Senate confirms Hunter-Garrett as first woman Foreign Affairs Secretary

MAVOCKE -- In a near party-line vote, the Federal Senate has confirmed interim Foreign Affairs Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett to the post permanently, making her the first woman secretary in the nation's history.

The Senate voted 50-42 to confirm Hunter-Garrett, who has served as the interim head of the department since last year when Secretary Jim McCaren resigned.

Before working in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Hunter-Garrett worked as the chair of the International Affairs department at Kinn College in Armana.

Prior to her time in academia, she worked in Grassadellian embassies around the world, serving in Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Brazil, Morocco, Bangladesh and Nepal.

No Conservative senators voted in favor of Hunter-Garrett, while four centrist Nationalist senators opposed her nomination. They were: Armana Sen. Duke Castlebury, South Ceona Sen. Vic Chambers, and POG Sens. George Mercott and Max Kiesling.

All four NAT senators are foreign policy hawks.

Independent Sen. George Reedsworth of Trinton also voted against Hunter-Garrett's nomination.

But in the Senate, which is dominated by the NAT, Hunter-Garrett had strong support.

Among her most vocal advocates was Lial Sen. Henry Mickeravi, the country's first Israeli-Grassadellian senator.

"Dawnelle has the knowledge, and the diplomatic savvy, this position requires. She is tough and tenacious when needed, and she is diplomatic and compromising when needed. She's a skilled negotiator who will hold this office with dignity and distinction," said Mickeravi.

After sitting down with Hunter-Garrett, Monomi Sen. Brad Fiodora (N) found her foreign policy philosophy to be directly in line with Grassadellian interests.

"Like most Grassadellians, Ms. Hunter-Garrett believes in protecting Grassadellia's security and interests abroad with a strong foreign policy, while also avoiding war and conflict and striving for peace at all times."

Freshman Sen. Jan Van Ness (N-Wilkonshire) praised Hunter-Garrett for her commitment to multi-lateralism on the international stage.

"What I admire most about Dawnelle is her spirit of collaboration. She doesn't believe in the go-it-alone doctrine. She believes in consulting with the international community, consulting with Grassadellia's allies, consulting with all involved parties, and trying to collaborate together to come up with policy and negotiations that benefit all sides. That's what diplomacy is all about," said Van Ness.

President Menuhaeo congratulated Hunter-Garrett on her confirmation, and said he looked forward to working with her to "promote peace in a troubled world."

"This is a dangerous time right now, that we are living in. And the world is looking to Grassadellia to be a beacon of hope, and a trailblazer of peace. Our allies are looking to us, and our enemies are looking to us, wondering, 'will Grassadellia stand for peace? Or will we wage costly wars that have no end in sight?'"

The president continued, "I have watched Dawnelle serve with 110% commitment over the past few years, serving our nation as deputy secretary, and now I look forward to working with her and accepting her counsel on crucial foreign policy issues that impact our nation and the world. She is more than prepared for this job, she has worked her whole life to be where she is. And I thank her for her service."

While women's rights activists hailed her confirmation as a giant step forward for progress, Hunter-Garrett's detractors also took to the microphone.

Deschire Sen. Jim Frasier (C) said in his weekly address that Ms. Hunter-Garrett is a "nice person" but lacks the experience needed for the position.

"This is arguably the most important and visible cabinet position in our country, and the secretary of foreign affairs is right behind the president in terms of visibility and symbolism for our country's foreign policy. And the president chose a professor to take the reins of the Foreign Affairs Department. I find that utterly disconcerting," said Frasier.

Newly-elected Monomi Sen. Rill Stevens (C), who has been openly critical of the Menuhaeo Administration in recent months concerning its policy on the terrorist group ISIS and the Iran nuclear deal, told the STAR Network's Peter Rathbrin that Hunter-Garrett's lack of military service was of "grave concern."

"Ms. Hunter-Garrett has never served in the military, she's never served in any of our intelligence agencies, she's never served in a diplomatic post until she became deputy secretary. She's never been an ambassador, she's never had any high-level positions until now, and the president has now nominated her to lead our country's Foreign Affair Department. It's quite troubling. We have a rookie at the wheel," Stevens said.

It wasn't just the foreign policy hawks of the Conservative Party that had qualms about Hunter-Garrett, however.

Two liberal senators, Paul LeBouse (N-Kalnier) and Grace Kemp (N-Trinton) told the Mavocke Capitol they had misgivings about the secretary-elect's positions.

"I would prefer that she advance a more progressive foreign policy. I think thus far, she has really toed the line and basically supported the same centrist positions held by all of her recent predecessors, under both the Menuhaeo Administration and the Byelle Administration. We need a secretary of foreign affairs who will not bow to the Americans, not bow to the British, not ignore the human rights abuses of the Chinese or the Russians or the Saudis, someone who will advance a real progressive, humanist agenda, and not just cater to the centre-right, liberalist approach that's encouraged by the president," LeBouse told the newspaper.

Kemp said he also had concerns over Hunter-Garrett's seeming conformity.

"I worry that she is too easily influenced and too supportive of the pro-American lobby. Grassadellia is entirely different from the United States, and we need to have our own distinct foreign policy. We should not walk in lockstep with Barack Obama or George Bush. We should make our own decisions and take our own positions that are based on common sense and facts and not just on blind allegiance to our allies," said Kemp.

Both LeBouse and Kemp voted to confirm Hunter-Garrett, despite their concerns about her nomination.

Meanwhile, women's rights groups celebrated Hunter-Garrett's history-making confirmation, but lamented what they called "institutionalized sexism" in the political confirmation process.

"Female nominees for cabinet positions, especially those pertaining to military or foreign policy positions, face an unusually high threshold and unfair litmus test that their male counterparts don't have," said Saundra Warren-Sanders, PhD of Women and Gender Studies at Largent University in Mavocke.

"I think if Mrs. Hunter-Garrett were a man and not a woman, she wouldn't have faced nearly as much scrutiny and questioning of her experience and qualifications as she did. Our society just inherently places women at a disadvantage when it comes to positions of leadership, particularly those related to more traditionally masculine areas, such as military and defense-related subjects."

For her part, Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett was thankful to be approved by the Senate, and is anxious to gain some legitimacy in her position.

"It's been a tough year serving on an interim basis. I'm glad to be confirmed, and to have the full support of the president and Senate behind me, and now I look forward to getting to work on issues that are of pressing concern to our country and the entire international community," she told reporters outside Collester Sunday evening.

Among the issues Hunter-Garrett says she hopes to focus on during her tenure: North Korea, the Iranian nuclear deal, defeating the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, and promoting human rights, including in China.

"These issues won't be solved overnight, or perhaps over many years. But if I can just contribute a small amount, and make a little difference, make some headway, I will be happy and feel like I mattered."

Three killed after shooting at Remmington mosque

WINSTON, Remm. -- Two worshipers and one suspect are dead after a shooting outside a Remmington mosque Monday night.

The shooting took place around 7:30 pm at the Winston Islamic Centre, located in Winston's east side.

Police say a lone gunman, who has tentatively been identified as 62-year-old Joseph Delaney, entered the building and shot two women inside the meeting area before being tackled by a group of parishioners.

The handgun with which the gunman was armed discharged during the struggle, striking and later killing Delaney.

Winston Police arrived within two minutes of the first 911 call. The Recida County Sheriff's Department and Remmington State Police also responded.

Seven people were injured during the shooting, but had minor injuries, police said.

The two victims have not been identified by name, but police confirmed they are two females, one in her late 40's and the other a teenager.

The attack appears to be a hate crime, Winston Police Chief Devin Haston told the media in a press conference Monday night.

The suspected shooter, Joseph Delaney, was said to have anti-Muslim literature inside his vehicle at the time of the shooting. Police confirmed Delaney had also posted anti-Islam comments on Facebook in recent months.

"This appears to be a religiously-motivated hate crime. It appears the perpetrator of this crime had malevolence toward the Muslim community and [he] carried out this attack as a sort of 'payback' for attacks by Muslims on Westerners," said Chief Haston.

The Winston Islamic Centre was specifically targeted, and police found evidence Delaney had researched the mosque's schedule of events and worship activities before executing the attack.

Officials do not think the suspect knew or had connections with anyone that attended the mosque, which is the city and region's only Islamic house of worship.

Winston Mayor Michael Dugail said the entire city was grieving the tragedy.

"Winston is hurting tonight," said Dugail. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those that were killed, and to the entire Muslim community. Your loss is our loss," said the mayor.

Three hundred miles northeast, Remmington Gov. Jen Stevens Taylor said he was outraged by the shooting.

"We are a nation built on the freedom to worship peacefully. This attack was not just an assault on one mosque but on the entire principle of free worship," said Stevens Taylor.

A deeply conservative governor who has been openly critical of Islam over recent years and become a hero of the centre-right, Stevens Taylor reiterated his support for law-abiding Muslims.

"Muslims have the same right to worship freely and openly as you and me. These folks were worshiping peacefully. They were exercising their right and doing so without threatening others. They were attacked simply for being Muslim, and that's wrong. I might have my issues with radical Islamist militants and I may disagree with the teachings of the Quran, but I'm a firm believer in the freedom to worship that is guaranteed by this country's Constitution," said an adamant Stevens Taylor.

President Brenton Menuhaeo called the shooting "an attack that hits at the very core of Grassadellian values." The president insisted the shooting does not represent Grassadellia's views toward Muslims.

"This was one estranged, disturbed individual. He does not represent what Grassadellians feel in their hearts and believe. We are a nation of peace, tolerance, and freedom of expression. This tragedy will not deter us from progressing into a more tolerant, accepting society," said Menuhaeo.

Grassadellia's largest Muslim advocacy group, Muslims United, condemned the attack.

"Hatred and violence cannot and will not be tolerated against Muslims in Grassadellia," read a statement from the group. "We demand justice for the victims of this unwarranted hate crime."

The Winston Chronicle reported Crown Police and intelligence services were searching the home of the alleged suspect, Monday evening.

Authorities are calling the shooting a "lone wolf" attack and do not believe any other suspects were involved.

Conservative governors seek to duplicate US-style religious freedom laws

WASHINGTON -- Recent 'culture wars' that have flared up in the USA have gotten widespread media coverage, but those same cultural battles are happening here in Grassadellia too.

The latest battle in America's ugly culture war happened this week in the mid-west state of Indiana, in the heartland of the country.

Conservative Republicans, who dominate the Indiana state legislature, pushed through a law that allows business owners to refuse services or accommodations to customers if the business owner has a serious moral objection due to their religious beliefs.

Supporters say the law is needed to protect business owners, such as florists, bakers, caterers, and photographers who are morally opposed to same-sex marriage and may be asked to provide services for gay weddings or commitment ceremonies.

They point to a 2013 case in Washington State, where a conservative Christian florist was sued by a gay couple and the state's attorney general after refusing to provide flowers for the couple's wedding.

The florist lost that case but is appealing, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group that is representing the floral shop owner.

Lawmakers in Indiana were seeking to protect similar business owners with deeply-held religious beliefs from having to provide services for events and ceremonies they oppose.

"The law is meant to protect people from religious discrimination by a government body," state Sen. Randy Head, a Republican from the town of Logansport who co-sponsored the bill. 

Thanks to large Republican majorities in the state legislature, Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) passed easily over dissent from the minority Democrats, and the bill was quietly signed into law by Republican Governor Mike Pence.

But before Pence even signed the legislation, gay rights groups were decrying the law, which they say promotes and condones discrimination against gays and lesbians specifically, even though the statute technically does not mention the term 'gay' or 'lesbian.'
Hundreds of people gathered at the state capital in Indianapolis and other cities around the state to protest the law, many chanting "no hate in our state."

Democratic state Rep. Ed Delaney told the crowd at the state capital, "This law does not openly allow discrimination, no, but what it does is create a road map, a path to discrimination."

And Indianapolis city council member Zach Adamson, a Democrat, likened the law to racially-biased laws in the Deep South before the USA's Civil Rights Movement.

"This isn't 1950 Alabama; it's 2015 Indiana," he said.

Adding to the political firestorm, several major companies denounced the bill, including Apple, drug maker Eli Lilly, hotel chain JW Marriott, online review site Angie's List, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and others.

Tech company Salesforce even withdrew employees from Indiana and relocated them out of state in protest.

Facing canceled conventions and concerts, halted business expansions, a drop in tourism, and glaring national media attention, Indiana's business community pleaded with Gov. Pence and state leaders to "fix this now," as the Indianapolis Star newspaper headlined its front page, in big, bold letters.

Under extreme pressure, Pence asked state legislators to "clarify" the law, and asked for amendments to protect gays and lesbians from potential discrimination.

Those amendments were unveiled Thursday morning, and approved before the end of the day. They prevent the law from superseding anti-discrimination ordinances in Indianapolis and other cities, and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"There will be some who think this legislation goes too far and some who think it does not go far enough, but as governor I must always put the interest of our state first and ask myself every day, 'What is best for Indiana?'" Pence said after the amendments were approved. "I believe resolving this controversy and making clear that every person feels welcome and respected in our state is best for Indiana."

Pence said earlier this week he "abhor[s] discrimination," and told reporters, "If I was in a restaurant and saw a business owner deny services to someone because they were gay, I wouldn't eat there anymore."

Gay rights groups and Democratic politicians continued to call for a full repeal of the law, as the firestorm of controversy appeared to have slowly dissipated but remained a top talking point for Democrats and liberals.

Meanwhile, the state of Arkansas passed a comparable bill, and Governor Asa Hutchinson (Republican) signed it into law but only after protections were added for gay and lesbian citizens.

The two states' laws have ignited a deeply divisive issue in the US, where gay rights advocates have won many recent legal battles but continue to face opposition from Republicans and conservatives, especially "social conservatives," who vigorously oppose abortion and homosexuality.

Here in Grassadellia, similar controversies have erupted over the last decade. From gay marriage, to adoptions by gay parents, inheritance and hospital visitation rights for gay couples, and non-discrimination laws to protect gays in housing, employment and military service have become focal points of the Grassadellian culture wars.

Following last week's developments in Indiana, Grassadellian politicians inevitably were forced to confront the issue.

Most condemned the Indiana law, but some Conservatives came out in support of it.

Remmington Gov. Jen Stevens-Taylor, a darling of the right, told STAR-TV's Brian Mackiney he would sign a similar law "in a heart beat."

"If a bakery owner or a photographer or florist does not feel comfortable providing a cake or pictures or flowers for a gay wedding because that violates a very important part of their faith, they should not be forced to participate. If a neo-Nazi group asked a baker to bake a cake celebrating their organization, or a Satanic group asked a business owner to provide services for their event, we would say, 'absolutely, they shouldn't have to do that. These groups support evil and that goes against everything they stand for.' This is the same thing, only instead of a Nazi group or a Satanic group, these latest cases involve homosexuals.

Greg Laskie, the hardline Conservative governor of South Ceona, agreed with his neighbor to the south.

"Religious freedom is being attacked by the left and the media at every turn in this country, and I would sign any bill that protects the right of Grassadellians to morally object to practices they feel violate their sincerely held faith."

Wade Quanson, governor of Wellington, hinted he would support such a bill.

Taking a more moderate approach, Biereland Gov. Ben Jordan, who last month sparked outrage by expressing empathy for anti-Islam protesters, told the GBC he does not condone discrimination, but believes business owners should have the right to decline service to customers if they have a serious moral objection.

"Freedom of speech and freedom of religion do not disappear or diminish when you open a business. Business owners still maintain their Constitutional rights," said Jordan.

He added that it would be in the business owner's best interest economically to embrace non-traditional customers.

"If it was me, personally, I would serve a gay couple. That's just smart business sense. But that should be the owner's prerogative. Ignore that particular customer base at your own peril, financially speaking," said Jordan.

East Deschire Gov. Sam Pyatt (C) said he would support a religious freedom bill if a companion anti-discrimination bill was passed alongside it.

"I'm a Constitutionalist, and I believe in the freedoms that are granted to all Grassadellians by the Constitution. I would favor a religious freedom bill, but I also believe we need to protect against discrimination, and ensure that all East Deschireans are protected from prejudice," said Pyatt.

Monomi Gov. John Densy and North Ceona Gov. Tom Cozier took similar stances when questioned by the media.

The Conservative party's most visible governor, POG's Donna Almone, told the GBC she would not sign a religious freedom bill that discriminated against gays and lesbians.

"That goes against everything Grassadellia stands for. We are a nation that embraces diversity and shares hospitality," she said.

Fellow moderate CNS governors David Brown of Marchenay, Dale Lindstrom of Ansleigha, George Garesby of Harvannah and Tony Ritonio of Kalnier all spoke out against laws that allow discrimination based on religious beliefs.

Governors Dale Fulbright of Armana and Sam Byelle of Carova declined to comment on what they would if faced with legislation similar to Indiana's law.

The nation's NAT governors came out strongly against Indiana's law and proposed laws here in Grassadellia.

"We do not support discrimination or prejudice in any form, even when it's cloaked under the disguise of 'religious freedom,'" Gov. Todd Pergich, of Lial, said in a statement on behalf of the Nationalist Governors Association.

Several CNS senators and assemblymen expressed support for a federal religious freedom statute, while Nationalists assailed the idea.

"That kind of denigrating legislation will not pass as long as the NAT remains in control of the Senate," vowed Damoign Sen. Debbie Madronas.

President Menuhaeo would never approve legislation that discriminates based on gender identity or sexual orientation, his office said.

"President Menuhaeo has consistently stood up for LGBT Grassadellians, and he remains committed to protecting their rights and fighting for all Grassadellians and all minorities," Collester said in a written statement.

In the meantime, the issue has been raised in Monomi, where voters will decide two federal Senate seats in a special election.

Gay rights has already played prominently in the Monomi Senate race, as Conservative candidate Rill Stevens is favored to win. Stevens is the first openly gay member of Congress in Grassadellia's history.

When asked at a town hall meeting in Teedra how he felt about the matter, Stevens criticized Indiana's law and similar proposed laws in Grassadellia, saying he would never vote for them.

"I believe all Grassadellians are created equal, and deserve dignity and respect and fair and equal treatment, from the government, and from our fellow citizens," he said to cheers from the audience.

He added that he also supports religious exemptions for some business owners in certain limited circumstances.

If he wins in Monomi's special Senate election, as expected, Stevens will become the first openly gay senator.

Last December, Jamie Scousenovy (N-Lial) became the first openly bisexual elected to the Senate.

Harvannah governor signs offshore drilling ban

CLEVEY SPRINGS, Harvannah -- Going against many in his own party, Harvannah Gov. George Garesby has signed a bill banning oil drilling off the coast of his state.

Garesby, a moderate Conservative, signed the bill, which had broad bipartisan support but was derided by hard-line Conservatives.

Officially titled the "Protect Harvannah's Coastlines Act," the legislation bans all oil drilling in Harvannah waters up to 3 nautical miles off the coast of all the state's nine major islands and dozens of smaller islands.

Citing the need to protect Harvannah from an oil spill "catastrophe," Garesby downplayed concerns from many of his Conservative colleagues who said the move would hurt the state's economy and prolong the state's dependence on oil from the mainland.

"All it takes is one major oil spill, or even a moderate oil spill, to have lasting and interminable consequences on the environment, the ecosystem and wildlife," said Garesby. "We can't risk harming this beautiful state. We live in a gorgeous part of the country and we need to protect this picturesque place we call home."

Supporters of the bill expressed similar convictions.

State Attorney General Kate Morelda, who is an ardent environmentalist, said in a written statement her office will "aggressively prosecute any energy company that attempts to violate this law and put Harvannah's environmental well-being at risk."

She added, "This legislation is critical to securing the safety of our land and shorelines."

Lex Martin, the Nationalist president of the Western Harvannah Metropolitan Council, lauded the bill's passage and hailed the bipartisanship that allowed it to sail through the state legislature.

"The PHCA (Protect Harvannah's Coastlines Act) is vital to protecting the pristine natural beauty of Harvannah for generations to come, and I applaud the governor and state legislative leaders for shepherding this bill through," said Martin.

Conservative state Sens. Kevin Carr of Hamperden and Jan Scianden of Nevington were key CNS supporters of the PHCA, celebrated the governor's approval of the new law.

"This [the PHCA] proves legislators can come together and unite, regardless of party or political persuasion, to protect the environment," said Carr.

"We pride ourselves here in Harvannah on protecting the environment, and today Gov. Garesby did just that by signing this bill into law. We are protecting the environment for the future. We are leading the nation in environmental protection laws," said Scianden.

Not everyone was jubilant about the bill's passage, however.

Hal Swenson, the Conservative WHMC council member for eastern Bourneham County, told the Ashford Current the bill will stifle economic growth.

"Right now, we have more energy companies looking to invest in our state than any other state has. There's a lot of potential here in Harvannah. But this bill closes the door on that economic growth. We're basically telling the energy industry, stay out of Harvannah, take your jobs and your infrastructure and investment to another state that wants you. That's going to cost us jobs," said Swenson.

State Rep. Brian Maulder (C-Milt Crossing) was more stinging in his criticism, saying Garesby "caved" to pressure from the environmental lobby. Support for the law was based on "fear-mongering" by "elitist liberal environmentalists."

"This bill was nothing more than show. The radical environmentalists won the day with this bill, which is based on fear. The threat of an oil spill is statistically quite low, and the economic benefits would far outweigh any perceived danger to the environment. But fear won the day with this battle," Maulder told a Harlyne talk radio station.

The PHCA does not ban oil exploration in Harvannah waters, something George Garesby pointed out when signing the bill.

"What we're telling the oil companies is, you can't drill for oil off our shores. However, you're still free to explore for oil. And if you can find a safer, less hazardous method of extraction that doesn't harm the environment, then we're open to those discussions in the future," said Garesby.

A spokesman for Sanlis-Corten, Grassadellia's largest oil producer, called the legislation "unfortunate."

"Oil extraction is a very safe process. Despite a few high-profile, highly-publicized incidents over the last century, oil extraction still remains a safe and beneficial method of energy production. Sanlis-Corten urges Gov. Garesby and state legislative leaders to reconsider this legislation and either reform it or create new legislation that is more fair, inclusive, and fact-based than the PHCA," said company spokesman Brian McAdams.

Meanwhile, in Mavocke, Assembly and Senate leaders are considering a national ban on offshore drilling in federal waters.

The legislation is still being drafted, and will likely pass in the Nationalist-dominated Senate, but may face hurdles in the more closely-divided National Assembly.

President Brenton Menuhaeo has vowed to sign a national offshore drilling ban bill when it comes to his desk.

Defeated governors settle in to private life

They spent years in the spotlight - leading governments, pushing through their respective agendas, and championing liberal causes. But the six state governors who lost re-election in the 2014 campaign - all Nationalists - are now settling into private life after politics.

The 'ousted six,' as the media call them, (or the 'six losers,' as conservative activist and talk radio host Bruce Gollum has dubbed them), are moving on with their professional careers, albeit in different directions.

Some are continuing their work in politics.

San Bartholomew, the former governor of Biereland, now serves as the executive director of GreenBIE, a pro-environment advocacy group based in Brookings.

Former Kalnier Gov. Karen DeSalle quietly moved to Mavocke, where rumors suggest she will be nominated by President Brenton Menuhaeo to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services. Spokespersons for DeSalle and Collester both declined to comment on the matter.

Another potential presidential appointee, former East Deschire Gov. Lynn DeMont, is reportedly in the running to be the next secretary of agriculture, sources close to DeMont and Collester say. But again, neither party would comment on any pending nomination.

For now, DeMont has returned to his vast central East Deschire 40,000-acre ranch, and signed on as a contributor with the conservative-leaning STAR-TV network.

"To me, this is the best place on the planet. Right here in the heart of East Deschire. I can get in my combine and drive for hours, and feed my cattle, manage the farm. It sounds boring, but when you're a farmer, there's no better thing than living off the land," DeMont told the GBC in a recent sit-down interview.

Ousted Gov. Christine Gabler, the former chair of the National Board of Governors, was approached for a job with the Menuhaeo Administration, but has since been retained by the massive energy corporation Sanlis-Corten as a governmental affairs adviser; a move many have noted for its irony, given Gabler's derisive criticism of big oil companies over the years.

Gabler hasn't commented about her new job, despite multiple requests from national media.

Just days after his defeat, Pierre Carten, the once-popular governor of Wellington, accepted a political science teaching position at the University of Wellington in Lunden Plains.

And then there's South Ceona's Scott Bannich, the affable dentist-turned-governor who lost the governor's mansion in hard-fought race in a state that remains hostile territory for Nationalists.

Bannich is not positioning himself for a presidential appointment, or signing on with a political advocacy group or TV news channel.

Instead, the amiable, down-to-earth Bannich returned to a familiar place - his east Fairfield dentistry.

"Maybe dentistry is what I do best," he joked to the Fairfield Integrus newspaper. "It's certainly my first passion."

None of the six former governors have ruled out running for office again. All remain open to public office in the future.

There's speculation that any of the six could run again in three years to reclaim their previous governorships, or perhaps run for a vacant Senate seat.

Also possible but unlikely is a former governor running for a seat in the National Assembly, as former Lial Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C) did after retiring from the governorship in 2010.

However, if there's money to be made, it's in the private sector, not government.

Scott Bannich, for example, will make considerably more money as a dentist than he will as governor of South Ceona, a position which pays a modest $145,000 per year.

Christine Gabler's secret contract with Sanlis-Corten is said to be well over $300,000 per year, though that figure has not been confirmed since the former governor and the energy giant are both remaining tight-lipped on their partnership.

Pierre Carten will be making less money at the University of Wellington than he did as governor. While in office, he made just over $153,000 per year; his position with the UW now pays $125,000 per year. However, sources close to Carten say he is angling for an administrative position within the university, which would result in a significant pay increase.

The terms of Lynn DeMont's contract with the STAR Network have not been publicized, but industry experts say it's likely near or above $100,000 per year. DeMont is also said to be in the beginning stages of writing a book, of which the subject matter has not been disclosed.

Barring a scandal of some sort, any of the 'ousted six' could feasibly stage a political comeback in the future. All lost by close margins, and most enjoyed some popularity at one point during their tenures.

And all four male former NAT governors were able to win in traditionally conservative states - San Bartholomew in Biereland, Pierre Carten in Wellington, Lynn DeMont in East Deschire, and Scott Bannich in South Ceona.

Though they got swept out of office in 2014, the changing political tides might very well usher the 'ousted six' back into office someday. In the meantime, they return to private life, if only temporarily.

Halitz to join East Deschire-based think tank

CHRISTENKERR, East Deschire -- Still licking her wounds after a stunning loss in last fall's election, former Sen. Denna Halitz (C) is set to join an East Deschire-based think tank.

Political gossip website Mud Piety reports Halitz, who lost her seat after finishing in last place in a three-way race in December, has been hired by East Deschire Solutions, a public policy think tank headquartered in Christenkerr.

The firm was founded by another former East Deschire senator, centrist Nationalist Val Hennemott.

Hennemott lost her Senate seat in the Senate Reduction Lottery of 2011, and has since worked as a lobbyist for East Deschire companies, promoting trade and tourism.

A spokeswoman for Halitz would not comment on her boss' future employment plans.

Campanelli, Estall maintain unusual friendship in Senate

PARKINS, North Ceona -- They meet once a week, just the two of them, for breakfast at a Mavocke diner. They work out together in the Senate gym at 5:00 am. They attend each other's birthday parties.

They're a political odd couple whose bipartisan friendship has caused a lot of chatter on Capitol Hill.

They are North Ceona Sens. Anthony Campanelli (N) and Ken Estall (C).

At first glance, their friendship might not seem so unusual. Senators from the same state often forge bonds and overlook partisan differences for the benefit of their respective states.

But Campanelli, a 36-year-old bachelor from North Gallaghan who is an up-and-coming moderate in the NAT, and Estall, a 54-year-old Mormon father of five from Parkins, have a unique friendship.

In recent months, the two have not only hosted joint press conferences and town hall meetings, they've spent a considerable amount of time together outside of work.

Staff for both senators confirmed the pair meet once a week for breakfast at a Mavocke diner, though no one interviewed for this story would confirm which local eatery.

The two senators also work out together two to three times a week at the Senate gym. They reportedly like to lift weights, run on ellipticals, throw around a medicine ball, and when the weather's nice, go for a run through one of the more than dozen parks that surround the capitol campus.

President Brenton Menuhaeo even joined the duo once for a run through the expansive grounds of Collester, although the president had to jog at a slower pace.

"I can't keep up with those guys," joked Menuhaeo, at the time.

And then there are the parties. The pair frequently attend elite fundraisers and functions together. And last fall, Campanelli even invited Estall to his private birthday party at a swank Mavocke night club.

The junior senator's gift from Estall: retro baseball cards, a set of fine crystal beer mugs, and a red Michel DuCaulienne tie.

Estall had previously unsuccessfully lobbied Campanelli to wear a red tie, a color that is favored by CNS politicians (NAT members favor blue).

Earlier last summer, Estall and his wife Lois hosted Campanelli at their Parkins-area home for a barbecue.

Photos of the two senators enjoying a meal together caused a stir among some hard-line Conservatives, who questioned Estall's loyalty to the party and CNS senate candidate Ken Bryceson, who was running against Campanelli at the time.

"In the middle of a campaign, to see pictures of these two hobnobbing and having a ball together really sends the message that Ken Estall is in the Campanelli camp," said Roy Gariman, a member on the board of directors of the North Ceona State Conservative Party.

At the time, Estall dismissed criticism he was backing his Senate colleague. He pointed to his public endorsement and campaigning for Ken Bryceson.

"I support Ken Bryceson one hundred percent," Estall said at the time. "I consider Anthony Campanelli a friend, and I value his friendship. But that doesn't change the fact that I believe Ken Bryceson needs to be in the Senate."

According to sources on both sides, Estall's backing of Bryceson over Campanelli did cause a bit of a rift between the two senators, briefly.

"I think he was a little hurt that they had what seemed like a solid personal friendship and a very bipartisan relationship in the Senate, and then for Senator Estall to turn around and endorse his opponent, I think that did sting a little," a source close to Campanelli told the Mavocke Capitol.

But Estall's endorsement of Bryceson was nothing more than party loyalty, say Estall supporters.

"That's how politics works. Friends are forced to turn on friends. It's often personal, but in this case, it really was just a political obligation. I think he really wanted to endorse Anthony (Campanelli) but the party said 'no, absolutely not,'" said a CNS figure, who works closely with Estall.

Regardless, Estall and Campanelli have since made up and buried the hatchet, sources on both sides say.

And more pressing for Ken Estall than his cross-party friendship with Anthony Campanelli is an issue that was ignited by the photo controversy last summer.

In the controversial pictures that were leaked featuring he and Campanelli, Estall is seen drinking alcoholic beverages at his home, something his Mormon faith teaches against.

Photos from Campanelli's birthday bash in Mavocke also showed Estall consuming alcohol, forcing the senator to acknowledge he drinks alcohol.

"I do have a drink once in a while, in moderation. I think most Grassadellians would agree a drink now and then is not going to kill you," said Estall.

The Mormon religion strictly forbids the consumption of alcohol.

Leaders from the Mormon Church of Grassadellia - officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - declined to discuss the senator's admission.

But in North Ceona, which has a significant Mormon population, the brouhaha caused a bit of controversy.

Notably though, the drinking scandal had little impact on Estall's electoral fortune. Both he and Campanelli won re-election comfortably in the 2014 general election; they're headed back to the Senate for another six years.

"I think the next six years are going to be great, and I can't wait to partner with Sen. Campanelli and all my Senate colleagues to create legislation that is really going to benefit the people of North Ceona and the people of this country," Estall told the Parkins Journal.

Campanelli declined to be interviewed for this story, but his office released a statement saying "the senator will partner with anyone who shares his vision for a strong and prosperous North Ceona."

Presently, the two members appear to be working on a veterans bill, and a bill that would expand funding for the Arbiter Dam in southwest North Ceona.

Menuhaeo says Grassadellia will not pay ransom to terrorists

MAVOCKE - Remaining steadfast, President Brenton Menuhaeo reiterated his stance against paying ransoms to terrorists Sunday.

Speaking to the conservative-leaning National Defense Council (NDC), Menuhaeo was emphatic that Grassadellia's state department remains committed to its policy of not paying ransoms for hostages.

"Grassadellia will not negotiate with terrorists. That was the policy of my predecessor, and it will continue to be the policy under my leadership," said Menuhaeo.

Menuhaeo's comments come after many hostages from various nations have been kidnapped by the Muslim terrorist group Islamic State (known as ISIS or ISIL).

Some countries, such as France, have paid ransoms for hostages. But critics say the ransoms provide millions of dollars to support the terrorist regime, and encourage future kidnappings of Westerners.

So far, no Grassadellians have been held for ransom, but hostages from the US, United Kingdom, and Japan have been executed after ransoms were not received.

Most recently, the group demanded $200 million within 72 hours for the safe release of Japanese hostages Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa.

On Sunday, the group released a video purporting to show photos of Haruna Yukawa beheaded.

Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, called Haruna's killing "outrageous and unforgivable" and vowed Japan "will never give in to terrorism, and we will actively contribute to the peace and stability of the world together with the international community. We are not wavering at all on this policy."

President Brenton Menuhaeo also condemned Haruna's death, calling it "barbaric beyond words."

"ISIL and other groups like them that use violence and torture as a means of intimidation under the guise of religion should be and will rightfully be defeated and eradicated," said Menuhaeo. "Grassadellia strongly condemns this heinous act of barbarism, and joins the international community condemning these vicious acts by ISIL and their affiliates."

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett said on the GBC's The Nation Today that Grassadellia "stands in solidarity with our Japanese friends."

"The shocking and abhorrent killing of Mr. Yukawa is unacceptable and unwarranted, and Grassadellia strongly supports our ally and friend Japan as they confront the ugliness of humanity which is ISIL," said Hunter-Garrett.

President Menuhaeo is expected later this week to pledge $400 million to fight ISIL and affiliated groups in the Middle East. He is expected to have overwhelming support for the proposal in both houses of Congress.

Ben Jordan sympathizes with anti-Islam protesters

BROOKINGS - Newly-elected Biereland Gov. Ben Jordan is facing mounting criticism after expressing sympathy for anti-Islam protesters.

Jordan, a Conservative, told GBC Radio he can see why anti-Islam protesters, whom have staged large rallies and riots across Grassadellia and much of Europe in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shooting and similar attacks in France, are upset.

"I can understand why people are upset. We've treated radical Islamic terrorists with kid gloves in this country, and in all Western countries, out of fear of being politically incorrect. We've sugar-coated radical Islam. We go around saying these terrorists are 'not really Muslim.' And we call Islam a 'religion of peace.' We've been reluctant to call these terrorists what they are: murderous, barbaric savages. Because of political correctness, we have made our country vulnerable to terrorist attacks because we're afraid to confront the issue because we don't want to step on any toes. It's insanity," said Jordan in a press conference outside the Biereland capital building in Brookings.

Jordan insisted he does not condone hatred or discrimination toward Muslims.

"There are good Muslim people out there, that are peaceful and law-abiding. And we ought to support those good Muslim people and acknowledge them and praise them for being valuable members of our society. But at the same time, we can't ignore those who use the banner of religion as a pretext for extremism and violence against our citizens and our democratic principles," he said.

Jordan said he does not endorse the groups organizing the protests.

"I don't agree with much of their message. Much of what they're saying and doing is based on ignorance and generalities. I don't believe all Muslims are bad people, and I don't think we should discriminate against anyone based on their color or race or nationality or religion. But I can certainly see why many people feel frustrated in this country..frustrated that the government is naive on this issue, frustrated that our culture instantly brands you as a racist if you call out religious extremists. We need to be able to call evil what it is: evil, without fear of reprisal or being labeled a bigot," said Jordan.

The governor's comments have drawn ire from political and faith leaders alike.

"He is just such an embarrassment to our state," San Bartholomew (N), who lost re-election to Jordan in December, told host John Rogers on Brooking's 1450 AM "The Big Squeeze."

"How the governor of a state could side with a racist, white supremacist group that advocates hatred and bigotry, it's beyond me." said Bartholomew.

Hadim Masoud, Director of the Brookings Islamic Center, told the Greene Mountain Press (GMP) that Jordan's comments were reckless.

"The last thing these radical Aryan protesters need is a well-known Conservative politician backing them publicly. That just add oxygen to their fire," said Massoud.

"If the governor truly had an interest in racial harmony, he would be sitting down with Muslim leaders and talking about how to engage the Muslim community in a positive way," added Massoud.

Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco - who ran for governor last year but lost against Jordan in the CNS primary -  told the GMP he does not support the anti-Islam protests, but he does recognize the threat of terrorism and extremism.

"My number one priority as mayor of this city is to keep the people of our city safe. And there is a very real threat of terrorist attacks by religious extremists, of all religions. I think we need to be cognizant of the threat of terror and the danger that is very present, but we need to be sure not to point the finger at one group. Terrorism comes in all shapes and forms," said the mayor.

"I think these protests do more harm than good. We need to be building bridges between white Grassadellians and Middle Eastern Grassadellians, and these protests really just burn a lot of those bridges," said DeFrancesco.

Jordan's comments were assailed by other political leaders, including Damoign Gov. Rod Penora (N), who called Jordan a "dumbf--k" for embracing the anti-Islam movement.

"I don't even know the man but his comments just go to show how ignorant and uninformed a lot of old white rich men in this country are," Penora told the Mattinow Aurora newspaper.

Meanwhile, in Wilkonshire, Gov. Caroline Jepsey (N) attended a "unity event" in Christon in the wake of anti-Islam protests there last week.

Jepsey told the NPF, "I think in light of what's gone on lately in France and Belgium and the Middle East, I think we as a city, as a state, as a country, we really need to come together and show our Muslim brothers and sisters that we do not brand them with this terrorist label. Some extreme people have used religion as a weapon, but the vast majority of Muslim Grassadellians are good, honest, peaceful people. And this unity gathering is really to show our support for the Muslim community."

A spokesperson for Ben Jordan's office said the governor plans to meet with anti-Islam protesters and local Muslim leaders.

"Governor Jordan sees both sides of this issue, and he understands that there are grievances and fears on both sides, and each party has concerns, and he wants to meet with both sides and express his support for non-violence, for racial unity, for protection against terrorism, and for mutual understanding," said spokesman Kyle Landers.

Anti-Islam protests flare up across Grassadellia

BROOKINGS, Biereland -- In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris that killed 12 people on January 7, anti-Islam protests have cropped up across France and the entire European Union.

And this week, those protests spread to Grassadellia.

More than 7,000 people crowded into Ebhardt Square in the heart of downtown Brookings Saturday, chanting "Islam means war" and "Je suis Charlie," the catchphrase made famous in France following the Charlie Hebdo shootings that means "I am Charlie."

Similar protests occurred across Biereland: more than 3,000 people in the eastern Biereland city of Aventhalle; an estimated 2,700 in Welhausen; 2,500 in the southern city of Kensington, and smaller numbers in Gerbannon and Barringer.

Elsewhere across Grassadellia, larger protests took place. Almost 21,000 people turned out in Meledone Place in downtown Monvaille, closing down an outdoor ice rink that is normally filled with parents and children ice skating.

Madagen police struggled to maintain peace as more than 14,000 protesters crowded into Rothsbury Square in the city's central business district. Some 380 people were arrested for public disorder and rioting; most were released on their own recognizance.

In Grassadellia City, a modest crowd attended a protest sponsored by the anti-immigrant group the Alliance for the Preservation of Grassadellian Culture (APGC). In a post on it's Facebook page, the APGC claimed an attendance of more than 15,000, but Grassadellia City Metropolitan Police put the number closer to 6,000.

Further south in Riverton, Damoign, some protesters burned burqas, the traditional Muslim veil, while shouting anti-Muslim slogans. Police say no one was arrested, but extra police were brought in as a precaution.

No major problems were reported at similar protests in Lanakis, Trieton, and Wilmington, Trin.

Capitol Police in Mavocke confirmed 74 people were arrested outside Collester during a protest there.

The sudden surge in anti-Islamic sentiment, sometimes called "Islamophobia," has many concerned.

"These protests are not about defending Grassadellian values, they are about maligning Muslims and spreading fear and hatred about Middle Eastern peoples," said Annette Johnson-Wilks, who heads the Grassadellian Centre for Human Rights.

The country's largest Muslim advocacy organization, Muslims United, also condemned the protests.

"The attacks in France were wrong and unjust. But equally wrong and unjust are the misguided and unwarranted protesters who seek to eradicate Muslim influence and contributions in Grassadellian society," said Mohammed Al-Houdad, Vice President of the group.

Nationalist politicians - and many Conservative - have rushed to condemn what they view to be Islamophobic and xenophobic behaviour.

"These groups that are protesting against Muslims are only proving how ignorant they are," said Damoign Sen. Deborah Kay (N).

President Menuhaeo called the protests "a high point for the intolerance movement," but questioned whether they would have a lasting impact.

"I think most Grassadellians know that our citizens are more than just their nationality or their religion or language, and the Grassadellian people will see through these thinly-veiled 'protests,'" said Menuhaeo.

In Grassadellia City, Mayor Kellan Kastol was glad his city's residents ignored the protests.

"For the most part, Grassadellia Cityites ignored these protesters and their doctrine of hate, and I appreciate that we as a city are mature enough and tolerant enough to allow the protests and the freedom of speech, but also ignore the message of hate that is being propagated," Kastol told Radio 9.

In Biereland, which has a history of white supremacist sentiment and groups, Sen. Julie Grendhau (N) said she was "ashamed" of the protests.

"It makes me sad to be a Bierelander. Because people turn on the news and see that these awful protests against our Muslim neighbors are going on and they identify that with Biereland. And Biereland is not a place of hate. We are a wonderful, loving state where people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to thrive. It makes me sad that this kind of attitude is tarnishing our state's reputation," she said in an interview with local media.

Biereland's other three senators - all Conservatives - released statements calling for peaceful protests, but none condemned the protests outright.

"Freedom of speech is celebrated in this country, and these groups ought to have the same right to freedom of expression as you and I have," said Sen. Jhana Schueler. "But these protests must remain peaceful, and should not advance or advocate for suspicion or harm toward our Muslim neighbors."

Sen. Robert Browning said on The Nation Today, "These are emotional times, and Biereland, like the rest of the country and the rest of the world, is having an emotional debate about religion and race. And it's okay to have that discussion, as long as it remains peaceful and respectful."

The protests should be expected, Sen. Brad Bearns said, as he virtually ignored a question posed to him by a journalist about the morality of the protests and began talking about political correctness.

"These protests are in large part due to a blanket of political correctness that has pervaded across this country. We have a situation where terrorism cannot be attributed to radical Muslims because many in the media and the political power structure deem that "offensive." What we need right now is an open and honest conversation about radical Islam in this country and in countries around the world. But unfortunately, many people aren't willing to have that discussion. So you're seeing a lot of fed up people moving to the streets to vent their anger at the intolerance and the bigotry and extremism of radical Muslim groups and their followers," said Bearns.

Bierelan's outgoing governor, Nationalist San Bartholomew, said he was disgusted by the protests.

"These people that are protesting are ignorant, stupid, uninformed, and prejudiced. I hope the rest of Biereland rejects their behaviour and their beliefs as much as I do."

The nation's most prominent Arab political figure, Wellington Sen. Nadan Saralo (N) told the GBC he found the protests "disheartening."

"Grassadellia is so much better than that. We are a loving people, a great country where people from all walks of life are welcomed and can live freely. And to see this kind of hatred and intolerance being masked as 'freedom of speech' is saddening," said Saralo.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Responsible Immigration Policies (NCRIP) defended the protests.

"We don't necessarily agree with all of their message, but we agree that political correctness is choking civil liberties in this country, and we agree that our nation's immigration laws need to be drastically changed very quickly if we are to avoid becoming a haven for radical Islamic terrorists," said Katie Van Ophen, a spokeswoman for the centre-right advocacy group.

Though the group traditionally defends liberal ideals, the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL) also defended the protesters.

"The far-right supporters have every right to speak their mind the same way we all do, and we support that right. At the same time, we support and defend Muslim Grassadellians who feel alienated and shut out from the political and social conversation because of the extreme acts of a few radical terrorists in other countries," Rick Salvado, president of the NCCL told Air1 Radio.

Some Conservatives, such as Ansleigha Gov. Dale Lindstrom and newly-elected Gov. David Brown (Marchenay), expressed dissatisfaction with the anti-Islam rallies.

"I don't think these protests do anything to advance a healthy discussion about race in this country," Lindstrom told STAR-TV.

Brown, who is set to take office this week, asked for calm in the coming weeks on the streets of Madagen.

"People are entitled to their opinions, but lets express those opinions in a civil, respectful and tolerant manner," said Brown.

The sweeping protests come amid similar protests in France, Germany, Belgium, and across Europe.

Last week, Crown Police increased protection at several locations across the country, including the offices of several newspapers and magazines.

President Menuhaeo also announced that security would be tightened at houses of worship across the nation.

"There is nothing we take more seriously in this country than the guarantee of peace and the freedom to worship. We will not let the terrorists steal those things from us," said Menuhaeo.

Halitz, Lindselli blame each other for Senate loss

BIRCH HOLLOW, East Deschire -- After a state judge's ruling yesterday that declared Nationalist Donna Rae Cobb the victor in East Deschire's three-way Senate race, the two Conservatives candidates blamed each other for being the spoiler candidate.

Denna Halitz, who was the incumbent when the race began, blamed her far-right opponent, former Sen. Nancy Lindselli, for losing what should have been an easy victory for the CNS party.

"If she (Lindselli) would have just let me run and not targeted me for defeat in the primary, I would have gone on to win comfortably in the general election," Halitz said in a Mavocke interview with the National Radio Broadcasters. "But instead she insisted on declaring war on me, a fellow Conservative, and that resulted in the Nationalist party winning and the Conservative party losing a seat it should have never lost."

A moderate, Halitz was favored to retain her seat in the general election. But Lindselli, who is far more conservative, challenged Halitz for the CNS nomination.

After several recounts, Lindselli was declared the winner of the primary, knocking Halitz out of the race.

However, in a surprise twist, Halitz announced she would continue her campaign into the general election as an Independent candidate - an uphill climb for any politician in any race.

So the general election contest became a three-way race between Nancy Lindselli, the Conservative candidate; Denna Halitz, the Independent candidate; and Nationalist Donna Rae Cobb.

This unusual situation gave Cobb a decisive advantage in the general election. As the only centre-left candidate, she stood to receive the most votes while her two squabbling conservative opponents split the centre-right vote.

Sure enough, that's exactly what happened.

Cobb, a moderately liberal assemblywoman from Hansboro, took 48% of the vote, or 867,227 votes, almost twice as many votes as incumbent Denna Halitz (I), who won just 24% or 435,791 votes, respectively.

The fiery and unabashed conservative Nancy Lindselli received 28% (506,900 votes).

Thus, Halitz was defeated and lost her seat.

But under East Deschire law, a candidate must receive a 50% plus one majority of the vote to be declared the winner.

So Cobb and Lindselli faced each other again in a head-to-head run-off election on January 5, 2015.

The run-off election, with much less voter turnout (only 21%), favored Cobb as the front-runner. But the Lindselli campaign fired up Conservative voters, who were enthused following the party's successful sweep of elections in November.

Lindselli framed the run-off election as not only a race against Donna Rae Cobb, but a race against the Nationalist party in general, including President Brenton Menuhaeo and Senate Majority Leader John Morandi (N-Lial).

"This is not just a race for East Deschire, this is a race for the heart and soul of this country. This is a race of wrong-versus-right, of common sense conservatives versus socialist liberals who have chipped away at our freedoms piece by piece over the past decade," Lindselli bellowed at a campaign rally in Doylestown, two days before the run-off.

Despite the energy of Lindselli's supporters, Cobb ended up winning the run-off slightly, taking 50.2% to Lindselli's 49.8%, a difference of 2,182 votes out of more than 550,000 cast.

The Lindselli campaign instantly filed a lawsuit, submitting formal challenges to the election results in two counties: Lynchman County in north-central East Deschire, and Mackinee County in the northeast.

A state judge overruled both complaints, and let the previous vote totals stand.

The Lindselli campaign paid for recounts in both counties but the vote totals did not change except by a few votes - not enough to change the outcome of the race.

Lindselli formally conceded the race following the recounts. Her campaign will not be reimbursed for the cost of the recounts because they did not change the outcome of the race.

Now, Donna Rae Cobb will go on to become East Deschire's fifth female senator in the state's history.

She will now join East Deschire's three other senators: Portia McLendon (N), Allison Sweeten (N), and Mike Aventhalle (C).

And in the aftermath of her victory, Cobb's two conservative opponents - Lindselli and Halitz - are blaming each other for Cobb's win.

"Nancy Lindselli needlessly picked a fight with me and neither one of us won. Donna Rae Cobb won," Halitz said told reporters at a press conference in her hometown of Christenkerr last week.

Lindselli was "the NAT's greatest asset in the race," Halitz added.

"She (Lindselli) basically won the race for them. Forget money or campaign ads or endorsements. The Nationalist party's best weapon in this race was Nancy Lindselli. She challenged me when the CNS party leaders told her not to. She went after me as if I were Satan himself. She attacked me, took shots at me, and she divided the whole Conservative party. And that basically handed this race to the Nationalist," said Halitz.

Lindselli, not surprisingly, laid the blame squarely at the feet of Denna Halitz.

"Last time I checked, we live in a democracy. I had the right to challenge Denna. She was not representing the people of East Deschire the way they want to be represented. I decided to take a stand, take my argument to the voters and let them decide who should represent our party. The voters rejected Denna and chose me, fair and square. Any noble candidate worth a couple beans would have gracefully bowed out and accepted defeat and wished their opponent well. But Denna threw a hissy fit and refused to withdraw from the race. She was determined to stay in the race as an Independent. And that resulted in Conservatives splitting the vote and Donna Rae Cobb winning. If there's anyone to blame, it's Denna Halitz. Her stubbornness and her pride were the reasons Conservatives lost this race," said a defiant Lindselli in an interview with a Hansboro television station.

In a video posted on her campaign website, Donna Rae Cobb thanked both Lindselli and Halitz, and vowed to move past the political infighting that became commonplace in the Senate race.

"I'm not happy that I won in the midst of such a brutal campaign by my opponents. I would much rather have had a polite, civil campaign. I don't take delight in winning in these circumstances. But I hope that all East Deschireans can move forward and put this race behind us, and look to the future," said Cobb.

It's unclear what lies ahead for Denna Halitz and Nancy Lindselli.

At age 44, Denna Halitz could run for office again in the future. Some see her as a potential challenger to Sen. Portia McLendon (N), who will be up for re-election in 2016.

Halitz has hinted she will likely return to the private sector.

Many Conservatives hope Lindselli, 77, who is no stranger to controversy with her far-right positions, will retire. But the firebrand former senator told the National Press Federation (NPF) she has "a lot of energy" and will not "just sit down and shut up like a lot of people want me to."

Lindselli also told the NPF she is considering challenging McLendon in 2016.

"I haven't ruled it out yet. I need more time to think about it. But certainly it's something I'm entertaining. Some people say, 'well you're a senior citizen you're too old to do this stuff.' I might be a senior citizen but just because I'm old doesn't mean I have to just sit down and shut up like a lot of people want me to. I can still contribute and make myself useful. I'm a fighter and I will fight as long as I can."

Gabler loses re-election bid in Marchenay

MADAGEN, Marchenay -- Her defeat was notable, not only because she is the highest-ranking governor in the nation, but because her ousting in last week's general election foreshadowed a familiar pattern that would emerge throughout election night.

Marchenay Gov. Christine Gabler (pronounced "Gabe-ler") lost her bid for re-election in a rematch with Conservative businessman David Brown.

Kathy Bernanski, Marchenay's secretary of state, certified the election today.

The results show a very close race, with Brown prevailing with 51.3% of the vote and Gabler trailing narrowly with 48.7%, respectively.

Earlier today, Gabler conceded the election and wished Brown well.

"I congratulate David Brown on his victory, and I wish him the best."

Brown spent the day meeting with advisors on a transition strategy.

"My plan is to hit the ground running and make sure this is a smooth and efficient transition, and that we can get Marchenay moving again as soon as possible," Brown told reporters at a mid-day press conference in Manchester, where he resides.

Brown's win was the marquee victory for Conservatives in December's general election.

The party had long been anxious to defeat Gabler, who maligned Conservatives with her overt partisanship and sharp criticism.

Nationalists had been optimistic Gabler, who at one point in time was relatively popular, would hang on.

The NAT, joined by women's groups and organizations representing minorities, launched a barrage of TV, radio and web ads attacking Brown for his wealth and connections with big business.

Brown countered by highlighting Gabler's divisive partisanship and Marchenay's lagging economy.

This year's rematch was more expensive than in 2012, when the candidates first ran against each other in a special election.

Gabler won that race with 56% of the vote.

This time around, the national mood and money poured into the race by conservative groups didn't help Gabler.

Her NAT colleagues fared just as badly in Kalnier, South Ceona, East Deschire, Wellington and Biereland.

Gabler is well-known for increasing funding for education and environmental protection. She's also well-known for frequent clashes with Conservatives, and even members of her own party.

She was recorded on audio tape telling her CNS colleagues to "go f**k" themselves.

And Wellington Gov. Pierre Carten, a fellow Nationalist, said publicly that Gabler intimidated him after he challenged her for the chairmanship of the National Governors Board.

According to Carten, Gabler tried to convince him to drop his bid for the chairmanship by threatening sanctions and retaliation against him and key economic projects in his state.

Gabler admitted she can be "unpleasantly tenacious" and often uses tough tactics to get what she wants.

"I can be bitchy," she famously said after a Conservative senator accused her of being needlessly mean.

But she denied intimidating Wellington's Pierre Carten, and said she welcomed anyone to challenge her leadership.

"I believe in the democratic process. If one of my colleagues is not satisfied with my leadership and he or she wants to put their name up against mine for a leadership vote, they have that prerogative and I welcome them to oppose me. That's healthy for our democracy," she said.

But her no-holds-barred and combative personality played right into Conservatives' hands this election, as Brown and his CNS allies sought to portray the governor as mean-spirited and vengeful.

According to exit polls, many voters agreed that Gabler's aggressive personality was a factor in their decision.

A strong enthusiasm among CNS voters also helped usher Gabler out, as discouraged liberal voters stayed home and Conservatives flocked to the polls.

There was no Conservative wave in Marchenay, however.

The CNS candidate for lieutenant governor did win as well, but Attorney General Dan Rattner (NAT) was narrowly retained by voters.

And Sen. Joseph Milhaughley (N) also was re-elected with an overwhelming 59% of the vote, easily beating Conservative state Sen. Steve Lind.

Sen. Megan Sellious (C) also won re-election, taking 56% of the vote over little-known NAT challenger, state Rep. Josh Hosni.

The main story of the night, however, was the gubernatorial race, in which Gov. Christine Gabler was deposed and her political career likely ended.

Gabler has not revealed her post-governor plans. But sources close to her say she will remain in politics.

Some friends and advisors believe she will end up working in the Brenton Menuhaeo administration for the next two years. Or work as a lobbyist.

David Brown is set to take office on January 26, 2015.

Byelle survives close call in Carova

CAROVA CITY, Carova -- After days of counting, Conservative Gov. Sam Byelle has been declared the winner in Carova's governor's race.

The race was too close to call on election night, but late today, Carova Secretary of State Ed Chassee declared Byelle the winner, with 51.02% of the vote, or 1,192,923 votes, to Maas' 48.98%, or 1,145,233 votes.

Running for a second term, Byelle - a former senator and the older brother of President Dan Byelle - faced an unusually close race in conservative-leaning Carova.

Byelle and his running mate Dave Emser received a formidable challenge from Nationalists Anna Maas, the progresive mayor of Lorenzi, and her running mate, Dean Haley, a state senator and former chairman of the Carova NAT party.

Initially, Byelle was considered a strong favorite for re-election. But media scrutiny of his frequent vacations and out-of-state trips, along with a series of gaffes, including an incident where he was caught on camera calling his job 'boring,' led to a tightening race.

Recent polls showed the two candidates virtually tied, although Byelle appeared to solidify his lead in the final three weeks of the campaign, as Nationalists across the country began bracing for a bruising electoral defeat.

Despite a clear enthusiasm gap, Anna Maas tried desperately to rally liberals, including labor groups and women voters, two key constituencies for the NAT.

She attacked Byelle for weakening unions and supporting anti-abortion legislation, and attempted to portray him as an out-of-touch, wealthy elite who was more famous for his last name than any governmental accomplishments.

"Sam Byelle's only real claim to fame is his last name," she told a local radio DJ in Vallingburg.

It may have been a clever catch phrase, but poking fun at Byelle's family political connections did little to disuade voters in crucial counties.

Maas predictably won overwhelmingly in Lichmond County, home to Lorenzi, the state's second-largest metro area and most reliably liberal city.

She also won easily in neighboring Bridgemont and Vertow Counties, which lean liberal, and in Quarry-Wan county, a battleground in south-central Carova.

But Byelle won the biggest prize, Giles County, the state's most populous.

The governor also won adjacent Critchley County, which together with Giles County encompasses the Carlingford-Carova City metro area, the state's largest.

Byelle won strong majorities in the Barriey-Barriey, Maidenville, Port Bay and Oliver metro areas, as well as suburban areas such as Uraqua County northeast of Lorenzi, and Beren County north of Carlingford.

The Byelle/Emser ticket dominated much of eastern Carova, although several sparsely-populated counties with signigifcant Indigenous Grassadellian populations backed Maas.

Counting ballots took several days, but Secretary of State Ed Chassee confirmed the counting is complete.

Anna Maas conceded the election this afternoon, while also hinting her political career is not finished.

"I'm disappointed we didn't win. Of course I wanted to win this race, and we came so close to winning which makes it all the more heart-breaking. But I'm proud of this campaign we ran. This campaign was about much more than winning an office. This campaign was about a movement. A movement of equality, and justice, and fair pay, and the other values that we Nationalists stand strong for. And I'm proud that we elevated these issues throughout the campaign, and I intend to continue fighting for them."

Byelle accepted Maas' concession at a press conference in Carova City.

"I'm honored that Carovans have graciously given me a second term as governor. It's a privilege to serve the people of this great state."

He acknowledged, however, that he did not receive a mandate, and pledged to win back the trust of those voters who supported his opponent.

"While I did receive a majority of the vote, this was a very close race. It's clear our state is divided, and I have a lot of work to do to restore faith in this administration and build trust with the people we serve," said Byelle.

Maas will continue to serve as mayor of Lorenzi until her term expires in 2016. It's unclear what her post-mayoral plans are.

Byelle will begin his second term as governor on January 26, 2015.

Before serving as governor, Byelle represented Carova in the Federal Senate for one term.

He defeated Gov. Dan McCrae (N), himself a former senator, in a landslide win in the 2010 election.

With the Conservative Party likely to regain a majority of governorships after last week's election, Byelle is mentioned as a possible successor to outgoing Governor General Christine Gabler (N), who lost her bid for re-election in Marchenay.

South Ceona governor's race a repeat of 2012 campaign

FAIRFIELD, South Ceona -- A new poll released today confirms what pollsters have been saying for some time: the race for governor in South Ceona is neck-and-neck.

Gov. Scott Bannich, a conservative Nationalist, is fighting for his political life, as he attempts to hold off his insurgent CNS opponent, Assemblyman Greg Laskie.

Bannich is running for his second but first full term. He was first elected to the state's top post in 2012 in a special election, in which he also faced Laskie.

Bannich just barely won that contest, taking 50.6% of the vote to Laskie's 49.4%, and the two candidates have virtually been campaigning non-stop for the past two years, as they vie for a full, four-year term.

Conservatives are particularly energized this year, and are eager to knock off the vulnerable Bannich, especially given that Laskie was the front-runner in the 2012 race but was defeated in an upset.

The 2014 race has been unusual.

Though Laskie was widely expected to announce a second run for the governorship, for several months, he remained coy about his plans. He didn't announce his candidacy until late spring of this year.

Many political pundits believed Laskie to have the edge going into the 2014 race, since this election cycle has proven to be in the CNS' favor, and Bannich was a moderate Nationalist trying to distance himself from unpopular national NAT leaders and President Brenton Menuhaeo.

But Laskie's edge appeared to fade over time. His energy seemed to dwindle, and the candidate took several days off from campaigning with no explanation. Pundits, Nationalists, and even fellow Conservatives noticed the normally vocal Laskie appeared more withdrawn on the campaign trail and at times, disinterested.

It wasn't until September that voters learned the reason for Laskie's malaise. His wife of 27 years, Margi, had been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Laskie told the media his wife's diagnosis "hit me like a ton of bricks."

"It's something you think will never happen to you and your family. Other people, but not you. I was shocked, scared, numb, just a variety of emotions, and that has spilled over into my campaign," said Laskie.

The CNS candidate, who has been a darling of the conservative Freedom Warriors movement (the Grassadellian equivalent to the USA's Tea Party movement), apologized to campaign supporters and political allies for the slow down in his campaign.

"This cancer news has slowed down and impacted my campaign in a negative way, and I want to apologize to all of my staff, my supporters and my Conservative colleagues if it seems I let you down or I didn't have my heart in this race. If I did, it was unintentional. Margi and I and our family have been trying to process this news and trying to deal with a deeply personal issue in a very public setting, and we apologize if we didn't handle it correctly," said Laskie in a tearful press conference, holding his wife's hand.

Though some party leaders and contributors complained privately about Laskie's underwhelming campaign style, the reaction from the public was generally positive.

Even the Bannich campaign responded with class. On days when Margi Laskie had appointments with her oncologist, she and her husband took the day off from campaigning.

Scott Bannich and his running mate Mike Kriewer (pronounced "crew-er") did the same, as a gesture of support.

"The Laskies are taking the day off today for medical reasons for Mrs. Laskie, and Mike (Kriewer) and I have decided we will do the same. To continue campaigning while they are at an important doctor's appointment would be insensitive and impolite. We want Greg and Margi to know that there are things that are more important than politics, and we are rooting and pulling for Margi to win this fight," said Bannich.

While the Laskie family has been dealing with their private matters out of the spotlight, Greg Laskie's running mate Jane Karsten, a state senator from Rathclan, has been campaigning on over-drive, traveling around the state, filling in for Laskie at important luncheons, speeches, fundraisers and campaign events.

It wasn't until about a month ago that Laskie revved up his campaign tempo. He told reporters in a poignant news conference, joined by his wife, that they were determined to win the election and beat cancer at the same time.

"We want to win this race bad. But we want to beat cancer even more. I'm hoping for a double-miracle," Laskie said, smiling with his wife by his side.

His wife's illness may have temporarily paused the campaign and created a momentary cease-fire between the rival campaigns. But during a debate last week in Gallaghan, Laskie came to play ball.

He lampooned Bannich for incompetence, following revelations that the governor's Secretary of Housing had lost key documents that were subpoenaed by state lawmakers.

Laskie also criticized Bannich for a stubbornly slow-moving economy, raising taxes, and letting the federal government usurp state sovereignty.

"Under Scott Bannich's leadership, South Ceona is worse off economically, has higher taxes, has a state bureaucracy that is broken and corrupt, and has less freedom because he's allowed Brenton Menuhaeo and his liberal cronies to come into South Ceona and take away our state sovereignty," said Laskie. "Is that what we want for our state? To be a poor, corrupt, over-taxed state ran by Brenton Menuhaeo and Mavocke liberals?"

Bannich countered, saying the economy is growing, if slowly. He called accusations he raised taxes "nonsense" and "deliberately misleading."

"We have raised taxes on the wealthy, elite, affluent people, the richest people in our state, the very people Mr. Laskie is trying to protect," said Bannich. "But we have lowered taxes on the middle class and the poor, and that's a record I am proud to run on."

Regarding allegations of corruption and incompetence in his administration, the governor reminded the audience that he fired those involved and demanded accountability from his staff.

"I do not believe this was a case of widespread corruption, as my opponent says. But it was a case of gross incompetence and negligence, and we can't have that at the highest levels of our government. So I fired all those involved. Every person that was responsible for losing documents and trying to cover things up and save their skins, I fired them. Because I want a transparent, clean, open government that works for the people and does not abuse that power."

 Laskie then accused the governor of sugar-coating the scandal.

"I call it 'corruption,' you call it 'incompetence.' We'll let the people of South Ceona decide what to call it. But it was illegal and it was against protocol. So make of that what you will."

The issue of state sovereignty has been a topic Laskie eagerly brings up to tie Bannich to President Brenton Menuhaeo, who is deeply unpopular in South Ceona.

"We have a president who is trying to socialize this country, trying to take away state's rights and state sovereignty, trying to control the states and centralize government in Mavocke. And Scott Bannich let him. Scott Bannich enabled the president. He told President Menuhaeo to come on in to South Ceona and take our state-owned land and federalize it. Come on in to South Ceona, and dictate how we can run our education and our health care. Come on in to South Ceona and put strict new environmental laws that will hamper economic growth. On issue after issue, Scott Bannich has willfully and eagerly invited Brenton Menuhaeo into this state and let him have free reign, and that will stop under a Laskie-Karsten administration," said Laskie.

Bannich defended himself, saying the state couldn't afford to continue managing some state parks and state-owned land.

"It made sense to sell this land to the federal government because we couldn't afford to manage it anymore," said Bannich. "I find it ironic that Mr. Laskie, the so-called 'champion of the tax-payer,' would continue to own and operate these parks when the state couldn't afford it. That doesn't sound very fiscally sound to me."

South Ceona's education and healthcare systems are still under South Ceona control, Bannich added.

"There's nothing different about how we run education or healthcare in this state. We still have control, we still set the guidelines and the requirements, and the federal government is not bossing us around and controlling how we do things."

The state did agree to have the state's public schools aim to achieve goals for literacy, mathematics, science and social studies scores set by the Menuhaeo administration, Bannich said.

And Bannich did allow an extension of Medicare/Medicaid coverage that was offered by the federal government. That expansion allowed 229,000 South Ceonans to be added to or continue on healthcare coverage.

And on the environment, a bullish Bannich said he is aggressively reviewing the standards set by the federal Department of Environmental Affairs, and would reject any standards that endanger South Ceonans' property rights or the state's budding oil industry.

"I want to protect the environment, like everyone else. And I'm willing to have a dialogue about that. But I won't sign onto any agreement if it threatens our way of life here in South Ceona or threatens economic growth in this state."

In the final weeks of the campaign, both candidates are on edge, as the close poll numbers show the race could swing either way.

Conservatives continue to attempt to tie Scott Bannich with Brenton Menuhaeo and "liberal" Nationalists such as Christine Gabler, the governor of Marchenay, who serves as chair of the Governors Board, and Rod Penora, the colorful liberal governor of Damoign.

The Bannich campaign remains on the defensive, and continues to tout the governor's independence and his willingness to buck his party.

The political parties and interests groups are also taking note of the close contest. More than $6 million has been spent on the race thus far, about evenly split between the candidates, and more last-minute money bombs may come from the parties or wealthy donors.

Greg Laskie's top donors come from the oil and mining industries, the gun rights lobby, and business groups.

Scott Bannich has wide support from education groups, healthcare executives, and the social welfare sector.

Both candidates agreed to three debates, just as they did in the 2012 race. The last debate of this campaign will be held Tuesday in Necadia. 

Greene Mountain Press endorses Kozzy in Biereland governor race

BROOKINGS, Biereland -- Fresh off an unexpected endorsement from Biereland's largest newspaper, Independent gubernatorial candidate Bob Kozzy is feeling energized as he heads into the final two weeks of the campaign.

The endorsement from the Greene Mountain Press (GMP) was a much-needed boost for Kozzy (pronounced "cause-ee"), who is running in a three-way race against incumbent Gov. San Bartholomew (N) and Conservative Ben Jordan, who is the state's attorney general.

In its endorsement editorial, the GMP said it was throwing its support to Kozzy because it couldn't in good conscience support the two main party candidates because of their fierce partisanship.

"Both San Bartholomew and Ben Jordan have carried out their current jobs using extreme partisanship. Right now more than ever before, Biereland needs bipartisanship and cooperation at the state capitol in Brookings," the paper wrote.

The paper also blamed Bartholomew for a sluggish economy and picking fights with Conservative lawmakers in the legislature over environmental protection laws and gun restrictions.

"The fact is, San Bartholomew promised to jump-start the economy, and yet the economy in Biereland remains stagnant. During the 2010 campaign, Bartholomew criticized then-Governor Jenny Duschowitz for presiding over a slow-moving economy, and still, unemployment remains high, job creation has been painfully slow, and Bierelanders continue to struggle. The governor has also used much of his political capital to force through controversial legislation on environmental regulations and gun restrictions. While the motivation behind these laws is commendable, the partisan and contentious manner in which they were passed was wrong."

On Ben Jordan, the GMP had strong feelings about his partisan and vindictive demeanor.

"While Ben Jordan has a strong resume, and has held a tough line on crime during his tenure as a prosecutor and attorney general, his overall record skews heavily to the right. More disconcerting though is the aggressively partisan manner in which he's conducted his campaign. His brand of in-your-face conservatism might endear him to the right, but it wouldn't be conducive to a fair-minded governorship."

The paper also questioned Jordan's economic plan, saying that cutting taxes and spending would not be enough to spur the economy.

Bob Kozzy, the paper noted, is a proven bipartisan leader. During his short stint as a Conservative federal senator, he frequently worked with Nationalists on a range of bills. And his views, which Kozzy has admitted are more libertarian than either conservative or liberal, are popular with people from all points of the political spectrum.

His fiscally conservative but socially moderate positions are more in line with Bierelanders', and his choice of another former federal senator, Michael Kreighorn, as his running mate shows Kozzy is committed to bringing bipartisanship to Brookings.

"Bob Kozzy and Michael Kreighorn are the best candidates to reform Brookings, to bring genuine bipartisanship to the state capitol, and they are the only candidates who have presented a detailed plan of how they would handle the economy, which is the dominant issue during this election cycle," said the GMP.

Specifically, Kozzy's plan calls for cutting taxes for low and middle-income families and individuals, while maintaining taxes where they are on large corporations, but cutting taxes for small businesses.

Kozzy has also promised to cut spending across the board by 5%, but only after consulting with department heads to make sure the cuts are as painless as possible.

The GMP did acknowledge, however, that Kozzy isn't a perfect candidate.

They cited his occasional angry outbursts, which have occurred during recent debates. The paper chocked up his emotional outbursts to his impassioned views, calling it "righteous indignation."

Kozzy also has few allies in the state legislature or with national party leaders, so he may lack the influence that both Bartholomew and Jordan already have.

Kozzy also has no managerial experience, something his opponents also both have on their resumes.

"We do have reservations about Bob Kozzy. He is far from perfect, but he is the best choice for Biereland at this pivotal time in our state's history," the paper declared.

It wasn't a glowing endorsement, but it was an endorsement nonetheless, and that has the Kozzy campaign feeling optimistic heading into the final two weeks of the race.

"We are honored to have the Greene Mountain Press' endorsement," Kozzy told reporters Saturday at a campaign stop.

The Jordan and Bartholomew campaigns downplayed the endorsement, pointing out that newspaper endorsements usually have little influence on voters' choices.

Each campaign also pointed to endorsements they received from other newspapers across the state.

The Ferriston Harbinger endorsed Bartholomew, as did the Welhausen Liberal-Union, the Coxon County Herald, and the Cedarie Outlook.

Ben Jordan wracked up the most endorsements, including from the state's second-largest newspaper, The Bierelander of Sebotnie, the Auburne Republic, the Avondale Royal Tidings, and the Farnham Daily News. 

Jordan was also backed by the Twin Cities Tribune of Dorchester-Gerbannon, the Barringer Beacon, the Kensington Emissary, and the Courier General of Mecklinburg-Atterbearn.

Overall, newspaper endorsements, and endorsements in general, matter very little. Most voters will make up their own minds. And other than the Greene Mountain Press' surprise endorsement of Kozzy, there have been no other unexpected endorsements in this year's gubernatorial campaign.

All of the state's prominent Nationalists are backing Bartholomew, all prominent Conservatives are supporting Jordan, and no major statewide political figures are backing Kozzy at this time, though he does have the support of a handful of mayors and local officials.

The most recent poll released this weekend by ITS Strategies finds Bartholomew and Jordan neck-and-neck for first place, with Jordan leading 41% to Bartholomew's 40%, and Kozzy's 18%.

The poll suggests no candidate will reach the necessary 45% to win. If that's the case following the general election on December 2, the top two candidates will face a run-off election January 5, 2015 to determine the next governor.

Murray polling much stronger than DeSalle in Kalnier

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Two young Nationalist women, one liberal state. And two very different situations heading into the December elections.

One would think Gov. Karen DeSalle and Sen. Kallie Murray - both up for re-election this year and both the first women to hold their respective positions in Kalnier - would each be struggling in the polls in an election year that favors Conservatives.

But recent polls conducted in the Snow Peak state have found the freshman senator Murray faring much better than her colleague, the freshman governor, Karen DeSalle.

A poll released last week by the University of Kalnier (UK) found Murray leading her CNS challenger, former Lt. Gov. Paul Crisp, by a margin of 59% to 41%.

That's a far cry from the University of Kalnier's governor's race poll released today, which shows Gov. Karen DeSalle trailing her CNS opponent, Tony Ritonio, 49% to 51%.

The conflicting polls have many asking why DeSalle is faring so badly compared to her ally Kallie Murray.

There are several reasons, according to Dr. John Kestell, a political scientist who conducted the UK poll.

First, DeSalle is unpopular at a time of voter unrest, while Murray remains relatively popular.

DeSalle's approval ratings have plummeted since she took office back in 2011, with just 41% of voters approving of her performance in late October. Murray's have fallen somewhat, but remain at a healthier 55%.

Another reason Murray is faring better in the polls is because she faces a lesser known and less significant challenger than does DeSalle.

Paul Crisp is a little-known former lieutenant governor, who served a partial term under former Gov. Joe Gramma (C).

Before being appointed to the lieutenant governorship, Crisp worked as an adviser to Gramma.

The 63-year-old Crisp is not well known, and is comparatively under-funded.

The Conservative Senate Campaign Committee has been reluctant to give his campaign money, as they fear (rightly so) a Crisp victory is unlikely, at best.

Karen DeSalle's opponent, on the other hand, is both well known and well-financed.

A wealthy businessman and entrepreneur, Tony Ritonio first ran for the Senate back in 2008, but lost to then-Sen. Eli Dundree (N).

His failed Senate bid gave him exposure, however, and he has been well known and active in state CNS politics since.

Additionally, Ritonio has broad support from national CNS party leaders and Conservative interest groups, who believe a Ritonio victory is pivotal to the party's national campaign.

Ritonio also has a personal fortune estimated at $23 million, making him a much more formidable opponent than Paul Crisp is to Kallie Murray.

And finally, much of Gov. DeSalle's currently unstable position comes down to personality.

The governor is well known for her combative and take-no-prisoners approach to governing.

During her tenure, and before the governorship as a state senator, DeSalle has been known for ramming legislation through with little to no bipartisan support.

She is well known on Marble Hill as a partisan who has few friends across the aisle.

That's in stark contrast to Kallie Murray, who has built strong bipartisan ties in the Senate. Murray is regarded as a friendly, amicable bipartisan figure in the Senate.

Though her voting record is strongly in line with NAT policies, she has partnered with Conservatives on many projects, including veterans issues, literacy, pediatric healthcare, transportation, sea commerce, and anti-terrorism legislation.

The two young, up-and-coming women, both beloved by Nationalists and both trailblazers in their state, are very different. And so are their opponents.

And that, says Dr. Kestell, is why Kallie Murray is in a much more secure position heading into election night.

"It's going to be a much more comfortable night for Kallie Murray than for Karen DeSalle," says Kestell. "Kallie Murray is almost certain to head back to the Senate. Karen DeSalle may very well lose the governorship."

Despite their very different circumstances, both ladies say they remained committed to helping each other.

Murray has kept her distance from DeSalle throughout the campaign. However, the two did host a "sisters rally" in Lamberth last month to raise support among women, the key electorate to an NAT victory this December.

"We're like sisters," Murray told the NPF. "We believe in the same things, we believe in empowering women, in equality for all, in social justice and education and healthcare. And we're both strong women trying to make it in the male-centric world of politics. So we really identify with each other."

DeSalle said she would continue working closely with Murray if re-elected.

"Kallie and I have partnered together on so many issues, and we will continue the fight if I am returned to Appenbaum. I hope we can continue working together because there is so much more that needs to be done," said DeSalle.

Ritonio blasts own party for racism toward running mate

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- Conservative gubernatorial candidate Tony Ritonio ("Rit-tone-yo") lashed out at his own party over the weekend for racist remarks made about his running mate.

In a hastily arranged press conference, a visibly angry Ritonio denounced racist comments made by unnamed party officials about his running mate, state Sen. Len Shigasi (C-Lamberth).

The 56-year-old Shigasi, who represents west Lamberth, is of Japanese-Grassadellian heritage.

According to Kalprechauns, a conservative political blog, a staffer at the state CNS party headquarters leaked a story about several high-ranking leaders in the state Conservative party who privately questioned Ritonio's choice of Shigasi as his running mate because they feared Shigasi's Japanese ethnicity would be a turn off white voters.

"Specifically, these three individuals (who so far have not been identified), were concerned that white voters would be reluctant to vote for an Italian governor and Japanese lieutenant governor," the post on Kalprechauns said, referring to Ritonio and Shigasi.

The article did not identify the staffer, and the staffer did not identify the party leaders, the post said.

But the anonymous story got traction, and gained enough attention for Tony Ritonio to address the issue.

At his press conference Saturday afternoon, Ritonio stood behind Shigasi and emphatically defended his running mate.

"I don't know who said it, or what exact words they said. But I want to say right now that if anyone has an issue with me picking Len Shigasi as my running mate, that's tough luck, because I chose him. He is qualified, he is a distinguished leader, he is an exceptional family man and public servant, and his race and ethnicity should not and will not be an issue in this campaign. If people want to have their own private racist opinions, that's fine. Keep them to yourself. Because this man is a good man, and he has my full support, and I will not let racism be apart of this campaign. Not toward Len, not toward our opponents, not toward anyone. Racism has no place in the Ritonio/Shigasi campaign," said Ritonio.

Shigasi spoke briefly, saying he was saddened his race had become an issue, but said he was moving on.

"I'm not going to let this distract me from the campaign and the issues that are important to Kalnierans," he said.

Ritonio and Shigasi's NAT rivals, Karen DeSalle and Paul Myrick, released a statement condemning the attacks on Shigasi's heritage and applauding their conservative counterparts for taking a stand against racism.

"While we do not see eye to eye on the issues, Paul and I are honored to run against Mr. Ritonio and Mr. Shigasi. No candidate's race or ethnic heritage should be a target for racist and hurtful comments. We are glad that Kalnier is a state that values diversity, and we will support diversity in this campaign, on both sides," the statement read.

While Kalnier's population is overwhelmingly Caucasian, the state's largest city of Lamberth is home to many ethnic minorities. Asian-Grasadellians make up the largest minority group in Kalnier, with Japanese-Grassadellians the largest of the Asian ethnic groups represented.