Mercer Diego endorses Brian Tyker for Damoign governor

MATTINOW, Dmg. -- Damoign's most prominent Conservative has made an endorsement in the party's crowded field of gubernatorial candidates.

Mercer Diego, a former lieutenant governor and two-time failed candidate for governor, endorsed Assemblyman Brian Tyker over the weekend.

Tyker's campaign released a video on Facebook of the two men meeting at Tyker's home in Stoltschwin County, south of Grassadellia City.

In the video, the two are seen shaking hands, while Diego puts his arm around Tyker and offers praise for the young assemblyman.

"I've known Brian Tyker for years, he's a good man, a good husband, dad, and he will make a great governor for Damoign," says Diego.

Tyker thanked Diego for his support, calling him the "father of the Conservative Party in our state."

Though he lost two back-to-back races for governor, Diego remains immensely popular among Conservatives, many who feel he was robbed, as he narrowly lost both races to controversial NAT opponents.

Diego's endorsement is a major feather in Tyker's camp. There are currently nine candidates in the running for the CNS party's nomination for governor. A high-profile endorsement from a popular figure might help solidify Tyker's status as a major contender.

The front-runner in the race so far appears to be Assemblywoman Pat Leemore of Bragdon County.

Leemore is a noted moderate, and in a salty statement, a spokesman for her campaign said she never expected to receive Diego's endorsement.

"Quite frankly, Mercer Diego represents the past. He ran for governor twice and lost both times. If we want to look to the future, we should look to Pat Leemore and other pragmatic Conservatives instead of failed hardliners who alienate independents," said spokesman Jared Walsh.

Tyker, who is younger and more socially conservative, is among the top four candidates, polls show. Former National Security Secretary Robert Austin and businessman Rob McCann hold second and third place, respectively, according to recent polling.

Rounding out the top five is Assemblyman John DeGallio of Columbus.

Polls show former Governor Sid Hoffa is struggling to break into the top tier.

Diego's endorsement of Tyker is especially damning for Hoffa, who served as governor with Diego while the latter served as lieutenant governor.

Additionally, Hoffa enthusiastically supported Diego's first run for governor in 2012.

Hoffa was somewhat reluctant to support Diego when he ran a second time in 2016, but the former governor finally came around and campaigned for Diego.

"Mercer Diego endorsing Brian Tyker is a huge slap in the face to Sid Hoffa," said former Conservative Party official Brian Mitchell, who worked for the party during Hoffa's tenure.
"It's as if Mercer Diego has forgotten about all the work and campaigning and support Hoffa gave him over the last decade."

The two men were never close. Hoffa has long been a moderate, while Diego has been an outspoken social conservative.

Still, Mitchell said, the two men enjoyed a close friendship at one point, and they served well together.

"I think 2016 is when their relationship started to turn. Sid Hoffa waited until the very last second to endorse Mercer Diego. Hoffa wanted to see another candidate run instead, he was concerned Mercer would lose a second time around. And he did," said Mitchell.

Asked by reporters Monday night about the snub, Hoffa said Diego's endorsement is "his alone to make."

"Mercer has every right to endorse who he wants. Obviously, he feels another, lesser-known candidate is the better choice. I respectfully disagree with him. But that's the beauty of this country, we can disagree and have our own opinion," said Hoffa.

Diego released a statement also, saying through a spokesperson that he was throwing his support to Tyker because the assemblyman "champions conservative, family values, has the youth and energy to be governor, and will foster a pro-business environment in the state."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She added that Duvan looks good. "

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another called Tyker out directly.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Notorious killer paroled by Damoign Parole Board, prompting backlash

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

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

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

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

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

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

All five victims' bodies were mutilated after death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosamond Burkes: Young Black men need better role models

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

She dodged the question.

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

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

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

 She continued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turning to Burkes, Biddington admonished her words.

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

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

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

Again, resounding applause.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Few endorsements have been made so far in the race.

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


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

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

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

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

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

Isaak Slooter will not run for re-election in 2020

NESTLEY, NP -- Senator Isaak Slooter, a Conservative, will not seek re-election in 2020, he announced today.

The two-term senator, first elected in 2008 and easily re-elected in 2014, does not want to be a career politician, he said.

"I never came to Mavocke intending to stay here until I die. I have other plans, other things that are important in my life," he said in an interview in his office, announcing his decision.

"I have been so honored to be a senator for the state of New Portsmouth, and I'm proud of the work I've done with my colleagues here from both parties. But it's time to pass the torch, it's time for someone else to represent our state."

A prominent Evangelical Christian, Slooter, age 56, has been a strong social conservative on issues like abortion and gay marriage.

However, he's been moderate on issues like the environment, immigration and health care, and has frequently voted with Nationalists.

His decision to step down means Conservatives will have an open seat in a notoriously competitive battleground state.

No candidates have announced their candidacy yet on either side, but both parties expect a flood of potential contenders.

Slooter did not say what his post-Senate plans are.

"I'm still figuring that out right now, so I don't have an answer for you. But I will enjoy spending more time with my family, that's going to be my top priority."

His fellow New Portsmouth senators reacted with surprise but admiration.

"Isaak Slooter has served our state for the last twelve years, and he's done so with integrity, kindness, and a spirit of collaboration," said Conservative Sen. Jacqueline Bosseau, in a written statement.

Nationalist Senator Jean Larae Dowd praised Slooter as "highly effective at bringing both parties together."

"Often when there's an impasse in the Senate, it's Senator Slooter who is bringing the opposing sides together and trying to negotiate compromise, and that will be missed," said Dowd.

Democratic-Reformist Senator Ayden Benning, himself a former Nationalist and Conservative before ending up in the DR camp, said Slooter will be missed for his positive attitude and his bipartisanship.

"The man is genuine, he's sincere, like many of us, he came here to Mavocke to make a difference and to make our country stronger. And he's done that. I will miss working with him," said Benning.

Leandra Kemmes in strong position heading into 2020

MAINE CITY, Ara. -- The 2020 elections are shaping up to bring many competitive races.

But Armana Governor Leandra Kemmes, a first-term Nationalist, is likely to coast to re-election, according to a recent series of opinion polls.

Kemmes, a moderate Nationalist, remains popular in the Coalwood state.

She has high approval from Nationalists, Independents, and even many Conservatives.

Kemmes has steered away from contentious social issues and has focused on bread-and-butter issues like the economy, transportation and coastal erosion mitigation.

Under her leadership, the state's economy has grown, primarily in the southern half, where three-quarters of the state's population resides.

And the governor has avoided major missteps and gaffes.

Her strong popularity has discouraged prominent Conservatives from challenging her in the 2020 election.

Former Assemblyman Dave Charm, who ran against Kemmes in 2016, has ruled out a rematch.

Former Senator Dana Glow, who narrowly lost his Senate seat in 2016, has also passed on a bid.

Only three long-shot Conservative candidates have expressed interest in challenging Kemmes.

Mike Holt, who narrowly lost a Senate race in 2016 to Nationalist Emily Burkhart, is said to be considering a run.

Tom Ungerhart, mayor of Otter Creek, a suburb of Mavocke, is also said to have his eye on the governorship.

And finally, businessman Bob Hefner of Westhorpe is interested.

But polls conducted last week for the Conservative Party show that Kemmes would trounce all three contenders.

Kemmes would crush Holt 57-39 percent. Ungerhart performs better against Kemmes but still comes far short; she would defeat him 52-45 percent.

Polling on Hefner is not done yet, but an earlier poll from November found more than 80% of respondents had never heard of Hefner.

In short, no Conservative candidate comes close to beating Kemmes in polls.

Ungerhart has the best shot, but still has a ways to go.

The moderate mayor is well-known in the Mavocke area but struggles with name recognition in the rest of the state.

His more centrist views appeal to independents, but Leandra Kemmes is also a centrist. The poll finds independent voters breaking even for both candidates.

There is one upside for the Conservatives, however.

The party commissioned a poll on the 2020 Senate race. Incumbent Serap Figaori (N) is up for re-election, and in a hypothetical match up against Conservative Andy Fulbright, Figaori trails 46% to 50% for Fulbright.

Fulbright is a political newcomer and the son of former senator Dale Fulbright.

He has yet to announce his candidacy, but the positive polling results are said to have convinced the younger Fulbright he can win against a popular but divisive NAT incumbent.

Privately, however, top CNS party leaders are urging the party to write off Armana and invest resources in other states where they have a better chance of winning.

"There is no way we can beat Leandra Kemmes," said one top party strategist, who asked for anonymity because discussing the party's internal strategy might jeopardize business, told GNN.

"Any Conservative who thinks they can win against Leandra Kemmes is either not very smart or smoking something," the strategist added.

Kemmes' campaign declined to comment for this article, but state NAT party leaders expressed strong confidence.

"We are fortunate to have an immensely popular governor, Leandra Kemmes, and we're confident that Senator Serap Figaori will also win re-election," said Vanita Bynum, deputy director of the state NAT party.

A spokesman for Figaori said the progressive senator, who was first elected on a strong left-wing wave, will continue to put progressive values first.

"Senator Figaori is not going to change his positions or moderate his views just to win an election. He is who he is and he will stand up for the progressive values Armanans care about," said spokesman Garrity Hanton.

Tony Ritonio: Liberal politicians trash Donald Trump to fire up left-wing supporters

LAMBERTH, Kal. -- Since losing re-election in the 2018 election, former Kalnier governor Tony Ritonio has largely kept silent and stayed out of the headlines.

After his shocking defeat, Ritonio went back to overseeing his restaurant and real estate company. He declined offers to appear on national television and repeatedly rebuffed interview requests from top media outlets.

But Ritonio has recently re-emerged.

Over the weekend, he penned a column for the Grassadellian Media Foundation, a Conservative-aligned news organization.

In his op-ed, Ritonio called US President Donald Trump a "dumb ass" who "probably deserves to be impeached."

But despite Trump's abrasive personality, the US president is "right on the issues."

"Donald Trump himself is a cringe-worthy person. But many of his policies are actually good," wrote Ritonio.

He pointed to Trump's pro-business and tax-cut policies.

"The man knows how to grow an economy, and he's delivering a strong economy for the American people," Ritonio wrote.


Trump was right to end the US-Iran nuclear deal, Ritonio said, but Trump's order to assassinate Iran's top general Qassem Soleimani was "not well thought out."

"Does he lie? Yes. Does he play to people's most basic, nationalist, right-wing instincts? Yes. Does he belittle his opponents and act like a child? Yes," said Ritonio.

"But he is restoring the American economy, he's restoring America's position in the world, and he's cracking down on illegal immigration. These are three issues that our Grassadellian leaders have failed to do," wrote Ritonio.

As for Trump's impeachment and his Ukraine scandal, Ritonio said Trump "almost certainly acted unethically, if not illegally."

"But left-wing Grassadellian politicians such as President Jim McCaren, Damoign Senator Deborah Kay, and others, have attacked Donald Trump to advance their own agendas," he wrote.

"Grassadellia's liberal elites are injecting themselves into US politics because trashing Donald Trump wins them points with their left-wing supporters."

"We need to stay out of US politics. We have enough drama of our own here in this country," wrote Ritonio.

When asked for a response to Ritonio's column, a Collester spokesman gave a curt response.

"President McCaren will not take foreign policy advice from a one-term governor who has no foreign policy experience," said spokesman Matt Haber.

Sen. Deborah Kay (N-Damoign) was unaware of Ritonio's mentioning of her in his column, but once informed, the senator said on Twitter that "like everything Tony Ritonio says, his latest column is irrelevant."

Ritonio's column comes the same weekend that he signed a contract with the STAR Network and with the Chamberlain Network as a contributor.

His recent return to the political dialogue has many speculating the former governor is preparing for another run for office in 2022.

Ritonio has repeatedly declined to say whether he will seek a rematch in 2022 with Nationalist Nick Hall.

Elizabeth Graham will run for N. Ceona governor, Cozier may seek Senate seat

LAWTON, N. Ceona -- After months of speculation, sources close to North Ceona Senator Elizabeth Graham say she has made a decision on her political future.

Graham, a moderate Nationalist, will seek the state's open governorship in 2020, friends close to the senator say.

Graham had been toying with running for governor for years but finally sees 2020 as her opportunity.

With term-limited Governor Tom Cozier (Conservative) leaving his post, the seat will be open and up for grabs.

And should Graham lose the race for governor, she can still keep her Senate seat, which expires in 2024.

A strong candidate known for her bipartisanship and avoidance of divisive social issues, Graham would be a strong contender for governor.

North Ceona is a Conservative-leaning state, but Graham's centrist record plays well.

She will have to get past one major primary opponent, however.

Former state Attorney General John Ennis, who unsuccessfully challenged Cozier in 2016, is said to be considering a second run for governor in 2020.

The Conservative side is less clear.

Lt. Governor Lyle McDuggery declined to run for governor and will instead retire in 2020.

Secretary of State Bill Stacey has announced his intention to run.

But two other top-tier Conservative candidates are still considering running for governor too.

Former Senator Pete Deetch, who was ousted from office in 2018 after making racist comments, is "seriously considering" a run for governor, sources close to him say.

Another former senator, Ty Jaimeson, is also mulling a bid.

Both men would be formidable candidates, should they choose to run.

Recent polling from the University of North Ceona has shown intriguing results.

Bill Stacey is relatively even with John Ennis (48% to 50%) and with Elizabeth Graham (48% to 49%).

Those polls also found Pete Deetch trailing both Ennis (44% to 53%) and Graham (44% to 54%).

Ty Jaimeson, however, crushes Elizabeth Graham 53% to 44% and leads Ennis 52% to 45%, respectively.

Meanwhile, outgoing Governor Tom Cozier is considering his political future.

Sources close to him say he is weighing a run for Senate, potentially challenging Nationalist incumbent Anthony Campanelli, who is up for re-election in 2020.

A recent poll found Cozier leading Campanelli 51%-47% in a hypothetical match-up.

Conservative incumbent Ken Estall is also up for re-election in 2020, though no top-name Nationalists have emerged to oppose him.

Friends of Pete Deetch say the former senator may opt against a gubernatorial bid and run for the Senate again; he'll take whichever path he thinks he's most likely to win.

No matter what happens, North Ceona won't be the quiet, sleepy state in 2020 that it usually is during election season.

Mona Rodgers will seek third term as governor, may face tight race

WELCHFORD, Roddenshire -- Governor Mona Rodgers will seek an unprecedented third term in 2020, she announced Thursday.

Rodgers is finishing up her seventh year in office, and and while Roddenshire has no term limits for governors, it's customary for governors to only serve two consecutive four-year terms and then step down to allow for a new successor.

But the popular governor will run for re-election in 2020, she announced at a press conference Thursday afternoon at the state capitol.

While she remains popular, especially among Nationalists and progressives, her pitch for a third term is expected to galvanize Roddenshire Conservatives, who have long been locked out of power in the state's capitol, Welchford.

Conservatives have never come close to winning the governorship. In 2012, Rodgers trounced Lacarthy businessman Jon Cortano 61-39 percent. In a rematch four years later, he improved but she still beat him 58-42 percent.

However, Roddenshire's demographics have changed in recent years, with an influx of immigrants, particularly Asian and Hispanic.

And recent polling by the state's Conservative Party shows Cortano essentially tied with Rodgers.

Cortano performs strongly in rural areas and in working and middle class neighborhoods, while Rodgers does well with high-income and older voters.

Mavocke Mayor Tom Frederickson, a more moderate Conservative, leads Rodgers by two percentage points, according to the poll.

And Senator Frank Traetori of Warnick ties Rodgers too.

Conservatives say while Roddenshire's economy is doing well, it's largely due to outside factors that don't involve Rodgers. And voters are weary of her leadership.

"The polls we conducted show that voters are ready for new leadership. They're ready for new blood. They're tired of the same old Nationalist politicians running the show in Welchford. They're ready for a new chapter," said Tom Fuller, an executive board member of the state's Conservative Party.

Rodgers' campaign dismissed the polls, saying they are a "partisan pipe-dream."

"The fact is, Roddenshireans are happy with Mona Rodgers' positive leadership for our state. The economy is booming, education is doing well in our state, and people have a high quality of life," said spokesman Jared Dunn.

So far, the only confirmed candidate for the Conservatives is Cortano. Despite losing twice, his campaign says the 2020 race will be different.

"We have different demographics, we have several wealthy donors backing us this time unlike the previous campaigns, and people are tired of Mona Rodgers and more importantly they're tired of the Nationalist Party monopolizing our state government," said John Watkins, the Cortano campaign director.

Cortano, who grew up in a middle-class Italian-Grassadellian home in Lacarthy, will appeal to middle-class and working-class voters, his campaign said. He will focus on improving the economy, lowering taxes, alleviating traffic congestion, and cleaning up state government.

Roddenshire's economy is doing well, but it has some of the highest taxes in the nation. And sandwiched between Grassadellia City, the nation's largest metro area, and Mavocke, the national capitol, it has some of the worst automobile traffic in the country too.

Rodgers, who never married and has no children, said she plans to continue her focus on education and mitigating regional issues like Mavocke-Grassadellia City high-speed rail and sea ferry service between Roddenshire's southeast coast and Cape Joyner, Damoign.

Almone: North Korea might get 'Christmas gift' of its own from another country

MAVOCKE -- North Korea threatened the United States again this week, saying the US should expect a "Christmas gift."

North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Ri Thae Song warned the US on state television, saying "it is entirely up to the US what Christmas gift it will select."

The thinly-veiled threat is "bold and stupid," Donna Almone told the GBC.

Almone, Grassadellia's Foreign Affairs Secretary, said North Korea should be careful about throwing out threats.

"North Korea keeps poking the bear. They keep throwing out these threats to the United States and other countries, and I would say to North Korea and Kim Jong Un, you really should be careful about bandying about threats," said Almone in an interview with the GBC's Kristen Kelly.

"If you keep poking the bear and provoking other countries for long enough, one of these times, they might just give you a 'Christmas gift' you don't expect."

Following policy of previous administrations, Almone has taken a tough stance on North Korea since taking over as Foreign Affairs Secretary.

She previously called North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a "wannabe thug" and a "privileged despot."

Earlier this year, she said in a press conference that North Korea was "all bark and no bite," but she has since said the rogue, hermit country needs to be "reined in" and "taken seriously."

North Korea has previously hurled colorful insults at Almone, calling her "a desperate woman" and "a cow being lead to slaughter."

The communist regime has also insulted Grassadellian President Jim McCaren, calling him "a buffoon" and describing him as having "the I.Q. of a small, disabled child."

Durick trails CNS opponents in Wilkonshire governor's race

CHRISTON, Wilk. -- He won by a sliver of the vote in the 2016 election, and now Wilkonshire Governor Tom Durick (pronounced "Dure-rick") is facing even steeper odds going into his 2020 re-election race.

In 2016, Durick eventually became governor after weeks of recounting. He barely edged out Christon Mayor Tara Hadley (C).

Now Hadley is running again, and a recent Insiders poll shows Hadley leading Durick by three points, 49% to 46%, respectively.

Durick also trails Conservative political newcomer Charlie Dunn by an even larger margin, 44%-53%, respectively.

Dunn has never run for office before. He owns an office supply company in Teaupederie.

Durick has the advantage in the money race. He has $1.3 million on hand as of December 1. Hadley has $800,000 and Dunn has not yet filed a report, so his financial status is unclear.

Wilkonshire is a battleground state, with a relatively even number of CNS and NAT voters.

The poll found Durick performing best in the liberal stronghold of Bradford, the state's second-largest city. He also does well in the state capital Provincetown and in the southern suburbs of Christon.

Hadley and Dunn both have the clear edge in the state's largest city Christon and its suburbs. The Conservative candidates also receive strong support in the southern city of Petersboro, as well as Oak Valley and Jaffling in the western half of the state.

The poll found the state's northeast corner is virtually evenly split between the two political parties.

White House placed angry phone call to Collester over Almone nomination

MAVOCKE -- When President Jim McCaren nominated former POG Governor Donna Almone to be the next Foreign Affairs Secretary, he got push-back from some members of Congress.

But McCaren also got complaints from an unlikely source: the President of the United States.

Phone records and aides to McCaren and Almone confirmed that US President Donald J. Trump called Collester the day after Almone was nominated for the position.


Trump spoke directly with McCaren, with Almone and a handful of other officials listening in.

The US President expressed his dissatisfaction with Almone, who has frequently and publicly criticized Trump in the past.

Trump told McCaren he should rescind Almone's nomination and pick someone else for the top job at Foreign Affairs.

"With all due respect, Mr. President, I am not going to pick someone else. Donna Almone is who I chose and I am going to stick with that decision. I have the utmost confidence in her," McCaren told Trump.

Collester did not release the full transcript from the call, including Trump's verbatim comments.

But sources say Trump was upset and told McCaren picking Almone was a mistake.

In a meeting last month with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Almone said she told Pompeo privately that she would be fair toward Trump and his administration when working with the United States.

"I told Secretary Pompeo that when he and President Trump are right on the issues, I will speak up and join with them. And when President McCaren and I feel the Americans are wrong on the issue, we will speak up about that as well," said Almone, recalling the conversation.

Before she took over her new job as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Almone criticized Trump for his positions on climate change and immigration. She also condemned his use of personal attacks and views toward women.

Asked if she thought Trump, Pompeo and other officials in the Trump administration would treat her fairly, Almone said she hoped so.

"I don't want to be mistreated for being a woman. Whether it's by a foreign government or by someone in our own country. I shouldn't be looked down upon because I'm a woman. No woman should have to deal with that kind of sexism in this day and age," said Almone. "But I also don't want to be treated with kid gloves. I want to be treated like everyone else, like all the men. I want my peers and counterparts from other countries to be straight up and honest with me and to treat me fairly but with dignity."

McCaren said Almone is "just as tough and competent and capable as any man" in a similar role.

"Donna is an amazing foreign secretary, and she will do as good if not better a job than any male politician will," McCaren said.

McCaren also issued a stinging rebuke to Trump, saying "no foreign government or foreign leader will ever dictate who I can or cannot nominate to my cabinet. That is my decision. Grassadellia is a sovereign country and we will conduct our business on our own terms. We will not be influenced or swayed by foreigners."

GNN contacted the White House for comment on this story but received no response.

DelLorean to challenge Ralston in 2020 Senate race

KOEURN, Ansleigha -- Nationalists have recruited a top-tier candidate to take on the top Conservative in the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Jon Ralston (C-Ansleigha) is up for re-election in 2020, and Nationalists have been eager to oust him from office.

They will get their chance in the 2020 election, when his Senate seat is up for grabs.

Today, top state NAT party leaders confirmed former Senator Carol DelLorean (pronounced Dell-Lory-On) will run against Ralston.

DelLorean previously represented Ansleigha in the Senate from 2011-2017. She was defeated by a sliver in the 2016 election by Conservative Ellie Higgins.

The former senator has not officially announced her candidacy, and but party leaders and friends of DelLorean have confirmed she will run.

Her candidacy means Ralston, an outspoken Conservative, will likely face a tough re-election battle in 2020.

DelLorean is well-known in the state, is wealthy and well-connected.

An ardent liberal, she is somewhat divisive but articulate and can go toe-to-toe with Ralston.

Both are strong campaigners and both have strong personalities, making for an epic race.

A spokeswoman for DelLorean declined to comment.

A spokesman for Ralston's campaign responded with sarcasm, saying the minority leader would welcome DelLorean's candidacy.

"If she wants to run, great!" said spokesman Joshua Isaacs. "If Carol DelLorean wants to run on her record of big government, unlimited taxes and spending, and failed, radical social policy, our campaign would love to stand against her."

NAT fears repeat loss in Ansleigha governor's race, Conservative field narrows

KOEURN, Ansleigha -- For the first time in nine years, the state of Ansleigha will have an open governor's race in the 2020 election.

Ansleigha is a notorious battle ground state, with roughly equal amounts of Conservative and Nationalist voters.

Naturally, the Nationalist Party should have a decent shot at taking the state's governorship, after outgoing Conservative Governor Dale Lindstrom leaves due to term limits.

Yet recent polling has shown all eight NAT gubernatorial candidates trailing the CNS front runner, actor Sam Baskingwood.

Both parties had eight candidates apiece running at one point, though a few have dropped out on each side.

But the polls, conducted by the non-partisan Grantham Institute (GI) in neighboring New Portsmouth, show all the NAT's candidates significantly behind Baskingwood, a political newcomer who has high name recognition and solid fundraising.

On the NAT side, Churchtown Mayor Paul Biddington and state Attorney General Jon Erickson are the leading candidates, both taking 19% each in the GI poll of NAT voters.

And both trail Baskingwood: Erickson by 42% to 55%, Biddington by a punishing 38% to 57%, respectively.

Speaker of the State House, Becky Grael, comes in third place among likely NAT voters, with 15 percent, with fiery businesswoman Rosamond Burkes right behind her with 14 percent and Carlinegan businessman Russ Hawley with 13 percent.

Grael trails Baskingwood by 20 points (38%-58%), Hawley trails him by nine (44%-53%).

Only Burkes - the controversial, outspoken, wealthy coal mining executive and activist, comes close to beating Baskingwood. She trails the actor by three points, 46%-49%, respectively.

Koeurn City Councillor Paris Westerman, businessman Pete Coble and activist Patti Layne all poll in the single digits among likely NAT voters. Baskingwood crushes all of them in head-to-head match-ups: 57%-40% (Westerman), 53%-41% (Coble) and 55%-42% for Layne.

For Nationalist Party leaders, it's a nightmare scenario. After nine years of a Conservative governor, the 2020 election should be a prime opportunity for the NAT to pick up the state's governorship.

But early polling shows a grim future for the party in 2020.

It appears the state NAT may be headed for a repeat of past elections.

In 2010, Conservative Governor Dale Lindstrom beat Nationalist candidate Elliot Androlov 55%-45% in a special election for a two-year term.

Two years later, Lindstrom again held off Androlov, this time by a 54%-46% margin.

And in 2016, Lindstrom defeated NAT nominee Mark Haller, again by a 54%-46% margin.

Now party leaders are panicking, fearing they may fall again in 2020 to Baskingwood.

Despite having no political experience, Baskingwood is a well-known celebrity, and has close political ties to prominent Conservatives.

Though he's running as a Conservative, the wealthy actor has donated to candidates from both parties in the past.

Not only is the NAT likely to face a well-known and deep-pocketed Conservative rival in Baskingwood, their top candidates are struggling.

Many NAT insiders believe Paul Biddington, the outspoken and aloof mayor of Churchtown, is too liberal to win a general election.

As a strong progressive, Biddington enjoys strong support from the state's NAT primary voters. But he flops in general election polling, where voters are much more moderate.

Additionally, his abrasive personality turns off many voters in a state that values civility, critics say.

"If Nationalists pick Paul Biddington as their nominee for governor in 2020, we might as well just forfeit the race the next day," said one party figure, who asked to remain anonymous so as to avoid causing internal party strife.

Party leaders say similar things about state Speaker of the House Becky Grael, who also is known for having an abrasive personality and a far-left political ideology.

Rosamond Burkes isn't far-left politically, but the wealthy businesswoman has been called "the female version of Donald Trump," and is known for having no filter when speaking to the media or in debates.

Attorney General Jon Erickson is more centrist and less divisive, but many see him as a political opportunist, since he just won the attorney generalship in 2016.

"Jon Erickson is a great candidate but it seems like he's just trying to climb the ladder way too quickly," said the same NAT party official, who asked for anonymity discussing internal party issues.

The other contenders are "fine candidates" but lack the name recognition or support from party leadership, sources say.

Some concerned Nationalists have suggested the party should recruit Assemblyman Lane Kearster to run.

A former mayor of Koeurn, Kearster is well-respected by members of both parties and is highly bipartisan, yet he's progressive enough to satisfy the left-wing NAT base, supporters say.

But Kearster already ruled out a run for governor, opting instead to run for re-election to the Assembly.

Some party members, though, say there's no need to panic yet.

The large field of candidates will winnow down, they say. And there's no guarantee Sam Baskingwood, the popular, well-known actor, will win the Conservative Party's primary either.

Indeed, Baskingwood faced seven other contenders when he first announced his candidacy. But since then, four have dropped out or switched races.

Pat Ramsey, a former school librarian, and later, international trader, first considered running for secretary of state, but ultimately chose to run for the Federal Senate, challenging NAT incumbent John Schauman, who is up for re-election in 2020.

McKendra Brown, a former assemblywoman, dropped out of the governor's race, announcing she will instead seek the vacant secretary of state position.

Bill Haas, an assemblyman from Gilliam, dropped out and will seek re-election to the Assembly.
And financial analyst Tom Burkett dropped out of politics altogether, saying he will not run for any other office.

All four now-former candidates endorsed Baskingwood.

But Basingwood will not have a clear path to the party's nomination.

He's still facing three opponents, most notably, right-wing Gilliam car salesman Lou Gibbs, who has criticized Baskingwood for being too moderate.

Assemblyman Nick Winsich and current Lt. Gov. Greg Lyons also remain in the race, though they both trail Baskingwood and Gibbs significantly.

Another factor that remains uncertain is a possible Independent bid by Nationalist Rosamond Burkes.

The outspoken, crude candidate has struggled to find her place in the NAT Party because of her conservative positions on energy and race relations.

It's possible she may drop out of the NAT race and run for governor as an Independent.

Former Senator Paul Ludtke, a former Conservative-turned-Democratic Reformist (DR), may also mount a third-party bid.

Ludtke previously represented Ansleigha in the Senate as a Conservative, but switched to the DR Party because of its pro-interventionist foreign policy and its lack of concern over the federal budget deficit.

In short, the Ansleigha governor's race is far from decided. Many variables still remain up in the air. But concern is growing in the Nationalist Party, and more acrimony is likely.

Just this week, Paris Westerman, the Koeurn City Councillor who was running for governor, exited the race. Westerman announced he will instead run for mayor of Koeurn.

In his announcement, he also praised the less divisive candidates in the race, ultimately throwing his support to Patti Layne.

"We have a lot of outspoken, angry people running for governor right now," said Westerman. "We need a candidate who can not just criticize and attack their opponent, but someone who can offer hope to Ansleighans."

Outgoing Governor Dale Lindstrom initially endorsed his Lt. Governor, Greg Lyons. But with Lyons trailing in the polls, Lindstrom has since said he would endorse any of the candidates except Lou Gibbs.

"There are seven candidates who would make a great governor," said Lindstrom at the early stages of the campaign, when eight candidates were in the race. A reporter pointed out there were eight candidates total running.

"Yes, I'm aware. There are seven who would make a great governor," he said with a hint of sarcasm, implying Lou Gibbs was the one candidate he would not support.

In response, Gibbs called Lindstrom "a wimp" and "basically a Nationalist."

"Dale Lindstrom will go down in history as a wimp who was basically a Nationalist and did little for this state," Gibbs told a crowd of supporters.

"In 2020, we're going to shock the political establishment, just like Donald Trump did in the USA in 2016. We're going to show them that the political class doesn't always win. Regular people like me, a car salesman from Gilliam, can win, because people want someone who's not afraid to speak the truth and get things done."

Gymbal passes on run for governor

MAVOCKE -- Ansleigha Senator Luke Gymbal will not run for his state's governorship in 2020, he announced this week.

Gymbal, a popular Conservative, was widely seen as a strong candidate for governor to succeed outgoing Governor Dale Lindstrom (C).

But Gymbal just won another Senate term in 2018, and launching another high-profile campaign so soon after his last doesn't appeal to him, he said.

"I'm still recovering from 2018," Gymbal joked while speaking with reporters.

The main factor in his decision, though, was his family.

At age 38, Gymbal is married and has young children.

"My kids are in a great school, a great program in Mavocke, and it just isn't the right time to uproot them from that and put my family through another hard campaign," said the senator.

His decision to skip the governor's race opens the door for other Conservative candidates, including Lt. Gov. Greg Lyons, former Assemblywoman McKendra Brown, and current Assemblymen Bill Haas and Nick Winsich.

State Sen. Pat Ramsey is also considering running too, according to sources close to her.

A handful of lesser-known Conservatives may also enter the race.

The Nationalist side includes even more potential candidates, most notably state Sen. Paul Biddington, Carlinegan businessman Russ Hawley, Koeurn City Councillor Paris Westerman, and Attorney General Jon Erickson.

Assemblyman Jeff Symanthe of Churchtown is also interested in running, friends say.

The most controversial candidate that could emerge in the 2020 race is Rosamond Burkes, the wealthy mining and oil magnate and former activist who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2016.

Burkes came under fire in the 2016 race for rebuking police brutality protesters and for what many people called her "insensitive" remarks on racial tensions.


She has not commented on running for governor again, but with a net worth of more than $500 million (estimated), she'll have a leg up over other potential candidates, financially.

Assemblyman and former Koeurn Mayor Lane Kearster (N) has said he will not seek the governorship.

And former NAT nominees Mark Haller and Elliot Androlov have both ruled themselves out as 2020 gubernatorial candidates.

Heidi Wolmach, Jon Ralston spar over gun legislation

MAVOCKE -- In the wake of a deadly mass-shooting, Nationalist politicians are more motivated than ever before to push forward gun control legislation.

They're running up against opposition from their Conservative colleagues, however.

Conservatives have recommended improvements to the nation's mental health system instead of gun control statutes.

But a prominent NAT senator says voters will force Conservatives' hands on the issue.

Heidi Wolmach, a senator from Marchenay, told GNN's Chris Metos that gun control will be a 'defining issue' in the upcoming 2020 elections.

"The people of this country demand action. They demand change. They demand reform. And the Conservative Party is refusing to listen. They're blatantly defying the will of the people," said Wolmach on Metos' Now This program.

"But the thing is, Chris, if the Conservatives won't listen, if they refuse to do what the people demand, the voters will do something. And the Nationalist Party is not going to ignore the will of the people. We will stand with the victims of these shootings. We will stand with the mothers who lose their kids to gun violence. We will stand with the kids who live in fear of a school shooting. We will stand with the victims who are paralyzed and permanently injured because of gun fire. We will stand with them."

When asked about Wolmach's comments Wednesday, the top Conservative in the Senate, Jon Ralston of Ansleigha, rolled his eyes and dismissed Wolmach's words with a wave of his hand.

"That's ridiculous," he muttered.

"Senator Wolmach is good at making dramatic statements on television. But the reality is, the Conservative Party stands with victims too. That's why we support gun rights. Because no one should have to live in fear. No one should be defenseless when they're attacked or mugged. People have a right to defend themselves and their families from criminals and intruders, and the Conservative Party stands with those people," said Ralston.

He added the CNS is in the process of crafting a major overhaul of the nation's mental health system, which is the solution to mass-shootings.

"We aren't ignoring the will of the people. They people do want change, and they do want action. And that's why we're moving on mental health, because that's where the problem begins. If you want to nip the problem in the bud, that's where you start. The Nationalist Party has put forward nothing that comes close to what we're proposing. And they never will, because they're just interested in rhetoric and instilling fear," said Ralston.

Meanwhile, a group of Nationalist senators and members of assembly are planning and will attend a candlelight vigil at the nation's capitol to honor the victims of gun violence.

The vigil is planned in the aftermath of the Grassadellia City ComicCon event at Sequester Lane, where 21 people died and over 30 people were injured when a gunman opened fire at random.

The Grassadellian Rifle Club, the country's largest gun-rights organization, has spent $15 million in the last month on TV, radio and internet ads that support and advocate for mental health reform.

Max Kiesling says feud with POG governor will not affect funding for state's schools

MAVOCKE -- He just got confirmed as the nation's next Education Secretary, but the moment he was confirmed, reporters began asking Max Kiesling if his contentious relationship with POG Governor Ramon Ramos would affect his new job.

Kiesling, POG's former federal senator and secretary of state, has had a difficult relationship with Ramos.

Kiesling and Ramos both vied for the governorship in 2018. Ramos defeated Kiesling and two other candidates in the primary election.

After his primary defeat, Kiesling refused to endorse Ramos in the general election, and the two traded public jabs at each other.

Kiesling accused Ramos of being too partisan and uncivil, while Ramos said Kiesling was a sore loser.

But last week, the Federal Senate approved Kiesling as Grassadellia's next Education Secretary, at President Jim McCaren's request.

The Senate confirmed Kiesling by a vote of 79-17, with ultra-liberal and ultra-conservative senators opposing his nomination largely on ideological grounds.

Immediately though, Kiesling was asked about his feud with Ramos.

"Will your ongoing conflict with Ramon Ramos affect POG's schools system?" asked Duncan Wiley, a reporter from the Lansdale Focus.

"Of course not," said an agitated Kiesling. "Of course not. I have my issues with Ramon, but as Education Secretary, I will always put the students first, the students of every state. Political skirmishes and rivals will not overshadow or impact the work of the Education Department," said Kiesling.

Some lawmakers suggested Kiesling may withhold funds from POG's schools as a way to punish Ramos.

"That's a ridiculous notion, I can't believe you're even asking that," said a clearly irritated Kiesling. "I will never punish our schools, our students, our teachers, our communities by withholding funds or resources. Never."

A spokesperson for Ramos declined to comment on the issue.

As secretary of state, Kiesling was known for being a strong supporter of public schools. He has vowed to continue his support as education secretary.

"Our kids are our future. Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed and learn and grow. And I will do whatever I can, regardless of political battles, to make sure that every child in Grassadellia has the same opportunities to succeed."

President McCaren praised Kiesling as "even-handed" and "truly, authentically bipartisan."

"Max is the right person to improve our schools and to support our kids," said McCaren. "We need good teachers, we need good counselors, secretaries, school janitors, bus drivers, recess monitors. We need all that. But we also need good people at the top, and Max Kiesling is a great pick."

Paula Tulane will not switch parties

PERCASIN, Onakiah -- Rumors have been abounding in Onakiah lately about the political future of Governor Paula Tulane.


A moderate, centrist Nationalist, Tulane has breezed to election wins in recent years - a major accomplishment considering Onakiah is a Conservative-leaning state.

And in recent weeks, speculation that the moderate Nationalist might switch to the Conservative Party has been rampant.

It all started with Onakiah political blogger Matt Brecker, when he wrote an article predicting Tulane's defection to the CNS.

Other conservative radio and TV commentators joined in the speculation, as did some members of Onakiah's legislature.

But today, in an interview with Andrea Jennings of Owens Park 4NewsNow, Tulane made it clear she has no intention of leaving the NAT.

"I have always been a Nationalist. I grew up in a pro-union, pro-labor family. I served in the National Assembly as a Nationalist who was pro-union and pro-labor. And I'm a governor who is pro-union and pro-labor. I've always been a Nationalist and always will be."

Tulane has some of the highest approval ratings of any governor in the nation. She holds pro-labor views and holds mainstream NAT positions on health care and social security. However, she supports coal production, she has asked for additional border agents on Onakiah's southern border with Tundra, and she has routinely worked with Conservatives in the state legislature to pass a consensus agenda.

Critics point out that, while she has been re-elected governor twice, she has never faced any big-name opponents.

"It's easy to win re-election when you're running against a 'nobody,'" state Rep. Kevin Connor told the Owens Park Record newspaper.

Still, Tulane remains popular. A recent poll found 62% of Onakiahans approved of her.

Her term isn't up until 2022, and it's unclear if she'll even run for re-election.

But one thing is known: Paula Tulane will remain a Nationalist.

Sequester Lane charity concert raises over $30 million for victims, mental health

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- A televised charity concert has raised over $30 million for the victims of the Sequester Lane shooting rampage last month.

Twenty-one people died in the mass-shooting at Grassadellia City's ComicCon event in the Sequester Lane neighborhood. Over 30 people were injured.

A young child and teenagers were among the victims.

On Wednesday night, the nation's main television networks teamed up, sponsoring a nation-wide charity concert to raise funds for the victims' families and to help fund mental health awareness.

The show featured celebrities from different musical genres, including The Cons, Berta Evra, Massalon, Emily Porter and others, as well as a moving final tribute from indie singer Leifa Kimskey.

"There's no words that can describe our grief over what happened," said Kimskey, before she performed. "Fortunately, there's music," she said with a tearful smile.

After the concert, organizers said the concert netted over $30 million from millions of donors, mostly in the form of small donations of $20 or less.

The shooting shocked the nation and the comic community.

A motive for the shooting is still unclear. Crown Police have said the suspect was an avid comic fan, but they do not believe he had any animus against the comic community or industry.

"We feel this was a planned attack, it was targeted, but the victims, the venue, were chosen out of convenience rather than a grievance," said Metro Police Chief Barry Whitemore. "He just wanted a place with a lot of people and a large event like ComicCon was an attractive target for someone hoping to inflict a lot of damage."

The gunman, 19-year-old Caleb Danten, was shot and killed by police at the scene.

Danten's friends and family say he had struggled with mental health all through high school and after he dropped out of school.

Crown Police confirmed this week the guns Danten used in his attack were purchased legally by his mother and other family members.

It is believed Danten stole the weapons without family members' knowledge.

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Jim McCaren vowed to take action to stop future gun violence.

"What happened at the ComicCon, we can't have that happen again. We just can't," he said in a press conference last week.

Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan blamed Conservatives in Congress for not acting on gun safety legislation.

"There's a very simple solution to gun violence: stop selling them so easily," said Duvan.

Damoign's lone Conservative senator, Roman Chatskovy, has voted in favor of gun-control legislation in the past. He has also voiced support for future legislation.

However, the top Conservative senator in the chamber, Ansleigha Senator Jon Ralston, has said gun-control legislation is not a top priority for his caucus.

"Forbidding guns never works. It never has and it never will. But increasing mental health, getting disturbed and troubled people the help they need...that will make a difference," said Ralston.

Grassadellia City's officially independent but left-leaning mayor Kellan Kastol has said he may introduce tighter firearm restrictions for Grassadellia City if Congress won't act.

"We have to do something. We owe it to the families of this horrible tragedy," said Kastol.

The Grassadellian Rifle Club (GRC), the nation's largest pro-gun organization, has made a major media push in the wake of the shooting to emphasize mental health measures instead of gun control.