Bob Mellon calls Tom O'Hearn a 'doofus'

CHRISTON, Wilk. -- Name-calling is not new in politics, but it's been the theme of the Wilkonshire Senate race this week.

In an interview with conservative talk radio host Mike Tyler, Conservative candidate Bob Mellon called his NAT opponent, incumbent Senator Tom O'Hearn, a "doofus."

"Tom O'Hearn, if you look at the bills he's proposed and the press conferences he's held and all the issues he's championed, you can see real quick that this guy is a doofus," Mellon said.

"[O'Hearn] isn't working to get things done. Instead, he's out on the front steps of the capitol holding a press conference about #MeToo and global warming and white privilege. He's not focused on the economy or taxes or jobs. He's just a mouthpiece for the radical, far-left wing of the Nationalist party."

Mellon was referring to the NAT party press conferences where O'Hearn has a frequent presence.

Indeed, the senator has taken up the #MeToo movement as one of his chief causes.

"I don't think any woman in this country should have to worry about riding public transportation and getting harassed by men, or a man assaulting them and getting away with it," he said, as liberal activists stood behind him holding signs that said "Not in my country."

O'Hearn has also been outspoken on climate change, introducing unsuccessful Carbon Tax legislation. He has vowed to continue to reintroduce the bill if the NAT wins a larger majority in the Senate.

The senator, who is seeking his second full term, responded to Mellon's jab, telling the GBC that Mellon is devolving to "petty insults."

"Bob Mellon may not think protecting women from sexual assault is important, and he may not believe in climate change, but I can tell you that as long as I am in the Senate, I will fight every day for these issues, because they are important to Wilkonshireans," O'Hearn said.

Mellon, an assemblyman from Petersboro in southern Wilkonshire, is making his first state-wide run for office. He's repeatedly cast O'Hearn as far-left, politically correct and out of touch with average Wilkonshireans.

Likewise, the O'Hearn campaign has portrayed Mellon as a radical conservative who favors big corporations and the rich.

Evangelicals are the face of POG's Conservative Party in 2018

LANSDALE -- The Conservative Party in POG will be led by Evangelicals heading into this election season.

The party's nominees for POG's most prominent races - governor and two Senate seats - are Evangelicals.

Nick Karen is the party's pick for governor. At age 39, he is a rising star in the CNS; he's also a prominent Evangelical assemblyman from the western suburbs of Lansdale.

He'll be joined on the ballot by Assemblywoman Julie Dennings, another prominent Evangelical from the suburban Dinsmore Hills area west of Lansdale who is the party's nominee for the Senate seat currently held by Nationalist Diane Coke.

Dennings has previously ran unsuccessfully for the Senate twice, she's hoping to unseat the first-term Coke.

And Mike Holloway, a businessman and political newcomer from Londonderry County in northern POG, is the CNS' nominee for the Senate seat being vacated by outgoing Senator Max Kiesling (N).

He'll face centrist Nationalist real estate financier John Paul Liffrey of Kingham.

Of the three leading Evangelicals - Karen, Dennings and Holloway - Holloway is the most conservative.

He won his four-way race against moderate former Senator Charlie Quince, Lt. Governor Fletcher Grisman (also a moderate), and the more conservative but little-known state Senator Debbie Siegler of DePonce, a suburb northeast of Lansdale.

Holloway has called for tax cuts, an increase in military spending, and an overhaul of how universities handle sexual assault cases.

Karen and Dennings are also solidly conservative, but their status as assembly members allied with party leaders has caused some far-right activists to label them part of the much-derided "establishment," or the group of party insiders who critics claim are less committed to the conservative cause.

Both Karen and Dennings faced daunting primary races. Karen defeated hardline entrepreneur Mike Indano and businessman Terry Silvi in his primary, while Dennings narrowly held off Tommy Maddox, a hardline conservative state representative from northern POG.

The influx of Evangelicals in POG's Conservative Party has some more moderate members of the party wondering feeling sidelined.

Outgoing Governor Donna Almone is a celebrated moderate in the Conservative Party, as are Lt. Governor Fletcher Grisman and Senator Dick Trau.

But in the 2018 election, the Conservative Party will be led by Evangelicals appealing to the more socially-conservative wing of the party.

Even so, Almone, Grisman and Trau have endorsed Nick Karen for governor, and all three are campaigning with him.

Almone, the matriarch of the state's Conservative Party and the most prominent politician in POG in recent memory, has also endorsed Dennings for Senate, though she has so far refrained from endorsing Mike Holloway.

The state has an unusual third Senate race on the ballot for the seat held by Nationalist incumbent George Mercott.

However, Mercott, the dean of POG's Senate delegation, is facing only token opposition from the CNS in his race, with Conservative activist Paul Ashley, largely unknown and under-funded, running against him.

This year's elections mark a pivotal moment in POG politics, as outgoing Governor Donna Almone leaves power after ten years in office and both parties clamor to secure power and fill the void after Almone leaves.

McCaren eyeing Alyssa Jones for education secretary

MAVOCKE -- Sources close to President Jim McCaren say the Nationalist president is considering former Conservative Senator Alyssa Jones to be the next education secretary.

The position is currently vacant, and Jones, despite being a staunch Conservative, has a close relationship with the president.

The two served in the senate together, both representing the state of Damoign.

McCaren's office has not confirmed his interest in Jones for the position, but sources, who asked for anonymity because they were not permitted to discuss the issue, told the Mavocke Capitol newspaper that McCaren is weighing choosing Jones.

Just this week, Jones ran a second time for the senate, but lost in the Conservative primary to Assemblywoman Patty Waters.

It could be a difficult task getting Jones confirmed by the senate, however.

She is an Evangelical and strongly conservative on social issues.

Her support of abstinence-only sex education and religious charter schools could be stumbling blocks for her.

A spokeswoman for Jones did not answer questions about the matter.

In her election night speech, after being defeated by Waters, Jones said she was not sure what job or career path she would take next.

She vowed to stay involved in politics, but didn't offer any specifics.

Duke Castlebury unseated in Armana senate primary race

MAINE CITY -- Incumbent NAT Senator Duke Castlebury has been defeated by a fellow Nationalist in his primary race, the NPF confirms.

With all precincts reporting, Emily Burkart, a 37-year-old banking executive from Maine City, was leading Castlebury 53% to 47%, respectively.

Seeking his second term, Castlebury, 76, had long been criticized for his conservative voting record in the senate. Though a life-long Nationalist, the senator frequently votes with Conservatives, primarily on military and foreign policy issues.

Burkhart, who previously challenged Conservative Senator Chuck Danbury unsuccessfully in 2010, centered her campaign around fighting for progressive ideals.

"Senator Castlebury has served his country, and we thank him for that. But he is not a progressive. He does not have a progressive voting record. He sides with Conservatives time after time. We need a fresh, progressive voice in Mavocke representing our state," Burkhart said last week at a campaign rally in Reading Township northeast of Maine City.

She focused specifically on women's issues and the #MeToo movement, as well as climate change, education and a $15 minimum wage.

At her campaign party north of the city, she announced that Castlebury had called her and conceded.

"We again thank Senator Castlebury for his service to our state and to our country as a veteran," she said.

Castlebury, at a more subdued gathering two hours northeast of the city, said he will continue to fight for Armana and for Nationalist ideals.

"I recognize that the voters spoke tonight, and they decided to back my opponent, and I respect the voters' wishes. But I have always been and remain a strong supporter of the Nationalist party and the Nationalist ideals of taking care of the Grassadellian people first above and before everything else."

"While this defeat stings, it does not change my convictions or my belief in labor, in health care for everyone, in social welfare, in strengthening the middle class."

Despite being 76 years old, Castlebury said he is not ready to retire from politics, but didn't say if he would run for office again.

"I don't know, I really don't know, so I can't tell you what I'll do. But I do know I will stay involved. That may mean running for office again. Or it may mean giving speeches and supporting candidates who I believe are the right leaders for our state and our country. I don't know how I'll be involved, but I will continue to be involved."

Liberal groups strongly backed Burkhart's campaign, while fellow centrist and moderate Nationalist politicians supported Castlebury.

"There aren't many of us moderate Nationalists left in the Senate these days," South Ceona Senator Vic Chambers told the NPF last week, while at a campaign fundraiser for Castlebury. "We need more people like Duke, who are willing to compromise and work with the other side."

Armana's senior senator and fellow foreign policy hawk Chuck Danbury lamented Castlebury's loss.

"Duke is a good man, and it's a shame that the Nationalist party is pushing out moderate leaders like him," Danbury told Maine City's largest newspaper last week.

Danbury himself is a moderate Conservative who often crosses over to vote with the NAT on key votes. He has faced similar criticism from the right flank of his party for being too liberal and too cozy with the other party.

"I've been on the receiving end of that stuff before just like Duke. I know what it's like to have the hardliners in your party pissed off at you and trying to push you out. I survived and I was hoping Duke would too because he's a good leader, we need him in the senate. But the Nationalist voters of Armana have had their say and they chose Emily Burkhart, so they've chosen a different course," said Danbury.

Fellow Armana Senator Dana Glow, also a moderate Conservative like Danbury, tweeted that he also was disappointed with Castlebury's defeat.

"Sad to hear about my friend and colleague Duke Castlebury. He is a good man who has done great things in the senate. He will be missed by members from both parties," Glow tweeted.

If she wins the December general election against Conservative state lawmaker Mike Holt - which she is strongly favored to do - Burkhart will join Danbury, Glow and Serap Figaori, a fellow progressive who holds Armana's fourth senate seat.

Figaori tweeted out his support for Castlebury and his congratulations for Burkhart.

"I have enjoyed every moment working with Duke Castlebury. On behalf of all Armanans, I thank him for his service. And I know Emily Burkhart will also make a great senator our state," he tweeted, adding the hashtag #OnToDecember.

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Madronas also honored Castlebury in a post on Facebook.

"Duke Castlebury will forever be remembered as someone who served his country, who fought for liberty, who fought for the underdog and the middle class, who fought for social welfare and a social democratic tradition in this country. It has been an honor to work with him and I speak for all Nationalist senators when I say 'Thank You Duke,' your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Denna Halitz backs Sam Pyatt in campaign video but praises Val Hennemott

CHRISTEN-KERR, E. Deschire -- Former federal Senator Denna Halitz (C) says she is backing Conservative Sam Pyatt in the race for East Deschire governor, despite her close relationship with Pyatt's NAT opponent, Val Hennemott.

Questions had been swirling for months about whom Halitz would endorse in the race.

A longtime Conservative, Halitz has known Pyatt for years and the two served in Congress together.

However, Val Hennemott is a former federal senator also, and like Pyatt, served alongside Halitz.

In addition, after a crushing defeat in the 2014 election, Halitz returned to East Deschire looking to rebuild.

Hennemott offered her a partner-level job at her public relations and consulting firm in Christen-Kerr.

The two former female senators, from different parties, built a successful bipartisan consulting agency.

There was speculation Halitz might cross party lines and endorse Hennemott over Pyatt in allegiance to her colleague and business partner.

But in her announcement video, which was filmed in the living room of her home outside Christen-Kerr, Halitz said while she considers Hennemott a friend, she and Hennemott agree to disagree on politics.

"Our friendship transcends politics," she said.

"Val and I made an agreement a long time ago, and that agreement was this: we may endorse different political candidates or different political parties. We may not agree on politics. We may have polar opposite views. But we will always be friends no matter what. And each of us should feel free to voice our political beliefs and share our opinions without fear of damaging our friendship," said Halitz.

She pointed out that in the 2016 presidential race, Hennemott endorsed Nationalist Jim McCaren, while Halitz supported Conservative Donna Almone.

"Just because I endorse someone doesn't mean I don't like Val or think she would make a great governor. I think she would make a great governor. And she is a role model for women leaders in East Deschire. But I have to be true to my political convictions, and politically, I am more conservative, and Sam Pyatt is the more conservative choice, and I think he is well-positioned to lead, he's done a good job in his first term as governor, and we need to continue the work he's already done," Halitz said.

Sources close to both women told the GBC when Hennemott first began exploring a campaign for governor, she consulted with Halitz. The two agreed Hennemott was a viable candidate and had a strong chance of winning.

Hennemott even asked Halitz if she'd be interested in serving as her running mate.

Halitz expressed interest but said she didn't want to run against Pyatt, whom she also considers a friend. She also expressed doubt that a gubernatorial ticket led by two women could win in strongly-conservative East Deschire.

Halitz also reportedly expressed trepidation about endorsing a Nationalist candidate.

"Denna feared that if she backed someone from the NAT, that would effectively end her career in the Conservative party," said one source, who asked for anonymity because they were not permitted to speak to the media. "Denna is already considered a 'moderate,' a 'faux-Conservative' by many hardliners in her party. If she endorsed a Nationalist, that would just seal her coffin and she'd never be able to win another election in East Deschire as a Conservative."

After Lieutenant Governor Mark Ellsworth decided to run for attorney general, Sam Pyatt needed a new running mate to replace Ellsworth.

The governor reportedly asked Halitz if she wanted the job, but like she did when Hennemott asked, Halitz declined, saying she didn't want to run against her friend, Val Hennemott.

Pyatt ultimately chose Christen-Kerr Mayor Phil Qwenberry to be his running mate.

Hennemott chose her former rival, Hansboro businessman John Blackman, to be hers.

The sources who spoke to the GBC said they believe Halitz wants to endorse Val Hennemott, but is backing Sam Pyatt because of pressure from Conservative party leaders.

"If she didn't have to consider politics, I think she would back Val Hennemott, but she's trying to protect her political future, and part of that is loyalty to the party," the source said.

In her video statement, Halitz said she will campaign with Pyatt at various campaign events, but would not demonize the NAT ticket, or condone any negative attacks against Hennemott and Blackman.

"We need to return civility to our politics. I will not participate in any attack ads or negative mailings. I want to elevate the level of our discourse because at the end of the day, we are all East Deschireans who care about our state, whether you're Conservative or Nationalist."

The Val Hennemott campaign released a statement in response to this article, saying, "Val appreciates her friendship and business partnership with Denna Halitz. Val and Denna are both political veterans, and they both understand that sometimes in politics, friends are pitted against friends, and friends end up on different sides. But that's okay, because reasonable people can disagree on these issues and elections and still have a productive relationship."

Sam Pyatt, Val Hennemott agree to three debates

DEROSA, E. Deschire -- The two leading candidates for East Deschire governor have agreed to three debates in the coming weeks.

Governor Sam Pyatt (C), who is seeking re-election, proposed three debates: one in Hansboro, the state's largest city, one in Doylestown, the state's second-largest city, and one in Ridgeview, the largest city in the panhandle region in the west.

But Val Hennemott, the NAT candidate, took issue with Pyatt's proposal because Ridgeview is Pyatt's hometown, which might give the governor a home-field advantage.

The two campaigns ended up agreeing to one debate in Hansboro, one at the University of East Deschire in Clawfield in the southern part of the state, and the final debate at East Deschire State University in Elmstead, which is about 20 miles southeast of Ridgeview.

Meanwhile, in the state's high-profile senate race, incumbent Allison Sweeten (N) has agreed so far to only one debate with her Conservative challenger, Nancy Lindselli. That debate is tentatively planned to take place in Doylestown.

Lindselli has called for more debates around the state, and has criticized Sweeten for refusing to participate in more.

"The only reason a politician passes up on a debate is because they're afraid to answer questions. I wish Allison would agree to more of these debates we've proposed, because the people of East Deschire deserve answers," Lindselli told the Hansboro Laureate newspaper.

Sweeten's campaign responded in an email to the Laureate, insisting the senator has not agreed to more debates because of her busy schedule, not because she's dodging questions.

Lindselli is known for her sharp rhetoric and bullish presence in debates, where she seems to revel in the spotlight. Her zingers and one-liners against opponents are often stinging and draw laughs and boos alike.

Polls show a neck-and-neck race between Sweeten, 37, and 74-year-old Lindselli. 

Ramos leads in POG governor's race

LANSDALE -- A new Lexmark University shows state Attorney General Ramon Ramos (N) leading Conservative Assemblyman Nick Karen 52%-48% in the state's governor race.

The poll confirmed that Ramos, 44, who has served two terms as AG, has much more name recognition than the little-known Karen, who has represented a suburban west Lansdale district for six years.

Karen, age 39, narrowly beat back his more hardline primary opponents, businessmen Mike Indano and Terry Silvi, in the October primary race.

Ramos won a four-way race on the NAT side, beating federal Senator Max Kiesling, billionaire businessman Pat Gaynor and Assemblywoman Elaine Najiscoto from the state's southeast.

Poll results show Ramos is better known but has higher unfavorability ratings. Some 43% of respondents said they don't like him.

Forty-two percent of respondents said they don't know enough about Nick Karen to form an opinion.

Both men having been hitting the airwaves and campaigning across the state in a final push to win over undecided voters.

Karen has been endorsed by outgoing Governor Donna Almone and federal Senator Dick Trau. After finishing in third place in the primary race, Terry Silvi endorsed Karen, but Mike Indano, who finished in a close second, has refused to back Karen.

Ramos has received endorsements from Senators George Mercott and Diane Coke. Outgoing Senator Max Kiesling, who lost to Ramos, has declined to endorse him.

Pat Gaynor and Elaine Najiscoto have both given Ramos their backing.

Kiesling told the Lansdale Focus newspaper that he has concerns about Ramos' partisan history.

"Of course I want to see an NAT governor, but I want to see a governor that's a unifier, not someone who is a hard-line partisan, so I haven't made up my mind yet on whether I'll endorse Ramon or not," Kiesling said.

Scott King denies rape allegations as Monomi governor's race descends into chaos

TRIETON -- For the first ten minutes of the Monomi governor's debate Thursday night, former NAT Governor Scott King defended his reputation and denied allegations of rape and sexual harassment by multiple women.

"I am totally innocent of these allegations, I have never and never would rape a woman. These allegations are a political smear on my campaign and my good name, and I will fight back with everything I have because I refuse to let my political opponents sully my name and accuse me of something as awful and abhorrent as rape," King said in his opening statement at the debate.

King, whose political career was derailed back in 2010 due to a separate scandal involving rumored prostitutes and mismanagement of state money, won the 2018 Nationalist Party's nomination for governor back on October 3, narrowly defeating Trieton businesswoman Beth Gowan 51% to 49%, respectively.

During the primary campaign, King acknowledged his past scandal, for which he was never charged with a crime but was later recalled by the voters in a closely-split recall election in 2010.

King portrayed the scandal as politically-motivated and said there was no merit to the accusations.

But just two weeks after he won the 2018 NAT nomination for governor, a campaign he billed as his "Redemption Comeback," a bombshell investigation by the Trieton Sun newspaper detailed new allegations by two women who said King raped them.

In addition to the two rape accusers, six other women told the Sun King sexually assaulted or harassed them, including "sexting" unwanted sexual images of himself to them.

The first alleged rape reportedly occurred when King was a young lawyer back in 1998, the victim told the Sun. Both were attending a holiday party at a private residence and had been drinking alcohol.

The second is said to have occurred in 2012 at another holiday party. Both the victim and King had consumed alcohol on that occasion as well, the victim says.

The six women who accuse King of groping them and sending explicit photos say those actions happened more recently, starting in 2010 and as recent as last year.

When the article first broke on October 27, King immediately denied the accusations, calling them a "despicable, last-minute attempt to derail my campaign."

In an emergency press conference on October 27, the former governor said he has never raped anyone.

"Absolutely, flat-out, 100 percent, I can tell you I have never raped anyone in my life. Ever. Period."

He admitted to sexting multiple women, and said he may have groped some women on occasion, but insisted the photos were not unwanted and the groping incidents were good-natured jokes, not predatory behavior.

"Yes, I have sent intimate pictures of myself to some of my girlfriends and some women I dated. But never unwanted. In each case, those images were requested or we were dating, so it was not inappropriate," King said. "As for the groping, there were a couple times where I'd had too much to drink and I did grope a woman's butt or brush up against her breast. But it was always just joking around, and not once did any of the women accusing me now express any discomfort or dislike of it or ask me to stop."

After the new allegations broke, the state NAT party held an emergency meeting and unanimously voted to remove King as their candidate. He was replaced by his running mate and former primary rival, Beth Gowan, the founder and CEO of the Pro-Athletica, a sportswear and fitness company.

King complained the state party's leadership committee never asked him about the allegations.

"They never asked me if these allegations were true. They never asked me for my side of the story. They never attempted to verify the veracity of these claims. They just said 'Scott, you need to step aside.' And then they forcibly removed me without any due process," he said.

Forced out as the NAT's nominee, King announced he would continue his campaign as a write-in candidate.

It was too late for him to file to run as an independent, Monomi Secretary of State Krystelle LaSchantz said. But he was not too late to run as a write-in candidate.

The explosive allegations of sexual assault and rape have now upended Monomi's governor's race and turned it into a three-way contest between King, Gowan and Conservative Attorney General Will Huxton.

Normally, a write-in candidate would not be included in a televised debate. But in the most recent polls, King has been polling at around 21% in a three-way match-up, and debate rules allow any candidate who polls at 10% or more to appear in televised debates.

At the November 1 debate in downtown Trieton at the University of Monomi, King again defended himself.

"Remember what they did to me in 2010. They accused me of using prostitutes and stealing money, paying people off. The attorney general investigated and said there's not enough evidence. The feds investigated and said there's not enough evidence. I never committed a crime then, and I didn't commit a crime this time either," King said to the audience.

When asked by Trieton news anchor Kevin Derrington, a debate moderator, why allegations of corruption and womanizing seem to keep popping up in his political career, King interrupted him and said "because I'm a powerful person, because I've been the best damn governor this state has had in the last 20 years, and because Monomians love me and like what I've done. I'm a threat to the establishment. I'm a threat to the Conservatives and I'm a threat to the party elite in the NAT. Both parties fear me and fear my popularity, so they're trying to take me down with these lies that conveniently come up when I'm running for office."

King said he didn't even remember the first woman who accused him of rape. "I don't even know who she is. I don't recognize the name, I saw a picture of her and don't recognize her face. I don't ever recall meeting her, I'm not sure I ever have."

He did recall the second accuser, and admitted the two did have a sexual encounter, but said it was "entirely consensual."

"We did have sex, it was just sort of a spontaneous hook-up at a party, and we both had been drinking, but neither one of us was drunk, it was 100% consensual, and never at any time did she say 'no' or express any reluctance. This was a totally consensual encounter between two consenting adults, and this is the first I'm hearing that it wasn't consensual on her account."

After spending more than ten minutes of the debate defending himself, moderator Kevin Derrington said "we have to move on and give Ms. Gowan and Mr. Huxton time to respond and speak. This is not a campaign media event for you, Mr. King, this is a debate, and all candidates are entitled to equal time."

When asked about the allegations against King, Gowan said she was disappointed and worried.

"I consider Scott a friend. He's done a lot of great things for this state. But we have to take allegations of sexual assault and rape seriously. And just because he's a fellow Nationalist, just because he's a friend, I can't ignore the allegations against him. They need to be investigated fully and fairly. The state NAT had no choice but to remove him from the ticket, given the gravity of the allegations.

"The most important thing right now is for Scott to address this crisis. He needs to step out of the race, discontinue his campaign, and focus on his legal and personal matters right now. It's best for him, best for the victims and best for the people of Monomi. Our state government has been through enough turmoil during his first term as governor. It's not fair to drag Monomians through all this a second time," Gowan said.

Conservative Will Huxton declined to call for King to step down, but said the allegations against him are "very concerning."

"I can tell you, as attorney general, I have prosecuted many, many cases of rape and sexual assault over my career, and I can tell you personally from having spoken with the victims just how traumatic and life-changing something like this can be. We just can't have a governor who treats women like this. We need a governor who respects women, who treats women with dignity, and Scott King, even if he didn't rape these women...the other allegations against him, some of which he's admitted to like sexting women and groping them, those actions alone disqualify him from the governorship."

Much of the debate focused on King's scandal, but moderators eventually moved the conversation to important issues such as transportation, health care, environment, education, and border security.

In his closing statement, King reminded voters that he governed over a strong economy when he first served as governor, and urged voters to vote with the economy in mind.

"They're trying to make this election about sexual assault and the #MeToo movement," King said, pointing to Gowan and Huxton. "But this election should be about jobs and fixing our economy, and making Monomi great again. Our state has floundered under John Densy and the Conservatives. We need to get back on track, and I'm the only candidate on this stage who will fix our economy, bring jobs back here, and get Monomi moving again," he said.

Gowan touted her endorsements from most of the state's largest newspapers, and said she was the only real choice.

"Scott King needs to stand down and deal with his legal issues. Scott, you should end your campaign now, for the sake of our state. And Will Huxton is an extreme partisan who has time and time again pushed a radical conservative agenda. He wants to tighten down on immigrant families. He wants to defund public schools and spend more on charter schools. He wants to cut funding for state programs. He wants to cut funding for green projects. And he wants to cut taxes for the rich. Both of these men up here tonight are wrong for Monomi. I'm the only one up here who has experience in the business world. I know how to create jobs. As a CEO, I've overseen a major Fortune 500 company. I've hired people. I've given out paychecks and balanced budgets. And I will bring my expertise from the private sector to our state government, which needs new leadership desperately," said Gowan.

Huxton laughed at Gowan's comments. "All those things she just accused me of, they're so absurd, I don't know where to begin."

"The bottom line is, you have a choice to make this election. You can vote for a man who admits to groping women and sending nude pictures of himself. Or you can vote for Ms. Gowan, who is a typical Nationalist who wants higher taxes, more environmental restrictions that will harm our construction and housing. She's pushing the radical social agenda of the Nationalist party. She's 100% in agreement with Jim McCaren and Debbie Madronas and all the other radical Nationalist leaders in Mavocke. She takes her orders from them.

"So you can vote for one of these two Nationalists up here, both will raise your taxes and favor immigrants over Monomians. Or you can vote for me. A proven conservative. I will fight for lower taxes. I will put more police on the streets. I will make sure our borders are secure. I will rein in government spending. And I will oppose the national government every time they try to stick their noses in to our state business. I will be a governor Monomians can trust and a governor Monomi can be proud of."

The hour-long debate ended up going more than 90 minutes, and the television station sponsoring the debate continued coverage of the debate despite other programming.

Following the recent developments in the race, Dr. Kerry Rudgley from the Edinough School of Government at Dulkalow University in Damoign is rating the race as "likely Conservative."

President McCaren rallies in East Deschire for NAT women candidates

GEORGETOWN, E. Deschire -- It was all about "girl power" in northwest East Deschire Friday night.

More than six thousand people - mostly women but some men too - turned out for a high-energy rally in the panhandle city to hear President Jim McCaren campaign for female NAT candidates.

Crowds began forming around 3:00 pm western time at the George Hinshaw Theater in Georgetown, located just across the river from its sister-city, Dash Knoll, Deschire.

The Hinshaw Theater only holds about 1,200 people, so the rest of the crowd was forced to stand outside in the drizzle, shutting down streets for several hours.

McCaren was in town to campaign for Nationalist Senator Allison Sweeten and NAT governor candidate Val Hennemott.

Sweeten is in a tight race for re-election against former Senator Nancy Lindselli, an outspoken conservative firebrand whom Sweeten narrowly defeated in 2012.

Hennemott is also in a close race with incumbent Governor Sam Pyatt (C). Hennemott is a former senator.

The rally wasn't only for East Deschire's candidates though. Jhinny Addelson and Trish Potter, who represent neighboring Deschire in the senate, are also up for re-election this year, and joined the rally, which was billed as a bi-state rally for panhandle East Deschire and northwest Deschire.

Also at the rally were East Deschire's two other female NAT senators, Portia McLendon and Donna Rae Cobb.

Secretary of State Jenny Sinderman (N) was also on stage but did not speak.

Pictures of McCaren on stage joining hands in victory with the seven NAT women were going viral on social media.

McCaren hailed the courage of Sweeten and Hennemott for running in a state that is dominated by male Conservative politicians.

"When Allison Sweeten and Val Hennemott first ran for the senate, they were told a woman couldn't win. Even in the state NAT party, there were people who said 'you can't win because you're a woman and this is a conservative state,'" McCaren said, while the crowd booed. "But they ran anyway, and they won, and they showed the country that Nationalist women can be elected in East Deschire, and not only that, they can get results."

McCaren praised Deschire Senator Jhinny Addelson as a "champion of women's rights," and said Addelson was among the most pivotal members of Congress on the issue of abortion access for women.

"Without Jhinny Addelson in the senate, the Conservatives would have chipped away, and will chip away even more, at women's constitutional and human right to make choices about their own bodies," McCaren said. "We need Jhinny Addelson in Mavocke. We absolutely need her, and you must vote for her and make sure she wins so she can keep leading the good fight in the senate to defend women," said the president.

McCaren also credited Potter with her work on a bipartisan transportation and infrastructure bill that is currently being negotiated.

"Trish works behind the scenes. She's not always the first one to speak at a press conference, or to appear on the news programs. She's maybe not as visible in the public eye as some of her colleagues. She's a quiet leader who works diligently when the cameras aren't rolling. She doesn't receive nearly enough credit for all her work. She's constantly reaching across the aisle to get things done. She doesn't receive the accolades or the glory in the news media, but she is a key deal broker, and she has delivered for Deschire, and she will continue to deliver as your senator," McCaren said.

The ladies spoke too. Sweeten said President McCaren has been "an invaluable partner" and thanked his administration for not forgetting western Grassadellia as previous administrations sometimes did.

"Western Grassadellia accounts for only 20% of our country's population, and sometimes administrations don't pay much attention to western issues because most of the population is back east. But Jim McCaren has not forgotten East Deschire and Deschire and the rest of the west. He has our back."

Addelson, who was born and raised and still lives in Dash Knoll, said McCaren has been a strong ally of women.

"This man up here, our president, has stood with women and continues to do so. Whether it's reproductive rights or maternity leave or equal pay, Jim McCaren is for women," she said to cheers.

The enthusiastic crowd responded with loud applause. Signs reading "Women for McCaren" and "Ladies First" and "Strong Women = Strong Country" were seen throughout the audience.

East Deschire Senator Portia McLendon closed the rally by reminding women to vote.

"If we want to win, if we want to stop the Conservatives from taking over Mavocke and pushing their radical, anti-woman agenda, we - women - have to vote!" she cried. "Get out there and vote! Let's show the rest of the country that the women's rights movement begins and has its roots here in East Deschire and Deschire!"

During the rally, Conservative Nancy Lindselli held her own event in nearby Ridgeview, north of Georgetown.

Lindselli, who is known for her provocative comments and insults, mocked the rally, calling it "a desperate cry for attention."

"They're down there in Georgetown, rallying for women's rights, rallying for abortion, rallying for extreme feminism, rallying for the extreme, Jim McCaren, Nationalist agenda that will bankrupt our country, bring more and more taxes, neuter our military, and open our borders," said Lindselli.

"And we're up here in Ridgeview...we don't have as many cameras or as much media pizzazz as they do. But we do have common sense on our side, and we have public opinion. The people of East Deschire are smart, and they have repeatedly rejected the liberal ideology and the radical agenda of the Nationalist party, and they will do it again this election."

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.

Maggie Coates easily confirmed by Senate as next NEXIS chief

MAVOCKE -- The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed President Jim McCaren's choice to lead the country's premier spy agency today.

By an astonishing vote of 85-7, Margaret "Maggie" Coates was confirmed by the Senate to lead NEXIS, the government's largest and most influential intelligence agency.

The seven dissenting senators were all hardline Conservatives: Brad Bearns and Driscoll Sherber (Biere.), Cathy De Beers (Monomi), Pete Deetch (N. Ceona), Shaylene McCullough and Mark Eisinger (Remm.), and Craig Svenson (S. Ceona).

Coates' opponents criticized her for being too soft on terrorism suspects because she opposes the use of torture in interrogations.

"The Grassadellian people must be protected from terrorism, and unfortunately, Ms. Coates does not believe in doing everything possible to protect our nation. She takes a rather weak position on the issue of terrorists and enhanced interrogations, and that will put our national security at risk," said Driscoll Sherber, who led the opposition movement to Coates' nomination.

Remmington Senator Mark Eisinger voted against Coates for a different reason, however.

A staunch libertarian, Eisinger criticized Coates for her support for government surveillance.

"We have a constitutional issue in this country. Innocent, average, every-day Grassadellian citizens are being surveilled and spied on by this country's government and intelligence agencies and law enforcement. It's completely unconstitutional, it violates everything our founding fathers supported, and I can't support someone who is OK with the government spying on millions of innocent people without warrants," Eisinger said on the Senate floor.

There was little doubt about Coates' chances though.

She enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support.

Even Conservative stalwarts like Minority Leader Jon Ralston (Ansleigha), and the hawkish Jim Frasier of Deschire, threw their support to Coates.

"I think she's probably one of the best people we could expect the president to nominate for this position," Frasier told reporters outside the Senate chambers.

"This position is a non-political position, and I think my colleagues should be able to separate Ms. Coates and her decades of service from politics," Sen. Dana Glow (Armana) said.

In a statement following her confirmation, Coates thanked the Senate for their vote of confidence, and said she plans to "get right to work."

"National security and protecting our country is a 24/7 job, and I intend to jump right into my new role and do everything I can to make our country safe and strong," said Coates.

McCaren praised the Senate for not letting politics halt Coates' nomination, and said Coates would be a "great addition" to the national security team at Collester.

Contentious gubernatorial primaries divide Monomi politicians

TRIETON -- Looming primaries in the race for governor have caused a split among Monomi's top politicians.

In the NAT primary, former governor Scott King Jr. is running to reclaim his seat, after being recalled by voters in disgrace back in 2010.

King was accused of corruption, but was never indicted. An effort to impeach him failed in the Monomi Senate, but voters subsequently recalled him by a narrow margin.

His reputation seems to have improved since his corruption scandal eight years ago, however.

Recent polling has shown King's approval rating among Monomians has risen into the 45%-50% range.

King is facing Beth Gowan in the NAT primary.

Gowan is a wealthy businesswoman and CEO of a sports supplies company. She ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014 against Conservative John Densy.

Old wounds over King's past have re-emerged in the NAT, as King's former foes, many of whom called on him to resign during his scandal, have coalesced around Gowan.

Included in this group is King's former lieutenant governor Erica Kinsley, who famously turned against King in the midst of his scandal and succeeded him in the governor's mansion after King's recall.

Former Senator Brad Fiodora is also backing Gowan, saying Monomi needs to move forward, not backward.

But not all Nationalists have turned their backs on King.

Many prominent NAT leaders have endorsed his redemption bid, most notably Federal Senator Nathan Lister and former attorney general Ed Casey.

Most NAT politicians are remaining neutral though, including Trieton Mayor Felipe De Orondes, the NAT's most high-profile figure in the state.

Former Senator Hanna Gorbachy, previously the dean of Monomi's NAT party, has also remained uncommitted, though she has previously supported both King and Gowan in prior campaigns.

The Conservative contest is just as divisive.

Incumbent Governor John Densy is not running for re-election, which has opened the doors to a wide-open race on the CNS side.

The front-runner appears to be Attorney General Will Huxton, who is popular with the Conservative Party base, but has a history of gaffes and has struggled in general elections to win over independent voters.

Huxton is a hardliner on immigration and voter ID laws. He's also fiercely anti-tax and anti-Mavocke.

Former Trieton Mayor Doug Aker and current Heydworth Mayor Pete Campbell are proving to be strong contenders as well, though Aker has been criticized for running a low-energy campaign, and it's unclear if he can win after losing re-election as mayor to Felipe De Orondes last year.

Retired businessman Don Imber from Midvale is not well-known, but has a vast personal fortune and has already donated $1.9 million to his campaign from his own personal funds.

Like Huxton, Imber is taking a hard-line on immigration, taxes and gun rights. He's criticized both Aker and Campbell for being "establishment" candidates.

Trieton state senator Collin Farnsworth is also running for the Conservatives. He's well-known in Trieton, but lacks name recognition outside the capital.

Many see Farnsworth as a compromise candidate; someone who is conservative enough to satisfy an anxious CNS base, but moderate enough to appeal to independents and disaffected Nationalists.

Finally, John Densy's lieutenant governor, Nick Garringer, has also thrown his hat into the ring.

But despite appointing Garringer as his deputy last year, in recent weeks, Densy has distanced himself from Garringer, and privately, aides to Densy say he is hoping Campbell or Farnsworth emerge victorious in the CNS primary election.

Aides to both Densy and Garringer say the two have had a strained relationship since Garringer took over as lieutenant governor following the departure of his predecessor Kerry Paul, who won a Federal Senate seat.

So far, Kerry Paul and fellow CNS Senator Rill Stevens have remained neutral in the governor's race.

But their colleague Cathy De Beers, the most conservative of Monomi's four senators, has openly endorsed Will Huxton.

"Will is committed to the ideals of liberty and freedom from government intrusion that Monomians hold dear," De Beers said at a recent Huxton fundraiser.

Privately, Paul and Stevens are said to favor the establishment candidates: Doug Aker, Pete Campbell, or Collin Farnsworth.

But neither senator has publicly endorsed any candidates.

"I think we have several good candidates in the CNS primary this time around, and I'll wait and see and let the voters make the decision," Paul said earlier this week at her office in Mavocke, when asked about the race.

There are more registered Conservative voters in Monomi than Nationalists, but the state has a history of electing moderate NAT candidates to statewide offices.

Karen DeSalle will campaign with Nick Hall in Kalnier

LAMBERTH, Kaln. -- Former Kalnier Gov. Karen DeSalle (N) will be hitting the campaign trail soon, but she won't be seeking a rematch with Conservative Tony Ritonio, who ousted her from office back in 2014.

DeSalle announced earlier this year that she would not run to recapture the governor's mansion. She served one term as governor from 2011-2015.

Instead, DeSalle endorsed NAT candidate Nick Hall.

Hall, 38, is a former GBC TV presenter in the Lamberth area. He stepped down in 2017 to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.

Having never held elected office before, Hall lacks experience, but is well-known in the Lamberth area.

He has worked with DeSalle and other prominent NAT leaders to establish connections with influential donors throughout the state.

Hall's partner Sarah Ellen Swey is a Lamberth city councilor from the city's working-class south side.

Despite being highly telegenic and friendly, Hall still has an uphill climb to defeating incumbent Tony Ritonio (C), who is seeking a second term in the 2018 fall elections.

Ritonio narrowly defeated DeSalle in 2014, and he took some flak for trying to weaken the influence of labor unions in the state.

However, Kalnier's economy has grown under Ritonio's tenure, and he has held a steady approval rating around 55% for the past year, though his detractors are strong in their disapproval (37%).

Kalnier is a liberal state, but Ritonio has deftly avoided controversial social issues.

When fellow Conservatives made racist comments about Lt. Gov. Len Shigasi, who is Japanese, Ritonio angrily defended Shigasi and condemned the racist rhetoric.

And while he is pro-business and generally supports lower taxes, Ritonio vetoed a funding bill authored by Conservative legislators that gutted funding for social programs and education.

The governor has also embraced bipartisan environmental legislation and has been vocal in his opposition to US President Donald Trump.

But Ritonio's tenure hasn't been all rosy, Nick Hall asserts.

Ritonio's efforts to curb the power and influence of labor unions have been "detrimental," Hall said in an interview with Lamberth Local 9.

Hall also criticized Ritonio for opposing tax increases to fund light rail extensions in the Lamberth metro area.

And Hall has repeatedly called on Ritonio to back a proposed amendment to the state constitution to ban the death penalty.

The death penalty has been outlawed in Kalnier since 1998, but that law is not enshrined in the state constitution, and could theoretically be overturned more easily than a constitutional provision could be.

Ritonio says he personally supports capital punishment, but will respect the will of the voters.

"I want to put this issue to the voters of Kalnier. Let's decide as a state, with all Kalnierans having a voice in this very personal, emotional issues," Ritonio said at a recent forum on justice reform.

No polls have been conducted recently in the Kalnier governor's race, but the National Governors Association (NATGA) has indicated it is willing to invest millions of dollars in the race.

Ritonio allies say NATGA's Conservative counterpart, the Conservative Governors Association (CGA), will defend the governor vigorously with a strong financial backing.

Meanwhile, Karen DeSalle, Ritonio's predecessor, has stayed largely in the shadows in recent years. She has made few public appearances, and moved to Mavocke, where she took a job with the Menuhaeo Administration.

A spokeswoman for DeSalle confirmed, however, that the former governor will make multiple campaign appearances with Hall in the coming months.

Details on the campaign itinerary are limited, but both DeSalle's office and Hall's campaign confirmed the two will make a joint appearance at a campaign rally on September 22 at Lake Auditt High School.

McCaren nominates Maggie Coates to be next spy chief

MAVOCKE -- After much anticipation, President Jim McCaren made his pick to lead the country's main spy agency.

The president has chosen Maggie Coates, a former diplomat and senior official in Grassadellia's intelligence services, to lead NEXIS.

The Native and External Intelligence Services (NEXIS) agency is the largest and most prominent of Grassadellia's spy agencies.

Coates has held several leadership positions within both the Foreign Affairs Department and NEXIS.

If confirmed, she would be the agency's first female chief.

At age 68, she would also be one of the oldest directors of the agency.

Her nomination won praise from across the political spectrum.

"Maggie Coates is an expert in her field and will serve our country well as director of NEXIS," said Armana Senator Serap Figaori (pronounced "Sare-rap Fig-aree"), a Nationalist.

Chuck Danbury, a Conservative senator also from Armana, and one of the Senate's most widely-respected members on national security issues, also offered praise for Coates.

"Maggie Coates has the experience, the knowledge and the temperament to lead NEXIS, and I look forward to voting to confirm her," Danbury said.

Some Conservative senators expressed early opposition to Coates' nomination.

"I have some real concerns about Maggie Coates' views on interrogation and giving legal rights to terrorists," Sen. Driscoll Sherber (C-Biereland) told GNN News.

"Terrorists who seek to kill and destroy Grassadellians should not have access to the same legal rights that the average Grassadellian citizen has access to," added Sherber.

Most members, however, reacted with a generic statement on McCaren's pick.

"I'm eager to sit down with Ms. Coates and discuss her vision for NEXIS and the concerns she has about our country's security," Ansleigha Senator Ellie Higgins, a Conservative, told the NPF.

Trinton Sen. Bruce Kellney (N) told the Golden Shore Tribune that Coates has "a record of service," and "deserves to have a fair and transparent confirmation process."

"I really hope the hardcore Conservatives don't try to sink this nomination just for political purposes," Kellney admonished. "On the issue of national security, we shouldn't let partisan politics dictate our votes."

Denna Halitz on rematch with Nancy Lindselli: 'If I lose, I lose'

CHRISTEN-KERR, East Des. -- It's been four years since Denna Halitz was forced out of the Federal Senate.

The popular senator from the Vandershutes, a fertile, agricultural region in the southeast corner of the state, was knocked off in an intra-party battle with Nancy Lindselli, a hardliner former senator from Birch Hollow.

At the time, Lindselli cast Halitz as too moderate for the Conservative Party.

Halitz was more connected to Mavocke than her home state, Lindselli charged, and too compromising with the NAT and President Brenton Menuhaeo.

After a knife-edge race, the fiery Lindselli was declared the winner of the CNS primary.

Halitz continued the race as an Independent, but in the general election, both she and Lindselli split the centre-right vote and lost to Donna Rae Cobb, a moderate Nationalist from Hansboro.

The two former senators played the blame game after the election.

Halitz argued she would have coasted to re-election and the CNS would have held on to a key Senate seat had Lindselli not challenged her in the primary.

Lindselli called Halitz a "sore loser" for continuing in the race as an Independent after losing the CNS nomination.

Fast forward four years to present day, and the two Conservative women are going head-to-head again.

Both are seeking the Conservative Party's nod to take on NAT incumbent Allison Sweeten, who narrowly defeated Lindselli in 2012.

But this time, the contest is less heated, at least on Halitz's part.

In a wide-ranging interview on East Deschire Public Radio, Denna Halitz reflected on her failed 2014 bid for re-election.

"I think in 2014, I was so desperate to win, so desperate to hold on to my seat, that I sort of stooped to the level of my opponent. She flung attacks against me, so I flung them right back. She was insulting on the campaign trail, and I fired back with my own zingers. I think that was a mistake. I fought fire with fire, and I realized afterwards that that strategy was probably not the most effective," Halitz said.

"And more importantly, it was also not who I am. I'm not a bitter, vindictive person who hurls insults casually. I'm a level-headed, calm, thoughtful person who wants to have a civil discussion about the problems facing our country," she added.

This time around, Denna Halitz insists her campaign is focused on listening instead of trading barbs.

"I've been traveling all around East Deschire, talking to people all across our state, asking them, 'what's important to you?' 'What's important to your family?' 'What challenges are you facing in your small business?' 'What problems are you having with health care?' 'What can the government do or not do to make things easier?'"

"And people have been very open and frank with me. They say, 'Denna, wheat prices are too low,' or 'government subsidies are not covering the cost of the farm.' They tell me that they can't sleep at night because they are worried about paying for college tuition for their kids, or paying medical bills or paying the mortgage. And I've just been listening to all these everyday, average East Deschireans, trying to understand and empathize and let them know, if I'm elected, I will try to help you, because that's what a senator does."

"We don't senators to Mavocke to just insult the president, or to be obstinate because they don't like the administration or the majority party. We send our senators there to fix things, to make solutions, to help their constituents and be a voice for their state. And that's the kind of senator I want to be for East Deschire."

She's less concerned with winning this time, Halitz said.

"This time, since I'm not an incumbent, I'm not desperate to hang on to my seat. I'm not desperate to hold the seat for the party. I don't care about being in the majority. I'm just running because I want to run and because I care about our state and the people."

"I'm in it to win, but if I lose, I lose. Life will go on. There is more to life than being a senator."

For her part, Nancy Lindselli has been relatively quiet compared to her previous campaigns.

She has criticized Halitz in TV ads and campaign flyers for being too moderate and for not standing up for East Deschire's concerns in Mavocke.

But Lindselli's attacks have been much softer than those of her past runs for office.

Lindselli panned Halitz for "trying to appear to take the high moral ground." And the former scoffed at Halitz's recent "new age, hippie, peace-love persona."

"I find it hard to believe that Denna Halitz is all of a sudden transformed into this positive role-model. I find it hard to believe that she's all of a sudden above all the attack ads and the dirt-throwing. I've ran against her before, I know just how dirty she can get," Lindselli told a Hansboro TV station.

But Lindselli maintained that the real problem in this election cycle is the NAT incumbent, Allison Sweeten.

"Allison Sweeten is far more dangerous and harmful for East Deschire than Denna is. I think Denna is a good person, I think she does really, truly care about East Deschire. Allison Sweeten only cares about Allison Sweeten. And the Nationalist Party. And the abortion industry. And the radical environmentalists who want to destroy our farmers and our agriculture and our way of life here in East Deschire."

Sweeten has done little campaigning so far, and frequently portrays herself as a centrist, despite having a solidly liberal voting record on social issues like abortion and gay rights.

A spokeswoman for the senator said Sweeten will stay focused on serving East Deschire while her two Conservative opponents "continue their cat fight from 2014."

Polls have shown Halitz would easily defeat Sweeten in a general election match up, while Lindselli would trail the incumbent slightly.

Brown, Rattner advance in Marchenay governor's race

MANCHESTER, March. -- Conservative Gov. David Brown easily routed a more far-right opponent in Marchenay's CNS primary election last night, and Attorney General Dan Rattner won a four-way race to become the NAT's candidate.

Brown, a socially-liberal, wealthy, moderate incumbent from Manchester, was being challenged for his party's backing by freshman state Rep. David LaSaria of Harpertown (pronounced "Luh-sarr-ree-a").

Brown ultimately held onto his party's nomination, taking 58% of the primary vote compared to 41% for LaSaria, or 540,158 votes to 383,740, respectively.

LaSaria, just 39 years old, criticized Brown, 59, for being too socially liberal and for failing to rein in reckless spending in Newcastle.

A devoutly conservative Roman Catholic, LaSaria took particular issue with Brown's pro-abortion stance.

LaSaria was also vocally critical of Brown's approval of a bill that outlawed so-called "conversion therapy" for gay youth, a practice employed by conservative religious organizations that has been widely discredited by the scientific and medical communities.

"David Brown says he is a Conservative. He has a 'C' after his name on his campaign signs. But he supports abortion, he supports penalizing and persecuting churches and religious organizations for their Biblical views on marriage and sexuality, and he spends money just as willy-nilly as the Nationalists," LaSaria told a crowd of conservative activists.

CNS voters in rural counties swung heavily in favor of LaSaria, while the urban areas stayed with Brown, who pitched himself as a more seasoned, tempered leader.

"David LaSaria is young, and handsome, and full of energy, and quick to criticize. But he's not ready to lead," Brown told a group of supporters on the eve of the election.

After Marchenay Secretary of State Kathy Bernanski released the results, David LaSaria conceded the race. He did not endorse Brown, however.

"The voters have spoken. They've decided to stick with David Brown. I wish it turned out differently, but we have to respect the Conservative voters of Marchenay," LaSaria said.

Brown thanked his supporters for "delivering a verdict of common sense and pragmatism."

"Tonight, you had the opportunity to choose a rogue novice who was big on attacks but short on solutions. And you rejected that offer, and chose to stick with someone who's less flashy, less handsome - maybe - (he said to laughs), but actually has solutions and a plan for Marchenay," said Brown at his victory rally in Manchester.

Meanwhile, the race for the NAT gubernatorial nomination was less certain.

Four candidates asked NAT voters to give them the nod to challenge Brown, who is seeking his second term in fall 2018.

Attorney General Dan Rattner, of Newcastle, was an early favorite. But when longtime NAT party activist and elder Tom Hartwell of Kittelson entered the contest, and then Mavocke businessman Tom Fortney, the race was suddenly plunged into uncertainty.

Liberal activist Diane Dembrowski from Newcastle was also in the running, though she was overwhelmingly outspent by her three male opponents.

In the end, Rattner narrowly avoided an upset. He held on to win with almost 30% of votes, followed closely by Hartwell with 28%, Fortney with 25% and Dembrowski with 17 per cent, respectively.

Rattner ended the night with 326,606 votes to Hartwell's 310,381.

Fortney followed with 278,190 and Dembrowski with 186,429.

Rattner did well in the state's largest metro area, Madagen, while Hartwell and Fortney split counties in the greater Mavocke area.

Calling the primary election "an invigorating process," Rattner told his supporters he is prepared to take on David Brown in the fall.

"This campaign was hard, it was close. That's a good thing," he said. "Now we will be more tested and more hungry for victory against David Brown this fall."

Unlike their Conservative counterparts, all three NAT losing candidates immediately endorsed Rattner.

Hartwell called the attorney general a "good man who will be an effective leader."

Fortney said he looks forward to working with Rattner after he is elected governor.

And Dembrowski urged her voters to throw their support to Rattner in the general election.

"There is really no question about who you should support this fall. Dan Rattner is apart of the NAT establishment, and I'm not too thrilled about that. But Dan Rattner is a saint compared to David Brown. So we need to support Dan, and make sure David Brown and his greedy, rich friends in the Conservative party don't win," said Dembrowski.

Few polls have been conducted to gauge a Brown-Rattner race, but most political pundits expect it to be close.

Both Brown and Rattner are wealthy, accomplished figures, though neither is particularly charismatic.

Brown has been called a "professorial" and "socially-awkward" by his own party members.

Rattner has been called "cold" and "lacking compassion" by fellow Nationalists.

Mr. Brown has come under fire from Rattner and Nationalists for a lagging economy - something the governor vowed to fix when he campaigned against his predecessor Christine Gabler (N) in 2014.

The Brown campaign, however, has already released a TV ad attacking Rattner. The ad depicts a factory and a conveyor belt and shows a Dan Rattner action figure coming off the "Nationalist Party machine's assembly line."

"Dan Rattner is the product of the Nationalist Party machine politics factory," the narrator says. "He's programmed to raise taxes, he's equipped with sound bytes about inequality and manufactured to attack business. But just like this action figure, he doesn't do much."

The ad is currently running in all seven media markets in Marchenay.

Kellan Kastol comes out as bisexual, declines to address rumored relationship with Roman Chatskovy

Grassadellia City mayor comes out after bombshell shocking book details personal details

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- The mayor of the nation's largest city has publicly addressed his sexuality after a controversial book written by a former political acquaintance revealed details of his personal life.

Kellan Kastol, the 42-year-old mayor of Grassadellia City, confirmed the book's assertion that he is bisexual.

Rumors about Kastol's sexuality have swirled for years, but the topic intensified recently when Bryan George, a former Nationalist Party official, wrote a bombshell book that accused Kastol of being bisexual and detailed Kastol's romantic relationships.

In his book "Casual Politics," released last week by the Williams-Stanstead publishing house, George claims to have firsthand knowledge of Kastol's sexuality.

The book says Kastol frequently dated both women and men during his early years in office, including another prominent Damoign politician, Conservative Senator Roman Chatskovy.

George says Kastol's alleged romantic encounters with Chatskovy were secretive because both men publicly identified as heterosexual.

Both Kastol and Chatskovy are unmarried bachelors who are known for their good looks and impressive physiques, and both have received widespread media attention for their fitness and attractiveness.

In a deeply personal, sit-down interview with the Chamberlain Network's Diane Caufield, Kastol admitted he is bisexual.

"For me, sex and sexuality...it's more about relationships and being close with someone than it is about gender. I think anyone, under the right circumstances, with the right person and a deep connection, can fall for someone of the same gender. I know I have," he said.

But when asked if he had a relationship or romantic encounters with Chatskovy, as Bryan George's book alleges, the mayor declined to answer.

"I'm not going to get into the details of my personal life and who I've dated and been involved with. That's between me and them. But what I will tell you, and the rest of the nation now in this interview, is that, yes, I am a bisexual Grassadellian. I have dated women and men, I am attracted to both women and men. And I'm okay with that."

The book was correct about his sexuality, but other details of the book are inaccurate, Kastol said, though he declined to elaborate.

"Bryan was right about that. I like women and men. But other details in the book about who I've dated, and other personal details about me that he put in there are not correct. There a lot of mistruths in his book, so it should really be taken with a big grain of salt," he said.

Kastol noted that George previously worked for his campaign, and had been fired.

"This book is the work of a disgruntled former employee of my campaign," he said.

Back in 2012, Kastol briefly and publicly dated then-attorney general candidate Jenna Duvan. The power couple dated for about nine months before splitting up.

In 2016, Duvan was elected governor of Damoign, a position she currently holds.

Since his split with Duvan, Kastol has not had any public relationships.

It was following his break-up with Duvan that Bryan George alleges Kastol began secretly dating or "hooking up" with Chatskovy on multiple occasions.

The book describes their relationship as a "discreet friends with benefits" arrangement.

Swarmed by reporters and cameras yesterday outside his Libney home, Roman Chatskovy denied he'd had any romantic encounters with Kastol or any other man.

"I hate to disappoint you all but I am not gay, I am not bisexual. I am heterosexual, I date women, I always have and always will," he said.

He added that Kellan Kastol is a "long-time friend and colleague," and the two have worked closely on various political causes over the years because they are elected officials.

"But our relationship has always been professional and platonic," Chatskovy said.

"This book is a disgrace and an attempt to smear good people's reputations," he added.

When asked for his thoughts about Kastol's coming out as bisexual, Chatskovy said he never suspected Kastol was bisexual, but he's happy for the mayor.

"I'm glad that he can be who he is and he can live a more comfortable life now without that personal issue being bottled up," said Chatskovy.

Jenna Duvan was asked about the matter, including if Kastol's bisexuality was a factor in the couple's break-up.

"I didn't know Kellan was bisexual, and I don't think he knew either. This is a personal journey that's confusing and difficult to navigate, and I understand that, and I'm here to support him in any way I can," Duvan said.

Bryan George's book doesn't accuse Kastol or Chatskovy of breaking any laws or rules, but the allegations outlined in the book could negatively affect their reputations.

Legal experts say both men could file a libel lawsuit against Bryan George, but historically, unless allegations of illegal activity are made, or of activity that is "grossly repugnant to a large sector of society," or if the plaintiffs suffer irreparable damage to their reputations, courts typically don't rule in favor of politicians in libel litigation.

In the past three decades, rumors about politicians' affairs and sex lives have been deemed permissible by the courts, since the personal lives of public officials are commonly discussed by the media and average citizens.

If the book alleged that Kastol or Chatskovy engaged in illegal sexual activity, such as prostitution or sex with a minor, then they would certainly have a libel case, legal analysts say.

Bryan George defended his book in a tense interview with GNN's Michael Micardi. George said the book contains information he was given by close confidantes, friends and aides of the mayor and senator, and his own firsthand accounts.

"I stand by the veracity of this book," George said.

He denied that the book was written out of vengeance or because he was disgruntled with Kastol or Chatskovy.

"I have a duty to tell the story. There's no personal vendetta, but politicians need to be authentic and honest about who they are."

A spokesperson for Kastol later told the National Press Federation (NPF) that the mayor is consulting with his legal team on possible legal action.

Chatskovy's office said the senator was done addressing "outlandish rumors and gossip."

Kastol is now the most prominent LGBTQ politician in the country, joining other LGBTQ leaders like Monomi Senator Rill Stevens, Lial Senator Jamie Scousenovy, and Assemblyman Peter Bennelly of Damoign.

Donna Almone: 'It absolutely breaks my heart' that young Black men fear police

LANSDALE -- In a wide-ranging interview with the GBC network, POG Governor and former Conservative presidential candidate Donna Almone spoke passionately about the economy, the environment and police brutality.

The sit-down interview was conducted at her office in downtown Lansdale. The governor, who has largely stayed out of the national spotlight since her razor-thin defeat in the 2016 presidential election, told the GBC's GinaMarie Demuri that she has "never felt more committed to the cause of public service" than now.

Almone - who is POG's longest-serving governor, serving since 2006 - told Demuri that the economy continues to be her main concern as governor.

"Yes, Grassadellians don't like Donald Trump. Yes they care about social justice and equality. Yes they care about the environment. But most of all, they care about putting food on the table for their families. Paying their mortgage. Paying their rent. Paying the light bill. So many Grassadellians are struggling to get by. Wage stagnation is at an all-time high, and yet the cost of living keeps increasing. People are having a tough time keeping up. So that's why my focus as governor has been on building a stronger, more robust economy. Bringing jobs here to POG. Bringing living-wage jobs here, so people can afford to live a comfortable life with their families; so parents can spend more time with their kids and less time working to make money just to scrape by."

Almone said she'd like to see members of Congress focus on economic issues too.

"Governors understand the importance of the economy, because we get unemployment reports regularly, we closely follow new factories that open or shut down, we closely watch welfare rolls and monitor job growth. Economic vitality is something that governors are more in tune with I think, than our legislators. Senators and Assemblymen, they focus on a wide array of issues every day. That's just the nature of their jobs. So we are doing our part, we need the Congress and the President and his team to focus more on reducing the tax burden on families, incentivizing economic growth and creating strong jobs that will be able to sustain families."

The governor was asked about recent environmental legislation she signed in to law that restricts oil drilling off the coast of POG and her opposition to a proposed natural gas pipeline that would criss-cross the southern part of the state.

"Are these new laws you signed and championed, are they harming or hampering economic growth?" Demuri asked.

"No I don't think so. Certainly we would get new jobs from oil companies coming in and developing oil and natural gas. But the bulk of POG's economy surrounds tourism and travel. If we jeopardize our coastlines and jeopardize our environment, if we have an oil spill or cause irreversible damage to our pristine land and waters, we will lose far more jobs than we would gain from an oil rig or a pipeline."

She is open to natural gas exploration in the interior of POG's southwest, however, but not a pipeline.

The interview took a more poignant turn when Demuri asked the governor about the recent fatal shooting of Leon Aruba, a 37-year-old unarmed Black man who was killed by police in Lansdale's southwest last week.

"Is there a problem with police training in our country?" asked Demuri.

"I think there are some systemic problems in the way our law enforcement are trained. I think they are trained to shoot to kill in every circumstance, and while that is good for mass shooting events and we always want to eliminate the threat to innocent human life, I think sometimes our police culture and training has inadvertently caused officers to shoot first and then assess afterwards. Just instinctively that's what they're trained to do and their instincts take over. I don't believe it's a purposeful action, it's instinctive. But I do believe we need to re-evaluate how we train our police and how our police use force."

"The bottom line is, no one in our country should feel unsafe walking down the sidewalk on a sunny afternoon. It absolutely breaks my heart, Gina, that young African-Grassadellian men, and young Hispanic men in our country do not feel safe around police, do not feel like they can walk down the street wearing a hoodie. No Grassadellian should feel unsafe around law enforcement. Our police are here to protect us and make us feel safer, and yet we have a whole segment of our population who feel unsafe around police; who feel like they're always under suspicion and always being watched with a watchful eye in a way that other people aren't. I think that's a cultural issue that we as Grassadellians need to address, and the law enforcement community needs to address as well. We need to apologize to young men of color and make it clear to all Grassadellians that the police respect you, they are here to protect you, they will treat you fairly and treat you the way they'd treat a white person."

The governor added that "we, as a country, have a long way to go on the issue of race and police."

Leon Aruba was walking down a sidewalk on a residential street when he was stopped by Lansdale police officer Luis Perretes.

Perretes stopped Aruba because he matched the description of a theft suspect who stole merchandise from a nearby convenience store.

Aruba was carrying a skate board at the time Perretes confronted him. Aruba approached Perretes, who was still in his patrol car, and raised his skateboard in the air.

Perretes told his superiors he believed Aruba was trying to bash him with the skateboard and feared Aruba would reach into the car and pull his gun from his waist-belt.

After multiple warnings, Aruba did not back away and Perretes shot him at close range, hitting Aruba in the torso three times.

Aruba was unarmed and witnesses said he raised the skateboard slightly but not in a threatening manner.

"It appeared he was just frustrated the officer was questioning him and he raised his skateboard a little but in a way like saying, 'man, why you bothering me,'" said Miguel Ruita, who saw the shooting take place.

Aruba was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead a few hours later. He was not the suspect from the convenience store theft either, police later determined.

Perretes was placed on paid leave, which is standard protocol, as investigators from the POG State Police investigate the shooting.

Lansdale Police Chief Richard Cordanson said he was disturbed the incident took a fatal turn, and a thorough investigation would take place.

Cordanson drew complaints, however, when he later said the fatal shooting could have been avoided if Aruba had heeded Perretes' verbal warnings to back away.

"It's very simple. When a police officer gives you instructions and tells you to do something, you do it. You can argue about it later. But in that moment, you need to follow the officer's commands," Cordanson said.

He later apologized.

Minority groups and community activists have since called for his resignation or firing.

Lansdale Mayor Ollie Fugazzi said he will meet with his public safety committee before making a decision on Cordanson's future.

Shay Robertson says 'reckoning' on guns is happening in US

NEW YORK -- Former Senate Majority Leader Shay Robertson (N-Damoign) spoke at Columbia University in New York City last week, and he had some interesting thoughts.

Asked about gun control by an audience member, Robertson explained Grassadellia has similar problems with guns as the US, though less gun crime and gun ownership.

"The cultural traditions surrounding guns are not as strong in Grassadellia, but we do have millions of citizens who own them, and we do have a gun crime problem, particularly in the inner cities where gang violence has escalated in recent years," Robertson said.

The former Senate majority leader, who lost a bid for re-election in the 2016 election, told the audience that gun control alone is not the answer.

"In Grassadellia, we have had difficulty passing gun legislation at the national level, just like here in the US. So we've turned to the state and local levels to pass gun restrictions, and more importantly than passing gun control, we've worked closely with law enforcement to target crime-ridden neighborhoods and make gang enforcement a priority."

Robertson's comments are mostly accurate. Gun crime statistics are comparable in Grassadellia to the US, so are gun ownership levels. However, mass shootings are a much more rare occurrence in Grassadellia than the USA.

Robertson attributed this to more effective gun control in Grassadellia and a less powerful gun lobby in Grassadellia.

"In my country, the gun lobby is not nearly as powerful as it is in the United States. The US gun lobby is extraordinarily powerful and influential. In Grassadellia, guns are important. But we also recognize that mass shootings are preventable through smart, effective legislation. If you take the emotion and the cultural demagoguery out of the equation, you can have smart gun reform that protects lawful gun owners but severely limits the ability of criminals to commit mass atrocities."

Additionally, he blamed Republicans in the US Congress for failing to prioritize gun reform in the states.

"In Grassadellia, it's the Conservative politicians that are dragging their feet and using guns as a wedge issue in campaigns. They know people care about guns and safety and crime, and they draw on that for political purposes. And from what I've seen, and from what my progressive friends here in the states tell me, it's the Republicans who are dragging their feet here and refusing to pass gun reform. They are effectively politicizing the safety and well-being of America's cities, and that's immoral."

Now working as an advisor for the Faren Young financial corporation, Robertson has little to do with the gun debate these days, but he told the Columbia University audience he hopes US politicians will be more receptive to what he calls "common sense gun legislation."

"I think what we're seeing in the US is a reckoning of sorts. We're seeing the American people waking up and realizing, 'this is not normal.' It's not normal to have mass shootings every week in which tens or dozens of people are killed in bloody, gory fashion. It's not normal, it's not acceptable, and it doesn't have to be this way. The American people are waking up to that reality and I hope they hold their politicians accountable and force their political leaders to do something."

While mass shootings are uncommon in Grassadellia, gang shootings has increased substantially in the last five years, with most of the violence occurring in Grassadellia City and other east coast cities.

Last month, in response to the increasing violence, Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan (N) announced the creation of a new taskforce to target gang crime in Grassadellia City. Duvan asked Damoign's senators and President Jim McCaren for federal support for the program.