Latinos make history in POG elections

LANSDALE -- Wealthy white men once dominated POG's state government. They still hold an advantage, but minorities have made big strides in POG's recent elections.

The state elected it's first minority governor, Ramon Ramos, who defeated a white man, Conservative Nick Karen.

A Nationalist, Ramos previously served as the state's first minority attorney general.

The two men who vied to replace Ramos as attorney general were both Latino.

Austin Mendajara, a young Conservative lawyer from east Lansdale, defeated NAT Assemblyman Emilio Salavarde for the prominent and influential position.

And in the state's secretary of state race, Conservative Benny Ortiz, a city councilor from Lansdale's southeast, defeated the better-known NAT Assemblywoman Michele Lancer.

Ramos, Mendajara and Ortiz are all three young Latino men in their late 30's or early 40's, and their election marks the first time three Latino statewide officials have been elected simultaneously in any state in Grassadellian history.

For Mendajara and Ortiz, the election was especially impressive, given that all other Conservative candidates on the ballot for statewide races lost, including all three CNS candidates for Federal Senate.

Assemblywoman Julie Dennings came up short against incumbent NAT Senator Diane Coke, as did first-time CNS candidate Mike Holloway, who lost to the NAT's John Paul Liffrey, a Kingham businessman.

And Senator George Mercott (N) crushed Conservative Paul Ashley, who was little-known and had few campaign funds.

Votes for the state's Assembly races are still being tallied, so it's still too early to know how Latino candidates and minority candidates in general fared in Assembly races.

But the fact that three of POG's highest-ranking offices are soon to be held by young Latino men is a powerful sign of progress, minority leaders say.

"This election shows us that POG is a very diverse state with many different groups represented," Natalya Kousmus, director of the POG Diversity Coalition, a pro-diversity think tank, told the NPF.

Ramos said race should not be a factor in how people vote, but he acknowledged his election is a "breakthrough."

"I said at the beginning I wanted people to vote for the candidate they believe in and they identify with, whose policies they support. I didn't want race to be a consideration when people vote, but unfortunately for some people, it is either a reason to vote for someone or against someone. But the forces that held minorities back before, the wealthy white men club that dominated state politics, it appears that wall has been breached," Ramos said in a sit-down interview with the Chamberlain Network following his victory party.

Mendajara and Ortiz said in a joint press conference they found the voters of POG to be largely open-minded and accepting, though Ortiz said he did face some racism on the campaign trail.

"I had a few people yell at me, call me racial slurs and one guy even spit at me when I went doorbelling for votes," Ortiz said. "It's disheartening, but it's not emblematic of POGeans in general. The racist people are the exception, not the rule."

Post-poll results show the election centered less around race and ethnicity and more around economics and geography. Wealthier communities favored Conservative candidates, while lower-income neighborhoods went to the NAT.

And the NAT dominated in Knoxbury, Wyneok, Kingham and the eastern suburbs of Lansdale.

Conservatives did well in the western suburbs of Lansdale, where they traditionally draw a high percentage of votes. They also excelled in rural areas, however heavy turnout in liberal-leaning areas in the major cities outweighed the CNS advantage in the rural counties.

The election means there will be no change in POG's Senate delegation; Nationalists will continue to hold three seats, with Conservative Dick Trau holding the state's fourth seat.

Despite endorsing Nick Karen to succeed her, outgoing Governor Donna Almone (C) congratulated Ramon Ramos on his victory in the governor race.

"As a former governor of POG, I wish all my successors well, and that includes Ramon Ramos," Almone said on election night.

In his concession speech, Karen said he is not sure what he will do after losing the governor's race, but "I'll still be around," he promised.

Diane Coke said POG's voters sent a strong message to the Conservative party that "they [voters] are fed up with the tired and trite Conservative platform of favoring the rich and wealthy at the expense of the middle class."

Mercott said the state NAT party "has a lot to be proud of" after the election, and newcomer John Paul Liffrey said the NAT must deliver on solutions.

"The voters sent a message tonight," Liffrey said at his election party in east Lansdale. "But now comes the hard part. We must govern. We must deliver on results. The voters aren't sending us to Mavocke and to Lansdale to sit around bickering and blaming the other side. They're sending us there to get things done and to produce results. This is in many ways the most challenging but most rewarding part of the process."

Dick Trau, the state's lone Conservative in the Senate, said he was disappointed his party didn't pick up any Senate seats, but said their wins in the attorney general and secretary of state races were "gratifying."

"I think we as a party need to look long-term at the candidates we pick, the demographics of our state, which are shifting away from us, and we have to craft a message that appeals not just to white middle class people but to people of color and minorities and women, etc," Trau said.

POG Election Results - 2018 General Election

Governor / Lt. Governor
Nick Karen / Jim Hines (CNS)	45.51%	3,197,488
Ramon Ramos / Phil Wantanab (NAT)	50.53%	3,549,908
Other	3.96%	278,139
Secretary of State
Benny Ortiz (CNS)	51.29%	3,603,346
Michele Lancer (NAT)	46.61%	3,274,904
Other	2.10%	147,285

Attorney General
Austin Mendajara (CNS)	50.99%	3,582,671
Emilio Salavarde (NAT)	47.13%	3,311,048
Other	1.88%	131,817
Senate
Paul Ashley (CNS)	34.23%	2,404,955
George Mercott (NAT)*	59.95%	4,211,543
Other	5.82%	409,037

Senate
Julie Dennings (CNS)	46.10%	3,238,550
Diane Coke (NAT)*	49.78%	3,497,498
Other	4.12%	289,487
Senate
Mike Holloway (CNS)	45.05%	3,164,931
John Paul Liffrey (NAT)	51.52%	3,619,285
Other	3.43%	241,319

Bob Mellon calls Tom O'Hearn a 'doofus'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McCaren eyeing Alyssa Jones for education secretary

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

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

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

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

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

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

She is an Evangelical and strongly conservative on social issues.

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

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

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

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

Duke Castlebury unseated in Armana senate primary race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Our friendship transcends politics," she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halitz also reportedly expressed trepidation about endorsing a Nationalist candidate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam Pyatt, Val Hennemott agree to three debates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ramos leads in POG governor's race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President McCaren rallies in East Deschire for NAT women candidates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kalnier's two largest newspapers endorse Tony Ritonio for second term

LAMBERTH, Kaln. -- Conservative Governor Tony Ritonio has secured the backing of Kalnier's two largest newspapers, a major boost for his re-election bid.

The Lamberth Regent commended NAT candidate Nick Hall, a former GBC TV presenter and first-time candidate, for his "thoughtful and spirited campaign."

Hall has "good ideas and a bright vision for Kalnier," but no government or managerial experience.

He has worked on campaigns for his long-time partner, Sarah Ellen Swey, a city councilor representing south Lamberth.

But Hall, age 38, has never held elected office nor worked in a government agency.

Ritonio, on the other hand, is an experienced entrepreneur who worked his way to the governorship, where he has "governed with a steady hand," said the Regent's editors.

"Under Tony Ritonio, Kalnier's economy is growing steadily, he's boosted funding for Kalnier's much-in-need transportation infrastructure, he's held the line on education funding, and he's never been afraid to call out his party when they're wrong."

Ritonio was attacked in previous campaigns for being a "right-wing extremist," but he's "anything but that," the paper said.

"Tony Ritonio has consistently hewed to the center. He campaigned as a moderate and he has governed as he promised."

The editorial did call out the governor for his push against labor unions, calling it "misguided."

"Kalnier has always been a strong union-supporting state, and it's not only unpopular but unwise for the governor to weaken unions," the paper said.

"But overall, the healthy economic growth, the sound financial stewardship of the state's money, and the leadership of a governor who is willing to buck his party when necessary make Tony Ritonio the preferred candidate in this race."

Three hours northwest of Lamberth in Gladstone, the state's second-largest city, the Gladstone Evening News was more tempered in its endorsement of Ritonio.

"We have real concerns about the governor's anti-union stance, his penchant for eagerly giving away tax cuts, and his failure to increase education funding beyond current levels."

Nick Hall is more ideologically in line with Kalnier's progressive bent, the paper said. "He is inspiring, optimistic, and his message resonates strongly with Kalnierans, who are known to value social democracy and equality," wrote the editors.

"But one issue predominates this election: the economy. And on this prime issue, Tony Ritonio seems to be doing something right," said the paper. "Unemployment is down, small business growth is up, and construction has increased."

"With all considered, Tony Ritonio is the experienced candidate with a record of getting things done," the News said.

"Nick Hall is a bright leader with a promising future, and he may make a great governor or senator someday. But now is not his time."

In a Twitter post, Tony Ritonio touted the endorsements, saying "the editors agree: Kalnier's economy is on the move."

Also via Twitter, Hall said he was disappointed the state's two leading papers endorsed his opponent, but said "ultimately the voters of Kalnier will decide who the next governor is, not the Lamberth Regent or the Gladstone Evening News."

Recent polls have shown Ritonio with approval ratings hovering around 55%, and earlier this year, he held a solid lead over Hall.

However, despite Ritonio's positive approval rating and a healthy economy, the race has tightened as Nick Hall has increased his name recognition with steady television commercials across the state.

Hall's campaign released a new internal poll yesterday showing the NAT candidate trailing Ritonio 49%-51%; the Ritonio campaign responded by casting doubt on the accuracy of the poll results.

Jenna Duvan calls for investigation into Rod Penora

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- They've been longtime allies, but Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan today called for an investigation into her friend and predecessor in the governor's mansion, Rod Penora.

Penora, a Nationalist who currently serves as Damoign's attorney general and previously served as Damoign's governor, has been accused by a whistleblower in the state's justice department of targeting political opponents with phony investigations, planting fake evidence to frame his enemies, and pressuring rival politicians whom he perceived as a threat.

Jona Silver was Penora's chief of staff until July, when she quit abruptly.

At the time, Silver said she was stepping down for personal reasons, but she later secretly went to the state ethics commission and reported Penora's alleged misconduct.

The ethics commission has not opened an investigation yet, but is requesting testimony from other sources, including Penora himself.

Mr. Penora has adamantly denied the accusations, and says Ms. Silver is a "disgruntled employee seeking revenge after she was forced to resign because of poor performance and failure to adequately carry out her job duties."

"These allegations against me are purely false. They're made by an angry ex-employee of mine, she's upset, and this is her way of getting back at me," Penora said.

Conservative politicians in the state legislature quickly jumped on the corruption accusations, calling for both an investigation by the ethics commission and by state legislators.

However, most of the state's NAT leaders have remained mum on the scandal, expressing concerns about the motivations of Ms. Silver.

Today however, under growing pressure from Conservatives and members of the media, Damoign's current governor Jenna Duvan, also a Nationalist, called for an investigation by the ethics committee. She was joined by the leaders from both parties of the state Senate and House of Representatives.

"The allegations against Attorney General Penora are serious and should be investigated thoroughly," Duvan said in a press conference.

"I've known Attorney General Penora for years and I consider him a friend and a mentor. The allegations against him are totally out of character with the Rod Penora I know. But even though he's a friend, these allegations must be investigated," Duvan said.

She added, however, that Penora "deserves the presumption of innocence like every citizen," and Ms. Duvan called for a "complete and fair investigation that prioritizes neither protection nor incrimination of the accused."

Conservative state Senator Joe Laurentis told the NPF he is concerned about the allegations, but "right now it's nothing more than a he-said, she-said situation."

Penora has retained the prominent Grassadellia City legal firm Kenley, Adams and Sutton to represent him.

Ms. Silver has also obtained legal representation, but it's unclear who is representing her.

Jhana Schueler denounces 'angry politics' and 'resistance' movement

BROOKINGS, Biere. -- With news from the US today that suspicious packages containing pipe bombs were mailed to prominent Democratic politicians, back here in Grassadellia, Biereland Senator Jhana Schueler (first name pronounced "yawn-uh") reminded her constituents of similar crimes in Grassadellia and the dangers of "angry politics."

Schueler recalled a series of pipe bombs that were placed outside the offices of Grassadellian politicians from both parties back in 2009.

No one was injured in those bombings, but they caused extensive damage. Authorities say the same person(s) were responsible.

No suspects have been arrested, but Crown Police say the investigation remains open and they're pursuing persons of interest.

More recently, in 2016, a large bomb was placed in a town square in downtown Koeurn, Ansleigha during a pro-immigration rally.

That bomb did not explode, and no one was injured. But government terrorism experts say the bomb was "massive" and could have caused "tremendous loss of life."

Two people were arrested and their trials are pending in federal court.

In her speech at a fundraiser in downtown Brookings, Schueler, one of the country's most prominent Conservative politicians, decried "the militant nature of politics," and said violence and intimidation by extremists in both parties should be denounced.

"Unfortunately, the political atmosphere in Grassadellia and in the United States and other countries is so toxic right now, it's so angry and hateful, that friends and family members are severing their relationships over politics. And some unstable people hear politicians and celebrities encourage violence and 'resistance' and these unstable folks take it too far and build bombs and shoot people and heckle politicians who go out for dinner."

"We've gone too far, and we need to return to the rational, respectful, civil politics where people can disagree politely and still be friends," Schueler said.

"Our country has lost its moral center, and we need to a return to decency."

Her remarks were applauded by the audience members who attended her luncheon fundraiser, but some liberal activists accused the senator of conflating violence with the women's rights #MeToo movement.

"When Jhana Schueler talks badly about 'resistance,' she implies that Grassadellians who are peacefully resisting Donald Trump and radical conservative politicians are somehow 'militant,' says Asia Montagne, Deputy Director of the Grassadellian #MeToo organization.

"There are of course extremists on both sides of politics, liberal and conservative. But by far the majority of women and male allies who are apart of the #MeToo movement and #Resist are good, law-abiding people who respect the law and do not engage in violence or intimidation," said Montagne.

A spokesperson for Schueler said the senator's comments were not aimed at the #MeToo or #Resist movements.

The popular women's rights movements began in the United States in response to a series of prominent male politicians and celebrities being accused of rape, sexual assault and harassment. The social campaigns quickly spread to other countries, including Grassadellia.

However, while Schueler stopped short of blaming violence on the women's rights campaign, she "remains concerned about the angry, militant tone of some in the #MeToo movement, which is also contributing to more polarization and pain in our political process," said Schueler's spokesperson.

The issue of women's rights and sexual assault has intensified in recent weeks, after Monomi politician Scott King, who is running for governor, was forced to step down after two women accused him of rape.

King admitted to making suggestive comments to women on several occasions, as well as "sexting" several women. He also admitted to groping women in the past, but he flatly denied raping anyone.

Despite his denials, the Monomi Nationalist Party forced him to quit the campaign.

King is now running a long-shot write-in campaign, while his lieutenant governor running mate Beth Gowan has now assumed the top spot for the NAT.

A poll conducted last week by the University of Monomi School of Politics showed Conservative Will Huxton leading in the Monomi governor's race with 42%, while Gowan had 37%. Nearly 21% of respondents said they still support King, who previously served as governor in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Near the end of his tenure, King was removed by voters for a similar scandal involving alleged hiring of prostitutes and money laundering.

He was never charged criminally, however, and has always maintained that scandal - and the current allegations - are politically-motivated.

Polls tight in New Portsmouth governor, senate races

DAYLE-LOCKE, NP -- New polling data released today in New Portsmouth shows the state's governor and senate races are close.

The Williamstown, Trinton-based Liberty polling firm conducted the surveys independent of either political party or any candidates.

In the governor's race, incumbent Gov. Charles Wornkin (N) leads with 51% to 49% in a head-to-head match-up with his Conservative opponent Bob Crawford.

Crawford is a state senator from Talakaheen County, but also owns a fisheries company in neighboring Hollowvale County on the coast.

Last month he chose state Rep. Pat-Marie Smith, who represents southwest Dayle-Locke, as his running mate.

The Conservative duo is relatively unknown and lack name recognition compared to Charles Wornkin and his running mate, Lt. Gov. Michael Barrett.

However, Crawford's blue-collar background and his emphasis on tax cuts, jobs and cutting waste in state government has resonated with many voters.

"The results from today's poll show that Bob Crawford's message of less taxes, more jobs and better government is resonating with the people of New Portsmouth," said Crawford campaign spokesman Jared Dunn in an email to GNN.

Wornkin has remained relatively popular since he assumed the governorship in 2013. He was easily re-elected in 2014, and more narrowly re-elected in 2016.

But the ivy-league-educated lawyer and former MP, who lives on a private estate in the affluent Yorkton Islands, is seen by many average New Portsmouthians as out of touch with their concerns.

 Wornkin is likely to win a third term, but Crawford could make the race interesting, and the new poll showing a closer-than-expected race means Wornkin will have to dump more money into his re-election campaign.

His campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

In the Federal Senate race, incumbent Chris McConnitch (N) is tied with former Conservative Gov. Jacqueline Bosseau, both earning 50% in a head-to-head scenario.

McConnitch, who is seeking his second term, leads former Sen. Nadine Pietrasaelis, a hard-line Conservative who narrowly lost re-election in 2016, by a more comfortable margin of 54%-46%, respectively.

Bosseau announced her candidacy back in June. Pietrasaelis is not running, but has hinted in recent weeks she may make a last-minute jump into the race.

The Bosseau campaign told GNN "this poll confirms what we already knew: the race for Federal Senate between Chris McConnitch and Jacqueline Bosseau is very close."

The McConnitch campaign did not return phone calls or emails from GNN.

A spokeswoman for Pietrasaelis said the former senator is still deciding her political future.

Maggie Coates easily confirmed by Senate as next NEXIS chief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There was little doubt about Coates' chances though.

She enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contentious gubernatorial primaries divide Monomi politicians

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

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

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

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

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

King is facing Beth Gowan in the NAT primary.

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

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

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

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

But not all Nationalists have turned their backs on King.

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

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

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

The Conservative contest is just as divisive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But neither senator has publicly endorsed any candidates.

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

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