Assimilation sub-committee, on which she sits.

Speaking about Grassadellians of African descent, Spellanous referenced her home district as an example of poor assimilation, particularly by immigrants of the Islamic faith.

"In northwest Veroche, in the 5th district, which I represent, it's pretty much always been, and probably always will be a white world, and, in a lot of ways, that's probably how it should be," Spellanous said.

Spellanous' comments did draw confusion and a brief rebuke from Nationalist colleague James Edison of Remmington, who said, "I hope that was just a mix up of words and that the Congresswoman does not truly feel that way."

The comment almost immediately drew criticism from minority groups, including the Grassadellian Minority Coalition (GMC), which called Spellanous' comments "an attack on Grassadellians of all minority backgrounds."

"To have a member of Congress say something like this, in 2010, it's just unthinkable," GMC Vice President Shirley Johnson told the NPF. "Some people say we live in a post-racial society. These remarks today show that we clearly do not."

On Saturday, Spellanous held a press conference to clarify her remarks.

"I want to clarify what I said, because I think a lot of people misunderstood me," she said.

"I made some unfortunate comments that were not intended and were misunderstood, but also worded poorly. What I meant to say yesterday was that, in a lot of places across this country, minority citizens are struggling to fit in. Some Caucasian Grassadellians of European descent are not very hospitable to their minority brothers and sisters, and in places like where I'm from, northwest Veroche, it would be foolish to introduce radical multi-cultural measures, because it would cause too much social strain on already fragile relationships between majority and minority ethnic groups."

The bill Spellanous was talking about, specifically, is the Cultural Awareness and Celebration Act, which would, in part, require school children to attend "multi-cultural workshops," including events devoted to Islam, Buddhism, and the Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, something many parents oppose.

The bill would also require small business owners to attend such events, geared toward adults, in order to receive a special federal tax break. Business owners would also have to display a documentation of proof they enrolled in the workshop program to be eligible for the tax credit.

Spellanous sought to clarify more.

"What I was trying to say is that, whether right or wrong, a lot of people in this country are not used to people of other cultures and backgrounds. And forcing them to attend workshops and meetings is only going to anger them and cause racial unrest among our different ethnic groups. Instead of forcing people to attend such things, we should incentivize these programs, and give people an option, an option they will hopefully choose."

Spellanous' clarification did little to change Shirley Johnson's mind.

"I don't see any merit in what she said, I don't see any reason or logic in what she said, all I see is hatred," Johnson said in a phone interview from her Mavocke office.

"I'm deeply sorry if I offended people with my comment. It was not intentionally made. I did not mean to give the impression that I condone racism or white supremacy. I don't condone that kind of activity. I was just trying to point out there are a lot of very traditional people who are stubborn and are not open to new cultures and people of different backgrounds. And for the sake of keeping the peace, sometimes it's better to just have a dialogue about these things instead of mandating change. And that's all I was trying to say. I think it all was really just a silly mishap," Spellanous said Sunday on the GBC's Weekend Glance program.

But Spellanous' comments are not only drawing ire from minority and human rights groups, but also citizens from her own congressional district.

"I think what she said is appalling," Tara Edwards, mayor of the town of Fletcherfield, about four hours northwest of Lake City, told GNN. "Basically what she's saying is that the people in her district are backward, red-neck racists who are unsophisticated and only welcoming of people of Caucasian origin, and that's just not true."

Edwards acknowledged the district's overwhelming Caucasian population, but vowed, "If you come to Fletcherfield, I guarantee you will find nice, friendly, welcoming, loving people; people who love others no matter their color, religion, ethnicity, age, gender or life background. This is a very accepting and open community."

Spellanous would not comment directly on the apparent slight toward her home district. In an email to GNN News, the congresswoman said, "I once again apologize to my constituents, for the offense and embarrassment I have caused them. I am extremely proud to call the 5th district my home, and I can't think of a more accepting, tolerant, and welcoming place than beautiful northwest Veroche."

Branlin 'Proud' To Make "Most Liberal" List

Wilkonshire senator 'not ashamed to be a liberal'



NEW DUNSLEE, WILKONSHIRE--Nationalist Senator Terry Branlin has a new title: fourth most liberal senator in the Grassadellian Senate.

And it's a title she is proud to hold.

"I'm proud to be the fourth most liberal," the sophomore senator told GNN. "It's a badge I wear with honor."

The top spot goes to Kalnier Senator Paul LeBouse, according to the Grassadellian Conservative Union (GCU), which compiled the list. Right behind LeBouse are Trinton's Grace Kemp, followed by Aaron Tobias Griffith of Veroche, then Branlin. Rounding out the top five is Debbie Madronas of Damoign.

The rankings were determined by each member's voting record, and endorsements from liberal advocacy groups. LeBouse received a 96.5 rating, out of 100, meaning he voted the liberal position 96.5% of the time. Kemp received a close 95.7, Griffith a 95.4, and Branlin a 94.1. Madronas earned a 93.1.

"These five senators, by our measurement, are the most liberal in the Grassadellian Senate," GCU President George Zarelli says. "These five are leading the way in the Senate to destroying our liberties."

But being labeled "liberal" doesn't bother Branlin, who has been called a "socialist" and "anti-Grassadellian" after she voted in favor of the stimulus package and the bailout.

"I am a liberal. I'm proud to say that," the senator told GNN. "I'm not going to apologize for being who I am and for standing up for the Grassadellian people."

Those are bold comments from a senator who is facing re-election this December, but Branlin's not afraid.

"The people of Wilkonshire sent me to Mavocke to stand up for them, and that's what I'm doing. Every day, when I walk in those [Senate] doors, I am standing up for the people of Wilkonshire."

GCU President Zarelli not only has a problem with Branlin's liberalism, but also what he describes as her "smug attitude."

"It's bad enough that she's voting liberal almost 100 per cent of the time. But then she and others like her, they're just so arrogant about it, and they're actually proud of voting against the will of the people and marching our country down a path to socialism. That's just shocking," Zarelli said.

Branlin's new distinction is certain to give her 2010 Conservative opponent, retired Army colonel Lee Fisher, some new material, as he fights an uphill battle to take out the senator, who was first elected in 2007.

Wilkonshire votes reliably Nationalist, with a few exceptions, such as Christon Mayor Tara Hadley, Senator Newton Jeffs, and former Governor John R. Agnew, who lost a 2008 bid for the Senate to NAT John Warner-Patterson, and is currently challenging incumbent Sen. Sylvea Stone (NAT). With 2010 shaping up to be a bad a year for the Conservative Party, it's unlikely Fischer, who lacks money and name recognition, will be able to take out one of the nation's most popular Nationalists.

Still, Conservatives will make an effort.

"Terry Branlin will not get a free pass in the 2010 election," said Chris Howard, of the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC). "She will have to prove to voters she deserves to be sent back to Mavocke."

Kinsley Won't Appear At Pro-Recall Rally On Election Night

Monomi lieutenant governor to watch election results from home


TREETON, MONOMI--While votes are coming in Monday night in Monomi's special gubernatorial recall election, Lieutenant Governor Erica Kinsley (NAT), who has been an outspoken critic of her boss, Governor Scott King, will not be attending a pro-recall rally in Treeton's western suburbs, sources say.

The lieutnenant governor, who made waves in Monomi by turning on her boss and calling for his resignation following a corruption scandal, will not be attending an election night pro-recall rally in Paradise Valley.

According to sources, Kinsley was asked by Citizens to Recall Scott King, the main group behind the recall, to speak at the rally. However, the lieutenant governor has turned down the invitation and will instead monitor the election results from her home in central Treeton.

Kinsley, who was elected to office with King in 2006, immediately turned on her running mate when he came under federal investigation last year for corruption and misuse of office, and called for his resignation. King, who refused to step down, rebuked Kinsley, and the two shared an icy relationship for months. However, recently, relations have thawed somewhat between the governor and his lieutenant.

Still, many question Kinsley's motives and believe she turned on King to protect her own political interests, including a 2010 run for governor.

Kinsley has not officially announced her candidacy for the state's top position, but is expected to announce soon.

King, Opponents Increase Spending In Final Days Before Recall

MON governor fighting for survival in state's first recall election


TREETON, MONOMI--Governor Scott King is spending millions of dollars to save himself from an agressive recall effort aimed at removing him from office.

The embattled governor has just two days before Monomi voters decide his fate in a special recall election. And both sides are sprinting to the finish line.

King has reportedly spent $3.6 million, mostly of his own money, on defending himself against claims made by his opponents. He has bought several TV spots and radio ads, as well as a full newspaper page in The Treeton Sun newspaper.

In one ad from the governor, running on stations state-wide, the narrator touts King's record as governor, saying he "created 500,000 jobs, lowered taxes on the middle class, and fought to secure our borders." The narrator then says, "He's been a good governor, and a good man. Keep Scott King in office."

In another ad from King's campaign, the governor is featured talking with seniors and children, while the narrator says "Scott King's opponents are trying to smear him and ruin his good name. The truth is, Scott King has stood up for seniors, children, and families all across Monomi. Don't let radical conservatives defeat our governor and defeat our state."

But attack ads from the other side are less friendly.

One ad from Citizens to Recall Scott King, the main group behind the recall effort, slams the governor for "running an inside job in Treeton" and "deceiving the public to protect his person interests."

"If Scott King is innocent, why has he refused to talk to the media?" the narrator asks. "It just doesn't make sense. Scott King is hiding the truth, and WE are paying for it," a caption says.

Citizens to Recall Scott King reports it spent about $4.7 million in a last-minute campaign spending spree. Supporters of the effort are also calling voters, urging them to turnout and vote to remove King from office.

In order to be recalled, 60% of voters must vote in favor of the recall, Monomi Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio (CNS) said.

It's unclear just what to expect on Monday, when voters go to the polls. At the height of the governor's scandal, which involved allegations of corruption and even prostitution, a strong majority (70%) supported recalling him from office.

But as the dramatic process has slogged on for several months, support for the recall has dropped immensely, as many voters believe such upheaval in the state's leadership is unhealthy and not worth it, with King already scheduled to leave office due to term limits in January 2011.

Many also do not favor the recall, because, if successful, it would mean Lieutenant Governor Erica Kinsley (NAT) would assume the governorship, a move many feel would only be political posturing for the ambitious young lieutenant governor, who openly called for King's resignation following the onset of the scandal.

"The way to fix this is not by removing Scott King from office and replacing him with Erica Kinsley. The real way to fix this is to wait until [the] December [2010 election] and vote someone new in there," said 64-year-old Lee Scholl, a retired carpenter from Heydworth.

So far, almost all of the state's Conservative members in the National Assembly have called on King to resign or be recalled. Democratic-Reformist Senator Willy Locke, however, is the only one of the state's five senators to call for the same.

Protester Throws Human Feces At Governor

Armana governor was not hit by fecal matter


DUBE CITY, ARMANA--A spokeswoman for Armana Governor Dale Fulbright says the governor was not hit by fecal matter, after a protester tried to throw a bucket of human feces on him.

The incident happened Wednesday afternoon in Dube City, where the governor was touring a new expansion of the Port of Dube. About 200 protesters from an environmental group, which opposed the port expansion project because of its supposed harm to wetlands, were on site to show their disapproval.

According to spokeswoman Jane Fletcher, Fulbright toured the facility with about two dozen other dignitaries, and then was scheduled to give a speech at 1:00 pm. However, as Fulbright was walking from the port's dock to the grassy entrance to give his speech, a protester on the other side of a chain link fence threw a bucket of human feces at the governor and his team.

The man was too far away from the governor, and the fecal matter did not hit Fulbright, Fletcher said.

"It came close. This man was probably only ten or twelve feet away," Fletcher said. "But the governor and his staff saw the man was attempting to throw something over the fence and they quickly stepped out of the way before they could be hit by anything."

The man then fled and ran across the street to an adjacent park, where police caught up with him. Charles Buckley, 59, of Lahawra, was arrested and transported to the LaFugh County jail, where he was later charged by prosecutors with first degree assault of a public official, first degree malicious mischief, and harrassment and intimidation of a public servant.

Police say the man disguised the bucket as a flower pot to ease suspicion.

"He used adhesives to put flowers on the top of the bucket, to make it appear to be a flower pot. We're guessing this was to make people less suspicious," Sgt. Daniel Cleverley told the NPF.

Fellow protesters say the man is mentally disabled.

"There's something wrong with Charles. He's not totally with it, in the head," said Diane Fallow, who organized the protest.

Dube City Police Chief Ron Kysington told GNN affiliate WDUC-TV that protesters were not allowed on port property, and it's unclear how Buckley and about twenty other demonstrators were able to get on the facility's property despite police presence. Trespassing charges may follow, pending an investigation by the police. Kysington noted most protesters were located on the street and sidewalks, which the city had closed to accomodate the demonstration.

The governor's speech went on as planned, but was delayed, according to Fletcher. Mr. Fulbright did not talk to the press following the incident, although, as he was getting into his car to leave the ceremony, he was asked by a reporter what he thought of the incident, and reportedly responded, "People have done a lot of things to me, but I've never had poop thrown at me. This is truly a first."

The governor may address the issue next Monday during his regularly scheduled press conference, Fletcher said.

Buckley was charged and released from jail on $75,000 bond. His first appearance in court is set for Monday.

Wornkin Mulls Gubernatorial Bid

Dayle-Locke mayor urged to run for NWP governor

DAYLE-LOCKE, NEW PORTSMOUTH--Two days after rumors surfaced that top leaders within the Nationalist Party are urging Dayle-Locke Mayor Charles Wornkin to run for governor in the 2010 election, the Mayor's office has confirmed he is considering a run.

Wornkin, who was elected mayor of New Portsmouth's largest city last year, is one of the state's most notable Nationalists, and has received praise from Nationalists and Conservatives alike for his work on the city's troubled budget.

However, should Wornkin decide to run, he will join a crowded field of NAT candidates vying to challenge first-term Conservative Governor Jacqueline Bosseau. The field includes former governor Dale Rochey, who narrowly defeated Bosseau in a special 2007 election and later narrowly lost to her in 2008. State Senator Michael Barrett and small business owner Kyle Reeser are also running.

Wornkin would have to play catch-up in the fundraising race, and lacks the name recognition Rochey has gained from two previous state-wide campaigns. However, Wornkin is well known in the Dayle-Locke area and could be a formidable opponent for Rochey, who appears to be the favored candidate in the primary race.

On Friday, Wornkin's office declined to comment, but did acknowledge the mayor is "considering" a bid.

"I can't comment on any specifics, but I can tell you that the mayor has met with national leaders in the party and is considering running," spokeswoman Mary Klammins told the Yanceyburg Commoner newspaper.

Rochey's campaign refused to comment on a possible Wornkin candidacy, but did tell the media Dale Rochey "is the only person in this state who can restore trust in the governor's mansion."

Bosseau's office did not return GNN's calls, but a campaign spokeswoman later emailed us and said, "the governor is prepared to take on any deep-pocketed candidate the Nationalists throw at her."

New Portsmouth's primary election will be held on September 7.

Monomi Court of Appeals Refuses To Delay Recall Election

Governor's legal team calls decision a 'disregard for the constitution'

TREETON, MONOMI--The Monomi Court of Appeals on Tuesday refused to delay or halt the recall election facing Governor Scott King Jr. (NAT).

The 3-1 decision means the recall election, which has been certified by Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio (CNS), can go on as planned. The date for the special recall election is April 26.

The court's decision also reaffirms a lower court's ruling made last week. In that case, King's attorneys asked that the recall election either be postponed or thrown out altogether because of errors and irregularities in the signature-collecting process during the initial stages of the recall effort.

King's attorneys also argued that a recall against the embattled governor, who was the subject of state and federal fraud and corruption investigations, is not legal because the Monomi Constitution states that "executive members shall not be impeached unless they become the subject of a criminal case of wrong-doing." King was ultimately never indicted, due to a lack of evidence.

But the appeals court did not buy King's argument, and upheld last week's decision by The Honorable Judge Gary J. Rice.

Speaking on behalf of the majority, The Honorable Judge Jerry J.W. Wilson wrote, "We do not find any evidence to suggest that the complainant's case was unfairly treated or executed, and we affirm Judge Rice's previous decision."

The appeals court's ruling means the recall election can go on as scheduled, unless King's attorneys appeal to the state Supreme Court and the court agrees to hear the case.

"This is, in our opinion, a complete disregard for justice," King's attorney, Jason Gillis, told The Treeton Sun newspaper following the ruling. "For us, the next step may be taking this to the Supreme Court. That's something we'd have to talk about with the governor and contemplate."

King's opponents and supporters of the recall movement applauded the court's decision but acknowledged the governor will most likely appeal to the Supreme Court.

"We're very happy with today's decision, but we also realize that Scott King is probably going to appeal," said Jeff Kinbry, of the group Citizens to Recall Scott King. "This is a governor that has tried to prevent and stall and delay this process every step of the way. It just wouldn't be the same if he stopped now and actually faced the music willingly."

The recall election will not be halted or delayed if King appeals to the Supreme Court. The election will only be suspended if the court rules in King's favor and intervenes.

Monomi Secretary of State Dimaggio has already filed a brief with the Supreme Court, in which she asks the justices not to postpone or stop the recall election.

"Here at the Secretary of State's office, we have already printed millions of ballots to be used in this special election. And we've spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $700,000 in the last month advertising and spreading the word. To delay the election again, a second time, would be an enormous waste of tax-payer money and a huge headache for elections officials and for the voters," Dimaggio told the GBC.

King's attorneys argue, however, that the election can still take place as previously scheduled. The results just may or may not count, depending on the court's decision, should they be asked to make one.

"Just because the election is scheduled for April 26 does not mean it can't take place on April 26," Gillis said. "The voters can still vote. But if the legality of the recall is rejected by the court, then the election simply would not count."

For now, the election will go on as scheduled. Both sides are shelling out cash, with the pro-recall groups spending an estimated $2.2 million in the last month on advertising. King's campaign has spent about only about $400,000, however, on counter-advertisements.

Recent polls show dropping support for recalling the governor. At one point in time, two out of three Monomi voters supported the recall, but now many are opposed because of the cost of the special election in a time when the state budget is suffering. Others believe a recall election and a possible subsequent change of power would only hurt the state, which has been marred by King's scandal for the last year, even more.

Many also are distrusting of the state's lieutenant governor and heir to the governor's mansion, Erica Kinsley (NAT). The young, politically ambitious Kinsley was quick to disavow King directly after he became the subject of a federal investigation. She has since called for his resignation and has campaigned actively with pro-recall supporters. In recent months, however, she has toned down her criticism of the governor and has maintained with him a civil but cold relationship.