King Book Deal Coming Soon

Former Monomi gov to write book

TREETON--Ousted Gov. Scott King Jr. (NAT) will soon release a book about his political career and subsequent fall from grace, according to sources close to him.

King was recalled by Monomi voters in 2010, after being the subject of state and federal criminal investigations. He was replaced by Lt. Gov. Erica Kinsley, who, despite being elected with King on the same ticket, called on him to resign and openly stated her disapproval when he chose to stick it out until he was recalled.

Now King, who is appealing to the state supreme court over what he calls a "fraudulent recall election," is writing a book about the recall ordeal. He'll also address his now-strained relationship with Kinsley, who was once his close adviser and political partner.

A source close to King, who did not want to be named as to not pre-empt the announcement, told the Treeton Sun that King has been offered a generous book deal from Dollenwood Publishers. A spokesperson for the company would not comment on the deal, but did acknowledge the publishing group has "been in talks" with King.

Kinsley is also rumored to be looking into a book deal, though her office has declined to comment as well.

Burcheau Moving Toward Gubernatorial Bid

NWP Senate Majority Leader likely strongest candidate to challenge incumbent CNS gov

DAYLE-LOCKE, New Portsmouth--Senate Majority Leader Ronald Burcheau (N-Rock Glen) appears to be moving toward a bid for governor in 2012.

Burcheau will announce this week he is forming an exploratory committee, friends close to him say, though they didn't want to be named as to not pre-empt the announcement. The 67-year-old senator, who has served as majority leader since 2007, has also reportedly told friends and aides he is planning on running.

That means he will likely have a clear path to the NAT nomination, as the only other announced candidate so far is Valait Beach businessman Kyle Reeser, who has less name recognition and support in the party's establishment, and would likely garner less financial support than Burcheau.

Whoever wins the NAT nomination will go on to challenge incumbent Conservative Gov. Jacqueline Bosseau, who has held the office since her narrow upset of former Gov. Dale Rochey (NAT) in 2008.

Rochey, who won the governorship in a special election in 2007 and served for just a year, ran again for a third time in 2010, but lost in the NAT primary to state Sen. Michael Barrett of Baylor. Barrett went on to lose the general election to Bosseau by a margin of 45% to 55%.

Neither Rochey nor Barrett have indicated if they plan on running again, however sources close to Rochey say the former governor is done with politics. Barrett appears focused on getting re-elected to the state Senate.

The only other formidable NAT candidates that could give Bosseau a real challenge are Rep. Charles Wornkin, who represents Dayle-Locke and the Yorkton Islands, Rep. Jean Larae Dowd, who represents the electorate of Bethany, and Secretary of State Richard Crux.

Wornkin is the former mayor of Dayle-Locke, and has never sought state-wide office. Dowd ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against incumbent Sen. Nadine Pietrasaelis in 2010. She continues to represent her Yanceyburg-based district in the National Assembly.

Crux has, in the past, expressed interest in the governorship, though NAT party leaders believe he will run for Attorney General when Nationalist Welma Sidley steps down from the AG post in 2012.

Wornkin has long been rumored to be considering a run for governor, but a spokesperson said the freshman representative is focused on "serving the people of Dayle-Locke and Yorkton Islands as best as he can" in the Assembly. Dowd is reportedly uninterested in the governorship.

New Portsmouth's two NAT senators could also make a run for governor and would certainly give Bosseau a tough challenge. But Sen. Chris McConnitch and Sen. Clinton Ashby appear to be comfortable in the Federal Senate, where terms are six years long, and neither one has indicated they're interested in the governorship, where each term is only for two years.

Still, the NAT is hoping Burcheau, who is popular in liberal circles, will be the candidate that knocks Bosseau off. The fact that 2012 is also a presidential election year will also give the NAT momentum in a state that traditionally leans toward their party.

Bosseau has yet to announce her run for re-election, though she has been raising money, indicating she will seek a third term.

Huuvanna Out At End Of The Month

Federal AG will resign at end of June

MAVOCKE--The Mavocke Capitol newspaper is reporting that Federal Attorney General (AG) John Huuvanna will resign at the end of June.

The paper cited an unnamed but "reliable" source within the Department of Justice Upholsion (DJU) that says Huuvanna is tired of his job and ready for retirement from politics. He will likely resign by the end of June, the source said.

"He hates it. He hates all of the political wrangling and all of the pressure from various people," the anonymous source, who is close to Huuvanna, told the Capitol. "John is just a doer, not a PR person."

Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert declined to address Huuvanna's future. A call to Huuvanna's office also went unreturned.

Early Morning Earthquake Rattles Ceona

Earthquake centered in south-central part of the state

ROSEMONT, Ceona--Residents across southern Ceona were awakened this morning by a moderate earthquake.

The Geological and Terrain Survey of Grassadellia (GTSG) is reporting the earthquake, which lasted for approximately 15 seconds, was a 4.9 magnitude on the Richter scale. It struck at 4:16 am eastern time.

Data recorded at the GTSG's Lanakis office shows the quake was about 30 miles deep. No major damage has been reported, but people reported feeling the quake as far away as Madagen, Fairfield, Remmington City and West Lake, Damoign, according to the GTSG.

Dr. Sue Lehrer, a geologist based out of GTSG headquarters in Mavocke, called the quake "pretty significant," but added that "there is no need for an unusual level of concern."

Duschowitz On Luncheon Blitz

Former Biereland governor to lunch with peers

MAVOCKE--Former Biereland Gov. Jenny Duschowitz (CNS), who lost re-election in 2010 to Nationalist San Bartholomew, is going on a luncheon blitz over the next few weeks.

Duschowitz is reportedly having lunch next Tuesday with 2010 Wellington Conservative gubernatorial candidate Craig Thoyer, who also was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat incumbent Gov. Pierre Carten (NAT). According to Duschowitz's office, she and Thoyer agreed during the 2010 campaign to lunch together after the election, but never followed through. Spokeswoman Mary Collins said the she is "making good on that promise."

Duschowitz and Thoyer are expected meet for lunch in Starksmin, and will discuss the election and stories from the campaign, though the lunch will be more personal and less political in nature, Collins said. Duschowitz and her husband Todd will then spend the evening with Thoyer and his wife, Theresa.

Then, the following week, on Friday, July 1, Duschowitz will travel to Mavocke to have lunch with her former boss and predecessor, Gov. Peter Kosevich (CNS). According to Collins, the two former governors talked over the phone following the 2010 election and agreed to meet to discuss the election, life outside of office, and their future plans. Duschowitz's husband will also join her on that trip, and the couple will reportedly stay the weekend with Kosevich and his wife Lydell, at their Mavocke-area home.

And finally, on July 14, Duschowitz will fly to Lansdale to meet with POG Gov. Donna Almone, who headed up the Conservative Governors' Association (CGA) during the 2010 campaign. Almone was instrumental in raising money for and distributing money to Duschowitz's campaign, and the lunch is meant as a gesture of thanks for her help.

Collins refused to confirm if Duschowitz would accept a lunch invitation from conservative Christian psychologist and radio host Dr. Tony Booth. A spokeswoman with Booth's Lial-based ministry, Truth To The Nations, told the NPF that both Booth and Duschowitz were interested in meeting, but a date had not been finalized.

Duschowitz's busy travel schedule has led many to believe she is considering a political comeback. However, the former governor confirmed to the GBC last week she will not challenge NAT incumbent Sen. Steve Kolotano in the 2012 election.

Alton Makes It Official

Remmington City mayor files to run for governor

REMMINGTON CITY, Remmington--In the city that he has governed for the past three years, Remmington City Mayor Graham Alton (NAT) officially kicked off his campaign for governor.

The big announcement was made at High Sky Park in the city's southeast. About 400 people gathered at the park's outdoor amphitheater to hear Alton's announcement, which was widely expected by political analysts.

Alton told the crowd his top priorities are the environment, economy and education.

"Our current governor wants to ignore climate change, keep giving tax breaks and benefits to greedy corporations while ignoring normal, every-day Remmingtonians, and he wants to maintain the status quo with our education system in this state. That's very, very wrong, friends," Alton said.

Alton was born and raised in Damoign to a sea merchant father and a waitress mother. After serving in the Air Force and graduating from Kendalla College in Harapoquen, Damoign, he moved to Remmington City in 1983. He worked as a journalist for the Remmington Star newspaper until opening his own air conditioning business in 1992.

Becoming successful in the business world, Alton began to grow his business empire and got involved in the dot-com boom. In 2002, after overseeing a diverse business portfolio, Alton started working in the non-profit sector, working first as the state head of the federal government's housing assistance program. In 2004, he resigned that position to head the Remmington City Fair Housing Organization, which he oversaw until his 2008 election as mayor, the first Nationalist to win since 1980.

During his speech Friday, the journalist, businessman, and non-profit head-turned-politician gave few specifics, but said he wants to transition Remmington's economy into a green economy.

"I believe agriculture and green technology can coexist and work together nicely. Our economy doesn't have to just be dependent on agriculture and the mining and timber industries," he said.

On the economy, he wants to end corporate tax breaks and bring tax breaks to Remmington families. More specifically, he proposed a hike in the state's gas tax in exchange for broader tax exemptions and tax credits for families of four or more.

"The economy in this state is hurting, and part of that is because the current administration is rejecting a green economy. And the other part is that they're giving all the help to the corporations and not the people. In an Alton administration, the big oil companies will be at the back of the line," he said to a cheering crowd.

On education, Alton told the crowd he wants to "reinvigorate" the state's school system by raising teachers' salaries and increasing spending for education, while also lowering class sizes. Calling the current education system "dismal," he told supporters he wants to change the way education is done in the state.

"If you want to be a top-notch education state, then you have to have top-notch teachers and technology. And right now, Remmington has the lowest-paid teachers in the country. That just has to change," he said.

The mayor did not address most other issues. About the state's ailing budget, he told the media after his speech he would fix the budget gap through a combination of tax increases and spending cuts, though he declined to give specifics. He also told reporters he would convene a special transportation committee to evaluate the state's transportation system and propose solutions.

If Alton wins the Nationalist Party nomination, he will go on to challenge Conservative incumbent Gov. Jen Stevens-Taylor, who was first elected in 2008.

It's unclear who Alton's running mate will be, though Assemblyman Bryce Goodall, who represents the constituency of Devry, could run make another run for lieutenant governor after his unsuccessful run in 2008 with former Senator James Owen-Wilson. Former Senate candidates Ashleigh Lanford, James Kensen, and Derrick Cotter have also been rumored to be interested.

Nationalists Tout Frizzeia For Assembly

NAT seeks to take back old territory

KATHERINE, Kalnier--Top NAT leaders are touting a new recruit for the Federal Assembly: State Assemblywoman Nita Frizzeia (N-Kemsport).

Partly leaders expect Frizzeia to run for the seat of Lamberth East, currently held by Conservative Carolyn Coventry. The electorate is traditional NAT territory, but Coventry narrowly stole the seat from former MA, Evan Kratzer (NAT).

In addition to serving in the State Assembly, Frizzeia is a small business owner and lives in Kemsport, on the central Kalnier coast. The electorate encompasses most of eastern Lamberth, with a sliver of land that extends to the coast.

"She is the perfect candidate with the perfect story with the perfect ideals for this electorate," State NAT Party Chairman Kyle Berger told the Lamberth Regent newspaper. Deputy Chairwoman Paula Zydelle also touted Frizzeia, saying she "has the guts to tough out a long campaign."

MA Alex Korchimney of Veroche, who co-chairs the Nationalist Assembly Campaign Committee (NACC), called Frizzeia a "good way to right a wrong."

"This seat should never have left NAT hands, but it did. [Election] 2012 is our opportunity to get this seat back," Korchimney said over the phone, from his Mavocke office.

Coventry's office declined to comment when contacted by the Regent.

Kratzer told Kalnier Civic Radio he has not ruled out running for his old seat, though the party's early endorsement of Frizzeia indicates he will likely not run.

Mickelson Expresses Interest In Senate Run

State senator eyes Federal Senate

APPENBAUM, Kalnier--State Sen. Steve Mickelson is considering a run for the Federal Senate, according to the Appenbaum Clatchfield News.

Mickelson, a Conservative from Revan in central Kalnier, told the Clatchfield News he has "not shut door" on a Senate run in 2012 against incumbent Paul LeBouse (NAT).

A wealthy businessman and tax attorney, Mickelson could self-fund a strong campaign against the passionate but polarizing LeBouse.

If Mickelson runs, it could also set up a difficult primary election for the Conservative Party, as several Members of Assembly (MA's) are considering a run. They include:

Mark Radowski, who represents Appenbaum and the Flatfields
Marie Dehignen, who represents Lamberth West
Carolyn Coventry, who represents Lamberth East
Kimberley Duncan-Roit, who represents Kirkenelly and Parma

Former 2008 Senate candidate Tony Ritonio, a small restaurant owner from Lamberth's northwest side who lost to Eli Dundree (NAT), could also throw his hat into the ring. Former Gov. Joe Gramma, who lost re-election in 2010, could also declare candidacy, something that would likely throw the race into a frenzy.

DNS, Royal Guard Investigate Bomb At Border Crossing

Multiple agencies investigating explosive device

VICKSBURG, Damoign--The Department of National Security (DNS) and the Royal Guard of the Realm (RG) are investigating a backpack bomb found at a border crossing this morning.

The homemade device was found inside a backpack at the Lukisse-Taben border crossing in southeastern Damoign at the Grassadellia-Bedroque border. Officials with the Department of Entry and Departure (DED) reported the suspicious device. A bomb squad from Vicksburg was called in to investigate. The bomb was extricated and detonated at a secure location away from the busy border crossing, where about 1,700 vehicles pass through every day.

The crossing was closed for about an hour and a half.

RG officials have reviewed security camera footage and are looking for a black Chevrolet SUV that they believe the backpack originated from. Anyone with information is asked to call the Vicksburg RG office at (352)-280-8000.

Lindstrom Welcomes Menuhaeo To Ansleigha

President's first official visit to Ansleigha

KOEURN, Ansleigha--President Brenton Menuhaeo is in Koeurn, Ansleigha tonight, on his first official visit to the newly-formed state.

Menuhaeo accepted Ansleigha Gov. Dale Lindstrom's offer to visit, and the two shared an evening together at a fundraiser for autism research in downtown Koeurn earlier tonight.

The President is staying at the governor's mansion in Rawlingsworth. Tomorrow, he'll tour a coal mine in Ebendale with Sen. Jon Ralston (CNS), and he'll then fly out to Califor, Wellington on Thursday, for an event with Gov. Pierre Carten.

Garson's Girlfriend Bailed Him Out Of Jail

Girlfriend was mysterious person who bailed drunk MP out of jail

MAVOCKE--Assemblyman Nick Garson (N-Veroche) was bailed out of jail early this morning by his girlfriend, according to the Mavocke Capitol newspaper, which first broke the story.

Garson was taken into custody by Metropolitan Police for drunken-driving, after crashing his car into another vehicle and then a nearby bank. It all happened about 2:15 am eastern time in the central Mavocke neighborhood of Lembarton, just a few miles away from Capitol Hill.

Garson failed a field sobriety test and was taken to a local police precinct. About an hour later, Garson left the jail after paying a $150 bail fine. He left in a black SUV with an unknown person.

That person has now been identified as Garson's girlfriend, 29-year-old Kate Billing, who works for the Foreign Affairs Department.

Garson has not commented on his arrest yet. The Veroche Nationalist did not show up to work today at the Federal Assembly. His office told national media he will hold a press conference tomorrow morning.

So far, NAT leaders in the Assembly are withholding comment on the incident. Minority Leader Allison McGint told the National Press Federation (NPF) said the situation "looks very damaging" but said she will not address the issue until talking with Garson later today and hearing his press conference tomorrow.

Garson, 31, has represented the electorate of Lanakis-Southwick since 2010.

BREAKING--Veroche MA Crashes Car, Arrested For Drunken-Driving

Assemblyman's blood alcohol level unknown

MAVOCKE--Federal Assemblyman Nick Garson was arrested for drunken-driving early Thursday morning after crashing his car, the Mavocke Capitol is reporting.

 The Veroche Nationalist, who represents the electorate of Lanakis-Southwick, was arrested after colliding with another vehicle in the Lembarton neighborhood in central Mavocke. Garson's car then crashed into a nearby bank at A Street and Pollard Avenue.

Mavocke's Metropolitan Police responded to the scene, and no injuries were reported. Damage to the bank building was minimal, police said.

It's not known what Garson's blood alcohol level was at the time of the crash, but Metropolitan Police say they are awaiting the results of a blood sample.

Garson was arrested and booked at the Metropolitan Police Lembarton Precinct. He was released about an hour later when an unknown person arrived at the jail and paid the $150 bail.

It was unclear when Garson will face a magistrate.

If convicted of the misdemeanor crime, Garson could face one year in prison and a $2,000 fine. 

Bartholomew's Popularity Holding Steady In Biereland

Gov's popularity has dipped only slightly

BROOKINGS, Biereland--While many of the nation's newly-elected governors have seen a drop in popularity, six months since the 2010 election, Biereland Gov. San Bartholomew is still relatively popular.

A new poll released by the Mercury Polling Firm shows the first-term Nationalist governor with a 52% approval rating, a slight drop of two points from his post-election 54% approval rating.

The same poll showed the number of those who disapprove has dropped from 44% in December to 38% in June.

The governor's approval ratings are higher than his likeability ratings, however. While 52% approved of Bartholomew, only 43% said they "like" him.

The state's first Nationalist governor, Bartholomew has yet to take on contentious issues such as environmental protection, transportation projects, and medical marijuana.

So far, aides say the governor is focused on improving the economy, but will introduce environmental legislation soon that will call for protection of millions of acres of state land.

De Auonne: Conservatives 'Have No One' To Challenge Me

Trinton gov sees easy path to re-election

WILMINGTON, Trinton--Gov. Mark De Auonne is feeling pretty confident these days.

The first-term Nationalist governor is up for re-election in 2012, but he isn't worried about any potential Conservative challengers.

"Who do they have? They have no one. They have no one at this point," De Auonne told a reporter with the Trinton Examiner newspaper, speaking about the Conservative Party's chances of reclaiming the governor's mansion.

Healthy confidence? Or foolish arrogance? Depends on who you ask.

"He's right. They really don't have anyone that could possibly be stacked against him and win," Trinton Nationalist Party Chairman Paul Lumberg said. "So far, there are no [Conservative] candidates that have a chance."

Trinton State Sen. Jim Conway (N-Delton) told the Examiner the governor "should feel confident."

"I think he has every reason to feel confident in his ability to gain re-election and in his ability to govern this state," Conway said. "He's a good governor."

But Conservatives see the issue differently, no surprise.

"This is a governor who, although he may be a nice person and popular and the media may like him, he's really quite arrogant," said Tom Schillings, chairman of the state Conservatives. "And arrogance is a turn-off to voters. People vote against you when you're arrogant and think you're undefeatable."

Even members of the governor's own party feel the comments show an arrogant feeling of invincibility that is unflattering and unwise.

"It makes him sound like he thinks he can't be beat, when he talks that way," said State Sen. Jim McIlred (N-Alhag). "Part of being a good candidate is being aware that you can never take anything for granted."

The governor may be right to an extent.

The Conservatives, so far, have no announced candidates to challenge De Auonne. His 2010 CNS opponent, Mark Bronure, is now a Federal Assemblyman, representing the electorate of Eminger in southern Trinton, and appears content to stay in the Federal Assembly.

Sen. Greg Baxter's term ends in 2012, but he appears to be leaning toward running for re-election. The state's other CNS senator, Kelsey Frascanio, has also said she wants to stay in the Senate.

The party's only other state-wide office-holder, Secretary of State Trip Kellet, is seeking re-election to his post in 2012.

That leaves relatively few candidates.

The most-mentioned contenders include Trussler Corp. CEO Jim Valoix of Clillenchap, on the state's central coast and State Sen. Jim Cass of Red Trail. Bryan Kim, a Federal MP for Mendenhall in the state's southwest corner, is also thought to be considering a bid.

Former Sens. Brian Brown and Richard C. Parker could also make a bid, though both have said they have no interest in running. Failed 2010 Senate candidate Randy Kalamaza similarly declined to enter the race.

Out of the three oft-mentioned candidates, Valoix, a wealthy businessman, has the most money, while Kim has the most name recognition from a failed Senate primary campaign in 2008 against then-incumbent Brian Brown. Cass has little money or name recognition outside his central-Trinton state Senate district.

But no matter how difficult their chances may be, all three men are giving the idea considerable thought. Valoix told the National Press Federation he is "seriously leaning" toward a gubernatorial run in 2012. Cass has not spoken to the media, but has created a Political Action Committee (PAC), which suggests he may be interested. And Kim told the Mavocke Capitol newspaper he is also "seriously considering" a bid, and will decide this summer after "considerable prayer and talking with my family."

For now though, De Auonne, the young, handsome, and engaging governor, is in a good position for re-election. His approval ratings have fallen from an all-time high of 81% right after his election. But he still has a healthy rating, at 61 per cent. He also has a healthy campaign war chest, with over $1.3 million in the bank already.

Christaman Bashes Governor, But Won't Say If He'll Run

Assemblyman says governor is 'heading for disaster'

TOULEVILLE, Veroche--Conservative Assemblyman Don Christaman slammed incumbent Veroche Gov. Linda Van Auhn Friday, telling the Touleville Collector newspaper that Van Auhn is leading the state "toward a cliff."

"The current governor is leading our state toward a cliff. We haven't fallen off the cliff yet, but we're running toward it full speed ahead," said Christaman, who represents the north-central Veroche electorate of Touleville-Chutney Island in the Federal Assembly.

Christaman added that Van Auhn is "heading for disaster" by raising taxes on small businesses and middle income families. He also blames the governor and the state legislature for the $9.3 billion budget deficit, which is resulting in deep cuts and tax hikes.

"This is not leadership. Leadership is not out-of-control spending followed by tax hikes to make up for it. Leadership is taking the time to go through the budget and to exercise fiscal discipline and see what can be afforded and what can't. That's what we need now more than ever in Pointe Lear," he said.

Christaman's comments indicate the congressman is seriously considering a bid for governor in 2012 against Van Auhn, who is up for re-election.

When asked, however, about a run for governor, the assemblyman, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2008 against Nationalist Aaron Tobias Griffith, declined to say if he's in.

"Right now, I'm committed to serving the people of Touleville-Chutney Island," he told an NPF reporter.

Christaman is one of several potential Conservative contenders. Former professional football player Steve Serpino and Pendleton Mayor Ric Renner are both considering bids. Lieutenant Governor Brad Davidson is also expected to join the race, while former Sen. Evelynn Blankenship is said to be mulling a run but has yet to decide.


Former gubernatorial candidates Todd Argouth and Steve Leona have already announced they will not seek a rematch with Van Auhn in 2012.