Incumbent senator eeks out a victory over far-right challenger
HEYDWORTH, MONOMI--Incumbent Conservative Sen. Anna Corbev narrowly staved off a strong challenge from ultra-conservative Rep. Pete Doonan (C-Teedra) during Tuesday night's primary election.
Corbev, who had the backing of former Vice President Liz Martinez and retiring Sen. Debra York (C-MON), was long considered safe for re-election, until a few weeks ago, when Doonan surged in the polls, bringing the race to a dead heat.
But the latest tally from the Monomi Secretary of State's office shows Corbev leading Doonan 51.10% to 49%, with only a few thousand ballots left to be counted. That means Corbev will almost certainly come out ahead when the final count is certified on November 17.
The usually mellow Corbev claimed victory on election night in a passionate speech, asking supporters to give her six more years in the Senate.
"Let me tell you something," Corbev said. "I have never stopped advocating for you in the Senate, and if you give me the honor of returning to Mavocke, I will continue the fight, day in, day out."
Doonan refused to concede on election night.
"The outcome is probably very unlikely to be known tonight or for the next couple days," Doonan said at a press conference in Teedra.
The congressman finally conceded Friday morning, though he declined to endorse the incumbent.
Corbev will go on to face Nationalist Brad Fiordora in the general election.
In Monomi's other Senate race, Conservative Congresswoman Cathy De Beers (Monomi City) defeated Heydworth Congressman and former Senate nominee Rill Stevens for a shot at retiring Senator York's seat.
Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio said the latest count shows De Beers beating Stevens by a margin of about 54%-45%.
Stevens and De Beers made an agreement last month to endorse the winner.
De Beers will face NAT Rep. Debbie Azano in the general election.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Senator Corbev Fights For Political Life In Monomi Primary Race
Contentious primary battle pits moderates against hard-liners
HEYDWORTH, MONOMI--In just eight days, Monomi Conservatives will go to the polls to nominate their candidate for the Federal Senate. Next Tuesday will bring the end to a bitter primary race between incumbent Sen. Anna Corbev and the more conservative Rep. Pete Doonan (Teedra).
The close race is dividing Monomi's once-unified Conservative Party. Three months ago, the race was not even thought to be close. But now, with multiple polls showing Corbev and Doonan running even, the expected outcome is even more uncertain.
The most recent poll by Insiders shows Corbev leading Doonan 46% to 45 per cent, with the remaining 9 per cent undecided.
That's very similar to polls commissioned by the campaigns. A Lotus poll, conducted for the Corbev campaign, shows Corbev leading 48% to Doonan's 46%. A poll conducted for Doonan's campaign by Mercury Polling Firm shows Corbev leading 42% to 41% with 17% uncommitted.
The close nature of the race has only worsened the divide between the candidates, their supporters, and other prominent members of the CNS who are taking sides.
Corbev, who has exhibited a more moderate voting record in recent months, is endorsed by former Vice President and Monomi governor Elizabeth Martinez. She also has the blessing of her close friend in the Senate, out-going Sen. Debra York.
Doonan, who previously ran for the Senate in 2008 but ultimately lost to Nathan Lister (NAT), has the support of more hard-line Conservatives, including Devanough Mayor Sharon Osmorda and Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio.
All members of Monomi's delegation to the National Assembly have declined to endorse either candidate, with most saying they refuse to take sides.
"When [the Conservative Party] has an opportunity like this, to take back the governor's mansion and take control of Monomi's Senate seats, why are we attacking each other?" Rep. Brooke Burnstein (Heydworth) told GNN News.
Monomi's other Senate primary race, between Reps. Cathy De Beers and Rill Stevens, is also becoming increasingly contentious. However, De Beers and Stevens seem to be more friendly toward one another.
"Rill and I disagree on the issues, but we respect one another and we recognize that we both have our dignity and that's something that should stay in the race," De Beers told the NPF.
But the Corbev-Doonan race has become downright nasty, with Doonan accusing Corbev of "selling out" to liberals after she voted for the bipartisan economic stimulus bill and voted to confirm Olivia Lisbet, President Menuhaeo's controversial nominee for Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Doonan also hit Corbev for voting to confirm Eric Alnon, a former deputy superintendent of Treeton Public Schools, who was nominated by the president to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education. Many Conservatives--including Ceona Sen. Megan Sellious, a former Secretary of Education--viewed Alnon as inexperienced for the job.
"Anna Corbev voted for Eric Alnon purely for political reasons. She thought voting for a native son would win her points with the voters back home," Doonan told the Treeton Sun. "And it probably did make people's opinions of her go higher. But the man wasn't qualified for the job, plain and simple. You don't just vote for someone because they happen to be from your home state."
Corbev dismisses the criticism, telling the NPF she voted to confirm Alnon because she felt having a native Monomian in the President's Cabinet would benefit the state.
"Any time you have the President come knocking on your door, wanting to pick someone from your own backyard, that's a big deal," the senator said. "Monomi now has a strong advocate for our state's kids at the table in the President's conference room."
"That was so long ago, I'm not even sure why he's bringing it up," Corbev added.
The Senator also touts her accomplishments, including her co-sponsorship of a bill that increased wheat subsidies for Monomi farmers, a bill that prohibits Grassadellian companies from doing business with the Iranian government or blacklisted Iranian companies, and an appropriation for additional funding for government-sponsored television ads that promote positive parenting.
Doonan downplays the Senator's self-proclaimed "achievements."
"If all she can accomplish in six years is a few farm subsidies, then that's pretty sad," the congressman told reporters in Teedra Sunday.
Corbev accuses Doonan of ignoring her accomplishments and focusing on her perceived failures.
"What he's doing is he's selectively berry-picking these pieces of legislation that I've supported, the presidential nominees I've voted for, and he's trying to write my legislative biography with those very selectively-chosen votes," Corbev told the NPF.
For Corbev supporters, seeing the Senator's record nit-picked is frustrating.
"Anna Corbev has stood up for Monomi and has been one of the loudest voices for change and reform in the Senate," State Rep. Claya Diacrosse (C-East Hanlenberg) told the Sun. "To see her face so much artillery fire, especially from other Conservatives, that's extremely disappointing."
The harsh rhetoric is proof the race is not just uncivil, but also uncertain. With the candidates running neck-and-neck going into the final stretch of the primary campaign, both sides are jam-packing the candidates' schedules with campaign rallies with prominent supporters.
Former Vice President Martinez and Senator York are both scheduled to appear at separate rallies for Corbev next week. Doonan will hold a rally with leaders from the Grassadellian Rifle Club, the nation's largest pro-gun rights group.
The primary election is set for next Tuesday, October 26th.
HEYDWORTH, MONOMI--In just eight days, Monomi Conservatives will go to the polls to nominate their candidate for the Federal Senate. Next Tuesday will bring the end to a bitter primary race between incumbent Sen. Anna Corbev and the more conservative Rep. Pete Doonan (Teedra).
The close race is dividing Monomi's once-unified Conservative Party. Three months ago, the race was not even thought to be close. But now, with multiple polls showing Corbev and Doonan running even, the expected outcome is even more uncertain.
The most recent poll by Insiders shows Corbev leading Doonan 46% to 45 per cent, with the remaining 9 per cent undecided.
That's very similar to polls commissioned by the campaigns. A Lotus poll, conducted for the Corbev campaign, shows Corbev leading 48% to Doonan's 46%. A poll conducted for Doonan's campaign by Mercury Polling Firm shows Corbev leading 42% to 41% with 17% uncommitted.
The close nature of the race has only worsened the divide between the candidates, their supporters, and other prominent members of the CNS who are taking sides.
Corbev, who has exhibited a more moderate voting record in recent months, is endorsed by former Vice President and Monomi governor Elizabeth Martinez. She also has the blessing of her close friend in the Senate, out-going Sen. Debra York.
Doonan, who previously ran for the Senate in 2008 but ultimately lost to Nathan Lister (NAT), has the support of more hard-line Conservatives, including Devanough Mayor Sharon Osmorda and Secretary of State Sharon Dimaggio.
All members of Monomi's delegation to the National Assembly have declined to endorse either candidate, with most saying they refuse to take sides.
"When [the Conservative Party] has an opportunity like this, to take back the governor's mansion and take control of Monomi's Senate seats, why are we attacking each other?" Rep. Brooke Burnstein (Heydworth) told GNN News.
Monomi's other Senate primary race, between Reps. Cathy De Beers and Rill Stevens, is also becoming increasingly contentious. However, De Beers and Stevens seem to be more friendly toward one another.
"Rill and I disagree on the issues, but we respect one another and we recognize that we both have our dignity and that's something that should stay in the race," De Beers told the NPF.
But the Corbev-Doonan race has become downright nasty, with Doonan accusing Corbev of "selling out" to liberals after she voted for the bipartisan economic stimulus bill and voted to confirm Olivia Lisbet, President Menuhaeo's controversial nominee for Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Doonan also hit Corbev for voting to confirm Eric Alnon, a former deputy superintendent of Treeton Public Schools, who was nominated by the president to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education. Many Conservatives--including Ceona Sen. Megan Sellious, a former Secretary of Education--viewed Alnon as inexperienced for the job.
"Anna Corbev voted for Eric Alnon purely for political reasons. She thought voting for a native son would win her points with the voters back home," Doonan told the Treeton Sun. "And it probably did make people's opinions of her go higher. But the man wasn't qualified for the job, plain and simple. You don't just vote for someone because they happen to be from your home state."
Corbev dismisses the criticism, telling the NPF she voted to confirm Alnon because she felt having a native Monomian in the President's Cabinet would benefit the state.
"Any time you have the President come knocking on your door, wanting to pick someone from your own backyard, that's a big deal," the senator said. "Monomi now has a strong advocate for our state's kids at the table in the President's conference room."
"That was so long ago, I'm not even sure why he's bringing it up," Corbev added.
The Senator also touts her accomplishments, including her co-sponsorship of a bill that increased wheat subsidies for Monomi farmers, a bill that prohibits Grassadellian companies from doing business with the Iranian government or blacklisted Iranian companies, and an appropriation for additional funding for government-sponsored television ads that promote positive parenting.
Doonan downplays the Senator's self-proclaimed "achievements."
"If all she can accomplish in six years is a few farm subsidies, then that's pretty sad," the congressman told reporters in Teedra Sunday.
Corbev accuses Doonan of ignoring her accomplishments and focusing on her perceived failures.
"What he's doing is he's selectively berry-picking these pieces of legislation that I've supported, the presidential nominees I've voted for, and he's trying to write my legislative biography with those very selectively-chosen votes," Corbev told the NPF.
For Corbev supporters, seeing the Senator's record nit-picked is frustrating.
"Anna Corbev has stood up for Monomi and has been one of the loudest voices for change and reform in the Senate," State Rep. Claya Diacrosse (C-East Hanlenberg) told the Sun. "To see her face so much artillery fire, especially from other Conservatives, that's extremely disappointing."
The harsh rhetoric is proof the race is not just uncivil, but also uncertain. With the candidates running neck-and-neck going into the final stretch of the primary campaign, both sides are jam-packing the candidates' schedules with campaign rallies with prominent supporters.
Former Vice President Martinez and Senator York are both scheduled to appear at separate rallies for Corbev next week. Doonan will hold a rally with leaders from the Grassadellian Rifle Club, the nation's largest pro-gun rights group.
The primary election is set for next Tuesday, October 26th.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Duschowitz, Bartholomew Locked In Dead-Heat Race For BIE Governor
Biereland is the pivotal state to watch in this year's elections
BROOKINGS, BIERELAND--Incumbent Governor Jenny Duschowitz (CNS) is facing an increasingly uphill battle against an insurgent NAT opponent in the state's gubernatorial race.
Duschowitz, who succeeded former Gov. Peter Kosevich (CNS) in 2008 in a special election, is still lagging in the polls against Nationalist San Bartholomew, a former Otterbein County Commissioner. The latest poll from Insiders showed Duschowitz trailing Bartholomew 49% to 51 per cent, a statistical dead-heat.
The governor, who onced enjoyed high approval ratings, has lost support in part because of the struggling economy in Biereland. She also took a hit in approval when she engaged in a bureaucratic battle with the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety (FBTS) and the Biereland Transportation Department (BTD) over an investigation into the safety of the Brookings-Sebotnee Rail system, also known as "Bro-Seb".
But Duschowitz is beloved by conservatives for her hard-line position against tax increases and her staunch commitment to fixing the state budget. She was widely praised by her fellow Conservatives for refusing to attend the climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark back in December 2009, because she said the state could not afford to send her on an expensive trip in the midst of a budget crisis.
"My husband Todd and I, every month, we sit down at the kitchen table and look at our family budget and see if we can go on a trip or a vacation. If we can afford it, we do. If we can't, then we stay home. I take that same approach as governor to the state budget. Our budget is in shambles. The state can't afford to send me to Copenhagen, so I'm not going. I'm staying right here," Duschowitz was quoted as saying at a press conference.
Bartholomew and other Nationalists criticized Duschowitz's decision to skip the climate change conference, saying she used the budget problem as an excuse to skip the event.
"I would think our planet's imperiled future would be worth investing in, but not when you're Jenny Duschowitz and you're trying to appeal to the conservative, climate change skeptic crowd," Bartholomew told the Liberal-Union newspaper of Welhausen.
Bartholomew's rise has been attributed to Duschowitz's dismal approval ratings as well as the "anti-incumbent" sentiment that is sweeping the nation, including Biereland. The 2010 elections may bring a first for Biereland: a Nationalist governor, lieutenant governor, and an NAT majority in the state's Senate delegation simultaneously, says Dr. Hans Anders, a political science professor at the University of Biereland--Brookings.
"Bierelanders are very much so in a mood for change, and that may mean the state could turn blue this election for the first time," Anders said.
Anders also points to Bartholomew's strong support from the environmental community, which may help boost his chances.
"Biereland is a beautiful, pristine state. The people here love their state and love the woodlands and mountains and the valleys and all the natural, untamed land. They want to protect their resources, and San Bartholomew really has the edge on environmental issues," Anders said.
Bartholomew supporters also believe Duschowitz's failure to fix the budget--the state legislature is at a standstill over the proposed cuts--will hurt the incumbent.
"Jenny Duschowitz has been in for two years. And what has happened? The budget has gone from bad to worse," Bartholomew campaign manager Tom Murann told the NPF.
But Duschowitz's campaign is pushing back, telling the GBC the budget stand-off is close to an end, and legislators are working on a compromise. However, the governor will not raise taxes to fix the budget, her office said.
"Governor Duschowitz is committed to fixing the budget...but she will not raise taxes to do so," spokeswoman Mary Todd told the NPF.
Duschowitz's admirers acknowledge that cuts to the state budget may be necessary, but the governor will at least have brought the budget back into the black.
"Governor Duschowitz inherited a mess, and that was the Brenton Menuhaeo-Shay Robertson economy. She was put in a difficult position, but she will keep us out of the red," Don Dollimer, a spokesperson for the Biereland Conservative Party told STAR News.
The Duschowitz campaign is also trying to paint Bartholomew as an extreme liberal unfit to be governor.
"San Bartholomew is a liberal masquerading as a moderate," campaign spokesman Jared Moiner told GNN. "If he's elected, we'll see taxes, taxes, taxes, and radical environmental legislation that will take away property owners' rights, and even radical social experiments, such as legalizing marijuana. That's not the kind of person Biereland needs."
While polls show a neck-and-neck race, poll results also indicate voters are not sold on either candidate.
"What I'm seeing in most of my polling is that voters don't really approve of Jenny Duschowitz and the way things are going right now. But they also aren't enchanted with the idea of San Bartholomew being governor either," said Scott Tipeo, the pollster who conducted the Insiders poll.
The polls also show that most voters like Duschowitz personally, while Bartholomew is not viewed as favorably. Respondents also incidated a distaste for the negative campaign ads that have been airing non-stop in the state since the race began.
For both parties, the ugly nature of the campaigns is a reality: Biereland is an important state. Why? Because whichever party wins the governorship in Biereland will likely win a majority of seats on the Governors' Board, which both parties are striving for.
"Biereland is a prime pick-up opportunity for our party and we are going to go after it with everything we've got," Gov. Lynn DeMont (N-East Deschire), head of the Nationalist Governors' Association (NATGA), told the NPF.
DeMont's CNS counterpart, POG Gov. Donna Almone, who is taking an indefinite amount of time off following her husband's death, told the GBC last week that the Conservative Party will "fight with every ounce of strength we've got" to hold on to the governor's seat in Biereland.
Almone is the current Chair of the Governors' Board, and concurrently serves as head of the Conservative Governor's Association (CGA).
Campaign records show Duschowitz has raised $6.4 million for her campaign, while Bartholomew has brought in $6.8 million.
BROOKINGS, BIERELAND--Incumbent Governor Jenny Duschowitz (CNS) is facing an increasingly uphill battle against an insurgent NAT opponent in the state's gubernatorial race.
Duschowitz, who succeeded former Gov. Peter Kosevich (CNS) in 2008 in a special election, is still lagging in the polls against Nationalist San Bartholomew, a former Otterbein County Commissioner. The latest poll from Insiders showed Duschowitz trailing Bartholomew 49% to 51 per cent, a statistical dead-heat.
The governor, who onced enjoyed high approval ratings, has lost support in part because of the struggling economy in Biereland. She also took a hit in approval when she engaged in a bureaucratic battle with the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety (FBTS) and the Biereland Transportation Department (BTD) over an investigation into the safety of the Brookings-Sebotnee Rail system, also known as "Bro-Seb".
But Duschowitz is beloved by conservatives for her hard-line position against tax increases and her staunch commitment to fixing the state budget. She was widely praised by her fellow Conservatives for refusing to attend the climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark back in December 2009, because she said the state could not afford to send her on an expensive trip in the midst of a budget crisis.
"My husband Todd and I, every month, we sit down at the kitchen table and look at our family budget and see if we can go on a trip or a vacation. If we can afford it, we do. If we can't, then we stay home. I take that same approach as governor to the state budget. Our budget is in shambles. The state can't afford to send me to Copenhagen, so I'm not going. I'm staying right here," Duschowitz was quoted as saying at a press conference.
Bartholomew and other Nationalists criticized Duschowitz's decision to skip the climate change conference, saying she used the budget problem as an excuse to skip the event.
"I would think our planet's imperiled future would be worth investing in, but not when you're Jenny Duschowitz and you're trying to appeal to the conservative, climate change skeptic crowd," Bartholomew told the Liberal-Union newspaper of Welhausen.
Bartholomew's rise has been attributed to Duschowitz's dismal approval ratings as well as the "anti-incumbent" sentiment that is sweeping the nation, including Biereland. The 2010 elections may bring a first for Biereland: a Nationalist governor, lieutenant governor, and an NAT majority in the state's Senate delegation simultaneously, says Dr. Hans Anders, a political science professor at the University of Biereland--Brookings.
"Bierelanders are very much so in a mood for change, and that may mean the state could turn blue this election for the first time," Anders said.
Anders also points to Bartholomew's strong support from the environmental community, which may help boost his chances.
"Biereland is a beautiful, pristine state. The people here love their state and love the woodlands and mountains and the valleys and all the natural, untamed land. They want to protect their resources, and San Bartholomew really has the edge on environmental issues," Anders said.
Bartholomew supporters also believe Duschowitz's failure to fix the budget--the state legislature is at a standstill over the proposed cuts--will hurt the incumbent.
"Jenny Duschowitz has been in for two years. And what has happened? The budget has gone from bad to worse," Bartholomew campaign manager Tom Murann told the NPF.
But Duschowitz's campaign is pushing back, telling the GBC the budget stand-off is close to an end, and legislators are working on a compromise. However, the governor will not raise taxes to fix the budget, her office said.
"Governor Duschowitz is committed to fixing the budget...but she will not raise taxes to do so," spokeswoman Mary Todd told the NPF.
Duschowitz's admirers acknowledge that cuts to the state budget may be necessary, but the governor will at least have brought the budget back into the black.
"Governor Duschowitz inherited a mess, and that was the Brenton Menuhaeo-Shay Robertson economy. She was put in a difficult position, but she will keep us out of the red," Don Dollimer, a spokesperson for the Biereland Conservative Party told STAR News.
The Duschowitz campaign is also trying to paint Bartholomew as an extreme liberal unfit to be governor.
"San Bartholomew is a liberal masquerading as a moderate," campaign spokesman Jared Moiner told GNN. "If he's elected, we'll see taxes, taxes, taxes, and radical environmental legislation that will take away property owners' rights, and even radical social experiments, such as legalizing marijuana. That's not the kind of person Biereland needs."
While polls show a neck-and-neck race, poll results also indicate voters are not sold on either candidate.
"What I'm seeing in most of my polling is that voters don't really approve of Jenny Duschowitz and the way things are going right now. But they also aren't enchanted with the idea of San Bartholomew being governor either," said Scott Tipeo, the pollster who conducted the Insiders poll.
The polls also show that most voters like Duschowitz personally, while Bartholomew is not viewed as favorably. Respondents also incidated a distaste for the negative campaign ads that have been airing non-stop in the state since the race began.
For both parties, the ugly nature of the campaigns is a reality: Biereland is an important state. Why? Because whichever party wins the governorship in Biereland will likely win a majority of seats on the Governors' Board, which both parties are striving for.
"Biereland is a prime pick-up opportunity for our party and we are going to go after it with everything we've got," Gov. Lynn DeMont (N-East Deschire), head of the Nationalist Governors' Association (NATGA), told the NPF.
DeMont's CNS counterpart, POG Gov. Donna Almone, who is taking an indefinite amount of time off following her husband's death, told the GBC last week that the Conservative Party will "fight with every ounce of strength we've got" to hold on to the governor's seat in Biereland.
Almone is the current Chair of the Governors' Board, and concurrently serves as head of the Conservative Governor's Association (CGA).
Campaign records show Duschowitz has raised $6.4 million for her campaign, while Bartholomew has brought in $6.8 million.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Governor's Husand Loses Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
Bill Almone died just weeks before his wife's re-election bid
NEW DUBLIN, POG--The husband of POG Governor Donna Almone has died, a family spokesperson said Saturday.
William Cohen Almone died at the couple's farm house in central Province of Grassadellia after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He was 62 years old.
Governor Almone was at the farm house at the time of her husband's death, but has since flown back to the governor's mansion in Lansdale, according to spokeswoman Ann Croft.
Diagnosed with MS at the age of 29, Almone's health had been declining for months, and in recent weeks, he had been staying at the couple's farm house permanently, with a full-time staff of nurses attending to him while his wife stayed on the campaign trail.
The couple had no children, but extended family members were staying with Mr. Almone during his final weeks. The governor also regularly flew back to the farm house to be with her ailing husband, Croft said.
"The past few weeks have been very difficult for Governor Almone and her family. She has tried to balance a busy campaign schedule and her responsibilities as governor with spending time with her husband. She feels exhausted and emotionally drained. The family seeks privacy during this difficult time," Croft told reporters.
Almone met his wife, then-Donna Bratson, when he was just 26 years old, working as an engineer at an airplane factory in Jacquae. Bratson also worked as an engineer there and later moved into management before entering politics. The two were married on April 7, 1974 in Perrins.
In 1976, the couple moved to the town of Jansen, southwest of Knoxbury. Donna Almone then ran for mayor of Jansen, and later the state House and Senate. In 1994, Donna Almone ran for Attorney General and won, serving two terms. She then went into the private sector until 2006, when she ran for governor and won.
During that time, Bill Almone worked a variety of jobs, mostly at engineering and architecture firms.
With just eight weeks to go before the December 4 election, Almone and her Lt. Gov. Beth Lanman-Trau are facing an increasingly difficult challenge from Nationalist candidates June Vivarte of Kingham and Jean Kane of Lansdale.
Spokeswoman Ann Croft said the governor will take several days off from the campaign trail, but did not specify exactly how many days.
Croft confirmed Lanman-Trau will likely take Almone's place at some campaign events over the coming days.
The campaign of June Vivarte and Jean Kane released a written statement Saturday, calling Bill Almone "a shining emblem of citizenship" and a "true example of what it means to be a Province of Grassadellian."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the governor and her family. This comes at a difficult time and we sincerely wish the governor well during this tough time," the statement read.
NEW DUBLIN, POG--The husband of POG Governor Donna Almone has died, a family spokesperson said Saturday.
William Cohen Almone died at the couple's farm house in central Province of Grassadellia after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He was 62 years old.
Governor Almone was at the farm house at the time of her husband's death, but has since flown back to the governor's mansion in Lansdale, according to spokeswoman Ann Croft.
Diagnosed with MS at the age of 29, Almone's health had been declining for months, and in recent weeks, he had been staying at the couple's farm house permanently, with a full-time staff of nurses attending to him while his wife stayed on the campaign trail.
The couple had no children, but extended family members were staying with Mr. Almone during his final weeks. The governor also regularly flew back to the farm house to be with her ailing husband, Croft said.
"The past few weeks have been very difficult for Governor Almone and her family. She has tried to balance a busy campaign schedule and her responsibilities as governor with spending time with her husband. She feels exhausted and emotionally drained. The family seeks privacy during this difficult time," Croft told reporters.
Almone met his wife, then-Donna Bratson, when he was just 26 years old, working as an engineer at an airplane factory in Jacquae. Bratson also worked as an engineer there and later moved into management before entering politics. The two were married on April 7, 1974 in Perrins.
In 1976, the couple moved to the town of Jansen, southwest of Knoxbury. Donna Almone then ran for mayor of Jansen, and later the state House and Senate. In 1994, Donna Almone ran for Attorney General and won, serving two terms. She then went into the private sector until 2006, when she ran for governor and won.
During that time, Bill Almone worked a variety of jobs, mostly at engineering and architecture firms.
With just eight weeks to go before the December 4 election, Almone and her Lt. Gov. Beth Lanman-Trau are facing an increasingly difficult challenge from Nationalist candidates June Vivarte of Kingham and Jean Kane of Lansdale.
Spokeswoman Ann Croft said the governor will take several days off from the campaign trail, but did not specify exactly how many days.
Croft confirmed Lanman-Trau will likely take Almone's place at some campaign events over the coming days.
The campaign of June Vivarte and Jean Kane released a written statement Saturday, calling Bill Almone "a shining emblem of citizenship" and a "true example of what it means to be a Province of Grassadellian."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the governor and her family. This comes at a difficult time and we sincerely wish the governor well during this tough time," the statement read.
King Backs Jandon Over Kinsley In NAT Primary
Recalled governor says refusal to endorse Kinsley is 'nothing personal'
TREETON--Former Gov. Scott King Jr. (NAT) will not back his former lieutenant governor, Erica Kinsley, in the NAT primary election.
King announced Friday he is supporting Kinsley's opponent, businessman Dave Jandon (pronounced "YAN-den"), and called his former deputy "a mistake."
"Electing Erica Kinsley to a full term would be a mistake Monomi cannot afford," King said at a press conference in Treeton. "It's nothing personal, but Erica Kinsley is taking our state in the wrong direction.
"We need a new leader who will stand up for Monomi and build a stronger Monomi. That leader is Dave Jandon," King said.
The 45-year-old Jandon jumped into the race after Kinsley, who previously served as lieutenant governor until King was recalled by Monomi voters in April, assumed the governorship. Kinsley was widely criticized for her swift calls for King's resignation following allegations of corruption, which failed to produce indictments in both a federal investigation and an investigation by state Attorney General Ed Casey.
Kinsley, 35, has defended her actions, and told the Treeton Sun newspaper she "had no other alternative but to call for [King's] resignation."
Critics allege that Kinsley quickly called for King's resignation--and subsequently campaign for his removal from office--because she wanted to be governor and felt King's scandal would damage her political aspirations. Kinsley calls those allegations "unfounded."
"I did what was right for Scott King, what was right for me and the people of Monomi," she told the Sun. "I saw a governor that had lost all credibility; lost all trust, and I knew he needed to go. He wouldn't go willingly so we had to force him out.
"It was ugly, but I did what I had to do," Kinsley said.
Jandon argues it's Kinsley that has lost credibility.
"Erica Kinsley used the circumstances surrounding Scott King to her own advantage. She didn't want Scott King to ruin her chances at winning the governorship, so she figured the best and quickest way to get rid of Scott and his problems was for him to resign. And when he didn't resign, then she started siding with hard-line Conservatives and campaigned for him to be recalled.
"That shows how bad she wanted to be governor. She wanted it so bad, she was willing to throw her boss under the bus," Jandon told the Sun on Wednesday.
The race for governor seems to be centered around Kinsley's actions starting from the onset of allegations of corruption against Scott King up until the moment he was recalled. However, for Jandon, the race is about much more than the scandal that has engulfed the state's leadership for over a year.
"This isn't just about Scott King or Erica Kinsley. This race is about jobs, and putting people back to work, and getting our economy moving again. Erica Kinsley has no credibility. People don't trust her. They don't trust her as a leader. They don't trust her to bring jobs back to our state or to fix our economic climate. I'm a businessman. I have experience doing that. I know how to create jobs and how to protect them and how to foster a positive atmosphere for small businesses. I'm the only candidate in this race that can say that," Jandon told reporters outside a campaign stop in Monomi City Wednesday.
Kinsley told the GBC Thursday that Jandon is "using Scott King's misfortunes and this state's saga of unfortunate events" for his own gain.
"When bad things happen, and there's an unpleasant change of power in leadership, lots of people are lined up out the door to take your spot," Kinsley told the GBC. "They're ready to take your job and they say they can do a better job and they would have handled it differently. But they don't know what they'd do until they're in my shoes.
"Dave Jandon says he would have acted differently. He says he wouldn't have disavowed Scott King and that he would have supported the governor through this whole ordeal. But I wonder, if he was in my shoes, I wonder if he would really say that. I'm not sure he would have followed through with that. It's a lot easier to talk about what you'd do in a certain situation, until you're in that situation. You can say 'I'd do this' or 'I'd do that' but I think Dave Jandon probably would have done the same thing I did if he were in my situation," Kinsley said.
For Conservative candidate Rep. John Densy of Treeton, the bitter bickering on the NAT side is welcomed news, and is a frequent criticism of the two NAT candidates by Mr. Densy.
"While John Densy is working tirelessly to bring jobs to Monomi and fix our broken economy, Erica Kinsley and Dave Jandon are fighting with each other over the soap opera that played out in the previous administration. It's clear John Densy is actually focused on Monomi while the two Nationalist candidates are focused on their egos," spokeswoman Mary Patterson of the Densy campaign told the NPF.
Regardless of which Nationalist candidate wins the primary election, either Jandon or Kinsley will face an uphill battle against Densy. The six-term congressman from Treeton's northern suburbs leads handily in polls against both NAT candidates.
Both Jandon and Kinsley believe they can defy the polls and hold back Densy from winning. Jandon's counting on his history as a businessman, as well as the fact this is his first campaign for public office, to boost him over the longtime politician Densy.
Kinsley isn't afraid of Densy either.
"My message to the voters is that we have moved on from the Scott King nightmare that dogged our state for several months. We are now focused on bringing jobs back here to Monomi, fixing our education system, helping our environment, securing healthcare for seniors, and protecting our borders," Kinsley said
Then the newly-minted governor had one final word for Conservative opponent Densy:
"To John Densy, I say 'bring it on.'"
TREETON--Former Gov. Scott King Jr. (NAT) will not back his former lieutenant governor, Erica Kinsley, in the NAT primary election.
King announced Friday he is supporting Kinsley's opponent, businessman Dave Jandon (pronounced "YAN-den"), and called his former deputy "a mistake."
"Electing Erica Kinsley to a full term would be a mistake Monomi cannot afford," King said at a press conference in Treeton. "It's nothing personal, but Erica Kinsley is taking our state in the wrong direction.
"We need a new leader who will stand up for Monomi and build a stronger Monomi. That leader is Dave Jandon," King said.
The 45-year-old Jandon jumped into the race after Kinsley, who previously served as lieutenant governor until King was recalled by Monomi voters in April, assumed the governorship. Kinsley was widely criticized for her swift calls for King's resignation following allegations of corruption, which failed to produce indictments in both a federal investigation and an investigation by state Attorney General Ed Casey.
Kinsley, 35, has defended her actions, and told the Treeton Sun newspaper she "had no other alternative but to call for [King's] resignation."
Critics allege that Kinsley quickly called for King's resignation--and subsequently campaign for his removal from office--because she wanted to be governor and felt King's scandal would damage her political aspirations. Kinsley calls those allegations "unfounded."
"I did what was right for Scott King, what was right for me and the people of Monomi," she told the Sun. "I saw a governor that had lost all credibility; lost all trust, and I knew he needed to go. He wouldn't go willingly so we had to force him out.
"It was ugly, but I did what I had to do," Kinsley said.
Jandon argues it's Kinsley that has lost credibility.
"Erica Kinsley used the circumstances surrounding Scott King to her own advantage. She didn't want Scott King to ruin her chances at winning the governorship, so she figured the best and quickest way to get rid of Scott and his problems was for him to resign. And when he didn't resign, then she started siding with hard-line Conservatives and campaigned for him to be recalled.
"That shows how bad she wanted to be governor. She wanted it so bad, she was willing to throw her boss under the bus," Jandon told the Sun on Wednesday.
The race for governor seems to be centered around Kinsley's actions starting from the onset of allegations of corruption against Scott King up until the moment he was recalled. However, for Jandon, the race is about much more than the scandal that has engulfed the state's leadership for over a year.
"This isn't just about Scott King or Erica Kinsley. This race is about jobs, and putting people back to work, and getting our economy moving again. Erica Kinsley has no credibility. People don't trust her. They don't trust her as a leader. They don't trust her to bring jobs back to our state or to fix our economic climate. I'm a businessman. I have experience doing that. I know how to create jobs and how to protect them and how to foster a positive atmosphere for small businesses. I'm the only candidate in this race that can say that," Jandon told reporters outside a campaign stop in Monomi City Wednesday.
Kinsley told the GBC Thursday that Jandon is "using Scott King's misfortunes and this state's saga of unfortunate events" for his own gain.
"When bad things happen, and there's an unpleasant change of power in leadership, lots of people are lined up out the door to take your spot," Kinsley told the GBC. "They're ready to take your job and they say they can do a better job and they would have handled it differently. But they don't know what they'd do until they're in my shoes.
"Dave Jandon says he would have acted differently. He says he wouldn't have disavowed Scott King and that he would have supported the governor through this whole ordeal. But I wonder, if he was in my shoes, I wonder if he would really say that. I'm not sure he would have followed through with that. It's a lot easier to talk about what you'd do in a certain situation, until you're in that situation. You can say 'I'd do this' or 'I'd do that' but I think Dave Jandon probably would have done the same thing I did if he were in my situation," Kinsley said.
For Conservative candidate Rep. John Densy of Treeton, the bitter bickering on the NAT side is welcomed news, and is a frequent criticism of the two NAT candidates by Mr. Densy.
"While John Densy is working tirelessly to bring jobs to Monomi and fix our broken economy, Erica Kinsley and Dave Jandon are fighting with each other over the soap opera that played out in the previous administration. It's clear John Densy is actually focused on Monomi while the two Nationalist candidates are focused on their egos," spokeswoman Mary Patterson of the Densy campaign told the NPF.
Regardless of which Nationalist candidate wins the primary election, either Jandon or Kinsley will face an uphill battle against Densy. The six-term congressman from Treeton's northern suburbs leads handily in polls against both NAT candidates.
Both Jandon and Kinsley believe they can defy the polls and hold back Densy from winning. Jandon's counting on his history as a businessman, as well as the fact this is his first campaign for public office, to boost him over the longtime politician Densy.
Kinsley isn't afraid of Densy either.
"My message to the voters is that we have moved on from the Scott King nightmare that dogged our state for several months. We are now focused on bringing jobs back here to Monomi, fixing our education system, helping our environment, securing healthcare for seniors, and protecting our borders," Kinsley said
Then the newly-minted governor had one final word for Conservative opponent Densy:
"To John Densy, I say 'bring it on.'"
Friday, October 1, 2010
Prosecutor Gunned Down On His Own Door Step
Police seek tips from neighbors, witnesses
BURROWSDALE, ARMANA--Residents of the Maine City suburb of Burrowsdale are on edge following the early morning assassination of a federal prosecutor in a quiet, affluent residential neighborhood.
Charlie M. O'Fallon, an assistant federal prosecuting attorney for the southern district of Armana, was gunned down this morning on the front porch of his home.
According to police, the 43-year-old O'Fallon was getting ready for work when he opened the front door to retrieve his newspaper. That's when he was struck by a single gun shot to the head, killing him instantly.
The victim's wife heard the shot, and immediately went to attend to her husband. She reportedly heard tires squealing as a vehicle fled the scene, but was unable to get a look at the get-away car.
The couple's three children were sleeping upstairs at the time of the attack and were not injured in the shooting, police said.
Emergency crews responded within minutes. Police secured the scene and began going door-to-door, asking neighbors if they'd seen anything.
One neighbor across the street from the O'Fallon home told police she saw a silver sedan with tinted windows parked outside the home but could not give a make or model for the vehicle.
Authorities say they have little information to go off of, and acknowledge that, as a prosecuting attorney trying several cases involving violent criminals, O'Fallon may have had many enemies.
"There's no doubt that Mr. O'Fallon certainly made a lot of enemies in his role as a prosecutor. This was not just a random drive-by shooting. This was an execution," Burrowsdale Police Chief Dave Sallentano told reporters.
"What makes this case even more frightening is that the victim was a public official. And the fact that this happened in broad daylight and in a relatively safe and close-knit neighborhood is particularly troubling," Sallentano said.
At the Justice Department's office in Maine City, colleagues grieved the loss of their beloved coworker and friend.
"I think I speak on behalf of this entire community of the Justice Department and the legal system here in the Maine City area when I say that Charlie O'Fallon was a good man with a passion for justice and a passion for the people he served," Federal Attorney Allan Whailer, O'Fallon's boss, told the NPF. "He loved nothing more than discovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice."
Armana Governor Dale Fulbright's office released a statement Friday, saying it was "saddened and stunned" at the attack, and pledged the state "will not cease until those responsible are found."
"By all accounts, Charlie O'Fallon was a good and honorable man that served his state well. Whoever has done this has robbed not only the legal community of a seasoned professional, but they have robbed a wife of a husband, children of their father, and a community of a wonderful leader."
"Such violent attacks on members of the legal system will not be tolerated in this state," Fulbright's statement went on to say.
Police are still investigating. Meanwhile, added security have been assigned to the O'Fallon home.
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