Wellington Governor Wade Quanson returns to work after near-fatal aneurysm

STARSMIN, Well. -- More than two months after a near-fatal brain aneurysm, Wellington Gov. Wade Quanson has returned to work.

Quanson, 61, was speaking at an event at the state capitol building back on October 6, 2017, when he suddenly collapsed.

He was rushed to nearby Two Rivers Hospital in downtown Starksmin, and was hospitalized for almost a month.

The aneurysm was small but life-threatening. Doctors were forced to perform immediate surgery to repair the damage to a brain artery.

Immeditely, Lt. Gov. Liz McKinn (C) took over as acting-governor.

Quanson survived, however, and after weeks of rehabilitation, he returned to work this past week. He received a standing ovation from state lawmakers in the capitol building.

"Thank you, thank you all. I'm grateful to be back, grateful to be alive and grateful to get back to work for the people of Wellington," he said.

Doctors say Quanson is recovering nicely.

"His latest check looks good. We encouraged him to rest and not over-do it with his gubernatorial duties and he appears to have followed that instruction," said Dr. Abdul Khalid Darma.

"The governor owes a lot of credit to the people and the first responders at the event he was speaking at. Had they not gotten him help immediately and taken him directly to the hospital, he probably would not have survived," Dr. Nadal Caruigi said at a press conference Friday.

Quanson did scale back his public appearances since the incident, but he told the media Friday he is feeling "great" and "re-invigorated" and looking forward to getting back to normal.

"This was a little speed bump in the road for me, but I'm back to normal now, I feel great and I look forward to resuming a normal schedule."

He added that he is grateful for his "wonderful family, friends, staff, colleagues, doctors and the people of this state for supporting me and being patient with my absence."

Additionally, this week, Quanson announced he will seek re-election in 2018. He is currently serving his first term as governor.

Candidates declare for Kinoelke's vacant Senate seat

FAIRFIELD, South Ceona -- The vacant Senate seat formerly held by Vice President-elect Chris Kinoelke will be filled with a special election scheduled for February 8, 2018, South Ceona Gov. Greg Laskie announced Friday.

As governor, Laskie has the constitutionally-mandated authority to schedule by-elections, and since Kinoelke was only in the beginning of his Senate term when he was elected VP, a special by-election will be held to fill his seat.

A primary election will be held January 3, 2018, and the general election February 8.

Had Kinoelke been in the latter half of his Senate term, Laskie would have simply appointed an interim senator to fill the seat.

Candidates from both parties have already declared their candidacy.

On the Conservative side, Laskie's lieutenant governor, Jane Karsten, has announced she will run. Assemblyman Dane Rakin, who represents the Serea-area in the National Assembly, will also run. Both have been actively campaigning across the state and raising cash.

Several candidates have declared on the NAT side too, including University of South Ceona-Necadia anatomy professor Dr. Parnell Scott, former Senate candidate and social worker Elaine Tazzo of Mastwin, and Assemblywoman Leigh Ann Mayley of Stenison.

Political new-comer Mickey O'Toole, a blue-collar machinist and activist from Gallaghan, has also announced his intention to seek the open seat.

Other candidates said to be considering a run on the CNS side are Wolfson County District Attorney David Steigman and state Sen. Dan Brier of Rathclan, both of whom have unsuccessfully sought state-wide office.

Former NAT Senator Alan Thorston has ruled out a comeback bid, and Attorney General Patty Volston (N) has declined to enter the race, despite significant pressure from party leaders.

Former Governor Scott Bannich (N) has also said he will not run.

Speculation about the state's gubernatorial election, which will take place in November 2018, is also growing.

Incumbent Gov. Greg Laskie (C) has indicated he will seek re-election, but it's unclear if Bannich, his predecessor, will seek a second re-match with Laskie.

Volston is also considered a likely gubernatorial candidate, while state Sen. Chris Blair of Necadia has already announced his candidacy.