Gabler loses re-election bid in Marchenay

MADAGEN, Marchenay -- Her defeat was notable, not only because she is the highest-ranking governor in the nation, but because her ousting in last week's general election foreshadowed a familiar pattern that would emerge throughout election night.

Marchenay Gov. Christine Gabler (pronounced "Gabe-ler") lost her bid for re-election in a rematch with Conservative businessman David Brown.

Kathy Bernanski, Marchenay's secretary of state, certified the election today.

The results show a very close race, with Brown prevailing with 51.3% of the vote and Gabler trailing narrowly with 48.7%, respectively.

Earlier today, Gabler conceded the election and wished Brown well.

"I congratulate David Brown on his victory, and I wish him the best."

Brown spent the day meeting with advisors on a transition strategy.

"My plan is to hit the ground running and make sure this is a smooth and efficient transition, and that we can get Marchenay moving again as soon as possible," Brown told reporters at a mid-day press conference in Manchester, where he resides.

Brown's win was the marquee victory for Conservatives in December's general election.

The party had long been anxious to defeat Gabler, who maligned Conservatives with her overt partisanship and sharp criticism.

Nationalists had been optimistic Gabler, who at one point in time was relatively popular, would hang on.

The NAT, joined by women's groups and organizations representing minorities, launched a barrage of TV, radio and web ads attacking Brown for his wealth and connections with big business.

Brown countered by highlighting Gabler's divisive partisanship and Marchenay's lagging economy.

This year's rematch was more expensive than in 2012, when the candidates first ran against each other in a special election.

Gabler won that race with 56% of the vote.

This time around, the national mood and money poured into the race by conservative groups didn't help Gabler.

Her NAT colleagues fared just as badly in Kalnier, South Ceona, East Deschire, Wellington and Biereland.

Gabler is well-known for increasing funding for education and environmental protection. She's also well-known for frequent clashes with Conservatives, and even members of her own party.

She was recorded on audio tape telling her CNS colleagues to "go f**k" themselves.

And Wellington Gov. Pierre Carten, a fellow Nationalist, said publicly that Gabler intimidated him after he challenged her for the chairmanship of the National Governors Board.

According to Carten, Gabler tried to convince him to drop his bid for the chairmanship by threatening sanctions and retaliation against him and key economic projects in his state.

Gabler admitted she can be "unpleasantly tenacious" and often uses tough tactics to get what she wants.

"I can be bitchy," she famously said after a Conservative senator accused her of being needlessly mean.

But she denied intimidating Wellington's Pierre Carten, and said she welcomed anyone to challenge her leadership.

"I believe in the democratic process. If one of my colleagues is not satisfied with my leadership and he or she wants to put their name up against mine for a leadership vote, they have that prerogative and I welcome them to oppose me. That's healthy for our democracy," she said.

But her no-holds-barred and combative personality played right into Conservatives' hands this election, as Brown and his CNS allies sought to portray the governor as mean-spirited and vengeful.

According to exit polls, many voters agreed that Gabler's aggressive personality was a factor in their decision.

A strong enthusiasm among CNS voters also helped usher Gabler out, as discouraged liberal voters stayed home and Conservatives flocked to the polls.

There was no Conservative wave in Marchenay, however.

The CNS candidate for lieutenant governor did win as well, but Attorney General Dan Rattner (NAT) was narrowly retained by voters.

And Sen. Joseph Milhaughley (N) also was re-elected with an overwhelming 59% of the vote, easily beating Conservative state Sen. Steve Lind.

Sen. Megan Sellious (C) also won re-election, taking 56% of the vote over little-known NAT challenger, state Rep. Josh Hosni.

The main story of the night, however, was the gubernatorial race, in which Gov. Christine Gabler was deposed and her political career likely ended.

Gabler has not revealed her post-governor plans. But sources close to her say she will remain in politics.

Some friends and advisors believe she will end up working in the Brenton Menuhaeo administration for the next two years. Or work as a lobbyist.

David Brown is set to take office on January 26, 2015.

Byelle survives close call in Carova

CAROVA CITY, Carova -- After days of counting, Conservative Gov. Sam Byelle has been declared the winner in Carova's governor's race.

The race was too close to call on election night, but late today, Carova Secretary of State Ed Chassee declared Byelle the winner, with 51.02% of the vote, or 1,192,923 votes, to Maas' 48.98%, or 1,145,233 votes.

Running for a second term, Byelle - a former senator and the older brother of President Dan Byelle - faced an unusually close race in conservative-leaning Carova.

Byelle and his running mate Dave Emser received a formidable challenge from Nationalists Anna Maas, the progresive mayor of Lorenzi, and her running mate, Dean Haley, a state senator and former chairman of the Carova NAT party.

Initially, Byelle was considered a strong favorite for re-election. But media scrutiny of his frequent vacations and out-of-state trips, along with a series of gaffes, including an incident where he was caught on camera calling his job 'boring,' led to a tightening race.

Recent polls showed the two candidates virtually tied, although Byelle appeared to solidify his lead in the final three weeks of the campaign, as Nationalists across the country began bracing for a bruising electoral defeat.

Despite a clear enthusiasm gap, Anna Maas tried desperately to rally liberals, including labor groups and women voters, two key constituencies for the NAT.

She attacked Byelle for weakening unions and supporting anti-abortion legislation, and attempted to portray him as an out-of-touch, wealthy elite who was more famous for his last name than any governmental accomplishments.

"Sam Byelle's only real claim to fame is his last name," she told a local radio DJ in Vallingburg.

It may have been a clever catch phrase, but poking fun at Byelle's family political connections did little to disuade voters in crucial counties.

Maas predictably won overwhelmingly in Lichmond County, home to Lorenzi, the state's second-largest metro area and most reliably liberal city.

She also won easily in neighboring Bridgemont and Vertow Counties, which lean liberal, and in Quarry-Wan county, a battleground in south-central Carova.

But Byelle won the biggest prize, Giles County, the state's most populous.

The governor also won adjacent Critchley County, which together with Giles County encompasses the Carlingford-Carova City metro area, the state's largest.

Byelle won strong majorities in the Barriey-Barriey, Maidenville, Port Bay and Oliver metro areas, as well as suburban areas such as Uraqua County northeast of Lorenzi, and Beren County north of Carlingford.

The Byelle/Emser ticket dominated much of eastern Carova, although several sparsely-populated counties with signigifcant Indigenous Grassadellian populations backed Maas.

Counting ballots took several days, but Secretary of State Ed Chassee confirmed the counting is complete.

Anna Maas conceded the election this afternoon, while also hinting her political career is not finished.

"I'm disappointed we didn't win. Of course I wanted to win this race, and we came so close to winning which makes it all the more heart-breaking. But I'm proud of this campaign we ran. This campaign was about much more than winning an office. This campaign was about a movement. A movement of equality, and justice, and fair pay, and the other values that we Nationalists stand strong for. And I'm proud that we elevated these issues throughout the campaign, and I intend to continue fighting for them."

Byelle accepted Maas' concession at a press conference in Carova City.

"I'm honored that Carovans have graciously given me a second term as governor. It's a privilege to serve the people of this great state."

He acknowledged, however, that he did not receive a mandate, and pledged to win back the trust of those voters who supported his opponent.

"While I did receive a majority of the vote, this was a very close race. It's clear our state is divided, and I have a lot of work to do to restore faith in this administration and build trust with the people we serve," said Byelle.

Maas will continue to serve as mayor of Lorenzi until her term expires in 2016. It's unclear what her post-mayoral plans are.

Byelle will begin his second term as governor on January 26, 2015.

Before serving as governor, Byelle represented Carova in the Federal Senate for one term.

He defeated Gov. Dan McCrae (N), himself a former senator, in a landslide win in the 2010 election.

With the Conservative Party likely to regain a majority of governorships after last week's election, Byelle is mentioned as a possible successor to outgoing Governor General Christine Gabler (N), who lost her bid for re-election in Marchenay.

South Ceona governor's race a repeat of 2012 campaign

FAIRFIELD, South Ceona -- A new poll released today confirms what pollsters have been saying for some time: the race for governor in South Ceona is neck-and-neck.

Gov. Scott Bannich, a conservative Nationalist, is fighting for his political life, as he attempts to hold off his insurgent CNS opponent, Assemblyman Greg Laskie.

Bannich is running for his second but first full term. He was first elected to the state's top post in 2012 in a special election, in which he also faced Laskie.

Bannich just barely won that contest, taking 50.6% of the vote to Laskie's 49.4%, and the two candidates have virtually been campaigning non-stop for the past two years, as they vie for a full, four-year term.

Conservatives are particularly energized this year, and are eager to knock off the vulnerable Bannich, especially given that Laskie was the front-runner in the 2012 race but was defeated in an upset.

The 2014 race has been unusual.

Though Laskie was widely expected to announce a second run for the governorship, for several months, he remained coy about his plans. He didn't announce his candidacy until late spring of this year.

Many political pundits believed Laskie to have the edge going into the 2014 race, since this election cycle has proven to be in the CNS' favor, and Bannich was a moderate Nationalist trying to distance himself from unpopular national NAT leaders and President Brenton Menuhaeo.

But Laskie's edge appeared to fade over time. His energy seemed to dwindle, and the candidate took several days off from campaigning with no explanation. Pundits, Nationalists, and even fellow Conservatives noticed the normally vocal Laskie appeared more withdrawn on the campaign trail and at times, disinterested.

It wasn't until September that voters learned the reason for Laskie's malaise. His wife of 27 years, Margi, had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Laskie told the media his wife's diagnosis "hit me like a ton of bricks."

"It's something you think will never happen to you and your family. Other people, but not you. I was shocked, scared, numb, just a variety of emotions, and that has spilled over into my campaign," said Laskie.

The CNS candidate, who has been a darling of the conservative Freedom Warriors movement (the Grassadellian equivalent to the USA's Tea Party movement), apologized to campaign supporters and political allies for the slow down in his campaign.

"This cancer news has slowed down and impacted my campaign in a negative way, and I want to apologize to all of my staff, my supporters and my Conservative colleagues if it seems I let you down or I didn't have my heart in this race. If I did, it was unintentional. Margi and I and our family have been trying to process this news and trying to deal with a deeply personal issue in a very public setting, and we apologize if we didn't handle it correctly," said Laskie in a tearful press conference, holding his wife's hand.

Though some party leaders and contributors complained privately about Laskie's underwhelming campaign style, the reaction from the public was generally positive.

Even the Bannich campaign responded with class. On days when Margi Laskie had appointments with her oncologist, she and her husband took the day off from campaigning.

Scott Bannich and his running mate Mike Kriewer (pronounced "crew-er") did the same, as a gesture of support.

"The Laskies are taking the day off today for medical reasons for Mrs. Laskie, and Mike (Kriewer) and I have decided we will do the same. To continue campaigning while they are at an important doctor's appointment would be insensitive and impolite. We want Greg and Margi to know that there are things that are more important than politics, and we are rooting and pulling for Margi to win this fight," said Bannich.

While the Laskie family has been dealing with their private matters out of the spotlight, Greg Laskie's running mate Jane Karsten, a state senator from Rathclan, has been campaigning on over-drive, traveling around the state, filling in for Laskie at important luncheons, speeches, fundraisers and campaign events.

It wasn't until about a month ago that Laskie revved up his campaign tempo. He told reporters in a poignant news conference, joined by his wife, that they were determined to win the election and beat cancer at the same time.

"We want to win this race bad. But we want to beat cancer even more. I'm hoping for a double-miracle," Laskie said, smiling with his wife by his side.

His wife's illness may have temporarily paused the campaign and created a momentary cease-fire between the rival campaigns. But during a debate last week in Gallaghan, Laskie came to play ball.

He lampooned Bannich for incompetence, following revelations that the governor's Secretary of Housing had lost key documents that were subpoenaed by state lawmakers.

Laskie also criticized Bannich for a stubbornly slow-moving economy, raising taxes, and letting the federal government usurp state sovereignty.

"Under Scott Bannich's leadership, South Ceona is worse off economically, has higher taxes, has a state bureaucracy that is broken and corrupt, and has less freedom because he's allowed Brenton Menuhaeo and his liberal cronies to come into South Ceona and take away our state sovereignty," said Laskie. "Is that what we want for our state? To be a poor, corrupt, over-taxed state ran by Brenton Menuhaeo and Mavocke liberals?"

Bannich countered, saying the economy is growing, if slowly. He called accusations he raised taxes "nonsense" and "deliberately misleading."

"We have raised taxes on the wealthy, elite, affluent people, the richest people in our state, the very people Mr. Laskie is trying to protect," said Bannich. "But we have lowered taxes on the middle class and the poor, and that's a record I am proud to run on."

Regarding allegations of corruption and incompetence in his administration, the governor reminded the audience that he fired those involved and demanded accountability from his staff.

"I do not believe this was a case of widespread corruption, as my opponent says. But it was a case of gross incompetence and negligence, and we can't have that at the highest levels of our government. So I fired all those involved. Every person that was responsible for losing documents and trying to cover things up and save their skins, I fired them. Because I want a transparent, clean, open government that works for the people and does not abuse that power."

 Laskie then accused the governor of sugar-coating the scandal.

"I call it 'corruption,' you call it 'incompetence.' We'll let the people of South Ceona decide what to call it. But it was illegal and it was against protocol. So make of that what you will."

The issue of state sovereignty has been a topic Laskie eagerly brings up to tie Bannich to President Brenton Menuhaeo, who is deeply unpopular in South Ceona.

"We have a president who is trying to socialize this country, trying to take away state's rights and state sovereignty, trying to control the states and centralize government in Mavocke. And Scott Bannich let him. Scott Bannich enabled the president. He told President Menuhaeo to come on in to South Ceona and take our state-owned land and federalize it. Come on in to South Ceona, and dictate how we can run our education and our health care. Come on in to South Ceona and put strict new environmental laws that will hamper economic growth. On issue after issue, Scott Bannich has willfully and eagerly invited Brenton Menuhaeo into this state and let him have free reign, and that will stop under a Laskie-Karsten administration," said Laskie.

Bannich defended himself, saying the state couldn't afford to continue managing some state parks and state-owned land.

"It made sense to sell this land to the federal government because we couldn't afford to manage it anymore," said Bannich. "I find it ironic that Mr. Laskie, the so-called 'champion of the tax-payer,' would continue to own and operate these parks when the state couldn't afford it. That doesn't sound very fiscally sound to me."

South Ceona's education and healthcare systems are still under South Ceona control, Bannich added.

"There's nothing different about how we run education or healthcare in this state. We still have control, we still set the guidelines and the requirements, and the federal government is not bossing us around and controlling how we do things."

The state did agree to have the state's public schools aim to achieve goals for literacy, mathematics, science and social studies scores set by the Menuhaeo administration, Bannich said.

And Bannich did allow an extension of Medicare/Medicaid coverage that was offered by the federal government. That expansion allowed 229,000 South Ceonans to be added to or continue on healthcare coverage.

And on the environment, a bullish Bannich said he is aggressively reviewing the standards set by the federal Department of Environmental Affairs, and would reject any standards that endanger South Ceonans' property rights or the state's budding oil industry.

"I want to protect the environment, like everyone else. And I'm willing to have a dialogue about that. But I won't sign onto any agreement if it threatens our way of life here in South Ceona or threatens economic growth in this state."

In the final weeks of the campaign, both candidates are on edge, as the close poll numbers show the race could swing either way.

Conservatives continue to attempt to tie Scott Bannich with Brenton Menuhaeo and "liberal" Nationalists such as Christine Gabler, the governor of Marchenay, who serves as chair of the Governors Board, and Rod Penora, the colorful liberal governor of Damoign.

The Bannich campaign remains on the defensive, and continues to tout the governor's independence and his willingness to buck his party.

The political parties and interests groups are also taking note of the close contest. More than $6 million has been spent on the race thus far, about evenly split between the candidates, and more last-minute money bombs may come from the parties or wealthy donors.

Greg Laskie's top donors come from the oil and mining industries, the gun rights lobby, and business groups.

Scott Bannich has wide support from education groups, healthcare executives, and the social welfare sector.

Both candidates agreed to three debates, just as they did in the 2012 race. The last debate of this campaign will be held Tuesday in Necadia. 

Greene Mountain Press endorses Kozzy in Biereland governor race

BROOKINGS, Biereland -- Fresh off an unexpected endorsement from Biereland's largest newspaper, Independent gubernatorial candidate Bob Kozzy is feeling energized as he heads into the final two weeks of the campaign.

The endorsement from the Greene Mountain Press (GMP) was a much-needed boost for Kozzy (pronounced "cause-ee"), who is running in a three-way race against incumbent Gov. San Bartholomew (N) and Conservative Ben Jordan, who is the state's attorney general.

In its endorsement editorial, the GMP said it was throwing its support to Kozzy because it couldn't in good conscience support the two main party candidates because of their fierce partisanship.

"Both San Bartholomew and Ben Jordan have carried out their current jobs using extreme partisanship. Right now more than ever before, Biereland needs bipartisanship and cooperation at the state capitol in Brookings," the paper wrote.

The paper also blamed Bartholomew for a sluggish economy and picking fights with Conservative lawmakers in the legislature over environmental protection laws and gun restrictions.

"The fact is, San Bartholomew promised to jump-start the economy, and yet the economy in Biereland remains stagnant. During the 2010 campaign, Bartholomew criticized then-Governor Jenny Duschowitz for presiding over a slow-moving economy, and still, unemployment remains high, job creation has been painfully slow, and Bierelanders continue to struggle. The governor has also used much of his political capital to force through controversial legislation on environmental regulations and gun restrictions. While the motivation behind these laws is commendable, the partisan and contentious manner in which they were passed was wrong."

On Ben Jordan, the GMP had strong feelings about his partisan and vindictive demeanor.

"While Ben Jordan has a strong resume, and has held a tough line on crime during his tenure as a prosecutor and attorney general, his overall record skews heavily to the right. More disconcerting though is the aggressively partisan manner in which he's conducted his campaign. His brand of in-your-face conservatism might endear him to the right, but it wouldn't be conducive to a fair-minded governorship."

The paper also questioned Jordan's economic plan, saying that cutting taxes and spending would not be enough to spur the economy.

Bob Kozzy, the paper noted, is a proven bipartisan leader. During his short stint as a Conservative federal senator, he frequently worked with Nationalists on a range of bills. And his views, which Kozzy has admitted are more libertarian than either conservative or liberal, are popular with people from all points of the political spectrum.

His fiscally conservative but socially moderate positions are more in line with Bierelanders', and his choice of another former federal senator, Michael Kreighorn, as his running mate shows Kozzy is committed to bringing bipartisanship to Brookings.

"Bob Kozzy and Michael Kreighorn are the best candidates to reform Brookings, to bring genuine bipartisanship to the state capitol, and they are the only candidates who have presented a detailed plan of how they would handle the economy, which is the dominant issue during this election cycle," said the GMP.

Specifically, Kozzy's plan calls for cutting taxes for low and middle-income families and individuals, while maintaining taxes where they are on large corporations, but cutting taxes for small businesses.

Kozzy has also promised to cut spending across the board by 5%, but only after consulting with department heads to make sure the cuts are as painless as possible.

The GMP did acknowledge, however, that Kozzy isn't a perfect candidate.

They cited his occasional angry outbursts, which have occurred during recent debates. The paper chocked up his emotional outbursts to his impassioned views, calling it "righteous indignation."

Kozzy also has few allies in the state legislature or with national party leaders, so he may lack the influence that both Bartholomew and Jordan already have.

Kozzy also has no managerial experience, something his opponents also both have on their resumes.

"We do have reservations about Bob Kozzy. He is far from perfect, but he is the best choice for Biereland at this pivotal time in our state's history," the paper declared.

It wasn't a glowing endorsement, but it was an endorsement nonetheless, and that has the Kozzy campaign feeling optimistic heading into the final two weeks of the race.

"We are honored to have the Greene Mountain Press' endorsement," Kozzy told reporters Saturday at a campaign stop.

The Jordan and Bartholomew campaigns downplayed the endorsement, pointing out that newspaper endorsements usually have little influence on voters' choices.

Each campaign also pointed to endorsements they received from other newspapers across the state.

The Ferriston Harbinger endorsed Bartholomew, as did the Welhausen Liberal-Union, the Coxon County Herald, and the Cedarie Outlook.

Ben Jordan wracked up the most endorsements, including from the state's second-largest newspaper, The Bierelander of Sebotnie, the Auburne Republic, the Avondale Royal Tidings, and the Farnham Daily News. 

Jordan was also backed by the Twin Cities Tribune of Dorchester-Gerbannon, the Barringer Beacon, the Kensington Emissary, and the Courier General of Mecklinburg-Atterbearn.

Overall, newspaper endorsements, and endorsements in general, matter very little. Most voters will make up their own minds. And other than the Greene Mountain Press' surprise endorsement of Kozzy, there have been no other unexpected endorsements in this year's gubernatorial campaign.

All of the state's prominent Nationalists are backing Bartholomew, all prominent Conservatives are supporting Jordan, and no major statewide political figures are backing Kozzy at this time, though he does have the support of a handful of mayors and local officials.

The most recent poll released this weekend by ITS Strategies finds Bartholomew and Jordan neck-and-neck for first place, with Jordan leading 41% to Bartholomew's 40%, and Kozzy's 18%.

The poll suggests no candidate will reach the necessary 45% to win. If that's the case following the general election on December 2, the top two candidates will face a run-off election January 5, 2015 to determine the next governor.

Murray polling much stronger than DeSalle in Kalnier

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Two young Nationalist women, one liberal state. And two very different situations heading into the December elections.

One would think Gov. Karen DeSalle and Sen. Kallie Murray - both up for re-election this year and both the first women to hold their respective positions in Kalnier - would each be struggling in the polls in an election year that favors Conservatives.

But recent polls conducted in the Snow Peak state have found the freshman senator Murray faring much better than her colleague, the freshman governor, Karen DeSalle.

A poll released last week by the University of Kalnier (UK) found Murray leading her CNS challenger, former Lt. Gov. Paul Crisp, by a margin of 59% to 41%.

That's a far cry from the University of Kalnier's governor's race poll released today, which shows Gov. Karen DeSalle trailing her CNS opponent, Tony Ritonio, 49% to 51%.

The conflicting polls have many asking why DeSalle is faring so badly compared to her ally Kallie Murray.

There are several reasons, according to Dr. John Kestell, a political scientist who conducted the UK poll.

First, DeSalle is unpopular at a time of voter unrest, while Murray remains relatively popular.

DeSalle's approval ratings have plummeted since she took office back in 2011, with just 41% of voters approving of her performance in late October. Murray's have fallen somewhat, but remain at a healthier 55%.

Another reason Murray is faring better in the polls is because she faces a lesser known and less significant challenger than does DeSalle.

Paul Crisp is a little-known former lieutenant governor, who served a partial term under former Gov. Joe Gramma (C).

Before being appointed to the lieutenant governorship, Crisp worked as an adviser to Gramma.

The 63-year-old Crisp is not well known, and is comparatively under-funded.

The Conservative Senate Campaign Committee has been reluctant to give his campaign money, as they fear (rightly so) a Crisp victory is unlikely, at best.

Karen DeSalle's opponent, on the other hand, is both well known and well-financed.

A wealthy businessman and entrepreneur, Tony Ritonio first ran for the Senate back in 2008, but lost to then-Sen. Eli Dundree (N).

His failed Senate bid gave him exposure, however, and he has been well known and active in state CNS politics since.

Additionally, Ritonio has broad support from national CNS party leaders and Conservative interest groups, who believe a Ritonio victory is pivotal to the party's national campaign.

Ritonio also has a personal fortune estimated at $23 million, making him a much more formidable opponent than Paul Crisp is to Kallie Murray.

And finally, much of Gov. DeSalle's currently unstable position comes down to personality.

The governor is well known for her combative and take-no-prisoners approach to governing.

During her tenure, and before the governorship as a state senator, DeSalle has been known for ramming legislation through with little to no bipartisan support.

She is well known on Marble Hill as a partisan who has few friends across the aisle.

That's in stark contrast to Kallie Murray, who has built strong bipartisan ties in the Senate. Murray is regarded as a friendly, amicable bipartisan figure in the Senate.

Though her voting record is strongly in line with NAT policies, she has partnered with Conservatives on many projects, including veterans issues, literacy, pediatric healthcare, transportation, sea commerce, and anti-terrorism legislation.

The two young, up-and-coming women, both beloved by Nationalists and both trailblazers in their state, are very different. And so are their opponents.

And that, says Dr. Kestell, is why Kallie Murray is in a much more secure position heading into election night.

"It's going to be a much more comfortable night for Kallie Murray than for Karen DeSalle," says Kestell. "Kallie Murray is almost certain to head back to the Senate. Karen DeSalle may very well lose the governorship."

Despite their very different circumstances, both ladies say they remained committed to helping each other.

Murray has kept her distance from DeSalle throughout the campaign. However, the two did host a "sisters rally" in Lamberth last month to raise support among women, the key electorate to an NAT victory this December.

"We're like sisters," Murray told the NPF. "We believe in the same things, we believe in empowering women, in equality for all, in social justice and education and healthcare. And we're both strong women trying to make it in the male-centric world of politics. So we really identify with each other."

DeSalle said she would continue working closely with Murray if re-elected.

"Kallie and I have partnered together on so many issues, and we will continue the fight if I am returned to Appenbaum. I hope we can continue working together because there is so much more that needs to be done," said DeSalle.

Ritonio blasts own party for racism toward running mate

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Conservative gubernatorial candidate Tony Ritonio ("Rit-tone-yo") lashed out at his own party over the weekend for racist remarks made about his running mate.

In a hastily arranged press conference, a visibly angry Ritonio denounced racist comments made by unnamed party officials about his running mate, state Sen. Len Shigasi (C-Lamberth).

The 56-year-old Shigasi, who represents west Lamberth, is of Japanese-Grassadellian heritage.

According to Kalprechauns, a conservative political blog, a staffer at the state CNS party headquarters leaked a story about several high-ranking leaders in the state Conservative party who privately questioned Ritonio's choice of Shigasi as his running mate because they feared Shigasi's Japanese ethnicity would be a turn off white voters.

"Specifically, these three individuals (who so far have not been identified), were concerned that white voters would be reluctant to vote for an Italian governor and Japanese lieutenant governor," the post on Kalprechauns said, referring to Ritonio and Shigasi.

The article did not identify the staffer, and the staffer did not identify the party leaders, the post said.

But the anonymous story got traction, and gained enough attention for Tony Ritonio to address the issue.

At his press conference Saturday afternoon, Ritonio stood behind Shigasi and emphatically defended his running mate.

"I don't know who said it, or what exact words they said. But I want to say right now that if anyone has an issue with me picking Len Shigasi as my running mate, that's tough luck, because I chose him. He is qualified, he is a distinguished leader, he is an exceptional family man and public servant, and his race and ethnicity should not and will not be an issue in this campaign. If people want to have their own private racist opinions, that's fine. Keep them to yourself. Because this man is a good man, and he has my full support, and I will not let racism be apart of this campaign. Not toward Len, not toward our opponents, not toward anyone. Racism has no place in the Ritonio/Shigasi campaign," said Ritonio.

Shigasi spoke briefly, saying he was saddened his race had become an issue, but said he was moving on.

"I'm not going to let this distract me from the campaign and the issues that are important to Kalnierans," he said.

Ritonio and Shigasi's NAT rivals, Karen DeSalle and Paul Myrick, released a statement condemning the attacks on Shigasi's heritage and applauding their conservative counterparts for taking a stand against racism.

"While we do not see eye to eye on the issues, Paul and I are honored to run against Mr. Ritonio and Mr. Shigasi. No candidate's race or ethnic heritage should be a target for racist and hurtful comments. We are glad that Kalnier is a state that values diversity, and we will support diversity in this campaign, on both sides," the statement read.

While Kalnier's population is overwhelmingly Caucasian, the state's largest city of Lamberth is home to many ethnic minorities. Asian-Grasadellians make up the largest minority group in Kalnier, with Japanese-Grassadellians the largest of the Asian ethnic groups represented.

DeSalle plays defense in first debate

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Endangered Gov. Karen DeSalle found herself playing defense in her first televised debate with Conservative opponent, businessman Tony Ritonio.

The NAT incumbent remains deadlocked in the polls with Ritonio, who has a real chance of winning the governorship in a liberal-leaning state.

During the debate, which was sponsored by the Association of Kalnier Businesses, the two candidates sparred mainly over the economy and fiscal policy.

Ritonio went on the attack early, criticizing Karen DeSalle for a "pathetic" business climate and a failed economic recovery.

"What have you been doing for the past four years, governor?" Ritonio asked DeSalle. "Because it doesn't look like you've been doing anything to fix the economy in this state. We still have burdensome taxes. We still have government bureaucracy and red tape. We're lagging behind Carova in job creation and growth. Kalnierans are hurting financially; our economy is struggling. And Governor DeSalle has been missing in action," said Ritonio.

Appearing highly energized and ready for a fight, Ritonio continued his criticism, hitting the governor on taxes and spending.

"Under Gov. DeSalle, spending has increased significantly, taxes have increased on three-quarters of Kalnierans, but what do we have to show for it? Is our economy back on track? Is government working efficiently and working for the people? I think most Kalnierans would agree that these higher taxes and more spending by Gov. DeSalle has not bought us much except more debt and more problems," said Ritonio.

DeSalle responded, but appeared to be caught off-guard by her challenger's strong criticisms.

At one point, after a lengthy monologue from Ritonio, DeSalle paused for almost 15 seconds, and then said, "I'm not even sure where to begin with all that."

She acknowledged many Kalnierans are struggling in the recession-hit economy.

But the governor insisted the state's economy is improving, and she pointed to a growing population and a recent construction boom as proof.

She also brought up job growth in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors in the greater Lamberth area.

"I'm not sure what Mr. Ritonio means when he says the economy isn't improving. All the indicators show Kalnier's economy is improving. Our housing market is improving, construction has been stronger this year than any year since before the recession. Our population is increasing, people are moving here because they see opportunity. There are so many opportunities in our beautiful state."

DeSalle also hit back about Kalnier's economic recovery in comparison to other states.

Recent numbers released by the federal Department of Labor indicate Carova has had the strongest economic recovery of the northeastern states, but Kalnier's recovery has been more successful than neighboring Lial and Trinton.

On the budget, the governor defended increased spending, but largely dismissed criticism of her tax increases.

"Yes we did increase spending on education, veterans and healthcare. Because I refuse to gut [spending for] these vital programs, which is exactly what Mr. Ritonio will do as governor," said DeSalle.

The governor seemed to get back into the groove in the final minutes of the debate, slamming Ritonio for his connections to big business.

"What Mr. Ritonio won't tell you is that all these tax cuts that he's promising are going to go to big corporations and the top 10% of earners. These tax breaks will not go to the average Kalnieran, to the families, the single mom, the college students working two or three jobs to make ends meet. Mr. Ritonio's tax policy favors the rich," said DeSalle.

Both candidates pledged to nurture small businesses and give aid to families.

Ritonio pledged to cut spending by 8% in his first 100 days in office. He also pledged to cut the governor's salary by 15%.

DeSalle declined to make the same pledges.

Both voiced concern over the level of out-of-state spending in the contentious race, though neither made any specific pledges to stem the flow of outside cash into the race.

A University of Kalnier poll released earlier this week found Karen DeSalle slightly edging Tony Ritiono in a head-to-head match up, 51% to 49%, well within the margin of error.

Most political analysts rate Kalnier's gubernatorial race as a "toss-up."

Halitz loses hand recount, will run as Independent

DEROSA, East Deschire -- Conservative Sen. Denna Halitz has lost a hand recount in her Senate primary race.

East Deschire Secretary of State Jenny Sinderman today certified the results of the recount, which was conducted at the request of Halitz, after she lost an earlier machine recount to challenger Nancy Lindselli.

The final tally from the hand recount - which will be the official vote tally - has Lindselli winning with 50.44% or 186,991, and Halitz ending with 49.56% or 183,714.

Sinderman certified the results today, and reiterated her confidence in the outcome of the hand recount.

"I'm confident the final count from the hand recount is accurate," said Sinderman.

The hand recount was requested by Halitz, who initially was declared the winner a week after primary election day, drawing 50.5% to Nancy Lindselli's 49.5%.

After the original count, Lindselli, a former senator, requested and paid for a machine recount, which found her to be the winner, by a margin of 50.3% to 49.7%.

A desperate Halitz then requested - and also paid for - a more in-depth hand recount, which is considered a more accurate method of counting than a machine.

Last week, Lindselli was found to be the winner of the hand recount, having gained a small amount of votes.

Denna Halitz spent the last week considering her options - either concede and accept defeat, or launch an uphill Independent campaign for the Senate.

Today, the incumbent, who is seeking a second term, announced she will run as an Independent in the fall general election.

"Now is not the time for surrender. I have a vision for this state, for this country, and I intend to show the people of East Deschire over the next three months why they should send me back to the Senate, and why my opponent's partisanship and divisive ideological warfare is not right for East Deschire," said Halitz, referring to Lindselli's hard-hitting political style.

During her news conference, Halitz did not mention her NAT opponent, Assemblywoman Donna Rae Cobb (who represents the Hansboro-based seat of Forkwich), by name.

"East Deschireans deserve to have a choice in this election, and the choices couldn't be more clear. On the one side, we have a radical, bitter partisan, whose only goal is to go to Mavocke and give fiery speeches, trash-talk President Menuhaeo and oppose every bill from the Nationalists out of spite.

"On the other side, we have the exact opposite. We have someone who will rubber stamp everything President Menuhaeo and the Nationalists propose," said Halitz, referring to Cobb.

"And now I'm giving the voters a third choice. A proven conservative who loves East Deschire and will vote for what's right for East Deschire. I won't be an automatic 'no' vote and I won't be an automatic 'yes' vote. I won't obstruct the president, but I won't rubber stamp everything he wants either. I will vote for what's right for this state. I will oppose President Menuhaeo when he's wrong, and I'll back him up when he's right. But I won't demonize him and call him names and vote no just to be a thorn in his side. That's not the type behavior we need in a senator. We need someone who's compassionate, thoughtful, objective, professional, respectful to their colleagues, open-minded, and someone who's willing to partner with the other side if it means getting things done," said Halitz.

She continued: "I am here today to announce that I will continue my campaign for the Senate as an Independent. I accept the results of the multiple vote counts, and I accept that I have lost the nomination of the Conservative party. But I do not believe I have lost the support of Conservatives. I still have a vision, I still have a strategy to fight for East Deschire, and I believe now is the time to rise to the challenge rather than back down and let partisan politics win.

"This won't be an easy campaign. It will be very difficult. I will have two opponents to focus on, and neither one of them is overly fond of me. But I will spend these next few months showing the people of East Deschire why they should send me back to Mavocke. And I intend to make my case to the voters."

Halitz's Independent bid will not be easy. Third party candidates have a mixed record of winning state-wide elections, although there have been recent exceptions.

Sen. Niles Gilcrest lost his primary race in 2010 to a more conservative opponent, but continued in the campaign as an Independent and won re-election in a three-way race.

Also in 2010, George Reedsworth, a moderate Conservative assemblyman from Trinton, lost his Senate primary race to a more socially conservative challenger, but went one to win the general election as an Independent.

Still, Sen. Michael Kreighorn (N-Biereland) lost his three-way race after losing the NAT nomination in 2010.

And in 2008, Carova Sen. Lee Schefsky (C) ran as an Independent but ultimately lost his bid for re-election.

Nonetheless, Halitz is optimistic about her chances.

"I think the voters will choose the best candidate, and I believe that candidate is me," she told a local radio DJ in Doylestown.

Nancy Lindselli also spoke with the media Thursday, saying she's "elated" her earlier recount victory was upheld in the hand recount.

"The voters have spoken. They chose me as the Conservative nominee, and I am honored to be nominated for the Grassadellian Federal Senate. I'm very pleased that both the machine recount and the hand recount came out in my favor. I'm somewhat disappointed that Denna Halitz has chosen to continue her campaign against the voters' wishes. She lost the election but is continuing on, and I'm disappointed that Denna didn't respect the will of the voters. But she has made her choice, and now we move on to the general election, and I look forward to the campaign. The wind is in the sails and we sail on full-steam ahead," said a confident Lindselli.

"The winds of change are in the air," she added.

Donna Rae Cobb (N), who is less known than her two conservative opponents and has so far stayed out of the CNS civil war, declined to comment on the intra-party battle between Halitz and Lindselli.

In a statement to the media, Cobb simply congratulated Lindselli on winning the CNS nomination, and congratulated Halitz on her Independent bid.

"I look forward to a very lively and spirited campaign," said Cobb.

Under East Deschire law, a candidate must receive 50% of the vote plus 1 to be declared the winner. If no candidate wins 50% plus 1 in the general election, a run-off election between the top two candidates will take place.

In order for the beleaguered Halitz to win, she will have to win more votes than Nancy Lindselli while also holding Donna Rae Cobb (N) under 50% of the vote. Then she will have to win a run-off election.

The same holds true for Lindselli, who must also win more votes than Denna Halitz and at the same time, keep Cobb from winning a majority of the votes, and then turn around and win a run-off election.

The election now strongly favors Cobb, as her two conservative opponents will likely split the conservative vote.

Though East Deschire is overall conservative-leaning, voters have elected several centrist Nationalists to state-wide office in recent years, including Gov. Lynn DeMont, Attorney General Rocky Morin, and Sens. Allison Sweeten and Portia McLendon.

Cobb, also a centrist, is hoping to position herself as a stable and likable alternative to her two conservative challengers.

Lindselli is hoping to ride an anti-Mavocke, anti-Menuhaeo, anti-NAT wave back to Mavocke.

Meanwhile, Lindselli will likely try to appeal to moderate Conservatives and Independents, and will continue to tout her accomplishments and her record as someone who "gets things done" for the Harvest State.

What's unclear is which, if either, of the candidates the CNS Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC) will back with support and fundraising.

Since Halitz lost the CNS nomination, it's doubtful she will retain the CSCC's support.

However, Lindselli defied Senate Minority Leader Jay Burns and other top CNS senators when she announced her primary challenge to Halitz.

Burns and other prominent party officials had privately and publicly asked Lindselli not to run against Halitz for the sake of party unity.

That decision may cost Lindselli the backing of the CSCC, which is expected to announce its general election strategy for East Deschire seat in the coming days.

12-year-old boy shot, killed by police in suburban Berivian

ARCH-HAMPTON, Deschire -- An adolescent boy is dead after an officer-involved shooting near Berivian.

The Berivian Emblem Herald first broke the story late Thursday afternoon, reporting an adolescent male had been shot by an officer in the city of Arch-Hampton, directly across the Dalcrumb River from Berivian on the river's eastern shore.

Arch-Hampton Police confirmed 12-year-old Michael Arman was shot by an AHPD officer in the Railyards industrial neighborhood at 4:37 pm western time.

As often the case with fast-moving stories, there was confusion surrounding the details of the incident.

Some media outlets initially reported the victim was an unarmed Black male, but police say Arman was armed with a handgun, and the Anleigh County Coroner confirmed Arman was Hispanic and Caucasian, not Black.

What led to the shooting is still unclear. Arch-Hampton Police Chief Chuck Musgrove told local media an officer was on routine patrol in the Railyards industrial area when he saw a young man smashing empty beer bottles on railroad tracks.

The officer, who has not yet been identified, reportedly stopped his vehicle and walked up to Arman to inquire why he was smashing bottles.

What happened after that is unknown.

The officer in question told his superior commanders Arman drew a gun and attempted to fire at the officer but the gun malfunctioned. The officer then shot the suspect three times in the chest and leg.

Police say two GrassWest rail workers, who were more than 100 yards away at the time, are the only known eye-witnesses.

"This happened in a very industrial area with a lot of machinery and empty warehouses around, and not very many people. So we don't believe there were very many people who saw what happened, but obviously, any witnesses who saw this even transpire, we would very much like to speak with them," said Musgrove.

"Based on what we know now, [the shooting] happened very quickly. There was not much time to think, and there was not much communication between the officer and the suspect before shots were fired," added Musgrove."

Michael Arman was rushed to a local hospital but died upon arrival.

The Anleigh County Sheriff's Department has now taken over the investigation.

Investigation protocol requires a neighboring law enforcement agency to investigate in such situations.

The Anleigh County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Late Thursday evening, a group of family and friends created a memorial of flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals at the sight of the shooting in memory of Michael Arman, who was a student at Timothy Watkins Junior High School just a few miles away.

Friday night, a larger candle-light vigil was held near the scene to honor Arman. More than 300 people attended.

Friends of the Arman family are outraged at what they call an act of police brutality.

"Michael was just a kid. A sweet kid. He would never hurt anyone. He had respect for authority. This was police brutality plain and simple," Mike Fain, a friend of the Arman family, told WBER-TV.

Outrage over the shooting death has been pervasive in Arch-Hampton, where 57% of the city's population are minorities.

An eruption of activity exploded on Facebook and Twitter, as hundreds and then thousands of people expressed anger at what many consider an act of excessive force.

Back at the scene, Mike Fain set up a camp of sorts across the street from the shooting site, because he fears the police will alter the crime scene or manipulate evidence to justify the shooting.

"You can't trust these guys. They're liars and manipulators. They will do whatever it takes to defend their own, even when they are completely in the wrong," said Fain.

Police said they would allow Fain and his supporters - which numbered about 50 people yesterday and almost 100 people Friday - to assemble and protest across the street, as long as they remain peaceful, stay within the park boundaries, and do not interfere with traffic or the investigation across the street.

Parks in the city close at dusk, and police emphasized that the crowd should disburse at dusk.

Authorities have been monitoring the situation, which they fear could grow into a mass-protest, similar to the rioting and widespread looting that occurred earlier this week in Ferguson, Missouri in the United States over the shooting death of a Black teenager by a white police officer.

That shooting has rocketed Ferguson, a normally quiet suburb of St. Louis, to the forefront of international headlines in recent days, with Missouri's governor calling in the National Guard to help quell the violence, and Barack Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder visiting to reassure a thorough and fair investigation.

So far, there has been no looting or rioting at the scene of Michael Arman's death. But local law enforcement are keeping an eye on the situation as it develops.

"We want people to be able to exercise their right to freedom of speech and protest. They have that right, it's guaranteed in the Constitution. But we also want the investigators to have easy and safe access to the crime scene, so they can do their very crucial work in a safe environment without interruption, interference or threats of violence," said Anleigh County Sheriff Paul Wymer.

Deschire Gov. Jan Beamer was also briefed on the shooting Thursday evening. A spokesman from her office told the Emblem Herald the governor is receiving regular updates on the unfolding situation, and may ask the Deschire State Police Coroner's Office to conduct a second autopsy.

"It's always sad anytime there is an officer-involved shooting. It's sad for the victim, it's sad for the officer involved, and it's sad for friends and family and the community. It's very stressful, a very emotional situation, and we want feelings to be respected but we also want the integrity of the investigation upheld, and what we absolutely do not want is violence," Zach Kramer, spokesman for Gov. Beamer's office, said in an email.

Bartholomew will face Ben Jordan in Biereland governor race

BROOKINGS, Biereland -- As expected, Biereland Attorney General Ben Jordan easily won the Conservative nomination for governor in a tense three-way race.

Biereland's secretary of state reported Jordan winning with just 41% of the vote. Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco trailed with 34% and former Sen. Bob Kozzy came in a distant third with 24%.

According to Biereland law, a candidate must receive at least 45% of the popular vote in a general election to win. But in a primary election, whichever candidate wins the most vote - even if they receive less than 45% - wins the nomination.

Jordan was expected to win the primary competition, although in recent weeks the race had been heating up following a highly-publicized war of words between Jordan and his most out-spoken rival, Bob Kozzy.

The very public back-and-forth between Jordan and Kozzy only increased tension between the two. And despite his best attempt, Rich DeFrancesco, who entered the race late, was unable to break into first place while his opponents' bickered.

Much of the disagreement between the two men came down to policy differences. Jordan, who has broad appeal among party establishment and conservative base voters, has focused his campaign on crime and public safety.

Meanwhile, Kozzy, who is fiscally conservative but socially moderate and has an admittedly libertarian bent, has focused his campaign on taxes, jobs and fighting corruption.

The former senator has been steadfast in his criticism of Jordan for being too cozy with party establishment, and lacking accountability.

Jordan has framed Kozzy as a quirky, eccentric left-wing liberal masquerading as a Conservative.

DeFrancesco, for his part, sought to portray himself as a compromise candidate - more conservative than Kozzy to appease the party base, but not as staunchly conservative and strong-headed as Ben Jordan.

DeFrancesco's plan looked good on paper, but failed to produce a win.

The Jordan campaign confirmed their candidate received a congratulatory call from Rich DeFrancesco. They could not confirm if they received a similar call from Bob Kozzy.

At his victory speech in Brantley, an eastern Brookings suburb, Ben Jordan wasted no time attacking his NAT opponent, Gov. San Bartholomew.

"This is the first step on the road to victory. Come this fall, we will take back Biereland. We will show San Bartholomew the door. And we will overturn all of his failed policies, from timber restrictions to taking away our gun rights, to same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization, and we'll overturn all of his devastating, burdensome tax hikes and red tape too," said a laughing, determined Jordan.

Neither same-sex marriage or marijuana have been legalized in Biereland, but a measure will be on the ballot this year seeking to legalize marijuana. And a same-sex marriage measure is being drafted for the 2016 elections, if it's not legalized before then by the state's legislature.

The Bartholomew campaign released a short, to-the-point statement:

"Bierelanders will have a very clear choice this fall when they go to the polls. They can elect a governor who believes in the common good and fighting for all Bierelanders, or they can elect a governor who panders to an ultra-conservative, right-wing electorate and wishes to impose his radical views on all our citizens. It's an obvious choice."

Polls have shown a close race between Bartholomew and Jordan heading into the fall election. Biereland is rated a "toss-up" state by most political analysts.

Pyatt wins East Deschire gubernatorial runoff election

RIDGEVIEW, East Deschire -- A conservative congressman from western East Deschire will be the CNS nominee for governor, after winning a close runoff election.

Assemblyman Sam Pyatt, who represents the Ridgeview-area electorate of Pittsgol in the panhandle region, defeated Christenkerr Mayor Phil Qwenberry in an upset victory that surprised party officials and pundits alike.

With 100% of precincts reporting, Pyatt - who has strong conservative credentials but also has close ties to the party establishment - led 52.05% to 47.95%, or 117,173 votes to 107,922 for Qwenberry, who is more moderate but also has connections with party leadership.

Both candidates were seen by party leaders as an acceptable nominee to challenge incumbent Gov. Lynn DeMont (N), who is seeking a third but second four-year term.

Qwenberry gave a concession speech in his hometown of Christenkerr at 11:00 pm.

A mayor and longtime political and business figure in the Vandershutes region of the state, Qwenberry thanked his supporters, congratulated his opponent, but did not pledge to support Pyatt in the general election.

Across the state, 350 miles northwest of Christenkerr, Pyatt celebrated his win at a hotel in downtown Ridgeview.

Also thanking his opponent, Pyatt asked for unity as the general election nears.

"At the end of the day, we're all Conservatives, and we all want to advance the vision we have for this state," said Pyatt.

His narrow victory came as a surprise to most, as he trailed Qwenberry in polls following the June 28 primary election.

In the primary, Qwenberry won a plurality of the vote, with 35.69%.

Pyatt finished second with 29.47%, followed by former Sen. Roger Gzarno (21.51%) and Iraq War veteran Tim Hutsell (13.33%).

Despite a high turn out of more than 374,000 CNS voters, no candidate won the necessary 40% of the vote as required by East Deschire law, triggering an automatic runoff election between the two top candidates.

Most polls up until this week showed Pyatt trailing Qwenberry anywhere from 4 to 12 points.

Many questioned Pyatt's ability to win, being tied to Mavocke as an assemblyman during a time when Congress' approval ratings are dismal.

Coming from the western side of the state, which is significantly less populated than the eastern side, was also seen as an obstacle for the underdog.

Pyatt's opponents tried to tie him to Mavocke in an effort to highlight his connection to Congressional gridlock and voters distrust of the bodies.

But the 6-term assemblyman fought back, voicing his staunch opposition to President Brenton Menuhaeo and Assembly Nationalists, and listing his accomplishments in Mavocke - including securing funding for jobs training, nuclear research, and the newly-constructed Ducott Medical Center in Ridgeview.

Pyatt also touted bills he wrote, which include laws that preserve gun and property rights and expand timber production in the timber-rich panhandle.

While he won the runoff election by almost 10,000 votes, Pyatt had a mediocre showing in his native territory, winning only three of the 11 counties that make up the panhandle region.

However, he did win in the two most populated counties of the panhandle, Seskennan County and neighboring Yarwood County.

Elsewhere across the state, Pyatt won mostly rural counties, though he did receive a sizable victory in Selkford County, the state's most populous. He also won Lewaina County (home to the state capital Derosa), and nearby Darrich County, the fourth-most populous county in the state.

Qwenberry easily won Matthieson County, which encompasses the Doylestown-Bridgeworth metro area, the second-largest in the state. He also captured Mardeau County, which includes the Dillingham-Dunham metro area, by almost 20 points.

The southeastern corner of the state went mostly for Phil Qwenberry, with 11 counties in the 16-county region backing the Christenkerr mayor.

Exit polls show the race was less about regional differences and more about age. Older voters supported Pyatt by a large margin, younger and middle-aged voters favored Qwenberry.

Throughout the campaign, both candidates criticized Gov. Lynn DeMont for being distracted from his duties as governor with national ambitions. They specifically cited his role as the chairman of the Nationalist Governors Association (NATGA), a position which involves a lot of out-of-state travel for party fundraisers and functions.

Pyatt preached fiscal restraint and limiting federal intrusion in state affairs while on the campaign trail, while Qwenberry campaigned heavily on a lower taxes and pro-business platform, something that won him strong support from younger families and entrepreneurs.

But that support from younger voters was not enough to off-set Pyatt's advantage with older voters, who make up a disproportionately large percentage of the CNS primary electorate.

The Conservative Governors Association (CGA) is expected to announce Monday that it will throw its support behind Pyatt. It's unclear just how much money and resources the national party is willing to devote to the general election.

Recent polls have shown Gov. Lynn DeMont leading Pyatt in a head-to-head match up, but most polls have also shown Pyatt within striking distance.

The DeMont campaign may have gotten its dream candidate in Pyatt, as they can now tie the Conservative assemblyman to the government dysfunction in Mavocke.

Supporters of Pyatt say voters will look past his connection to Mavocke because his conservative voting record is in line with East Deschire's conservative electoral tilt.

Dr. Kerry Rudgley, chair of the Edinough School of Government at Dulkalow University, currently rates the 2014 East Deschire gubernatorial race as "Leans NAT." The race was previously rated "NAT Favored."

Halitz holds off Lindselli in nail-biter primary, recount possible

CHRISTENKERR, East Deschire -- After millions of dollars and many troubling polls, incumbent Conservative Sen. Denna Halitz has held on to win the CNS primary, fending off an insurgent opponent, former Sen. Nancy Lindselli.

With 98% of precincts reporting, Halitz was leading 50.5% to 49.3%.

East Deschire Secretary of State Jenny Sinderman cautioned the numbers are unofficial, but confirmed there were only about 2,000 votes left to count statewide. Halitz was leading by more than 4,000 votes as of last count, meaning she will be declared the winner, barring a court challenge or a recount.

At her victory rally at the Bryant Center in Christenkerr, Halitz said she was cautiously optimistic she would be declared the winner.

"I think when the dust settles, we will come out on top," she said.

Up in Hansboro at her election night party, Lindselli refused to concede and said her staff was monitoring the results for irregularities. She declined to say if she would seek legal action or ask for a recount.

"The integrity of this election needs to be upheld no matter the cost," she told reporters outside the Manhattan Center, where her celebration was held.

East Deschire election law stipulates that if the margin of victory is one half of one percent - or 0.05% - or less, an automatic recount will take place.

The Lindselli campaign could also ask for a machine recount or a hand recount, but would have to pay upfront for either.

If the outcome changes and Lindselli emerges the winner upon the recount, the cost of the recount would be refunded to the candidate.

It's unclear what, if any, action the Lindselli campaign will take.

After narrowly losing her seat to Nationalist Allison Sweeten during the 2012 election, Lindselli quickly set her sights on a primary challenge to Halitz, who is a celebrated moderate within the party.

After months of speculation and suspense, Lindselli finally filed the necessary paperwork earlier this spring to challenge Halitz.

The race got off to an ugly start, with Lindselli attacking Halitz for being too moderate, neglecting her constituents by not spending enough time back home in East Deschire, and being "an accessory to the liberal takeover of this country."

Halitz defended her record in an attempt to rebuff her opponent's attacks.

The incumbent did, however, admit that she had not spent enough time on East Deschire soil and was spending too much time in Mavocke because of the political engagements and Senate duties.

"I should be back home more, and I do sincerely apologize for getting too wrapped up in my Senate duties," said Halitz. "My primary responsibility, as a representative of the people of East Deschire, is to engage with them, dialogue with them and understand their needs and concerns so I can better serve them. And to do that, I need to spend more time on the ground here at home."

The unfriendly fight continued, with Halitz likening Lindselli's attacks to "friendly fire" and a "character assassination."

Lindselli continued her criticisms, calling out Halitz for not opposing tax increases, not defending gun rights, and not opposing the federal government enough.

"If you're going to vote like a Nationalist, then you might as well call yourself one. Don't pose as something you're not," Lindselli said during a debate at the Astle Center in Hansboro last month.

The two rivals turned up the intensity back in March when they crossed paths at the annual Spring Skeet Shoot-out in the small town of Earl in rural Rocky Hills County, just north of Ridgeview.

Lindselli appeared more comfortable with a gun and seemed right at home among the gun-slingers, while Halitz seemed, to many, to only be at the event to strengthen her image as pro-gun.

"Denna Halitz was definitely out of her element at the shoot-out. That really cemented Nancy Lindselli as the more gun supportive candidate," said one CNS source, who asked not to be identified because of party media rules.

In the last few weeks of the race, Halitz crisscrossed the state, attacking the Brenton Menuhaeo administration and Nationalists in Congress for what she called their out-of-control spending, growing welfare rolls, and encroachment on state sovereignty.

"I believe this administration is so out of touch with the average East Deschirean and the average Grassadellian. President Menuhaeo just fundamentally does not understand rural issues and the issues facing hard-working, middle class citizens, particularly in western states like East Deschire," said Halitz in a televised debate in Doylestown in May.

Halitz also sought to portray her frequent bipartisanship as a strength, not a weakness.

"I don't believe the people of East Deschire sent me to Mavocke to just vote 'no' on everything President Menuhaeo and the Nationalists propose. They sent me to Mavocke to get things done. To find common ground and pass legislation, to work with other senators to get bills through, and to get results for our state and to stand up for our rights. I have done that from day one.

"I have stood up for our civil liberties. I have stood up for our military families and our veterans. I have stood up for our farmers and agriculture industry, which is so vital to our state. I have stood up for our children and our college students and our seniors. But if you're asking why I have not opposed every single bill that has been touched by a Nationalist, the answer is because that's stupid and that's wrong. I support a conservative agenda, but I don't support just voting 'no' because I don't like the president or the other side," said Halitz.

For her part, Lindselli - whose campaign launch was delayed after she was injured in an auto accident and subsequently hospitalized back in January - portrayed Halitz as out of touch and too cozy with Nationalists.

"Denna has acted as a moderate since she got into office. She doesn't support a conservative agenda. She supports a moderate agenda. But this is East Deschire. We're a conservative state. If you want to be a moderate, then you should represent a state like New Portsmouth or Damoign. If you're going to support the president's agenda, then you should either become a member of his party or get a job working for him in Collester. But don't use your position as a representative of East Deschire as a way to advance an agenda that your constituents don't support," said Lindselli during a radio interview on June 8.

Despite the heated tone of the debate, the candidates do agree on many issues. Both generally support a strong military and favor lower taxes. Both have been strongly supportive of East Deschire's agricultural sector, and both have been critical of Nationalists for ramming their agenda through the Senate with little participation or input from the minority Conservative Party.

In the end, it came down to tone. Lindselli's more combative tone was welcomed by more hard-line voters who welcomed her tough stance against the president and Nationalists. But her no-nonsense style was a turn-off for party moderates.

"Nancy Lindselli is more conservative, which favored her in a primary election. But she's also feisty and a bit militant, and that can be a good thing or a bad thing," said Dr. Tim Thomas of East Deschire State University in Clawfield. "I think Denna Halitz won voters over, ultimately, with her nice, gentle tone compared to Lindselli's gruff, almost abrasive tone."

The differences between the two were not just political, but also generational, as Lindselli is 76 years old compared to the much younger Halitz, 44.

Older voters, who trend more conservative, were strongly in favor of Lindselli, while younger and middle-aged voters favored Halitz.

Regional differences also came into play, with Lindselli finding strong support in the northeastern part of the state, where she hails from.

Halitz swept the southeastern third of the state, which encompasses her native Christenkerr.

The candidates almost evenly split the panhandle region.

Linselli won a majority in the three most populous counties - Selkford, Matthieson and Mardeau.

Halitz took Lewaina County - home to the state capital Derosa - and also won Darrich County, which includes the twin cities of Port Sehela and Poole.

Both women won their home counties, with Halitz taking almost 80% of the vote in her native Riona County and Lindselli receiving a less impressive but respectable 61% in Begoran County.

Turnout was high for a non-presidential election year, according to Secretary Sinderman. She estimated turnout in the CNS primary to be about 55% of eligible registered CNS voters, or roughly 370,000 voters.

Biereland gubernatorial candidates trade insults

GERBANNON, Biereland - They're supposed to be setting their sights on their Nationalist opponent. But instead, Conservative gubernatorial candidates Ben Jordan and Bob Kozzy (pronounced "Cause-ee") are aiming their ammunition at each other.

Jordan - the state's attorney general - and Kozzy - a former senator - are running for the CNS nomination for governor. They are joined by Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco, who has largely stayed out of the limelight.

The winner of the three-way primary will take on Nationalist Gov. San Bartholomew, who is seeking a second term.

It's unclear if it's a good thing or bad thing, but DeFrancesco has largely stayed out of the fray, while Jordan (who is the favored candidate), and Kozzy duke it out in a bruising primary race.

And this weekend, the insults were flying through the air.

Appearing together at a candidate forum in Gerbannon in the state's north-central region, Jordan called Kozzy a "kook" for his anti-government conspiracy theories and his belief in UFOs.

Kozzy returned the favor by labeling Jordan "an arrogant windbag," and saying Jordan panders to the far right with gimmicks and "political theatre."

"(Ben Jordan) excites the base of the party by filing frivolous lawsuits against the federal government. And he gives rousing speeches that denounce the president or the governor with almost hate-like passion. And why does he do these things? Because he knows it will energize the base and get them excited for his campaign. But it's merely pandering. It's not genuine. He knows these lawsuits will go nowhere. He knows he shouldn't be speaking ill of the governor or the president in a hateful manner. But he does it anyway for political gain and it's reprehensible."

Kozzy continued, "If all you want is a dramatic monologue or an Oscar-worthy performance, then vote for Ben Jordan. But if you want real change that will restore this state and bring it back from the precipice of disaster, vote for me. Because that's what I plan to do as governor."

Jordan then jabbed Kozzy with a tongue-in-cheek UFO joke.

"Tell me, Bob, will you nominate any extra-terrestrials to serve in your cabinet if you're elected?"

The laughter and applause from some of the crowd did not hide the animosity between the two strikingly different candidates.

Meanwhile, back in Brookings, Mayor Rich DeFrancesco also jumped into the ring with his own take on the Jordan-Kozzy feud.

"While Ben Jordan and Bob Kozzy were in Gerbannon debating the possibility of alternative life forms, Rich DeFrancesco spent the weekend meeting with voters in Brookings - talking about issues that matter to people: the economy, jobs, roads, infrastructure, health care, education, taxes. These are the issues Bierelanders care about."

San Bartholomew was asked about the infighting among his Conservative opponents. He joked with reporters that he would be calling an "inter-planetary conference" and would invite Jordan and Kozzy to appear.

Sen. Chambers criticizes administration over 'power vacuum' at Foreign Affairs Office

FAIRFIELD, South Ceona - A top NAT senator is taking the Menuhaeo administration to task for what he perceives to be a "power vacuum" at the office of Foreign Affairs.

Appearing on the GBC's Landscape with Jim Danderfield, centrist Nationalist Sen. Vic Chambers of South Ceona said the president is taking too long to name a nominee for Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Currently, Deputy Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett is serving in an interim role, until the president announces his nominee.

Hunter-Garrett assumed in the interim position after former Secretary Jim McCaren stepped down back in February.

"I respect the president and I think he's a good man. And I respect Deputy Secretary Hunter-Garrett. But I'm concerned that our country has gone several months now without a formal leader at the Office of Foreign Affairs. It gives the appearance of a power vacuum at the Foreign Affairs Office and that weakens our image and our influence," said Chambers.

Hunter-Garrett is doing a "fine job" for the time-being, Chambers said. But he would prefer the president nominate a candidate with more experience in diplomacy.

"The Deputy Secretary is very knowledgeable, but we really need someone who has experience as a diplomat, not just a professor," said Chambers.

Hunter-Garrett was a the chair of the International Affairs program at Kinn College prior to taking the deputy secretary post.

Chambers, who is up for re-election in 2014, also urged President Menuhaeo and the international community to do more to help ease the tension in Ukraine, following Russia's forceful annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

"I think we ought to be doing more instead of just sitting idly by while (Vladimir) Putin takes what doesn't belong to him," said Chambers. "We don't have to send thousands of troops over there, but we could do more than just freezing assets in Western bank accounts."

Chambers has no opponent yet in the fall race. Several no-name Conservatives are running to challenge him in November. But he is considered potentially vulnerable, since South Ceona is a more conservative state and the minority party (the CNS this go-round) historically fares better in mid-term elections (2014 is a mid-term election).

In other words, he's not considered vulnerable yet. But he could face a tough fight for re-election, depending on which CNS candidate wins the primary and how much money party leaders and conservative activists are willing to spend on the race.

Earlier this year, rumors were circulating that Chambers might switch parties and become a Conservative. A spokeswoman for his campaign shot down that idea, saying in a statement that "Vic Chambers is running for re-election as a Nationalist, and he is proud to be a Nationalist."

Meanwhile, also appearing on Landscape next to Chambers, was another senator who is up for re-election this year.

Conservative-turned-Democratic-Reformist Sen. Paul Ludtke of Ansleigha expressed similar sentiments about the lack of a Foreign Affairs nominee, but disagreed with Chambers on the Ukraine crisis.

"The last thing we need to do is up the rhetoric and make a military provocation. The days of Grassadellia and the United States being the world's policemen are over. Those days ended when George W. Bush and Dan Byelle left office, and we don't want to bring them back," said Ludtke. "What we need to do is put pressure on Russia diplomatically and through the seizure and freezing of assets, and also through other economic sanctions. Hit them in the pocket book. And build international public opinion against them so they are forced to stop this very provocative move."

Ludtke added that Russia's invasion of Crimea was "absolutely unjust, and a total violation of international law." But he cautioned against military involvement by Western powers.

"Military involvement should be a last resort, and I don't think we're at that point yet. But obviously, if Putin keeps marching across Europe swallowing up countries like Hitler did in the 1940's, then that would be an appropriate time to act swiftly and with decisiveness."

Ludtke was a moderate Conservative until switching parties four years ago after what he called the "lunacy of the Conservative Party" and its "obsession" with social issues.

Holding mostly libertarian views, Ludtke is an accountant and CPA by trade, and also an adjunct professor of Economics at Randolph College in Ansleigha. He is fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

It's unclear who Ludtke's opponent(s) will be in the coming fall election. Former senate candidates Mark Altberg and Jon Schauman, both Nationalists, are thought to be considering a run against him. Schauman narrowly lost to Ludtke in 2010.

Conservatives are also planning to challenge Ludtke. Former Assemblywoman McKendra Brown, a moderate pro-choice Conservative who represented the seat of Gowlinson, which encompasses Koeurn, the state's largest city, is mulling a bid.

Current Assemblywoman Tara Burlingame of Chadwick and the Donsides, an electorate based in southwest Ansleigha's coal country, is also considering a run.

However, there is concern among some in the CNS that some of Burlingame's more libertarian views may overlap with Lutke's. and that she may have more in common with the incumbent than preferred, though Burlingame is decisively more conservative on social issues.

Whichever candidates win each parties' respective nominations, the Senate race in Ansleigha will be one worth watching. A likely three-way race could result in either a close finish, or a split centre-right vote, which would virtually hand the seat to the Nationalists, who hold a sizable majority of seats in the upper house.

Penora urges legislature to approve record education spending

RODDITCH, Damoign -- Deeming education "the moral calling of our time," Damoign Gov. Rod Penora (N) urged members of the state legislature to approve his education budget amendment by the end of May 2014.

Penora's budget calls for a record $20 billion in education spending. That's more than the $19.6 billion for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, and more than the $18.8 billion spent under former Gov. Sid Hoffa (C) during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

During a speech at Mellenbank University in Rodditch in the state's north-central region, Gov. Penora said education is "the cornerstone upon which all society is driven."

"The origin of our society and the rules by which it is governed are traced back to a well-educated populace, and we have the moral responsibility to make sure education is a top priority. And that's why I am proposing, and urging the members of the legislature, to pass this record education budget, because we have to put our children first," said Penora.

With a population of 20 million people, Damoign is by far the most populous state in the country. The state has almost 4 million school age children from pre-school to secondary school.

Of the $20 billion proposed by Penora, $1 billion would go to universal pre-kindergarten funding, while some $1.2 billion would go to after-school programs. Another $990 million would go to alternative education opportunities, for students who excel in non-traditional educational settings.

But while many education lobbyists and members of the governor's party support his increased education spending, predictably, not everyone is happy.

Critics say, among other things, the budget increases spending without focusing on unsatisfactory test scores and graduation rates.

"You can't just throw money at education and think that's going to help the problem. We have more children ever before who are struggling to meet proficiency in math, science and social studies, and we have the worst graduation rates we've ever had. And the governor and his supporters just want to spend more money. They think that's the answer, and that's not the answer. That's a very rudimentary approach to an extremely complex problem," state Sen. Jim Mastinos, a Conservative from the Columbus area in south-central Damoign, told The Grassadellia City Times.

Others say the budget has too much money going toward teacher pensions, and widens the gap between urban and rural schools.

"What we're seeing in the governor's budget is increased spending and a primary focus on urban schools, especially in the greater Merryton Valley area, while schools in the downstate region and in rural counties seem to get the short end of the stick funding-wise," said Sheila Jackson-Weiler, an education lobbyist for Cooperative Solutions, an education think tank in north Damoign.

The governor's proposed budget also provides little spending for home-schooled students, according to advocates.

"It's no secret that Governor Penora is not a fan of home-schooling or private schools. He is overtly and unapologetically in favour of state-funded education, and adamantly opposed to any other options for students or parents," Chris Skimpson of the National Home-School Association told the National Press Foundation (NPF).

Penora's office shot down those claims, with the governor's appointed Education Secretary Clive Dillard telling The Grassadellia City Times editorial board that the governor wants an "equal-access, equal opportunity education system equal to none" in any other state.

"These criticisms are based out of fear of the unknown and also just plain ignorance. Perhaps these opponents of the governor's education priorities need to read the budget. If only they'd do that, they would see that the governor is putting all school children first. He supports students, he supports teachers, he supports the teachers unions, and he wants Damoign to have a first-rate, landmark education system that is not equaled in any other state," Secretary Dillard said.

State Senate Minority Leader James Tiberias of Tolston said there are portions of the education budget that he favours and portions he would like to edit.

"Some of it is good, some of it needs re-working, and I hope the governor and the majority party will be open to re-working the budget in a bipartisan fashion," said Tiberias.

Dr. Deborah Calkins, PhD and superintendent of Grassadellia City Public Schools, the largest district in the nation, said she was pleased with the budget.

"It's nice to have a governor in office who truly understands the importance of education funding on a state level," said Calkins.

The state's largest teachers union, the Damoign Education Association (DEA), is also satisfied with the proposed budget.

"This budget needs to be approved and it needs to be done quickly so we can plan for the future," Donna Alboy, the DEA's executive director, told the Times.

The governor told the NPF he is open to working with Conservatives but won't "piss around" with the issue.

Penora, in his second year as governor, is known for his off-colour remarks and antagonistic language toward political opponents.

Actress Sofia Gloriares under fire for comments about race

GRASSADELLIA CITY - It was supposed to be a typical celebrity magazine interview. But while Glamour's sit-down with actress Sofia Gloriares covered the usual topics of beauty, fashion and dating tips, it was Ms. Gloriares' comments about race that have caused an uproar from some minority groups.

In the interview, celebrity columnist Alison Keilar asked Gloriares, who starred in such movies as The Latina Sisterhood and Dark Ventures, a series of questions about the types of men the actress falls for.

Keilar: "What is the first thing you notice about a man?"

Gloriares: "Well the first thing I notice is his skin tone."

Keilar: "Why do you say that?"

Gloriares: "Because I only like white men. Or occasionally a Latino guy. The more Caucasian the better though, for me. Black guys, Asians, Middle Eastern guys, they just are not attractive. I don't mean that in a bad way. I just don't find them as attractive. So obviously when I see a guy, the first thing I'm going to notice is if his appearance as a whole is attractive, and a big part of that for me is his skin tone. If he has that milky white skin tone and Caucasian features, then I'm sold right there. Assuming he's attractive and in good shape."

Keilar, a bit perplexed, continued.

Keilar: "The first thing you notice is skin tone? Don't you think that's a little unusual? Most women would say the first thing they notice about a man is his eyes, or chest, or butt or muscular arms or his laugh..."

Gloriares: "Well I'm not most women."

It's those lines about skin tone and "the more Caucasian the better" that has attracted all the attention.

Social media lit up Friday when the article was published in print and on Glamour's website. The topic was talked about by hundreds of thousands on Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr, and the hash tag #skintone was trending on Twitter for much of the day.

Most of the public's reaction on social media was in defense of Gloriares, but some were outraged.

"The more Caucasian the better? Blacks, Asians, Middle Easterners aren't attractive? That's not only insensitive, it's ignorant," wrote one woman on Glamour's Facebook page.

"Anyone who thinks skin tone is the most important thing about a person is shallow and ill-informed," tweeted Joshua, a 22-year-old college junior from Haystead University in Damoign.

Many more notable voices with larger audiences also sounded off.

Mary Cielentes, the Director of the Latino-Grassadellian Advocacy Centre in Grassadellia City, took issue with Gloriares' 'unfortunate' words.

"I think what Ms. Gloriares said is unfortunate and incorrect. All people, all ethnic groups, races, nationalities have attractive people. And while you as an individual may find one particular type or ethnicity attractive, that does not disqualify someone from a different group as being attractive. It does not mean all people from a certain group are unattractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And just because you have your personal preferences does not mean you should walk into an interview with a national publication and make incendiary remarks about race and paint everyone of a specific racial group with a broad brush," said Cielentes.

Gloriares herself is a Latina women, and has said in the past she is proud of her Hispanic heritage, something that was of little comfort to Cielentes.

"The fact that she is a member of the minority community in this country makes her comments all the more troubling."

Lionel Hammond, a Black newspaper cultural columnist from the Lansdale Focus, told the GBC's London Brightwell that while Gloriares used a poor choice of words, he believes her comments were meant to be innocent.

"The way she said it was stupid. Very poorly worded. But she was asked, what do you notice about guys, essentially, what type of men do you go for? And she responded by saying she has a preference for Caucasian men. She likes their features and their skin tone and she finds that attractive. I don't think she meant to convey that non-white people are ugly, or that she detests certain ethnic groups. I'm not getting that vibe. I'm just getting the vibe that she meant one thing but it came out in a poorly worded, utterly ignorant sounding way."

Other celebrities made light of the situation.

"So it sounded bad. I don't think she meant it that way. She likes white men. Who doesn't? I mean, most women look at David Beckham or Brad Pitt and think, 'yeah, I like that.' Can you fault her for that?" Kathie Debchant said in a discussion about the incident on STAR TV's Celebrity Cabaret.

"Besides, if she doesn't like Black men or Asian men or Middle Eastern men or whoever, that just leaves more beautiful men for me," laughed Dechant.

Daniel Akavian, a Black actor and model, posted a picture on Twitter of himself wearing nothing except a tightly-fitting speedo, with the caption "Apparently I'm not hot enough for Sofia Gloriares."

The actor later said he was just joking and not offended by Gloriares' comments.

"I think we just need to laugh it off. Sofia has her personal preferences with men and what appeals to her and what doesn't. We all have our own preferences. It might seem shallow, but it's just human nature to have your own preferences. Most of us aren't brave enough to talk about them, but Sofia did, and I don't think the backlash is necessary. She maybe didn't say it the best way, but I think it was not meant in a mean-spirited way," Akavian told GNN's Pierre Chilpinne.

Even Alison Keilar, who interviewed Gloriares for the Glamour piece, told The Times of London she believed Gloriares' remarks were not malicious.

"I was a bit surprised when she said that, but I can tell you, I never got the sense from her that she meant what she said in a malicious way. I think she was just talking about sex appeal and attraction. I don't think there was any deep-seated, racial motivation behind what she said."

Gloriares finally issued a statement through her publicist Friday evening.

"Just to clarify about my comments to Glamour, I do not have hatred or prejudice toward any ethnic groups or racial groups. My words have been taken out of context. I was asked what I notice about men and what I find physically appealing in men. I do find Caucasian men attractive. I do find a lighter skin tone more appealing to my personal preferences. But I do not think other race groups are ugly or unattractive. I know there are many attractive people from all groups of people. I believe that all people are beautiful, and a person's skin color does not define their worth."

The statement ended with an apology.

"I sincerely, with all my heart, apologize to anyone who was offended by my words. It was all meant in good fun, in a light-hearted conversation about dating. I apologize to anyone who feels hurt by what I said. I hope my love for all humanity and all people won't be tinged by these unintentionally poorly-spoken words I said."

Late night houseboat fire kills 6 in rural New Portsmouth

LAKE SURREY, New Portsmouth -- Six people are confirmed dead and four others injured after a massive fire on a houseboat in rural New Portsmouth overnight.

Four of the fatalities were children, the New Portsmouth State Police said.

The fire broke out around midnight late Saturday night-early Sunday morning.

At the time of the fire, the boat was adrift about a mile off-shore on Lake Surrey, a large inland lake that is within the boundaries of Steigaken State Park, about 20 miles southeast of Mt. Sabacca National Park in rural central New Portsmouth.

In total, there were six adults and four children on board, all family members. Investigators believe the fire started when one of the children was playing with a lighter and ignited some linens in the cabin.

All four children, ages 4 through 8, were killed. Two elderly adults in their 70s were killed as well.

The Sabadohn County Coroner is still investigating, but believes the fatalities were caused either by burns and smoke inhalation.

One child is believed to have died of hypothermia after jumping into the water, which park rangers say was about 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Investigators have determined the vessel exploded after catching fire, which may have also contributed to the deaths.

The New Portsmouth Parks Department and the Sabadohn County Sheriff's Department are investigating the fire. The New Portsmouth State Police are assisting in the investigation.

Chief Ranger Rick Steigall, Commissioner of the state Parks Department, said the fire is the worst in the history of the department.

"This is a very tragic and terrible situation. In my 31 years with the state Parks Department, I have never seen a tragedy of this proportion and this high of casualties," said Steigall.

Sabadohn County is the state's largest geographically, but one of the smallest in population. It is home to Mt. Sabacca National Park, as well as numerous other natural recreation areas.

Lake Surrey is the largest lake in the state, more than 18 miles long and more than 4 miles wide.

New Portsmouth Gov. Charles Wornkin promised a thorough investigation into the matter, and a re-evaluation of maritime safety laws that govern the state's lakes and rivers.

"We will, of course, look very deeply and extensively into the cause, and to determine if there is anything that could have been done to prevent the loss of life in this awful tragedy," said Wornkin.