Marelo pulls off upset in knife-edge Harlyne CNS primary election

GOLDCHRIS, Har. -- Defying all expectations, hard-line Conservative gubernatorial candidate and businessman Tom Marelo won a major upset against an establishment Conservative opponent.

Originally, five CNS candidates were vying for the Conservative party's nomination. One, H-Tel CEO Rich Tuller, dropped out and filed to run for lieutenant governor instead.

Former Attorney General Julia Giorchani and current Assemblyman Steve Frenitch both dropped out just days before the primary election.

Frenitch opted to run for attorney general instead, while Giorchani did not give a reason for her departure from the race and didn't file to run for another office.

That left Marelo and Assemblyman Frank Kerenbury, the establishment-backed and favorite candidate of party leadership.

Kerenbury is decidedly more moderate than Marelo, with the former embracing bipartisanship and moderate positions on social issues.

Marelo is considerably more conservative on fiscal and social policies, and has ruthlessly attacked Nationalists politicians.

The outspoken millionaire businessman, who is a staunch Evangelical Christian, has received strong support from his home base in Adams County, the state's most conservative county. 

Marelo's support has spread beyond Adams County, though, including to all of eastern Harlyne and even to the heavily-populated western half of the state.

Indeed, it was an unexpected wellspring of support for Marelo in Scandinaugh County, the state's second-most-populous, that helped pushed Marelo past the finish line.

Kerenbury, who hails from Scandinaugh County, ended up losing his home county narrowly, with Marelo enjoying a strong lead among working-class and blue-collar voters.

Kerenbury received more support from elderly and higher-educated voters.

In the end, the race was exceedingly close. Kerenbury led by a sliver of the vote in the first count. But as additional overseas and military ballots trickled in, Marelo pulled ahead. 

However, his win was exceedingly marginal, beating Kerenbury by less than 2,000 votes out of more than 240,000 votes cast.

A win for Marelo is a victory for hard-line and right-wing Conservatives, and a blow to party leadership, who tried to clear a path for Kerenbury.

Party elders are concerned about Marelo's nomination primarily because they believe he is too conservative to win in the fall election.

"Harlyne is a liberal state. We are a left-leaning state. We can't win with a right-wing candidate here," Josh Jarvis, a Conservative political consultant from Harlyne, told the NPF.

Additionally, Marelo previously ran unsuccessfully for governor back in 2020, losing to NAT Gov. Kate Morelda by a 52%-46% margin.

"How is this year going to be any different than 2020 when Tom Marelo lost back then? I'm not convinced he can beat Kate Morelda," Jarvis added.

Marelo brushes off concerns about electability.

"We came fairly close to winning last time around. And now voters have had almost four years of Kate Morelda's 'leadership.' People are hungry for change. They're yearning for common sense policies. They're tired of seeing homeless people on every street corner. They're tired of 'catch and release' policies with criminals who commit crimes. People are tired of being taxed out of their cars and their homes. The climate and the mood are very different this time around, and we intend to capitalize on that," Marelo told The Harlyne Sun newspaper in a sit-down interview yesterday.

Perhaps a challenge equally as daunting as defeating Kate Morelda in the fall will be the process of healing intra-party rifts between the pro-Marelo and pro-Kerenbury factions of the CNS, something Marelo acknowledged.

"I know this was a tough-fought primary election. I know Assemblyman Kerenbury is a good person and has served our state for many years. I appreciate his service and his ideas. And I hope he partners with me to win in November," said Marelo.

Kerenbury briefly toyed with changing his party registration to "Independent," which would allow him to continue his campaign for governor as an Independent candidate.

However, polls on a hypothetical Morelda-Marelo-Kerenbury, three-way race showed Morelda leading overwhelmingly, with Conservatives splitting the vote.

The adverse poll numbers convinced Kerenbury to accept defeat. He subsequently endorsed Marelo.

"It is disappointing to being standing here not as a winner but conceding to another candidate. That's not the outcome we hoped for, it's not the outcome I hoped for. But the voters have spoken, and they, ever so narrowly, chose Tom Marelo's vision for our state over my vision. And I have to respect that," Kerenbury told a local TV station Friday in Harlynee.

"This [defeat] doesn't change my fidelity to the party. I am still a loyal Conservative. I still support the party and still want our party to win in November. I will be supporting Tom Marelo in the fall. We need a change, we need new leadership in Clevey Springs. So this contested primary election doesn't change that."

Despite Marelo's endorsement, concerns persist among the Conservative party's leadership. Many fear moderate Conservative voters, who have long been the backbone of the party, may either switch their votes to Morelda in the fall election, or they may abstain and not vote at all. Either scenario would hurt Marelo's chances of taking the governorship.

Still, others point to Marelo's surprising win, and an upsurge in support he received in Scandinaugh, Herell, Bourneham and Saoca counties. They also look to states like Ansleigha, where Conservatives swept statewide elections back in 2020 in a surprising upset result.

"Who's to say Harlyne won't be the next Ansleigha," said Rick Thornton, deputy campaign manager for the Marelo campaign. "Some of the best results for Conservatives are coming out of NAT-leaning states."

Indeed, polls show Marelo either tied with or narrowly trailing Morelda in a fall match-up.

"This race is going to be much closer than national pundits and so-called 'experts' say it will be," said Marelo.

The Morelda campaign is taking anything for granted, said Vanessa Kemp, spokesperson for the Morelda campaign.

"Gov. Morelda will continue to outline and share her vision for Harlyne with the voters. Gov. Morelda believes her pro-climate, pro-environment, pro-family, pro-women and pro-civil rights policies will resonate with Harlynians. Her positions are in stark contrast to the radical anti-woman, anti-abortion, anti-climate policies of Tom Marelo. And Gov. Morelda looks forward to election day, so Harlynians can decide for themselves what direction they want our state to go for the next four years," said Kemp.

***Election Results -- Harlyne Conservative Primary for Governor -- Unofficial Results***

Candidates:	Votes:	Percent:	Counties Won:
Tom Marelo	122,203	50.75%	6
Frank Kerenbury	118,578	49.25%	5
	Total Votes:
	240,781
	Turnout:
	17.70%

Scott King says Nationalist Party must fight harder for middle class voters

TRIETON, Mon. -- As one of the most controversial governors in Grassadellia, Monomi Gov. Scott King is heavily scrutinized and criticized by his critics. 

His latest advice for his fellow Nationalists is falling on deaf ears, he says.

In an exclusive interview with the STAR Network, King told correspondent Keely Underwood that the Nationalist Party has become too focused on rich celebrities instead of middle class voters.

"Our party tends to value rich, liberal celebrities much more than middle class Grassadellians, and that's a mistake," said King.

For years, the party has placed an emphasis on fighting for low-income and poor Grassadellians, "which is great," said King. 

"But we've largely ignored the middle class," King told Underwood. "We've basically surrendered and ceded the middle class to the Conservative Party, and that's a big mistake. It's a big reason why we have lost elections. It's a big reason why so many rural and suburban voters are turned off by the Nationalist Party and our party's agenda," he said.

He pointed to many close elections in recent years, including in Kalnier's governor's race in 2022, where liberal incumbent Gov. Nick Hall performed excellently in inner-Lamberth, but flopped in the suburbs.

"Hall's agenda was exclusively focused on low-income and urban voters," said King. "[Hall] didn't even fight for suburban voters. He basically surrendered them to Tony Ritonio."

The same could be said in Veroche's 2020 governor's race, where Conservative Mac Griffin ousted NAT Gov. Tom Harper.

"Again, we saw a similar pattern. The NAT candidate does well in inner-Lanakis and urban areas. But the suburbs are largely forgotten and ignored, which allowed Mac Griffin to dominate in those areas," said King.

Not all Nationalists agree with King's assessment.

"That's bullshit," Hall told GNN, when asked for a response.

"I never ignored the suburbs. I fought for every vote I got, including people in the suburban areas. Scott King doesn't know what he's talking about," said a defiant Hall.

Hall did concede the middle class turned against him in the 2022 election, but he said it wasn't for a lack of trying.

"I think people were frustrated with inflation, which was, to a large extent, out of my control. And I think people saw issues like homeless people and education as issues that needed to be resolved. And we were working to resolve those issues, but we didn't have them resolved in time for the election. So in that aspect, yes, the election loss to Tony Ritonio was my fault. But it wasn't for a lack of focus or caring about the middle class. Our campaign cared about every voter, and as governor, I fought for every Kalnieran, no matter what their socio-economic status was."

King attributed his 2022 election win, in part, to focusing on middle class and rural voters "who have been ignored and maligned by the NAT party establishment."

"These voters were angry. They were ticked. They were pissed off at having been ignored and treated like shit by Nationalist Party leaders," said King. "They didn't want to vote for Will Huxton, but they didn't want to vote for an arrogant Nationalist politician who only cares about downtown Trieton or inner-city Skyllings. Voters want to vote for a politician who they feel cares about them. And all over the campaign trail, I had people coming up to me saying, 'You know Scott, I have never voted for a Nationalist before. But I will vote for you, because you understand me, you try to understand what's important to me, and that's something no politician has ever done before.'"

King said he has met with Nationalist Party leaders, both in Monomi and at the national level, and he is urging his fellow NAT governors to "make an effort" to "meet middle class voters where they are."

"As a party, we tend to only focus on the inner-city and the urban areas. On the college towns. On the liberal retirement communities with highly-educated voters. We need to change that. We need to focus on the rural communities. We need to focus on the Conservative-leaning areas. We need to compete for voters across the whole country, not just in the urban enclaves," said King.

Hardline Conservatives put aside differences, come together to support Mercer Diego for Damoign governor

GREENEWOOD, Dmg. -- He said he'd never drop out of the race for governor.

But libertarian radio talk show host and Conservative candidate for governor Rob McCann did just that last Monday in a surprise announcement.

McCann was among seven candidates who were seeking the Conservative nomination for governor.

Though he had little support, he soldiered on in the campaign, vowing to stay in until the end.

However, last week, McCann changed his mind, he told his national radio audience from his suburban Grassadellia City home and studio.

"I was going to stay in the race until the bitter end. But I realized, if I stay in the race, that's only going to help the moderates win. The moderate party leaders want George Velmar or Pat Leemore to win, and me staying in the race will only help one of those two get elected. And George Velmar and Pat Leemore are not true Conservatives," said McCann.

"[Velmar and Leemore] belong to the Conservative party. They have a 'C' after their names. But they are moderates. They are Conservative-lites. Faux-Conservatives. Whatever you want to call them. They don't believe in true liberty and freedom from government like you and I do," McCann told his audience.

The only candidate left in the race who will truly stand for conservative values, McCann said, is former lieutenant governor and twice-unsuccessful gubernatorial nominee Mercer Diego.

"Now I disagree on a lot of issues with Mercer Diego. I do not agree with him on many things. But, I do agree with him on some important things. Things like property rights, gun rights, low taxes, less government spending, less bureaucracy, fighting the 'climate change' hoax, etc. George Velmar and Pat Leemore don't care about these things. They will fall right in line with what the media and the Nationalists want them to do," said McCann.

"Mercer Diego is the only candidate left in the race who will fight for the conservative values that people like you and me hold dear and know to be true," said McCann. "So that's why I dropped out of the race. I want to support Mercer and help him win the nomination. And I'm urging all my supporters and people who voted for other Conservative candidates. If you truly believe in freedom and liberty, the only candidate you can really support is Mercer Diego."

The former lieutenant governor is locked in a tight three-way race for governor with billionaire businessman George Velmar of Larche and current Lt. Gov. Pat Leemore of Bragdon.

The other four Conservative candidates have all dropped out of the race.

McCann and West Lake businessman Rick Tesario have both endorsed Diego, while former Federal Treasury official Kim Camden has endorsed Leemore.

Lawyer and businessman John Barian has not endorsed anyone yet, although he's expressed support for all of the three remaining candidates.

At the moment, Leemore leads in the primary contest. She has won small, local-level elections in 17 of Damoign's 43 counties, and leads the vote tally with 28% of the votes that have been cast.

Velmar is close behind, having won 25.6% of the votes cast, although he has only won four counties.

Diego is in third place, with 24.7% of votes cast so far. He has won eight counties.

It's unclear just how many votes are left in the contest, since the remaining 14 counties have not cast ballots yet.

However, there are still a few heavily-populated counties left to take part in the primary voting contest, including Sexton, New Upton, Reever, Riverton, Pickering, Percival, West Lake, Quindulson and Gentry counties.

A strong showing by either Velmar or Diego in any of those counties could change the rankings and vote tallies significantly, making the race's outcome far from certain.

Already, battle lines are being drawn, as the more hardline Conservative politicians are coalescing around Diego, while the more moderate Conservatives are backing Leemore or Velmar.

Mr. Velmar, who is often compared to former US President Donald Trump, finds support from both the moderate and right-wing factions of the party. His supporters say he is the only candidate left in the race who can bring both the moderate and far-right wings of the party together in the fall election.

If none of the candidates get a majority of the vote, which is likely to be the case, the top two will advance to a run-off election.

Whoever wins the run-off will go on to face NAT Gov. Jenna Duvan in the fall election.

Duvan is seeking an historic and unprecedented third consecutive term in November.

No major third-party or independent candidates have filed to run, making November's contest a head-to-head match-up between Duvan and the eventual Conservative nominee.

For the first time in state history, gubernatorial nominees will run on a ticket with running mates.

Previously, in Damoign, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor ran separately in separate races. The 2024 election will be the first in which candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together as one joint ticket.

Julia Giorchani, Steve Frenitch drop gubernatorial bids in Harlyne

FLAG HARBOR, Har. -- The Harlyne governor's race has become a smaller contest.

Conservative candidates Julia Giorchani and Steve Frenitch both announced Friday they are leaving the race.

In an outdoors press conference in downtown Flag Harbor, Giorchani gave little explanation for her exit from the race, only saying "now is not my time."

The former attorney general did not cite family, health or any other reason for departing the race. When asked if she was doubtful she could win, she emphatically said 'no.'

"I'm 100 percent confident we can win this race. That has nothing to do with why I'm stepping out of the race. It's just not my time," she said.

She declined to elaborate when asked by reporters.

Instead, Giorchani will throw her support to former assemblyman Frank Kerenbury, who is the front-runner in the race to challenge incumbent NAT Gov. Kate Morelda.

"Frank is a committed public servant. He has served the people of Scandinaugh County faithfully for years. He is a leader who puts bipartisanship ahead of his own interests or that of his own party. He will be the kind of governor we need," Giorchani said, adding that Kerenbury will govern in a style similar to that of former Gov. George Garesby (C).

Giorchani said she respects businessman Tom Marelo, who is still in the race. But ultimately, Kerenbury "is the best candidate to defeat Kate Morelda," said Giorchani.

Right after her announcement, Frenitch announced he too is dropping out of the governor's race.

Frenitch, however, will instead seek the state Attorney General post.

"I fully believe I could win the race for governor," Frenitch told reporters at a press conference in Goldchrist.

"But we already have two good candidates for governor. Our party has no good candidates for attorney general. We need someone good in that position. And that position would allow me to stay here in Harlyne and not be in Mavocke, so it's a better fit for me," he said.

Unlike Giorchani, though, Frenitch is endorsing Marelo.

"Tom Marelo is more conservative than Frank Kerenbury. Tom is a businessman. He knows how to run government like a business. He understands property rights. He understands government overreach. He understands the disparities and inequalities between western and eastern Harlyne. And for those reasons and more, I am supporting Tom Marelo for governor," said Frenitch.

Marelo was the party's nominee for governor in 2020. He lost to Morelda by a margin of 46% - 52%, respectively.

Marelo has declined to drop out of the race, despite pressure from party leaders, who view Kerenbury as the more viable and electable candidate.

"I am in this race to win this race," Marelo told reporters on Wednesday at a campaign stop in Harlynee. "I refuse to cave into pressure from party bosses in Mavocke who have no idea what life is like here in Harlyne and what people in Harlyne want."

Kerenbury has not called on Marelo to drop out directly, telling reporters last week he "welcomed" a primary contest.

But top Conservatives have expressed doubts about Marelo's ability to beat Morelda.

"Tom already lost once to Kate Morelda. It wasn't a blowout, but it wasn't exactly close. I haven't seen any evidence that Tom is going to beat Kate Morelda this time around," said former gubernatorial candidate and current lieutenant governor candidate Rich Tuller (C).

Polls show no matter who wins the June 18 primary election, both Conservative candidates will have a challenge to defeat Morelda.

A former attorney general, Morelda is popular among liberals and progressives for her pro-climate policies. 

Morelda has struggled with public opinion, however, especially over issues like cost-of-living, homelessness and crime.

"Harlyne is more dangerous and far poorer today than it was just three years ago when Governor George Garesby was in office," said state Conservative party chairman Jim Deneg. "The people of Harlyne deserve a governor who actually has a plan to bring down inflation, who respects property rights, who wants less taxes, and who will put more cops on the streets and prosecute criminals for all crimes."

The Morelda campaign hit back, saying "Harlynians appreciate Gov. Morelda's sensible climate policies."

"Under Kate Morelda, we have a healthier environment. We have cleaner air. We have cleaner water. We have cleaner coastlines. We've reduced garbage and refuse and increased recycling. And we've freed our justice system from frivolous prosecutions. Instead of criminalizing houselessness, we've given people who are experiencing houselessness more options and connected them to social services," said Jared Walsh, a campaign spokesman.

Polls show Morelda and Kerenbury essentially tied in head-to-head match-ups. The most recent poll from The Harlyne Sun newspaper found Kerenbury narrowly leading, 50% - 49%, respectively.

Against Marelo, Morelda polls at 52% to Marelo's 47%, respectively.

Houndsler picks young African-Grassadellian woman as running mate

KOEURN, Asl. -- In a historic first, Nationalist gubernatorial candidate Agatha Houndsler has selected an African-Grassadellian woman to be her running mate in the upcoming election.

Houndsler, 66, announced that state Rep. Amanda Grimes, 29, will be her running mate.

Grimes is African-Grassadellian. Her mother emigrated from France, while her father's family is from Kenya, though her father did live in the United Kingdom for decades. Grimes herself was born in Grassadellia and has lived exclusively in Grassadellia, except for a semester abroad in Kenya during her undergraduate years.

Houndsler previously promised she would choose a minority woman to be her running mate.

"Today, I am making good on my promise to pick a qualified, exceptional, minority woman to be my running mate," she said, in a press conference in downtown Koeurn, at Chorus Square.

"Amanda Grimes is young, but she is exceptional. She has vision, she has a youthful perspective, and she has grit. She knows what it's like to struggle. She knows what it's like to come from a disadvantaged background. She knows what it's like to face barriers. And she knows what it's like to overcome those barriers," said Houndsler.

Grimes' selection is historic for a few reasons. First, there has never been an all female-led campaign for governor in Ansleigha history.

State House Speaker Becky Grael previously ran for governor back in 2020, but she chose a man, businessman Russ Hawley, as her running mate.

Grimes is also an unusual choice simply because of her age.

Typically, candidates for lieutenant governor are older. If elected, she would be the youngest lieutenant governor in Ansleigha history.

While she is young, she is old enough to serve in the lieutenant governorship. The state constitution only mandates a candidate be 18 years old.

As a state representative from inner-city Koeurn, Grimes represents one of the most reliably NAT-leaning districts in the state legislature.

First elected in 2020, she has championed social services, state assistance, free community college, and other social safety nets for low-income Ansleighans.

She has also been vocal in speaking out against workplace and legal discrimination against minorities, including discrimination by law enforcement.

"Amanda is the perfect partner to work with me to get Ansleigha working for everyone. It's been a white men's club for far too long in this state. We are going to turn things upside down when we are elected in November," said a smiling Houndsler, to cheers.

Grimes' selection is not without controversy.

Conservatives immediately seized on her selection, but not only because of her young age.

"Not only is Ms. Grimes not qualified because of her youth and relative inexperience, what's worse is that Agatha Houndsler basically chose her, mainly, because of her race," said state Conservative Party Chairman Curtis Roos.

"Agatha Houndsler said back in January that she would pick a minority woman. For Agatha Houndsler, being a minority and a woman were the main requirements for the job. The main criteria and check boxes to check off. That's frightening that she would select someone simply because of their race or gender. It makes you wonder who she will appoint as governor if she wins," said Roos in an interview with the STAR Network.

The Houndsler campaign hit back, saying Grimes was not chosen "simply because of her race or gender."

"Amanda Grimes was selected because she is highly-qualified, she has a unique life experience, she has proven leadership skills, and she brings a fresh perspective to the campaign," said Houndsler campaign spokeswoman Alice Gunderson.

As for Grimes' reaction, she spoke at the press conference, with Houndsler standing next to her.

"I am tremendously honored and humbled to be chosen as Agatha Houndsler's running mate," Grimes said. "Thank you so much, Agatha. I can't wait to get out on the campaign trail and share our vision of a fairer, more equal Ansleigha with all the people of this state."

While her selection is historic, Grimes is not the first African-Grassadellian to hold a prominent role in Ansleigha politics.

Joseph "Bell" Green was chosen by Rosamond Burkes to be Burkes' running mate back in the 2020 election.

Green, a businessman from Danaecke, is running with Burkes again this year.

Houndsler and Grimes will go on to face Sam Baskingwood and his Lt. Gov., Nick Winsich, in the fall election.

They'll also face Burkes and Green in what will likely be a close three-way race for governor.

Agatha Houndsler squeaks out a win in Ansleigha's NAT gubernatorial primary

DANAECKE, Asl. -- After days of waiting and two recounts of the ballots, artist and psychology professor Agatha Houndsler has narrowly prevailed in Ansleigha's NAT gubernatorial primary.

Houndsler's opponent, state Sen. Paul Biddington (N-Churchtown) officially conceded Thursday afternoon.

The first count of the ballots found Biddington with a narrow lead of about 2,000 votes out of almost 1 million cast.

A recount put Houndsler narrowly ahead by about 5,500 votes.

A second, hand recount found Houndsler's lead changed only by a few votes.

The third count prompted Biddington to concede.

"It's clear the votes are trending in Agatha's favor. Rather than engage in legal battles and demanding more recounts, I've decided to concede the race to her. I wish her well," said Biddington at a Thursday afternoon press conference in Churchtown.

The two left-wing candidates had engaged in a tough battle that originally included three other candidates, who all subsequently ended their campaigns. 

Largely in agreement on major policy issues, the two candidates mostly differed in tone.

Biddington was largely criticized for being negative and his doomsday outlook, while Houndsler was notedly more optimistic and forward-thinking.

"The biggest difference between Paul and I is tone. I'm more positive, I'm more optimistic, more of a glass-half-full type person. Paul is the opposite. He's very negative, he's very dour," said Houndsler, back in April.

"I think Ansleighans want a governor who is optimistic and future-minded and excited about the future, not despairing and depressing," she added.

Both candidates went after incumbent Gov. Sam Baskingwood (C) for his tax policies, his crackdown on homeless people, and his insistence that welfare recipients either work or volunteer in order to receive state benefits.

"Sam Baskingwood is not a compassionate person," said Houndsler. "He doesn't care about people who are in need or people who are struggling. He doesn't care about immigrants, he doesn't care about houseless people, he doesn't care about the disabled and people who are unemployed. His mindset is all about helping other wealthy, Conservative, white men like himself."

Biddington offered similar sentiments on Baskingwood.

"Sam Baskingwood is a wealthy corporation's best friend," said Biddington. "And he's the working-class man's worst enemy."

The Baskingwood campaign, expectedly, disputed that characterization.

Jared Wemple, a deputy campaign press secretary, told GNN that under Baskingwood's leadership, "crime is down, homelessness is down, there are less drugs and perverts on the streets, our businesses have less hoops to jump through and have less taxes to pay, and our government is more efficient and responsive."

The Baskingwood campaign also went after Houndsler, calling her "a radical extremist who wants to teach little kids about transgenderism and wants to provide free drug injection sites for heroin and fentanyl users."

'Dangerous' is a word that both the Baskingwood and Houndsler campaigns use to describe their opponent.

"I don't think Ansleigha can afford four more years of Sam Baskingwood and the radical, Conservative agenda," said Houndsler. "How many women will have their bodily autonomy taken away, how many trans people will be discriminated against and threatened, how many elderly people will lose their state assistance, all because Conservatives want to make life harder for marginalized people," Houndsler said in an interview with The Ansleighan newspaper.

Polls show the coming three-way race between Baskingwood, Houndsler and Indepdenent candidate Rosamond Burkes is likely to be close.

Both parties are determined to win what is shaping up to be an exceedingly close race.

Upon her victory in the NAT primary, Houndsler was immediately endorsed by a host of prominent Nationalists and NAT-leaning groups, including POG Gov. Ramon Ramos, who chairs the Nationalist Governors Association (NATGA) and Emily's List, a pro-choice organization that backs women who champion abortion rights.

Houndsler was also endorsed by her predecessors: former NAT gubernatorial nominees Elliott Androlov, Mark Haller and Becky Grael.

Her most notable endorsement came from her former rival, however. 

Paul Biddington went on camera to endorse Houndsler.

"While Agatha and I had a difficult campaign, and I'm disappointed I lost this contest, what worries me even more is four more years of Sam Baskingwood. Agatha is a much better alternative to Sam Baskingwood. So I will happily cast my vote for her and encourage everyone else to vote for Agatha in November," said Biddington.

The Baskingwood campaign also responded to Houndsler's win, with the governor saying in a statement that he was "looking forward to meeting and debating Ms. Houndsler."

The governor also pledged a respectful campaign.

"Agatha Houndsler may be a radical, left-wing, extremist candidate. And she might have some far-out ideas that are out of the mainstream," he told a local TV news station in Koeurn. "But she is a nice person, and she is a major party's candidate for public office, and I think that entitles her to a fair, civil campaign with no personal attacks. So I'm pledging right now to run a clean campaign filled with decency and mutual respect."

If she wins in November, Houndsler will become not only the first woman governor of Ansleigha, but also the first Nationalist governor. The NAT has never held the governorship since statehood.

Houndsler would also become the first governor to come from the eastern side of the state, which is less-populated.

Ansleigha NAT Gubernatorial Primary
Agatha Houndsler	50.24%	499,366
Paul Biddington	49.76%	494,601
		993,968

Kim Camden drops gubernatorial bid

DAINTREE, Dmg. -- Former federal Treasury department official Kim Camden has dropped her bid for governor.

The Conservative candidate, who lives in the northwestern suburbs of Grassadellia City, remained in a stubborn fifth place out of seven candidates, Wednesday night, after the third round of local elections.

"It's clear to me, after three rounds of voting now, that this race is really a three-person race between Lt. Gov. Pat Leemore, Mr. [George] Velmar, and former Lt. Gov. Mercer Diego," Camden said, at a press conference in Daintree, Wednesday evening.

"We always knew this would be an uphill climb, but I was hopeful that once voters got to know me more, our polling numbers and vote totals would increase. That hasn't materialized, and I'm not optimistic that it will materialize," she said.

This is Camden's second attempt at the governorship. She previously ran unsuccessfully in 2020, getting only a handful of the vote percentages.

She blamed a lack of name recognition and the "big three" candidates for "taking up all the oxygen in the room" in the race.

"It's hard to compete when you're a little guy and you're up against three behemoth opponents," Camden said, referring to Leemore, Velmar and Diego, the three frontrunners.

Despite her lack of success, Camden said she is not bitter, and she is focused on seeking an Assembly seat instead. 

"I am happy to announce that, while my campaign for governor is coming to an end, I will be seeking a seat in the National Assembly in the fall election. I am eager to serve and represent my community here in northwest Damoign. We need a strong member of Assembly who will stand up for common sense, middle class values," she said.

In response to her withdrawal from the governor's race, Lt. Gov. Pat Leemore thanked Camden for "being a shining example of class" and "showing young girls that when women stick together and work together in good faith, anything can happen."

"I'm grateful to Kim for her kindness, for her positive disposition on the campaign trail, and for her commitment to her community," said Leemore, who wished Camden well.

The campaigns of George Velmar and Mercer Diego did not comment on Camden's announcement.

Her withdrawal leaves six candidates in the CNS race for governor, and just one woman, Pat Leemore.

Camden did not endorse any of her opponents. She said she will continue to follow the race closely and will make a decision on whom to endorse at a later date.

Presently, Leemore is leading the CNS primary race for governor with 23% of the votes cast so far. George Velmar is close behind with 22.6%, while Mercer Diego is in third place with 20.2%, respectively.

Businessman John Barian has remained in fourth place throughout the race, currently holding 14.6%, while libertarian businessmen Rob McCann and Rick Tesario trail significantly with 7.9% and 2.6%, respectively.

Barian, McCann and Tesario have resisted calls to drop out.

Yesterday, Barian disputed a reporter's insinuation that the race is a three-way contest. "This is a four-way race," he corrected the reporter, during a news conference.

McCann and Tesario both said they will stay in the race until the last county has voted, even if there is no clear path to victory.

"Damoignites deserve a choice. It's not fair to the voters who vote later in the calendar that they should have less choices than the voters who vote at the beginning of the calendar. So I'm in this race until the end," said McCann on his daily radio show, based out of Gregorson.

The eventual winner of Damoign's county-level CNS primary elections will go on to the fall election to face NAT Gov. Jenna Duvan, who is seeking an historic and unprecedented third term.

Duvan permanently appoints Peter Caruso as Rod Penora's successor

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- Damoign Gov. Jenna Duvan (N) has permanently appointed Peter Caruso as Damoign's next attorney general.

Duvan previously appointed Caruso, a former local prosecutor, to the AG post last year, when former Attorney General and Governor Rod Penora stepped down due to corruption charges.

Caruso, 46, had been serving in an interim position until now. His permanent appointment today means he will serve out the remainder of Penora's term, which expires in January 2025.

"There's a reason I appointed Peter Caruso last year to the attorney generalship," Duvan said at a press conference in Middleboro today.

"Peter is principled, he is knowledgeable, he is empathetic, he is driven, and he believes in justice for all Damoignites," said Duvan.

He's planning on seeking a full term in the attorney generalship in the fall election, his office confirmed today.

Penora was indicted on state corruption charges back in 2020, but won election to the AG post anyway, despite the charges. He stayed in office until last year, when he was indicted by federal authorities for  alleged corruption and misuse of office crimes that spanned state lines.

The former governor did receive some good news this week, however.

On Monday, state prosecutors announced they had reached a plea agreement with Penora's legal team.

Penora (N) will plead guilty to lesser charges, all misdemeanors. He will also have to forfeit his law license for one year, at which time, it will be reinstated.

The federal charges, however, which are more serious and pose a more severe penalty, are still active. Penora has long maintained his innocence on all charges, calling his prosecution "a witch hunt" and "a political hit job."

However, sources close to Penora say he is willing to settle if it means avoiding more serious consequences.

"Gov. Penora is ready to get his life back. He has been fighting these false charges for the last four years, and he is ready to be done with all this nonsense," his attorney, Charles Nuckles, told the National Press Federation (NPF).

Federal Attorney General Susan Pittman has not indicated whether her agency is willing to make a deal. Penora has long had a strained relationship with President Jim McCaren. 

Pittman works for McCaren, although the president has stayed out of the investigation, Pittman told lawmakers last week in a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Penora's alleged corruption has caused a political firestorm for both McCaren and Jenna Duvan, with both Nationalist leaders being pressured to pardon Penora.

Duvan told reporters back in January that she was "open" to the possibility of pardoning Penora on his state charges. However, his recent plea agreement, which will likely result in little-to-no jail time, means a pardon is less desired.

McCaren has not said if he would pardon Penora on the federal charges. The president has remained tight-lipped on the matter since the federal charges were laid.

Conservatives have used the issue to criticize Nationalists for fostering corruption.

CNS candidates for Damoign governor, who are vying to take on Duvan in the fall general election, have used Penora's legal troubles as a cudgel to attack Duvan.

"The fact that Jenna Duvan would even consider pardoning Rod Penora for his corrupt and illegal behavior is unfathomable," Conservative Mercer Diego, who previously ran and is currently running against Duvan for governor, told the NPF last week.

Pat Leemore, the current frontrunner in the CNS primary race for Damoign governor, told The Grassadellia City Times she was "bewildered" when Duvan announced that she would consider pardoning her predecessor.

"I think Rod Penora wants to run for governor again. I think that's the issue. He can't run for governor if he's a convicted felon; the state constitution forbids that. So he either needs the charges to be reduced, to go away completely, or he needs to be pardoned. I think that's what this is all about," Leemore told the Times. "But when she said she was considering it, my jaw dropped. Someone who allegedly violated their oath of office and misused their office for political and personal reasons. That person cannot be trusted to hold public office again," said Leemore.

Penora was accused of a plethora of crimes, including ordering subordinates to investigate political opponents on false pretenses. The former governor, who is known for his abrasive personality and scorched-earth political tactics, is also alleged to have threatened prosecution to political adversaries, to have illegally obtained documents and surveillance, and to have forged documents. He also, allegedly, covered up his crimes by bribing subordinates with money and job promotions in exchange for their silence.

He continues to maintain his innocence. 

"I am not guilty of any of these damn charges. It's all lies. It's all fabrication. It's all political retribution for my policies and for people who are mad at me because I didn't reward them when I was governor," he told reporters last week, as he walked into a federal courthouse in Middleboro.

Penora is not in jail, he is out on $1.5 million bond. The conditions of his bond dictate that he cannot leave the state of Damoign and he cannot have contact with anyone involved in the case.

No matter how his federal case turns out, whether it goes to trial or is settled with another plea agreement, the former governor will not be running for office anytime soon, he said last week.

"I have no plans to run for anything," Penora told reporters. "My plan is to clear my name, clear the charges, and go home and spend time with my family, who I've been robbed of spending time with over the last four years."

Penora's absence from the ballot is likely to benefit Peter Caruso, who will seek his first full term in November.

However, Nationalist Assemblymen John Blair is also seeking the attorney generalship.

On the Conservative side, Assemblyman John DeGallio of Columbus is running for the position.

Conservatives have never won Damoign's attorney generalship, so a win by DeGallio would be historic.

The Conservative party is also seeking to win Damoign's secretary of state seat. The party has never won that position, either. It is currently held by Nationalist Rob Mercheck, who has served since statehood.

Ansleigha's NAT race for governor is 'a contest between two hippies'

KOEURN, Asl. -- One of the country's closest races for governor is once again in Ansleigha, where two baby-boomer Nationalist candidates are vying for their party's nomination.

Paul Biddington (pronounced "Bide-ding-ton"), a state senator from Churchtown, was the first Nationalist to announce his candidacy for governor.

Biddington, who has previously ran for statewide office unsuccessfully, is eager to take on Conservative Gov. Sam Baskingwood, who is seeking reelection.

"I'm anxious to take a crack at Sam," Biddington told a reporter from the Grassadellia City Times, who shadowed the candidate for a day. "Sam Baskingwood is a typical Conservative: rich, arrogant, doesn't care about the poor, doesn't care about seniors, doesn't really care about veterans. That's why I'm running against him. I care about all those things. And I know Ansleigha inside and out and am willing to fight for our state," he added.

Baskingwood, a former high-profile actor who has won a multitude of awards in Hollywood, is seeking reelection in a state that has recently leaned in favor of Conservatives.

Indeed, polling on a hypothetical head-to-head match up between Baskingwood and Biddington show the governor leading his NAT challenger by 17 percentage points.

However, Independent businesswoman and firebrand Rosamond Burkes has joined the governor's race, throwing the race into a three-way contest between Baskingwood, his eventual NAT opponent, and Burkes herself.

Burkes' entry into the scenario makes the race unpredictable.

A race that previously would have been an easy win for Baskingwood is now in doubt.

The question is, even in a three-way race, can Nationalists beat the popular Baskingwood?

They're hoping the answer is 'yes.'

Also vying for the NAT's nod is art teacher and psychology professor Agatha Houndsler of Danaecke.

A first time candidate, Houndsler was little-known when she announced her candidacy back in February.

Since that time, she has gained a strong following, particularly among women.

A self-described "hippie," Houndsler has championed women's rights, increased taxes on the rich, increased government spending, and a strong focus on fighting climate change.

She and Biddington agree on most issues, with their policies virtually alike on many top issues for NAT voters.

Both are anti-gun. Both want to fight climate change with tax increases. Both believe the wealthy are paying too little taxes. Both strongly support women's and LGBTQ+ rights.

"The difference comes down to tone and temperament," says Houndsler, in an interview with the Grassadellia City Times.

"Paul is very negative. He's very critical, he's very catastrophizing. He's kind of a 'Negative Nelly,'" says Houndsler. "I'm more hopeful and optimistic," she says.

Biddington says he is a hippie, too.

"I fought in Vietnam. I saw how useless and pointless that war was. So, when I came back home, I became fiercely anti-war. And I saw how the rich were exploiting poor people. How men were trying to limit women's rights. How straight people were bigoted toward gay people. I saw all that. And that has shaped my political views and my persona."

Asked if he's negative, as Houndsler claims, Biddington admits, "I kind of am."

"I am negative about Sam Baskingwood. He's benefitting the rich at the expense of the middle class and low-income people. I'm negative about Baskingwood because he's favoring coal companies and big business over the environment. I'm negative about Conservatives because they want to take away a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body. So, yes, I kind of am negative about that stuff."

He adds that "politics are not all sunshine and rainbows and peace signs, like Agatha Houndsler portrays it to be."

A recent poll conducted by the Grantham Institute, a nonpartisan think tank located in neighboring New Portsmouth, found both Biddington and Houndlser garnering 50% support among Ansleigha's NAT voters.

"This race is split 50-50," Biddington told the Times reporter. "It's going to come down to the wire. It's going to be incredibly close."

"I think I'm the candidate that is best suited to take on Sam Baskingwood. I have the toughness and the courage to confront him on all of his policies. Agatha thinks she is better suited. She thinks sending 'positive vibes' will somehow help our state's political problems and solve our issues. I disagree with that," said Biddington.

Houndsler disputed that characterization, telling the Times reporter that "Paul chooses to dwell in a negative space," and that she has "to be in a positive space."

She also pointed out that polls that measure her support versus Baskingwood's show her either trailing slightly or ahead of the governor.

"I poll better. That's the fact. It's just a fact. My numbers are better than Paul's. And I think voters need to consider that when they cast their ballot on May 28," Houndsler said.

For his part, Baskingwood has criticized both NAT candidates, calling Biddington "a left-wing zealot" and Houndsler a "feel-good, DEI-obsessed, liberal academic."

DEI stands for "diversity, equity and inclusion," something Houndsler has strongly advocated in her run for governor.

Rosamond Burkes has been similarly critical of the two NAT candidates, calling Paul Biddington "Paul Cry-ington," because of his repeated complaints and gripes about Baskingwood.

Burkes also calls Houndsler "Hagatha Houndsler," criticizing Houndsler for being a "hag."

The Independent candidate also has a degrading nickname for Baskingwood, calling him "Sell-out Sam," for selling-out to political correctness and the party establishment.

"All three of my opponents are pansies. If you want a strong governor who has some backbone and who doesn't stand down from a fight, vote for me," Burkes posted on X, formerly Twitter, last week.

Biddington took issue with her tweet, pointing out that he is the only veteran in the race.

"I was the only candidate who served our country in the armed forces," Biddington said in an interview on local morning television in Koeurn. "All my opponents are big on political attacks, but I'm the only candidate who is truly battle-tested."

So far, Baskingwood has raised $6.8 million in his bid for reelection. Biddington has raised $4.2 million and Houndsler $5.4 million.

Burkes has raised $2.6 million, although, as a multi-millionaire, she has a vast personal fortune that she can use to boost her campaign coffers.

No matter who wins the May 28 NAT nomination, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the nation will, once again, look to Ansleigha on election night for one of the country's closest governor's races.

Ansleigha gubernatorial candidates hit the campaign trail

KOEURN, Asl. -- The latest round of polls has spurred Ansleigha's four remaining candidates for governor to hit the campaign trail with extra vigor, this week.

Facing negative polls that show him trailing Nationalist opponent Agatha Houndsler, Conservative Ansleigha Gov. Sam Baskingwood is not taking his reelection lightly.

The governor spent Friday morning visiting local public schools in northwest Koeurn. In the afternoon, he traveled just outside the city in the scenic countryside, visiting local farms and speaking with farmers about how to improve the state's agriculture policies.

Today, Baskingwood started his day out in southeast Koeurn, a notably liberal-leaning and NAT-favoring part of the city. The governor visited farmer's markets and shop owners in the city's Cantilever district, a notable tourist hub.

This evening, Baskingwood is slated to attend an awards ceremony in downtown Koeurn.

Normally, Conservative candidates largely eschew the state's largest city, which leans heavily to the NAT.

But in his reelection bid, Baskingwood is spending more time in Koeurn, not less.

It's part of his statewide strategy, which aides close to the governor describe as "corner-to-corner" across Ansleigha.

"The governor is visiting every nook and cranny of the state," said Press Secretary Ben Sellinger. "His goal is to visit every city, every town, every village, every fruit stand he can."

Baskingwood's NAT rivals didn't take the day off, either.

Houndsler spent Friday touring an abortion clinic in north Koeurn.

Today, she is holding townhall meetings three hours north in Hawkinson County.

State Sen. Paul Biddington, who is also vying for the NAT's gubernatorial nomination, spent Friday up in Martindale County in the state's northwest. Biddington toured a community college campus and met with concerned citizens at a local coffee shop.

Today, his campaign says he is traversing the rest of southwest Ansleigha's territory, which traditionally leans Conservative.

Biddington and Houndsler are locked in a close fight for the NAT's nomination for governor. 

Both candidates are polling evenly, with about 50% support among the state's NAT voters. The two candidates are racing down-to-the-wire to garner as much support as they can before the May 28 primary election.

Also hitting the campaign trail this week is Independent candidate Rosamond Burkes, who initially ruled out running for governor again this year, but later changed her mind.

Burkes campaigned Friday in Cordeyon, telling a group of mostly liberal voters that she supports a woman's right to choose on abortion and she believes the wealthy should pay more taxes.

Burkes' populist platform has resonated with voters across the political spectrum. 

She supports gun rights for law-abiding citizens, is fiercely anti-crime, and is staunchly opposed to political correctness, which has won her favor with Ansleigha's far-right voters.

At the same time, she supports abortion rights for women, increased conservation, and higher taxes on the wealthy, which has won her admirers on the left, as well.

Her position on abortion, however, is muddled. She says she supports abortion rights for women, but also previously told a group of right-leaning voters that she wanted to protect "precious little babies."

Burkes, who does not shy away from controversy, is slated to attend a local fair and farmers market in east Boykin County, Saturday afternoon.

Baskingwood and Burkes will automatically advance to the fall election, since Baskingwood does not have a primary opponent and Burkes is running as an Independent.

However, polls show both candidates struggling against their NAT opponents.

No matter who wins the NAT primary on May 28, the three-way race for governor in the fall will be a close one.

Nationalists are hoping to win their first governorship in Ansleigha since statehood. The party has never won the state's highest office.

They're hoping to change that this year, and national party leaders have pledged to infuse the race with millions of dollars in advertising and campaign logistics to help deliver a win for the NAT.

Conservatives have dominated Ansleigha's elections in recent years, and they're hoping to maintain their lock on the state's top job. The national party has similarly pledged millions of dollars to defend Baskingwood from what the party describes as "a liberal onslaught."

Damoign Conservatives cast first votes in governor's primary race

LARCH LANE, Dmg. -- Lieutenant Governor Pat Leemore (C) had a big opening night in Damoign's Conservative party governor's race.

As Damoign Conservatives look to choose a nominee for governor to go up against incumbent NAT Gov. Jenna Duvan this fall, Leemore is hoping the momentum she enjoyed on the first night of voting carries her through to the end of the primary calendar.

Damoign is the only state in the country in which candidates for governor don't compete in one, single, statewide primary election, but instead compete in a series of county-level, local elections over a period of several months.

Damoign's traditional system has been in effect for decades. Its unique, prolonged, local-level system is designed to force candidates for governor to focus on local communities and rural areas instead of only the Grassadellia City metropolitan area, where a majority of Damoignites live.

In the first round of voting, held Wednesday, four counties held their elections: suburban and affluent Wortherton County and Kinslow County on the western outskirts of Grassadellia City, as well as New Tyne County in the state's southwest, and Isle County in south-central Damoign.

Leemore won three of the four, only losing New Tyne County to rival Mercer Diego, who now lives there.

With seven Conservative candidates for governor, it's difficult for one candidate to have a resounding, landslide victory in any county. 

In most cases, the candidates will split the votes fairly evenly.

That was the case Wednesday evening, as Leemore won Isle County with 28.1%, Wortherton County with 23.6%, and Kinslow County with just 21.2%, respectively.

Diego won his newly-adopted home county of New Tyne with 26.6%, respectively. The county, in the highly-Conservative southwest corner of the state, is more middle class and more right-leaning than the other three counties at stake on Wednesday.

Despite her modest plurality wins Wednesday night, Leemore celebrated the first election returns at an election night party in Larch Lane, a wealthy Conservative-leaning suburb south of Grassadellia City in neighboring Larch County.

"I think we're off to a good start," Leemore said to a crowd of supporters, gathered in a small hotel ballroom. "Tonight's results are encouraging, and they prove that Damoign Conservatives want an established leader who has solid conservative credentials, who is unafraid to stand up to Nationalists, and who is ready and prepared to lead," she said, to enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Just a few miles away at another luxury hotel, billionaire businessman George Velmar, who entered the governor's race at the last second, held a press conference. After all the votes were counted Wednesday night, Velmar was standing in second place out of the seven candidates.

"Not bad for joining the race at the last minute," Velmar said, to cheers from his supporters. "This race is a tortoise and hare situation," he continued. "Some candidates will get a quick start and an early lead, but it's about who finished at the end with the most votes. I'm very pleased with how we did tonight," he said.

Up north, in the heart of Grassadellia's largest city, in the borough of Middleboro, businessman and attorney John Barian, who placed third in Wednesday night's contests, held his election night celebration at a posh bar.

"I'm very satisfied with how we did tonight," Barian said. "We are currently standing in third place in the rankings, and this is my first run for office. Most people didn't even know who John Barian was before I started my campaign. And now we're currently in third place, and not far behind those who lead us. So I'm very happy. And I couldn't have done it and can't keep doing it without you and your help. So, thank you very much," he said to his supporters.

It was a more muted tone downstate at Mercer Diego's election night gathering.

The former lieutenant governor, who grew up in Tolston and who twice ran unsuccessfully for governor against Jenna Duvan (N), is staging his third run for the state's highest office.

After his two previous losses, Diego moved out of Damoign, lamenting the liberal policies Duvan was implementing. 

He and his family relocated far away to Clothen, Lial. Diego, who was an Evangelical minister before entering politics, returned to the ministry in Lial, working as a senior pastor at a mega church in suburban Clothen for almost five years.

In 2019, Diego purchased a home and 210-acre ranch in southwest Damoign, but continued working in Lial.

He moved permanently to his Damoign ranch last year, shortly before announcing his candidacy for governor.

It was at his picturesque ranch, Wednesday night, that Diego tried to console his anxious supporters after his fourth-place finishing.

"It's not our best showing tonight, but you know what? Three of the four counties we were competing in tonight are liberal counties. And we are the most conservative, anti-establishment candidate in this race. So it's only predictable and expected that the pro-establishment candidates should have won tonight," Diego said.

He also told supporters that more conservative-leaning counties in the state's more rural areas in southern Damoign will go strongly for him, when their contests are held.

"This is one round of voting. When you have more conservative parts of the state voting, like Patterham County, Columbus County, Templeton County...you're going to see a strong showing for Mercer Diego. These numbers we have tonight are just one round and they're temporary. They're not a trend."

Diego is partially correct. Isle County is a liberal-leaning county. Kinslow County is a battleground suburban county.

Wortherton County, directly west of Grassadellia City, is a known Conservative-favoring county, however.

Although, the county, which is highly-educated and affluent, is known to typically favor more centrist Conservative candidates.

Kim Camden, a former Byelle Administration Treasury Department official, campaigned heavily in Wortherton County and her native Kinslow County. Camden, a moderate, ended the night in fifth place, but only a few hundred votes behind Diego.

"I am extremely proud of how we did tonight," she said. "I met so many wonderful people on the campaign trail, and we are definitely lesser-known and less wealthy than many of our fellow candidates. So, the fact that we were able to land in a very close fifth-place, right behind two other candidates, right in the thick of it, despite having a very small budget and less name recognition, I think is really good news for us," she said.

Camden previously ran for governor in 2020 but was not a serious contender.

Businessmen Rob McCann of Gregorson and Rick Tesario of West Lake also trailed significantly on Wednesday night, with McCann only garnering 11.8% and Tesario a meager 5.6%, respectively.

Both men pledged to continue their campaigns, however.

"This was the first round of voting. Only four counties out of 43 have had a chance to have their say. I think we owe it to those other millions of Damoignites to have their say," McCann said.

Tesario had similar sentiments.

"It's way too early to talk about people dropping out. One round of voting and the establishment is already ready to thin the herd. That's not going to happen with our campaign," he told the Grassadellia City Times.

Tesario previously ran for governor in 2016, first as a Conservative, and then as a Constitution party candidate. Despite entreaties from Mercer Diego, who was the Conservative nominee, and other party leaders, Tesario refused to drop out of the race.

His presence on the ballot as a third-party candidate was widely blamed for Diego's narrow loss to Jenna Duvan.

To this day, Tesario is loved by small-government advocates and gun rights enthusiasts. His focus on the budget and starkly reducing government spending has won him accolades from fiscal conservatives.

However, Tesario is still unpopular with party leadership, who feel he sabotaged the party's best chance at winning the governorship in a very close contest.

This year, the party establishment is split. Many support Leemore, the moderate lieutenant governor from Bragdon County.

A pragmatic Conservative who styles herself in a similar mold to Sid Hoffa and Ronald Reagan, Leemore, a folksy grandmother, is well-liked by voters. She campaigns with ease, speaking to large crowds and small groups with equal leisure. She avoids controversial social issues, but champions law and order policies.

She is considerably more moderate than Diego, however. And more right-wing, particularly religious and Evangelical voters, tend to favor the former lieutenant governor over the current.

Diego is supported by some party establishment, but his star has faded significantly since his previous two unsuccessful runs.

He also angered many top Conservatives in 2020 when he endorsed state Sen. Brian Tyker for governor over former Gov. and Diego's former boss and mentor Sid Hoffa.

Still, many in the party's upper echelons are backing billionaire businessman George Velmar, who, at age 76, is thought to be too old, by many. However, Velmar has a massive bank account that he can use to inject his campaign with cash. And as a moderate who is outspoken on some issues, much like former US President Donald Trump, Velmar is lauded for his candor and his lack of fear of remaining politically correct.

Some party establishment members also support John Barian, although the little-known lawyer from Middleboro will need to drastically increase his name recognition if he has any hope of winning the state's top job.

Whoever wins for the Conservatives, it will be a difficult battle in the fall's general election.

Nationalist incumbent Gov. Jenna Duvan is running for a historic third, consecutive term. And while she and her NAT allies changed state law to eliminate term limits and allow her to seek a third term, she remains popular with many Damoignites for her emphasis on fighting white collar crime, protecting women's and LGBTQ+ rights, and fighting climate change.

Polls show a close race heading into November.

Conservatives are hoping Duvan fatigue, and violent crimes and property crimes, which have risen during Duvan's tenure, will prompt voters who previously backed Duvan to switch sides and support the CNS nominee.

The next counties to hold their elections in the Conservative governor's primary race will be: Joyner County, Shawheath County, Francesca County, Gregorson County and Dirkson.

Those elections will be held next Wednesday, May 15.

Coble drops out of Ansleigha governor's race

HAWKINSON, Asl. -- Another aspirant for Ansleigha's governorship has dropped out of the race.

Oil executive Pete Coble (N) announced he was suspending his campaign for governor, after new polling numbers showed Coble badly trailing his fellow NAT candidates, Agatha Houndsler and Paul Biddington.

"The new poll numbers just are not in our favor. It's clear from the latest polling data that there is not a viable path to winning for our campaign," Coble said at a hastily-called press conference Friday afternoon.

Coble said fundraising had been challenging, especially since he was competing with two better-known and more popular opponents. Coble told reporters his campaign staff were optimistic that the moderate Nationalist could chart a narrow path to victory as a centrist amid two more left-wing opponents. But the polling numbers, and a lack of fundraising, indicated the road the governorship was over for him.

"I want to thank the thousands of Ansleighans who have come out to fairs and forums and meetings to hear me speak. Or who opened their doors to me when I knocked on their front doors. Thank you for listening, thank you for sharing your concerns and needs, and thank you for your faith in my candidacy," he said.

Coble did not say if he will endorse one of his rivals. Though sources close to Coble say he has been courted by both the Houndsler and Biddington campaigns in recent weeks, with both campaigns hoping he will endorse their respective candidates.

A noted moderate, Coble struggled from the beginning to win over Ansleigha's NAT faithful. As an oil executive, he's been slow to embrace electric vehicles, he's called for less taxes while Ansleigha's NAT leaders have demanded more, and he has opposed raising Ansleigha's minimum wage.

Though he's personally pro-choice, Coble largely avoided contentious social issues on the campaign trail. His reluctance to discuss women's and transgender rights angered NAT activists who view those two issues as cornerstones of the party's platform.

At least one source close to Coble, who asked to remain anonymous because they were not permitted to speak to the media, told the The Ansleighan newspaper that Coble has also been contacted by the campaign of Gov. Sam Baskingwood (C).

Baskingwood's campaign staff are hoping to land an endorsement from Coble as well, The Ansleighan reports.

But spokespeople for both Coble and Baskingwood declined to comment.

Coble's exit from the race leaves just state Sen. Paul Biddington (N-Churchtown) and art teacher and psychologist Agatha Houndsler (N-Danaecke) in the race.

The winner of the May 28 primary election will go on to face Sam Baskingwood (C-Boykin) and businesswoman Rosamond Burkes (I-Carlinegan) in the fall election.

Agatha Houndsler, Rosamond Burkes throw wrenches into Sam Baskingwood's reelection plans

DANAECKE, Ans. -- Troubling news has emerged this week for the campaign of Ansleigha Gov. Sam Baskingwood, who is seeking reelection this fall.

First, oil tycoon and political firebrand Rosamond Burkes announced her candidacy governor.

After roiling the 2020 governor's race, Burkes initially said she would sit out the 2024 election.

But the unpredictable businesswoman changed her mind, and announced earlier this week that she will seek the governorship again this year.

Burkes' candidacy poses a major challenge for Baskingwood, who was hoping Burkes would stay out of the race.

Polls show Baskingwood leading all of his NAT opponents in head-to-head match-ups.

But with Burkes in the scenario as a third-party candidate, Baskingwood's lead diminishes.

For example, Baskingwood has a decent 53%-45% lead over oil businessman Pete Coble (N-Hawkinson).

Baskingwood holds a 55%-43% lead over art teacher and yoga instructor Agatha Houndsler (N-Danaecke).

And against state Sen. Paul Biddington (N-Churchtown), Baskingwood leads 58%-41%, respectively.

But those polls omit Burkes.

With Burkes in the mix, Baskingwood's lead evaporates.

He earns 36.7% to Coble's 33.9% and Burkes' 27.4%, respectively.

In a three-way race with Biddington and Burkes, Baskingwood receives 37.9% to Biddington's 35.3% and Burkes' 25.6%, respectively.

But in a hypothetical race with Houndsler and Burkes, Baskingwood falls out of first place.

The poll shows Houndsler leading with an astonishing 41.3% to Baskingwood's 34.1% and Burkes' 24.1%, respectively.

All the polling was conducted by the Grantham Institute, a nonpartisan polling firm and advocacy group.

The polls paint a grim picture for Sam Baskingwood.

What would ordinarily be an easy march to reelection has turned into an unpredictable three-way race.

The situation is particularly concerning for Baskingwood if Houndsler wins the NAT's primary election, which is scheduled for May 28.

Houndsler, 66, a self-proclaimed "hippie," has risen from political obscurity to frontrunner status.

With a Bachelor's degree in art and a Master's degree in psychology, Houndsler is well-received by Ansleigha's highly-educated electorate.

She polls particularly well in places like Murray County, home to the progressive St. Mary's University, and Tidewell County, home to the University of Ansleigha.

While Houndsler scores well among Ansleigha's educated voters, she fares poorly in blue-collar communities, such as Ebendale and Port Aitken.

Still, many Nationalists are looking to Houndsler as a potential "hero in waiting." They're pinning their hopes on the first-time candidate, hoping she can claim the governorship for the party for the first time since statehood.

Party leaders are increasingly concerned Paul Biddington, who is known for his scorched-earth politics, is too abrasive. 

The other three NAT gubernatorial candidates -- businessman Pete Coble, epidemiologist Bill Seiffert of Gilliam, and former minister and state Sen. Chuck Yore of Rhodes County, are not well-known and have little outside funding.

Thus, Houndsler is increasingly seen as the party's savior: a capable candidate who can rally all factions of the party, raise large sums of money, and possibly wrest the governorship from a popular Conservative incumbent.

As her profile and political stature grows, her NAT opponents are shooting, figuratively, more arrows at Houndsler.

"It's easy to be popular when you don't take a firm stand on any issues and when you don't hold firm to NAT values," Biddington told reporters at a campaign stop in Cordeyon, Thursday, speaking of Houndsler.

Pete Coble, who is known for his centrist views, fears Houndsler's educated background and left-wing politics will turn off blue-collar voters.

"I'm sure a lot of progressive voters who have Masters degrees will love Agatha Houndsler," said Coble. "But what about the mechanic who just has a high school diploma? Or the small businessman or woman who just has an Associates degree? Or the single mom who had to drop out of high school? Can Agatha Houndsler identify with those people? Can she earn their support?" he asked reporters last week.

"You can't win an election just by winning over college-educated voters. They only amount for a small portion of the population, even in Ansleigha, which is one of the most-educated states in the country."

As for Houndsler and her surrogates, they say her education does not preclude her from empathizing and identifying with less-educated voters.

"Yes, Agatha Houndsler is well-educated. But she's more than a college instructor. She's a mother. She's a grandmother. She's a mentor. She's a cancer survivor. She's so much more than the diplomas hanging on her office wall," said spokeswoman Stephanie Snider.

As she fights to tone down her ivy league image, Houndsler is also coming under increasing attack from the Baskingwood campaign.

"Agatha Houndsler is a nice person. But Ansleighans don't want a radical hippie in the governor's mansion. They want a sensible, stable leader, who governs with a steady hand and doesn't cave to extremism," said Austin Denneck, a spokesperson for the Baskingwood campaign.

The Houndsler campaign responded, saying "Sam Baskingwood should be afraid of Agatha Houndsler."

"Agatha is a tough woman leader, who has fought for her students, her family, and her community. Now she is ready to fight for all Ansleighans. To fight for a compassionate government that believes in people instead of taking away their rights. She's ready to create a government that empowers people, that makes society more equal, that protects people from gun violence and climate change, and that elevates women and minorities."

Rosamond Burkes has also targeted Houndsler.

The colorful businesswoman, who is known for her controversial comments, has been using a new nickname for Houndsler, calling the frontrunner "Hagatha."

"'Hagatha' Houndsler is another failed liberal candidate who is highly educated but not very bright," Burkes said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, last week.

Burkes excoriated Houndsler for her proposed tax increases to pay for treatment for homeless addicts. And she took issue with Houndsler's "incredibly stupid" climate change tax plan, which would raise taxes significantly to combat carbon emissions.

In response, the Houndsler campaign called Rosamond Burkes "unhinged" and said she "represents the very worst of far-right politics."

Senate overwhelmingly confirms Leandra Kemmes as transportation secretary

MAVOCKE -- After months of entreaties from President Jim McCaren, his longtime friend and political ally Leandra Kemmes has been confirmed as McCaren's transportation secretary.

Kemmes previously served in the Menuhaeo administration as an under-secretary of transportation. She then was elected governor of Armana, a position she held until a few weeks ago, when she resigned to pursue the transportation secretary post.

On Friday, the senate voted 87-9 to confirm Kemmes. All nine dissenting senators were hardline Conservatives, who primarily took issue with Kemmes' policies on electric vehicles and public transport.

Her confirmation was a breeze for the McCaren administration, which is seeking to maintain the president's healthy approval rating, last measured at 54%, according to the Grassadellia City Times newspaper.

McCaren lobbied Kemmes for months, according to aides close to both the president and former Armana governor. Kemmes had previously been courted by the McCaren administration for other cabinet-level positions, but she had always declined them.

With her gubernatorial term winding down, however, Kemmes decided to accept the offer.

In addition to serving as transportation secretary, she will also serve as a senior advisor to McCaren on public safety and veterans issues. Kemmes is a veteran of the navy.

Her resignation as governor comes at the end of her term, which was set to expire in January 2025. She had mulled running for an historic third term, but decided against it, telling reporters back in February that it was "time for fresh blood" in the governor's mansion.

Upon Kemmes' resignation as governor, Armana's Lt. Gov. Ed Stanton (N) took over as governor.

Stanton is eligible to run for a full term in the fall election, but announced he will not seek the governorship in November, and will instead only fill the role until a permanent successor is elected.

That means there is a wide-open contest for governor in both parties.

For Nationalists, who hold an edge in the NAT-leaning state, Attorney General Rochelle Gotby, Secretary of State Mark Duggan and Marchande Mayor Tom Mallowrey are the three leading candidates.

Former Treasure Secretary Jay Goodling is also running as a Nationalist.

On the Conservative side, businessman Eric Malvron was the first to enter the race. However, former appointed Gov. Dale Fulbright is considering running for his old position. Fulbright was never elected to the governorship, but was instead appointed by the state legislature. He is considering running for the position this time.

Other Conservative candidates include 2020 Conservative nominee Bob Hefner, who lost to Kemmes in that race.

Otter Creek Mayor Tom Ungerhart is also running.

Former CNS gubernatorial nominee Dave Charm, who unsuccessfully challenged Kemmes in 2016, is also considering running again, sources close to him say.

Because of Armana's strong NAT lean, Nationalists are certain to have an advantage in the fall governor's election. However, moderate Conservatives, such as Sen. Chuck Danbury and former Sen. Dana Glow, have had success.

Thus, Conservatives see an opening and a potential pick-up opportunity in the Coalwood State.

Dr. Kerry Rudgley, from Dulkalow University, currently rates the race as "Leans NAT."

Tom Muddleford clings to narrow lead in N. Ceona NAT gubernatorial contest

MENZIE SPRINGS, N. Ceona -- The crowded race for the NAT nomination in North Ceona's governor's race is remaining a deadlock, a new poll finds.

State Senate Minority Leader Tom Muddleford, who represents the southeast suburbs of Parkins, remains in a tenuous first place, garnering 16.75% of NAT voters' support in a recent University of North Ceona poll.

Normally, a candidate only receiving not quite 17% would not be worth celebrating. But in North Ceona's crowded NAT primary, there are eight candidates, and Muddleford's 16.75% support is more than any of his seven competitors.

Close behind Muddleford is Lexerna businessman John Thurgood, with 16.44 percent. 

Rounding out the top three is Forward Industries CEO Susie Forszak, who has 13.68 percent support.

Arab-Grassadellian activist Sajid Roushan receives 12.88% support, according to the poll. Lexerna lawyer Blair Elliott receives 11.45%, while south Parkins state Sen. Katie Pollock receives 11.14%, respectively.

The final two candidates, state Sen. Lisa Campion of Cape Goodwin, and state Sen. Tom Denton of central Parkins, receive less than nine percent -- Campion clocks in at 8.91% and Denton with 8.74 percent, respectively.

The poll shows the race for the NAT nomination is still anyone's for the taking. Muddleford has held on to a minuscule lead, and he remains the favorite. But with less than 17% support, and several opponents in striking distance, it's very possible another candidate could leap-frog into first place.

The expansive breadth of candidates was an issue that was debated heavily during the opening minutes of Friday night's debate in Cherry Valley at North Ceona State University.

Muddleford called on the four lowest-polling candidates -- Denton, Campion, Pollock and Elliott -- to drop out.

"We have to be unified if we're going to win this election in November. And we can't be unified when we have everybody and their brother running for governor," said Muddleford.

Thurgood made a similar entreaty.

"At some point, you have to look at the polling data, you have to look at the fundraising numbers, and you have to ask yourself, is this a viable race for me? Is this a race I can win?," said Thurgood.

But the bottom-four candidates declined to exit the race.

State Sen. Tom Denton, the lowest-polling candidate, pointed out that he was the first candidate in the race. 

"I was the very first person on this stage to stand up and say, 'I am willing to take on Ty Jaimeson and represent our party.' I was the first person on this stage to go down to the county elections office and submit my paperwork. I was the first person to get enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. So why should I drop out when I started his race longer ago than anyone else?," said an annoyed Denton.

Lisa Campion, the state senator from Cape Goodwin, pointed out that despite her low polling numbers, she received the coveted endorsement from EMILY'S List, a leading pro-choice left-wing interest group that fights for women's reproductive rights.

Campion also pointed out that "the race is in flux," and "a lot can change before May," when North Ceona holds its primary election.

Blair Elliott, the lawyer from Lexerna, said "all of us are in this race to win," and he applauded the group's passion.

"But ultimately, it will be the NAT voters of North Ceona who have the final say, and that's the way it should be," Elliott said, to applause from the crowd.

Besides electability, the group also debated important topics of statewide significance, including jobs and taxes, homelessness, hate crimes against LGBTQ+ and Muslim North Ceonans, education spending, environmentalism, and the possibility of increasing tolling on state highways.

On taxes and jobs, all candidates said they want to bring better-paying jobs to North Ceona. Only three, Muddleford, Roushan and Pollock, said they would support a $15 minimum wage state-wide.

All eight candidates called for more funding and treatment for homelessness. Susie Forszak was the most critical of current policies, saying increased funding, housing and treatment alone won't fix the problem. 

"If throwing money at the problem was the solution, we would have solved this problem a long time ago," said the first-time candidate for public office. "This is a complex problem that is going to require more than just extra money and beds to fix."

On hate crimes, Muddleford lauded his own efforts to pass hate crimes legislation in the state senate. 

"Because of my leadership, along with the leadership of my NAT colleagues, we have hate crimes legislation today in this state. If we left it up to the Conservatives, there would be no such thing," he said.

Still, the state "has a long way to go" to ensure all North Ceonans have equality and equity, Muddleford said.

Katie Pollock and Sajid Roushan took issue with Muddleford's characterization.

"When we have LGTBQ+ folks being attacked on the street, when we have mosques being attacked with hateful and threatening graffiti, and these are repeat crimes, I think we still have much more to do to make sure our state is a safe and welcoming place for all minority North Ceonans," said Pollock.

Roushan, who is Muslim, spoke poignantly of receiving death threats and even having an incendiary explosive device placed on his personal vehicle.

"Someone tried to kill me with a bomb. And that person was arrested and prosecuted. But I have to tell you, the prosecution and arrest didn't happen easily. It didn't happen automatically. It took a lot of outrage and anger and constant reminding of the authorities before any arrest was made. And that's unacceptable," said Roushan.

The group was unanimous in its support for increased education spending. And on the environment, all eight candidates said they want to increase conservation, reduce the state's carbon footprint, and give subsidies and tax incentives to green companies and businesses that reduce their carbon share.

On the issue of tolls, all eight said they were open to the idea of new tolls on state highways to help pay for new roads, environmental mitigation from new roads projects, and alternative public transportation.

"We live in a big state, geographically. People rely on cars to get around. We need to properly fund public transportation so that people can ride the train or ride the bus and still get to where they need to go in a reasonable amount of time," said Katie Pollock.

Her transportation plan has called for millions in new spending on light rail extension and smart bus operations.

Roushan also has a grandiose public transport proposal, calling for over $1 billion in new public transport spending.

The other candidates were generally supportive of public transportation, but called for less new spending.

"I think the first thing we need to do is do an audit of our transportation system in this state. Find out which roads are in most need of repair, which roads are used the most and have the most traffic, find out where smart busses and light rail make sense, and maybe in some areas, they don't make sense. Let's take inventory first before we start shoving money out the door," said Susie Forszak.

At the end of the debate, all eight candidates agreed that more needs to be done to bring North Ceonans together and to unite both sides of the state.

"We are living in a time where the eastern half of North Ceona is completely cut off and completely doing its own thing from the western half of the state," said John Thurgood. "It's not cutoff transportation-wise, we have freeways and railways that connect our state. But culturally, we are divided. People in eastern North Ceona have different priorities than folks in western North Ceona. And for years, people have only cared about what's happening in their own backyard. But we are one state, and we need to care about not only what's happening in our county or in our zip code, but also what's happening in the rest of our state. Because what happens up in the mountains of Charles County affects folks in Rexdrey County, and Levander County, and Lewis County, and Alapeo County. What happens anywhere in North Ceona territory affects the rest of us too. And we need to start understanding that and taking more of a concern for our neighbors as well as ourselves," said Thurgood.

His comments were echoed by the other seven candidates, and all were met with strong applause from the crowd.

The North Ceona NAT Primary Election is scheduled for May 14.

Dick Trau to challenge Diane Coke in comeback senate bid

LARCHMONT, POG -- Former POG Sen. Dick Trau (C) will seek to return to his old job this fall, sources close to the former senator say.

Trau is planning to run against his former colleague, Nationalist incumbent Sen. Diane Coke, who is seeking re-election this year.

Trau narrowly lost re-election to Nationalist Jim Mahenas back in 2022 by a margin of 48%-50%, respectively.

Now, sources close to Trau, who asked not to be named because they were asked not to speak to the media, tell GNN that Trau is expected to announce his plans to challenge Coke next week.

Trau's decision to challenge the incumbent Coke is interesting, especially considering fellow POG Sen. George Mercott is retiring this year, leaving his seat vacant.

Sources close to Trau say he believes he has a better chance of defeating Coke, who is controversial and one of the least bipartisan senators in the chamber, rather than run against an unknown NAT opponent in the race for Mercott's empty seat.

"Diane Coke will be much easier to beat. She's hyper-liberal, she's hyper-bitchy, she's hyper-unlikable. Dick Trau stands a strong chance of ousting her in November," said one source, who spoke exclusively with GNN, and who asked for anonymity to protect their relationship with Trau.

While the affable and moderate Trau may have a strong chance against Coke in the fall election, he will first have to navigate the CNS primary race.

Hardline Conservatives are not exactly thrilled with Trau, whom they feel is too compromising and moderate.

Contrary to Coke, Trau was ranked as one of the most bipartisan senators during his tenure.

He is known to frequently cross the aisle and work with Nationalists, something his supporters say is an asset.

"Dick is a Conservative, and he has strong Conservative credentials. But he also knows how to work with the other side and negotiate. He knows how to get things done. He can work with Nationalists. He always puts politics second and the good of POG and the country first," Derrin Taylor, a former aide to Trau, told the Lansdale Focus newspaper in a recent interview.

So far, besides Trau, there are no major Conservative candidates running for the chance to take on Coke. However, it's likely a more far-right candidate could emerge to challenge Trau for the CNS senate nomination.

Coke, who was first elected in 2012, is seeking her third term. She is currently the sole woman in POG's senate delegation.

A fierce advocate for women -- and a steadfast critic of Conservatives -- Coke is beloved by left-wing voters and activists.

Unsurprisingly, she is detested by many Conservatives. One CNS colleague recently described her as "toxic."

Coke has declined to apologize for offending Conservatives.

"If standing up to corporate money, and fighting for fair housing, and women's reproductive health, and accessible education and health care for all Grassadellians makes me 'toxic,' then I will happily wear that title," Coke told Grassadellian Public Radio (GPR) last month, in response to criticism from Conservatives.

Coke's campaign projected confidence in an email to GNN.

"Senator Coke is a committed advocate for POG. She has fought for fairness in employment, fair housing, health care and education for our poorest residents. She's fought for sensible climate change legislation. She's fought against needless wars and insane gun policies that let violent criminals terrorize our shopping malls and schools. On issue after issue, Diane Coke is a champion for the people of POG. Her policies are right in line with the average POGer, and there is no doubt Diane Coke will be returned to the senate by voters this fall," said Meredith Sierran, a campaign spokesperson, in an email.

Conservatives, however, are optimistic Coke can be defeated. Her divisive nature will be juxtaposed against Trau's amiable personality and diplomatic tendency, say Trau supporters.

On top of that, Coke is a close associate of Senate Majority Leader Debbie Madronas, who is a perennial scapegoat and villain in Conservative circles.

The Trau campaign plans to tie Coke with Madronas at every turn, surrogates of Trau say.

"Diane Coke is on record saying Debbie Madronas is a 'dear friend' of hers. We will remind voters of just how close they are every chance we get," said Damian Simon, an advisor to Trau, and a likely campaign staff member.

It's unclear, though, if voters will opt to send Trau back to the senate. In 2022, the docile Trau lost to another combative opponent, then-Assemblyman Jim Mahenas. 

In that race, Trau was criticized on both the left and right for being an "establishment" figure that had gotten too comfortable Mavocke's elite social circles.

Trau was seen as out-of-touch with regular POGers.

He'll have to work to overcome that perception this time.

National Conservatives are looking to the race too, as the CNS seeks to obtain a majority in the federal senate for the first time in a decade.

Currently, Nationalists hold a 54-42 majority. Conservatives will need to pick up seven seats in November to flip the chamber, a tall order.

Kerenbury leads fellow Conservatives in Harlyne governor's primary race

HARLYNEE, Harlyne -- Moderate former assemblyman Frank Kerenbury leads his Conservative rivals in the state's gubernatorial primary, a new poll finds.

The poll, conducted by the University of Harlyne--Ashford's Landing (UHAL) found Kerenbury, (pronounced "Karen-bury"), in the lead with 34 percent. 

Businessman and 2020 nominee Tom Marelo was next with 28 percent, followed by former attorney general Julia Giorchani with 23 percent, and Assemblyman Steve Frenitch from eastern Harlyne with 15 percent, respectively. 

H-Tel CEO Rich Tuller previously announced a run for governor, but dropped out of the race last week, so the poll did not include him. 

Tuller is instead seeking the state's lieutenant governorship. He's unopposed on the CNS side, as of now.

The poll was conducted in mid-February and surveyed 480 likely Conservative voters.

Previous polling shows in a hypothetical general election match-up, Kerenbury would tie or narrowly beat incumbent NAT Gov. Kate Morelda.

However, the moderate former assemblyman from the state's southwest has had trouble winning over Harlyne's more hardline Conservative voters, who view Kerenbury as too centrist and compromising.

The new poll results come as the four remaining Conservative candidates are set to square off at a debate in Henotia tonight.

Taking center stage in the debate will be a plethora of issues important to CNS voters, including taxes, gun rights, education, and most notably, the recent loss of federal Sen. Dick Ammons, who resigned his seat due to terminal cancer.

Gov. Kate Morelda (N) ignited a Conservative outcry when she appointed Nationalist Lei Chan to fill Ammons' vacant seat earlier this month. All four CNS candidates for governor have sharply criticized Morelda for the overtly partisan move.

The debate is set to start at 6:30 PM at the Emporium Theater in east Henotia. It will be moderated by journalists from around the state. 

Morelda wanted next senator to be a woman and minority

ASHFORDS LANDING, Harlyne -- After longtime federal Sen. Dick Ammons stepped down due to health reasons, Harlyne Gov. Kate Morelda knew she'd have big shoes to fill as she set out on appointing Ammons' replacement.

In deciding who to pick to succeed Ammons, Morelda specifically wanted a woman. Even better, a woman of color.

"Harlyne has only had white senators ever since statehood. And all except one senator have been men. So it was important to me that I pick someone who is not only a woman but preferably a woman of color. Someone who knows what it's like to be a minority, to struggle, to not be heard or seen in a room full of white men. And I knew Lei Chan was the right person, who understands the struggle that women and minorities face. And not only that, she is exceptionally qualified," said Morelda in a recent TV interview with WAFL-4 TV in Ashford's Landing.

Her decision to exclusively seek out a woman of color to fill the seat is upsetting to Conservatives, who have been vocal in their criticism.

"This governor didn't appoint the best person for the job. She didn't appoint the most-qualified person for the job. She appointed a liberal ally of her's who checks all the ethnic and gender boxes that she wanted," said Tom Marelo, a businessman who is running for governor as a Conservative.

Marelo previously ran unsuccessfully against Morelda in 2020.

"This was a diversity pick. Plain and simple. And not only that, it was a political pick. The governor chose someone from her own party instead of honoring the will of the voters and picking another Conservative to fill Dick Ammons' seat," added Marelo.

Morelda doesn't see it that way. The governor insisted her pick of Chan was not solely because of Chan's race or gender. 

"She [Chan] is uniquely qualified to serve as a federal senator," said Morelda. "It's just a bonus that she also happens to be a woman of color who understands the need for and the value of diversity and inclusion."

As for choosing a Nationalist over a Conservative for the previously Conservative-held seat, Morelda didn't dispute her choice of Chan was political.

"Every time a governor appoints someone, from any party, it's political. Every governor is going to and always does appoints someone who is of the same party they belong to, or who is favorable to them and their policies. Governors always appoint someone they agree with or see eye-to-eye with. That's just common sense," said Morelda. "And there's nothing illegal or ethically wrong with choosing someone you agree with. It's the governor's constitutional right and power to appoint senators to fill vacancies, and the governor has the prerogative to choose whomever they feel is best for the job," she added.

"There were many impressive candidates for the job, but I felt Lei Chan was the most-qualified and the best fit for the job, so I chose her. If people have a problem with that, well then, I would say to them that elections have consequences. When I won the governorship back in 2020, one of my jobs and responsibilities was filling a vacancy in our state's senate delegation. And I have fulfilled my constitutional duty. You may not approve of it, but I was the one elected and empowered by the people to do that."

Conservatives have long been critical of Morelda and her emphasis on diversity and inclusion. She has been an avid supporter of LGTBQ+ rights, and has gone to great pains to appoint women and minorities to high-ranking positions in her cabinet and state government.

But while Nationalists are largely thrilled at Chan's selection, some Nationalists are privately upset the governor overlooked them for the job.

In particular, Winsaret Metropolitan Council President Lex Martin (N), who is Chan's former colleague and boss, has privately complained to friends and associates of the governor about Chan's appointment.

Martin is among several fellow Nationalists who believe they should have been appointed instead of Chan.

"It's not that he's upset the governor chose Chan," said a source close to Martin, who asked for privacy because Martin spoke to them in confidence. "Lei Chan is a solid choice, she's a solid liberal, she's an effective liberal leader, she's well-qualified. Lex knows that and approves of her appointment. But it would have been nice to at least be considered for the job instead of automatically dismissed just because he's a white male," the source told the Ashford's Landing Current newspaper.

Former Lt. Gov. Mia Xhi, another liberal Asian-Grassadellian woman, is also reportedly upset she was overlooked for the appointment, according to sources within the state NAT party.

Xhi is also an ally of Morelda, and was hoping to at least be invited to interview with the governor, but that invitation was never extended.

A spokesperson for the governor said Xhi was not seriously considered because she moved to the state of Damoign back in 2018, and would have to move back to Harlyne and establish residency in the state first in order to be eligible to serve.

Several other women in the state NAT's ranks were also overlooked: former Assemblywomen Marin Holsh and Jill LaFraniere, Lt. Gov. Gayle Harmsen, and former Harlynee Mayor Kallain Carney.

Fellow WMC members Anne Pruitt, Christine Branchler and Marta Priscender were also never interviewed for the role, sources close to the governor say.

"It's clear Kate Morelda knew from day one that she was going to appoint the ultra-liberal Lei Chan to the senate seat," said Mark Nadler, state Conservative Party chairman. "She and her staff didn't even do a thorough search or interview process. It was a done-deal weeks ago."

Morelda disputed that characterization, saying she interviewed "multiple" candidates, and that Chan "stood out" from the others.

"Look, are there many great people in the Nationalist Party who would make wonderful senators for our state? Yes, of course there are. But I had to pick one person, and I chose the person who best fit and best fulfilled the role I was seeking to fill. I have no regrets or no second thoughts about appointing Lei Chan. She's exceedingly qualified, she's exceedingly in tune with the needs of Harlynians, and she has the integrity to serve our state and represent our state well. I know that doesn't sit well with some people, but that's just how it is," said Morelda.

"The decision has been made and I stand by it," she added.