Jenna Duvan's wardrobe and sexism take center stage at Damoign CNS debate

COLUMBUS, Dam. -- If the Damoign Conservative gubernatorial debate was a fiesta, incumbent NAT Governor Jenna Duvan would have been the pinata.

Conservative candidates went after Duvan all night, as they sought to score political points and build political capital with Conservative voters in the run-up to the 2020 election.

Duvan is seeking re-election, the first governor allowed to do so since the 1980s after a recent and controversial amendment to the state's constitution.

And there's no shortage of Conservative candidates seeking to challenge her.

All nine gathered for their first debate in Columbus, a strongly conservative city in south-central Damoign.

They largely agreed on main policy points. All were critical of Duvan's leadership. All called out the state Nationalist Party as corrupt and unwilling to be bipartisan. All espoused tax cuts and a pro-business platform.

But the debate took a bizarre turn when moderator Alex Syncott, a local news anchor, asked Assemblywoman Pat Leemore if she approved of Jenna Duvan's wardrobe.

"Governor Duvan has been criticized by some people for wearing mini-skirts. They say it's inappropriate for a governor to wear clothing they consider to be provocative and suggestive. Do you approve of her clothing choices? Is it appropriate for a female governor to dress this way?" Syncott asked.

"I'm not really sure what that has to do with this debate," said a surprised Leemore. "We're here tonight to talk about issues. The economy, education, transportation, healthcare, the environment. I'm not sure what Jenna Duvan's dress selection has to do with being governor, but since you asked I'll answer it," she said, to a smattering of applause.

She then answered the question directly, saying it's important for a governor, male or female, to dress professionally.

"But if Governor Duvan wants to wear mini-skirts and low-cut tops, that's up to her. I wouldn't wear them, personally. But I'm not a young model in my thirties either," said Leemore, shrugging her shoulders, as the audience erupted in laughter.

She added that Duvan looks good. "

She has a fantastic body and she looks very chic and slender and attractive in her clothes. So if it looks good on you, then why not?"

Fellow female candidate Kim Camden, a former Federal Treasury official who served in the Byelle administration, was also asked the same question.

"I want to say first that I don't think it's fair that women are asked about their apparel and what they wear, while men get a free pass," said Camden. "It's indicative of the double-standard on this issue."

Nevertheless, Camden said it's important for female leaders to dress appropriately.

"I have three daughters, and when my little girls see the governor or a senator or an assemblywoman on the TV or the news, I want them to see a strong role model, who is dressed professionally and not in a way that objectifies the woman's body. As female politicians, we need to be mindful of the message that we send to young girls about body image and respect in the workplace."

None of the seven male candidates wanted to answer the same question posed to Leemore and Camden.

However, Assemblyman Brian Tyker chimed in, and joked that Duvan "looks great" and he had "no complaints" about her wardrobe.

The Conservative-friendly audience largely laughed at the episode, but some candidates, such as former National Security Director Robert Austin and businessmen Rob McCann and Rob Poldashi, expressed discomfort.

After the debate, Eva Magoto, a female news anchor who participated in the debate but did not ask questions pertaining to the topic, also spoke out.

"It doesn't matter what party you belong to, if you're a woman, you should never have your clothing and appearance dissected on live television," she tweeted.

Many viewers and Nationalist Party activists called out Brian Tyker for his comment.

"Cat-calling Jenna Duvan during a televised debate. I think we've reached a new level of doucheness," wrote one user on Twitter.

Another called Tyker out directly.

"Brian Tyker's comment at tonights (sic) debate is exactly what is wrong with male privilege and the male rape culture in this country," the tweet read.

Duvan herself did not comment on the matter, but a spokesperson for her campaign sent a written statement to the media.

"If Conservative candidates spent half as much time focusing on healthcare and education and fair housing as they do on Jenna Duvan's wardrobe, they might actually have something to offer the people of Damoign.

"Instead, they resort to cheap, sexist attacks on Governor Duvan. They can't assail her policies or her leadership, so they go after her for being a former model, for dressing nicely, for being attractive, and for wearing skirts and stilettos.

"The people of Damoign see right through this gender stereotyping. This type of behavior just confirms what we already know about the Conservative Party - they are stuck in the 1950s and want to take women back to the era of oppression and male-dominated culture."

Pat Leemore's campaign later released a statement on Facebook, saying the assemblywoman believes all women should be treated with dignity and not "judged for what they wear."


The other candidates, who largely stayed out of the controversy while on-stage, also spoke out after the debate ended.

"Our state is falling apart. The Nationalists have absolutely wrecked our tax system, our constitutional sanctity, our education system, our infrastructure. And we spent ten or fifteen minutes tonight during the debate talking about Jenna Duvan's skirts. I just think it's ridiculous. Where are our priorities?" asked Rob McCann, a businessman and political newcomer from southern Damoign.

"I don't think the voters care about what Jenna Duvan wears," said businessman Rob Poldashi, also a political newcomer, from Larche County.

State Rep. Andrew Liang, from Eastholm, said that portion of the debate was "more like a celebrity gossip show."


Assemblyman John DeGallio voiced a similar sentiment, and also impressed reporters with his knowledge of reality TV.

"This isn't 'Project Runway.' It's not 'Say Yes To The Dress' or 'What Not To Wear.' This is the governorship of Damoign that we're talking about, said DeGallio.

Former Grassadellia City Mayor Sid Hoffa tried to avoid the issue altogether.

"I think debates should focus on the issues, not on personalities and the personal lives of the candidates," said Hoffa, declining to elaborate.

Notorious killer paroled by Damoign Parole Board, prompting backlash

ELLSBURY, Damoign -- One of Damoign's most notorious murderers was released from prison today by the state's parole board.

Dennis Edward Murphy was released from the Farris Creek Correctional Center southeast of Grassadellia City Tuesday afternoon.

Murphy, age 78, was granted a medical release due to terminal cancer.

He will live with his nephew at an undisclosed location in the state, according to the Damoign Department of Corrections.

Murphy was convicted in 1977 of killing five prostitutes in east Grassadellia City over a two-year period.

The killings were particularly violent. Two of his victims were strangled, two were stabbed, and one shot.

All five victims' bodies were mutilated after death.

While Murphy did take money and belongings of the victims, police do not believe robbery was a motive. The murders were deemed to be thrill-killings.

Police at the time said Murphy may have additional unknown victims.

Murphy was convicted of all five murders and originally sentenced to death, but in 1998, a state judge overturned the death sentence on procedural technicalities during Murphy's trial. He was then issued a life prison term.

Murphy's attorneys say their client has dementia and has only months to live after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He requires 24-hour care and cannot live alone, they say.

As part of the conditions of his release, Murphy will not be allowed to leave the state of Damoign. He must check in weekly with a parole officer. He cannot live close to schools, libraries, public parks or day care centers.

His family celebrated his release, thanking the parole board for allowing Murphy to live out his final days in the company and care of loved ones.

But his release spurred intense anger from the victims' families and from Conservative and Nationalist politicians alike.

"My mom didn't get to live out her final days in the company of family. She lived her final moments chained to a bed tortured to death by this monster," said Sarah Goos, whose mother Emily Daughten was Murphy's second victim.

Tough-on-crime politicians also lambasted the parole board's decision.

"It's unfathomable that a serial killer, who not only murdered innocent women but tortured and mutilated their bodies, could be released on compassionate grounds," said state Senator Joe Bruno, a Conservative from Tolston.

"What does it say to the victims' families and to the people of our state when an unelected board releases violent criminals back into the community? Where is the justice for the victims?" state Sen. Steve Ralman, Conservative from east Kentwick, said in a radio interview Tuesday night.

Nationalist state Senator Hank Colland, who represents Evanter, was also dismayed.

"I understand that we want to be compassionate to ailing incarcerants, and we have compassion for those who are suffering from debilitating diseases, but that has to be weighed against the gravity of the crimes the person committed," he told the STAR Network's Joe Candolla.

"I think in this case, this individual, while he may be very ill and may not have much time left to live, he really should not be released. He may not be much of a threat to the community in his current state, being very ill. But it's the principle of it. The victims' families deserve justice. They were told this man would be in prison for life and now that promise has been broken, and the pain of those crimes comes flooding back.

Governor Jenna Duvan (N) has not commented on Murphy's release. Her office declined to comment, though a spokesperson said Duvan would speak on the matter later this week.

Duvan is a former prosecutor who sent many convicted criminals to death row. She remains supportive of the death penalty in extreme cases, however, under her administration, executions have slowed.

Conservative politicians jumped all over the issue on social media Tuesday, saying the decision to release Murphy proves Duvan, who is seeking re-election in December, is soft on crime.

"This is sadly what the Nationalist Party has become today. Nationalist politicians like Jenna Duvan give more rights to convicted serial killers than they do to the hard-working citizens and taxpayers of our state," the Damoign Conservative Party said in a post on Facebook.

Rosamond Burkes: Young Black men need better role models

KOLLANDON, Ans. -- Another debate, another controversy surrounding Nationalist candidate Rosamond Burkes.

The wealthy, elderly businesswoman, who is running for Ansleigha governor, is known for her controversial comments about race.

During a governor debate in 2016, she called Black Lives Matter protesters "thugs" and said police were right to use force to bring them under control at violent demonstrations.

This year, she's seeking the governorship again, and again, at Monday night's debate in Kollandon, Burkes ventured into controversial territory with her latest remarks on race.


"Today in this country, we have young Black boys who grow up without a dad, their mothers are working two or three jobs to provide for their family, because dad walked out or is in prison. So these young boys grow up with no supervision, they turn to the streets and the gang culture, which is all they've got, because they don't have that family support they need.

"And then their role models are rap artists, who are thugs and drug addicts and they write songs about shooting people, they write lyrics calling women 'bitches' and 'whores' and 'sluts.'

"Young black boys grow up in this sort of environment, and then we wonder why they're angry, why they're violent, why they hate police, why they deal drugs, why they end up in prison, why they're abusive toward women."

"When you have no dad at home and mom's working multiple jobs and all the older boys on your street are dealing drugs and doing drive-bys and pimping girls, and your idols you look up to are rap singers who espouse violence and degrade women, it's clear why young Black men have run-ins with police and have higher crime rates. It makes sense why young Black women have so many children out of wedlock and are on welfare. It's not rocket science here," said Burkes.

Moderator Jason Jones pushed back, challenging Burkes to offer evidence that young Black men are more prone to criminal activity.

She dodged the question.

"I'm not saying that these problems only exist in the Black community. They don't, they exist in Latino communities and Arab communities and White Communities and Indigenous communities. I'm not picking on Black people here, but I am saying that the Black community needs better role models for their young men.

"We shouldn't be glorifying these rap artists who do drugs and shoot people and violate women. We shouldn't be celebrating these guys and lifting them up in our society. They're not heroes. They're not worth celebrating. They're thugs. They're gangsters. They're pigs.

"Anybody who talks like that to a woman and treats a woman that way is a disgusting pig in my book.

 She continued.

"I'll tell you what Jason, if one of those thugs walked up to me with his pants falling off his butt, smelling like marijuana, and called me one of those obscene words, I'd shove one of my heels up his sorry ass so fast he won't even see it coming.

"He better hope his buddies are there to help him, because he'll need help walking when I'm done with him."

There was a mix of raucous laughter and disbelief at that last specific exchange, but most of her remarks were met with confused and disapproving looks from her fellow candidates, and a small spattering of applause from the audience, who were on the edge of their seats during her seemingly off-the-cuff commentary.

"I'm not quite sure where to begin after that," said moderator Dick Clemson, a local TV News anchor from Kollandon.

"There's a lot to unpack in what you just said there, Ms. Burkes," added Clemson's anchor partner, Kate Crispell.

Churchtown Mayor Paul Biddington raised his hand, asking to speak.

Turning to Burkes, Biddington admonished her words.

"I'd like to go on the record and say that what you just said, Rosamond, was filled with stereotypes and dog-whistle phrases, it's not based on facts, it's based on fear and the fear-mongering that White elites have been doing for so long in this country," he said to wide applause from the audience. "And I want everyone up on this stage to reject what she just said."

Fellow candidate Becky Grael, speaker of the State House of Representatives, shook her head in mutual disbelief and disapproval.

"It's really, really disappointing that we have a candidate in this race who is falling for and spewing these racist talking points," said Grael. "There is no room on this stage, or in this party, for this kind of racism. If that's the kind of campaign you're going to run, you're in the wrong party."

Again, resounding applause.

Moderate businessman Russ Hawley was less critical and more diplomatic in his response. Courting many of the same moderate and conservative voters Burkes appeals to, he was more cautious in his criticism.

"I think you made some valid points, Rosamond. We do have a crisis of family support and poverty and drugs in many of our minority neighborhoods. But there are many reasons for this, and to point at one specific group and repeat stereotypes and unfounded, unsupported claims about increased crime rates, increased predisposition to crime and abuse, that's not true, it's not the temperament we need in our next governor, and it's not representative of the values of the Nationalist party," said Hawley.

After the debate, the Ansleigha Nationalist Party released an official statement condemning Burkes' comments.

"The ANP does not support or condone the racist and misleading comments that Rosamond Burkes made at Monday night's debate. The ANP fully rejects Ms Burke's words. We value the Black community. We recognize that systemic racism and historic oppression continue to hold back the Black community, as well as other minority groups, and we celebrate the leaders in the Black community and our Black celebrities who have fought for equality and racial justice."

Anticipating the fallout from her comments, the Burkes campaign released a fundraising email directly after the debate.

"Rosamond spoke the truth about problems in the Black community. She said what the politically-correct politicians are too afraid to say. It's a tough topic, but she's not afraid to confront it. And now the Nationalist Party elites, the liberal establishment and the "Fake News" media are attacking her for saying the truth."

The email then asks readers to donate to the Burkes campaign and provides a link to her website.

"Will you stand with Rosamond and fight back against the political correctness and stupidity of the party elites? If we can't have freedom of speech and speak openly and honestly about society's problems, we don't live in a free country anymore, we live in a censored dictatorship. Help Rosamond continue the fight against political correctness and the elites!"

The fundraising email was sent out 45 minutes after the debate ended, prompting some critics to speculate if Burkes planned ahead of time to make the controversial comments at the debate.

A spokesperson for her campaign denied that claim, saying Rosamond "always speaks off the cuff."

Burkes is known for her outspoken, unfiltered and colorful comments.

A lifelong Nationalist, as a young woman, she was an ardent feminist and anti-war protester.

Now, as a candidate for governor, she remains a strong feminist and anti-war activist, but over the years, she has become more right-wing on issues of race and law and order.

Some have suggested Burkes' views would be more welcomed in the Conservative Party, but she's been openly critical of Conservatives too, in addition to her own party.

Despite being asked to pledge to support whoever wins the NAT nomination, Burkes has declined to do so and has hinted she may quit the NAT and run as an Independent or third-party candidate.

Should she choose to do so, it's unclear which party would be more adversely affected by her candidacy. Polls show she appeals to working-class Nationalists from rural areas, so she could steal votes from the NAT. However, she draws widespread support from many Conservative voters too, which could siphon votes from the CNS candidate.

The most recent poll showed Burkes in fourth place in the NAT primary race, however, since that poll, several candidates, including Attorney General Jon Erickson, have dropped out. No polls featuring the four remaining candidates have been conducted yet.

Al Paccioli brings down the house at Veroche CNS debate: 'I'm a tough son of a bitch'

SOUTHWICK, Ver. -- There were a lot of laughs at the first Conservative gubernatorial debate in Veroche tonight.

The stage was crowded as all nine candidates - all men and all white except for one - hashed out their positions on a variety of issues.

But the topic that dominated the evening was bashing incumbent NAT Governor Tom Harper.

Mac Griffin, 74, the mayor of Red Leaf and current front runner in the race, gave Harper credit for an improving economy, but said it could be "even better" under Conservative leadership.

Multiple candidates, including Lanakis Mayor Dick Scholinger, cited the high cost of living as contradictory to the state's strong economy.

Scholinger was interrupted by moderator Greg Jones, who questioned if the mayor was partially responsible for the high cost of living in his own city.

"It's happened on your watch, while you've been in office," said Jones.

The "exorbitant" cost of living has been a problem for decades, Scholinger said.

"It preceded my time in office, and quite frankly, it preceded Tom Harper's time in office too. This is a problem that started a long time ago and no one at the state level has done anything to fix it."

Scholinger also took credit for reducing taxes and cutting regulation as mayor, something businessman Bill Enos took issue with.

"No you didn't, Dick. You raised taxes and increased regulation. I know because I've built many buildings in Lanakis and done lots of real estate transactions there. Your city is a mess," said Enos, a political newcomer and self-funded billionaire candidate.

Gen. Greggory Jordan, also a political newcomer and the former director of the Trewallen Military Academy, was asked if his lack of civilian employment would hinder his success as governor, if elected.

"Serving in the military provides you with a lot of useful life experience. It teaches you how to lead, how to manage, how to handle conflict, how to delegate, how to solve a problem. The military has more than prepared me to be governor," said Jordan.

But the comment that drew the most laughs and interest of the night was from state Senator Artemis "Al" Paccioli (pronounced "Puh-chull-ee").

"We need a tough candidate to beat Tom Harper," Paccioli said, pausing momentarily. "And I'm a tough son of a bitch," he said, chuckling.

"And no, I'm not in the mafia," he added.

His colorful comments were met with raucous laughter and applause from the audience and from his fellow candidates on stage.

 Later on, libertarian-leaning Assemblyman Vaughn Laudney of Boyervosse told the crowd "I'm a tough son of a gun too," referencing Paccioli's earlier comments.

Paccioli interjected. "It doesn't sound as good when you say it," he said to laughs.

The candidate with the least speaking time was state Sen. Mark Holworth of Dishpry, an eastern suburb of Lanakis.

Holworth has served more time in the Veroche state legislature than any of the other candidates. He was asked by moderator Greg Jones if his legislative experience made him better prepared to be governor than his rivals.

"I think so. A big part of being governor is knowing the key players, knowing who the important state representatives and state senators are, and knowing the important factions in our state legislature. I know all those people because I've been working with them for years. I think that gives me a leg up," said Holworth, who has struggled to raise his profile amid bigger-name candidates.

Collettasville Mayor Tom Settler was asked what he would bring to the governorship, if elected.

"A backbone," he said, to applause. "We need a committed Conservative, not a wishy-washy Conservative who will change positions and cave to the NAT," said the little-known and low-polling Settler.

The evening drew to a close with more laughs, as Jones addressed Don Christaman, an assemblyman from Touleville in north-central Veroche.

"Assemblyman Christaman, you received the least support of any candidate in the most recent poll, only 2.5 percent. You've ran for statewide office multiple times and failed each time. Why are you running for governor then? Your track record isn't good. Do you really think you have a chance at winning the governorship?"

Some laughs and murmurs from the audience were audible, as the assemblyman paused to answer.

"Well thanks for that question, Greg," said Christaman, half-laughing and half-annoyed.

"I think it's an unfair question, especially since Dick Scholinger also has ran for statewide office multiple times and failed too. You didn't ask him that question, you only asked me, but I'll go ahead and answered it since you asked."

"I absolutely think I can win. I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I could. And unlike some of the guys up on this stage, I'm not a wavering Conservative. I'm not a moderate. I'm a true, strong Conservative, and my Conservative values will always stay the same and stay true. I won't compromise my beliefs just to get elected."

The much-watched debate showed, however, that the Veroche Conservative Party will have to pick between a more moderate, centrist candidate or a hard-line, right-wing nominee.

Veroche is a liberal state, so more partisan candidate will likely have more difficulty winning in December.

Party leaders are privately hoping a more centrist candidate such as Griffin, Scholinger, Jordan or Paccioli will win over the more provocative and right-wing Enos, Laudney, Settler or Christaman.

Few endorsements have been made so far in the race.

Former CNS nominee Brad Davidson has declined to make an endorsement yet, though sources close to him say he would be satisfied with any of the candidates except the outspoken and bellicose Bill Enos.


Several right-wing activists and personalities have endorsed Enos, who has been compared to US President Donald Trump for his demeanor and politically-incorrect commentary.

Despite his reputation as a loud-mouth, Enos didn't dominate the night, however.

That honor goes to Al Paccioli, the little-known state senator and owner of a dry cleaners business from Deniece.

After the debate, Paccioli was trending on Google, Yahoo and Twitter.

His campaign immediately sent out a fundraising email after the debate, capitalizing on his moment in the spotlight.