Kalnier's two largest newspapers endorse Tony Ritonio for second term

LAMBERTH, Kaln. -- Conservative Governor Tony Ritonio has secured the backing of Kalnier's two largest newspapers, a major boost for his re-election bid.

The Lamberth Regent commended NAT candidate Nick Hall, a former GBC TV presenter and first-time candidate, for his "thoughtful and spirited campaign."

Hall has "good ideas and a bright vision for Kalnier," but no government or managerial experience.

He has worked on campaigns for his long-time partner, Sarah Ellen Swey, a city councilor representing south Lamberth.

But Hall, age 38, has never held elected office nor worked in a government agency.

Ritonio, on the other hand, is an experienced entrepreneur who worked his way to the governorship, where he has "governed with a steady hand," said the Regent's editors.

"Under Tony Ritonio, Kalnier's economy is growing steadily, he's boosted funding for Kalnier's much-in-need transportation infrastructure, he's held the line on education funding, and he's never been afraid to call out his party when they're wrong."

Ritonio was attacked in previous campaigns for being a "right-wing extremist," but he's "anything but that," the paper said.

"Tony Ritonio has consistently hewed to the center. He campaigned as a moderate and he has governed as he promised."

The editorial did call out the governor for his push against labor unions, calling it "misguided."

"Kalnier has always been a strong union-supporting state, and it's not only unpopular but unwise for the governor to weaken unions," the paper said.

"But overall, the healthy economic growth, the sound financial stewardship of the state's money, and the leadership of a governor who is willing to buck his party when necessary make Tony Ritonio the preferred candidate in this race."

Three hours northwest of Lamberth in Gladstone, the state's second-largest city, the Gladstone Evening News was more tempered in its endorsement of Ritonio.

"We have real concerns about the governor's anti-union stance, his penchant for eagerly giving away tax cuts, and his failure to increase education funding beyond current levels."

Nick Hall is more ideologically in line with Kalnier's progressive bent, the paper said. "He is inspiring, optimistic, and his message resonates strongly with Kalnierans, who are known to value social democracy and equality," wrote the editors.

"But one issue predominates this election: the economy. And on this prime issue, Tony Ritonio seems to be doing something right," said the paper. "Unemployment is down, small business growth is up, and construction has increased."

"With all considered, Tony Ritonio is the experienced candidate with a record of getting things done," the News said.

"Nick Hall is a bright leader with a promising future, and he may make a great governor or senator someday. But now is not his time."

In a Twitter post, Tony Ritonio touted the endorsements, saying "the editors agree: Kalnier's economy is on the move."

Also via Twitter, Hall said he was disappointed the state's two leading papers endorsed his opponent, but said "ultimately the voters of Kalnier will decide who the next governor is, not the Lamberth Regent or the Gladstone Evening News."

Recent polls have shown Ritonio with approval ratings hovering around 55%, and earlier this year, he held a solid lead over Hall.

However, despite Ritonio's positive approval rating and a healthy economy, the race has tightened as Nick Hall has increased his name recognition with steady television commercials across the state.

Hall's campaign released a new internal poll yesterday showing the NAT candidate trailing Ritonio 49%-51%; the Ritonio campaign responded by casting doubt on the accuracy of the poll results.

Jenna Duvan calls for investigation into Rod Penora

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- They've been longtime allies, but Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan today called for an investigation into her friend and predecessor in the governor's mansion, Rod Penora.

Penora, a Nationalist who currently serves as Damoign's attorney general and previously served as Damoign's governor, has been accused by a whistleblower in the state's justice department of targeting political opponents with phony investigations, planting fake evidence to frame his enemies, and pressuring rival politicians whom he perceived as a threat.

Jona Silver was Penora's chief of staff until July, when she quit abruptly.

At the time, Silver said she was stepping down for personal reasons, but she later secretly went to the state ethics commission and reported Penora's alleged misconduct.

The ethics commission has not opened an investigation yet, but is requesting testimony from other sources, including Penora himself.

Mr. Penora has adamantly denied the accusations, and says Ms. Silver is a "disgruntled employee seeking revenge after she was forced to resign because of poor performance and failure to adequately carry out her job duties."

"These allegations against me are purely false. They're made by an angry ex-employee of mine, she's upset, and this is her way of getting back at me," Penora said.

Conservative politicians in the state legislature quickly jumped on the corruption accusations, calling for both an investigation by the ethics commission and by state legislators.

However, most of the state's NAT leaders have remained mum on the scandal, expressing concerns about the motivations of Ms. Silver.

Today however, under growing pressure from Conservatives and members of the media, Damoign's current governor Jenna Duvan, also a Nationalist, called for an investigation by the ethics committee. She was joined by the leaders from both parties of the state Senate and House of Representatives.

"The allegations against Attorney General Penora are serious and should be investigated thoroughly," Duvan said in a press conference.

"I've known Attorney General Penora for years and I consider him a friend and a mentor. The allegations against him are totally out of character with the Rod Penora I know. But even though he's a friend, these allegations must be investigated," Duvan said.

She added, however, that Penora "deserves the presumption of innocence like every citizen," and Ms. Duvan called for a "complete and fair investigation that prioritizes neither protection nor incrimination of the accused."

Conservative state Senator Joe Laurentis told the NPF he is concerned about the allegations, but "right now it's nothing more than a he-said, she-said situation."

Penora has retained the prominent Grassadellia City legal firm Kenley, Adams and Sutton to represent him.

Ms. Silver has also obtained legal representation, but it's unclear who is representing her.

Jhana Schueler denounces 'angry politics' and 'resistance' movement

BROOKINGS, Biere. -- With news from the US today that suspicious packages containing pipe bombs were mailed to prominent Democratic politicians, back here in Grassadellia, Biereland Senator Jhana Schueler (first name pronounced "yawn-uh") reminded her constituents of similar crimes in Grassadellia and the dangers of "angry politics."

Schueler recalled a series of pipe bombs that were placed outside the offices of Grassadellian politicians from both parties back in 2009.

No one was injured in those bombings, but they caused extensive damage. Authorities say the same person(s) were responsible.

No suspects have been arrested, but Crown Police say the investigation remains open and they're pursuing persons of interest.

More recently, in 2016, a large bomb was placed in a town square in downtown Koeurn, Ansleigha during a pro-immigration rally.

That bomb did not explode, and no one was injured. But government terrorism experts say the bomb was "massive" and could have caused "tremendous loss of life."

Two people were arrested and their trials are pending in federal court.

In her speech at a fundraiser in downtown Brookings, Schueler, one of the country's most prominent Conservative politicians, decried "the militant nature of politics," and said violence and intimidation by extremists in both parties should be denounced.

"Unfortunately, the political atmosphere in Grassadellia and in the United States and other countries is so toxic right now, it's so angry and hateful, that friends and family members are severing their relationships over politics. And some unstable people hear politicians and celebrities encourage violence and 'resistance' and these unstable folks take it too far and build bombs and shoot people and heckle politicians who go out for dinner."

"We've gone too far, and we need to return to the rational, respectful, civil politics where people can disagree politely and still be friends," Schueler said.

"Our country has lost its moral center, and we need to a return to decency."

Her remarks were applauded by the audience members who attended her luncheon fundraiser, but some liberal activists accused the senator of conflating violence with the women's rights #MeToo movement.

"When Jhana Schueler talks badly about 'resistance,' she implies that Grassadellians who are peacefully resisting Donald Trump and radical conservative politicians are somehow 'militant,' says Asia Montagne, Deputy Director of the Grassadellian #MeToo organization.

"There are of course extremists on both sides of politics, liberal and conservative. But by far the majority of women and male allies who are apart of the #MeToo movement and #Resist are good, law-abiding people who respect the law and do not engage in violence or intimidation," said Montagne.

A spokesperson for Schueler said the senator's comments were not aimed at the #MeToo or #Resist movements.

The popular women's rights movements began in the United States in response to a series of prominent male politicians and celebrities being accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment. The social campaigns quickly spread to other countries, including Grassadellia.

However, while Schueler stopped short of blaming violence on the women's rights campaign, she "remains concerned about the angry, militant tone of some in the #MeToo movement, which is also contributing to more polarization and pain in our political process," said Schueler's spokesperson.

The issue of women's rights and sexual assault has intensified in recent weeks, after Monomi politician Scott King, who is running for governor, was forced to step down after two women accused him of rape.

King admitted to making suggestive comments to women on several occasions, as well as "sexting" several women. He also admitted to groping women in the past, but he flatly denied raping anyone.

Despite his denials, the Monomi Nationalist Party forced him to quit the campaign.

King is now running a long-shot write-in campaign, while his lieutenant governor running mate Beth Gowan has now assumed the top spot for the NAT.

A poll conducted last week by the University of Monomi School of Politics showed Conservative Will Huxton leading in the Monomi governor's race with 42%, while Gowan had 37%. Nearly 21% of respondents said they still support King, who previously served as governor in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Near the end of his tenure, King was removed by voters for a similar scandal involving alleged hiring of prostitutes and money laundering.

He was never charged criminally, however, and has always maintained that scandal - and the current allegations - are politically-motivated.

Polls tight in New Portsmouth governor, senate races

DAYLE-LOCKE, NP -- New polling data released today in New Portsmouth shows the state's governor and senate races are close.

The Williamstown, Trinton-based Liberty polling firm conducted the surveys independent of either political party or any candidates.

In the governor's race, incumbent Gov. Charles Wornkin (N) leads with 51% to 49% in a head-to-head match-up with his Conservative opponent Bob Crawford.

Crawford is a state senator from Talakaheen County, but also owns a fisheries company in neighboring Hollowvale County on the coast.

Last month he chose state Rep. Pat-Marie Smith, who represents southwest Dayle-Locke, as his running mate.

The Conservative duo is relatively unknown and lack name recognition compared to Charles Wornkin and his running mate, Lt. Gov. Michael Barrett.

However, Crawford's blue-collar background and his emphasis on tax cuts, jobs and cutting waste in state government has resonated with many voters.

"The results from today's poll show that Bob Crawford's message of less taxes, more jobs and better government is resonating with the people of New Portsmouth," said Crawford campaign spokesman Jared Dunn in an email to GNN.

Wornkin has remained relatively popular since he assumed the governorship in 2013. He was easily re-elected in 2014, and more narrowly re-elected in 2016.

But the ivy-league-educated lawyer and former MP, who lives on a private estate in the affluent Yorkton Islands, is seen by many average New Portsmouthians as out of touch with their concerns.

 Wornkin is likely to win a third term, but Crawford could make the race interesting, and the new poll showing a closer-than-expected race means Wornkin will have to dump more money into his re-election campaign.

His campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

In the Federal Senate race, incumbent Chris McConnitch (N) is tied with former Conservative Gov. Jacqueline Bosseau, both earning 50% in a head-to-head scenario.

McConnitch, who is seeking his second term, leads former Sen. Nadine Pietrasaelis, a hard-line Conservative who narrowly lost re-election in 2016, by a more comfortable margin of 54%-46%, respectively.

Bosseau announced her candidacy back in June. Pietrasaelis is not running, but has hinted in recent weeks she may make a last-minute jump into the race.

The Bosseau campaign told GNN "this poll confirms what we already knew: the race for Federal Senate between Chris McConnitch and Jacqueline Bosseau is very close."

The McConnitch campaign did not return phone calls or emails from GNN.

A spokeswoman for Pietrasaelis said the former senator is still deciding her political future.