Senate approves emergency funding to strengthen cyber security ahead of election

Measure comes in response to Russian involvement in US election

MAVOCKE -- As US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin clash over the Kremlin's reported hacking of the US presidential election last month, concern is growing in Grassadellia about Russian interference in the forthcoming elections here.

Alarmed at Russia's attempts to influence the US election in favor of Republican candidate Donald Trump, Grassadellian leaders pre-emptively took action today by approving emergency funding to increase cyber security ahead of Grassadellia's upcoming election.

The emergency measure unlocks $500 million for cyber security in all 23 states. The funding would cover voting kiosks, elections computer systems used by each state's Secretary of State offices, and postal security for absentee and overseas votes. 

The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Sens. Chuck Danbury (C-Armana) and Vic Chambers (N-S. Ceona), and passed overwhelmingly, 85-7, with all Nstionalists voting in favor and all seven dissenters being CNS. 

The language of the resolution directs President Brenton Menuhaeo, Director of National Security Michelle Gates and Director of National Intelligence Michael Casell to solidify cyber security within their agencies and appropriate state agencies.

"Russia brazenly interfered in the US elections, and is planning to interfere in the upcoming German elections," said Damoign Sen. Debbie Madronas (N). "Grassadellia will not allow Vladimir Putin and his anti-Democratic regime to interfere in our elections and sow distrust in our electoral system," Madronas said on the Senate floor Friday.

Trinton Conservative George Reedsworth said Russia risks "a strong and swift response" from Grassadellia if it tries to meddle in Grasadellia's election next month.

"Our message to Vladimir Putin is very clear: Barack Obama may not stand up to you, but we will. Any Russian interference will result in a very unpleasant reciprocation to Russia," the hawkish Reedsworth said in an impassioned speech to his Senate colleagues.

While the bill enjoyed broad bipartisan support, seven Conservative members voted against it, arguing the legislation was unnecessary and costly.

"We already have security in place. We have intelligence agencies who work around the clock to keep our country secure both physically and electronically," said Samuel Tracey of Kalnier. "This is $500 million that could be better spent on more pressing matters."

Remmington Sen. Mark Eisinger, known for his libertarian and isolationist foreign policy views, said the bill amounted to interjecting Grassadellia into US-Russia tensions.

"We need to stop butting our nose into Russia's business and America's business. This feud between their two countries does not involve Grassadellia and this bill put forth before our body today does little to actually secure our country," said Eisinger.

President Brenton Menuhaeo, who intends to sign the emergency appropriations bill, said Grassadellia must take a hard line against Russia.

"Russia has continually used aggression and deception to achieve its goals, and Grassadellia will not permit [Russia] to undermine our electoral process in this country," Menuhaeo said at a press conference Friday, flanked by Secretary Gates and Vice President Donald James.

"The integrity and sovereignty of our elections system is paramount and any attempt to manipulate our elections will not happen without a commensurate response," said a serious Menuhaeo.

The Kremlin responded by saying the notion of Russian interference in recent Western elections is a "baseless" and "a lie fabricated by nervous Western governments."

"Russia has and always will stand for free and fair elections in all countries," said an official statement from the Russian embassy in Mavocke.

Russia's alleged hacking of emails and voting systems in the US has prompted Barack Obama to call for a Congressioal investigation into the US election.

Meanwhile, Friday afternoon, Putin told the Americans to offer proof of the hacking accusations, or drop the complaint.

Both the CIA, the FBI and other US intelligence services say they can confirm Russia attempted to swing the election in Trump's favor.

Barack Obama said the US will "take action and we wil [do so] at a time and place of our own choosing."

Another close race for Veroche governor

Poll: NAT newcomer and familiar CNS candidate neck-and-neck

LANAKIS – The heart of the nation is set to be at the heart of this year’s political battle.

Less than four years after Veroche’s knife-edge governor election, which saw incumbent Gov. Linda Van Auhn (N) retained by a razor-thin margin, the state’s 2016 governor’s race is shaping up to be a nail-biter again, albeit perhaps not quite as much so as 2012.

In that race (2012), Van Auhn barely beat out then-Lt. Gov. Bradley Davidson (C) by a measly margin of 50.4% to 49.6%, respectively.

It was a strong year for Nationalists in parliamentary races, but Conservatives dominated in state and local races. The Conservative Governors Association (CGA) - the CNS party’s fundraising organization that raises and doles out money to Conservative gubernatorial candidates – poured millions into the race.

Top Conservatives were hopeful they could duplicate the party’s successes in other blue (historically progressive) states like Kalnier and Marchenay, where Conservative men ousted popular female NAT incumbents.

Davidson and his supporters were crushed at losing by a mere 45,000 votes out of nearly 5.8 million cast.

But Conservatives may be despairing again this time around.

His Conservative opponents in the primary argued it was time for fresh blood. But in a surprise win, Davidson defeated his four CNS challengers, including wealthy businessman and Lanakis Mayor Richard Scholinger, to secure his party’s nomination for a second consecutive time.

He still faces an uphill battle in 2016, despite his near-upset in 2012.

Unlike the 2012 race, Brad Davidson won’t be able to attack his opponent’s record like he did with the beleaguered Linda Van Auhn.

Davidson’s NAT opponent is a political rookie. Tom Harper (N) is a businessman and running for office for the first time. He won a five-way primary race, besting his four lesser-known (and lesser-funded) rivals.

While he may have less name recognition than Davidson, who is well-known as a former lieutenant governor and before that a former National Security Secretary under President Daniel Byelle, Mr. Harper has a vast personal fortune – estimated at $400 million – and could pour some of his own money into the race.

Veroche also is a strongly NAT state. It has repeatedly elected two Conservative Federal senators, the moderate Niles Gilcrest and slightly more conservative Kit McHenry. But the state remains overwhelmingly blue. It voted for Brenton Menuhaeo over Conservative John Shirley by a 60-40% margin in 2012.

Most of the state is friendly CNS territory, but the Lanakis-Verdonnen metro area – commonly referred to as the East Shore region, on the eastern shore of Lake Hutchins – tips the scales in favor of the Nationalists. Fifty-one percent of the state’s population resides in the northeastern corner of the state, which easily outweighs any advantages the Conservatives hold in the rest of the state.

Davidson could also encounter voter-fatigue. He already ran in 2012, some voters may look for a fresh face, which they’ll find in Tom Harper. 

And the Nationalist Party isn’t about to forfeit the Veroche governor’s seat easily. After their 2012 scare, when Davidson nearly stole the governorship from Linda Van Auhn, the party is even more likely to invest funds into the race. A Davidson win would be a humiliating defeat for the NAT and they’re not about to let it happen easily.

Still, Mr. Davidson is optimistic.

“We haven’t had a Conservative governor in Veroche ever. This would be a first, and people are really hungry for change. Just like with Brexit and Donald Trump in the US, people are tired of the status quo, they’re tired of excuses, they’re tired of political correctness and over-taxation and burdensome socialist policies,” Davidson told the Lanakis Daily News editorial board.

Mr. Harper is equally confident.

“The economy is the number one issue for most voters, and this year they have two options,” Harper told Veroche News Channel 9. “They can vote for a government bureaucrat, who has no experience creating jobs and has spent much of his career running for office trying to win votes. Or they can vote for a proven job maker, someone who actually has created thousands of jobs and knows economics and how to get our economy humming again. It’s a very clear choice and I’m confident they’ll choose me.”

The two candidates are scheduled to have their first of two debates at the Southwick Convention Center on November 26. The second debate will be held at the Red Leaf Cineflix Center on December 2.

Rick Tesario forges on with long-shot write-in campaign

Losing Conservative gubernatorial candidate will continue campaign as write-in

WEST LAKE, Damoign -- Days after the Damoign Supreme Court ruled it was too late for him to change his party affiliation, Conservative-turned-Independent businessman Rick Tesario of West Lake announced he will continue his campaign for governor as a write-in candidate.

Tesario previously filed to run for governor as a Conservative, but then filed to run as an Independent a day before the October 25 primary election.

The Damoign Secretary of State’s office said Tesario was too late to change his affiliation. Ballots listing him as a Conservative had already been printed.

Tesario sued, saying the deadline for election filings should be extended because of computer problems within the Secretary of State’s office, which handles elections.

Tesario’s lawyers argued the wealthy billionaire inventor and businessman should be allowed to change his party affiliation at the last second, and instead run as an Independent.

Filed the day before the primary election, his lawsuit could not be resolved before voters went to the polls. It finally concluded last week with the Damoign Supreme Court ruling Tesario was too late in changing his party affiliation.

“Mr. Tesario has the right, just like every other candidate for statewide office in the state of Damoign, to change or withdraw his party affiliation. But like every other candidate in Damoign, he should have made that decision earlier. The day before the primary election is well past time for any candidate to change their affiliation,” said Chief Justice Richard Gregorio-Ovalla in a written explanation for the majority opinion.

With his candidacy and party affiliation thrown into doubt a day before voters took to the polls, Mr. Tesario ended the primary election in last place, taking not quite 13% of the vote.

Former Lt. Gov. and megachurch pastor Mercer Diego clinched the nomination with 28%, followed by former National Security Secretary Robert Austin with 23%, Assemblywoman Patricia “Pat” Leemore with just under 23%, and Assemblyman John DeGallio with 13%.

With a last-place finish and the state supreme court’s ruling against him, it’s effectively the end of the road for the Tesario campaign, or at least a dead end on the path to victory.

No candidate has ever won a write-in campaign for a statewide race in Damoign in modern history. With over a population of 24.5 million people, it’s highly unlikely a write-in candidate, particularly one that’s not very well-known such as Mr. Tesario, could pull off a victory.

But Tesario has vowed to forge on with his long-shot write-in bid anyway.

“The two-party system is an utter failure. I refuse to surrender this election to the two corrupt political parties,” said a defiant Tesario at a campaign rally in Evanter, 125 miles south of Grassadellia City.

So why did Rick Tesario want to change his affiliation at the last second? Sources within the Tesario campaign say Mr. Tesario feared he would lose in the five-person Conservative primary, but figured he could advance to the general election by filing as an Independent.

If he ran as an Independent and obtained a sufficient amount of votes in the primary election, Tesario could have been guaranteed a spot on the general election ballot. Although even as an official Independent candidate on the ballot, it’s difficult to win an election when not affiliated with one of the major political parties.

At a campaign rally in the city of Oscarville in southwest Damoign, Saturday, Mr. Tesario ripped the Conservative party leadership.

“This election, the way they treated me when I threatened to run as an Independent candidate, it shows just how corrupt the Conservative Party is and what incredible lengths they will go to to make sure their preferred candidate wins and the underdog guy, the rebel candidate, the one that won’t do exactly what they want but will stand up for himself and buck his party when necessary, they make sure that candidate loses,” said Tesario.

Party leaders say there was no corruption or favoritism involved in the primary campaign, although they concede Tesario was not the first choice of party leaders.

“Mr. Tesario was treated fairly and equally as the other four Conservative candidates in the race,” said Saul Hannah, deputy president of the state CNS party affiliate.

“His eccentric personality and his very flimsy adherence to conservative positions and policies are far more responsible for his demise than party leaders orchestrating and working against him,” said Mr. Hannah.

Indeed, the inventor and businessman is known for his eccentric personality. He notably lacks the warmth and folksy demeanor Conservative nominee Mercer Diego displays on the campaign trail. And he doesn’t speak with passion like NAT candidate Jenna Duvan.

Tesario was born into an affluent family, but expanded his fortune through inventions and patents. He is more comfortable talking stocks and government debt than he is discussing politics. His campaign has focused almost exclusively on the economy and managing the state’s money.

Despite his eccentricities, Tesario’s main argument is simple: he is not a politician, and he understands the economy better than the typical politicians running for the major parties.

He promised to rein in unemployment, to pay off outstanding debts the state owes, and jump-start job creation, which has slowed noticeably during the tenure of current Gov. Rod Penora (N).

The Diego campaign filed a brief with the Damoign Supreme Court, asking the court to rule against Tesario.

If Tesario were still in the race, he would likely take more votes away from Mr. Diego than Attorney General Jenna Duvan, as most Tesario supporters are Conservatives or independents that lean Conservative.

Even as an unofficial write-in candidate, though virtually guaranteed to lose, Tesario could still siphon votes away from Mercer Diego, which could help deliver a victory for the strongly liberal Duvan, who is beloved by liberals but reviled by Conservatives.

In a campaign stop at a Tolston delicatessen Saturday afternoon, Mr. Diego said Rick Tesario is entitled to continue his campaign as a write-in candidate, but doing so would assure a victory for Jenna Duvan.

“It’s his right, and he is entitled to run as a write-in candidate. But it’s a losing prospect, and it will only help Jenna Duvan. Every vote that’s not for me is a vote for Jenna,” Diego told the media who were following him on the campaign trail.

Not surprisingly, Ms. Duvan, who is the frontrunner in the race, didn’t have a problem with Mr. Tesario staying in the race.

“We live in a democratic society, and if someone doesn’t win their party’s nomination, I think they have the democratic right to run as a write-in candidate and garner as many votes as they can,” said Duvan. “If Rick Tesario runs as a write-in candidate against the wishes of the Conservative Party, they have no one to blame but themselves. Their party tried to silence him, alienate him and his supporters, marginalize them because he’s a ‘moderate’ and might go rogue against the party. They have done this to themselves,” Duvan said.

Mr. Tesario knows he has little chance of winning, but said he will stay in the race in spite of his losing venture.

“It’s the principle of it. I was treated unfairly, and more importantly, all my supporters were treated unfairly by the party establishment. We are going to send a strong message to the corrupt party leaders, and that message is this: we want a free, fair election where voters can choose their own candidate without the party leaders meddling and trying to influence the election in their favor.”

A Grassadellia City Times/University of Damoign poll conducted October 26-29 showed Jenna Duvan (N) leading a three-way race, receiving 50% support, followed by Mercer Diego (C) with 40% and Tesario (IND) with 10 percent. 

Hadley claims 'active and specific' terror threats against Wilkonshire cities, governor says 'not true'

Christon mayor, Wilkonshire governor spar over terror threats

CHRISTON, Wilk. -- The two most powerful women in Wilkonshire are publicly arguing over terrorism threats to the state.

Tara Hadley, mayor of Christon (the state's largest city), told an audience at a campaign event Wednesday that Crown Police have "active and specific threats" against cities in Wilkonshire, made by ISIS and similar terror groups.

Speaking in Piccadilly County southwest of Christon, Hadley, a Conservative who is running for governor, told a crowd of supporters that recent bombing attempts in New York are a 'wake-up call' for Grassadellians.

"Right now here in Wilkonshire, the Crown Police have confirmed there are multiple people plotting terrorist attacks. I used to be a federal prosecutor, and I have connections with Mavocke thanks to my old job. And my sources within the Crown Police and the Justice Department have confirmed there have been multiple plots disrupted here in Wilkonshire," said Hadley.

"We tend to think of terrorism as targeted toward the United States or the United Kingdom or France. But a lot of people in this country are complacent. The think, 'Oh, that will never happen here.' But in reality, it probably will happen here. These radical groups target everyone that does not conform to their extreme lifestyle and beliefs," she said.

Hadley would not elaborate on the alleged terror plots, but said multiple sources within the federal Justice Department ha confirmed the information to her.

But Wilkonshire's governor, Caroline Jepsey (N), disputed Hadley's claims, Thursday.

"It's not true. I don't know where she's getting that information, I'm not sure who her so-called sources are, but I haven't heard anything about all these threats that she's referencing. And I'd like to think if there was a credible threat made against any city in Wilkonshire, I'd like to think that someone from Collester or Counter-Terrorism would give me a call and let me know if that were the case," Jepsey told reporters Friday at a press event in Solodott County, north of Damakin Woods.

Jepsey added that Hadley's words were "incendiary and provocative, much like Ben Jordan's comments," referring to the Biereland governor who inflamed racial tensions by attempting to refuse Syrian refugees entry into his state.

"This kind of rhetoric does nothing to bridge the barriers between cultures and religions. It only serves to inflame emotions and perpetuate myths about Muslim-Grassadellians.

Hadley volleyed back, calling Jepsey "naïve" and accusing her of "burying her head in the sand."

You can't deal with the threat if you refuse to acknowledge it. Governor Jepsey is choosing political correctness over the security of her state, and that's the difference between me and her and me and the NAT candidates in this race. I will put the safety and security of my state first and foremost before anything else," said Hadley.

Jepsey has been a prominent ally of Muslim-Grassadellians, regularly meeting with Muslim leaders, appointing Muslim citizens to state commissions, and attending inter-faith religious ceremonies.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Ms. Jepsey will always stand with Muslim-Grassadellians.

"Governor Jepsey will never stop being an advocate and ally for the Muslim-Grassadellian community," said spokesman Mary Jo Kernliss.

Jepsey is term-limited, and cannot run for re-election this fall.

But four Nationalists are running to succeed Jepsey.

Attorney General Reed Powell, businessman Tom Durick, union leader Rod Winkleton, and businessman Michael Pike are all in the race, and none wasted time going after Hadley for her comments.

"I have not heard about these terrorist threats against Wilkonshireans, and from a legal perspective, as the attorney general of Wilkonshire, I would need to be alerted if there were any active investigations going," said Powell, casting doubt on Hadley's assertions.

Durick and Pike said there may indeed be terrorist threats made toward targets in Wilkonshire, but even so, Hadley's comments are counter-productive.

"This is not the kind of leadership we need from a governor," said Durick, adding that Hadley "sounded like Donald Trump."

Mr. Pike said Hadley's comments could only deepen the divide between Muslim and non-Muslim Grassadellians.

"We really need to be focusing on bringing people closer and breaking down divisions," Pike told a Christon radio station.

Mr. Winkleton said the threat of terrorism is real, but a governor should be above stereotyping and scare-mongering.

If that's the kind of governor you're going to be...someone who spends all their time spreading fear about terrorism and Muslims instead of devoting their energy and time to fixing education or health care or the social services in our state, that really tells you something about this person and the kind of governor they'd be," said Winkleton.

GNN reached out to Crown Police, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of National Security (DNS), and the Royal Guard of the Realm (RG), all of which were reluctant to comment.

A Crown Police spokesman said the agency is "always actively investigating possible threats of terrorism," but added that citizens should not live in fear of a terrorist attack.

"We are very proactive in protecting the Grassadellian people and Grassadellian assets, both here at home and abroad," said spokesman Kevin Winters.

The other agencies declined to comment, saying they do not discuss matters of national security.

Woman dies at senator's campaign fundraiser

Senator says she is 'devastated' after tragedy

AUBURNE, Biereland – A political fundraiser and social event for a Biereland senator has been marred by tragedy.

Sen. Julie Grendhau (N), who is running for re-election, was campaigning 100 miles southeast of Brookings in a rural area of McGrath County, Thursday.

A local Grendhau supporter held a “Hay ride with Julie” event at a private property in the foothills of the Grand Emkin Mountains.

Attendees purchased tickets ($400 apiece) to go on a two-mile hay ride with Grendhau. The event was supposed to culminate at a rustic lodge with coffee, apple cider, and beer to be served, along with pumpkin treats, in line with the harvest theme.

The event was cut short, however, after a woman fell off a truck and was ran over.

Karen Ellis, a 47-year-old technology sales executive from Brookings, was pronounced dead at the scene after falling off the bed of the moving truck.

Ellis was ran over by the truck, which weighed more than three tons.

Many of the more than 100 attendees were in shock and suffering from trauma, emergency responders said.

Julie Grendhau was in another vehicle when the accident occurred, but was “devastated,” her campaign manager said in a written statement.

“Yesterday, a terrible accident occurred at a campaign event. A supporter of Senator Grendhau’s died suddenly in a freak accident. Senator Grendhau is devastated by this tragedy, and is sending positive thoughts to the family and friends of the victim.”

Grendhau’s campaign said later in a post on her Facebook page that “Karen Ellis was a wonderful woman, passionate about her work and her family.”

“Above all else, Karen fought for the values we hold dear as Bierelanders and Grassadellians. Values like freedom, women’s rights, equality for the LGBTQ community, protecting the environment, criminal justice reform, and education, just to name a few.”

“Karen will always be remembered for her passionate advocacy. I am fortunate to have known her and to have earned her support in my campaign.”

Grendhau dedicated the remainder of her campaign to Ellis’ memory.

Financial disclosure records show Ms. Ellis donated $4,400 to Grendhau’s campaign over the years.

The McGrath County Sheriff’s Office has closed the investigation into the death, and the local medical examiner has ruled it “accidental.”

Despite huge cash advantage, Tom Cozier still locked in dead-heat race

Latest poll has Cozier trailing NAT opponent 49% - 51%

PARKINS, North Ceona -- He's raised more than twice as much money as his opponent, brought in big-name Conservatives to drum up support, and he's shelled out cash for big campaign ad buys. Convention says North Ceona Gov. Tom Cozier should have the advantage in the coming election, especially since he's a CNS incumbent in a Conservative-leaning state.

But Cozier isn't leading. In fact, the most recent poll released by the Parkins Star has Mr. Cozier (pronounced "co-zhure") trailing his NAT opponent, Attorney General John Ennis, 49%-51%, respectively.

Of course, a 51-49 split is hardly a guarantee. It's well within the margin of error of four points.

But the fact that Cozier - who also is chairman of the Governors Board, a prominent position that has elevated his national profile - is behind can only be concerning for his supporters. Especially after more than $4.2 million has been spent on his behalf by his campaign and outside groups.

The good news for Cozier is he has lots of time to turn things around.

The governor hasn't made any significant blunders or errors while in office. He's a highly-disciplined and experienced politician with a strong acumen for the business. And unlike several of his CNS colleagues, Cozier has been reluctant to wade into controversial social issues.

He was forced to deal with the hot-button topic du jour of refugee immigration, like most Grassadellian politicians. The issue is especially significant for Cozier, as the city of Parkins has the second-highest concentration of Muslims in Grassadellia.

But while his colleagues in South Ceona, Biereland and Remmington moved to prevent Syrian refugees from being settled in their states, Mr. Cozier extended a welcome to refugees.

"North Ceonans are kind people. We don't discriminate, we don't shut people out. We invite people in. We're the kind of people who bake cookies and take them across the street when a new neighbor moves into the neighborhood," he told reporters at the time, during a speaking engagement at the Library of Congress.

"Denying people entry into your state based on the color of their skin or the country they're from or their faith is not 'national security,' it's discrimination, and it's unconstitutional, and it's not the North Ceona way," he said.

His position won him praise from Nationalists and pro-immigration groups, including many Muslim organizations, but also earned him scorn from conservative groups, who threatened to recruit a more conservative candidate to challenge him in the primary election because of the issue.

That effort by anti-immigration activists reached a dead-end after several possible challengers declined to run, and the fractured movement, which encompasses various groups, succumbed to infighting.

The main criticism Cozier has faced is being too connected to the establishment, particularly CNS party leadership. As chairman of the Governors Board, Cozier holds a high-ranking position, which has given him a national stage.

Though he's centre-right with a solid conservative record, Mr. Cozier has been careful to tow the party line, which has been largely mainstream.

He took the middle road on refugees, welcoming them to his state but calling for increased background checks. He has consistently called for tax cuts, but opposed a planned government shutdown by staunch conservatives in Mavocke. He is personally opposed to same-sex marriage and gender-neutral bathrooms, but said he would respect the Head Court's decisions on the matters.

His predecessors in the Governors Board chairman position, Christine Gabler (N-Marchenay) and Donna Almone (C-POG), had been criticized for spending too much time out-of-state and paying too little attention to their constituents and issues back home.

Nationalists and some hardline Conservatives criticize Cozier for the same reasons. But he has made a point to spend more time back home in North Ceona, keeping a busy schedule filled with events across the state. When traveling around the country to raise money for other candidates or attend obligations for the Governors Board, he's made a point to fly back to Parkins immediately afterward, choosing not to linger out of town.

By and large, he's done a better job of balancing his responsibilities as chairman of the Governors Board with his obligations as governor of North Ceona.

So why is he trailing his NAT challenger, state Attorney General John Ennis?

A couple reasons. First, the simmering anti-establishment sentiment, which hit a boiling point in 2010 and 2012 and has now cooled off some, remains active, especially among the hard-right and working class voters.

The more substantial reason for Cozier's predicament though, is Ennis' centrist image, particularly on crime.

A well-established moderate, John Ennis is a Nationalist, but he's pretty middle-of-the-road. He has pursued tough sentences for violent offenders, at a time when his own party has embraced inmate rehabilitation and prison reform over punitive sentences.

He has strongly backed law enforcement during his tenure, and has received criticism from his own party for declining to indict six police officers accused of excessive force.

Mr. Ennis' strong, executive, administrator-like persona also plays well with voters, who want to vote for a leader, whereas Mr. Cozier is seen as more diplomatic and collaborative.

The race is nowhere near decided. It remains a dead-heat, and veteran political science professor and prognosticator Dr. Kerry Rudgley, from Dulkalow University, rates the race as a "Toss-Up."

Given Mr. Cozier's elevated status as concurrent chair of the Governors Board and the Conservative Governors Association, the race will likely be expensive.

Cozier has the clear money advantage, with his campaign bank account expected to surpass $10 million soon. The Ennis campaign reported $4.6 million at the last reporting deadline.

SWAT team shootout leaves 9-year-old POG girl, police officer dead

Five other officers wounded, two in critical condition

PARIS, Prov. of Grass. - A nine-year-old girl and a police officer are dead after a shootout in southern POG.

The Dunnigan County Sheriff's Office confirmed its SWAT team had responded to hostage situation involving a young girl and a middle-aged male in a rural area outside of the town of Paris, about 40 miles west of Lansdale.

Officers responded at 5:32 pm eastern time.

Police say they brought in a negotiator to secure the young girl's release, but the suspect refused to release her.

After two hours, officers attempted to storm the residence, where the gunman was holed up with the child.

"We sent in two teams of SWAT officers. One to rescue the child, who was in a different room, and the other to subdue the suspect. Somewhere in that ensuing action, the child was fatally struck by gunfire," said Dunnigan County Sheriff Rick Gaylord.

Officer Chris Williams, age 37, was also killed by gunfire.

Williams had been with the Dunnigan County Sheriff's Office for nine years.

Five other officers were also shot. Two of them are in critical condition at a Lansdale-area hospital.

Upon entering the home, officers fired on the suspect, but not in the direction of the child, who was several feet away from the gunman and in an adjacent room when police entered the residence, Gaylord said.

The gunman then opened fire on police, shooting in the direction of the child and a group of officers.

An investigation by a separate law enforcement agency and the medical examiner's office will determine if the girl and the officers were, in fact, killed by the gunman or accidentally by fellow police.

The young girl is believed to be the gunman's daughter or step-daughter, police said.

"We are still working on confirming the details, there is a lot of information we don't know yet for sure, so we are still trying to figure things out," said Gaylord.

"It's always a very sad situation when an innocent victim is killed, especially a young child. And then to lose a fellow officer, a friend, a colleague. That really wears on the minds and hearts of our officers. Our job is to protect and save, and sometimes we can't save the victim. Sometimes our officers don't come home after their shift," said a visibly emotional Gaylord.

"We try our best and in this case our officers acted very professionally and did everything they could. But sometimes you can't save someone, and sometimes as a police officer, you have to make the ultimate sacrifice. And that weighs on your conscience," Gaylord said.

The suspect was shot multiple times and killed instantly. He has not been identified yet pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities have only confirmed that the deceased suspect was a white male in his 30's or 40's. They say the suspect may have been under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident.

POG Governor Donna Almone, who was in North Ceona campaigning for her presidential campaign at the time of the tragedy, called Sheriff Gaylord to express her condolences.

"Our hearts are with the law enforcement community tonight in Dunnigan County, and with the family of the little girl who was killed. Such an awful situation, and tonight our hearts go out to this community," she said while speaking in North Gallaghan, North Ceona.

Almone also ordered flags statewide to be flown at half-mast on Monday, in honor of Officer Chris Williams.

Steve Kolotano won't endorse his brother in Biereland Senate race

Brothers are from opposing political parties

BROOKINGS, Biereland -- The political drama in Biereland's Senate race is heating up, but it's not surrounding former senator Driscoll Sherber, who is running for the Senate again after he left in disgrace following an extramarital affair and electoral backlash in 2010.

The drama is actually centering around the other Conservative candidate in the race, businessman Pete Kolotano, older brother of another former Biereland senator, Steve Kolotano (N).

The younger Kolotano (Steve), was a Conservative until switching parties in 2008. He went on to rise in the leadership ranks of the Senate Nationalists, serving as chair of the National Senate Campaign Organization (NSCO) in 2010.

Mr. Kolotano left the Senate in 2011 after being chosen randomly for the Senate Reduction Lottery.

He ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor alongside Gov. San Bartholomew in 2014, and has worked at a Brookings law firm since leaving politics.

Fast forward to this year, 2016. There's a Kolotano on the ballot, but it's not Steve, the former senator. It's Pete Kolotano, the eldest Kolotano.

Unlike his kid brother, Pete Kolotano remains a Conservative. He recently opened up about his relationship with his brother in an interview with The Gavel, a Mavocke-based political blog.

"We don't talk much or see each other much," said Pete.

He blamed their strained relationship partly on politics.

"After switching parties, I felt like Steve lost his integrity. He lost his moorings. He traded his values, which we were raised with when we were growing up, and he became a completely different person. Not just liberal, but adamantly supporting Nationalist politicians who are exactly the type of people who work against small businesses, like our family business that my parents operated when we were kids."

"A lot of people in my family felt betrayed by Steve's actions. He became more obsessed with climbing the ranks of the Nationalist Party rather than being a voice for the people who elected him back here at home," said the elder Kolotano.

For his part, Steve Kolotano says there is more to the story.

"There's a lot of family dynamics going on behind the scenes that people don't know about," the former senator told a reporter last week, while walking in downtown Brookings.

The Conservative-turned-Nationalist says he didn't forsake his values. Just the opposite, he insists.

"My values stayed the same. My values of equality and freedom and the government staying out of people's personal lives. Those values never changed. Unfortunately, the Conservative Party changed, and went from being the party of freedom and libertarian views to the party of religious extremism and animosity toward the LGBTQ community. That was the turning point for me."

Mr. Kolotano maintains that he is a centrist. He still supports a strong military and pro-business policy.

But he will not be endorsing his older brother in the Biereland Conservative primary election.

"We have very different views. I believe in marriage equality, in fair treatment for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, I believe in a compassionate approach to immigration, in opening our borders to those in need and fleeing persecution. Pete believes in traditional marriage. He supports Ben Jordan's policy on immigrants. And he supports the same old failed trickle-down Conservative economic policies. So I can't endorse someone that holds those views," said the senator.

Kolotano will instead be endorsing the NAT candidate, incumbent Sen. Julie Grendhau (pronounced "Gren-dow").

"Julie is a dear friend, she's an advocate for Biereland, an advocate for protecting minorities, vulnerable citizens, our environment, creating a more fair economy. She's done a lot of great things for Biereland and she deserves a second term," he said.

Before facing off with Grendhau, his brother Pete Kolotano must defeat former senator Driscoll Sherber, a once-prominent leader in the populist Freedom Warriors movement.

Sherber was defeated by Grendhau in 2010 after he admitted an extramarital affair with a Senate aide.

This is his first run for office since his defeat.

Over the past six years, Mr. Sherber has kept a low profile, working as a campaign advisor to many Biereland Conservatives. He also worked as a carpet salesman at a Brookings-area carpet and linoleum store.

Initially after his affair became public, Mr. Sherber and his wife Emily remained in the spotlight, appearing on TV talk shows, news programs, and granting interviews to magazines.

They then went into obscurity until last year, when Mr. Sherber quietly began making appearances on the STAR Network as a paid pundit.

He announced back in April he would challenge Grendhau, whom he views as vulnerable.

"She's embraced a liberal agenda since going to Mavocke. She's voted with the far left on virtually every issue, and Bierelanders are tired of east coast liberals trying to dictate to us how to do things out west. Julie Grendhau's voting record is more representative of the politics of Grassadellia City or Monvaille, not the value of Bierelanders," said Sherber.

His fellow Conservative, Pete Kolotano, agrees.

"Julie has failed Biereland. She has become beholden to John Morandi (Senate Majority Leader) and Brenton Menuhaeo than to Bierelanders," said Kolotano.

Mr. Kolotano, who entered the race after Sherber did, says he respects his CNS rival, but believes Sherber is too divisive to win a general election.

"Look, I like Driscoll. He's a bright guy, he's well-educated and he's right on a lot of the issues. But he is too divisive to beat Julie Grendhau this fall. His particular brand of politics is very partisan, and that may play well in deeply Conservative areas, but Biereland is a battleground state. If we're going to beat Julie Grendhau, it's going to be because we picked a solid conservative who can win over independents and disaffected Nationalists. Driscoll can't do that. The only group of voters he wins with is the conservative base," said Kolotano.

That's one thing the Kolotano brothers have in common. The both agree Driscoll Sherber is too extreme to win a general election.

"Driscoll Sherber appeals to the far right, but not the centrist middle. He is too extreme, too partisan. He's a very divisive person. His deficiencies as a candidate have nothing to do with his personal scandals but more to do with his combative demeanor and his refusal to compromise," Steve Kolotano told the Boomerang Politics website.

Both Kolotanos pointed out that Mr. Sherber angered his Senate colleagues when he was in office, because of his eagerness to buck party elders and his unwillingness to compromise.

"He's probably pissed off just as many Conservatives as Nationalists," said Steve. "He was not a popular guy in either party when he was in the Senate. A lot of people were happy to see him go."

Steve Kolotano said he is willing to meet with his brother for coffee sometime.

"I'd be open to that, yes," said the junior Kolotano.

But he will not donate money or campaign for his brother.

"I would like to see him beat Sherber," Steve said. "But I will be supporting Julie Grendhau in the fall."

"He's free to make up his own mind and support whichever candidate he so chooses," said Pete. "If he wants to support me, great. But if not, that's his choice and this is Grassadellia, it's our right to support any political party or candidate we want."

Abortion-rights groups target Rob Mercheck in Damoign governor's race

Rival factions of NAT battle for nomination

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- He's the leading candidate to be Damoign's next governor, but Nationalist Rob Mercheck is finding himself not only in the crosshairs of Conservatives, but also fellow Nationalists.

Liberal groups have begun a major assault campaign on the centrist Nationalist, who is Damoign's secretary of state.

The abortion-rights group Choices has reserved $2.7 million worth of television advertising across Damoign, while the National Alliance for Reproductive Rights (NARR) has reserved $1.3 million in TV and radio advertising in the Grassadellia City media market, the nation's largest market.

The groups are hitting Mercheck for what they describe as his tepid support of abortion rights.

He has a complicated history with abortion.

While personally opposed to abortion due to his strong Lutheran faith, Mr. Mercheck says government should not tell women what to do with their bodies.

As a state representative, he voted with liberals on abortion issues, and received a 92% rating from Emily's List, a liberal abortion-rights group.

And as Secretary of State, he required polling locations to have brochures and a directory of abortion clinics available for voters to take after casting their ballot.

So what's the problem? Seems abortion-rights groups don't think Mr. Mercheck has been outspoken enough in support of abortion.

"He's pro-choice supposedly, but he never talks about it on the campaign trail, he never mentions it on his website, he never discusses it in any way. It's a minor issue to him, said Abigail Francis, state director of the Damoign NARR office.

Mercheck's top opponent in the primary election - Attorney General Jenna Duvan, a young, attractive and accomplished politician and strong feminist - has brought the issue up multiple times.

"I fully, 100 percent support a woman's right to choose," said Duvan (pronounced "Du-vonn") in a recent interview on Air 9 Radio.

"I think it's the most fundamental of rights and a woman's health should never be in danger because of restrictions on abortion, a woman should never have the government dictating when she can and cannot receive health care, a woman should never be denied birth control, a woman should never feel guilty for exercising their right to choose what they do with their body," said Ms. Duvan.

She frequently brings up the issue on the campaign trail.

"Rod Penora fought to protect a woman's right to choose. And we all know how Mercer Diego feels about abortion. He believes a woman should never be able to decide for themselves what to do with their body," she said in a town hall meeting in Fairside last week, speaking of Conservative gubernatorial candidate Mercer Diego.

"We need a governor who can follow in the footsteps of Rod Penora and make a sure a woman's health care decisions are never taken away from her or restricted in any way because of political reasons," said Duvan.

That kind of talk has earned praise from women's rights groups.

"We know Jenna Duvan wants to protect the basic health care rights of Damoign's women," said Addy Fischer, senior director of Choices Damoign.

"We know she's going to stand up for women, and not just because she's a woman also but because as attorney general she has fought legislation that infringes upon the right to choose."

Indeed, Duvan has sued companies and organizations who allegedly violated a woman's right to choose.

As attorney general, she has taken pharmacies to court for refusing to sell Plan B birth control due to religious objections. And she sued insurance companies for refusing to cover birth control under their coverage plans.

She has received a 99% rating from Emily's List, according to the same metric used to grade Mr. Mercheck.

In response, Mr. Mercheck spoke out in an interview Sunday on the TV breakfast program "Howard Goodman in the Morning."

"I'm pro-choice. I've always been pro-choice and will always continue to be," said Mercheck. "But I'm also a person of faith, and because of that, it is something that I am not personally comfortable with. But I have never tried to limit a woman's ability to obtain an abortion, I don't believe it's the government's business what a woman does with her body, and I don't believe the government should be dictating to people what they can and cannot do with their bodies. No matter what my personal feelings are, the question is, should the government be involved? And the answer is 'no.'"

Abortion is one of many issues where the moderate Mercheck and ultra-liberal Duvan disagree.

Recently, they've butted heads over immigration, with Mercheck calling for more background screening and saying he would accept a limited number of refugees from Syria and the Middle East, while Duvan called for an increase in the amount of refugees.

The two have also diverged on taxes. Mr. Mercheck has said he is hesitant to raise taxes at a time of economic recovery, while Duvan has called for a string of tax increases.

"This election is really a match up of the liberal wing of the NAT, represented by Jenna Duvan, versus the moderate, business-friendly wing, represented by Rob Mercheck," said Dr. John Little, a professor of Damoign Politics at Pennycreek College in Sexton.

It's early on in the race, but Mercheck is narrowly leading Duvan. Lost in the wake of the two front-runners are the lesser-known NAT candidates, Lt. Gov. Jeff Zeme, businessman John Brumley, Assemblyman Mark Ryutt, former Lt. Gov. David Armasson and Assemblyman Bill Blair.

Damoign is one of two states that elects all statewide offices in a series of sequential, smaller elections at the county level rather than one statewide primary election. Whichever candidate wins the most delegates will go on to face the CNS candidate and minor party candidates in the December election.
 

Senator: I'm 'scared as hell' of Donald Trump becoming US President

First Middle Eastern senator says Trump is a xenophobe

MAVOCKE – Grassadellian politicians appear to be split on the prospect of controversial US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump winning America’s top job. Some welcome his candidacy, others have been pointed in their criticism. But how does Grassadellia’s highest-ranking Middle Eastern politician feel about Mr. Trump?

 

“I’m scared as hell,” said Nadan Saralo, (N-Wellington), current Assistant Senate Majority Leader, the second-highest-ranking Nationalist in the Senate.

 

“I’m disturbed by the comments he’s made about minorities, about women. He appears to be a very self-serving individual who cares only about his own personal gain instead of caring for others. He’s a public relations nightmare for America, and I hope the American people reject him and vote Hillary,” said the Wellington senator.

 

Saralo – a who was born in Jordan and emigrated to Grassadellia as a teenager – cited Trump’s propensity for vulgarity and racially-tinged remarks as his main cause for concern.

 

“We’ve never seen in modern times, in US elections or Grassadellian elections, a candidate who so overtly uses race and class, pitting groups against each other and perpetuating hate,” said Saralo. “As a minority, that makes me very nervous, when I hear him talk about banning Muslims and deporting people who are different from the traditional white American stereotype. It’s very frightening.”

 

Saralo said he was “appalled” that some Grassadellian politicians have openly embraced Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

 

“It’s sickening, really. To see Conservative politicians endorsing him and saying things like they wish he was running for president in Grassadellia, they hope his ideals reach our shores. We should be ashamed that we have leaders in this country who are embracing his rhetoric and his platform.”

 

Mr. Saralo applauded President Brenton Menuhaeo and US President Barack Obama for swiftly coming out against Mr. Trump, but said more leaders need to do the same.

 

“I understand the concern by some world leaders, they’re worried about influencing elections in another country and stepping on toes, diplomatically-speaking. But we need to denounce racism and xenophobia and Islamophobia whenever we see it. And right now, we are seeing it potentially standing on the welcome mat to the White House,” said Saralo.

 

The Senate’s other Middle Easterner – Israeli-born Henry Mickeravi (N-Lial) – echoed Saralo’s remarks.

 

“Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, international stability and more specifically a threat to Muslims, people of Middle Eastern descent, and minorities in general,” said Mickeravi.

 

Saralo and Mickeravi’s comments come as Conservative Grassadellian politicians have recently endorsed Mr. Trump.

 

New Portsmouth Senator Nadine Pietrasaelis said Thursday at a campaign rally she would vote for Trump “in a heartbeat” over Hillary Clinton, the centre-left candidate from the Democratic Party. And Remmington Governor Jen Stevens (C) voiced support for Mr. Trump in an interview with the STAR Network recently.

 

Pietrasaelis went so far as to suggest Mr. Trump come visit her in Grassadellia.

 

“We’re trying to get Donald to come over here to visit. We could use his brutally honest style in this country. We’ve got a bunch of delicate daisies here, we need someone to come and toughen us up,” said Pietrasaelis, referring to Grassadellians.

 

Jean Larae Dowd, the assemblywoman for Bethany in central New Portsmouth, and the Nationalist candidate who is running against Pietrasaelis in the December general election, is already hitting at Pietrasaelis over her Trump-crush.

 

“The fact that any Grassadellian politician would embrace Donald Trump is just astounding, much less the way Nadine Pietrasaelis has wholeheartedly, unreservedly endorsed him. It really draws into question her judgment as a politician and as a person,” said Dowd.

 

Nationalists are hoping to capitalize on Mr. Trump's candidacy, hoping to tie Conservative Grassadellian candidates to the abrasive businessman.

 

Meanwhile, Conservative party leaders have quietly instructed their caucus to avoid mentioning Mr. Trump on the campaign trail, in news media appearances or on social media.

 

"Don't even go there. Just demur and say you're focused on Grassadellian politics and it's not appropriate for you to inject yourself into the American election," said a memo written by top party strategist Devin Calnones, according to the political gossip website The Grind.

 

GNN could not confirm the authenticity of the memo presented by The Grind.

Rosamond Burkes' Black Lives Matter comments draw ire

Controversial candidate calls protesters 'thugs;' says violent protesters need to be neutralized

DANAECKE, Ansleigha -- Comments from a high-profile candidate for governor in Ansleigha are drawing strong condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum.

Rosamond Burkes, the wealthy, eccentric and controversial mining magnate who is running for governor of Ansleigha, made her stunning remarks at a debate in the eastern Ansleigha city of Danaecke last night.

The seven candidates were asked by host John Rocklan, a correspondent with the Metropolitan News, about the Black Lives Matter movement, which has sprung up in the United States following several shootings of black men by white police officers.

Burkes was asked if she agreed with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"Yes I do agree partially. I'm all for combatting racism and opposing police brutality. There are some terrible cops out there and we need to weed them out. But I don't agree with throwing rocks and bottles and Molotov cocktails at cops. That's not protesting that's rioting, and it has no place in Grassadellia and no place in Ansleigha," said Ms. Burkes.

When asked what should happen to protesters who oppose police with force, Burkes responded by saying they should be shot in certain circumstances.

With the audience aghast and amid a growing roar, Burkes sought to clarify her answer.

"Let me speak," she insisted, while gently banging her clenched fist against the podium in a gavel-like manner.

"People - I don't care who they are, protesters or not - people who throw dangerous objects at a police officer, objects that could endanger the life or safety of a police officer; people that use deadly force or potentially deadly force against a member of law enforcement should be neutralized, either by being tackled or tasered, shot with a beanbag, whatever. Non-lethal force should be used whenever possible. But in some unfortunate cases where no other alternatives are available, deadly force is acceptable. I think that's justified and constitutional and appropriate protocol," Burkes said.

She continued, "Look, people have the right to protest. That's a right I will protect vehemently as governor. But you don't have a right to attack police. A lot of these people who are apart of this protest movement in America and here in Grassadellia are not legitimate protesters. They may have legitimate grievances but some of them are nothing more than violent thugs who are hell-bent on hurting police officers. And I will not stand for that. I will not stand for violence against our police."

Her most inflammatory remarks came next, however.

"A lot of these people protesting the cops are thugs. They're wanna-be gangsters. They walk around with their pants falling off their butt, they don't own a belt, a lot of them are high on God-knows-what drug and a lot of them are on welfare when they should get off their ass and go get a job. These people are losers. They're users, they're parasites of the government, and they need to clean up their act and provide for their families and give up the drugs and the guns and be productive, contributing members of society," said Burkes.

Many audience members booed her answer. One unidentified woman yelled "shame on you" to Burkes, who did not shy away from her comments.

She also vowed to require welfare recipients to pass a drug test before collecting benefits.

Her opponents on stage seemed almost dumbfounded by her audacious comments.

"I strongly, strongly disagree with what you just said, Rosamond," said Paul Biddington, the fiercely-liberal mayor of Churchtown. "You are assigning an unfair stereotype to African-Grassadellians and African-Americans."

Mark Haller, the tenuous front-runner in the race, said Burkes is entitled to her opinion but her tone and verbiage are "beyond offensive."

Paris Westerman, the progressive city councilor from Koeurn, said it would be hard to unite people and be a governor for all Ansleighans by saying what Burkes said.

"The governor of Ansleigha has to be a leader that can unite people and bring people together and be a governor for all Ansleighans of all ethnicities and backgrounds," said Westerman. "Dale Lindstrom is not that kind of governor, and I'm afraid Ms. Burkes would not be that kind of governor based on comments like that."

Businessman Russ Hawley, who has been leading some polls in the NAT race, said he was "troubled" by Burkes' comments, while Bill Seiffert called her words "poorly chosen."

Outside observers were quick to condemn Ms. Burkes' remarks.

"I can't think of a more ignorant thing to say in front of a television camera and a live audience," said Terrell Jackson, executive secretary of the African-Grassadellian Advocacy Organization (AGAO), the country's largest such group.

Tom Keller, chairman of the Ansleigha Nationalist Party, told the National Press Federation (NPF) that Burkes' comments were "unacceptable."

"It's simply unacceptable for a candidate for the Nationalist Party gubernatorial nomination to say something as offensive and insensitive as that," said Keller.

Keller's counterpart at the Ansleigha Conservative Party also criticized Ms. Burkes.

"What she said was incredibly ill-thought and inappropriate," said Tom Morales. "And coming from the so-called 'party of diversity,' the 'party that defends the interests of minorities,' it's especially stunning."

Burkes' campaign manager, Ian Gregg, attempted to clarify his boss' position.

"Rosamond is known for her candor and bluntness," Mr. Gregg told a local reporter from Danaecke's Channel 9 News. "She was by no means expressing support for police brutality or racism toward African-Grassadellians. Rosamond is and has always been strongly opposed to racism and police brutality. I think the point she was trying to make is that some protesters are using the banner of racial equality as an excuse to justify violence against police."

"Police brutality toward minorities is wrong, but so is violence against police. It's never okay to target law enforcement with violence."

Gregg went on to say he believed Burkes was implying that violent protesters should channel their violent tendencies and passion into positive avenues, such as work and family.

"Taking you anger out by throwing rocks and bottles at police is not a positive release of your emotions. Instead, why don't you take that passion and that righteous anger and channel it into an honorable career and family and community. I think that's what Rosamond was trying to say tonight. She worded it in her own unique way but I think that's the message she was trying to get across," said Gregg.

The Lindstrom campaign declined to comment on the controversy. A spokeswoman for Dale Lindstrom's campaign referred reporters to the Burkes campaign.

"You'd have to ask Rosamond Burkes about her comments, she's the one that said them," said Lindstrom spokeswoman Theresa Gammon.

Magiscanti prevails in Harvannah Senate primary

Former senator, a moderate, defeats socially-conservative opponent

HARLYNE, Harvannah -- Conservative party leadership is breathing a sigh of relief today after their preferred Senate candidate prevailed in the state's primary election, routing a more socially and fiscally conservative opponent.

Eric Danzinger, 36, had been gaining momentum in the final week of the campaign. But the young, handsome Air Force veteran and married father of three young children was unsuccessful in his bid to bar the establishment's choice candidate, former Senator Andre "Bourret" Magiscanti.

A final vote count released by Secretary of State Jennifer Giorchani's office showed Magiscanti earning 56.64% and Danzinger receiving 43.36%, or 79,536 votes to 60,894 votes, respectively.

Mr. Danzinger, who lives in northern Saoca County and is currently enlisted in the Air Force reserves after fifteen years with the military, was once thought of as a nominal opponent with little chance of winning the party's nomination.

A first-time office-seeker with no name recognition and a small campaign war chest, Danzinger was brushed aside by Magiscanti's campaign as disregardable.

But it was that same dismissive attitude in the Magiscanti camp that led to Mr. Danzinger's sudden rise in the polls.

Magiscanti - a known moderate with socially liberal positions - had succumbed to entitlement, Mr. Danzinger argued.

When Mr. Magicanti declined to debate him, Mr. Danzinger called the snub "arrogant."

"He thinks the nomination is automatically his because he's a former senator. He thinks he doesn't have to debate me because I'm not in the same league, I'm not quite in the same tier. I'm just some nobody going up against a big-name former senator. But I'm here to tell you folks, the nomination is earned. You don't automatically get it because you were some big-name guy. You don't automatically get it because the party big wigs like you. You get the nomination because you earned it and the voters choose you," Mr. Danzinger said at a May 27 campaign rally in Flag Harbor.

Hal Swenson, a Conservative member of the Western Harvannah Metropolitan Council (WHMC) from Bourneham County, said Magiscanti's refusal to debate Mr. Danzinger was unfair to Conservative voters.

"The voters should have the chance to hear all the candidates, to see where they differ in their policies and positions, and Mr. Magiscanti has robbed the voters of that," Swenson said.

The Magiscanti campaign responded by saying the senator's schedule was too full to accommodate a debate.

Mr. Magiscanti himself tried to downplay the debate issue, chocking it up to a scheduling conflict.

"I have no problem debating other Conservative candidates or anybody else for that matter. The voters of Harvannah know me, they know my positions, they know where I stand on the issues, so this notion that I avoided a debate because I was scared I'd lose is nonsensical," Magiscanti said.

In the end, Magiscanti's refusal to debate Mr. Danzinger didn't significantly hurt him at the polls. Voters interviewed at exit polls wanted a strong, well-known candidate who can defeat NAT incumbent Glenn Rosen.

At his election night celebration at the Nevington Boardwalk, Mr. Magiscanti appeared triumphant, telling the excited crowd "this is the first step on the road back to Mavocke."

"We sent a message to Mavocke tonight, a warning shot across the bow, if you will," Magiscanti said. "We are tired of the status quo. We are tired of the way John Morandi and the Nationalists are running the Senate. We're tired of the economic stagnation that's been happening under this administration for the past almost eight years. We are tired of politicians putting their own selfish interest first before the good of the people they have been sworn to serve," he said to applause.

Mr. Magiscanti was joined by his wife Ann, who serves on the Western Harvannah Metropolitan Council (WHMC).

Mrs. Magiscanti represents District 9, which encompasses Nevington and the eastern outskirts of Harlyne, where the couple reside.

In the coming weeks, Mr. Magiscanti plans to cross the state on a "listening tour," where he will hold town hall meetings and hear concerns from citizens.

Early polling in the race shows both Bourret Magiscanti and Glenn Rosen locked in a dead-even race.

Quanson signs massive transportation bill with little funding for public transport

Most money will go to fund road projects

STARKSMIN, Well. -- A record $10 billion has been approved by Wellington lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Wade Quanson.

But the massive transport funding package is not without criticism.

State Nationalists and alternative transport advocates are decrying the lack of funding for public transport.

Most of the $10 billion -- about $6.9 billion -- will go to funding new roads, maintaining existing roadways and repairing bridges.

Only about $2.4 billion will go to public transport projects, including $393 million for new lines on the Starksmin light rail system and $272 million for light rail in Lunden Plains.

Critics say more money should be spent on alternative or "green" transportation.

"The bulk of this money is going to roads to support car-based transportation. We should be investing more in green transport, so that we can have cleaner air in Wellington, we can protect our wilderness and stop urban sprawl," Gail Curran, Director of the Wellington Environmental Protection Council (WEPC), told the Starksmin Frontiersman newspaper.

Nationalist state Sen. Ken Laramie said the funding bill does not reflect the environmental values of Wellingtonians.

"Wellingtonians care about the environment. They care about clean air and clean water. They care about protecting our forests and grasslands and wetlands, our lakes and rivers. The people of Wellington want safe, green transport that encourages ride-sharing, car-less travel and discourages gas guzzling vehicles and more and more asphalt," Laramie said.

But Mr. Quanson, a first-term Conservative governor, said Wellington's economy depends on road transport.

"Roads are the lifeblood of our economy in this state. We need roads to transport produce, timber, machinery. We can't invest all of our money in experimental so-called 'green' forms of transport when these transport projects typically are more expensive and over-budget and don't attract much interest."

Quanson points to the Starksmin light rail system, which, despite $500 million in new funding for new lines has produced few riders

"I'm not opposed to funding mass-transit or rail or bus, but we need to invest in projects that are going to be heavily utilized. Our roads are heavily utilized. Our trains aren't. Our buses are moderately utilized. We need to throw the funding at what's most utilized, so that the economy of our state can keep moving," said Quanson.

Nationalists in the state legislature are drafting a bill that would require future transportation spending bills to include an equal amount of funding for public transport as road construction.

Menuhaeo says Brexit decision will have 'severe repercussions' for UK

Grassadellian leaders react to UK's vote to leave European Union

MAVOCKE -- A day after voters in the United Kingdom voted to withdraw Great Britain from the European Union, world leaders took in the scope of the decision amid a shaky reaction in the world's leading stock markets.

President Brenton Menuhaeo told the Collester press corps Friday morning the financial panic that swept across global markets was "exactly the kind of response I feared would happen" if Britons voted for the "Brexit," an abbreviation for "British exit."

The Brexit was approved narrowly, with 52% of Britons voting to leave and 48% voting to remain.

The decision will have "severe repercussions in the near future and lasting effects in the long-term," Mr. Menuhaeo said.

"I'm no economist, but you don't have to be one to know that any time you have a massive political shift such as this one, which affects trade deals and taxation, you have to know it's going to cause a major disruption to commerce and financial stability," said Mr. Menuhaeo.

Stock exchanges in London, New York, Tokyo and Grassadellia City saw major losses Friday, as investor confidence has been shaken amid the uncertainty of how the UK's exit from the 28-member nation alliance will proceed.

Finance Secretary Jay Goodling said Grassadellia will feel the impacts of the Brexit vote.

"In our globalized society, the economy is like a giant pond. And when something substantial like the Brexit vote happens, it's like throwing a large stone in that pond. The stone might have been thrown in on the opposite side of the pond but the ripples and waves from that stone still travel across to all parts of the shore," Goodling said.

Most Grassadellian politicians reacted with a cautious calm.

"This will definitely impact our economy here in Grassadellia, but it's too early to say it's a 'Doomsday' moment. The sky isn't falling yet," Trinton Sen. Tim Blakewell (N), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, told the STAR Network.

Dana Glow (C), who serves as the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, said it's important not to panic.

"It happened. Yes they voted for it and the Brexit will take place. But the worst thing world leaders could do right now, CEOs and finance people could do right now, is panic and go in to hysteria mode. That will only worsen the situation," Glow told Reuters.

Grassadellian presidential candidates opined on the Brits' vote. Monomi Gov. John Densy (C) said he would have voted 'no' had he been able to, while POG Gov. Donna Almone (C) came under fire for not saying if she would vote for it.

"She's riding the fence (on Brexit) just like she does on most issues," Densy said of Almone, the leading CNS candidate. "I like Donna but sometimes I wish she'd pick a side and come down on one side of the line in the sand instead of having one foot on each side of the line."

On the NAT side, Damoign Gov. Rod Penora described the Brexit vote as "the dumbest thing (the UK) has done since Iraq," referring to the UK's joining forces with the United States during the Iraq War.

Jim McCaren, the former Foreign Affairs Secretary and current front runner NAT candidate, said he disagreed with the outcome of the vote but respected the will of the British voters.

"I don't agree w/ the outcome but I respect British voters' decision," McCaren tweeted.

He later said that while every country has the right to sovereignty and self-determination, a united Europe would be strongest.

"I recognize the frustrations of the British people. I understand the anger at the establishment and the political elites. But this decision divides Europe, which ultimately will weaken Europe economically, militarily, it will hurt national security and only add to the migration crisis," McCaren said.

Some Grass politicians were in support, however.

"The EU is nothing more than a collective of socialist, sovereignty-stealing states. The UK was right to secede from this terrible alliance," Conservative New Portsmouth Sen. Nadine Pietrasaelis wrote on her Facebook page.

Assembly Majority Leader Brandon O'Malley (C-Damoign) hailed the vote.

"The British are taking back their country. Now they can make their own laws without having to capitulate to the EU's ridiculous liberal policies. Each country should be able to make its own laws. The British took back their sovereignty, and now they can begin to repair the damage done by the EU and it's ill-conceived agenda," O'Malley said in a written statement.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett said Grassadellia will work closely with both Great Britain and the EU member countries.

"We strongly value our longstanding friendship with the United Kingdom and also our EU allies. We will work with both sides to help ensure a smooth transition and bring about stability," she said.

Kerry Paul to run for Monomi senate seat

Lieutenant governor and former Teedra mayor to run for Senate

TEEDRA, Monomi -- Conservative party elders got their wish this weekend. Lieutenant governor and former Teedra Mayor Kerry Paul will run for Senate in the fall election, challenging NAT incumbent Brad Fiodora, who is seeking a second term.

Paul is the preferred candidate of the party establishment, and she brings name recognition and connections with wealthy donors.

But for all her assets, Ms. Paul has some vulnerabilities. She's much more moderate than other lesser-known candidates in the race, and that could open the door to a challenge from a more far-right opponent.

Even before she confirmed her candidacy, the right-wing Grassadellian Conservative Union (GCU) was pre-emptively striking her with criticisms.

"Kerry Paul is another run-of-the-mill 'moderate' Conservative who will only half-heartedly stand up for conservative values. We need a real conservative, with demonstrated conservative values, to stand up for Monomi in Mavocke," the GCU's Deputy Director of Campaign Solutions Brent Alman said in a press release.

The GCU and other ultra-conservative groups are pushing a more conservative candidate such as Assemblyman Pete Doonan of Teedra or Assemblywoman Shannon Tribe of Trieton to run.

But Doonan has ran unsuccessfully twice for the Senate, and Tribe has not indicated any interest in running.

The best hope for far-right conservatives is Assemblywoman Sharon Osmorda of Devanough. A fierce Conservative, Ms. Osmorda, the former mayor of Devanough, is known across the country for her centre-right views and her devotion to causes she holds dear, such as fighting terrorism, advocating for farmers and lower taxes.

Ms. Osmorda has not expressed interest in running for the Senate, but she declined to rule it out in an interview Monday morning at the capitol in Mavocke.

"Right now, I'm just focused on serving the people of Devanough," Ms. Osmorda said.

Ms. Osmorda could prove to be a formidable opponent, should she enter the race.

As an icon in the national conservative movement, and a well-known face among far-right voters, she would have access to a large fundraising base.

Supporters of Ms. Paul say the former Teedra mayor has a better chance of winning in a general election.

"Sharon Osmorda is very extremely conservative. She can't win over independents and moderate Nationalists. Kerry Paul can do that. She has a proven record of reaching out and receiving support from the other side," said Joel Gosch, a friend of Ms. Paul.

Officially, Kerry Paul has not announced her candidacy yet, but sources close to the lieutenant governor say he has already informed her boss, Gov. John Densy, and other political allies of her decision.

An announcement is expected this week.

Alyssa Jones won't say if she'll endorse Roman Chatskovy

Former senator says she admires CNS candidate, but won't say if she'll endorse

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- Roman Chatskovy is "gifted," "talented," and "a common sense leader," says former Senator Alyssa Jones. But despite all the glowing compliments she lavished on him, Jones won't say if she'll endorse the Conservative senate candidate.

In an appearance on the STAR network, Jones was asked by host Joel Gussin if she would endorse Chatskovy, who is challenging incumbent Senator Shay Robertson (NAT).

Jones quickly side-stepped the question, saying she admires Chatskovy's leadership in the National Assembly and his hard work for the people of Libney, the suburban electorate Mr. Chatskovy represents, which lies southwest of Grassadellia City.

"I don't think he would want my endorsement anyway," Jones said, when pressed. "I lost my last election, so an endorsement from me would be somewhat of a negative thing for him," Jones said.

Political commentators were quick to point out that unlike the deeply conservative Jones, who is a devout Evangelical Christian, Mr. Chatskovy is pro-choice and much more socially moderate than many voters in the Conservative party.

A spokeswoman for the former senator said Mrs. Jones - who is married to prominent mega-church pastor Darren Jones - is "strongly pro-life" and "votes and makes political decisions with her conscience and her heart."

The Chatskovy campaign did not respond to request for comment.

Mr. Chatskovy is running for the senate seat currently held by Shay Robertson, the former senate minority leader.

Damoign is a heavily liberal state; the Nationalist party swept elections in Damoign in 2012. But moderate, fiscally conservative but socially liberal Conservatives have done well in the state.

Most prominent among Damoign's CNS community is former governor and Grassadellia City Mayor Sid Hoffa, who is running for president.

Damoign has been fertile ground for more conservative candidates as well. Jones won her Senate seat in 2008, and Mercer Diego - also a deeply conservative Evangelical Christian (and a mega-church pastor himself) - won the lieutenant governorship in 2008.

Diego came close to winning the governorship in 2012, but fell short to Nationalist Rod Penora.

And Assembly Majority Leader Brandon O'Malley hails from southwest Damoign, which is more conservative-leaning than the rest of the state.

Chatskovy, the 39-year-old bachelor assemblyman who is known in Mavocke and Damoign for his youthful good looks and peak physical fitness, trails Robertson in name recognition but has been a formidable fundraiser, having raised about $3 million so far, after only entering the race a month ago.

Robertson's last financial report showed him having $1.7 million in cash on hand. As the former minority leader, he is expected to have access to many donors, strengthening his campaign war chest.

However, the senior senator from Damoign has some pitfalls. Many Nationalists blame him for the party's losses in 2008 and 2010, and his adversarial personality has alienated many in his own party.

The Conservative Senate Campaign Committee hopes to capitalize on Robertson's unpopularity as the Conservative party seeks to regain some seats in the upper chamber, where they are solidly in the minority.

Kellan Kastol praises Sadiq Khan

Mayor of Grassadellia's largest metropolis lavishes London's new mayor with acclaim

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- The mayor of one of the world's largest cities has spoken highly of the newly-elected mayor of another major world city.

Sadiq Khan was elected Mayor of London less than three weeks ago, but his election has garnered international attention because Mr. Khan is the first minority mayor of London. He is also a Muslim.

A member of the centre-left Labour Party, Mr. Khan defeated the Conservative candidate, Zac Goldsmith, by a margin of 1,310,143 votes to Mr. Goldsmith's 994,614.

It was an historic moment in British politics, and also a controversial one, given Mr. Khan's religion.

Allegations of racism and xenophobia tainted the race, but Mr. Khan, an MP and solicitor, emerged victorious in what many political analysts are calling a rebuke of Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron's government.

Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol said Sadiq Khan is an inspiration to young Muslim children all over the world.

"Sadiq is living proof that anyone, even if they are from a humble background, can overcome intolerance and xenophobia and achieve great success if they are willing to work hard and stay true to their beliefs," Kastol said in a press conference.

Kastol met Khan recently at a climate change conference in London.

He described Khan as "the real deal."

"I had the privilege of meeting Sadiq and sharing our stories with each other and our ideas. He really is a genuine person with the heart of a leader, someone who wants to help those around him, those living in poverty and difficult circumstances."

Kastol also hailed Mr. Khan as a "hero of the working class" and a "champion of fairness and equality."

Kastol is serving in his second term as mayor of Grassadellia's largest city.

Officially an Independent, Mr. Kastol, who at 39 is the youngest mayor in the city's history, has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, or a potential future federal senator or governor of Damoign.

Wildly popular among Grassadellia Cityites, Kastol was openly courted by both major political parties in an effort to persuade him to run for Damoign governor. He declined, however, choosing to remain in his current post.

Grassadellian conservatives split on Donald Trump

Some support US presidential candidate, others adamantly opposed

MAVOCKE -- Just like their Republican counterparts in the US, Grassadellian conservatives are split on the candidacy of controversial US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Since outspoken, former East Deschire Senator Nancy Lindselli endorsed Trump back in March, other conservative Grassadellian politicians have come forward to lend their support to the billionaire businessman, who is known for his abrasive demeanor and vulgar insults aimed at women, Hispanics and Muslims, among others.

Monomi Senator Cathy De Beers is the most recent to voice her support for Mr. Trump. In an appearance on the political TV program Inside Mavocke on Sunday, De Beers admitted Trump "lacks eloquence," but said he is "unapologetic in his fight against the establishment."

"I think people are rallying around Donald because they see someone who is not afraid to say what he thinks. He doesn't sugar-coat his words with politically correct terms, he doesn't care what the party establishment thinks. He just says what's on his mind and says, 'this is what I'm going to do' and people like that candor," said De Beers.

Nadine Pietrasaelis, the provocative Conservative senator from New Portsmouth, said she'd vote for Trump, if given the chance.

"Hillary Clinton is just as corrupt as the Afghan government," Pietrasaelis said in a speech to fellow Conservatives I'm Grantham, New Portsmouth last week. "And Bernie Sanders' ideas are pipe dreams, they'll never happen."

"Donald Trump is the only one of the bunch that will defend the world from Islamic terrorism and jumpstart the US economy, which directly impacts our economy here. And he supports the right to gun ownership and common sense immigration control, which are values we share as conservatives in this country," said Pietrasaelis.

Tanner Zannie (pronounced "Zane-ee"), MP for the seat of Black Forest in Onakiah and among the most inflammatory members of the Assembly, has been arguably the most vocal Trump surrogate in Grassadellia.

"Two words for you: Islamic terrorism. Donald Trump is not afraid of it, he's not afraid of political correctness, he's the only candidate willing to use whatever means necessary to take out ISIS and those who hate America and the West," Zannie said.

Mr. Zannie added that Grassadellia should help America "bomb the hell out of Raqqa" to eliminate ISIS, the terror group that has seized power and created its own 'caliphate' in parts of Syria and Iraq. The city of Raqqa, Syria is the makeshift capital of ISIS' territory.

Zannie's comments were swiftly condemned by many politicians and outside groups, including Muslims United, the nation's largest pro-Islam organization.

"Assemblyman Zannie's comments illustrate the blatant ignorance and disrespect many Conservative members of Grassadellia's government possess in the modern fight against terrorism," the group said in a written statement.

Allison McGint, leader of the NAT in the National Assembly, called Zannie's comments 'hurtful' and 'unbelievably simplistic.'

Still, it's conservatives like Zannie - both those affiliated with the Conservative Party of Grassadellia and those belonging to minor parties - that most identify with Donald Trump.

They're out-numbered, however, by pragmatic conservatives, who take offense to Trump's divisive rhetoric and general rudeness. Many are also concerned Mr. Trump's economic and foreign policies would wreak havoc on the world economy and security.

Remmington Senator Mark Eisinger, who is deeply conservative on many issues but also strongly libertarian, says Trump's proposed ban on Muslims is among the most concerning idea Trump has pushed.

"Donald Trump says he is a conservative, but he advocates a ban on Muslims that is completely unconstitutional by US standards and Grassadellian standards," Eisinger said in an interview with the GBC's Ian McCullough.

Eisinger likes Trump's foreign policy philosophy of staying out of other countries and focusing on domestic security rather than nation-building. But Trump's "careless disregard for basic civil rights" is a deal-breaker for the Remmington senator.

Others have been more stinging in their criticism.

Armana Senator Chuck Danbury, a moderate Conservative who is known for his military service and foreign policy expertise, lambasted Trump's military proposals as "elementary and astonishingly naïve."

Veroche Senator Niles Gilcrest, also a moderate, said Trump is invoking racial divisions to prey on the fears of Caucasian Americans.

"From my vantage point, as an outsider looking in, it appears that Donald Trump is using racial differences deliberately in an effort to inflame and motivate the white majority," Gilcrest said in a GBC interview.

Harvannah Governor George Garesby, a popular moderate Conservative who is facing a tight re-election race, announced on Twitter that he would not welcome investment in his state by Trump's companies.

"There is no room in Harvannah for the ignorant and hurtful ideas and rhetoric perpetuated by Mr. Trump," Garesby tweeted, hashtag #notwelcomeinhvn.

But the Conservative Party's most visible figure, centrist POG Governor Donna Almone, who is running for president, has been careful in her criticism of Mr. Trump.

She's been quick to condemn his proposed Muslim immigration ban and his call to withdraw US troops from the Korean peninsula, but she has been reluctant to question Trump's fitness for the presidency.

"I don't know Donald Trump, so I can't really give too much of an opinion about him. I've never met him, I've never met with his staff or his advisors. But from what little I know about him, I can make a few observations," Almone told the GBC's Katie McClintock.

"He's very knowledgeable about business. He's very candid. He's very open and honest with what he's thinking. He doesn't adhere to political correctness like most politicians do. He's very unconventional and very much a unique person and candidate. His campaign is causing so much controversy because of his unconventional policy ideas and his big personality and his uncanny ability to motivate middle class votes," said Almone.

She continued, "I also know that many of his comments seem to be very offensive, very hurtful to a lot of people, very close-minded and misinformed. I don't agree with him on immigration, I don't agree on him with his foreign policy platform of isolationism and withdrawing America from the international stage. And I think his tone, his general tone and comments that he makes are impolite, and I think if I were an American voter, I would expect not only an explanation of his remarks but also an apology for some of the insults he's hurled at certain people and groups," said Almone.

Almone added that she is offended at Trump's treatment of women.

Sources close to Almone say the POG governor - worried she may have to work with Mr. Trump if both she and he win Grassadellia and America's presidential elections, respectively - is attempting a difficult balancing act on Trump: condemning his most offensive comments, while also giving the US presidential contender room to apologize and make amends.

Her campaign said she would be willing to sit down with the Trump and discuss her concerns about his campaign.

"Governor Almone would be more than willing to sit down with Mr. Trump and discuss issues of mutual Grassadellian-American interest. If invited to meet with him, Governor Almone would welcome the chance to have an open dialogue where both parties could exchange concerns freely and have an opportunity to clarify past comments and policy ideas," a written press release from the Almone campaign said.

The Trump campaign did not respond to repeated requests for comment from GNN NEWS.

For now, the split on the controversial Donald Trump seems to mirror the divide among US conservatives - some are rallying around Trump, many are reluctantly supporting him because he is the 'lesser of two evils' in comparison to the centre-left candidate, Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party. And some US conservatives are refusing to support his candidacy.

Trump opponents have unified on social media, causing the hashtag #nevertrump on Twitter and Facebook to explode in frequency.

It's unclear what effect, if any, Donald Trump will have on the Grassadellian election, which will take place just two weeks after the US election.

Political analysts will be watching closely to see if the US campaign influences the results of the Grassadellian election.

One thing leaders in both the CNS and NAT parties agree on: Trump should not define the Grassadellian election.

"Certainly he's relevant and his incendiary campaign needs to be addressed," Alden Gilbert, deputy chair of the Nationalist Party told GNN. "But Donald Trump is an American, and the Grassadellian election is Grassadellia's, not Donald Trump's."

Conservative Party Deputy Director Mark Andrews had similar comments, telling the STAR Network that Donald Trump is "uniquely and distinctly American."

"It's always fascinating to watch what's happening in US politics, but it's important to draw a line between US politics and Grassadellian politics. Each country has its own leaders, its own unique issues and its own ideas to deal with those issues. Donald Trump is not affiliated with the Conservative campaign in this country," Andrews said.