Fulbright, Kemmes Pledge Bipartisanship

ARA governor and lieutenant pledge bipartisanship

NEW SALEM, ARA--Governor-elect Dale Fulbright (CNS) and Lieutenant Governor-elect Leandra Kemmes (NAT) held a joint press conference today, where the two leaders pledged to work together in a bipartisan fashion.

"Lieutenant Governor Kemmes and I are from opposing political parties, but we both share one goal, and that is to lead the state of Armana in the right direction, and to stand up for the people of our state," Fulbright said.

Kemmes also vowed to display teamwork.

"I will work with Governor Fulbright to bring about the necessary change we need in this state," she said. "Despite our political differences, Governor Fulbright and I will work together to make our state a better place."

The two leaders were then sworn in by Armana Supreme Court Chief Justice William Renstad. The Governor-elect then presided over the swearing in of the state legislative members.

The election of Fulbright, 54, and Kemmes, 37, is historic for the state of Armana. Fulbright is the first Mormon to hold the governor's seat, and Kemmes is the first woman and youngest person to be elected lieutenant governor.

Before being elected governor, Fulbright served two terms in the federal House of Delegates. In 2007, Mr. Fulbright announced he would not seek re-election to the House but instead would launch a run for governor. He faced no opposition in the primary election, and went on to challenge former Lieutenant Governor Ray Cognelli (NAT) in the general election, whom Fulbright beat 53.63% to 46.37%, respectively.

Kemmes is a former businesswoman who was first elected to the Armana House of Delegates in 2004. The nationalist from Maine City's northwest faced token opposition in the primary election, and went on to handily defeat Conservative Joel Gruzinski 57.85% to 42.15%, respectively.

Despite their ideological differences, Fulbright and Kemmes have similar priorities. Both want to focus on Armana's struggling economy, as well as transportation, education, and the environment.

East Deschire Police Searching For Serial Killer

Police ask public for clues in serial murders

RANELLE, EDS--Police in northwestern East Deschire believe they have a serial killer on their hands, and they're asking the public for information that might lead to an arrest.

The first of the killings occurred on Christmas Day in the town of Ranelle, which is located on the northwestern edge of Mt. Aulder National Park, about 60 miles from Ridgeview. According to the Aulder-Greenwich County Sheriff's Department, three bodies, two males, 18 and 43, and one female, 46, were found shot to death inside a home three miles southeast of the Ranelle city limits. Upon investigation of the crime scene, police discovered some items missing from the home, including cash, guns, and jewelry. However, the victims' credit cards were left untouched. Police also found a variety of drugs and paraphernalia inside the home as well.

Just two days later on December 27th, another man, 47, was found dead inside his home, only five miles from the first murder scene. He was reportedly shot with the same type of weapon as the three previous victims. The victim's wallet was taken, but other valuables inside the home were not touched.

And less than a week later, January 2nd, an armed man burst into the home of two elderly women in Ridgeview, nearly 60 miles from the other crime scenes. The suspect robbed and threatened the women, but they were not harmed. He then escaped into the street and has not been seen since.

Police believe the suspect in all three cases is the same person. They do not know his identity, but accounts from witnesses and the two victims who survived have provided clues to the suspect's routine of burglary, robbery, and sometimes murder.

"This individual likes to enter homes, take a few things, and then kill his victims," lead investigator Ron Kower told WRDG-TV of Ridgeview.

Still, police believe the triple murder crime scene in Ranelle was done by someone close to the victims. They believe the second killing two days later, and the home invasion nearly a week later, were unplanned attacks and the victims chosen at random.

"We believe the killer knew his first three victims. The other victims were just in the wrong place at the wrong time," Kower said.

As expected, the brutal killing spree has left this small mountain-side community of 15,000 frightened, and residents are left wondering why such an attack could happen in such an otherwise peaceful place.

"It's stunning, absolutely," Ranelle Mayor Jeff Hockley told local media. "The entire town is on edge. It's a very scary situation, and very saddening as well."

Unfortunately, police have little to go on, except that the suspect is believed to be a white male in his mid-40s, with short brown hair, and approximately 5'9 in height and 170 lbs in weight. He also is believed to have tattoos on his arms, but no specific designs have been identified.

If you have any information on these crimes, you are asked to contact one of the following agencies:

Aulder-Greenwich County Sheriff's Department: 1-(354)-211-8090
Rocky Hills County Sheriff's Department: 1-(354)-422-2525
Royal Agency of Investigation: 1-500-311-2100

Bennelly, McGint Call On Hoffa To Appoint Nationalist To Senate Vacancy

DMG congressmen say its 'only fair' to fill Altamont's seat with another nationalist

SALBERRY, DMG--Rep. Allison McGint (N-Salberry) and Rep. Peter Bennelly (N-East Grassadella City) are calling on incoming Gov. Sid Hoffa (CNS) to appoint a nationalist to fill the Senate vacancy that will be left by Sen. Brian Altamont (NAT), who is expected to be nominated for Secretary of the Treasury next week by President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo.

Holding a joint press conference in Grassadella City, Mr. Bennelly and Mrs. McGint told members of the press that Hoffa should "do the right thing" and appoint another nationalist to hold Altamont's seat.

"The voters spoke and said they wanted a nationalist to represent them in the Senate when they voted for Brian Altamont. Now that Senator Altamont is leaving, it is only fair for the governor to appoint another nationalist to hold that seat," Bennelly said. "Indeed, it is probably very tempting for Mr. Hoffa to appoint a fellow conservative in an effort to expand his party's majority in the upper house, but that would not be fair to the people of Damoign, and we urge the governor to consider their wishes when making his decision."

The only problem with Mr. Bennelly's comments is they're simply not true. Brian Altamont was elected in 2004 as a Conservative. Only recently--less than two weeks ago--did he switch over to the Nationalist party.

"The idea that a nationalist should fill the seat because Brian Altamont is a nationalist is preposterous," said Bernie McIntyre, chairman of the Bus-Kelley County Conservative party. "Brian Altamont was a Conservative until twelve days ago. If anything, the people of Damoign want someone from the Conservative party to represent them in this state where nationalists hold almost every state-wide position."

On Friday, the Damoign State Legislature attempted to pass a constitutional amendment that would have forced the incoming governor to fill the vacancy by appointing someone of the same party as the previous office-holder. The current law allows the sitting governor to appoint anyone from any party to fill a vacancy.

While the proposed amendment did pass, it failed to garner the two-thirds vote needed for ratification.

The measure was a last-minute effort by nationalists to prevent Governor-elect Sid Hoffa from appointing a Conservative to the position, which would expand the Conservative party's majority and lessen the likelihood of the NAT gaining a majority.

Even though their effort failed in the state legislature, Reps. McGint and Bennelly believe Mr. Hoffa should appoint a nationalist to the seat out of fairness and civility.

"It's the right thing to do, it's the polite thing to do," said McGint. "Mr. Hoffa needs to look at this from the perspective of the people of Damoign. They clearly want a nationalist to represent them, and their wishes shouldn't be overturned by a governor who wants to help out his party."

Technically, Hoffa could appoint a nationalist if he wishes to do so, however that is highly unlikely, especially considering how evenly-matched the two parties are in the House of Delegates.

Stevens: Gorbachy A 'Dear Friend,' Not Homophobic

Gay congressman says opponent doesn't hate gays

HEYDWORTH, MON--Conservative Congressman Rylee "Rill" Stevens says his opponent during the 2008 senate, incumbent Sen. Hanna Gorbachy (NAT), is not homophobic, even though an aid to the senator made anti-gay remarks and sent hate-filled e-mails to co-workers during the campaign.

The controversy started back in October 2008, when just weeks before the election, Derrick Shaffey, an aid to Sen. Gorbachy, sent e-mails using his work computer to his co-workers containing demeaning and explicit comments. The e-mails were leaked to the media, and then published in The Oaksdale Press newspaper. The scandal instantly became the defining issue in the campaign between the two-term Gorbachy and the veteran Stevens, who has won 16 terms in the National Assembly.

Gorbachy and Shaffey jointly made a highly-publicized apology to Stevens. But instead of asking him to resign immediately, the senator suspended Mr. Shaffey indefinitely. Tensions worsened when the senator failed to immediately remove Mr. Shaffey from her campaign. Three days later, he was asked to leave the senator's staff altogether. The Stevens campaign questioned why Gorbachy did not immediately fire Shaffey when the e-mails became public, and raised doubts about her support for the gay/lesbian community. The Gorbachy campaign defended its course of action, saying Mr. Shaffey was not immediately removed because of personnel issues.

Mrs. Gorbachy went on to win re-election, but the issue has followed her, and many have questioned her support for the gay/lesbian community. Some critics have called her a "gay hater" and accused her of being "homophobic." But in an interview with local GNN affiliate WHEY-TV in Heydworth, Rep. Stevens told news reporter Angie Franco he doesn't believe Gorbachy is homophobic.

"I don't think she's homophobic or that she hates gay people. I've never believed that, and this incident that happened during the campaign never made me question her commitment to gay and lesbian people," Stevens told Franco. "I have worked with Hanna Gorbachy for the last 12 years, and I consider her a dear friend. We may disagree on a lot of issues, but I would never accuse her of hating gay people, and if you look at her record, you'll find that's just not true. She has stood up for gays and lesbians at every opportunity. And I think it's unfair to take this one person who worked for her campaign and made a foolish decision and somehow tag that to Senator Gorbachy and say that she agrees with him."

For Stevens, Gorbachy should be faulted only for a leadership failure.

"It wasn't bigotry that was the problem for Hanna Gorbachy. It was leadership. She failed to show leadership in this particular situation. I don't hold her responsible in the slightest bit for what her campaign worker did. That was his choice and his own doing. But I do believe she should have shown more decisive leadership, and she should have fired Mr. Shaffey immediately, on-the-spot. His actions were so reprehensible and repulsive, there should have never been an 'indefinite suspension.' It should have just been 'you're out, good-bye, see you later.' It should have been the end of his involvement and employment with the campaign right at that very moment."

Despite Gorbachy's failure of leadership, Stevens says, she is still a good leader for the state of Monomi.

"Did she make a mistake by letting Mr. Shaffey stay on staff as long as she did? Absolutely. But we all make mistakes, and that doesn't make her a homophobe or hateful person. And, I think, when you really look at what she's done and what she's doing for the state of Monomi, she really has been a terrific leader, and I think she'll do a great job as senator for the next six years."

The full interview with Stevens is set to air Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. on WHEY-TV channel 9, cable channel 37. You can also find the full interview on www.gnnnews.com.

Hoffa May Appoint Chatskovy, Blaine To Senate Vacancy

Governor-elect has narrowed selection down to two candidates, sources say

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--With federal Sen. Brian Altamont (NAT) expected to step down next week to accept a cabinet position offered by President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo, incoming Gov. Sid Hoffa's first task will be filling Altamont's vacancy. Mr. Hoffa has narrowed down the candidate field in Damoign's expected senate vacancy, sources close to the process say. The incoming governor is reportedly considering two Grassadella City area representatives: Roman Chatskovy (C-Libney) and Jessica Blaine (DR-Lacarthy).

Chatskovy, 31, is a former rival of Hoffa. The two ran against each other in the CNS primary for the open senate seat vacated by out-going Sen. Kory Brown (NAT). Chatskovy ultimately won the party's nomination, but lost in the general election to Vicksburg Congresswoman Jean Chaveau (NAT). A moderate Conservative, Chatskovy is one of the youngest members of the National Assembly, and is considered a rising star in the CNS party. He currently represents southwest Grassadella City.

Blaine, 34, has represented Lacarthy in the National Assembly for four years. Unlike many of her fellow Democratic-Reformists in Damoign, she has taken a tough stance on national security and war-on-terror-related issues. She is somewhat of a foreign policy hawk, and has sided with Conservatives on almost every economic issue as well. During the 2008 campaign for governor, Blaine was the only Democratic-Reformist representative to cross party lines and endorse Hoffa instead of DR candidate Isaac Hjelms. She also campaigned for Mr. Hoffa, citing his stance on national security and the economy as her main reasons for endorsing him.

Mr. Hoffa is in somewhat of a dilemma, Devlyn University professor Richard Branon says, because if he appoints Chatskovy, the young congressman could face a tough confirmation in the state legislature, which must approve the governor's nominee.

"Mr. Chatskovy is a Conservative, and both houses of the state legislature are dominated by Nationalists. So that could be a rocky road," Branon says. "Ms. Blaine, however, would have a better chance of receiving confirmation simply because she's from a different party than the governor and so it will seem more of a bi-partisan effort than just a Conservative governor trying to help his party gain a seat."

On the other hand, if Hoffa appoints Ms. Blaine, it could give the appearance of an inside deal.

"If he appoints Jessica Blaine, a lot of people, rightly or wrongly, are going to suspect that he is rewarding her, in a sense, because she endorsed him and campaigned for him during the race," Branon says.

Aids to the governor say he is still deliberating his appointment.

"I think he's struggling internally to decide which candidate to select," said one aid, who asked not to be identified because members of the administration are not permitted to speak to the press. "The fact is both Roman Chatskovy and Jessica Blaine are good people, and they would both make fine senators. It's just a question of logistics. Who can make their way through the confirmation process and who's going to cause more political fall-out."

As of yet, Sen. Altamont has not officially been nominated for a cabinet position, nor has he resigned. The senator's office would not comment when GNN asked about the matter. Congressman Chatskovy and Congresswoman Blaine likewise declined to talk about the pending appointment.

Damoign Legislature Fails To Pass Constitutional Amendment

NAT-backed effort to change Senate appointment procedure fails in both houses

MATTINOW, DMG--An NAT-backed proposed constitutional amendment that would have affected procedure for governor appointments to the Senate has failed to the two-thirds vote needed in both houses of the state legislature.

The amendment, proposed by State Sens. Rick Liettle (N-Arneillson) and Jamie Farrher (N-Mattinow), would have required the state's governor to fill a vacancy in the state's House delegation by appointing someone of the same party as the previous office-holder. The current law allows the sitting governor to appoint anyone from any party to fill a vacant seat. The proposal would have placed the power in the state parties' hands, which would, under the proposed law, nominate three people from their party, of which the governor would have to choose one.

But on Friday, the measure failed to pass in both houses of the state legislature. In the State Assembly, the amendment passed 174-163. In the State House, it also passed 54-46. However, neither house was able to garner the two-thirds vote necessary for ratification.

The proposed amendment came under heavy fire from Conservatives, who argue the Nationalists tried to change the law because federal Sen. Brian Altamont (NAT) will likely leave the House of Delegates in a few weeks to serve as Secretary of the Treasury. Altamont's departure would leave a vacancy for incoming Gov. Sid Hoffa (CNS) to fill. With Hoffa making the appointment, it's likely he would select a fellow Conservative instead of a Nationalist.

"The only reason this amendment came to a vote is because Brian Altamont is leaving the House of Delegates, and the Nationatlists want to keep the seat in their hands," said State Rep. Bryan Boboore (C-South Grassadella City).

Adding to the complication, many Nationalists feared the passage of the amendment would anger Conservatives in the federal House of Delegates, who might then in turn vote against current Damoign Gov. Jim McCaren (NAT), who is expected to be nominated for Secretary of State or National Intelligence Director by President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo.

"I was opposed to this amendment because I think it would have jeopardized Jim McCaren's nomination, and I just did not want to risk that," State Sen. Jim Garley (N-Grassadella City), told GNN.

Unlike many of his colleagues in the legislature, Gov. McCaren said last week he would sign the amendment into law if it was passed.

"I will sign it, if it is approved by the legislature, because that's the way it should be. If a senator vacates their seat, that seat should be filled with someone of the same party. That's the only fair way to go about it," McCaren said.

Still, the NAT is desperately holding on to all the Senate seats they can get, as the party tries to take control of the House of Delegates for the first time since 2004. Currently, there are 36 Nationalists and 35 Conservatives in the House, as well as 3 Democratic-Reformists and 1 Traditionalist. However, special elections scheduled for next week in Biereland, East Deschire, and Wellington, as well as a run-off election in Armana, could over-turn the slim NAT majority.

"Right now, both parties have about the same number of members in the House. So every seat matters because it could be the difference between holding the majority or being in the minority," says Dr. Jeff Zakin, professor of government studies at Deedrick University. "So, the CNS is trying to retain every seat it can so it can stay in the majority, while the NAT is trying to capture as many seats as it can to take over the majority."

As of today, Sen. Brian Altamont has not formally been nominated by President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo, however, it is widely expected he will be nominated sometime next week. The senator's office had no comment on the matter. Incoming Gov. Sid Hoffa also would not comment on any candidates he may be considering for the vacancy, but a spokeswoman did say he is considering "many candidates from all parties." State NAT party leaders say they will not make a second attempt to change the state's constitution.

McCaren Mentioned As Possible Secretary of State, Intelligence Director

DMG governor may be top pick for foreign affairs or intelligence chief

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--Damoign Gov. Jim McCaren (NAT) may be nominated for Secretary of State or National Intelligence Director, according to sources within the transition team.

The 67-year-old governor, who lost a bid for re-election to Grassadella City Mayor Sid Hoffa (CNS), has been mentioned in meetings between members of the incoming Menuhaeo administration, and the out-going Byelle administration, according to sources close to the process. McCaren is an attractive candidate because of his past work with both the state department, and with various intelligence agencies. McCaren also served in the military for 13 years.

"Governor McCaren would make a great Secretary of State or National Intelligence Director. His service to his country is commendable, and we are exploring the idea of him serving his country again--this time, in a different capacity," Hal Lennet, spokesman for President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo said Wednesday.

The Governor's office did not comment on the speculation surrounding his future, but friends close to Mr. McCaren say he may likely accept a job with the administration, if offered.

"Well he just lost re-election, and I don't think he's ready for retirement just quite yet, so you never know," Damoign State Senator Ben Yenning (N-Waverly) told the GBC.

Others who have worked with the governor say he would be an ideal pick for Secretary of State because of his personality.

"He's very even-handed, he's a consensus-builder, and he's careful with his words. I think he would do an outstanding job," State Senator Ellen J. Haskell (N-S. Grassadella City) told GNN News.

A spokesperson for Mr. Menuhaeo says the president-elect will not officially nominate anyone for any cabinet positions until the new Congress is determined, following special elections in Biereland, East Deschire, and Wellington.

Lanman Hospitalized After Minor Heart Attack

Out-going Secretary of State in stable condition

MAVOCKE, CEA--Secretary of State Richard Lanman is recovering in the hospital after suffering a minor heart attack last night.

A department spokesman says the secretary was at his Mavocke home Saturday evening when he complained of shortness of breath. EMT crews arrived at his home at approximately 9:30 pm, and he was transported to Macbeth-Gowan Hospital in Mavocke's southwest.

Dr. Marianne Edi-Rice, the physician overseeing the secretary's stay in the hospital, says the 67-year-old Lanman is in stable condition, and will likely return home in a few days.

"Mr. Lanman is recovering well, he is in stable condition, and his spirits are good," Edi-Rice said. "We fully expect him to recover completely and be back to his normal routine sometime next week."

Saturday's incident is the second heart attack the secretary has suffered in the past nine months. In April 2007, Mr. Lanman suffered a heart attack at his home in Damoign. That attack was more serious, however, with the secretary having stayed in the hospital for eight days and undergoing several weeks of therapy.

As with the 2007 hospitalization, President Byelle and Vice President Martinez paid the secretary a visit to his hospital room and offered their get-well wishes. At a press conference Sunday morning, the president said he wishes the secretary a "speedy recovery." He also said he is thankful Mr. Lanman will be stepping down in just weeks.

"I'm grateful that Dick's tenure will be ending now, because being Secretary of State takes a toll on anyone, and I believe that retirement will be a welcomed respite for Dick and will give him a chance to recover and gain his strength."

While the secretary is in the hospital, Under-Secretary of State Andy Spottford will temporarily take over until Lanman can return to work.

Altamont To Switch Parties

Conservative senator will now identify as a Nationalist

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--Conservative Senator Brian Altamont announced Friday he will leave the Conservative party and join the opposing Nationalist party.

In a written statement, Altamont said the Conservative party's "abandonment of its core values" led him to switch to the other side.

"The Conservative party used to believe and stand for personal freedom and liberty. Unfortunately, today, the party has reversed its position on civil freedoms. The Conservative party of today is not the party it once was. And because of that, I can no longer be affiliated with the Conservative party," the statement said.

In an interview with GBC Radio host John Hockney, Altamont explained his decision to leave the party.

"John, I believe that people should be able to walk through the airport without getting frisked by security. I believe women should have more say about their bodies than the government. I believe gay and lesbian couples should be able to marry because they love each other. I believe prisoners of war should be given basic human rights. These are all things I deeply believe in, and the Conservative party is on the wrong side on all of these issues.

"I've found that after 16 years of identifying as a Conservative, I can no longer continue doing so. My view on the issues lines up more with the Nationalist party, and I think I would be better serving myself, my supporters, and frankly all Damoignites by making the switch," Altamont said.

Altamont's defection came as little surprise to fellow Conservatives. The former businessman-turned-senator has had a liberal voting record, and has often openly chided his fellow Conservatives. Over the past two years, many CNS lawmakers have disapproved of Altamont's alliance with NAT members on significant pieces of legislation, including immigration quotas, foreign prisons, and partial-birth abortion.

"I'm not surprised Senator Altamont made that decision. I agree with him...I think his positions on the issues do line up more with the Nationalist party, and I think he will be accepted there," Sen. George Landers (CEA) told the GBC Radio.

Another Conservative lawmaker, who asked not to be named, told STAR-Radio, "I never really liked [him], because he voted with the Nationalists on every issue of importance, and he was more critical of the Conservative party than the Nationalists were."

Altamont assured Hockney his defection will not change his beliefs.

"I'm still the same person. Brian Altamont hasn't changed. The Conservative party has changed, and that's why I'm leaving."

House Minority Leader Sen. Shay Robertson (N-DMG) said Altamont will be "welcomed with open arms."

"We are excited to welcome Senator Altamont into our party, and we welcome his ideas and are pleased to call him one of our own."

Altamont's defection will now switch the balance of power to the Nationalist party, which will hold a slim 36-35 majority. However, special elections in Biereland, East Deschire, and Wellington later this month will likely reverse that slight majority.

Congresswoman Calls Colleague's Campaign Ad 'Sexist'

Rep. Jay Burns (C-DES) should apologize to opponent for airing 'demeaning' ad, female colleague says

DEROSA, EDS--Congressman Jay Burns (C-DES), who is running for the House of Delegates, is coming under fire from a fellow colleague.

East Deschire congresswoman Debra Nate (NAT) criticized the Burns' ad, which attacks his NAT opponent, state senator Trish Potter (NAT) for membership in a "radical, anti-Grassadellan feminist group in the 1960s."

In an interview with local news media Wednesday, Rep. Nate called the ad "sexist" and "demeaning," and said Burns should apologize to Potter for the offensive 30-second ad.

"I think it's very demeaning. Just because someone's a feminist doesn't mean they're anti-Grassadellan or an anarchist," Nate said.

The ad refers to Potter's short-lived membership in the militant group "Feminists for Freedom." According to her campaign, Potter joined the group while in college at Deschire State University, but withdrew her membership after nine months because the group became "too combative."

"I liked the message they were advancing, but I just didn't like the way they were going about conveying that message. Fighting violence with violence is no way to resolve a conflict," Potter told the Berivian Herald newspaper.

Feminists for Freedom was popular during the 1960s but was heavily criticized for its controversial ideas and militant tactics. In one particular incident in 1967, a group of Feminists for Freedom members caused riots at a national football championship game in West Lake, Damoign, setting fire to team buses and storage units because the national league did not allow women to compete in the sport. Another controversial incident occurred in downtown Grassadella City in 1969, when a group of FF members protested topless from the roof of a downtown high-rise, holding signs that said, "If men can go shirtless, women can too."

Opponents of Trish Potter say her one-time affiliation with the group shows a lack of discretion. Congresswoman Nate dismisses that idea.

"This was almost forty years ago, and Trish did the right thing by leaving the group when it became evident they were too extreme," Nate said.

The Burns campaign has not officially commented to the press on the campaign ad. But a source close to the congressman, who represents Berivian's northeast suburbs, says Potter's membership in the Feminists for Freedom group is fair game.

"Any groups a candidate is associated with need to be revealed to the voters. They have a right to know that," the source, who asked not to be identified, told GNN.

Potter's campaign also has not commented on the ad.

Fulbright To Campaign For Casey In Armana

CNS Secretary of State facing tough re-election bid

WESTERNMYER, ARA--Armana Secretary of State Doug Casey (CNS) is hoping to ride the coattails of popular CNS senator and gubernatorial candidate Dale Fulbright.

Fulbright is expected to win over NAT opponent Lt. Gov. Ray Cognelli in next week's election. But Secretary Casey, who is facing a tough challenge from NAT candidate Mark Duggan, is not so secure in his bid for his first full term.

Duggan entered the race late at the urging of party officials. But his last-minute candidacy has put Casey on the defensive. Mr. Casey is a moderate conservative but he is struggling to gain support in this heavily-nationalist state.

Today, Casey's campaign announced the secretary will be appearing with Senator Fulbright at two campaign events over the next week. The first will come Thursday, where the senator will make a joint appearance with Casey at a campaign event in Westernmyer. The second appearance will happen next Monday in Burrowsdale, north of Maine City. The two will both spend election night together as well at the CNS party headquarters in Port Victoria.

Kelley Touts Progress On Transportation, Education

New campaign ads highlight governor's achievements

NORTH BERIVIAN, DES--With less than a week to go before the general election, the campaign of struggling incumbent governor Sharon Kelley (CNS) has released a series of new ads that highlight the governor's accomplishments since she took office one year ago.

Specifically, the ads focus on Kelley's work on transporation and education. One ad, entitled "Fast-Lane," hails Kelley's increase in spending on transportation projects. Another ad talks about Kelley's "commitment to smaller class sizes," and praises the governor's "dedication to [Deschire's] children."

A third ad released by the campaign commends the governor for capping property taxes.

"When Deschire families were struggling to make ends meet, Governor Kelley stood up to the spend-and-tax establishment, and worked with the legislature to cap property taxes," the narrator says.

Kelley's opponent, nationalist Lieutenant Governor Jake Kemp, has not yet released a counter-ad. But the Kemp campaign did talk with the media about the Kelley commercials. Spokesman Aaron Harson said that while Kelley takes credit for transportation projects and education and tax reform, little actual progress has been made on those issues.

"She talks a lot about transportation projects, when in reality she cut 30,000 low-income children from state healthcare rolls to fund those projects. That's not progress, that's abandonment," Harson said.

Kelley is trying to re-take the lead in the race for governor. Recent polls have consistently put her behind Kemp, with the latest poll conducted by WOAB-TV showing Kemp with 52% to Kelley's 48%. The margin of error in that race was 3 points.

Sonda To Be Released From Jail December 23

Former DES governor will be released four months early for good behavior

SANDERSON, DES--Former Deschire Governor Jane Sonda (NAT), who was impeached and later imprisoned for a corruption scandal that brought down several members of her administration, is slated to be released from jail nearly four months early on December 23rd.

Sonda went to jail back in April. She was originally sentenced to 13 months in a minimum-security facility northeast of Berivian. However, after applying in July, she was granted parole and will now be released December 23rd, just two days before Christmas.

A spokeswoman for the Sonda family says the former governor is "elated" she will be able to spend Christmas with her family. There is no word where the Sonda family will be celebrating the holiday, however.

Once out of jail, Sonda will be on probation for two years. She is also not allowed to leave the state for one year.

Latzo Will Not Face Charges For Drunken-Driving

District Attorney says there's not enough evidence

LORENZI, CAR--Carova's lieutenant governor, Carson Latzo (NAT), will not face drunken-driving charges for an incident that occurred in September, the Lichmond County District Attorney said Friday.

The incident happened back on September 26th, when Latzo was pulled over by a Lichmond County Sheriff's Deputy in Townsend, just east of Lorenzi. Latzo had apparently been attending a dinner party earlier in the evening.

According to police records, Latzo was pulled over at around 1:00 AM on the morning of September 26th for speeding. The officer on scene smelled the presence of alcohol, and then administered a sobriety test, which the officer says, Latzo failed. But when the officer (who has not been named by department officials), learned the driver was the lieutenant governor, he did not arrest him. Instead, he called a superior officer, who instructed him to call a designated driver and not report the incident.

Latzo acknowledges he was pulled over, but disputes that he was drunk. He also insists he did not ask for special treatment from police, a story the officer also backs up.

Up until this week, it was unclear if Latzo would be charged with drunken-driving. However, on Friday, Lichmond County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Mandley told the media there is not enough evidence to file charges against Latzo, in part because the Lichmond County Sheriff's Office has lost results from the sobriety test that was conducted on Mr. Latzo.

"At this point, due to the inadvertent loss of Mr. Latzo's sobriety test results by the Sheriff's Department, we cannot continue with prosecution against Mr. Latzo, and we will not pursue charges," Mandley said.

Latzo's lawyer, Peter Cambria, told reporters Friday has was "not surprised" the District Attorney was not pressing charges because "there was never any evidence to begin with." The lieutenant governor himself did not respond to requests for comment.

The Lichmond County Sheriff's Department, however, says it is still looking into the incident. Department spokesman John Coriff says the department is conducting an investigation to determine if any ethics rules or laws were broken by the superior officer who allegedly ordered the subordinate officer to not report the incident.

"We take these allegations very seriously. If any of our superior officers ordered a subordinate to not report something or to keep quiet about it, that is a violation of department policy and state law, and it will not be tolerated," Coriff said.

The internal investigation is currently being handled by the Carova State Police, to avoid a conflict of interest within the agency.

Meanwhile, political leaders and every-day citizens are enraged Latzo avoided charges, and are equally upset about the jumbled handling of the case by the Lichmond County Sheriff's Department.

"How on earth is it that the lieutenant governor of our state is given special treatment for a serious offense, and then the sheriff's department is too imcompetent to hang on to the evidence?" State Representative Jim Cubins (C-Port Bay) told the Lorenzi Daily News. "Carson Latzo should be charged with drunken-driving, and the officers who let him off the hook should be fired, and the imcompetent police who lost the evidence should be fired."

Carova Governor Dan McCrae's press secretary, Allan Richardson, said the governor had no comment on the case but would be speaking about it later this week.

Latzo Denies Drunken Driving Story, Could Face Criminal Charges

Possible criminal charges pending; state ethics commission launches investigation

CAROVA CITY, CAR--Carova's Lieutenant Governor, Carson Latzo (NAT), could face criminal charges for drunken driving, according to the Lichmond County District Attorney's Office. Latzo has denied for the last several weeks he drove while intoxicated. The alleged incident took place back on September 26th while Latzo was attending another party in Lorenzi.

According to the Lichmond County Sheriff's Department, a deputy pulled Latzo's vehicle over in Townsend, just east of Lorenzi, at approximately 1:00 AM. The deputy smelled the presence of alcohol, and proceeded to give Latzo a sobriety test, which he failed.

However, when the officer discovered Mr. Latzo was the lieutenant governor, he did not arrest Latzo but instead called a superior and was told to call a designated driver for Latzo and remain quiet about the incident.

The Lichmond County Sheriff's Department says it's investigating the case, and all officers involved have been supsended-with-pay until an internal investigation is complete. Department spokesman John Coriff told The Lorenzi Daily News that allowing state officials--even those in prominent positions--to avoid arrest or criminal charges is against department protocol as well as state law.

"If in fact, Mr. Latzo was intoxicated, he should have been arrested and booked, just like every other citizen of this state in the same situation," Coriff said. "Under no circumstances whatsoever, should Mr. Latzo, or anyone else, be allowed to get away with drunken driving. That is a very serious offense and we, as a department, take it very seriously."

Latzo's lawyers dispute the officers' claims of what happened on the morning of September 26th. However, his legal team would not officially comment on the specifics of the case.

"All we can say at this point is that Lieutenant Governor Latzo has a very different version of what happened that night, and we will be glad to share that story with investigators," Cambria said.

The Carova State Police have taken over the investigation, and has already interviewed Latzo several times, and plans to continue interviews in the coming days. The officers involved have also been interviewed by state police, investigators say.

The Lichmond County District Attorney has until Friday, November 22nd, to file charges. The penalty for drunken driving varies, but most likely, if charged, Latzo will only face misdemeanor charges. He may also face possible jail time, fines, and/or community service.

Governor Dan McCrae has not addressed the scandal, only saying that he hoped the allegations weren't true, and he hoped Latzo would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

"The administration will withold comment until Friday, when we know what the D.A. will do," McCrae's press secretary Alan Richardson told the media Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Latzo is facing an ethics investigation, after the state ethics commission voted 4-1 today to launch an investigation into his actions.

Evangelicals Rally For Diego

Pastor running for Lt. Governor receives strong support from evangelical Christian community

VICKSBURG, DMG--The popular pastor running for Lt. Governor is being strongly supported by fellow conservative Christians throughout the state.

Mercer Diego (CNS), senior pastor at Mattinow Family Church, a mega-church of 8,000, never planned to enter politics. But in 2006, the 41-year-old husband and father of five did just that when he decided to run for delegate as a Conservative. Though unsuccessful then, Diego decided, after much prayer, to run for office again this year--this time, for lieutenant governor.

"It wasn't an easy decision in any aspect. I had to consult my family, my friends, my church and co-workers, and above all, God," Diego told the Mattinow Star newspaper.

But the affable pastor, who is wildly popular among Christian conservatives throughout the state and nation, decided to run. And now that he's on the ballot, he is finding broad support among the state's evangelical Christian community.

A new poll conducted by the University of Vicksburg showed Diego earning an astonishing 85% of the evangelical vote when matched up with his NAT opponent, businesswoman Jenna Duvan.

"Mercer really attracts people to his campaign, particularly evangelicals, because he is one of them. He believes that God is sovereign and must have a place in our government," Dr. Jim Wesley, professor of religious studies at Wernerheim Presbyterian University, told GNN.

And Diego's supporters are enthusiastic in their support. Though he trails Duvan in money and name recognition, Diego often speaks to adoring crowds of thousands at campaign rallies and events. Duvan rarely attracts such attendance.

At a rally in Vicksburg Saturday, over 3,700 people packed into Whitby Stadium, on the city's west side to hear the religious leader speak. Amid the rain, supporters were also waving signs and handing out campaign literature to passersby.

Though initially trailing Duvan significantly in the polls, Diego now is virtually even with his NAT opponent. And Duvan still has more money, with $8.1 million compared to Diego's $7.4 million. However, with a little over a month left to go before the election, Mr. Diego's campaign is aiming to close the fundraising gap.

"We have got to get Mercer in there [office] and the only way we can do that is if we donate our money, time, and energy to his campaign," Becky Steuman, a minister from Vicksburg told the crowd at Whitby Stadium.

A subsequent speaker told the enchanted crowd Diego deserved their support because he "stood up for the right things."

"Let me tell you what Mercer believes," Brad Ellington, a pastor from South Grassadella City, told the crowd. "He believes life begins at conception. He believes marriage is between one man and one woman. He believes there is a creator, who formed the earth and heavens and everything that is in it. He believes that every person is important, and that life should be protected at all costs. And most of all, he believes that faith and freedom are not exclusive, but rather, complimentary."

The Diego campaign would not comment specifically on its outreach to evangelical voters.

"Mercer has supporters from all walks of life and religious and cultural backgrounds, and that's because his message of freedom and hope for our state is registering with people from all over the political spectrum who are hungry for change," spokeswoman Mary Cronn told GNN News.

According to the campaign's website, Mr. Diego will appear Monday in Grassadella City and then later on in the week in West Lake.

CNS Party Officials Dispatch Almone To Help Struggling Candidates

Popular POG governor is helping with fundraising for vulnerable candidates

MAVOCKE, CEA--With several Conservative gubernatorial candidates trailing in the polls and struggling to raise funds for their campaigns, top officials in the CNS Party are asking popular POG Governor Donna Almone to help out her vulnerable colleagues.

On GNN's The Capitol Report with James Madine, Almone confirmed that she will be campaigning and fundraising for her conservative counterparts in other states. The governor did not say if top party officials had asked her to help, but a party official, who spoke to GNN on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Almone's help was requested.

"They basically asked her to go campaign in all these states for these candidates that are struggling to raise money and are struggling in the polls," the official said.

Almone said she was choosing to campaign on behalf of her colleagues because she wants to keep them in office.

"I feel strongly about each one of my Conservative colleagues. I believe they are providing the necessary leadership for our country, and we need every one of them in office," she told Madine.

GNN confirmed that the POG Governor will embark on a lengthy national tour. Her first stop will be in Gallaghan, Ceona next week, where she will stump for incumbent Governor Don Parkins, who is trailing his Nationalist opponent, Christine Gabler, in the polls. Next, Almone will appear at a private fundraiser later this month in Grassadella City for Grassadella City mayor Sid Hoffa, who is locked in a three-way race with incumbent Jim McCaren (NAT) and D-R challenger Isaac Hjelms.

Almone will also appear at campaign events in Deschire, Harvannah, New Portsmouth, and Wilkonshire. It's unclear which, if any, events will be open to the press.

Embattled Aide Will Leave Gorbachy Campaign

Derrick Shaffey has been asked to leave the Gorbachy campaign

TREETON, MON--An aide to Senator Hanna Gorbachy, who admitted last week to sending offensive and defamatory e-mails using campaign computers has been asked to leave the senator's re-election campaign, a spokeswoman said Sunday.

"Senator Gorbachy asked Mr. [Derrick] Shaffey to resign his position effective immediately," Jorna Morgan, a campaign spokeswoman, said. "Mr. Shaffey indicated he was willing to do that."

Shaffey admitted last week to sending e-mails containing disparaging remarks about Gorbachy's opponent, Representative Rill Stevens (CNS), who is openly gay. The e-mails, sent to another campaign staffer, contained homophobic comments and ridiculing remarks about Stevens and gays and lesbians in general.

Gorbachy immediately condemned Shaffey's behavior, but the senator did not immediately dismiss him from the campaign. Instead he was put on an indefinite suspension without pay until Gorbachy and senior advisors decided what action to take.

The Stevens campaign released a statement attacking Shaffey's actions, calling them "offensive, disgusting, and purely hateful." Representative Stevens also called on Senator Gorbachy to remove Mr. Shaffey from her campaign.

"I don't think there's any way Senator Gorbachy can sincerely say she supports the gay/lesbian community if she keeps Mr. Shaffey on the pay-roll," Stevens told GNN News.

Contacted by GNN Sunday, the Stevens campaign commended Senator Gorbachy for firing Shaffey, but questioned why it took so long.

"We're glad that Senator Gorbachy made the right decision to fire Mr. Shaffey," spokeswoman Mary Konns said. "What we're wondering is why it took so long for the senator to make that decision."

The Gorbachy campaign defended their process, telling GNN that the decision was not made immediately because Mr. Shaffey held a key position in the campaign, and senior advisors had to rearrange staff assignments to cover his position.

"The reason it took so long was purely because of personnel issues, not because there was any doubt about the inappropriate nature of [Shaffey's] actions," Dan Condon, a Gorbachy senior aide told GNN.

Senator Gorbachy will be holding a press conference tomorrow afternoon to personally address the issue. GNN will have live coverage.

Sellious Slams Voldrew Over Taxes

Former secretary of education says liberal bank mogul 'doesn't understand middle class'

MAVOCKE, CEA--Conservative House candidate Megan Sellious slammed her NAT opponent, former banker and wealthy investor Bernie Voldrew, over taxes.

Calling him a "wealthy banker who made millions off the mortgage crisis," Sellious attacked Voldrew for supporting higher taxes on the middle class and for higher taxes on corporations.

"It was Bernie Voldrew who supported higher taxes on Ceona's middle class families. It was Bernie Voldrew who supported higher taxes for small businesses. And it was Bernie Voldrew who supported higher taxes on large corporations. These are not the values of Ceonans," Sellious said at a speech in Mavocke.

Sellious also attacked Voldrew for his "almost socialist-like policies."

Voldrew did support a tax increase on some middle class tax-payers, but only for upper-middle class citizens, those making between $70,000 and $98,000 per year, his campaign said. When it comes to raising taxes on corporations and small businesses, that claim is "preposterous," according to campaign spokeswoman Vicki Mayfield.

"Bernie Voldrew has only proposed raising taxes on big, corrupt corporations like oil companies, because he believes those corporations owe the Grassadellan people," Mayfield said. "As for small businesses, it's just not true. Bernie has never supported raising taxes on small businesses."

Sellious and Voldrew are running in what could be one of the nation's closest races this December. A recent poll showed Sellious, the former Secretary of Education, with 50% to Voldrew's 48%, a statistical dead-heat.

Voldrew has tried to tie Sellious to the Byelle Administration's policies, while Sellious has attempted to make Voldrew look like a wealthy banking executive who is out of touch with Ceonans. Both candidates have made social issues a primary piece of the campaign, with Voldrew attacking Sellious for her conservative views on abortion, same-sex marriage, and embryonic stem-cell research. Sellious, for her part, has tried to paint Voldrew as an ultra-liberal weak on national security and against traditional family values.

The race is only likely to get uglier as December 4th nears. Both candidates have significant amounts of money to work with. As of October 1st, Voldrew had raised $14.1 million, although he loaned his campaign $2.5 million. Sellious doesn't have as much money, only $11.6 million, though she has more independent groups acting on her behalf, evening out Voldrew's money advantage.

Gorbachy Campaign Worker Bashes Gays, Stevens In E-Mails

Senator's staff member sends anti-gay emails, mocks Stevens' sexual orientation

TREETON, MON--Senator Hanna Gorbachy (NAT), who is facing re-election this December, is apologizing after one of her staff members sent anti-gay e-mails, including messages that mocked Gorbachy's opponent, CNS Congressman Rill Stevens, who happens to be openly gay.

Derrick Shaffey, a key operative in Gorbachy's re-election campaign and a full-time aid to the senator, admitted to sending the e-mails after they were leaked to local media. In its Thursday edition, The Oaksdale Press newspaper published excerpts of the e-mails, but newspaper officials said some portions had to be edited because they were too explicit for publication.

In one e-mail to a fellow nationalist colleague, Shaffey writes that gays "don't deserve the attention they've been given in this campaign," and that "gays are too stupid to figure out that politicians don't really care about them." In that same e-mail, Shaffey calls Stevens a "tiny-brained faggot," and suggests if Stevens would "cross-dress" he could "do better with women [voters]."

Shaffey, a 25-year-old recent college graduate of Owens-Park State University and the youngest member of Gorbachy's full-time staff, initially denied sending the e-mails, until he was confronted by members of the media with exact transcripts. He then acknowledged he sent them, but said they had been taken out of context.

"It was really all just...kind of a joke," Shaffey said. "I think it's really being taken out of context by the media."

Out of context or not, the Gorbachy campaign did not hesitate to take action. Senator Gorbachy jointly appeared with Shaffey at a special press conference Friday morning, openly condemning his remarks.

"I have to say that I am appalled, utterly appalled, disgusted, disappointed, and ashamed of Derrick's behavior," she said. "This is in no way an acceptable kind of behavior for my campaign."

Shaffey also spoke personally, issuing an apology to Representative Stevens and the public.

"My actions were wrong. It was dumb, it was stupid. I should never have sent those e-mails, and I just want to say I'm sorry to Congressman Stevens, to the people of Monomi, and to Senator Gorbachy," he said.

When asked about Shaffey's future with the campaign, the senator did not say whether he will be dimissed. Mr. Shaffey has been put on indefinite suspension, however, the senator said.

The Stevens campaign did not immediately comment to reporters. However, the campaign did release a written statement later in the afternoon, in which Representative Stevens called Mr. Shaffey's comments "despicable, deplorable, and completely and utterly offensive."

"Mr. Shaffey's words are not only offensive to me, they are offensive to every member of our society who identifies with the gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/trans-gendered movement," Stevens wrote. "And to hear these hateful, bigotted words is extremely hurtful and demeaning."

Stevens also called for Shaffey's immediate departure from the campaign.

"If Senator Gorbachy truly cares about running a clean and respectful campaign, she will do what's right and immediately force Mr. Shaffey to leave the campaign. This kind of bigotry and hate-speech should not be tolerated in this campaign."

Senator Gorbachy's campaign will make an announcement regarding Mr. Shaffey's future with the campaign sometime over the weekend, a campaign spokeswoman said.