Grassadellia urges 'peaceful resolution' to Japan-China row; China responds with admonishment

TOKYO -- Collester says the Menuhaeo Administration is officially not taking sides in the ongoing territorial dispute between Japan and China in the East China Sea. But Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, expressed support for the Japanese in a speech Monday in Tokyo.

The two Asian powers are involved in a tense and increasingly escalating dispute over a chain of uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, and the Diayu Islands in China.

Both countries lay claim to the archipelago, and tensions have flared recently after the Chinese government announced it was creating an air defense identification zone over the islands ostensibly due to security concerns.

China is demanding that all foreign aircraft file flight reports and ask for permission before flying in the special zone, or risk "defensive measures" being taken against them.

Japan, the US, Australia and other countries view China's move as a potential provocation, and have expressed concern the status quo could be threatened.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said China's move is "unjustly violating the freedom of aviation over the high seas."

US Secretary of State John Kerry responded firmly, saying China's "unilateral action constitutes an attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea," and "create risks of an incident."

And on Monday, in a speech before foreign and Grassadellian media in a Tokyo ballroom, Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, defended Japan, despite Collester saying it officially is not taking sides in the matter.

"Neither side wants to see the conflict escalate, nor does Grassadellia nor any parties interested in the stability and security of the Pacific region," said Thompson. "Grassadellia urges both sides to participate in open dialogue, engagement, and a peaceful de-escalation. This is in the best interest of both parties and the region as a whole."

Thompson continued, "While we feel that a peaceful outcome is the only acceptable outcome, Grassadellia firmly supports its allies in the region, and we believe Japan has a legitimate, sovereign right to defend its territory against an imminent military threat."

"However, let me reiterate, we urge restraint on both sides, and we strongly urge both sides to engage in dialogue, to avoid military conflict and to strive for a peaceful resolution," Thompson said.

Her words were backed up by outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren, who called China's defense zone a "provocative move" that "could be misinterpreted."

"We support our Japanese friends, and we also support the Chinese. But most importantly, we support peace in the East Asia region. That's in the best interest of both countries, it's in the best interest of human security and economic security. And any military conflict in this matter could very well result in significant damage to Grassadellian-Sino-Japanese relations," said McCaren.

The Chinese government responded by sharply by saying it was "highly inappropriate" for Grassadellia to take sides in the conflict.

"This is a matter concerning China's inherent sovereignty and security from imperialistic intrusions into Chinese territory," a statement from China's Foreign Office said. "This matter does not concern Grassadellia. Offending rhetoric from ignorant sources will only make tensions grow. The Grassadellian government should reserve judgment and commentary on the issue, or risk grave damage to the longstanding Chinese-Grassadellian relationship," the statement read.

Collester has not spoken publicly since Japan's announcement Tuesday that it will increase military spending by 2.5%, or $1.4 trillion yen over five years, in order to purchase new aircraft, sea vessels, and replace aging equipment.

China says Japan's increased funding is provocative, while the US defended the spending spree.

The Grassadellian Foreign Affairs Office has said it will release a statement tomorrow to address the latest developments.

Burns urged Lindselli not to run

HANSBORO, East Deschire -- Sources close to Deschire Sen. Jay Burns (C) say the Senate Minority Leader called a former colleague and urged her not to run for the Senate in 2014.

The sources, who did not want to be named because they were not permitted to speak, told the Mavocke Capitol that the Senate Minority Leader made a phone call back to former East Deschire Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C) back in October and tried to persuade he not to challenge incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz (C) in the 2014 primary elections.

"He attempted to talk her out of it, and told her that a damaging primary campaign would only help the Nationalists and hurt whichever Conservative wins," one source was quoted as saying.

The call reportedly lasted for about 15 minutes, and Burns appeared visibly agitated when he hung up, the sources said.

Burns evidently did not succeed in convincing Lindselli to stay out of the race, as she has continued on her "exploratory tour" around East Deschire to gauge voter angst.

Though she has openly criticized Denna Halitz and traveled extensively around the state in recent months, the hardline Conservative Lindselli has not officially filed papers to run for the Senate in 2014, nor has she said publicly she will do so; though most political analysts and insiders believe she will challenge the more moderate Halitz in what will likely be a bruising primary race.

No NAT candidate has emerged in the race yet, although former Senate candidate John Blackman is said to be considering another run.

Lt. Gov. Laurel McEdery is also reportedly looking into a Senate bid, as well as Assemblywoman Donna Rae Cobb of the seat of Forkwich, which encompasses the northeast corner of the state.

The East Deschire Senate race is likely to be the most closely watched race in the 2014 mid-term elections.

BiGadi considering run for governor

MONVAILLE, Lial -- He's been trekking across Lial for the past two weeks -- appearing on cable news programs; forums with business leaders; meeting with teachers; speaking with doctors, nurses and emergency response workers; even dropping the puck at a Monvaille Paladins hockey game. And yet, Lial's lone Conservative senator, John BiGadi, insists he's not running for governor. Yet, that is.

In an interview with local Clothen 9 News, BiGadi told news anchor Karen Williams he is "considering all options," but is not running for governor at this time.

"I'm not currently a candidate for governor," BiGadi said. "That being said, I am considering all options. I enjoy being a senator representing this great state. But I am also troubled by what I've been hearing around the state when I travel, or when people contact my office. There is a real discontent in the electorate right now with the way things are being handled at the state level, and that is concerning to me."

Asked what he thinks about current Gov. Todd Pergich (N), BiGadi said he believes Pergich is "well-intentioned," but not producing results.

"I think Todd Pergich is trying. I think he's trying very hard. I think he is well-intentioned. I think he means well. But unfortunately, governing is not just about what you intent to do or trying hard. It's about producing results. And right now, I don't think we're seeing any good results coming out of Clothen. And it's not just Todd Pergich's fault, it's the legislature's fault as well, and the unions' fault. There is plenty of blame to go around. But what I'm hearing all across Lial every day from constituents, is that we need results. We need a change. Things are not going well in Clothen. We are still struggling with an anemic economy in Lial, we are still struggling with education, we need to invest in our transportation system and infrastructure, our taxes are too high, small businesses are closing up shop, our health care system is in trouble...there are just so many issues going on right now facing our state that are not effectively being addressed by the current administration, and that does trouble me," said BiGadi.

The former businessman and state senator said he is still thinking about challenging Pergich for the state's top job, but has no timetable for a decision.

"I'm going to meet with some people over the coming weeks, talk with my family, my supporters, business leaders in this state, and gauge the barometer a bit to see where people are and if this is the route we should go. If it's not, there are no hard feelings because I am very happy where I am right now in the Senate. It's not all fun and games in the Senate either right now, since we are in the minority. But when I hear things are not going well back home in Lial, it really frustrates me and concerns me and really instills in me a passion to help and make things better. So we'll see."

BiGadi, who hails from Monvaille, did not address far-right Conservative activist Libby Marshall, who has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2014.

Marshall, who lives near Sauvienne in southwestern Lial, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2008 against incumbent Sen. Susan Thompson (N). Back in September, he announced he would seek the CNS nomination for governor in 2014.

BiGadi's criticism of Pergich is in stark contrast to comments made by Pergich's predecessor, Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C), who praised Pergich for his centrist governing style.

Gymbal's high marks for Pergich annoyed many in Lial's CNS party leadership, who felt the comments might undermine Conservative candidates for governor who were seeking to unseat Pergich.

BiGadi was first elected to the Senate in 2002, and re-elected in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2016.

Planes collide on tarmac at Cedrickson airport

CEDRICKSON, Lial -- No one was injured when two passenger planes collided on the tarmac at Cedrickson-Danniger International Airport Saturday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the airport told the NPF the collision occurred between two slow-moving Boeing 767s on an east-west landing strip. The collision was reported at 2:15 pm Eastern time.

Airport emergency crews responded, but no one was injured and the planes were not seriously damaged. Passengers from both planes were taken back to the concourse and boarded on new planes while the two planes involved in the collision are looked over for damage.

The Grassadellian Aviation Authority (GAA) is investigating the incident.

DeSalle tells pro-women group Ritonio would 'turn back the clock' on gender equality

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- He's not even running for governor yet, officially. But Conservative businessman Tony Ritonio (pronounced "Rit-tone-yo") is already being assailed by Nationalists on everything from women's issues to the economy.

Ritonio--who has not officially filed papers to run but is widely expected to--was a popular topic during Kalnier Gov. Karen DeSalle's Friday morning speech at the Greater Lamberth Emily's List luncheon. Emily's List is a left-centre pro-choice advocacy group.

DeSalle, who is running for re-election and will likely face Ritonio in 2014, told the audience that Ritonio would seek to limit abortion and would not stand for equal pay for women.

"A Tony Ritonio governorship will mean that women will have less access to choice, and the ability of women to choose what they want to do with their body will become severely limited in this state," said DeSalle.

"If Mr. Ritonio had his way, he would turn back the clock on women's rights. He thinks that government should tell women what to do with their bodies. We believe that women and their doctors should decide for themselves," she added.

On gender equality in the workplace, DeSalle said Ritonio would "foster the same good ole boys environment that has plagued corporate Grassadellia for decades."

The governor contended Ritonio would not be a genuine advocate for equal pay and treatment of women in the workplace.

"Do we really want someone like Tony Ritonio, who has a history of opposing equality for women, do we really want someone like that as our governor, as our leader in this state? Or do we want a real advocate, someone who will stand up for fair treatment of women? Someone who will fight to protect women's rights and be a champion of women's issues. The choice is clear," said DeSalle.

Ritonio responded to DeSalle's attack via a video posted on his Facebook page.

"I don't know what's more deplorable. The attacks that Karen DeSalle said about me at the Emily's List luncheon, or the fact that she was brazen enough to make those false accusations in public," said Ritonio.

"First of all, I am not against women's rights. I am married to my beautiful wife Malaysia and I have two beautiful daughters, Ayla and Adrianna, and I love all three of them with everything I have. They are my world. I support them and love them and want them to achieve and succeed at everything they do," said Ritonio.

He continued, "Secondly, I have no interest in limiting women's access to healthcare. I do believe that life is sacred and my Catholic faith has taught me to value life, even the life of the unborn. But while I stand firmly in my faith, I do not believe government should be telling women what to do with their bodies. I believe women and their physicians should make that decision, with due diligence and prayer. So Karen DeSalle is completely and utterly lying about that."

"And thirdly, I'd like to strongly refute what Governor DeSalle said Friday morning during her speech. She said that I would hamper women's equality in the workplace. That I was apart of the 'good ole boys network.' This again is completely and utterly untrue. I have never been apart of the 'good ole boys network.' I believe that any Grassadellian who works hard and does a good job at their place of employment, should be treated fairly and equally with their coworkers. That means fair pay, fair treatment, fair benefits, fair promotions, fair days off and sick days, all of the above."

"So for Karen DeSalle to say all these things about me is just untrue, unfair, and just out-right lies. She is purposely trying to distort my position on the issues to benefit her campaign. And she clearly has no regard for the truth or no ethical commitment to honesty if she is propagating and advancing these falsehoods," said Ritonio.

He ended the video by asking supporters to donate to fight the "DeSalle political machine."

"I'm not even running for governor yet and she's already pumping out lies about me in front of crowds of people and television cameras. If it's already this ugly and I'm not even in the race, how much uglier is it going to get?"

He added, "I need your help to fight Karen DeSalle and her allies, to set the record straight and get the truth out to the people of Kalnier, so they know the real Tony Ritonio and so they see Karen DeSalle for who she is: an unethical politician who is desperate to keep her job and who will stop at nothing to make sure she gets re-elected."

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Governors Association, known as NATGA, told the Lamberth Regent newspaper that Karen DeSalle was "right on" about Tony Ritonio's "antiquated" views on women.

"I didn't see any lies in Gov. DeSalle's speech," spokeswoman Nancy Kilhoffer said. "She's just going off of his record and going off of his positions during his 2010 Senate campaign."

The head of the Conservative Governors Association (CGA), Ansleigha Gov. Dale Lindstrom, skewed DeSalle for what he called her "campaign of dishonesty."

"How disappointing to see an incumbent governor in this country openly and overtly engage in a campaign of unfounded fear and intimidation and blatant dishonesty," Lindstrom said. "It's really disconcerting to see this kind of behavior from any governor. It really diminishes the dignity of the office of the governorship."

Though Ritonio has not officially declared his candidacy, he has been making frequent public appearances. And while we don't know exactly how much money he has, we do know the self-made millionaire likely has hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, to self-finance his campaign.

DeSalle reported $2.7 million in her campaign war chest, as of the last reporting date. She had about $1.1 million cash on hand.

Sen. Danbury: Nasty CNS primaries should be avoided

Prominent senator says bitter intra-party battles undermine CNS unity

MAVOCKE -- If Conservatives hope to make gains in the 2014 Senate elections, they will have to avoid nasty primary election fights, Armana Sen. Chuck Danbury (C) told the GBC in an interview Tuesday.

Danbury, a moderate, made no specific reference to any particular races or candidates, though there was widespread speculation he was aiming his words at former East Deschire Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C), who is expected to challenge fellow Conservative colleague Sen. Denna Halitz (C-E. Deschire) in the 2014 primary elections.

"A big part of the reason why [the Conservative party] lost so big in 2012 was because of bitter, virulent primary fights between Conservative candidates," Danbury told the GBC's Jane McEnie.

The three-term senator cited CNS primary fights in Monomi, Veroche, Trinton, and POG specifically.

"Those intra-party battles, between conservative candidates and slightly more conservative candidates, a lot of them were very bitter, very nasty fights. There was a lot of friendly fire, Conservatives shooting down Conservatives. And when we attack each other, when we attack our own, we tear our party apart, and worst of all, we give Nationalists ammunition. The NAT benefits most from that kind of tactics," said Danbury.

During the interview, Danbury never mentioned the East Deschire contest, which is shaping up to be the most brutal primary fight of the 2014 election.

When asked by correspondent Jane McEnie what he thought of the East Deschire race, Danbury declined to comment.

"I'll just say this: I have no problem with a respectful, civil, friendly and engaging primary election. That's what democracy is all about. Giving the voters a chance to choose the candidate of their choice. That kind of political interaction and electoral style should be encouraged. The problem arises when one candidate is hell-bent on tearing down their opponent. They will stop at nothing to defame, demoralize, discredit and attack their opponent. That's where it crosses the line, when all civility and respect for common, shared principles has gone out the window. That's what I'm saying. I don't think that kind of behavior has any place on the campaign trail or in Grassadellian politics," said Danbury.

Pushed again by McEnie, Danbury said he respects both incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz and former Sen. Nancy Lindselli, who lost re-election in 2012 by a sliver of the vote.

"Look, I have nothing but respect for Denna Halitz. I think she's a fine senator for the state of East Deschire. She has done a lot of good for that state, and a lot of good for our country. I admire her and support her on a number of issues. I think she is doing good for this country," said Danbury.

"And I also respect Senator Lindselli as well. I don't agree with her on a number of issues, but I do think she is right on a lot of things, and like Denna Halitz, she also has done a lot of good for East Deschire and for Grassadellia."

"I have nothing but respect for both of them. They're both fine people, and any primary election that occurs between them is not up to me, but up to the people of East Deschire."

Nancy Lindselli has not officially declared her candidacy for the Senate in 2014, though she has overtly indicated she is leaning toward a run.

Trau a lone soldier in POG's Senate delegation

MAVOCKE -- The NAT won a landslide victory nationwide in the Senate elections in 2012.

But one of their most important victories came in a Conservative-leaning state.

Conservatives held 3 of Province of Grassadellia's 4 Senate seats heading into the 2012 elections.

Those numbers reversed after election night, with the NAT taking 3 of the 4 seats.

That left only Sen. Dick Trau as the lone Conservative senator from POG.

Incumbent Charlie Quince lost his seat in the CNS primary, and the NAT won his seat in the general election, while Sen. Bobby Hafen Jr. ran for re-election in his native Onakiah, vacating his seat in POG.

Now, POG is represented in the Senate by Nationalists George Mercott, Max Keisling, and Diane Coke, with Trau in the clear minority.

It's a lonely place for Trau, who felt at ease working with Hafen and Quince.

"It does get lonely. You do sort of feel outnumbered, and when it comes to representing our state, I have very different views from my home-state colleagues," Trau told the GBC in a special interview last week.

The interview is set to air this coming Sunday. The GBC released a preview of their story on Trau, who comes from a politically active family.

"Being the son of a former Foreign Affairs Secretary and being married to a former lieutenant governor means I'm used to politics. It runs in the family," he joked with correspondent Kelly Abrams. "But when it comes to working in the Senate, the people you work very closely with don't always share your common views and political ideologies. So you have to be able to work with them. You basically have to master the art of working with people with which you disagree."

Case in point: Trau's working relationship with his three NAT colleagues.

"In many ways, I couldn't be further away from them in terms of political philosophy. We see things very differently. But we find common ground. We find areas where we can agree, and we agree to put aside our political parties and come together for the good of the province. It's called bipartisanship, and unfortunately, we don't see that as often as we should in this country."

Trau is a reliable Conservative vote in the Senate. But he has shown his bipartisan side in recent months, forging alliances with POG's other senators on key issues.

"All four of us (POG senators) supported taking Syria to the United Nations for their use of chemical weapons on civilians. So we found mutual agreement there. I'm working right now with Max Kiesling on an agriculture bill that would change labeling laws and help protect farmers and orchardists here in POG. I'm working with Diane Coke on a consumer rights bill that is still being drafted. And George Mercott and I are teaming up to lobby the federal government for more funding for the Quankalla Zoo in Lansdale and the Royal Marcedus-Leopold Space Center. So we are working together on many things and I want to continue that working relationship," said Trau.

While he may enjoy working with his Nationalist colleagues, he makes no secret that he would prefer their seats be held by Conservatives.

"I admire my NAT colleagues. I respect them, and I do enjoy partnering with them. But I would like to see those seats come over to the CNS side. I think we need a CNS majority in the Senate, and POG is a generally conservative-leaning state. I don't think the voice of the majority of the people in the province is being heard and conveyed as well as it should be. And I will probably campaign for Conservatives in the future and do my best to get those seats back in Conservative hands. But for now, I'm working with whoever is willing to work with me, Conservative, Nationalist, Democratic-Reformist, Independent, you name it."

For their part, Trau's NAT counterparts enjoy working with him too. Though they agree their views are far apart.

"Dick is a nice guy, he's a good person. I hardly agree with him on a number of issues. But he is a good person, and he really does have a genuine passion for serving," Coke told the GBC.

Kiesling and Mercott identify with Trau, both having also come from political families.

Kiesling is the son of former provincial Gov. Maxwell Kiesling Sr., and served himself as POG's Secretary of State until 2012; while Mercott formerly served as lieutenant governor in the 1990's and is the son of a former Secretary of Agriculture,

"We know how to raise political dynasties here in POG," Mercott joked.

Kiesling added the three men give their female colleague, Diane Coke, a hard time.

"Diane puts up with a lot by working with us guys. She keeps us in line."

Their collegial relationship helps them accomplish legislative goals, the group says. But the NAT's success in the last election means POG's clout in the Conservative party has dropped.

Dick Trau is optimistic though, about the party's future in the nation's most populous state.

"Election cycles bring victories and defeats. Parties go up and down. But I think the Conservative party will remain competitive in POG, as long as we stand united and don't get ourselves involved in bitter primaries."

None of POG's senators are up for re-election in 2014. Trau will be up for a second term in 2016.

Garesby approval, likeability remain high

CLEVEY SPRINGS, Harvannah -- A new poll shows Harvannah Gov. George Garesby has maintained a high approval rating from voters.

The Mainline / TWS Dispatch poll finds Garesby's current approval rating at 69%.

It's an impressive number, and it's significantly higher than the 58% approval rating Garesby's predecessor, Mark Andres (N), enjoyed at a comparable time in his first term.

Slightly more Nationalists and Independents than Conservatives approve of Garesby's policies, the poll found.

Almost 7 out of 10 of Nationalists said they are pleased with "many or most" of his policies, while just 6 out of 10 of Conservatives said the same.

Of Independents, 8 out of 10 were pleased with his policies.

The poll also asked respondents if they liked Garesby as a person, regardless of his politics, to which 80% responded "YES."

Garesby's approval numbers easily make him the most popular CNS governor in the country, if not the most popular governor of any party.

His moderate policies are in line with tradition in Harvannah, where the Conservative Party tends to be more moderate than in other states.

Garesby's reluctance to engage in divisive social issues, along with his populist push to lower taxes on the middle class have helped him avoid damaging political battles.

His diplomatic personality has also enhanced his image as a bipartisan bridge-builder, a sharp contrast from his predecessor, Mark Andres, who often refused to work with Conservatives in the state legislature.

Still, while the polls tout his popularity, Garesby remains modest about his approval numbers.

"I don't take anything for granted. I work hard to bring about solutions for the people of Harvannah, not for the Conservative Party or the Nationalist Party or interest groups or unions or anything like that."

"I don't consider myself popular. I just am doing what any positive-minded person would do," said Garesby.

Nationalists concede the governor enjoys high approval ratings, but insist those numbers will likely fall before Garesby is up for re-election in 2016.

"He's flying high right now," Chris Van Sconden, an NAT strategist from Ashford's Landing, told the Mavocke Capitol. "But come 2014, 2015, 2016, you'll see his numbers go down. It's inevitable for any incumbent."

"Nationalists can only hope his numbers go down enough to make him vulnerable. If he still has a 60% or 55 % approval rating in 2016, which is unlikely, but possible, he will win re-election. His approval rating needs to be below 50% for him to be beat," said Van Sconden.

Nationalist Mark Andres' approval rating was at 53% in January 2012, and at 46% when he was defeated in the November 2012 general election.

Canadian man killed in Greenhall shootout, suspect on the run

GRASSADELLIA CITY--Metropolitan Police are trying to piece together what happened in the early hours of Friday morning that led to a shooting altercation between two men on the upper-west side of downtown Grassadellia City.

The shooting, which happened in the Greenhall business district of Middleboro, ended in the death of a 29-year-old Canadian man and with the suspect on the run.

Few details are known, but the Grassadellia City Metropolitan Police (GCMP) have confirmed they received several 911 calls about shots fired along north Capernaum Street in Greenhall, near the intersection with 5th Avenue, around 1:30 am Eastern Time.

Despite receiving several 911 calls, police say only a few people they've talked to actually witnessed the shooting, and most from a distance.

When officers first arrived, they found a Caucasian male laying on a sidewalk, bleeding profusely from the chest.

The victim was still conscious, and told officers the suspect was a Black male in his late 20's or early 30's, and that the suspect fled on foot heading north.

The man was rushed to St. Clare's Hospital in New Upton, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

GCMP have identified the victim as 29-year-old Isaac Yocum, from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

He was reportedly visiting friends in Grassadellia City when he was killed.

Police have stitched together a tentative timeline of the shooting.

They believe Yocum was walking south on Capernaum Street when he encountered the suspect.

The two men are believed to have gotten into some kind of argument and altercation.

The suspect then stole the victim's wallet and shot him multiple times in the chest, neck, and back, and then fled the scene.

Several witnesses identified the suspect as a Black male but did not know his name or any other details about him.

Police set up a perimeter, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Authorities say the victim and suspect did not know each other, and they believe the attack was random and unprovoked.

Investigators are working on creating a composite sketch of the suspect to release to the media and public.

GCMP Police Chief Barry Whitemore spoke with local media Friday morning, and asked for the public's help in locating the killer.

"From what we've determined, this was a random encounter on the street, late at night, and it resulted in the death of a young man. We take these crimes very seriously, and we are asking for your help, the public's help, in finding the man who killed Mr. Yocum," said Whitemore.

Back in Canada, the victim's family has been notified, and are making arrangements to fly to Grassadellia City.

A friend of the family told the National Press Federation they were "heart-broken" at the loss of a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.

"Isaac was so many things to so many people. He was an outgoing, bright-spirited young man with a great future ahead of him and a huge heart. We are sad beyond belief at his senseless death," family friend Kate Ashton said.

The shooting of Mr. Yocum is the latest in a string of recent shootings in the nation's largest city. Since January 1, 2013, there have been 298 shootings in the city alone (not all deadly).

Since the first of the year, there have been 114 murders.

Those numbers aren't abnormal for a city of Grassadellia City's size and population. But a spate of recent deadly shootings across the city has led to a heightened concern about gun violence.

There have been 12 shooting deaths in the last month in Grassadellia City, and in five of those cases, police have yet to apprehend suspects.

GCMP are attributing the spike in gun-related deaths to gang violence.

"We have seen gang numbers rise in the city, and with that comes an increase in all sorts of crime, but especially gun violence," Whitemore said. " We are working actively to combat this type of violence. We are working around the clock to weaken the gangs, to prevent them from using deadly violence, to put their members behind bars, and most of all, we want to tell these thugs: 'you are not welcome in this city.'"

Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol announced Friday he would have a special meeting next week with Chief Whitemore and other law enforcement leaders.

"I, too, am very concerned [about recent violence]," said Kastol. "I want our city to be known as a place where people can thrive and grow and live without having to fear for their safety."

2 children die in hot car, mother arrested

PROVINCETOWN, Wilkonshire--A Provincetown mother is facing child neglect charges after leaving her two young children in an over-heated vehicle for more than two hours in the heat of southeastern Wilkonshire.

Teresa Gutierrez-Aguirre, 39, was arrested by Provincetown police after a passerby noticed the two boys inside the vehicle and called 911. That same passerby broke out the driver's seat window in an attempt to rescue the children, but they were already deceased.

The boys, ages 7 months and 13 months, had been in the car for almost two hours while Gutierrez-Aguirre shopped at a discount store and an adjoining tobacco shop.

Police say the temperature inside the vehicle likely reached more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The bodies of the children were taken to the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's office for official autopsies.

Gutierrez-Aguirre was taken to the Dutchess County jail. She is facing two 1st degree charges of child neglect.

Her husband, Mark Aguirre, who was at work at the time of the incident, was interviewed by police but released.

The 7-month-old boy was the couple's only child together. The 13-month-old boy, as well as a 4-year-old, 7-year-old and 8-year-old, were all Mark Aguirre's children from a previous marriage.

Mark Aguirre's other three children have been handed over to their mother's family after State Welfare Services revoked his parental custody rights.

Provincetown Police Corporal John Akins told the local media that parents must be responsible for their children to avert tragedies.

"What happened today was an absolute tragedy, but it was completely preventable," said Akins. "Sometimes parents forget their children in the car, which is also a tragedy. But when a parent knowingly leaves a child in a hot vehicle, it is not only a tragedy but it is also a criminal act."

On average, about 15 children die each year from heatstroke after being left inside a hot vehicle.

Most cases are accidental, with parents unaware their child is inside a hot car.

The Grassadellian Center for Children's Safety (GCCS) reminds parents to never leave a child in a hot car, even if just for a few minutes.

The GCCS also reminds parents to put their briefcase or purse in the back seat of the car, so they won't forget their child.

Another suggestion is to put a teddy bear in the front seat, as a reminder of the youngster seated behind the driver.

Menuhaeo visits front lines at wildfires in Monomi, Onakiah

ANDRUM, Monomi--President Brenton Menuhaeo braved the heavy smoke Friday and toured the front lines of the wildfires burning in southern Monomi and Onakiah Friday.

The president also viewed the damage from the air.

He was joined by Monomi Gov. John Densy and Sens. Cathy De Beers and Brad Fiodora.

The day began early at 7:00 am Western time, with the delegation visiting firefighters on the eastern front of the Moran Hill fire in southwestern Monomi, about 120 miles northeast of Treeton.

Menuhaeo personally shook hands with all the firefighters present at the morning press conference.

Calling them "heroes" and "some of the hardest workers I've met," he thanked them for their service.

"Not only is firefighting one of the most demanding, physically tolling jobs out there, it's also extraordinarily dangerous. Every day you come out here and put on your fire gear and go to battle against a force that is very strong and very deadly. You endure the hellish conditions and you work on despite the grave risk. And our nation thanks you for protecting our homes and our lives," said Menuhaeo.

Gov. Densy also thanked the firefighters and said the fire would "not defeat our spirits."

"Living in Monomi is not always easy. Mother Nature is very tough and we live in a rugged state. But the spirit of our people is stronger than any natural disaster," Densy said.

Sens. De Beers told the media she would stand with the president in his pledge to provide federal aid.

"We will make sure Monomi gets the help it needs," De Beers said.

The Moran Hill fire currently stands at more than 60 square miles, and is about 40% contained.

About three-dozen homes and outbuildings have been burned in the sparsely populated eastern slopes of the Coral Mountains, although steady winds Friday were hampering firefighters' efforts.

One woman, who lost everything to the wildfire, was comforted by the president in a poignant moment caught on camera.

"My house, my car, my horses, my possessions, my family picture books...they're all gone," the woman said through tears.

The woman, identified as 65-year-old Bonnie Clarey, buried her head in the president's chest as the two embraced.

"I know, I know. It's very hard. I'm so sorry for your loss," Menuhaeo said. "But we will help you get back on your feet. We're not going to let this fire destroy you."

After nearly four hours at the Moran Hill fire, Menuhaeo flew back to Teedra, where he then boarded a flight for Tenea, Onakiah.

There, the president met up with Gov. Paula Tulane and Sens. Bobby Hafen and Deacon Busby.

Another 40-minute helicopter ride later, the group was on-site of another large wildfire burning in southeastern Onakiah, the Quail Creek fire, which has charred more than 50 square miles in another sparsely populated region, about 130 miles southeast of Tenea.

Dry brush and high temperatures have allowed the fire to spread aggressively. It is only 20% contained at this time, according to Assistant Fire Chief of Operations Bradley Whitfield.

"This fire is especially dangerous because it is advancing quite rapidly," Whitfield said.

Menuhaeo said he was "very worried" about the worsening fire conditions, but pledged the federal government would do "whatever we need to" to bring help to the victims.

"I want every person that lost their home or lost their property to these fires to know that we will do whatever we need to to provide help and assistance and help these families that lost everything to get back on their feet," the president said.

Gov. Tulane said this was the worst wildfire season she'd seen.

"No question about it, this is the worst year for fires I've seen in Onakiah," Tulane said.

Sen. Hafen told reporters he was moved by the devastation.

"Coming up over that ridge and seeing the smoke filling the sky and a huge orange glow, it really hits home when you see your state on fire," Hafen said.

Busby, who grew up in rural southeastern Onakiah, said the fire was very personal to him.

"A lot of us are removed from these fires, until it's in our own backyard, and we see the devastation and the homes that are destroyed and the people that lose everything. Then it really becomes very personal."

President Menuhaeo also vowed to give firefighters every resource they needed.

"We have dispatched air tankers, choppers, more ground support and brought in firefighters from across the country to assist with these fires," Menuhaeo said. "This is a battle and one that we will win."

All together, there are more than two dozen wildfires burning in the vast areas of Monomi and Onakiah.

Twenty-six other major fires are burning in Remmington, the Ceonas, Deschire, East Deschire, Wellington and Biereland, according to the Federal Department of Public Lands.

Red Cross shelters are being established to help families that have lost their homes to the flames.

"So far, we've been very fortunate this year, in the number of homes and the relatively low loss of life and property we've experienced," Sarah Goler, Deputy Director for the Red Cross of Grassadellia's fire assistance program, told the GBC. "I say that with reservations, because any loss of life is awful and sad. But statistically speaking, this has been a fairly good fire season thus far. But we could see things take a bad turn if Mother nature does not provide the relief we need."

The Red Cross is asking for donations. To contribute, go to www.redcrossgrassadellia.com

Senator apologizes for royal family insult

MAVOCKE--A senator's off-the-cuff insult about the British royal family may have caused a diplomatic row between Grassadellia and its close friend, the United Kingdom.

Trinton Sen. Bruce Kellney (N) apologized Monday, after making an offensive remark last week about the newly-born Prince George, son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The comment came during a press conference in southern Trinton, where the senator was among a delegation of government officials touring a newly-added expansion at the Port of Ocean City.

A reporter asked if Kellney had been following the royal birth in the news, to which he responded:

"Of course. It's very exciting, I'm very happy for [William and Kate]."

"I just hope the little chap gets the genes from his mother's side because, let's face it, she's smoking hot.

And let's hope he doesn't end up looking like his paternal grandfather," Kellney added, chuckling.

Kellney's comments created a strong buzz on Twitter and Facebook, and in Grassadellian media, with many asking how a prominent political figure could make such a rude comment in front of television cameras.

"Any politician knows that everything they say will be recorded and published in the news media. Bruce Kellney actually had a group of reporters with microphones and cameras in front of him. And he had the audacity to say something like this with the cameras rolling. It really calls into question his judgment as a politician," Greg Summers, a media expert with the public relations firm Osten and Gosnell in Mavocke, told GNN.

For his part, Kellney apologized later that day, saying his comments were an "attempt at a joke."

"I never meant to insult the royal family or the Prince of Wales or the beautiful new baby, Prince George. It was just a joke that went terribly wrong and an attempt at humor, and I apologize unreservedly for any offense I caused. That was not my intention," Kellney wrote on his Facebook page.

He then tweeted, "Should stick to being a senator and not try to be a comedian. #EpicFail"

Critics in both Grassadellia and the UK slammed Kellney's comments as rude and demeaning.

"Not only did a sitting senator just insult a foreign dignitary, but he also made inappropriate comments about the Duchess of Cambridge that could be considered demeaning and sexist in nature," Adrian Cummings, Deputy Vice-Chair of the National Council for Women (NCW), told the Grassadellia City Times.

"His comments are especially intriguing, given that Mr. Kellney is no looker himself, so whom is he to judge?" wrote British commentator George Emereth in a Liverpool newspaper.

Some were even calling for Kellney to resign.

"Someone that spews that sort of disrespect without reservation needs to go," wrote columnist Penny Alguino, who writes for the Clothen Dispatch.

Kellney's Senate colleagues criticized his words, but stopped short of calling for his resignation.

"It was stupid, but it's really being blown out of proportion," Armana Sen. Chuck Danbury (C) told the Grassadellia City Times. "This is not a resignation-level offense."

A frustrated Senate Majority Leader John Morandi (N-Lial) dismissed the issue Tuesday at a Mavocke press conference.

"Look, the senator from Trinton made some--I'll be frank, here--dumb comments last week. It was rude, it was inappropriate, it was incredibly poor judgment. I don't believe his intent was to be offensive, but it was perceived to be so by some. He apologized, he's been humiliated in the press and all over Facebook and Twitter. I think this issue is a dead issue," Morandi said.

Adrian Cummings of the National Council for Women, told the Mavocke Capitol Kellney should apologize personally to the royal family and undergo sensitivity and gender awareness training.

"People often say they're just joking when they say something offensive. But that doesn't negate the fact that their words were offensive. Someone like this, who clearly does not know how to control his words and does not know how to speak to or about women, should undergo some appropriate training on how to be more sensitive to cultural and gender differences," Cummings said.

Kellney's office would not say if the senator would seek sensitivity training, as Cummings suggested.

A spokeswoman at the British embassy in Mavocke declined to comment on the matter.

CNS senators have secret meeting in mountains of Marchenay

NEW CASTLE, Marchenay--Eight Conservative senators gathered secretly over the weekend at a lodge in the mountains of western Marchenay to discuss the upcoming 2014 elections and come up with a strategy that will help their party claw its way back to relevance in the upper chamber.

The eight included the two co-chairs of the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC), Biereland Sen. Jhana Schueler and Wilkonshire's John Agnew; and Senate Minority Leader Jay Burns (Deschire) and Assistant Minority Leader Shannon McCann (Kalnier).

The other four were hand-selected by Schueler, Agnew, Burns and McCann.

They include Niles Gilcrest (Ver.), Chuck Danbury (Ara.), Isaak Slooter (Nwp.) and Megan Sellious (March.).

The eight members and their staff met at a large, secluded mountain lodge owned by Sellious' parents.

A spokesperson for Sellious told the National Press Federation that no money was paid to her family for the weekend's event.

All together, about 30 people were at the lodge for the weekend of strategizing.

And all in attendance are being tight-lipped about just what was discussed.

Burns acknowledged the group met to discuss the upcoming campaign, but he would only discuss generalities with the press.

"We did meet to fine-tune our game plan for 2014. We have some areas where we are doing very well in and we are strong in, and obviously we have some areas where we are weaker and more vulnerable. We're looking to shore up those weak spots. But we are confident that we can gain seats in the next election and add to the Conservative caucus," said Burns.

Schueler talked with reporters in passing, while walking down a corridor in the capitol building. The Biereland senator said she was encouraged after this weekend's summit.

"I'm very encouraged about our position going into 2014," she said.

Nationalists have been plotting for 2014 as well.

Senate Majority Leader John Morandi (Lial) told the GBC that his caucus will meet sometime next week to discuss the 2014 campaign, before members leave for the August recess.

Morandi and Assistant Majority Leader Nadan Saralo (Wellington) have also been meeting one-on-one privately with members who are up for re-election in 2014.

The NAT is going into 2014 in a very strong position, having an almost 20-seat advantage over the CNS. It's almost impossible that Conservatives would be able to overturn the NAT's majority. Most analysts believe the CNS will only pick up a handful of seats at best.

But there is some concern in the NAT. At least a few of their own members are vulnerable going into the elections.

At the top of the list are Kalnier Sen. Kallie Murray, Monomi's Nathan Lister and South Ceona Sen. Vic Chambers. All three seats will be prime targets for the CNS.

Conservatives are also targeting the seats of retiring Nationalists Hanna Gorbachy (Monomi) and John Warner-Patterson (Wilkonshire).

Both parties gear up for 2014 showdown in Carova

BARRIEY BARRIEY, Carova--It could be bad news or good news for Conservatives, depending on how you look at it.

Assemblyman Don Cargialachi (pronounced "Car-gee-uh-lock-ee"), a Conservative from Barriey-Barriey in northwestern Carova, took himself off the list of potential CNS Senate candidates in the 2014 election.

The party is seeking to make up lost ground after inflicting heavy casualties and losses in the 2012 Senate elections, which saw Nationalists take a commanding 53-36 majority in the upper chamber, after years of Conservative dominance, and in recent years, a closely-split body.

At an impromptu press conference in the halls outside the Assembly chambers, Cargialachi told members of the Carova press corps he will not run for the Senate in 2014.

"I have no intentions of seeking either of the two Senate seats," he said. "I'm focused on retaining the seat of Barriey Barriey-North Brushland in the Assembly."

His announcement brought dismay to some Conservatives, who saw the two-term assemblyman as a potentially strong challenger to incumbent Sens. Karen Coriano (N) and Ann Kocheni (N), who are both up for re-election in 2014.

But Cargialachi's decision also clears the way for other Conservatives who are seeking to run, and his withdrawal may benefit the CNS, by avoiding an expensive and divisive primary campaign.

No candidates have officially jumped into either race yet, though many are said to be considering running.

Despite eagerness on the CNS side, both Coriano and Kocheni are seen as formidable incumbents that will be hard to defeat.

However, Conservative insiders believe one or both senators could be defeated, if the CNS finds a viable candidate.

"Both of them, potentially, are vulnerable," one CNS source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told GNN. "If we get the right guy in there, and we raise enough money, it's possible. This election is going to be in the Conservatives' favor. The Nationalists will be on the defensive."

Indeed the NAT will be on the defensive, as 18 of the 29 Senate seats up for grabs in 2014 belong to the NAT.

It will be almost impossible for the CNS to re-take the majority in the 2014 election. In fact, most political experts predict the party will make just modest gains.

But some of the party's top thinkers are hopeful Conservatives can defeat at least one of Carova's female senators in the mid-term elections.

The CNS bench is deep with potential candidates, most notably Assemblyman Sawyer Upton, who holds the seat of Bridgemont in northwest Lorenzi; and Assemblyman Piper Alleby, who represents the electorate of Gerrison, which encompasses all of Oliver and most of the far eastern part of the state.

Upton is a Holden-educated lawyer, who has a moderate voting record and is close to the party's establishment. The seat of Bridgemont leans conservative but can be competitive.

Alleby studied at Deedrick University, is a gifted orator and lawyer by trade, and is more outspoken and media-savvy than his quieter colleague from the other end of the state.

Not surprisingly, since Gerrison is a staunchly red district, Alleby is more conservative than the centrist Upton.

The two assemblymen are starkly different, even if from the same party. One is reserved and intuitive, the other is more combative and relishes the limelight.

But both have strong resumes and conservative (enough) credentials in a state that leans to the CNS, but has trended more blue in recent years.

Kocheni is seen as the safer of the two incumbent senators, as she has struck a bipartisan tone and worked across party lines while in Mavocke.

Coriano is a champion of the liberal movement, and is beloved by progressives. She is well-known for her frequent media appearances, in which she often trashes the Conservative party mercilessly.

But Conservatives say her election in 2008 was a fluke, and her ultra-liberal voting record is out-of-sync with a conservative state like Carova.

"Karen Coriano belongs in a state like Lial or Trinton -- state's where liberals dominate -- because she is a very liberal, a very partisan person," CNS party strategist Simon Leon told GNN. "She is two things that Carova isn't: a left-wing liberal and an angry partisan."

Nationalists defend Coriano, however, saying she may be antagonistic toward the Conservative party, but she's still relatively centrist.

"Karen Coriano is a frequent target of the CNS because she is all over the media, and she calls the Conservatives out on their lies and half-truths. Because of her high profile and the absence of fear she has to confront the Conservative party, she has become a big target. But that does not make her a left-wing partisan. She has a high profile, but her voting record is much more mainstream than the Conservatives would have you believe," Diana Slade, a liberal radio host from Lorenzi's 930 AM told the Lorenzi Hill.

Slade points to Coriano's backing of middle-class tax cuts, her support of Gov. Sam Byelle's (C) transportation plan, and her vote in favor of limited off-shore drilling.

Conservatives are unfazed. They see Coriano as a bitter partisan that is too liberal for Carova.

In Kocheni, they see the opposite.

"Ann Kocheni is a nice person, but what has she done for Carova? Can you name one thing she has done, one issue she has championed while in Mavocke? She mostly has just co-sponsored legislation and signed onto other members' bills. She has never taken the lead on any issue," said Leon. "Carovans want a conservative voice in Mavocke, and they want someone who will stand up for our state and work hard, on the front lines, to defend and protect our freedoms and interests."

Conservatives' brightest hopes rest on Alleby and Upton, but other candidates could emerge as well.

Assemblywoman Donna Creilo, who represents the central coast seat of Seaside and the Moors, could run. Former Assemblymen Aaron Hallings and Jim Calisto could also make a bid.

Lt. Gov. Dave Emser is also said to be mulling a run, according to sources close to the situation.

Assemblyman Tyler Dodd of Townsend could make a second attempt at the Senate, after having lost in 2008 in a three-way race to Kocheni and Conservative-turned-Independent Sen. Lee Schefsky.

But Dodd is heavily rumored to be the next chairman of the National Conservative Party.

And then there is the possibility of other candidates who have yet to emerge. The 2014 elections are still more than 15 months away. Any candidate could crop up in that amount of time.

Two things are for certain, though: Conservatives are angered that Nationalists hold three of four Senate seats in a state that leans Conservative. And Nationalists, thought they may be on the defense in 2014, will not give up easily. The NAT is still favored in both Carova Senate races.

"We are expecting both of these races to be long, drawn out, expensive, bitter, nasty battles," state NAT party Chairman Jim Pauldon told the Lorenzi Hill. "We are prepared for the worst and committed to fight it out to the very end."

Duschowitz on Bartholomew: 'Told you so'

FERRISTON, Biereland--Former Biereland Gov. Jenny Duschowitz (C) dished on her successor and one-time rival, Nationalist incumbent Gov. San Bartholomew, in a recent interview.

Duschowitz, who was defeated by Bartholomew in the 2010 election, sat down for an interview with the Ferriston Harbinger, and discussed her failed re-election bid and life outside of politics.

Most interestingly though, Duschowitz unloaded on Bartholomew, saying he promised new economic growth and has failed to deliver.

"He crucified me in the press; on the campaign trail, for a stagnant economy. And look where we are now? The economy has not improved, businesses are not growing, citizens are being taxed more. We have gone in the wrong direction. San Bartholomew has made the economy worse in Biereland," said Duschowitz.

She also took Bartholomew to task for "pushing," first, medical marijuana on Bierelanders, and now pushing legalizing marijuana altogether.

"Nobody wanted to legalize marijuana. The opinion polls showed that. But San Bartholomew and his small circle of radical, left-wing advisors, decided to side with a fringe group of pro-marijuana supporters and legalize medical marijuana, and now they are supporting the legalization of marijuana for everyone."

Even worse than legalizing marijuana is Bartholomew's recent attempts at gun control.

"If there's one thing in the state of Biereland that people hold sacred, it's their right to own a firearm. And San Bartholomew in the last month has introduced legislation that would scale back gun rights and prohibit law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves."

The gun legislation Duschowitz referenced is still pending in the legislature, and would not revoked gun rights out-right, but would allow cities to ban concealed firearms at city parks.

Bartholomew favored a gun-ban at parks while he served as an Otterbein County commissioner prior to the governorship.

"Between his attempt to take away gun rights in this state, legalizing marijuana, pushing the legalization of gay marriage in Biereland, the radical environmental legislation that he has brought into office that is hurting our timber industry, and his failure to improve the economy or tackle the budget issue, I think Bierelanders are ready to throw him out of office the way he threw me out," Duschowitz said.

"I hate to say it, but I told you so. During the 2010 election, I went around the state, campaigning, telling people, 'this is what San Bartholomew will do if he's elected. This is what he says he'll do, but this is what he's actually going to do if he's elected.' And some people listened, but a lot of people, a lot of newspapers and people in the media, and a lot of voters did not listen to me and got behind San and supported his candidacy. They were thrilled when he won. But now after almost three years, I think people are realizing: we did not get what we bargained for. We got sold a magic bag of air. We didn't get a better economy, and we didn't get any helpful legislation. All we've gotten is San Bartholomew's and the Nationalist Party's radical agenda forced upon us."

"It's starting to dawn on people."

As for the election, Duschowitz says she was disappointed she lost, but is "over it."

"Of course you're disappointed. It's never easy to lose. And it's especially difficult to lose and then see what's happening now in our state capitol. Very frustrating. But I'm over it. I'm enjoying my time as a mom, enjoying staying home with my kids and having fun with my family. I am enjoying working in the private sector. It is an adjustment, but it is nice."

About a return to politics?

"Not in the near future, no. I never say 'never,' because I know I might very well get the urge to dive back in. But for right now, I'm not inclined to run for anything. I am still involved, supporting candidates for office, specifically Ben Jordan for governor and my friend Brad Bearns for Senate. I also have been traveling around the country endorsing people and supporting conservative candidates that I think will bring about positive change for our country. But as for running for office, maybe down the road but not right now."

In a tongue-in-cheek response to Duschowitz's interview, San Bartholomew's campaign took to Twitter, saying, "Who's Jenny Duschowitz?"

Biereland Supreme Court ruling changes election process

BROOKINGS--In a stunning ruling Tuesday, the Biereland Supreme Court overturned a key law that governs the election of the state's governor and lieutenant governor.

In a 5-4 ruling, the court said a key statute in the state's constitution had been misinterpreted by the legislature and the Secretary of State's office.

The constitutional clause in question states "the governor and lieutenant governor shall be dually elected to separate and independent offices by the people of Biereland for a term of precisely four years, beginning on the last Monday of the month of January of the succeeding year."

Over the years, state legislators and elections officials have interpreted the law to mean that the governor and lieutenant governor should be elected separately and independently of each other.

Under that system, the governor and lieutenant governor could hail from separate parties, as was the case from 2008-2010, when Gov. Jenny Duschowitz (C) and Lt. Gov. Ashton Downs (N) served together.

But in Tuesday's ruling, the court said the law has been misinterpreted, and that the phrase "dually elected" requires that the governor and lieutenant governor be elected on the same ticket, meaning a vote for one candidate would be a vote for both.

"The clause in question is vague, but we hold that the governor and lieutenant governor should, according to the Constitution of the State of Biereland, be elected together, on the same ticket. The two candidates for the respective offices shall campaign together and be elected jointly."

The court's ruling also mandates that the changes to the election law be in effect in time for the 2014 statewide election.

But the court also handed back the issue to the state legislature for clarification.

"This clause is unreasonably vague, and clarification by the legislature is necessary," Chief Justice Bill Wilkerson wrote for the majority.

Specifically, the legislature must clarify how the lieutenant governor shall be chosen.

One option is to let each party's gubernatorial nominee choose a running mate to run with them in the general election. That means the candidates for lieutenant governor would essentially be selected by each parties' candidate for governor.

Another option is to allow voters to choose a lieutenant governor candidate in a primary election, and then have the gubernatorial nominee and the lieutenant governor nominee run on the same ticket. This option would allow primary voters to have a say in the lieutenant governor choices.

A third method would allow voters to select a nominee for governor, and then have party activists elect a candidate for lieutenant governor during a closed-voting session at each political party's state conventions.

The court remanded the issue back to the legislature, and set a deadline for September 31, 2013.

The justices also suggested the legislature put the issue to a popular vote in the 2014 elections.

"It might be wise of the legislature to submit this issue to the voters in the coming mid-term election, to allow them to have a say in how they elect their governor and lieutenant governor," Wilkerson wrote.

The court's ruling means Biereland will become the tenth "ticket state," where governors and lieutenant governors are elected on the same ticket.

Many opposed the court's decision, however.

In dissent, Justice Sophia Warren-Diaz said the current system is more favorable because it gives voters choice.

"The system in place allows voters to cross-vote, or split their ticket among the parties,"  wrote Warren-Diaz. "Under the current system, a voter might vote for the Conservative candidate for governor, and vote for the Nationalist candidate for lieutenant governor, or vice-versa. This gives voters more freedom in their vote, and fosters bipartisanship."

"The system the court set in place today restricts the ability of the voter to choose in good faith the candidates they best see fit for each separate office," Warren-Diaz said.

The political parties were largely indifferent to the court's ruling. However, both strongly oppose a system where voters could nominate candidates for both offices in a primary election.

"That type of system places too much power in the hands of the voters," Steven Saul, a Conservative party strategist told the Greene Mountain Press (GMP).

"That system would be disastrous for the political parties, because the voters in the primary election could nominate a more mainstream candidate for governor and also simultaneously nominate a controversial candidate for lieutenant governor, and then the two candidates would be hand-cuffed together and have to run in the general election as a team," said Saul.

Lawyers for the NAT agree.

"We do not support a system where the lieutenant governor and governor are nominated separately and then forced to run together," Paul Kirk, senior counsel for the Biereland NAT party, told the GMP.

Gov. San Bartholomew praised the decision, saying electing a governor and lieutenant governor from the same party would reduce gridlock in the capital.

"The court made a courageous decision today. This decision means that the likelihood of gridlock in Brookings between the governor and lieutenant governor is reduced. Today's ruling reinforces the governor-lieutenant governor relationship that is key to the leadership of our state," Bartholomew said.

The two Conservatives challenging Bartholomew in the 2014 election, Attorney General Ben Jordan and former Federal Senator Bob Kozzy, had mixed opinions.

Jordan said the ruling would create a "stronger relationship" between the governor and lieutenant governor, but said he favored a constitutional amendment initiated by the legislature instead of the court making the decision.

"I support the idea but I don't believe the courts are the proper venue for this issue to be decided," Jordan said.

Kozzy said the issue should be decided by the people, not the courts.

"What we saw today was judicial tyranny," Kozzy said at an evening press conference.

"We saw our state Supreme Court overrule the will of the people, without any consent or input from the voters."

The controversial ruling also throws a wrench into the plans of candidates who were already planning on running for lieutenant governor.

So far, there are two candidates who have already filed papers with the Secretary of State's office to run for lieutenant governor in the 2014 election.

Among them is current Lt. Gov. Gabriel Sanchez (N), who was appointed to the position by Gov. San Bartholomew when former Lt. Gov. Ashton Downs (N) resigned in February.

Sanchez declared soon after assuming the office that he would run for the position in 2014, and it's likely that Gov. San Bartholomew would select Sanchez as his running mate if the legislature amends the law in favor of a running mate scenario.

However, the other candidates, who are already planning on running, may have to halt their campaigns if the legislature formats the law in the running mate style, which is expected.

State Sen. Louise Suthers (N) from Brookings has also filed papers to run for lieutenant governor. But if the law is changed to allow the governor to select a running mate, she will most certainly not be chosen by San Bartholomew, since she is challenging Bartholomew's appointee in the NAT primary.

"If they re-do the law and switch it to a running mate format, then I will definitely not be chosen," Suthers said.

She will continue with her campaign until the issue is settled, however.

All three candidates for governor--Bartholomew and Conservatives Jordan and Kozzy--agree that the question of how Bierelanders elect their governor and lieutenant governor should be handed to the people for a popular vote statewide referendum.

"I do believe the people should have a say in this, and it should be on the ballot in 2014," Bartholomew told reporters during a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

Jordan told the GMP "the voters have a right to weigh in on this issue."

And Kozzy was adamant that the "voice of the people should be sought and heard."

"The courts have no place in this decision. This should be placed before the voters."

In the meantime, the court's decision means the forthcoming 2014 election will use the ticket-style method in electing the governor and lieutenant governor. The specifics of that method will be worked out by the legislature, subject to court approval in September 2013.

And then the issue will likely be put to the voters in 2014, who will either affirm the court's ruling and the legislature's re-tooling, or will strike it down, in which case the matter will then go back to the legislature for further review.

Menuhaeo honors Ramadan at Mavocke ceremony

MAVOCKE--He may be a devout Lutheran, but President Brenton Menuhaeo on Thursday marked the beginning of the Muslim holy month Ramadan in an inner-faith ceremony in the nation's capital.

Speaking before a crowd of predominantly Muslims, but also containing Christians, Jews and members of other faiths, Mr. Menuhaeo offered his thoughts on Ramadan, the holy month celebrated in the Islamic faith.

"Ramadan is a time when Muslim families come together to celebrate their faith, to express their devotion to their faith and to each other, and to strengthen their inner beliefs," Menuhaeo said.

"For non-Muslims, we must remember that Ramadan is a sacred time for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Muslims are our fellow Grassadellians. They are our neighbors, our family members, our friends, coworkers, teachers, doctors, scientists, musicians, writers. All around this country, and beyond our borders, there are hundreds of millions of Muslims who celebrate this sacred time.

"That is the power of our democracy. Though as Grassadellians, we are of many faiths, we have the right and the privilege, as free citizens of this great country, to practice, celebrate, and recognize our faith in the way that we see fit, without oppression or opposition from the state or from our fellow countrymen. Democracy strives in the midst of diversity, and the practice of peaceful Islam has strengthened our country."

The president went on to give his personal wishes to Muslims.

"To all Muslim-Grassadellians who are celebrating Ramadan, I offer my sincere thanks for your contributions to our country, and wish you a month of happiness, refreshing, and a strengthening of your faith and family ties."

The inner-faith ceremony the president spoke at was proof, Menuhaeo said, that different religious communities can thrive in a democracy.

"All of you being here today--this underscores that where there is freedom, faith flourishes. We may all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. But we are united in our belief that all humankind has the unequivocal right to freedom of religion. And we affirm today that though we may come from different walks of life, all faiths are valued in this country, and our nation is better off because of the contributions of all faiths," said Menuhaeo.

Also attending the inner-faith ceremony, which was held at the Kareem Al-Sheik Mosque in central Mavocke, were Bishop Marcus Heydham of the Mavocke Diocese of the Catholic Church, and Rabbi Elkon Kabarki of Mavocke's Shalom Temple.

Islamic leaders from around the country were also in attendance, including Imam Ali Sukar-Mahadi of the Mavocke Islamic Center and Dr. Mohammad Zukar Khalid of the Center for Grassadellian Islamic Studies.

Ramadan began on Monday, July 8, and lasts until August 7.

Golden enters Wellington governor's race

STARKSMIN, Wellington--Another Conservative has thrown his hat into the ring in Wellington's governor's race.

Patent attorney and Royal Air Force veteran Russell E. Golden, 54, will file candidacy papers with the Wellington Secretary of State's office, according to a source close to Mr. Golden.

Golden will join state Sen. Liz McKinn, of Hollam, on the Conservative side.

McKinn announced her candidacy back in April, after her former running mate, Craig Thoyer, declined to run a second time.

McKinn ran for lieutenant governor with Thoyer in 2010. The duo lost to incumbents Pierre Carten and Joe Carlin by a 51%-49% margin.

Unlike McKinn, who has been involved in Wellington politics for years, Golden is a political newcomer. He has never sought public office, and even leading political pundits and top party strategists admit they'd never heard of him until now.

"This guy came out of nowhere. We don't know much about him at this point," Chris Bonnell, a Conservative party consultant, told the Starksmin Frontiersman.

Golden's lack of name recognition means McKinn will have a big edge in the Conservative primary.

However, financial documents obtained by the Frontiersman show Golden has won millions in financial settlements and lawsuits over the years, meaning he could have a large personal fortune to draw upon for campaign funds.

Golden also owns an extensive amount of property, most of it in rural Notting County, about 60 miles southwest of Starksmin. He is also registered to vote in the small town of Bivanna (pop. 2,400), which is also in Notting County.

Little else is known about Golden. The Frontiersman did confirm through legal records searches that he is married and has four grown children. A political donations search also found that he has contributed to Conservative candidates in the past.

The McKinn campaign had no comment when contacted by the Frontiersman.

But party strategist Chris Bonnell says for now, the race is heavily in Liz McKinn's favor.

"She is well-known, well-liked in the party, she has the ability to raise funds, she knows all the donors and party bigwigs. I think she has it sewn up."

Ritonio edges DeSalle in new poll

LAMBERTH, Kalnier--First-term Kalnier Gov. Karen DeSalle (N) finds herself in an unfavorable position going into the 2014 elections.

DeSalle is up for re-election in 2014, and a recent poll published Friday by the University of Kalnier  (UK) shows the freshman governor trailing Conservative businessman Tony Ritonio slightly, with DeSalle receiving 34% to Ritonio's 35%.

The poll found 30% of respondents were undecided.

In a head-to-head match up, both candidates received 50%.

The poll can't be good news for DeSalle, who has seen a steady drop in approval ratings since taking office in 2011.

Despite Kalnier's decisive liberal bent, Conservatives have enjoyed some success in recent years, most notably with the election of Samuel Tracey and Shannon McCann to the Federal Senate.

The off-year election also gives Conservatives an advantage, as the minority party typically is more successful in non-presidential year elections, when voter turn-out is lower.

Additionally, the poll confirms Ritonio is a credible candidate. He is relatively well-known throughout the state, after a losing Senate bid in 2008, when he fell to Nationalist Eli Dundree.

Ritonio declined to run again in 2010, when Conservatives fared better. Both Tracey and McCann were elected that year, although incumbent Gov. Joe Gramma (C) was defeated by DeSalle in a modest 53%-46% finish.

In 2012, Ritonio again declined to run for the state's only Senate seat up for grabs. His decision to stand down allowed Conservative tax attorney Steve Mickelson to run unopposed for the CNS nomination.

Mickelson lost in the general election to the far-left and polarizing incumbent Paul LeBouse. However, the race was very close, with LeBouse inching by with 51% of the vote to Mickelson's 49%.

Since his failed Senate campaign in 2008, Ritonio, who became a self-made millionaire after founding his own franchise of pizza restaurants, has stayed in the shadows but has remained influential in the Kalnier Conservative Party.

Ritonio lost by a 57%-43% margin in 2008, and Nationalists largely brushed him off after his defeat.

But 2008 was a strong NAT year, and 2014 will be more in the CNS' favor.

Furthermore, Ritonio has a lengthy business resume, which lends itself to a managerial position such as the governorship more so than a legislative position. And the 50-year-old businessman is more experienced than he was six years ago.

All of those factors, combined with his populist views and his working-class roots, having grown up in inner-city Lamberth, make him a credible threat to Karen DeSalle's re-election hopes.

Ritonio is not officially running for governor just yet, though he did tell the Lamberth Regent in May he is "seriously considering" a run for the state's highest job.

The only other Conservative that is considering running is Hulton Corp. founder and CEO Bill Broadbent, who announced last week he is also considering mounting a challenge to DeSalle.

DeSalle has done some fundraising, and currently has a modest $1.1 million campaign war chest.

She has also begun to reach out to liberal donors and activists, and has been talking with Gov. Christine Gabler (N-Marchenay), who chairs the Governors Board, and East Deschire Gov. Lynn DeMont, who heads the Nationalist Governors Association (NATGA), which is the Nationalist Party organization charged with raising money for NAT governors.

DeSalle's campaign had no comment on the UK poll. A spokesman for Ritonio also had no comment.

The Conservative Governors Association (CGA), the CNS counterpart to NATGA, did tell the Regent in an email that the poll is "encouraging news" for Conservatives.

"Kalnier is a crucial state for the Conservative Party, as we look to rebuild and re-gain governor's seats in the coming elections," a spokesman said via email.

Crown Police: Carnival workers sold cocaine, ecstasy

BRIMSDEN, Veroche--A traveling carnival has had to close down after more than half its crew was arrested during a raid by federal police Friday.

Federal agents descended on the Country Faire Carnival Friday morning in the small town of Brimsden in northeast Veroche, where it was set to hold a three-day event.

Crown Police raided the carnival after a months-long investigation into a multi-state drug-selling operation.

Authorities say they arrested 22 people--all carnival workers--in connection with the drug growing and selling operation, which the suspects allegedly operated out of camping and semi-truck trailers.

Among those arrested were the manager and assistant manager of the carnival, which is owned by the Wilkonshire-based Jolly-Lasso Entertainment Company.

Police say the carnival employees were growing marijuana in trailers, and selling it at carnival events across the country.

They also were transporting and selling cocaine and ecstasy, according to police.

Customers were often referred to various booths at the carnival, and used code words to indicate they were interested in purchasing, officials say.

Agents had been monitoring the carnival workers for more than six months, and have video and audio recordings of drug sales, according to Agent Sean Smith with the CP.

"This was a very thorough investigation that we had been working on for some time, and we believe we have enough evidence now to shut down this drug operation and get these drugs off the streets," Smith said.

Authorities are most concerned children may have been exposed to the illegal drugs.

"What makes this worse is that it involves children. Kids love the carnival. And parents take their kids to the carnival hoping to have a fun, safe experience. And we have reason to believe that children have been exposed, and possibly have even been sold illegal drugs at carnival events," said Smith.

Police swooped in on the carnival early Friday morning, before it had opened for the day, effectively shutting it down before it began.

Marijuana and other drugs were seized from carnival property, though investigators would not disclose the quantity.

Jolly-Lasso has brought in a separate crew to disassemble the carnival rides.

The company it is conducting its own investigation into the matter, and employees that were not arrested but have been affected by the closure of the carnival will be reassigned to other events.

"The allegations against several of our employees are very troubling and disconcerting. Jolly-Lasso prides itself on providing a fun, family-friendly environment, and we will not tolerate any employee breaking the law, endangering our customers or the general public. We take this matter very seriously and ask for patience as we carry out our own internal investigation into this matter," a statement from the company read.

Warner-Patterson will retire in 2014

MAVOCKE--The oldest and longest-serving senator in the Federal Senate chamber will retire in 2014 rather than seek re-election.

John Warner-Patterson, a Nationalist from Wilkonshire, announced Monday that he will step down after serving more than 42 years in the Senate.

At 87, Warner-Patterson is the oldest current member of the Senate. He was first elected in 1962 at the age of 37, representing POG until the late 2000's, when he was elected to represent Wilkonshire.

In a press conference Monday morning, Warner-Patterson said he has "enjoyed the ride" of his roller coaster-like career.

"I've enjoyed the good times and the bad, the times of wealth and peace in this country and the times of downturn and conflict. I've enjoyed the battles in the Senate I've fought and the many times bipartisanship has won over party interests," said the senator.

"It has been a joy and a privilege to serve. I thank the people of POG and Wilkonshire for sending me back time and again to represent them."

After serving two terms, Warner-Patterson quit his Senate seat in 1974 to work as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and later chair InterLink, the agency that oversees Grassadellia's intelligence agencies.

He was re-elected to the Senate in 1982, and most recently was re-elected in a 2008 special election, winning with a modest 54% of the vote.

Warner-Patterson has long been seen as an affable person with an optimistic spirit. In recent years, he has received high marks from Nationalists and Conservatives alike.

His retirement leaves an open seat in a battleground state.

While Wilkonshire leans to the NAT, Conservatives have won in recent elections.

In other races, the NAT candidates won the election but just narrowly.

There's no indication from either party which candidates might run for the open seat, although party strategists on both sides say there is a healthy list of possible candidates.

Maas to challenge Byelle in Carova

LORENZI, Carova--Nationalists have their first major candidate to challenge incumbent Carova Governor Sam Byelle (C) in the 2014 midterm election.

Anna Madde-Maas (pronounced "Mod-day - Moss"), the current Mayor of Lorenzi, the state's second-largest city, is expected to challenge the first-term Byelle, who is up for re-election in 2014.

Sources close to Madde-Maas, who usually goes by just Anna Maas, say the mayor will announce a run by the end of the month.

Maas has been the mayor of Lorenzi since 2006, and is known for her progressive views.

Lorenzi is more liberal than the rest of the state, and Maas' liberal record could hurt her statewide with the more conservative voters outside the state's southwest corner.

However, despite its conservative bent, Carova has trended more blue in recent elections, and Nationalists, even staunch liberals like Federal Senator Karen Coriano and Attorney General Dan McGregor, have enjoyed success at the ballot box.

Supporters of Maas say the mayor has a strong record to run on, and will face a weakened incumbent in Byelle, who has seen his poll numbers dip considerably since taking office in 2011.

The fact that Maas is a woman may also play well with women voters, who may be enthused by her candidacy and the prospect of electing the state's first female governor.

It's unclear if any other NAT candidates will join the primary race. McGregor was said to be considering a run but has since decided to seek re-election to the attorney general's post, according to sources close to the situation.

Federal Senator Dan Sallovich was also mulling a bid, but will likely stay in the Senate, sources tell GNN.

Mega-church pastor: Islam 'breeds' violence

PARKINS, North Ceona--The senior pastor of one of the nation's largest Evangelical mega-churches is coming under fire for comments he made that some have called anti-Islam.

Rev. Ahmad Hassan, who pastors the 8,000-member-strong Church of the Saviour in suburban Parkins, said in an interview with Forefront magazine that Islam "breeds violence," and that political correctness is "hampering the fight" against Islamic terrorists.

"It breeds violence and contempt for non-Muslims, particularly Westerners, Christians, Jews, etc., and even for other Muslims of different sects. And it's not just a religion, it's a culture and way of life that preaches hatred and preaches overcoming or overtaking one's enemies at any cost, including death," Hassan said.

Hassan added that Western media and politicians have "caved" to political correctness when dealing with Islamic terrorists.

"The media doesn't hesitate to identify right-wing Christian groups that espouse violence and carry out violent attacks. They don't hesitate to criticize Christian leaders for discrimination and bigotry and wrongdoing. But when it comes to the Muslim faith, the media and our politicians are very timid. They don't want to offend, they don't want to seem culturally insensitive, they're very careful not to step on any toes. They're very slow to criticize and pronounce judgment. But with Christians, it's very different. This kind of timidity does not do our country any favors. It only allows terrorists and people with ill-will against the Western culture to thrive, because everyone in the media and the government is too afraid to stand up to them and call them out for their atrocities," said Hassan.

"When some right-wing, anti-government, anarchist, end-of-the-world militia group commits an act of violence, it's splashed all over the news, in all the newspapers and all over online. But when it comes to radical Muslims, the media is very cowardly about calling it like it is."

Hassan's comments were quickly condemned by pro-Muslim groups.

"This kind of hate-speech is typical from the conservative, far-right of the political spectrum, and it should be denounced for what it is: falsehoods," Mohammed Al-Suyair of Muslims United said in an interview with the GBC.

"Ahmad Hassan is a convert, he changed his religious views, something he's allowed to do. But he should not go around trashing the Muslim faith and calling it violent and anti-Western and anti-Christian. The vast majority of Muslims in this country, and every country, are law-abiding, peaceful people that do not hate others that are different from them. Ahmad Hassan should denounce his words and apologize to all Muslims," Al-Suyair said.

Hassan is a former Muslim who converted to Christianity.

Born into an affluent family in Saudi Arabia in 1969, the future Evangelical pastor lived there until emigrating to Italy at the age of 26. He then moved to Grassadellia in 1997.

At the age of 28, while a student at the prestigious Grigsby School of Technology at Mayton Stansbury University in Madagen, Hassan was befriended by a group of young Christians, and began attending weekly church services on campus. After nine months of prayer, he finally decided to officially convert to Christianity, despite being disowned by his family.

Hassan graduated from the Grigsby School of Technology, earning a Masters in Physics. While at Mayton Stansbury, he met his future-wife Nareha, who is also a former Muslim from Oman.

In 2003, the Hassans founded Church of the Saviour in the suburb of Rose Acre, northeast of Parkins. The church started with only 30 people, and met weekly in an elementary school cafeteria. But the congregation quickly grew to more than 900 people in just two years, and has been growing ever since.

Since their conversions, Ahmad and Nareha Hassan have become leading voices of the Grassadellian Evangelical community. They speak frequently around the country and across the globe at Evangelical events.

But his prominent standing in the conservative Christian community is another reason critics are displeased with Ahmad Hassan's recent anti-Islam comments.

"He's entitled to his beliefs, but as someone who is so prominent and has such a large standing in the Evangelical movement in this country, his voice resonates and carries weight. And when you say these sorts of ignorant, misguided statements, it really does no favors in smoothing over tensions between different religious groups," Tanya Arington, Director of the National Coalition for Diversity (NCD) told the Grassadellia City Times.

Hassan did point out in the interview that he does not hate Muslims.

"I don't hate Muslims. On the contrary, I love my fellow Muslims. I understand them a lot better than most Christians and most Christian leaders do. I know Muslims are good people but they are very often indoctrinated with hate from an early age. Hate for America, hate for Israel, hate for the West in general. It's not that they're inherently bad people, but they are taught this from an early age and that seed of hate that is planted in one's youth, it begins to fester and take hold in a person's heart, and eventually in a nation and a pan-national culture. And that's why we have people blowing up buildings today and wanting to harm other people. Because an uninformed, unfounded and immoral hatred is taking root in the Muslim world."

The Grassadellian Union of Evangelical Churches (GUEC), of which Hassan is a high-profile member, would not comment on the matter.

POG governor swims with dolphins for charity

KINGHAM, Province of Grassadellia--Governor Donna Almone took a dunk in the pool, but it was for a good cause.

The governor made a pledge with the state's K-6 school children, that if they raised more than $1 million in donations for the week-long I-Heart-the-Ocean environmental awareness campaign, she would swim with dolphins and "arm-wrestle a crab."

And Almone made good on that promise Friday.

POG K-6 students raised a whopping over $1.7 million for the campaign, more than $700,000 the target amount.

"I'm blown away by the generosity of our kids in POG. They raised more than $1.7 million dollars to help protect our oceans and the animals in the oceans. That tells me that we have some very sharing, caring, and generous young people that care about the environment and care about protecting nature," Almone said in a pre-pool interview.

The governor then spoke directly to school children during a live state-wide telecast. She thanked them for their generous donations.

"I want to thank all you children, each and every one of you, for giving your pennies and dimes and nickels and quarters, and dollars to this project. And I want to thank your teachers and your moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas and any other family members or grown ups in your lives that helped you too. Because of your generosity and the money you gave, we will be able to help protect the ocean and its animals for the future, so that when you grow up someday, your children will be able to enjoy the ocean and all the wonderful animals that depend upon it too," said Almone.

Minutes later, donning a wet suit, the governor slipped into a pool with three adolescent dolphins, named Nellie, Periwinkle, and Junior.

"Aren't these little guys cute?" she laughed. "They're so friendly."

Hundreds of elementary students were on-hand to watch in person, and children that attended the event got to pet dolphins and other wildlife as well.

The Royal Quay Aquarium and aquariums across the province are also offering discount tickets to primary schools as part of the promotion.

Almone called the event "the most fun I've had in years," and joked that she was relieved "no one had to see me in my bathing suit."

The governor's office says it hopes to do a similar promotion about forest health and protecting animals that live in the forests of the province.

"The ocean is a big part of the ecosystem, but we realize not every child in POG lives close to the coast. Every part of the ecosystem is important, and we hope to highlight the importance of the forests and grasslands as well in the future, to help make it more relevant for children from all parts of the province," said Jalie Kohana, a spokeswoman for the governor.

During the event, the governor also gave awards to several teachers from across the province. The fundraising event was optional, and about 60% of POG's elementary schools, public and private, participated.

Gymbal offers praise for Pergich

Sauvienne, Lial--Nationalist Governor Todd Pergich (Lial) won some rare praise today--from his predecessor, former Gov. Gavin Gymbal, a prominent Conservative.

Speaking to the Collester Press Corps during a meeting with President Brenton Menuhaeo, Gymbal, who served as governor from 2006-2010 and subsequently was re-elected to his former Assembly seat of Mansill in southwestern Lial, told reporters Pergich is "doing relatively well" as governor.

"I'm really actually quite impressed with the job Todd Pergich is doing. He has governed, thus far, with an even-handed, common sense approach. He's been fiscally responsible and he has made public safety a top priority. The economy, I think, is still struggling in Lial, and I think there's a lot of improvement that could be made in that aspect, but overall, I think Todd Pergich is doing a reasonable job as governor, and I think Conservatives find him easier to work with than some of the former NAT governors we've had," said Gymbal.

Gymbal's flattering comments are rare for a state that is known for its bitter relations and fierce political battles between the two major parties. And his comments contrast sharply with his reputation as a fierce partisan.

"My vision of government and governance is not one of bitter feuds between the parties and a nasty rivalry. In my earlier days, I took pleasure in castigating the other side and engaging in political warfare with the opposition. But my time as governor really re-shaped my thinking. It challenged me to reach across the aisle, and I met many Nationalists in Clothen that were open-minded, independent-minded people, who love their state and embrace the common good rather than sticking to their party's agenda. That was a fundamental change in my thinking," Gymbal said.

"I've softened over the years," Gymbal said, laughing.

The assemblyman was meeting with President Menuhaeo to discuss agriculture, national security, and environmental issues. And though Gymbal was striking a bipartisan tone, he was not afraid to voice his differences with the NAT.

"The President and I have very different views on these issues. We do not see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues. But that doesn't prevent us from sitting down over a cup of tea and discussing the issues that are facing my constituents and the Grassadellian people," said Gymbal.

The President concurred with Gymbal's assessment.

"Over the years, Gavin and I have butted heads, frequently. But during that time, I think we've found some common ground and we've found that we can still be friends and have different view points. The people of Mansill are lucky to have Gavin Gymbal as their assemblyman," said Menuhaeo.

Pergich's office did not return calls or emails seeking comment on the matter.

But Gymbal's affectionate words for his successor cannot be helping the CNS, as it seeks to attack and undermine Pergich's standing with voters, as the incumbent governor is up for re-election in 2014.

Despite his praise for the incumbent, Gymbal stopped short of endorsing Pergich.

"I'm not endorsing anyone at this point. I'm simply saying, I think the governor is doing a good job on a number of issues. There are some areas where I think he could be doing better, primarily economic issues. I think I would be handling that differently. But he deserves to be recognized for the good work he is doing."

The Conservative party has yet to find a top-tier candidate to challenge Pergich, and party insiders say the race will likely be written off and resources devoted to races where Conservatives have a better chance of winning.