Menuhaeo, Rogers-Thurst: US must avoid fiscal cliff

MAVOCKE--President Brenton Menuhaeo and his Treasury Secretary are urging US President Barack Obama and members of Congress to reach a last-minute compromise to avoid the so-called "fiscal-cliff," which is looming at the end of the year.

"Our message to President Obama and the members of the US Congress is this: please reach a compromise. If the US goes over the fiscal cliff, America will not only be negatively impacted and plunged back into recession, but the rest of the world will be hit hard economically as well," Treasury Secretary John Rogers-Thurst said in a Mavocke press conference.

"Like most countries, Grassadellia has been adversely affected by the global recession. If the fiscal cliff is breached, Grassadellia will feel the impact as well," Rogers-Thurst said.

The term "fiscal cliff" refers to the pending combination of tax hikes and spending cuts, which total approximately $600 billion US dollars ($572 billion GR), that will come into effect on January 1, 2013 if the US Congress does not agree on a deal to extend tax cuts and prevent spending cuts.

President Obama and Democrats, who hold the majority in the Senate, have been battling with Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, for months now. But neither side has agreed to the other's proposals.

Mr. Obama has called for tax increases on all Americans making more than $250,000 per year.

Many Republicans, particularly the hard-line Tea Party caucus, oppose raising taxes, even on the wealthy, arguing that many small business owners make more than $250,000 per year, but are hardly "wealthy" after paying employees, insurance costs, and other expenses.

Hiking taxes on small business owners would subsequently force business owners to lay-off employees or give fewer hours to workers, or force businesses to fold altogether, Republicans contend.

Democrats, and the president, counter that Americans making more than $250,000 per year are much better off than the country's middle class and low-income citizens, and should contribute more.

Last week, John Boehner (R-Ohio), Speaker of the House of Representatives, proposed a plan that would raise taxes on individuals making more than $1 million per year, but that plan was voted down by Democrats and some Republicans.

If no action is taken, the pending fiscal cliff will also cut spending, adversely affecting funding for unemployment assistance and health care programs, which Democrats say are critical.

Republicans say spending is out of control, and must be reined in, even if that means painful cuts to popular programs.

On Friday, Mr. Obama called on the Congress to take action.

"The time for immediate action is now," he said. "The American people are watching what we do here. Obviously, their patience is already thin."

Mr. Obama later met with Speaker Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky). The group discussed negotiations, and appeared somewhat encouraged afterwards.

Sen. McConnell told reporters he was "hopeful and optimistic" a deal could be reached.

Mr. Reid said he would "do everything I can" to reach a compromise, but warned that "whatever we come up with is going to be imperfect."

Neither side will get exactly what they want in the deal, according to political analysts.

Armana Sen. Dana Glow (C), who chairs Grassadellia's Senate Finance Committee, told the GBC it would be "extraordinarily helpful" if US leaders reach a deal before the first of the year.

"It would be beneficial for their country and for every other country, if a deal is reached promptly," Glow said.

President Brenton Menuhaeo also called for US action to avoid the cliff.

"America is a very important ally of Grassadellia's and a key leader in the world. This is a pivotal moment for America to take leadership and get their own house in order and prevent further ripples from spreading across the global economic pond," Menuhaeo said.

Grassadellian humanitarian worker detained in North Korea

MAVOCKE--The State Department has confirmed that a Grassadellian humanitarian worker has been detained in North Korea while on a humanitarian visit.

Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett spoke at a press conference Friday, and confirmed that 63-year-old Charlotte Gibbons, of Rodditch, Damoign, has been detained by North Korean officials.

"I can confirm reports that Charlotte Gibbons was in North Korea on a humanitarian visit. She was with a group affiliated with the European Union, working to bring medicine and vaccinations to medical clinics in North Korea. Charlotte was detained, and remains in custody in Pyongyang," Hunter-Garrett said.

North Korean state news agency KCNA reported Gibbons was detained because she was suspected of "harbouring illegal drug activity in the DPRK."

Gibbons has not formally been prosecuted by North Korean officials, KCNA said. However, she remains in custody in Pyongyang, and has been visited by Danish Embassy officials.

"Miss Gibbons appeared to be in satisfactory health," Peter Zurk-Hanken, a Danish embassy official based in South Korea said.

Denmark handles disputes between Grassadellia and North Korea, as the two countries have no formal diplomatic relations.

Grassadellian intelligence officials do not believe Gibbons was smuggling illegal drugs into North Korea. They believe those allegations are phony, and that Gibbons' wrongful detention may be an act of retaliation, after the Grassadellian government criticized the North Korean regime following a rocket launch on December 12, 2012.

"We do not believe Charlotte Gibbons was involved in any criminal activity, and we urge her immediate release," Hunter-Garrett said at a Friday press conference. "We believe her detention is politically motivated, and any dispute between North Korea and Grassadellia should be handled professionally and without disrupting or endangering the lives of civilians of either party."

The State Department has said it is in contact with South Korean officials and Danish officials.

Charlotte Gibbons' family is hoping for an immediate release as well.

"We just want her to come home, soon. She is a good person and we know she was there helping people. We hope they will respect that and let her go," Gibbons' sister Sheila Evans told the STAR Network.

Sen. Agnew cited for speeding

NEW DUNSLEE, Wilkonshire--Federal Sen. John R. Agnew, a Conservative from Wilkonshire, is apologizing after receiving a speeding ticket last weekend.

The 66-year-old senator was driving northbound on NR-1 just south of New Dunslee, in northeastern Wilkonshire, when he was pulled over by a Wilkonshire Highway Patrol officer.

The officer gave Agnew a citation for driving 80 mph in a 70 mph zone.

The New Dunslee Dispatch first reported the citation on Friday, after police records for Halsley County were released.

Agnew released a statement Friday afternoon after the story broke.

"Last weekend, I was driving with my wife up to the Emerald Peaks to spend the holiday, and was pulled over by a highway patrolman in Wilkonshire and cited for speeding 10 mph over the speed limit. I admitted my wrong-doing at the time, and do not contest the charges. I apologize to my constituents for inadvertently disobeying the speed limit, and I will pay the $82 fine without dissent."

Though cited for only 10 mph over the speed limit, the patrolman actually clocked Agnew at 83 mph, but decided to only cite him for 10 over, to avoid a more expensive traffic fine.

Wilkonshire Highway Patrol spokeswoman Sgt. Christie Hammer told the Dispatch that officers are allowed to reduce a ticket, even if the driver is caught going faster.

"In this case, the officer in question was within his bounds by lowering the ticket to only 10 mph over. That is up to the individual officer's discretion, and in this case, the officer chose to lower that for Mr. Agnew. It has nothing to do with special treatment, our officers do this sort of thing for people every day," Hammer said.

Agnew has been a senator since 2008, and before that served briefly as governor of Wilkonshire. Prior to that, he was the Federal Attorney General under President Daniel Byelle.

McCaren: Russia using children as 'bargaining chip' in dispute with US

MAVOCKE--Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jim McCaren had strong words for Russian leaders, after politicians in Russia passed legislation that bans American families from adopting Russian children.

"Russia is using children as a bargaining chip in their ongoing dispute with the US, and that is not fair to the adoptive families, and it's certainly not fair to the children who would otherwise have a better future in the US," McCaren said in an interview with Pilar magazine.

McCaren was referring to the recently passed legislation in Russia, which was signed into law Friday by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bill prohibits US families from adopting Russian children, and is largely seen as retaliation, after US President Barack Obama signed a bill on December 4, 2012 that places travel and financial sanctions and restrictions on human rights' abusers in Russia.

The Russian bill also prohibits the exercising of political activities by nongovernmental organizations that receive funding from the United States.

The US State Department said it "deeply regretts" the legislation's enactment.

"The Russian government's politically motivated decision will reduce adoption possibilities for children who are now under institutional care," it said in a statement. "We are further concerned about statements that adoptions already underway may be stopped and hope that the Russian government would allow those children who have already met and bonded with their future parent to finish the necessary legal procedures so that they can join their families."

Hugh Williamson, Director of Central Asia and Europe at the Human Rights Watch, also criticised the legislation.

"This bill hits back at Russia's most vulnerable children, and could deprive them of the loving families they desperately need," Williamson said.

Back in Grassadellia, Secretary McCaren urged a more pragmatic and productive discussion.

"Russia needs to quit holding children hostage over this issue. If they have an issue with the United States, they need to address it diplomatically, not through barring adoptions."

Among US parents, Russia is the third most common country of origin for adoptions, behind China and Ethiopia.

Many Grassadellian families also adopt from Russia as well, and it's unclear if McCaren's strong comments to the Kremlin will negatively impact Russian-Grassadellian relations and adoptions.

Conservatives hold only 2 Attorneys General positions

MAVOCKE--The recent elections saw the NAT seize a strong majority in the Senate, and a sizable majority of governorships.

But Nationalists won their largest majority at the state level, winning 16 of 17 attorneys general positions that were up for election this year.

That means 21 of the 23 state attorneys general are Nationalists.

The only Conservatives are Ansleigha Attorney General Richard Tierlot (pronounced "Tier-low") and Biereland Attorney General Ben Jordan.

Conservatives acknowledged they have a lot of work to do to win more attorneys general seats in the coming elections.

"We are overwhelmingly outnumbered at the state attorney general level," Tierlot told the NPF. "We've got a long road ahead in reclaiming attorney general seats, but we are committed to winning back some of those seats in the 2014 elections, and we are committed to working in harmony with our Nationalist colleagues."

Nationalists credit their strong candidates this cycle.

"We had good candidates that have broad appeal, and I think the Conservative brand is so badly damaged that it hurt their candidates' chances," Lial Attorney General Susan Pitman told the Mavocke Capitol.

But Conservatives are looking ahead to 2014, when 12 of the 23 seats will be up for re-election. Their top targets include Monomi Attorney General Ed Casey (N), whom Conservatives despise for declining to indict embattled Gov. Scott King Jr (N) in his corruption scandal.

Conservatives also have their eyes on Wellington Attorney General Mike Kozinski (N), who has modest approval ratings.

Nationalist are optimistic about their chances in 2014, however.

"It's going to be very difficult for Conservatives to win back seats in 2014. The NAT has strong candidates and strong incumbents, and we've been winning the public opinion wars in recent elections. Grassadellians want attorneys general who will fight for their rights and stand up for the common citizen, and they're only going to find that in the NAT," Pitman told GNN News.

It's unclear who will be the chair of the state Attorneys General Board. However, with the Nationalists holding an astonishing majority of seats, it's clear the chair will be from the NAT party.

Sinderman will succeed Sweeten as E. Deschire Secretary of State

DEROSA, East Deschire--Governor Lynn DeMont (N) announced today that Deputy Secretary of State Jenny Sinderman will succeed current Secretary of State Allison Sweeten (N), who recently was elected to the Federal Senate.

Sinderman, who has been with the agency since its inception, will take over in January when Sweeten officially is sworn in as a Federal Senator.

DeMont did not choose her to be Sweeten's successor. Rather, she was chosen by the state Senate's Elections committee, which chose her out of a group of three deputies.

Sinderman will serve as East Deschire's Secretary of State until 2014, when the position will be up for election.

It's unclear if she will run for the position in 2014.

Sweeten said in a statement she is "very pleased" Sinderman will take over for her when she departs for Mavocke.

"All three of my deputy secretaries of state are well-qualified, and I am very pleased that Jenny Sinderman will be taking over for me," Sweeten said. "I know she will be a terrific secretary of state."

Deer testicles mailed to Morandi's office

MAVOCKE--Someone attempted to mail deer testicles to the office of Senate Majority Leader John Morandi (N-Lial), a spokesman for Capitol Police said.

A strange package arrived at the Capitol post office Monday afternoon, and like all other packages sent to the Capitol, the box was sent through a maze of x-ray screening machines to detect explosives or biochemical hazardous materials.

That's when officials realized the package in question contained what appeared to be some kind of body parts.

The post office was briefly shut down while a haz-mat crew arrived to open the box, which was addressed to Sen. Morandi's office. That's when it was discovered the box contained animal body parts. Testing later confirmed the body parts to be deer testicles.

There was also a hand-written note for Morandi, which said "This is what I think of your gun control proposals."

The box was disposed of and the post office reopened after about 45 minutes.

A spokeswoman for Capitol Police said the package was never delivered to Morandi's office, and no postal workers were exposed to any hazardous materials.

"This was a disgusting incident, but no one was harmed," Corporal Tricia McMillan told the NPF.

Sen. Morandi's office did not respond to requests for comment.

Menuhaeo: 'We mourn with our American friends'

MAVOCKE--The United States is grieving after Friday's deadly shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut, which ended in the deaths of 20 children and six adults.

US President Barack Obama flew to Connecticut for a memorial service in the small town of Newtown, where the shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Mr. Obama comforted the families of the victims, and pledged he would "engage" the American public in a pragmatic discussion about gun violence.

"We can't tolerate this anymore," Mr. Obama said. "These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change."

Connecticut's shooting was only the recent in a string of deadly mass shootings in the US. Just three days prior, 22-year-old Jacob Tyler Roberts opened fire inside a busy shopping centre near Portland, Oregon, killing two and himself.

And on July 20, 2012, James Holmes, age 24, opened fire inside a packed Aurora, Colorado movie theatre during a midnight premier of The Dark Knight Rises. Holmes killed 12, and injured almost 60 others during his rampage. He was arrested by police and is now facing multiple counts of 1st degree murder and attempted murder.

In the Connecticut case, police say a sole gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, shot his mother while she was sleeping in her Newtown home, and then drove to the elementary school, where Lanza's mother worked as a substitute teacher, and opened fire inside classrooms, killing 20 children, mostly ages six and seven, and six teachers and staff members.

Lanza then fatally shot himself when he realized police were entering the school, police say.

At Sunday night's memorial service, Mr. Obama was visibly emotional, wiping tears away, and quoting scripture.

"Scripture tells us, 'do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For light and momentary troubles are achieving for us eternal glory that far outweigh them all,'" the president said.

To the families of the victims, he gave comfort.

"I am very mindful that mere words cannot reach the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you are not alone in your grief. That our world too has been torn apart, that all across this land of our's we have wept with you, we've pulled our children tight," Mr. Obama said.

During his speech, Mr. Obama did not even use the word "gun," and he did not explicitly call for stricter gun laws, though many believe when he called for "change," he was indicating that action should be taken to further gun control laws.

In Mavocke, Grassadellian President Brenton Menuhaeo told the GBC's Sylvia Swenson in an interview at Collester that he is "appalled" at the tragedy, and his heart "aches" for the families of the victims.

"These sorts of tragedies happen all too often, unfortunately, and I saw what happened in Connecticut and I was appalled at the horror, at the violence, at the lack of humanity that the gunman, troubled as he was, displayed. And my heart aches for the families of those children and teachers. And we as a nation, Grassadellians, we mourn with our American friends this deep loss they have experienced in such a tragic episode," Menuhaeo said.

Grassadellia's ambassador to the United States, James Alexander, attended a separate memorial service Saturday evening in Washington, D.C.

Alexander told the National Press Federation he was saddened at the tragedy, but was amazed at the compassion of the American people.

"What happened yesterday was so abhorrent and so tragic, it's beyond words, really. But what amazes me is the compassion of the American people, the way that they come together as one country and mourn together and celebrate the lives of those that were lost. And the generosity of spirit is truly astonishing," Alexander said.

Both the National Assembly and the Senate are scheduled to open Monday with a moment of silence to honour the victims.

Third time not a charm for Haverstein

STARKSMIN, Wellington--It's been another disappointing election season for Wellington Assemblywoman Sally Haverstein (C).

The six-term assemblywoman, who represents the electorate of Dempsey-Meeshaw in central Wellington, came up short in her bid to oust incumbent Sen. Nadan Saralo (N), earning 47% to Saralo's 53%.

It's the third time in six years Haverstein has ran for the Senate, and she's lost every time, all by narrow margins.

In 2010, she challenged Sen. Paul Leitcher.

In that race, Haverstein won the initial vote count with 41.7% in a three-way race against Leitcher and Independent businessman Bill Kintelli. Leitcher garnered 40.6% and Kintelli 17.7% in the preliminary counts.

Because no candidate received 45%, the minimum threshold required to win under Wellington electoral laws, a run-off election was triggered. In the run-off election, Leitcher narrowly prevailed over Haverstein, 50.3% to 49.7%.

And back in 2008, Haverstein also ran against Leitcher in a special election, but lost by a 48%-51% margin.

This time around was supposed to be different for Haverstein. Despite a national NAT tidal wave that swept the country, Saralo, who is the second-highest-ranking Nationalist in the Senate, had modest approval numbers, and polls showed Haverstein within striking distance.

Additionally, fellow Nationalist Sen. Chris DeCarro also had lackluster approval ratings, and the Conservative party found a formidable challenger in fellow Assemblyman Joe Wilsey of Claremonte-White Pines.

The general consensus among political pundits was that, in spite of the strong NAT trend across the country, Saralo and DeCarro were considered vulnerable, and Wellington was thought to be a rare opportunity for gains for the CNS.

But in the end, Haverstein came up short for a third time, again, by a small margin.

And Wilsey also came up short, earning 46% to DeCarro's 54%.

The Wilsey-DeCarro race was also a rematch. The two faced off in the 2008 special election, where DeCarro won 53% to 47%.

Regarding her losing streak, Haverstein is up front: she is clearly disappointed.

"Losing once is tough enough, but losing twice and now three times, and each time by slim margins, makes it very difficult, very demoralizing," she told the Starksmin Frontiersman.

Wilsey also expressed disappointment, but was optimistic.

"Of course you're disappointed. It's always disappointing. But you have a choice. You can either dwell on your defeats and sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can look to the future and pick yourself up and get back out there," he told the NPF.

As for the winners, Saralo told the Mavocke Capitol that he is grateful the voters returned him for a second term.

"I'm very appreciative to the people of Wellington for re-electing me and trusting in me to represent them."

About his opponent, he is less appreciative.

"I think she lost because of her extreme views, and also because of some of the extraordinarily negative attacks she made against me. I think the voters saw through those ads and saw them for what they were: lies and falsehoods."

DeCarro also expressed appreciation to voters for being re-elected, and he also expressed regard for his two-time opponent, Joe Wilsey.

"I'm very thankful to the people for letting me serve, and I'm thankful to Joe Wilsey for running a tough campaign. We disagree on just about everything, but I do respect him as an elected official and I think he does embody a lot of what Wellingtonians want in their elected leaders," DeCarro told GNN.

As for another attempt at the Senate, Haverstein says "probably not."

"After three tries, you just get exhausted and demoralized, and donors become more wary. So I think the chances of another run any time soon are very unlikely."

Wilsey did not rule out another run, but said it won't be in the near future.

"I'm always open to possibilities, but right now I am focused on serving in the Assembly and I think I'll be there for a while longer."

Nine senators defeated for re-election

MAVOCKE--There will be many new faces this coming January when Congress returns after the holiday break.

But nine members of the Senate will be saying good bye.

Five Conservative senators, two Nationalists, one Democratic-Reformist and one Independent all lost their seats in last week's general election.

The casualties include conservative firebrand Nancy Lindselli of East Deschire, whose election ended on a knife's-edge with her NAT opponent, Allison Sweeten, prevailing narrowly.

Conservatives Dana Stokahn and Victoria Albright of Marchenay, Greg Baxter of Trinton, and Alyssa Jones of Damoign were also kicked out of the Senate by voters in their respective states. In each race, liberal Nationalists won their seats.

Veteran politician Jan Vanderhoogen of Ansleigha, a Nationalist, conceded to his Conservative opponent, former Sen. Luke Gymbal, earlier this week, after days of recounts that did little to move the race in Vanderhoogen's favor.

The other NAT loss: Matt Hoffbourn of Remmington, a moderate who lost to popular former Sen. Jared Lanman (C).

Julie Wynmyer, a Democratic-Reformist from Carova, lost in a three-way race to former CNS Sen. Dan Wainwright. Wynmyer had been criticized by both major parties for her wavering allegiance to their agendas.

And Independent Brian Altamont of Damoign was booted out of the Senate, after leaving the NAT caucus due to disagreements with NAT Senate leadership. Former Sen. Debbie Madronas (N) went on to claim Altamont's seat, narrowly defeating Democratic-Reformist Assemblywoman Jessica Blaine 44% to 42%.

Altamont came in a distant third, earning an anemic 12% of the vote.

In all, out of the 22 senators up for re-election, nine were defeated.

One race is still uncertain, as Trinton Sen. Bruce Kellney (N) faces a run-off election with Conservative Randy Kalamaza on Dec. 18.

This cycle's casualties were problematic for both major parties, but the Conservative party took the brunt of the damage. Not only did five CNS senators lose their seats, many other races previously thought to lean toward the CNS resulted in narrow wins for Nationalists.

Conservatives came up short in two races in Wellington, three in POG, one in Onakiah, and one in South Ceona.

Even popular Biereland Sen. Jhana Schueler, whom many saw as unbeatable, garnered just over 55% of the vote against her little known NAT opponent, Ben Attenbriar.

Nationalists had a few losses of their own, however.

The party was poised to pick up the seat of Armana Sen. Dana Glow (C), who was considered highly vulnerable. Yet Glow ended up beating liberal Assemblyman Serap Figaori (N) by a 52% to 48% margin.

Conservative incumbent Jan Van Peel of Roddenclanshire also held on to her seat, despite a wide-sweeping NAT wave along the mid-coast region.

And Nationalist Eliza Andover came close to winning her seat in North Ceona, but former Parkins mayor Pete Deetch pushed past her, 50.4% to 49.6%.

In left-leaning Kalnier, popular liberal Sen. Paul LeBouse, considered safe by most political pundits, received a scare when his Conservative opponent Steve Mickelson, a tax attorney and businessman, came close to winning, pulling in an astonishing 49% of the vote, a high percentage, especially considering the anti-CNS wave that swept most of the country.

This election's results just go to show that no incumbent can take their seat for granted.

"We lost some wonderful senators this go-around, and that's very, very disappointing," Sen. Jon Ralston (C-Ansleigha) told the GBC. "But we also have some great new members that will be joining our ranks. It's a bitter-sweet moment. But ultimately, elections come in cycles. One party wins a majority one cycle, and then one or two elections later, the pendulum swings the other way in favor of the other party. Unfortunately, this time around was not in our favor."

Ralston chaired the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC), the arm of the Conservative party that works to recruit and elect CNS candidates. Ralston's role was no easy task in a year that proved especially detrimental to his party.

Ralston's NAT counterpart, Sen. John Yannes of Onakiah, who chairs the Nationalist Senate Campaign Organization (NSCO), also lamented missed opportunities, but he was overjoyed by the party's huge gains.

"We did lose a few races that we should've won. You always lose a few. That's just the nature of the beast. Overall, the NAT made tremendous gains. We knocked out five Conservatives and another incumbent, and we won many close races, and that has resulted in us getting a majority and a mandate from the Grassadellian people," Yannes said.

Departing senators will not leave their offices until the first Monday of the new year, which is January 7, 2013. New members will also be sworn in that day.

Beamer promises 'new chapter' in state government

NORTHBRIDGE, Deschire--Fresh off winning a three-way race for governor, Jan Beamer (N) is promising bold changes in state government.

Speaking to reporters at the capital in Northbridge, Beamer said she wants to "usher in a new era" in Deschire, and her main focus will be education, social justice, and the environment.

"The citizens of Deschire are skeptical of state government, and for good reason," Beamer said. "We've had corruption and inaction in previous administrations. Promises that were not kept have left many feeling cynical. But I say today, from this moment on, no more. We are moving forward, and we are turning the page to a new chapter in our state's history."

The Nationalist assemblywoman defeated businessmen Robert Mar (Conservative) and Grant Riley (Democratic-Reformist) to become Deschire's fourth governor. She won with a plurality of the vote, taking 48.80%, while Mar and Riley split the conservative vote, with Mar winning 28.28% and Riley taking 22.92%, respectively.

Beamer will take office on January 7, 2013, and will succeed Conservative Gov. Sharon Kelley, who did not run for re-election.

Kelley was popular when she won the governorship in a special election in November 2007. Voters saw her as an alternative to Nationalist Lt. Gov. Jake Kemp, who though never charged, was closely associated with corrupt Gov. Jane Sonda (N).

The last two years of Kelley's tenure, however, have seen her approval ratings tumble. A poll conducted in May of this year showed Kelley's approval rating at just 32%.

With Kelley not seeking a third term, Conservatives nominated Berivian businessman Robert Mar for governor in 2012. But Democratic-Reformist businessman Grant Riley, who previously ran for governor in 2007 against Kelley and Kemp, decided to make a second run due to his frustration with both major parties. Riley's entrance into the race resulted in a split conservative vote, allowing Beamer to win handily.

Beamer did not win a majority of the vote, instead, taking nearly 49 percent. Under Deschire law, a candidate must only win a minimum of 45% to be declared the winner.

She acknowledged she did not win an outright majority or a mandate from the voters, but she pledged to be a governor for all Deschireans.

"To the people who did not vote for me, I ask for your trust, and I ask that you give me a fair chance. Change isn't going to happen overnight, but I will work tirelessly to change the way Northbridge works."

Glow fends off Figaori

MAINE CITY, Armana--Many political commentators wrote him off, but Armana Conservative Sen. Dana Glow managed to stave off an insurgent NAT opponent and hang on to win re-election.

Armana Secretary of State Doug Casey confirms Glow, the moderate Conservative who was a prime target of Nationalists this election cycle, has defeated NAT Assemblyman Serap Figaori by a modest margin of 53.4% to 46.6%.

Polls showed a tight race between Glow, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, and Figaroi (pronounced "Fig-gar-ee"), a popular assemblyman who represents a liberal seat in northern Armana.

Figaori's candidacy excited many because, had he won, he would have become the first minority senator elected from Armana in the state's history. He is of Indian and Somali descent.

Glow's victory was a bright spot for Conservatives, who suffered heavy losses throughout the rest of the country.

It was also a huge blow to Nationalists, who thought a Figaori win was virtually guaranteed.

"I am, of course, so very honored that the voters looked through the attack ads and the political assassination job that the NAT attempted on me, and that [voters] saw the real me, which is someone that has worked with both parties to help bring a balanced budget to the floor, someone that has worked with both parties to stand up for the people of Armana," Glow said to reporters, while walking to his office in the Norman Senate Building.

Figaori told reporters at a press conference in Grassadellia Falls that he is disappointed, but very pleased with running an ideas-oriented campaign.

"It's never fun to lose, obviously, and it's clear that our campaign strategy was not as effective as we had hoped. But I am pleased that my campaign was not a traditional campaign, and that my campaign was based on ideas and real policy proposals, not just talking points from the party, like many candidates' campaigns were," he said.

Nationalists were victorious in Armana's other Senate race, however. Assemblyman Duke Castlebury (N) defeated Conservative John Stoddenmyer to win the seat of retiring Sen. Joel Zuckermann (C).

Yesterday, Glow held a press conference in Mavocke, and told reporters he is "invigorated" following his election win, and he is looking forward to getting back to work.

"I am absolutely ready to get back to work after the holiday recess. There is a lot of work to be done," he said.

Figaori will continue serving in the National Assembly, and has said he will consider running for Senate again in the future.

"You never say 'never again,' but I think it's way too early to even consider my future plans," he said. "It's definitely a possibility, but that's something that will have to be decided much further down the road."

Vanderhoogen concedes Senate seat

CHURCHTOWN, Ansleigha--After several hand recounts, Ansleigha Sen. Jan Vanderhoogen (N) has conceded his seat to his Conservative opponent, former Sen. Luke Gymbal.

The latest recount, finalized this morning, showed the vote totals from the initial election night count virtually unchanged. According to Ansleigha Secretary of State Doug Hassitch, the final tally has Vanderhoogen trailing Gymbal 49.69% to 50.31%, or 10,035 votes out of more than 1.6 million cast.

Vanderhoogen held a hastily-arranged press conference this afternoon, telling reporters in Mavocke that it was very difficult to admit defeat, but he has chosen to concede the race so the voters of Ansleigha will not be subjected to a lengthy legal battle.

"It's very difficult to concede, yes. I have loved serving as a senator, and I was hoping to continue my service in the Senate. But this was a very close race, and it appears that the numbers have not moved that much in my favor following the recounts, and I think the best thing I can do at this point is to concede the race to Mr. Gymbal and bring a resolution to this close race," Vanderhoogen said.

Gymbal's campaign issued a statement, thanking Vanderhoogen for choosing not to engage in a bitter legal dispute.

"We applaud Jan Vanderhoogen's decision to stand down and accept the will of the people," the statement read.

Vanderhoogen's defeat is a huge disappointment for Nationalists, who expected him to narrowly win re-election; and it's also a huge coup for Senate Conservatives, as they pulled off a win in the home state of Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC) Chairman Jon Ralston, something many never dreamed possible.

Despite Vanderhoogen's loss, Nationalists are still expected to have a solid majority in the Senate for the first time in over a decade, once all the races' outcomes have been resolved.

Vanderhoogen did not address his political future, but aides to the senator say he is not done with politics, and there is heavy speculation he may challenge Ralston in 2014, when the CSCC chairman is up for re-elction.

Nationalists recapture NP governor's mansion

YANCEYBURG, New Portsmouth--The NAT has reclaimed the governor's seat in New Portsmouth.

Assemblyman Charles Wornkin (N) and his running mate, former gubernatorial candidate Michael Barrett, defeated Conservative incumbents Jacqueline Bosseau and Evan Kershing 54% to 46%, a difference of 72,549 votes.

Barrett, who is a state senator, was the NAT nominee for governor against Bosseau in 2010, but lost by a 55% - 45% margin.

This time, Nationalists recruited Wornkin, the popular assemblyman from Dayle-Locke and Yorkton Islands, to head their ticket. Barrett, of Bayler, agreed to run for lieutenant governor this time around.

The two celebrated their win at the Hyde Centre in downtown Dayle-Locke.

"I am so thrilled that you have given me this opportunity to serve as your governor," Wornkin said to supporters. "[State] Senator Barrett and I will work hard to improve this state and get our economy moving again, to get our schools performing well again, our environment protected, our hospitals running better, our roads less crowded, and our communities safer, " Wornkin said.

Across town at the Plymouth Hotel on Dayle-Locke's west side, Bosseau and Kershing attempted to liven the dour mood at their election night celebration.

"I know we lost. And it hurts. It stings a little. But we have to look on the bright side. New Portsmouthians are inherently optimistic, positive people. And we can look at the last four years and see a record of achievement and accomplishment. A record of protecting freedom, protecting our communities from crime, standing up for our children and our environment and defending our civil liberties. We've had a good run," Bosseau said.

Bosseau was first elected in 2008, and won a second two-year term in 2010.

New Portsmouth is unusual, in that the state elects a new governor and lieutenant governor every two years rather than every four years, like every other state.

In the spring of 2011, Harvannans voted to amend their state constitution so that their state's governor would serve two-year terms like New Portsmouth's system. However, the Harvannah Supreme Court struck down the law, saying it could only be voted on in a presidential election year. It was subsequently voted on this past Election Day, and failed to pass; thus New Portsmouth remains the only state in the nation to elect governors to two-year terms.

Jacqueline Bosseau did not say if she will run to reclaim the governorship in 2014. Sources within the state CNS party say Kershing, of Marbury County, is interested in running if Bosseau declines, though Kershing refused to comment on his future plans.

NAT sweeps races in Damoign; Jones, Altamont lose Senate seats

GRASSADELLIA CITY--Coming off the heels of a massive pro-NAT wave, the Nationalist party has swept elections in the nation's most populous state.

Nationalists won both Federal Senate seats up for grabs, and won every statewide race.

In the Senate races, incumbent Sen. Alyssa Jones (C) lost her seat to MP Deborah Kay, who represented the seat of Broadsword in north central Damoign. Kay garnered 44.5% to Jones' 39%, while Democratic-Reformist Marjorie Hinds received 7% and Independent Joe Schwartz received 9%, respectively.

Conservative-turned-Nationalist-turned-Independent Sen. Brian Altamont overwhelmingly lost his re-election bid, receiving a measly 12% of the vote. Former Sen. Debbie Madronas (N) ended up the victor, taking 44%, while Democratic-Reformist MP Jessica Blaine of Lacarthy received just over 42%.

Blaine was endorsed by Gov. Sid Hoffa (C), and was supported by the state CNS party, which did not field a candidate in the race.

In state executive races, Attorney General Rod Penora clinched the governorship, edging out Lt. Gov. Mercer Diego (C) by two percentage points, or 175,000 votes.

Jeff Zeme easily won the lieutenant governorship, winning a three-way race with 54%. Conservative Dennis Musa earned 33% and Constitution party candidate Michel Dillon finished with 13%.

Jenna Duvan handily won the Attorney General seat, defeating Conservative Charles Lawson, an MP from the electorate of Oltlaw, by a 55%-45% margin.

And Secretary of State Rob Mercheck (N) trounced his CNS opponent, Brian Calideau, 60%-40%.

Perhaps the closest-watched race was the governor's race, where both parties spent tens of millions of dollars each.

Despite his strongly conservative views on social issues, former Evangelical pastor-turned-Lieutenant Governor Mercer Diego came close to winning, and was neck-and-neck with Penora in polls during the final days of the race.

"We came up short," Diego said at his election celebration in his hometown of Mattinow. "But life is about more than winning an election. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know who holds my future," he said, pointing heavenward. "And I know life will go on, and God will find something else for me to do," Diego said to applause.

Penora, who often basks in media attention, was reveling in the spotlight at his campaign celebration in his native Grassadellia City.

"Tonight marks a moment in history, where we move Damoign forward, away from the failed policies of Sid Hoffa and the Conservatives that have been running this state," Penora said.

He highlighted education, health care, and the environment as top causes he would champion.

Many prominent Damoign politicians, including Federal Secretary of State and former Damoign Governor Jim McCaren and Sen. Shay Robertson, were seen at Penora's campaign party, which was held at Eliam Hall in Penora's hometown of Kentwick.

Senators-elect Debbie Madronas and Deborah Kay had their fair share of NAT star power at their election night rally in Rodditch, on Damoign's central coast.

Sen. Jean Chaveau was on-hand to speak at their celebration, and Sen. John Yannes of Onakiah, who headed the NAT's Senate campaign strategy, appeared via Skype.

"I'd like to say to Deborah Kay, welcome to the Senate, and to Debbie Madronas, welcome back!" an enthused Chaveau said to cheers.

"We women are going to move mountains in Mavocke," Chaveau cheered. "We are going to get things done in a big way for Damoign."

Kay spoke to supporters, saying she was honored to be elected, and her election would usher in a "new era" of women-led politics in Mavocke. Madronas also spoke, thanking supporters for sending her back to the Senate, after she was removed following the Senate Reduction Lottery of 2011.

"I was booted out of office by the Reduction Lottery, but now I'm going back, thanks to you," she said, smiling.

Back in Kentwick, on the borough's north side, Sen. Alyssa Jones was brought to tears during her concession speech.

"This has been a long haul and a heck of a campaign," she said to disappointed supporters. "It didn't end the way we hoped, but three things I want to say and if you hear anything I say tonight, I hope it's this: first of all, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of you for your heartfelt support and the long, grueling hours you put into this campaign, and the money, and the tireless efforts. I know we didn't win, but let me assure you, your work was not done in vain."

"We fought for truth and justice, and for common sense principles that our nation so desperately needs right now. Unfortunately, the voters didn't see it the same way. But, we will continue to advance our agenda. We will continue to fight. We will get back up and dust ourselves off and get back in the ring, because the battle is not over," Jones said.

"Second, I want to say what an honor it has been to serve you, the people of Damoign. I have had the time of my life working in Mavocke, and working for the people of this beautiful state. And I am so appreciative that you have given me the honor of serving you."

"And thirdly, I want to say thank you to my wonderful family. To my husband Darren, who has been my rock. To our beautiful children, who have been my strength and have given me a reason to smile, even in the most difficult and stressful times. And thank you to my church family and my extended political family, to the people all across this country who were rooting for me and who have lifted me up in prayer throughout this campaign. Thank you so much."

"I don't know what's in store next for me. I'm kind of in the same boat as my good friend and brother in Christ, Mercer Diego. We're both looking for a new job come January," she said laughing. "But I do know that God always has a plan. He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him. And losing an election is not the end of the world. I know and trust that God has something greater in mind for me. I'm not sure what that is yet, but I trust in his sovereign plan."

MP Jessica Blaine, who was hoping to win the Senate seat held by Altamont, conceded to Madronas, and thanked her supporters, including Gov. Hoffa, and left open the possibility of running for higher office again in the future.

"Thanks to everyone who came out in force today and in the previous weeks to support my campaign. I am deeply honored and humbled, and while this was not the outcome we hoped for, I will continue to fight for the state of Damoign in the future. I walk away knowing that I gave it my all, and that sometimes, the most disappointing defeats help prepare the way for future victories," she said.

Hoffa, who had enthusiastically campaigned for Diego, Jones, and Blaine, released a statement to the NPF, saying he was disappointed none of the candidates he backed won, but that his confidence in them was not gone.

"Elections come and go. Momentum shifts from party to party, candidates get elected and then lose. I know Mercer and Alyssa and Jessica. They are all wonderful people and they are all wonderful public servants. This election did not go their way, but my confidence in them, as political leaders and viable candidates, and more importantly, as people, has not gone away. I still believe they have a political future, any of them, if they so choose. But I will always consider them a friend, and I look forward to what the future holds in store for each of them," Hoffa said.

Perhaps the most stunning defeat of the night was incumbent Independent Sen. Brian Altamont, who barely broke into double-digit percentage points.

His rapid political fall stemmed largely from his party-switching from Conservative to Nationalist and finally to Independent.

"I guess I just upset too many people in both parties," Altamont told a reporter on election night.

"But I'm proud of my service, proud of the job I did, and proud of being an independent voice for Damoign. That's something that few people in the Senate can say," Altamont said.

Of his crushing defeat and his meager 12% that he earned, Altamont had this to say:

"Some people may judge me by how few of votes I may have gotten. But most people, and I think history, will judge me for the work I did and the independence I showed while serving."

Altamont left open the possibility of running for office again in the future, saying he is considering running for mayor of Grassadellia City in the 2013 election.

Wynmyer loses re-election, Wainwright reclaims Senate seat

PORT BAY, Carova--Democratic-Reformist Sen. Julie Wynmyer has lost her bid for re-election to former Sen. Dan Wainwright (C).

Carova Secretary of State Ed Chassee reports Wainwright garnering 41% of the vote to Wynmyer's 37%. Nationalist Beki Salmon received 22%.

Wainwright did not win a majority of the vote, but in Carova, a candidate must only receive 40% of the vote to be declared the winner.

Had Wainwright fallen short of the 40% threshold, a run-off election between he and Wynmyer would have ensued.

In the end, Wainwright ended up receiving just over 100,000 more votes than Wynmyer, enough to give him an unambiguous victory.

Wynmyer made history in 2006, when she became the first Democratic-Reformist elected to the Senate from Carova since the 1930's. During the first four years of her term, the former teacher sided consistently with Conservatives. However, during the last two years of her tenure, she agreed to side with Nationalists, in exchange for a valuable committee position on the Senate Education Committee.

Her cooperation with the NAT angered Conservatives, who felt betrayed by her switching allegiance.

The mood was somber at Wynmyer's election night celebration in Port Bay in the southern part of the state. The one-term senator told her supporters she was disappointed but ready to concede.

"This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but it is a decisive outcome, and it is what the people of Carova want, and we have to respect that," Wynmyer said.

"I congratulate Dan Wainwright on his victory, and I hope that he will serve in a more independent and bipartisan fashion than he has alluded that he would serve during this campaign."

Wainwright, who held his election night festivities in his hometown of Carova City, thanked supporters and pledged to get Mavocke back on track.

"Thank you to all of you who waved signs, manned the phones, or just put a yard sign up in your front yard or a bumper sticker on your car. We delivered tonight," Wainwright said.

"The first thing I will do when I return to Mavocke in January is sit down with my fellow CNS senators and map out an agenda, and make a list of reasonable Nationalists we can work with to get something down in our nation's capital," he said.

Salmon, who was not officially backed by the Nationalist Senate Campaign Organization (NSCO), also thanked her supporters and admitted she did not expect to win.

"Sometimes you run anyway, even though you know it's an uphill climb and you know you probably won't win," she said at her campaign headquarters in Bruce Junction. "But I ran to highlight certain issues that I don't think get enough air time, and I ran to give voters a clear alternative to two unsuitable candidates," Salmon said.

Wainwright's victory is a bright spot for Carova Conservatives, whom have failed in recent Senate elections.

The senator-elect was elected to the Senate back in 2010, but soon after was removed from the Senate after the Senate Reduction Lottery of 2011.

When he takes office in January 2013, he will be the only CNS senator from the state of Carova, serving alongside three NAT members.

Wynmyer has not commented on her political future, telling the National Press Federation (NPF) she would like to enjoy some time with her family and friends following a brutal campaign season.

"You know, when life hands you lemons, you just have to make lemonade. And I'm looking forward to making lemonade out of this by spending some much-needed time with my grandkids and my friends."

Polling station catches fire

LATHAM FOREST, Carova--Voters were delayed at the polls in one Carova polling station after the building caught fire Tuesday afternoon.

No one was injured and the building was only moderately damaged.

It happened at Camden Creek Elementary School, just west of Latham Forest in southeastern Carova.

Officials say around 1:00 pm Eastern Time, flames broke out in the kitchen of the school.

There were around 350 children inside the school at the time of the fire. A spokesman for the local fire marshal says the children were evacuated from the building, as were all staff, elections workers, and voters waiting to cast their ballots.

Because of the fire, elections workers set up a table outside the school, and voters in the affected precinct were allowed to cast ballots at other polling stations.

The school will remained closed for the remainder of the week, a spokeswoman for the school district told the NPF.