Newkirk pulls upset in NP governor's race

 DAYLE-LOCKE, NP -- He was considered a long-shot, even by his own party.

But Conservative gubernatorial candidate Barry Newkirk has pulled off an upset win in New Portsmouth's governor's race.

Unofficial results show Newkirk slightly edging out incumbent NAT Gov. Welma Sidley by a 49.64% to 49.34% margin, respectively.

It's a difference of about 4,000 votes out of more than 1.1 million cast.

The results seemed to surprise Newkirk himself.

Appearing at his election night party at a lodge in the western suburbs of Dayle-Locke, Newkirk seemed genuinely astonished when he saw TV networks calling the race in his favor.

"They said we couldn't do it. The Nationalists, the Conservative Party establishment, the media. And look what we did. We proved them wrong. We showed them that the people choose the governor, not big media or party bigwigs," Newkirk said to cheering supporters. 

"This election is about the people."

Equally surprised by the results were Welma Sidley, the incumbent, and her campaign staff.

Polls had shown the race narrowing in recent weeks leading up to election day, but Sidley still had a lead. 

The general consensus among political pundits and insiders was Sidley would eek out a win.

"I'm a little in shock, because this is the first election I've ever lost in my career, so it's a little shocking," said Sidley, at a dinner club in downtown Dayle-Locke.

Sidley was joined on stage by Sen. Jean Larae Dowd, who threw her arm around the governor and at times gently squeezed Sidley to show her support.

"But clearly the people of New Portsmouth have spoken, and I accept their verdict," Sidley said.

The former attorney general-turned-governor congratulated Newkirk and said she would work for a smooth transition.

Newkirk's bombshell win had many Nationalists and even many Conservatives concerned that another Conservative provocateur could also win in New Portsmouth.

But Nadine Pietrasaelis, who is known for her flaming rhetoric and provocative policies, came up short in a rematch against NAT Jean Larae Dowd.

Down ended the night with almost 53% compared to Pietrasaelis' 46 percent, respectively.

It was the third race between the two women. They previously faced off in 2010, when Pietrasaelis narrowly won.

Pietrasaelis then lost to Dowd in 2016; the former was hoping to win her seat back this go-round.

At her election night party in Grantham in southern New Portsmouth, Pietrasaelis questioned the validity of election results and said her legal team would 'review everything related to this questionable election.'

Dowd thanked New Portsmouth voters for rejecting Pietrasaelis' 'ugly politics.'

"Tonight, Nadine Pietrasaelis and the hard-right wanted you to vote her back into office, so she can continue her ugly politics, her vile policies, and her molotov-cocktail-throwing style of government. But thank God the voters of New Portsmouth saw through that nonsense and rejected hate. I thank each New Portsmouthian who voted for me, and I pledge to you now that I will do everything I can to stand up for our state and to reject the politics of hate and division," said Dowd.

Newkirk is also known for his provocative comments and fringe policies.

He's previously stated he wants to eliminate the state department of education, as well as the department of revenue and department of public parks, although he walked back those comments during the campaign.

He campaigned heavily on lower taxes, on reining in the state budget, and he repeatedly attacked Sidley for being a life-long politician.

"Nationalists have held the governor's office in this state for 10 years now, and what do we have to show for it?" he asked attendees at a campaign stop in Bridgeman County last week.

"Welma Sidley is a life-long, career politician who will say and do anything to get elected. And she toes the party line," he continued.

"I am not a career politician. I have worked in the private sector. I work in the private sector currently. I know how to run a business and more importantly, I believe in limited government. The government shouldn't be in your wallet, it shouldn't be in your bedroom, and it sure as hell shouldn't shut down your business or tell you how to educate your kids," he said.

Anger surrounding COVID-19 shutdowns was a leading piece of Newkirk's campaign, as well as libertarian policies and anti-public school sentiment.

Sidley responded by largely dismissing Newkirk as a fringe extremist with little chance of winning.

That dismissal and complacency appears to have been a mistake, Nationalist political operatives say.

"I think the Sidley campaign did not take Barry Newkirk seriously. They thought he was too extreme, too far to the right, too eccentric to win, but he did. And that proves that you can't take anything for granted. You need to always campaign like you're behind in the polls," said Jared Glesner, who has worked on multiple NAT state-wide campaigns in the past, but was not involved in any campaigns this election season.

Newkirk will become the state's fifth governor, the second Conservative, and his running mate Jane Reems will be the second female lieutenant governor.

Sidley is the second female governor, the first female Nationalist, and the second governor to serve only one term.

It's unclear if her political future will include another run for governor.

Since New Portsmouth is the only state that elects its governor every two years, it would only be a short sabbatical for Sidley, should she choose to run for governor in 2024.

"She may run again. She has a strong record, she was popular at one point. And the next election is only two years away, the campaign usually begins a year before election day, so really she'd only have to wait a year and then she could jump back in," said Glesner. "But that's up to her and what she wants and I suspect what her family wants, as well as the state party."

Kozzy says Wellington 'needs a Teddy Roosevelt, not a JFK' in new governor

ASTILLON, Well. -- As Wellington chooses its first new governor in eight years, Conservative gubernatorial candidate Bob Kozzy says the state needs a strong leader.

In a sit-down interview with the Starksmin Frontiersman newspaper, Kozzy insisted Wellington is at a crossroads as its economy recovers from COVID-19 symptoms.

Comparing himself to maverick US President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt from the early 1900s, Kozzy said he is a bit unconventional but possesses strong leadership skills.

He called his NAT opponent, former Gov. Pierre Carten, a 'weakling,' and compared the young, photogenic Carten to another former US president, John F. Kennedy.

"Pierre is JFK. He's good looking, he's charismatic, the media adores him. But he's all style and no substance. When it comes to policy, Pierre has none of his own. All of his policies are the Nationalist Party's liberal, progressive policies. He does whatever the Nationalist Party tells him to do. Whatever Jim McCaren, Debbie Madronas, Allison McGint, Jenna Duvan tell him to do, that's what he'll do," said Kozzy.

He sees himself, however, as a bit of a renegade.

"I'm more of a Teddy Roosevelt. I come in swinging. I say things that aren't politically correct. I tell it like it is. I don't always do what my party tells me to do because I'm my own person and I have my own policies. I will always do what's right for this state, not what my party tells me. I might not be as good looking and telegenic as Pierre, but I'm a leader, he's a follower. That's the difference," said Kozzy.

His comparison is a bit of a stretch, considering Roosevelt was a widely popular president and Kozzy is a former one-time federal senator.

But his penchant for bucking his party, his history of sometimes losing his cool during interviews with journalists who frustrate him, and his willingness to chart his own unconventional path do make him a maverick within the Conservative Party.

Carten, on the other hand, has sought to portray himself as a steady hand compared to Kozzy's volatility.

"Bob Kozzy is a bit unstable. He's like a pot of boiling water. He's OK right now while he simmers gently on the stove, but he could erupt at any time. That's not a good quality for being governor. We need someone who is calm, who is stable, who won't explode but who will govern with moderation," he recently told a Lunden Plains television station.

Both candidates are locked in a tight race, as they both vie to succeed Conservative incumbent Gov. Wade Quanson, who is stepping down after two terms.

Quanson has declined to endorse either candidate out of tradition.

"It wouldn't be appropriate for me to take a side, because whoever wins is my successor and I want to have a positive working relationship with them," he said.

However, the out-going governor won his position back in 2014 by beating Carten, and Quanson has previously said flattering compliments about Kozzy, so it's likely his allegiance lies with his party's chosen successor.

Recent polls have found Carten doing well in urban areas like Califor, Lunden Plains, and inner-Starksmin, while Kozzy fares better in the suburbs and dominates in rural counties.

"This election, like so many, is going to come down to the suburbs, where swing voters live. They're usually low-tax, fiscal conservatives but socially liberal, so both campaigns will have to compete for that group of voters," said Dr. John Smalley, a political science professor at the University of Wellington--Starksmin, who has been closely following the race.

Both parties have dumped millions of dollars into the race. Kozzy has raised about $26 million, Carten has raised roughly $21 million. Outside groups on both sides have also thrown millions into advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts.

Carten is seeking to become the first governor to win, then lose, and then win a second term. Tony Ritonio, a Conservative from Kalnier, is attempting the same. If they win, they'll be the first individuals to earn that distinction.

As the race heats up in the closing weeks of the campaign, both candidates are relying on their running mates to help clinch the deal with voters.

Liz McKinn, who is the current lieutenant governor under Quanson, is running with Kozzy. She herself ran for governor against Kozzy, but lost in a large field of candidates. 

She has had a relentless campaign schedule, criss-crossing the state to rally Conservative voters.

Carten's running mate Nikolas Mjeden, the former Starksmin mayor, has had a similarly hectic schedule, speaking at NAT rallies in every county.

Both campaigns have private jets for their candidates' use, and both candidates have utilized them to jet back and forth among the state's four largest metro areas: Califor, Lunden Plains, Starksmin and Belshiad.

Dr. Kerry Rudgley from Dulkalow University rates the race as a "toss-up."

Governors races are a mixed bag for both parties amid difficult economy

DAYLE-LOCKE, NP -- While Conservatives have the edge in the upcoming 2022 elections, Nationalists have a few bright spots.

The Conservative Party, for months, held a solid lead in opinion polls.

But recent polls conducted for a slew of governor's races show a more mixed bag for both parties.

Pierre Carten, a Nationalist from Wellington, has a slight lead over his Conservative opponent Bob Kozzy in the Plains State's governor's race.

Carten leads 51% to Kozzy's 49 percent, according to a new Prairie Stats poll released Sunday.

That's still within the margin of error, but it's a boost for Carten, a former governor who is seeking to reclaim his old position. Kozzy led in the polls all summer long.

In Carova, Nationalist Senator Dan Sallovich leads incumbent Conservative Governor Dan Wainwright in another race that previously favored Conservatives.

The poll, conducted by the Carova Statesman newspaper, finds Sallovich with 51% to Wainwright's 47 percent.

In Monomi, incumbent Conservative Will Huxton is in critical danger of losing his position.

In a poll released yesterday by the University of Monomi and the Trieton Sun, trails Nationalist Nathan Lister and Independent/Working Families candidate Scott King in the three-way race.

Lister holds a decisive lead with 37%, King with 31% and Huxton with 30 percent.

Because Monomi law requires a candidate receive a majority of the vote, a run-off election between the top two candidates is almost certain to happen after the general election. It's still possible Huxton may secure the second spot in the run-off, but the poll shows he is in peril.

It's not all bad news for Conservatives though.

While their national lead has slipped a bit in recent weeks, they still have a slight upper hand in Kalnier, where former Governor Tony Ritonio is ahead of NAT incumbent Nick Hall.

In that poll, conducted on behalf of the Lamberth Regent newspaper, Ritonio leads Hall 51%-47 percent, respectively.

East Deschire Governor Val Hennemott (N) also lags behind Attorney General Mark Ellsworth (C), who holds a similar 51%-47 percent lead in the latest Hansboro Laureate poll.

Marchenay Governor Dan Rattner (N) is also falling behind his Conservative opponent, state Senator Mike Shannon. The Madagen Royal Tidings newspaper poll shows Shannon with 50% to only 47% for Rattner.

And in New Portsmouth, Nationalist incumbent Welma Sidley was considered a shoo-in for re-election.

But a poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Grantham Institute shows Conservative activist and radio host Barry Newkirk only three points behind Sidley, a former attorney general.

Sidley is in the lead with 51% to Newkirk's 48 percent, respectively.

The CNS also holds an advantage in POG, Onakiah and South Ceona's gubernatorial races.

No recent polls have been held in Remmington since former NAT Senator Matt Hoffbourn announced his candidacy. He will face a three-way race against CNS incumbent Jared Lanman and Democratic-Reformist businessman Jude Weimer.

That race is considered a toss-up.

In the Federal Senate, Conservatives appear poised to gain between five to seven seats, though the NAT could pull out a narrow win in several of those races.

The latest aggregate polling shows a decisive advantage for the CNS in parliamentary races, but a closer fight for the 13 governorships that are up for grabs.

Both North Ceona Gov. Ty Jaimeson (C) and Armana Gov. Leandra Kemmes (N) expressed optimism about their party's chances in the governors races.

"Nationalists have to run against a terrible economy, record-high inflation, and government shutdowns during COVID that permanently damaged our economy and our children's educations. There's no question the Conservative Party has the advantage, because we are strong on the economy, strong on parental rights, on education, and on getting our nation moving again," Jaimeson told the STAR network.

Kemmes dismissed his comments, telling the GBC that the NAT is proud of its record.

"Because of the NAT, we saved lives during COVID-19. Because of the NAT, workers still got paid during the shutdowns. Seniors and the most vulnerable of our society still got the medication and treatments and benefits they needed. Because of the NAT, we are better off than most countries during this world-wide inflation that is affecting every country across the globe. If Conservatives were in charge, you'd lose your health insurance, you'd lose your unemployment benefits, you'd be paying more in taxes while the ultra-wealthy get tax cuts. They want to move backwards, whether its on women's rights or taxes or social welfare. The NAT is moving our country forward; progress," Kemmes told Judy Seene on GBC's News Hour.

President Jim McCaren also addressed the strained economic conditions facing Grassadellians Thursday, in a prime-time television address.

"I know inflation is high right now. Groceries cost more. Medicine costs more. Gas costs more. Everything is more expensive. Everyone is feeling it because of a recovering global economy and the war in Ukraine. But we will get through this. The Nationalist Party stands ready to help the Grassadellian people. We're opening up the fuel reserves, we're working on granting working families additional food assistance, heating assistance through the winter months, healthcare vouchers, and more. The NAT is the party of social safety nets. We will not forget the people we serve," said McCaren.

Brenda Glassman says sexism played a role in loss to Sam Pyatt

 DEROSA, E. Des. -- She was favored to win but ended up falling short.

Brenda Glassman's loss in East Deschire's Tuesday primary election is her second defeated attempt for federal Senate.

And now, twice unsuccessful candidate is blaming her loss to former Gov. Sam Pyatt, at least partly, on sexism.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Sam Pyatt ran a sexist campaign against me," Glassman told the Hansboro Laureate newspaper Sunday afternoon in a telephone interview from her home in the central part of the state.

"They [the Pyatt campaign] played up the gender issue. They portrayed me as more liberal just because I'm a woman. They portrayed me as weaker because I'm a woman. They made comments about my clothing and my appearance. They made comments about me at the Spring Skeet Shootout earlier this spring about how I couldn't operate a gun as well as Sam could. They made comments about how I was too "grandmotherly" to be a good senator. They just turned my gender into a big issue when really gender shouldn't be an issue at all," Glassman told the Laureate.

Sexism within the party's membership also played a role in her loss, Glassman asserted.

"There is a deep current of sexism in the Conservative Party, particularly in the more rural areas and 'red states' like East Deschire. In those places, the Conservative Party is dominated by men. And even many women voters are reluctant to vote for women. Even female voters favor the male candidates, which is oddly paradoxical. It's just because of Conservative culture and conservative values on gender, I guess," she said.

Reporter Don Levin from the Laureate pointed out that women have had some success in East Deschire, most notably current Senator Nancy Lindselli and former Senator Denna Halitz.

"Yes, that's true we have elected a handful of Conservative women in East Deschire. But it's also true that those women were running against other women. It's very rarely happened in our state that a Conservative woman has been up against a Conservative man. My primary race with Sam Pyatt was one of the first occasions where we had a Conservative primary election that centered around gender and sex. And I think it unfortunately became more about that than the actual issues," Glassman added.

Despite her anger at the perceived sexism aimed against her, Glassman says she still lost the election fair and square.

"I don't dispute the election results. Sam won fair and square. I respect the will of the voters. I'm not going to contest it or say it was a 'stolen election.' But I am going to stand up and say that sexism is wrong. Especially when it's aimed at strong Conservative women like myself. We should be encouraging strong Conservative women to stand up and come out of the shadows. For far too long, they've been reluctant to come forward. And instead of encouraging them, we have a candidate and a party that is really pushing them back into the shadows trying to mute them and silence them. And I think that's wrong, so I will continue to speak out against that," she said.

The Pyatt campaign responded in a written statement, telling the Laureate newspaper that the former governor was "stunned" that Glassman felt discriminated against.

"Sam Pyatt is shocked and stunned by the allegations made by Brenda Glassman. Governor Pyatt is committed to gender equality, and has always been committed to uplifting and elevating Conservative women in the party's ranks and dialogue. At no time was there ever any intention of mocking Brenda Glassman because of her gender or any attempt to demean her because of her status as a woman. Governor Pyatt is open to speaking directly with Brenda so that these concerns can be heard and discussed in a constructive manner," the statement said.

Glassman finished just behind Pyatt in Tuesday's primary.

The former governor ended the night with 53.5% to Glassman's 46.5 percent, respectively.

Pyatt won a majority of counties, doing particularly well in the western half of the state, from which he hails. Pyatt also did well in the state's eastern metropolitan centers.

Glassman did well in a handful of rural counties. She was in contention in the state's most populous counties, but didn't win any major population centers.

She has yet to decide if she will endorse Pyatt in the general election.

The primary race between the two candidates was particularly nasty, with Glassman declaring her candidacy first, and Pyatt personally lobbying Glassman to drop out and make room for his candidacy.

"I announced I was running first. I was the first one in this race. He didn't join the race until later. And then he met with me and tried to convince me to drop out and run for secretary of state instead. His people all leaned on me and pressured me to drop out. But I'm not a quitter and I'm not a pushover. I stood my ground and decided I was staying in this race no matter what," Glassman told the Laureate.

In the end, it wasn't enough to win. But Glassman says even though she lost, she isn't leaving the political arena any time soon.

"I didn't win. OK, so what. Lots of people lose. That doesn't mean I'm going to fall back and disappear. I'm going to remain very active in East Deschire politics and in speaking up and standing up for East Deschire families and conservative values."

Sam Pyatt now advances on to the December general election, where he will face incumbent NAT Senator Portia McLendon.

*********************

Primary Election Results -- Federal Senate, Conservative Party Nomination

✔️	Sam Pyatt	53.54%	403,592
	Brenda Glassman	46.46%	350,240

Ellsworth, Edwards headed for run-off in E. Deschire gubernatorial primary

 DEROSA, E. Des. -- The crowded Conservative primary for East Deschire governor is headed to a run-off election.

None of the six candidates received 50 percent of the primary vote, so the top two will advance to a run-off election held next Tuesday.

Attorney General Mark Ellsworth secured first place in the initial count, with 21.6 percent. 

It was a close finish for the second spot in the run-off, with University of East Deschire men's basketball coach Duke Edwards clinching the spot with 17.5 percent, respectively.

Not far behind Edwards was Hansboro Mayor Bill Engstrom, who took 16.5 percent, followed by Christen-Kerr Mayor Phil Qwenberry with 15.9 percent.

Fawnton businessman David McKinley came in fifth place with 14.3 percent, and former Iraq War and Afghanistan War veteran Tim Hutsell with 14.2 percent, respectively.

That means Ellsworth and Edwards will face each other on Tuesday's run-off, in what is expected to be a close contest.

Both men are strongly conservative and have deep roots in the Harvest State.

Already though, lines are being drawn between the two.

Edwards was immediately endorsed by Engstrom and Qwenberry, who are both viewed as "moderates."

Their support has led the Ellsworth campaign to characterize Duke Edwards as a "faux-Conservative."

"How do you know Duke Edwards is a liberal masquerading as a Conservative? He was just endorsed by two liberal candidates, Phil Qwenberry and Bill Engstrom," said Mark Ellsworth at a campaign gathering in Dresden, a small farming town 70 miles northwest of Derosa.

"Duke Edwards says he's 'honored' to be endorsed by Bill Engstrom and Phil Qwenberry," Ellsworth told the crowd. "But we know that an endorsement from those two liberals just confirms what we already knew about Duke Edwards -- he's not a real Conservative. He's a fake. He's a phony. He has no backbone. He'll bend to whatever political winds blow against him or whatever the establishment tells him to do."

Campaigning in Sherlance County in the state's southeast Sunday, Duke Edwards hit back at Ellsworth.

"Mark Ellsworth is all about gimmicks and stunts," Edwards told the crowd at an apple festival in Cleland, a small agricultural town 100 miles southwest of Christen-Kerr.

"[Ellsworth] files frivolous lawsuits against the Nationalists and Jim McCaren. Lawsuits he knows have no chance of going forward or winning. He files them just to piss off the liberals and to make his hardline supporters happy. And then he lies to the voters and tells them all the 'wonderful' things he's done to help them. In reality, all Mark Ellsworth does is just fan the flames and build his own reputation with the far-right. He doesn't actually do anything meaningful that helps East Deschireans. It's all about Mark," said Edwards.

While the mainstream Conservative Party seems to be coalescing around Edwards, the hardline far-right appears to be rallying around Ellsworth.

Tim Hutsell, the former veteran and far-right activist, threw his support to Ellsworth, calling the attorney general "our only hope" to beat incumbent NAT Gov. Val Hennemott in December.

Businessman David McKinley, who has taken a hard stance against vaccines and government spending, has so far declined to endorse either Edwards or Ellsworth, saying he would support either one.

But the Grassadellia Conservative Union (GCU) has thrown its support to Ellsworth. The National Rifle Club (NRC) has also.

Moderate Conservatives fear Ellsworth's controversial style and his tendency to commit gaffes will hurt the party's chance of winning the governor's mansion.

"Mark Ellsworth is a buffoon. Everyone in the East Deschire Conservative Party knows it. They may not all say it, but they all know it. He's a buffoon. If he wins the primary, Val Hennemott will have a good chance of winning re-election. And this is a governor's seat that the Conservative Party should easily take over this fall," said Mark Cohn, a Conservative political operative who has worked on past campaigns for Phil Qwenberry and Jim Reebis. Cohn is not involved in any campaigns in the 2022 election season.

The more fervent Conservative voters fear an Edwards nomination, however.

The popular college basketball coach has never ran for office before, and up until last year, his political leanings were not even known. Many assumed Edwards was left-leaning.

"Duke Edwards is untested. He's unknown. He's uncertain. We don't know if he will adhere to Conservative values or not. If he wins, will he remain true to the Conservative cause? Or will he sell out to Nationalist and the liberal media?" said Doug Kennin, a Conservative consultant who has worked on past campaigns for Nancy Lindselli.

Polls have shown both men either even or ahead of Hennemott in a head-to-head fall match-up.

But it's unclear which candidate will fare the best during Tuesday's run-off, particularly in the state's western reaches, where neither candidate has roots or a well-spring of support.

"Duke is from Christen-Kerr, Mark is from Doylestown. Neither one has much connection with the western half of the state, so it will be interesting to see who does better on that side of the divide," said political science professor Dr. Don Ivanhoe from Merritt College in Derosa.

The Hennemott campaign hasn't publicly said much. The governor congratulated Ellsworth and Edwards on advancing to the run-off, but that was the only statement she or her campaign has released.

Sources close to Hennemott say she and her team are privately hoping the more bombastic Ellsworth wins the run-off election. Nationalists believe Ellsworth, with his divisive demeanor, will be easier to beat in December than the more tame Edwards.

But while Edwards is not as controversial or driven by political stunts, the coach is outspoken, frequently known to curse at press conferences and to avoid political correctness.

"Both of them (Ellsworth and Edwards) are outspoken and divisive. The difference is Ellsworth is seen as more unintelligent and simple-minded, while Edwards is seen as a little sharper and more normal," said one Conservative analyst, who asked to remain anonymous so as not to negatively affect their consulting business.

The Conservative Governors Association (CGA), headed by North Ceona Gov. Ty Jaimeson, has said it will vigorously support whoever wins the run-off election. However, sources within the CGA say that privately, Jaimeson prefers Edwards.

"No matter who wins, Val Hennemott is not going to have an easy path to re-election," said Dr. Ivanhoe. "The governor is a Nationalist in a Conservative-leaning state. She presided over COVID restrictions that negatively impacted the economy. And inflation is rampant right now. Those are difficult headwinds for any governor to contend with."

******************

East Deschire Primary Election Results -- Governor, Conservative Party Nomination

✔️	Mark Ellsworth	21.56%	166,079
	Duke Edwards	17.47%	134,600
	Bill Engstrom	16.54%	127,387
	Phil Qwenberry	15.94%	122,786
	David McKinley	14.29%	110,109
	Tim Hutsell	14.21%	109,444

Ben Jordan one step closer to third term, San Bartholomew falls short

 BROOKINGS -- Biereland Governor Ben Jordan is one step closer to securing a historic third term in the governorship, while Nationalist San Bartholomew fell short in his comeback attempt at the state's top job.

Jordan held off fellow Conservative challenger Peter Kosevich in the CNS primary.

A former interim governor himself, Kosevich was easily defeated by Jordan, 40.3% to 59.7%.

No state governor has ever been elected to three full, four-year terms as governor. Jordan is seeking to become the first.

On the NAT side, Bartholomew, who served as governor from 2011 - 2015, narrowly lost the NAT nomination to businessman and fellow environmentalist Joel Gruenwalder.

At his victory party in a swank restaurant in downtown Brookings,  Jordan said his primary win was an endorsement from voters of his conservative agenda.

"Over the last eight years, we've produced results for Bierelanders," Jordan said. "Tonight, Biereland Conservatives have given us the green light to continue our results- driven, common sense agenda for Biereland."

At his election night celebration at the Foothills Golf and Country Club in west Brookings, Kosevich conceded the race, and declined to endorse Jordan.

"I'm a fellow Conservative. I agree with Ben on most of the issues. We agree on probably 90% of the issues. But it's the temperament that I can't get on board with. A governor has to have the proper temperament and demeanor for the job, and insulting, hyper-politicizing, the tearing down your opponent, and the belief that you have unchecked power because you're governor...those are aspects of his candidacy that I just cannot support," said Kosevich.

Nevertheless, Kosevich acknowledged the decisiveness of the results and pledged not to work against the Biereland Conservative Party.

"It's hard to argue with 60-40 percent, that's decisive, that's unequivocal. So I respect the will of the voters, and I will work hard to elect good Conservative candidates up and down the ballot this election."

On the NAT side, it was a closer contest.

Bartholomew and Gruenwalder had been locked in a close fight for the NAT endorsement, while farmer Derry Clayton from McGraw County was in a distant third.

After multiple counts of the ballots, Gruenwalder came out on top with 44.6%, Bartholomew with 41.7%, and Clayton with 13.7 percent, respectively.

The lesser-known Clayton immediately threw his support to Gruenwalder, Bartholomew did so the next morning.

"Joel Gruenwalder is the pragmatic choice for Biereland. He's the fresh face and sensible candidate we need," Clayton said at this election night gathering in rural McGraw County.

Bartholomew, who engaged in a bruising primary fight with Gruenwalder, expressed his disappointment in falling short of a nomination that was his to lose. He also acknowledged what at times was a tumultuous race between he and Gruenwalder.

"None of the past matters anymore. We have to beat Ben Jordan. That's our number one goal. I wanted to be governor again, and I'm disappointed I lost. But what I really want is to beat Ben Jordan and boot him out of office. So I will gladly endorse Joel Gruenwalder and do all I can to get him elected in December," Bartholomew said.

Thanking his two opponents for their support, Gruenwalder also spoke of looking to the future at his campaign rally in suburban Sebotnie, south of Brookings.

"I congratulate Ben Jordan on winning his party's endorsement, and I want to thank Pete Kosevich, San Bartholomew and Derry Clayton for a very lively campaign in the primary. But now our attention shifts to the fall election, and there could not be a starker difference between me and Ben Jordan," said Gruenwalder.

"Ben wants to keep giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Bierelanders and corporations. I want to give tax cuts to working families. Ben wants to keep logging our precious forests, I want to protect them and work with our logging communities so that we can have logging and protect our environment at the same time. Ben wants to bring divisive social issues, I want to leave those difficult moral issues to each Bierelander themselves. It's your decision what you do with your body, with your marriage, with your health, those are not decisions for government to make," Gruenwalder said, seemingly referencing abortion and transgender children, both issues that have rallied Conservatives in recent months.

Biereland is a conservative-leaning state. It was one of only five states to give its support to Conservative Jim Frasier in the 2020 presidential election. And three of its four current federal senators are from the CNS.

But moderate Nationalists have had limited success. And in 2010, Bartholomew, who is solidly liberal, went on to win the governorship and defeat his right-wing opponent. So the state can swing to the NAT in some circumstances.

Most pundits say the election slightly favors Jordan, but some voters may have "Ben Jordan fatigue," and may want a fresh face.

"Ben Jordan has been governor for almost eight years. He's now asking for another four years. There are a lot of voters out there, liberal, conservative and independent who would like to see someone new," said Ron Alexander, a Conservative campaign operative who has worked on statewide campaigns in Biereland before, but is not connected to any campaigns in this election cycle.

Currently, the GBC's Dr. Kerry Rudgley rates the Biereland race as a "toss-up."

Biereland's Senate race will feature incumbent Robert Browning (C) facing off against former Senator Julie Grendhau (N). That race is rated "Conservative Favored."

Chinese drones harass Grassadellian aircraft carrier in international waters

 MAVOCKE -- A Grassadellian aircraft carrier sailing through international waters in the South China Sea was harassed by Chinese drones last week.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 5 July, as the GNS Pierce Kearney -- Grassadellia's largest aircraft carrier -- sailed peacefully through the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong and northwest of the Philippines.

Two drones, believed to be dispatched by China's defense forces, hovered closely to the Pierce Kearney.

Sailors aboard the Pierce Kearney responded by spraying a water hose at the drones, which eventually retreated.

In a statement, Grassadellian Secretary of Defense John Schauman said Grassadellian ships have a right to sail through international waters, like every nation.

"Grassadellia will not be intimidated or bullied into avoiding international waters. The Grassadellian Navy will continue routine Freedom-of-Navigation exercises in the South China Sea and in international waters around the globe," Schauman said.

Navy High Commissioner Brett Alder reiterated Schauman's comments.

"Grassadellian Naval Forces will never continue to defend the neutrality and navigability of international waters in Asia and across the world. We will never back down from protecting commerce and free navigation for all countries."

In an article published by the Communist state-owned South China Morning Post, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's defense forces, warned Grassadellia's government against sailing near China.

"China will not tolerate foreign powers encroaching on Chinese territorial waters," the PLA said.

A spokesman for Grassadellia's Royal Navy responded by emphasizing that Grassadellia's Navy only patrols international waters in accordance with international law, and naval forces never enter sovereign waters of other countries unless with express permission.

Jude Weimer to challenge Jared Lanman in Remmington governor's race

 REMMINGTON CITY -- Businessman Jude Weimer announced his candidacy for Remmington's governorship on Saturday.

Weimer (pronounced "Why-mur"), is a self-made millionaire who previously ran unsuccessfully for Federal Senate under the Democratic-Reformist Party in 2010.

He's seeking the governorship because he says Remmington's incumbent governor, Conservative Jared Lanman, has lost his way.

Lanman admitted back in March to an extramarital affair, and has faced calls from fellow Conservatives to either step down as governor or to not seek re-election in the fall.

But the governor, who has served as governor since winning a special election in 2016, has refused calls to resign or stand down.

He announced in April he would, in fact, seek a third (but second full) term.

"I have made mistakes in my personal life, and I admit that and own that," Lanman said at a campaign press conference. "But my personal life is my personal life, it does not affect my ability to be governor and to lead our state."

Lanman added that he and his wife Hannah are "working through" his infidelity. The two remain married, and neither has filed for divorce, though Lanman admitted their relationship was going through a "rocky period."

Weimer said his candidacy is not just about Lanman's personal problems.

"That's a factor," Weimer said of Lanman's affair.

"But I'm running also because we just need new leadership, fresh leadership in Remmington City," he added.

Many Conservative party leaders, including current Lieutenant Governor Raqual Marquez, had called on other top-name Conservative candidates to challenge Lanman.

Marquez herself has been mulling a run, although she has been accused of bullying and abusive behavior toward her staff and members of the state legislature.

Some possible contenders who could still run are former Governor Jen Stevens, Federal Senator Curt Blaisek, Attorney General Andy Kirkpatrick and Secretary of State Kimberly Welch.

The Nationalist side is still uncertain.

Former Federal Senator Matt Hoffbourn could run again. He narrowly lost to Lanman in 2016.

Jim Weatherby, a state senator from Shanogowee and the party's nominee in 2018, could also run again.

Former Remmington City Mayor Graham Alton and Shanogowee businessman Dale Lucie are also considered possible contenders on the NAT side.

Remmington is considered once of the most conservative states in the country, but moderate NAT candidates have had some success, while hardline liberal candidates usually are soundly rejected.

Lis Helpin, chair of the Remmington Nationalist Party, expressed optimism at the party's chances in this year's election, given Lanman's scandal.

"If there's ever a year for Nationalists to have a shot, it's this year. We have a governor in disarray following his personal issues being released and revealed to the public, and we have an economy that is not great while he's presided over it, we also have a lieutenant governor who is in the tank with voters over abusive and unprofessional conduct, so this may very well be a great golden opportunity for Nationalists to step up and lead."

Expectedly, Remmington Conservative Party Chairman Caleb Elmech played down Helpin's commentary.

"Yes we have had some uncertainty on the Conservative side this year. But a few bumps in the road are normal during a campaign, and the voters of Remmington are going to remember that the Nationalist Party is running in the show nationally. This is Jim McCaren's economy, with gasoline at six dollars a gallon and milk at almost four dollars a gallon. This is Debbie Madronas' economy. The Nationalists are in charge in Mavocke, they control our nation's government. Nationalists shut down the economy during COVID and stripped Grassadellian citizens of their God-given Constitutional rights. And the voters will remember that. It was Conservatives like Governor Jared Lanman who did NOT shut down the economy and who let Remmingtonians have their freedom, and the voters will remember that too."

Weimer agreed that Nationalists are to blame for the economic downturn, but he reiterated that new blood is needed in the governor's mansion.

"I agree that the NAT has put our economy on a cliff. There's no doubt about that. But that doesn't change the fact that we need accountability and authentic leadership in Remmington City."

The Lanman campaign responded by email, calling Weimer a "faux-Conservative" and a "political opportunist."

"Jude Weimer is not even a real Conservative. He ran for office in the past as a Democratic Reformist candidate. He's been openly critical of the Conservative Party. He's been hostile toward Conservative ideals, and he is not a good fit for Remmington."

Remmington's primary election will be held on September 6.

Anxious Conservatives unite behind nominee Mike Shannon in Marchenay gubernatorial race

WATERBURY, March. -- It's been a wild ride in the Marchenay Conservative primary for governor.

After two recounts and a drawn out primary contest, Conservatives have finally united behind their nominee, state Sen. Mike Shannon (Waterbury), although many in the party's moderate wing remain skeptical of Shannon's chances in the December general election.

On election night, the race was extremely close, with former ambassador Bill Kindle leading, Bankcorp CEO Burke Azurjean in a close second place, and Mike Shannon in a close third.

In general elections, when election results are too close to call, state law mandates an automatic recount.

But that rule does not apply in primary elections, so recounts must be paid for by the parties, individuals or campaigns who request them.

Since Bill Kindle was in the lead, his campaign did not request a recount. But all five of his fellow Conservative candidates jointly requested an automated machine recount at a cost of $1.5 million. The five campaigns split the cost equally at $300,000 apiece.

After the machine recount, the tally changed. Bill Kindle fell to third place, Mike Shannon took the lead and Burke Azurjean remained in a close second place.

At that point, Kindle conceded, but the Azurjean campaign requested a more thorough, time-consuming hand recount. This time, Azurjean had to pay the $1.5 million fee on his own.

The hand recount found no change in the lead -- Mike Shannon held onto first place, Azurjean remained in second place.

Businessman and Conservative talk radio host Bruce McGruen climbed to third place, narrowly edging Bill Kindle.

Marchenay's acting-Secretary of State Brian Gadley explained the changes in vote tallies were due to absentee ballots that were not initially counted due to postal delays.

"The ballots were all postmarked by the required date, however, so they can legally be counted, and they were counted in the final recount," Gadley told the National Press Federation (NPF), adding that he was "100 percent confident" in the final results from the hand count.

After two recounts, more than a week after election day, Burke Azurjean finally conceded.

"It hurts to lose by such a small margin, but after two recounts, Mike Shannon is still in the lead, and even if I won at this point, through another recount or through litigation, I would be winning under unfavorable circumstances and we wouldn't have a united party behind us, so I accept the results and I congratulate Mike Shannon on his win," said Azurjean.

The final official results show Mike Shannon with 17.78%, or 340,071 votes.

Burke Azurjean received 17.75%, or 339,503 votes.

That's a difference of just 568 votes separating Shannon and Azurjean.

Bruce McGruen followed with 17.57% or 336,144 votes; Bill Kindle with 17.45% or 333,765 votes; Mavocke businessman Tom Marino with 16.56% or 316,814 votes; and state Rep. David LaSaria with 12.89% or 246,623 votes, respectively.

Shannon held off on declaring victory until the results from the hand recount were released.

"The past week has been stressful and uncertain as we've had three counts of the ballots. But the count confirmed what the second count found, that we are in the lead and we have won this primary," he said at a press conference in Stronton.

"Now that we have this close race behind us, it's important to unite together, for our party to come together so we can win the governorship in December and make sure Dan Rattner is a one-term governor," Shannon said.

Later that week, at his first major campaign rally in Madagen's Barclays Stadium, Shannon took a jab at incumbent NAT Governor Dan Rattner's handling of COVID-19.

"It's so good to be able to gather together in a stadium, with no masks, no temperature checks, no vaccine cards, just everyday Grassadellians getting together and being normal. Isn't this great?" he asked the crowd, which applauded their agreement.

Shannon then promised to adhere to his Conservative tenets without alienating moderate and independent voters.

"I am a Conservative. I believe in Conservative values. I will never apologize for that," he said, as the crowd cheered.

"But I want my campaign to be more than just me. I want independents and even frustrated Nationalists to join with us. This isn't just the Mike Shannon campaign, this is the campaign for Marchenay's future, and that means we will work with whoever is willing to come alongside us."

The crowd then booed as Shannon mentioned including Nationalists.

"No I mean it. I'm not going to water down my values, I'm not going to go Conservative-lite or 'faux Conservative' like candidates in the past have done, or candidates in other states. I'm a Conservative now and always will be and I will not change or dilute my beliefs. But I don't want us to be so rigid that we don't reach out to people who think differently."

He ended his rally by saying Marchenay's gubernatorial election isn't just "Conservative versus Nationalist," it's "common sense versus insanity."

"It's big government that controls every aspect of your life and shuts down businesses and schools versus freedom and liberty and limited government that gets out of your business and lets you run your own life."

"That's what this election is about," Shannon said, to wild applause.

While all five of his former Conservative opponents have endorsed him, privately, some moderate Conservatives are concerned about Shannon's campaign style and personality.

"Mike Shannon is a nice guy, but he is quiet, he's not particularly charismatic, he's not particularly exciting. He's kind of boring. And his rock-solid Conservative views are probably not going to play well in the Madagen suburbs or in the suburban areas of the downstate region," said Mike Robbins, a political consultant who is not working for the Shannon campaign but has worked on other multiple statewide Conservative campaigns.

During the primary race, Burke Azurjean and Bill Kindle both expressed concern about the party nominating a candidate who is too right-wing for the state's electorate.

"Marchenay has more Nationalist voters than Conservatives, so in order for our party to win, we have to pick a candidate who is able to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters," Azurjean said back in May. "We can't win a statewide election with just the right-wing David LaSaria voters," he added, referring to the race's ultra-conservative candidate.

Kindle also cautioned against "fierce partisanship," and added that "whoever wins this race needs to be a communicator and a uniter."

But allies of Shannon, including LaSaria, say Shannon's blue collar roots and demur personality are exactly what Marchenayans want.

"Marchenayans are not pretentious. They're down-to-earth people who work hard and just want the best for their families. We're not looking for flashy, we're looking for practical, and Mike Shannon is very practical and down-to-earth. He plays very well in northern Marchenay and in suburban homes where people just want a decent standard of living."

Katy Peer, Shannon's campaign manager, said the likable state senator from the state's northern timber country is still introducing himself to voters in central and southern Marchenay.

"The general election campaign is just now starting, and already people are prematurely judging Mike Shannon and making pronouncements about his chances," Peer told STAR-TV.

"Everyone that knows Mike Shannon likes Mike Shannon. So once voters get to know him more, they will like him, and more importantly, they will like his agenda and his style of governance, which is limited government and personal autonomy, instead of big government mandates and nanny-state policies like Dan Rattner," said Peer.

In a statement, the Rattner campaign described the Conservative primary race as "a circus" and Shannon as "a right-wing religious zealot who will strip women of their right to reproductive freedom, who will lower taxes for the rich and raise taxes on the working class, and who will let guns run unrestricted in Marchenay."

The Shannon campaign responded with a video on its Facebook and Twitter pages. In the video, Shannon tells his supporters to "expect these kinds of desperate political attacks from Dan Rattner."

"Honestly, are you surprised that his campaign releases these slimy, hate-filled, fear-mongering attacks against me? Expect more of this in the future because that's how the Nationalist Party operates."

Azurjean, Marino supported NAT candidates in previous elections

MADAGEN, Mar. -- The leading Conservative candidate for Marchenay's governorship has previously donated money to -- and voted for -- candidates from the opposition party, new documents show.

The Madagen Royal Tidings newspaper investigated Burke Azurjean's prior political donations and uncovered the candidate's past political support for the Nationalist party.

Records show Azurjean donated more than $50,000 to NAT candidates since 1999, and as recently as 2015.

The Bankcorp executive from suburban Madagen is the frontrunner for the Conservative nomination.

When asked about his conflicting political allegiance over the years, Azurjean said he has identified as a Conservative since college, but has "occasionally" supported "sensible" NAT candidates.

"Neither party has all the answers. I vote based on which candidate is the best candidate, regardless of their political party," he told the Royal Tidings.

Many of the candidates he endorsed and donated to were for local offices.

In 2015, he donated the maximum individual contribution of $2,700 to Nationalist state senate candidate Jared Balser.

Balser went on to win against Conservative Cynthia DuPayne.

In 2013, Azurjean gave $1,300 to John Chadwick, an NAT-affiliated candidate who ran for mayor of Emerald Lake, the affluent Madagen suburb where Azurjean owns a 8,200 square foot lakefront home.

The mayor's job is technically a nonpartisan position, but Chadwick had pre-existing ties with the local NAT party, and has since ran for the National Assembly as an NAT candidate. He won the mayor's race but lost the race for Assembly.

And from 1999 to 2001, Azurjean donated over $4,000 to various centrist NAT candidates for governor, attorney general, and state controller.

In response to the newspaper's investigation, Azurjean pointed out that most of the NAT candidates he supported were "centrist moderates."

"The people I supported were not hardcore, left-wing people. They're moderate, centrist, middle-of-the-road candidates who were running against more extreme, ideological people," said Azurjean.

His explanations weren't enough to assuage his Conservative opponents in the governor's race at Thursday night's televised debate in Newmarket.

"I get really nervous when I hear Conservative candidates endorsing radical, liberal Nationalists for mayor, state senator, governor, for the water and sewer board...for anything," said state Sen. Mike Shannon, who is polling closely behind Azurjean in recent surveys.

"It's unthinkable that a Conservative candidate for governor is asking Conservative voters to give him the nod to lead our party, when he has repeatedly -- repeatedly -- donated money to left-wing politicians from the Nationalist party," said Bruce McGruen, another Conservative running for governor.

Bill Kindle, who is viewed as a moderate, said he agreed with Azurjean that people should vote for the best person, not necessarily by party line.

"I've been a Conservative all my life. And I have always supported our party. But I agree with Burke on this one. We should vote for the right person for the job, not just straight party ticket. It's our responsibility as voters to choose the right leader, irrespective of their party identification," said Kindle.

Hardline candidate David LaSaria said there are "no circumstances" where he would consider voting for a Nationalist candidate in Marchenay.

"The only Nationalist politician I would vote for is Federal Senator Vic Chambers, who is a moderate, sensible-minded Nationalist from South Ceona. He's the only Nationalist in this country I could ever conceivably support. Because he votes with Conservatives more than his own NAT colleagues," said LaSaria. "But I can't think of a single Nationalist in this state that would earn my support."

Businessman Tom Marino acknowledged, when pressed by the debate moderator, that he also has donated to Nationalist candidates in the past.

"You've donated more than $10,000 to Nationalist candidates as recently as 2018," said moderator David Jenkins to Marino, who heads a large hedge fund and real estate company.

"I have. I have donated to politicians from both parties. Because it was in the best interest of my company and my business. I've donated to whoever will support my business priorities and lower taxes and less regulation," said Marino.

"But most of my donations have gone to Conservatives, because Conservatives are the pro-business party. There are a few Nationalists who have common sense and are pro-business, but most of the NAT is so far gone on taxes and government regulation. By far most of my contributions have gone to Conservatives."

The revelations about Azurjean's past political endorsements and financial backings have given his more right-wing opponents plenty of ammunition for new attack ads and criticisms.

"Why vote for a Nationalist for governor when you could vote for a real, authentic conservative?" reads a digital advertisement on Facebook for the Mike Shannon campaign.

Meanwhile, leading Conservatives who are backing Azurjean are rushing to his defense.

"I've donated to candidates from both parties before too," said Ansleigha Gov. Sam Baskingwood, also a moderate like Azurjean. "Sometimes the candidate from your party isn't a team player. Or sometimes they are involved in a scandal. Or sometimes they're just bat-shit crazy. Sometimes the right thing to do is to support the sensible or less extreme candidate from the opposition party," Baskingwood told a reporter with the Royal Tidings.

It's unclear how much Azurjean's and Marino's conflicting party loyalties will hurt them with voters. 

Stanley Hickam, a political science professor from Queens University in Madagen, said some Conservative voters will be turned off by candidates who have previous ties to the NAT.

"But Donald Trump had donated previously to Democrats" in US politics, Hickam added. "So there is room for forgiveness for some of these voters. Maybe even a majority."

The Azurjean campaign posted a lengthy video on its official Facebook and Instagram pages. In the video, the candidate speaks directly into the camera, reassuring viewers he is a "committed Conservative."

"I've been a Conservative since my college days as a young man who was inspired by leaders like Tracey Edinough and American President Ronald Reagan. I believe in Conservative ideals, I believe in lower taxes, less government regulation, in individual freedom, and personal responsibility. Those ideals will never change."

So far, Azurjean has raised the most money for his campaign, almost although Mike Shannon and Tom Marino have also raised significant sums of money.

The winner of the May 31 primary election will advance to take on Nationalist incumbent Gov. Dan Rattner in December.

Senate confirms John Schauman as next Defense Secretary

 MAVOCKE -- Former Federal Senator John Schauman was confirmed by his past Senate colleagues Thursday as the country's next Defense Secretary.

The vote was decisive, with 65 senators voting to confirm him, and 31 voting against.

Schauman previously represented the state of Ansleigha in the Senate from 2015 -- 2021. He ran for re-election in the 2020 elections but lost to Conservative Pat Ramsey.

Sixteen Conservative senators crossed party lines to vote for Schauman's confirmation, including Ellie Higgins and Luke Gymbal, who both represent Ansleigha.

Ramsey and Jon Ralston, the Senate Minority Leader, voted 'no.'

Three NAT senators joined with Conservatives to vote against Schauman, but for different reasons.

South Ceona Senator Vic Chambers (N) opposed Schauman because of his 'weak' policy positions on national security issues.

"We need a strong Secretary of Defense. Our country cannot afford another Neville Chamberlain figure at the helm of our military," said Chambers in a floor speech before the vote.

Harvannah Senator Cal Sulley (N) also voted 'no' because he questioned Schauman's qualifications.

"I know he is a Navy veteran, and I respect his service. But I feel like he was nominated for this very important position simply because he is a former senator and he lost re-election and is looking for a new job. That's not a reason to vote 'yes' to confirm," said Sulley.

"There are better-qualified people the president could have and should have nominated instead of John Schauman," Sulley added.

Kalnier Senator Paul LeBouse, who is a self-declared 'socialist' and arguably the most liberal senator in the chamber, voted against Schauman because of his 'pro-war and pro-big military policies.'

"Look, I like John Schauman. I was honored to work with him during his Senate tenure. He's a good person and I agree with him on many things. But on foreign policy and the military, we have very fundamentally different ideas. He is of the 1990s-2000s typical liberal mindset, that believes in a massive military, that advocates for Western intervention in foreign wars, and I just can't support someone who supports the military war machine," said LeBouse.

After years of interim secretaries at the Defense Department, President Jim McCaren nominated Schauman, a Navy veteran, to lead the nation's military forces.

When he retired from the Navy, Schauman was a mid-level officer. President McCaren is also a Navy veteran, though he was higher-ranking at the time of his discharge than Schauman.

But in a press conference last week, McCaren said ranks and titles don't matter as much as a record of leadership.

"I have every confidence in John Schauman. He's a leader, he's served on the Senate Intelligence Committee, on the Senate Defense Committee, he's served in the Navy, he's been involved in our armed forces in various capacities over the years. He knows the issues that are important to the Department of Defense, and he knows how to lead the agency with integrity and strength," said McCaren.

In response to being nominated by McCaren, Schauman said he it was his "highest honor," and pledged to strengthen Grassadellia's armed forces.

"Our country is nothing without our military men and women. I know that firsthand, as a veteran, as a Senator, and as a citizen. I will fight with every fiber of my being to ensure that we have the best military, the best equipment, the best technology, and the best culture in the world."

After his confirmation, his fellow senators also heaped praise on the newly-confirmed secretary.

"John Schauman is a good man and he will make a good Secretary of Defense," Armana Conservative Chuck Danbury, also a veteran and foreign policy expert, said.

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Madronas (N-Damoign) was pleased with Schauman's appointment.

"I have no doubt John Schauman will make our men and women in uniform proud," said Madronas.

Schauman's first official day on the job will be Monday, April 25, but a spokesperson for Collester said Schauman will meet with the president and other cabinet members over the weekend for classified briefings. 

Remmington Conservatives in disarray after dual scandals rock party leadership

REMMINGTON CITY -- Just days after he confirmed an extramarital affair, Remmington Governor Jared Lanman is now facing a new crisis: an intensifying conflict with his lieutenant governor.

In an interview with local media today, Lt. Gov. Raquel Marquez stopped short of calling on Lanman to resign, but she did suggest that Lanman may not be the best candidate in the upcoming 2022 gubernatorial election.

"That's not for me to decide, that's his decision," Marquez said, when asked if Lanman should resign in the wake of his admitted infidelity.

"But I have to say, it's pretty hard to lead the state when you can't even keep your own personal life together," Marquez said.

During a hastily-called press conference Monday morning, Lanman, a former federal senator and governor since 2016, confirmed rumors that he had been unfaithful in his marriage.

The allegations first emerged last month from Rachel Wise, an author and feminist who threatened to expose cheating male politicians in the coming months.

Wise told radio host Demetri Evans she had "documented proof" that Lanman was having an affair.

Forced to respond to the allegations, Lanman came clean during a press conference.

"While not everything Rachel Wise said about me is true, it is true that I have engaged in an extramarital affair. I have not been faithful to my wife Hannah, and for that, I am so very, deeply sorry. I have hurt her and caused her and my children immense pain. That pain has spread to my parents, my siblings, my staff, my friends, my colleagues. I have let them all down, and most importantly, I have let myself down. These are not my values. I broke the values I was raised with, and now I am attempting to put the pieces back together with my family."

"I respectfully ask for privacy during this time," he added.

Responding to a barrage of questions from reporters, Lanman, who is the eldest son of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Dick Lanman, said the affair was over and he is attempting to salvage his marriage.

"I haven't spoken to this person or had any contact with them in a few months. My focus is on my wife and my kids and how we can best move forward as a family."

The woman with whom Lanman had the affair has not been identified.

Rachel Wise said the woman asked for anonymity, but will come forward when she feels safe to do so.

"I can tell you she's struggling with the media attention, with the guilt, with the public shaming, it's not easy to come out and admit this very personal aspect of her life," said Wise.

Wise did confirm, however, that the woman was not on Lanman's campaign staff, and did not work for the governor in any capacity.

Lanman confirmed that detail, saying he met the unidentified woman outside of his work responsibilities.

"It was a mistake, it was poor judgment, and it's over. I'm moving on and I know she is too," he said.

As the governor grapples with the fall-out over his personal life, his relationship with Lt. Gov. Raquel Marquez continues to deteriorate. 

The two Conservative politicians had already clashed in the past over immigration. Lanman has taken a hard-line approach, signing bills that restrict services on immigrants and enforce strict policies on undocumented immigrants.

Meanwhile, Marquez, who is of Mexican descent, has sought a more mainstream tone on immigration.

She's also taken issue with Lanman's COVID-19 policies. While Marquez did oppose mask mandates like Lanman, she wanted more limits on large gatherings, more testing, and she opposed pro-gun rallies at the state capitol by far-right conservative protesters, while Lanman was generally sympathetic to them.

Marquez herself has run into controversy.

Nine high-ranking staff members from her office have either resigned or been fired in the last six months. She's had a revolving door of staff, with many of her former aides calling her "abusive" and saying she led a "toxic environment," in written complaints.

At least seven of those former staff members are now suing Marquez alleging a hostile work environment, harassment, and retaliation.

Marquez denies the accusations, saying the complainants are disgruntled and weren't performing up to par.

"There have been some staffing and personnel issues in my office, which I can't comment on directly, but I can say that there are many employees in my office who have worked there for years and years and are still here. Unfortunately, some people can't handle the chain of command or the demands and rigors of working in our office. It's not for everyone," she said.

Marquez has been known to have outbursts in the state legislature, when serving as a state representative and senator.

Her violent temper is well-known throughout the state capitol campus, her former colleague state Sen. Kevin Fischer (C-Galliston) told local reporters.

"I'm, unfortunately, not surprised by these allegations against Raquel. I've worked with her on committees and in the state Senate, I've worked with her as lieutenant governor, and I have seen her anger, when it rises up, it tends to explode. So it's unfortunate," Fischer said.

In response to Fischer's comments, Marquez said she is "guilty of being a strong-willed Latina woman," but that's it.

"Do I lose my temper sometimes? Yes. Do I get angry? Yes. Like everyone else, yes, I do get that way sometimes. But it's only because I expect a lot out of people, especially when it comes to doing the work of the taxpayers and the good people of Remmington. I have a high bar for that and when people don't reach that bar, sometimes, yes, I do get angry."

With Lanman's scandal, and Marquez's legal problems, some Conservatives are now openly wondering if their party should nominate another candidate for the 2022 gubernatorial election in December.

Lanman is running for re-election, and up until Monday's acknowledgement of infidelity, he was favored to win re-election easily.

But now his future is in doubt, and Marquez, who would be Lanman's natural successor, is also on shaky ground, electorally.

Some Conservatives are hoping another high-profile candidate will jump into the race for governor.

Possible names being thrown out include Sen. Curt Blaisek, former Gov. Jen Stevens, Attorney General Andy Kirkpatrick, or Secretary of State Kimberly Welch.

None of the four proposed alternative candidates have expressed any interest in running, but this week's developments in the governor's mansion could change calculations.

While the Lawman-Marquez turmoil is certainly a benefit to the state Nationalist party, the NAT has its own primary election to navigate.

Multiple candidates have expressed interest in running for governor, including former Remmington City Mayor Graham Alton, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2012 and Federal Senate in 2018.

Former Sen. Matt Hoffbourn is also mulling a run, as are Shanogowee businessman Dale Lucie, and state Sen. Jim Weatherby also of Shanogowee.

Even famous late-night comedian Mark Moreno, who lives in Trieton, is rumored to be considering a run for governor in his home state of Remmington, though it's unclear if Moreno would meet residency requirements.

In the meantime, the bipartisan Remmington State Ethics Commission has begun investigations into both Jared Lanman and Raquel Marquez.

The results of those investigations will be released at the time of their completion.

In dig at Gruenwalder, former gov Bartholomew says he's not a 'North Face environmentalist'

BROOKINGS -- Women in politics are used to having their fashion styles and clothing wardrobes criticized.

It's less common for male candidates to face such scrutiny, but Tuesday afternoon, men's jackets and sweater vests were the center of controversy in the Biereland governor's race.

NAT gubernatorial candidate Joel Gruenwalder is known for being an avid outdoorsman. 

His Instagram account is chock full of pictures of he and his family hiking, kayaking, biking and skiing in Biereland's vast wilderness. 

Gruenwalder frequently shows up to campaign events wearing expensive outdoor brands like The North Face, Columbia, Eddie Bauer, and Patagonia.

And those brands say a lot, according to Gruenwalder's rival, former Gov. San Bartholomew.

"There are some people who are only environmentalists on social media. They post pictures of their luxury ski trips in $800 per night AirBnB's, they post pictures of their brand new Subaru or their Land Rover, they walk around wearing expensive L.L. Bean and Columbia jackets...they look like an environmentalist and sound like one, but what have they really done to protect the planet?" Bartholomew told reporters at a Tuesday afternoon press event in Brookings.

Bartholomew didn't specifically refer to Joel Gruenwalder in his comments, but Gruenwalder was criticized earlier this year when he posted pictures of a family ski trip at an expensive ski chalet that AirBnB's website listed for $829 per night.

In one picture, he is seen driving a large SUV, which climate activists noted was counter to his campaign pledge to champion electric vehicles. 

Critics said Gruenwalder's lavish family vacation was evidence that he is out-of-touch with working-class Bierelanders.

"People like that are what I call North Face environmentalists. They're affluent and they live in their cozy upscale suburban neighborhoods. But they're not true activists, they're not out in the trenches every day fighting big oil or big mining, they're just in it for likes on Instagram," said Bartholomew, who again, avoided directly calling out Gruenwalder by name.

Bartholomew's comments come as the race for governor heats up.

Gruenwalder, the CEO of EverTree, a forest advocacy organization, is tied in recent polls with Bartholomew, the former governor who made protecting the environment a hallmark of his administration.

Bartholomew is seeking a rematch with Conservative incumbent Gov. Ben Jordan, who defeated Bartholomew back in 2014.

The former NAT governor is the more left-wing candidate in the race, while Gruenwalder has framed himself as a centrist.

Both men are hoping to replace Jordan, who is running for an historic third consecutive term.

In response to Bartholomew's dig, Gruenwalder took to social media to defend his environmental credentials.

"I work for a non-profit organization that literally protects forests. Nature has always been a part of my life and my family's lives. For someone to insinuate that I'm not a 'real environmentalist' because I wear a Columbia jacket or because I drive a certain kind of car is just laughable," said Gruenwalder in a video posted on his campaign's social media accounts.

Whichever candidate wins on the NAT side, it will likely be an uphill climb. Biereland is a conservative state and polls show Conservatives are favored to win the December 2022 elections later this year.

In Biereland's gubernatorial race, polls have shown Jordan comfortably ahead of Bartholomew but only slightly leading Gruenwalder. 

Joseph Milhaughly: 'Russia's standing in the world will diminish exponentially' if it invades Ukraine

 MAVOCKE -- If Russia invades Ukraine, as is widely expected by military analysts, it will be "extraordinarily bad PR" for Russia, Grassadellia's top diplomat said Monday in a speech.

Secretary of State Joseph Milhaughly was speaking at the World Forum conference in Mavocke, Monday afternoon. The conference was attended by about 4,000 people from all over the world, most from journalistic, academic, or business backgrounds.

The secretary was asked what he expected would happen if Russia invades Ukraine.

"If Russia invades Ukraine, there is no doubt in my mind that Russia's standing in the world will diminish exponentially," said Milhaughly.

"Right now, Russia is an adversarial country, they often engage in provocation and menacing other countries, but Russia is still respected by the international community. There is a quiet respect for Russia."

"If Russia were to invade Ukraine, however, the international community will lose what little respect they have for Russia." 

"Russia will no longer be a major world power, it will be seen by other countries as simply a vast imperialist actor whose imperialism cannot be sustained in the long-term," said Milhaughly.

Immediately upon news of Milhaughly's comments, Russian ambassador to Grassadellia Alexander Khoroskovsky filed an official complaint with the Grassadellian State Department and with Collester.

"Russia's legitimate concerns in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world are not 'imperialism,' but part of broader security risks to the Russian federation," Khoroskovsky said in a written statement.

"For Joseph Milhaughly to suggest Russia is engaging in imperialism, and for him to make such offensive comments about the Russian motherland is inaccurate, insulting, and beneath the dignity of his office," the statement said.

Collester Press Secretary Jayna Elatekin responded late Monday afternoon on her official Twitter account, posting that President Jim McCaren views Russia's potential invasion of Ukraine as an act of imperialism.

"Invading another country to expand your country's influence and control is, in fact, an act of imperialism."

Elatekin's Twitter post seemed to back up Milaughly's comments at the World Forum conference earlier in the day.

Milhaughly's comments come on the heels of President Jim McCaren's criticism of Russia last week.

On Friday, upon his presidential plane landing in Grassadellia City, McCaren briefly chatted with reporters on the tarmac. 

When asked about Russia's possible impending invasion of Ukraine, McCaren warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that "the world is watching Russia," and that "serious, severe consequences" would be imposed on Russia "by a united front of Western nations" if Ukraine's sovereignty is violated.

Said McCaren: "This isn't a game. This is the real world. And the whole world is watching Russia. The world will not stand by and let Ukraine's sovereignty be violated. There will be serious, severe consequences for an invasion."

Pressed for specific consequences by reporters, McCaren responded that "all options are on the table," but most likely Russian banks, companies, and citizens would have their assets in Grassadellia -- which total billions of dollars -- frozen.

"I don't know yet exactly what will happen if Russia goes through with an invasion, but I can tell you it will make life a whole lot harder for Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, Russian companies, Russian oligarchs. It won't be pleasant," said McCaren.

Centrist NAT governors ask McCaren to lift COVID-19 restrictions and 'return to normal'

CHRISTEN--KERR, EDS -- Two NAT governors have sent a letter to President Jim McCaren, asking him to end COVID-19 restrictions and expedite a "return to normal."

Val Hennemott and Brett Ratenzy, governors of East Deschire and South Ceona, respectively, not only sent a formal letter to McCaren asking for an end to mask mandates and shut-downs, they have also publicly called on the president to do so.

"We are respectfully asking President McCaren to end the shut-downs, end the mask mandates, re-open schools and public domains, allow concerts and sporting events, and return to normal," Ratenzy said Saturday in a speech at the South Ceona Primrose Society's annual ball.

In a radio interview with K-LIVE, a Hansboro radio station, Hennemott had similar comments.

"We are asking the McCaren Administration to please focus on getting our country back to normal," Hennemott said.

When pressed by radio host George Coleman what exactly 'back to normal' means, Hennemott gave specifics.

"It means ending mask mandates for schools, ending mandates for government workers, it means re-opening our public parks, allowing football games and concerts again, it means improving the supply chain and getting manufacturing back to normal levels. It's all of those things," said Hennemott.

The governors' stance is a sharp turnaround from earlier in the pandemic.

When COVID-19 first struck, Hennemott and Ratenzy both issued widespread shut-downs, limited large gatherings, forced schools to go remote in urban areas, and mandated the use of masks in public places, as well as mask mandates for government employees.

Both governors imposed vaccine mandates on state employees too.

The two leaders, who are both moderates and have a history of working together, faced fierce opposition from Conservatives in both states.

The appeals to President McCaren come as both incumbents are seeking to shore up their political standing amid difficult re-election prospects. Polls have shown Hennemott and Ratenzy both either tied with leading Conservative candidates or trailing them.

And Conservative critics seized on Hennemott and Ratenzy's sudden change of heart on pandemic politics.

"It's funny how Val Hennemott was all about masks and mandates early on in the pandemic, and even as recently as a few months ago," said Curtis Bartlett, a Conservative state representative from southwestern Lewaina County.

"All of a sudden, when the polls show her tanking and likely to lose re-election, she changes her tune. Now masks are bad. Now mandates are bad. Now she wants large gatherings again and school kids to go mask-less."

"It's funny how poll numbers drastically change her stance on the pandemic issues," said Bartlett.

Ratenzy faced similar criticism in neighboring South Ceona.

Conservative Senator and gubernatorial candidate Mike Lembcke's campaign released a stinging written statement hitting Ratenzy for flip-flopping.

"Liberal Nationalist governors like Brett Ratenzy didn't have a problem imposing draconian mask mandates, vaccine requirements, and outlandish shut-downs on the South Ceona economy when COVID-19 started. But now that his poll numbers have taken a nose-dive, Brett Ratenzy and other NAT politicians like him have suddenly changed course and are now calling for a return to normal. Is it follow the science? Or follow the poll numbers?" the statement said.

Ratenzy and Hennemott hit back at their Conservative critics, though.

The pandemic has "evolved," Ratenzy said.

"What worked at the start of the pandemic doesn't necessarily work now. What was needed at the beginning of the pandemic isn't necessarily helping now. This pandemic has changed, the situation has changed, and therefore our approach has to change. That's not flip-flopping, that's just being a good leader who changes course with the changing conditions," Ratenzy said in a press conference Monday morning.

Hennemott also responded to her critics with her well-known pragmatism.

"There's a time for masks and going virtual with schools and canceling events. That time was earlier in the pandemic. Now it's time to gradually, incrementally return to normal. We need a plan, we need a strategy to offer the Grassadellian people, and we need to chart a path forward, that's what we're asking President McCaren and his team to do," said Hennemott.

In response to Hennemott's calls for a return to normal, her top CNS opponents for governor weighed in.

Phil Qwenberry, former mayor of Christen-Kerr, said it was "past time for Governor Hennemott to end her restrictions."

Attorney General Mark Ellsworth called Hennemott's latest comments "weak," while Hansboro Mayor Bill Engstrom lamented the "serious damage that has already been done to East Deschire's economy because of these unhelpful and unconstitutional COVID restrictions."

University of East Deschire head men's basketball coach Duke Edwards said Hennemott's pandemic politics "ruined our state's economy and took away our freedoms."

Assemblyman Dane Gutmeier (C-Clawfield) said he was "glad the governor is turning course" and easing restrictions. 

Iraq War veteran and far-right, white-nationalist activist Tim Hutsell called Hennemott a "dictator who needs to be taken down."