Monomi's Transfer of Power Relatively Smooth

Smooth transition as recalled governor exits, lieutenant takes over

TREETON--The transition of power at Monomi's Governor's Mansion has been surprisingly smooth and uneventful, according to sources within the governor's office.

In April, embattled Governor Scott King Jr. (NAT) was narrowly recalled by the people Monomi. That meant King's lieutenant governor, Erica Kinsley--whom he was co-elected with--would be next in line to take over the governorship. Kinsley was opposed by many people, however, who viewed her overt support for King's removal from office as proof she was trying to advance her own political career and move up to the governorship.

Just two weeks ago, the results of the extremely close recall election were certified by Monomi Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio (CNS). According to the certified results, 60.04% voted to recall King, compared to 39.96% who voted against the recall measure. In Monomi, a super-majority of 60% is needed to recall a public official, meaning King fell to the recall effort by only 0.04%, or 1,700 votes out of more than 4.2 million cast, making King the first governor in modern Grassadellian history to be recalled. The last time a governor of a state was recalled was 1906.

Rather than challenge the unusually close election results, King accepted the results and acknowledged he had lost the trust of the people.

"The people of Monomi have spoken, and while legally, it may come down to a few hundred or thousand votes, the clear majority has made their voice heard, and I accept their decision," King said almost two weeks after the election, when the results became clear.

King's removal from office raised questions about his lieutenant governor, Erica Kinsley, who actively campaigned for his removal. Many voters question Kinsley's motives, and believe she betrayed her boss only to advance her own political career and agenda.

Kinsley denies her actions during the recall effort were motivated by a hunger for power or by a longing for the governorship.

"If I had my way, Scott King would still be governor, I would still be lieutenant governor, and there would never have been any scandal," Kinsley told the Treeton Sun newspaper. "But things happened. A scandal came and brought into question the integrity of our governor and his ability to govern. And that's why I spoke up when I did."

Monomians still remain unimpressed by Kinsley. A recent Insiders poll shows only 37% of Monomians approve of Kinsley's job performance, and only 31% say she is a likeable person.

Despite Kinsley's overt campaign against her former boss, in the final months of the recall effort, she remained largely silent, refusing to appear at pro-recall rallies as she did in the initial stages of the recall campaign. For months, King and Kinsley had tense relations, often hardly speaking to each other, though the two appeared to have improved their icy relationship in the final weeks of the recall effort.

That tense relationship concerned many, who feared it would lead to a messy transition of power following the recall election. However, sources for both King and Kinsley say the transition has been relatively smooth and uneventful. The two leaders even met privately in the governor's Executive Office for almost an hour, sources tell GNN News.

According to Kinsley's office, the new governor will be keeping some of King's old staff, however, most staff members from Scott King's tenure will be replaced. Many are leaving voluntarily, according to sources.

Governor Kinsley's next step will be appointing a lieutenant governor, who will have to be confirmed by the Monomi State Senate. Sources say she will likely appoint State Representative Neil Avery (N-Emory Gardens). The young state representative, who is in his second term, will become the youngest lieutenant governor in Monomi's history, if approved by the Senate.

Kinsley has not formally announced her re-election bid, although most believe an announcement is imminent.