Mark Ellsworth swaps out energy-efficient LED streetlights for old, less-efficient ones

DEROSA, E. Des. -- In one of his first moves as the new governor of East Deschire, Mark Ellsworth (C) has ordered the state department of transportation to replace energy-efficient LED streetlights with older, less-efficient lights.

Former Gov. Val Hennemott (N) instructed the state department of transportation to upgrade streetlights with newer bulbs that emit less energy in an effort to reduce state government's energy waste.

In a press conference celebrating the return to older technology, Ellsworth criticized the LED lights, saying they are dimmer and provide less light, creating a public safety problem.

"My predecessor caved to the left-wing, 'woke' policies of radical environmentalists, and installed these LED light bulbs to ostensibly 'fight climate change.' But common sense shows that these new lights are dim, they don't work as well, they don't light up the streets as well, and they make darker, less safe streets for East Deschireans. So we're going back to the old bulbs that actually worked."

"Public safety should outweigh the false hoax of climate change," he said, in a direct jab to Hennemott.

Under the new executive order, the LED lights will be phased out and replaced with older, amber-colored streetlights, which require more energy.

Some local politicians and citizens had criticized the LED lights for both less brightness and also a harsher color.

Ellsworth said lighting streets with good lighting that doesn't hurt people's eyes is most important.

The East Deschire Coalition for Clean Energy criticized the governor's executive order as "a stunt," "and not a very good one, at that," said Cliff Heggins, CEO of the non-profit group.

The state Nationalist Party also chimed in with a scathing take on Ellsworth's reversion to older lights.

"Only a crazy, climate-denier like Mark Ellsworth would think installing old light bulbs that are less-efficient and more harmful for the environment, would be a good thing," said Tracy Adkinson, vice president of the state NAT Party.

In a statement from his office, Ellsworth's spokesperson Ashley Stevers said the governor is open to saving taxpayers money through energy efficiency, "if it makes sense."

"No one is opposed to energy efficiency, including Governor Ellsworth. But when the 'woke' policies don't make sense, when they put the people of East Deschire last and radical, unproven environmental policies first, the governor is going to oppose those policies at every turn," Stevers said in an email to GNN.

The Hennemott administration had said installing LED lights would save the state millions of dollars in the long run, however those numbers were never confirmed.

The Ellsworth administration has declined to comment on the financial impact of reverting back to older-style lights.

Mike Shannon hits the ground running as new Marchenay governor

NEWCASTLE, March. -- Newly-elected Governor Mike Shannon (C) is diving into his new role just months after he took over the reins of the state's top job. 

Shannon, who defeated former Gov. Dan Rattner (N) in the 2022 election, has already signed over two dozen bills into law, including some that are near-and-dear to conservative causes.

The governor signed JB 2417, which allows members of the military to skip mandatory gun safety classes if they've already undergone military training.

He also signed JB 2426, which guarantees free legal representation for police officers accused of misconduct, if accused officers are found not guilty of the charges.

Shannon has also taken action on his own without the legislature's approval.

He signed executive orders prohibiting mask mandates unless the state secretary of health, who is appointed by the governor, agrees mask mandates are necessary.

Another executive order the governor issued was one protecting the death penalty in Marchenay.

His predecessor had issued an executive order prohibiting state prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in all criminal cases. Shannon's order rescinds Rattner's and ensures the death penalty is still available for eligible violent crimes.

Shannon also signed an executive order that prohibits teaching on transgenderism and sexual identity in public until the sixth grade.

And he approved a state budget that includes record spending on road projects, a key promise of his 2022 campaign.

With Marchenay's legislature firmly under NAT control, Shannon can't pass all of his chosen legislative priorities.

State NAT leaders refused to support his policies on teaching transgenderism, police legal representation, and the death penalty, which is why the governor turned to executive orders.

The governor has shown some bipartisanship, however.

He sided with Nationalist legislators when he signed a bill that protects over 50,000 acres of wilderness in the Blueshott Mountains in southern Marchenay. Conservative legislators were largely opposed.

And the governor's staff and key NAT state lawmakers all agree that Shannon has made efforts to reach across the aisle. 

He has weekly contact with NAT state senators and representatives, either in person, or over the phone, his chief of staff Kyle Webb said. NAT lawmakers confirmed the governor regularly reaches out.

Still, his conservative agenda will be difficult to enshrine in law with a heavily-NAT legislature.

Sources close to the governor and close to key NAT figures in the state all agree that Shannon faces a difficult challenge in weaving his conservative agenda through an NAT-controlled state legislature.

But the governor, who is known for his tact and ability to work with people, is a strong negotiator, and is willing to work with anyone if it helps advance his priorities, sources close to him said.

Those sources did not want to be named, because they are not permitted to speak to the media about inter-office work.

Shannon himself has publicly pledged to work with Nationalists, with one caveat.

"I will work with the other party, as long as they work with me in good faith," he told an audience on the campaign trail back in November 2022.

"If Nationalists back out of deals, or if they don't honor their word, though, that breaks trust, and I probably won't be interested in working with them again. If everyone works together in an honest effort, and in good faith; if everybody conducts themselves professionally and in a business-like manner, we'll get along fine, even if we vehemently disagree," he said.

As for former Gov. Dan Rattner, he has quietly taken a job as a lawyer in private practice. He announced on Twitter last month he has joined the Madagen law firm Jones, Reilly and O'Bannon.

Rattner's office declined to comment for this story.

He has not said if he plans to run again for governor, or another office, in the future.

Vic Chambers holds on in divided NAT primary election

MASTWIN, S. Ceona -- A four-way race for the special Senate election in South Ceona benefitted the incumbent, Saturday.

Sen. Vic Chambers (N) secured his party's nomination for re-election, despite three well-funded challengers from his party who targeted the moderate senator.

Chambers secured 27.72% of the votes in Saturday's special election, hardly a mandate from Nationalist Party voters, but enough to win the NAT nomination.

His closest challenger was left-wing activist Taffy Layholt, a community organizer from inner-city Fairfield. Layholt received just over a quarter of the votes (25.08%), respectively.

Businesswoman Tiffany Kisner and former Member of Assembly Allan Shephard, both moderates, were close behind. Kisner received 24.27% and Shephard had 22.93 percent, as of the last-updated numbers.

Early on in the tabulations, it was looking grim for Chambers, who, despite being a life-long Nationalist, has a very conservative voting record and often sides with his Conservative colleagues over his fellow NAT peers.

Even though South Ceona is a Conservative-leaning state, Chambers has had success winning re-election in the past, as many Conservative voters have supported him.

But over the past few years, Nationalists have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Chambers' conservative voting patterns.

South Ceona liberals have attacked Chambers for years, and were hoping to oust him in the party's special primary election.

However, progressives' hopes were dashed when Chambers three opponents split the vote and allowed the senator to narrowly slip by with a plurality of the vote.

Chambers supporters were nervous early in the night, as early returns from the state's more populous western half leaned heavily in favor of Layholt, Kisner and Shephard.

Hinterwin County, the state's most-populated, which encompasses the state's largest city of Gallaghan, went easily to Shephard. Chambers took a distant last-place there.

He fared similarly badly in Fairfield County, the second-most-populous county. Shephard won that county too.

In eastern South Ceona, Chambers came in last in Malden County also, the fourth-largest county in the state.

But he made significant gains in Addieburg County, which includes Chambers' hometown of Mastwin. The senator won over 60% there, routing his rivals.

Chambers was also successful in several mid-size counties, including New Britain County, which includes the northern suburbs of Fairfield, and Whimsner County in the north-central part of the state.

His surprise win is relief for the state's Conservative Party, which has agreed not to run an official Conservative candidate against Chambers in the upcoming general election.

With no strong candidates lined up to run, the state CNS Party recruited businessman and former Senate candidate Scotch Harrison as a last-minute candidate, in case Chambers lost his NAT primary.

Chambers struck a deal with South Ceona's Conservative Party because of his history of voting with the CNS so frequently. In many ways, Chambers is considered a reliable Conservative vote, even though he's from the opposing party.

He will now go on to the special general election, where no mainstream or well-known Conservative candidates will be on the ballot. Scotch Harrison immediately withdrew from the race upon Chambers' win.

The only candidate left on the ballot will be Conservative activist John Rambo from rural Silanstra County. Rambo has little name recognition and little money backing his campaign, and the Conservative Party has made clear they do not endorse Rambo's candidacy.

That clears the path for Chambers to win re-election, however, the 77-year-old senator has hinted his third term may be his last.

Assuming Chambers wins re-election, he'll remain a firm conservative senator representing South Ceona. 

Fellow Nationalist Sen. Mick O'Toole is the only reliable liberal vote representing the state.

***South Ceona Senate Primary Election -- NAT -- Results***

Chambers	Kisner	Layholt	Shephard		Chambers	Kisner	Layholt	Shephard
27.72%	24.27%	25.08%	22.93%		204,960	179,451	185,492	169,569
					27.72%	24.27%	25.08%	22.93%

Lembcke appoints Karsten to fill vacant Senate seat

RATHCLAN, S. Ceona -- In his first official act since taking office, newly-elected South Ceona Gov. Mike Lembcke (C) appointed Jane Karsten to fill a vacant Senate seat.

The seat was previously held by Lembcke himself, and upon his election to the governorship, the seat became vacant.

Lembcke's Senate term is not set to expire until 2024.

With the seat up for grabs in less than two years, state law requires a governor to appoint a replacement in lieu of a special election.

Karsten, a fellow Conservative from Fairfield, is a former lieutenant governor who served under former governor Greg Laskie (C).

Lembcke considered several individuals for the appointment, including former Senator Craig Svenson and former unsuccessful Senate candidate Scotch Harrison.

Sources close to Lembcke say he was reticent to choose Svenson, who is somewhat gaffe-prone and a political lightning rod for criticism. 

And Lembcke views Harrison, a moderate, as too liberal and unpredictable.

The governor settled on Karsten, in part, because she's a woman, she's photogenic, and a reliable Conservative vote, sources say, though the sources GNN spoke with stressed Karsten was not chosen simply because of her gender. 

In 2018, Karsten toyed with leaving her post as lieutenant governor and running for Senate. However, she ultimately chose to seek re-election with Laskie. 

The two lost to Nationalists Brett Ratenzy and Nancy Droll, respectively.

Now, Karsten, 62, is set to become the first woman to represent South Ceona in the Federal Senate since statehood.

It's unclear if Karsten plans to run for the seat permanently in 2024, or simply hold the seat temporarily until a different long-term successor is chosen.

Karsten is set to be sworn in at the capitol on Monday, February 27.

Ellsworth wins East Deschire governorship

DOYLESTOWN, E. Des. -- Attorney General Mark Ellsworth (C) narrowly clinched East Deschire's governorship this week, ousting one-term Gov. Val Hennemott (N).

Ellsworth, a strong Conservative family man who at 48 years old, is handsome and telegenic, was expected to win in one of the nation's most conservative states.

He was running against a enfeebled NAT incumbent, with high inflation and controversial social issues like transgender students in bathrooms, abortion, and drug needle exchanges at the fore of the campaign.

Ellsworth, a darling of the right-wing of the Conservative Party, tied Hennemott to President Jim McCaren and the top NAT Federal Senator Debbie Madronas (N-Damoign) at every turn.

But Hennemott tried to change the narrative in the closing weeks. She had help from Ellsworth himself, who is somewhat gaffe-prone and openly hostile to political correctness. 

East Deschire's first female governor characterized her conservative opponent as unprepared and inept. 

In the final weeks of the race, she also portrayed Ellsworth as frightening, telling seniors he would try to gut the state's Social Security allowances, Medicare allotments, and state pensions.

"Mark Ellsworth is not a good choice for seniors. Not at all. He is hostile to Medicare, he is hostile to pensioners, he is hostile to Social Security. He wants to cut spending at all costs to impress his radical supporters, and he'll throw seniors under the bus to get a smaller bottom line," she said at a campaign rally in Bridgeworth.

Ellsworth hit Hennemott for soaring energy prices, rising grocery prices, and job losses -- things that were largely out of her control.

He and his Conservative allies also heavily criticized the governor for shutting down businesses and imposing COVID restrictions at the height of the pandemic.

"When Val Hennemott shut down hard-working East Deschire businesses, she took away people's paychecks. She made people lose their homes and their livelihoods. She made kids fall behind in school. She unconstitutionally and illegally took away peoples' right to worship freely at the church of their choice. Her COVID rules and policies forever, irreparably damaged East Deschire in ways that will take years to repair," he told East Deschire Public Radio in an interview shortly before election day.

After a closely-watched campaign, the final election results were close, with Ellsworth winning a slim majority of the vote, and Hennemott trailing by five percent, or not quite 100,000 votes out of more than 2.2 million cast.

As expected, Ellsworth won big in the strongly Conservative population centers of Clawfield, Beddingfield, and Birch Hollow.

He won by more modest margins in his hometown of Doylestown, and had similar modest wins in Darrich County and Mardeau County, the state's most-populous.

Hennemott won decisively in her hometown of Christen-Kerr. She also won by a wide margin in Selkford County, home to Hansboro.

She had smaller wins in Lewaina County, home to the state capitol, and in Mackinee County, Sauder County and Seskennan County.

Ultimately, Ellsworth racked up huge wins in rural counties, though Hennemott did win some rural counties that have large indigenous populations.

When he takes office next week, Ellsworth will become East Deschire's fourth governor, the second Conservative governor, and the youngest governor in state history. He's also the first governor from Doylestown, the state's third-largest city.

Hennemott has not said for sure what her future plans are, but it's likely she will return to her job as a consultant. She could also seek office again, either the governorship in 2026, or a Federal Senate seat.

**Election Results** -- East Deschire Governor 

Mark Ellsworth / Lisa Nolander (CNS)	51.57%	1,152,753
Val Hennemott / Mark Holder (NAT)*	47.39%	1,059,397
Other	1.04%	23,335

Ritonio reclaims Kalnier governorship in tight finish

LAMBERTH, Kal. -- As ballots continue to be counted from December's election, particularly in close races, there was one race that was perhaps the most-watched of the 2022 campaign season: the Kalnier governor's race.

Kalnier Secretary of State Lena Thorman has certified the results.

The final tally shows former Gov. Tony Ritonio (C) barely edging out incumbent Gov. Nick Hall (N) by a margin of 50.16% to 48.39 percent, respectively.

Ritonio served as governor from 2015-2019, and lost to Hall in a previous close contest in the 2018 election.

After his 2018 defeat, Ritonio went back to running his restaurant business, and stayed mum on running for his old job. He finally threw his hate into the ring in spring 2022.

His second win in 2022 means he is the first person in modern history, from either political party, to win two non-consecutive terms as governor.

Speaking at his campaign rally in downtown Lamberth, held at one of his restaurants, Ritonio thanked the voters of Kalnier "for their faith" in his candidacy, and he promised to tame inflation and Kalnier's high cost-of-living.

"The people of Kalnier have spoken loud and clear," he said in his victory speech. "They are tired of high taxes; tired of big, expensive government; tired of the out-of-control homelessness problem in our state; tired of radical political correctness that trumps the enforcement of good policy; tired of inflation; and tired of housing costs pushing young people and seniors out of the market."

"We are going to fix those things over the next four years. Gone are the 'woke' policies of our predecessors, and coming soon are sound, common-sense solutions that will deliver for Kalnierans and help their pocket books."

Hall, at his campaign celebration at an upscale, dockside restaurant, said he accepted the verdict of the voters.

"We lost tonight, and I take full responsibility for that. I am the leader of the state NAT party, I am the leader of our campaign, and the loss is on me. I won't dodge responsibility or shift blame. I accept the results and I respect the will of the voters," he said.

In an interview with Kalnier Public Radio later on in the week, Hall attributed his loss to the struggling economy and high inflation.

"Any governor who is combatting inflation and a high cost-of-living is going to face strong headwinds, and in the end, we just couldn't overcome it," he said.

Hall won big in Golstad County, which encompasses most of the liberal stronghold of Lamberth. On the opposite side of the state, he more modestly won Creighton County, home to the state's second-largest metropolitan center of Gladwell.

Hall also carried Drogen County, home to the state capitol of Appenbaum, and Del Verte County, home to the progressive city of Lockport.

But Ritonio carried most of rural Kalnier by wide margins. 

He won handily in the western and southern suburbs of Lamberth, as well as regional cities like Bellock, Katherine, Pifney, and Kirkenelly. 

Ritonio also carried Parma County by a wide margin. Parma County includes the northern suburbs of Tornboro, Trinton, and is considered a swing county.

What Ritonio's win means in the grand scheme of Kalnier politics is less clear. The governor-elect has made clear he intends to focus on the economy and shepherding pro-business policies through the legislature, much as he did during his first term.

But the state legislature is still controlled by the NAT, and Ritonio will have to cross the aisle to get many of his legislative initiatives done.

He also will likely face strong opposition from local political leaders in Lamberth, with whom he clashed frequently during his first stint as governor.

As for Hall, a 42-year-old former TV news presenter, he is unlikely to go back to his former profession, considering his choice to enter politics and forfeit political neutrality.

He could re-enter broadcast journalism and work for a more liberal, national TV news network. But aides close to the former governor say he is more likely to take a job as a professor or as a CEO of an advocacy group.

Hall is the partner of Sarah Ellen Swey, who serves on Lamberth's city council and is widely considered to be a top contender for Lamberth mayor.

It's possible Hall will serve as a campaign manager or advisor for Swey, should she declare her candidacy for mayor or another elected role.

Friends of Hall say he is likely to re-enter politics in the future, possibly running for governor again in 2026, or for Federal Senate.

"He's not done, I can tell you that," said one close advisor, who has worked for Hall since his first campaign for office in 2014. "I don't know exactly what he will run for in the future, but I know he is not done seeking elected office."

Hall did not comment when asked about his political future.

But he did wish Tony Ritonio well.

"I disagree sharply with Tony Ritonio's policies. I think they are disastrous for Kalnier and for working class people. But I hope he succeeds, I hope he helps Kalnier and hopefully some good things during his second-chance tenure," said Hall in a TV interview.

Ritonio also wished Hall well.

"We don't agree on a lot, but I think he's a nice guy, I think he has good intentions. It's just that his liberal policies are misguided. But he isn't a bad person, and for that reason, I wish him well."

Tony Ritonio / Marie Dehignen (CNS)	50.16%	1,613,201
Nick Hall / Paul Myrick (NAT)*	48.39%	1,556,230
Other	1.45%	46,746

Newkirk pulls upset in NP governor's race

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

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

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

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

The results seemed to surprise Newkirk himself.

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

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

"This election is about the people."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quanson has declined to endorse either candidate out of tradition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's not all bad news for Conservatives though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That race is considered a toss-up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glassman finished just behind Pyatt in Tuesday's primary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primary Election Results -- Federal Senate, Conservative Party Nomination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Already though, lines are being drawn between the two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the NAT side, it was a closer contest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese drones harass Grassadellian aircraft carrier in international waters

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

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

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

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

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

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

Navy High Commissioner Brett Alder reiterated Schauman's comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nationalist side is still uncertain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anxious Conservatives unite behind nominee Mike Shannon in Marchenay gubernatorial race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The crowd then booed as Shannon mentioned including Nationalists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Azurjean, Marino supported NAT candidates in previous elections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balser went on to win against Conservative Cynthia DuPayne.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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