Webster refuses to support Garesby, Faller; backs Frenitch, Emaria

HARLYNE, Harvannah--Christian conservative activist Jill Webster says the right-wing political action committee (PAC) she founded will not support the Conservative candidates for Harvannah's governorship and senate seat.

Webster's PAC, called "Christians With a Conscience," will not endorse or monetarily back gubernatorial candidate George Garesby or federal senate candidate Robert Faller Jr. because of their "too progressive views" on social issues.

"Mr. Garesby and Mr. Faller do not support a real, true conservative agenda," Webster said at a Monday afternoon press conference in Harlyne. "CWC-PAC only endorses candidates it feels are genuine conservatives; people that will not sell-out to the liberal agenda-pushing media and feel-good culture, but people that are set in their values and stand firmly for the conservative causes they believe in."

Webster also declined to endorse Rep. Frank Kerenbury (C-Ducheffrey) and Hugh Brogan, the CNS candidate for Gilbourne, both of whom also failed to meet her conservative litmus test. Todd Kren, the CNS candidate for lieutenant governor, was also passed by for an endorsement.

But she did announce support for Rep. Steve Frenitch of Londigan, whom she praised as a "moral man." She also endorsed Hal Swenson, the Conservative candidate for the electorate of Ashford-North Shore, calling him a "conservative warrior."

Also receiving support from the CWC is attorney general candidate Julio Emaria, whom Webster hopes will be a rising conservative star in the state.

"We desperately need a strong, committed conservative leader in the attorney general's seat, and I see a lot of potential in Julio Emaria. He's a dedicated family man and really a great young man with a great head on his shoulders."

Jennifer Giorchani, the current Conservative secretary of state who is up for re-election this year, will not be endorsed by the CWC, but only because the CWC will not weigh in on the secretary of state race.

"While we feel there should be good Christian leaders in every position in the state, the secretary of state's position is really a non-partisan and non-ideological position, and we have to choose wisely where to invest our resources," Webster said.

Webster formed the CWC-PAC last year, and so far the ultra-conservative organization, which is not affiliated with or sanctioned by the Conservative party, has raised about $170,000.

Few Conservative candidates in Harvannah have sought the backing of the right-wing organization, as Harvannah tends to lean toward the liberal end of the political spectrum. Support from a non-mainstream organization such as Webster's would likely be more of a political liability than an asset.

Following the announcement, Frenitch's campaign tried to distance the assemblyman from the far-right PAC, telling the National Press Federation (NPF) that "the assemblyman appreciates support from anyone, but strives to be a representative for everyone."

Swenson enthusiastically welcomed Webster's endorsement, saying he will "partner with anyone to create a a conservative government" on the local, state and national level.

Emaria's campaign did not comment on the endorsement.

Webster has proved to be a headache for CNS party officials, particularly when she ran a write-in campaign in the last federal senate race, siphoning votes from CNS candidate Bourret Magiscanti, who ended up losing his re-election bid to NAT candidate Glenn Rosen. Webster made the long-shot bid in protest of Magiscanti's moderate positions on social issues.

Nevertheless, Webster is hoping to use her political organization to boost her influence as a king-maker in the Harvannah CNS party.

"This is just the beginning of a real, genuine, honest-to-goodness conservative revolution in this state."

Hoffa: George Garesby is Mark Andres' 'worst nightmare'

MATTINOW, Damoign--The head of the Conservative Governor's Association (CGA) says his party's nominee for governor of Harvannah is the NAT incumbent governor's 'worst nightmare.'

Speaking on the Daily Grind political cable show, Damoign Gov. Sid Hoffa, who leads the CGA, told host Jeff MacDonald that George Garesby, the mayor of Harrisport in northwestern Harvannah, is the strongest and most viable candidate the Conservative Party could nominate for the general election.

"I think this weekend [election] ended in the worst possible way for [incumbent Nationalist] Mark Andres," Hoffa told MacDonald. "George Garesby is the strongest person to take on Mark Andres. He is Andres' worst nightmare."

The affable mayor of Harrisport won Saturday's primary election, narrowly fending off state Attorney General and former gubernatorial candidate Julia Giorchani. Garesby also defeated businessman Tom Marelo and Rich Tuller, CEO of a regional telecommunications company.

During the primary election, the CGA remained neutral. But CNS insiders say top party officials were privately hoping the more moderate Garesby would win over the outspoken and more conservative Julia Giorchani.

Garesby was seen as the most viable of the four CNS candidates, and his clinching of the nomination delighted party leaders throughout the state.

"I am so happy my friend and colleague George Garesby has won the primary," former Conservative Sen. Andre "Bourret" Magiscanti told the Harlyne Sun newspaper Monday.

Another close friend of Garesby's, current Conservative Sen. Dick Ammons, told the Mavocke Capitol newspaper he "cannot think of a better person to serve as governor."

"George has all the qualities a good governor needs to have--knowledge, fortitude, humility, civility, sincerity, bravery, integrity. That's something we're really missing in our state's leadership right now," Ammons said.

For their part, the Nationalist Governor's Association (NATGA), headed by East Deschire Gov. Lynn DeMont, quickly jumped on Garesby, and has already released a web video portraying him as a zig-zagger.

"George Garesby has shifted from his moderate positions to more conservative ones when it comes to taxes and abortion," the ad claims. "He zig zags back and forth from moderate to the far-right."

Nationalists say the "shift" in Garesby's positions is based on his record of increasing some taxes while mayor of Harrisport. This shift to the right occurred, the NAT alleges, when Garesby pledged to not increase taxes unless he "absolutely" had to during the primary.

On abortion, the mayor has always been pro-choice, and has remained so during the primary campaign. However, Giorchani's criticism that Garesby was "just as liberal as Mark Andres" caused the mayor to denounce abortion and moderate his views.

He called for less abortions, saying "no one wants more abortions. The goal should be to reduce them, but we have to do it through less intrusive ways and the government needs to stay out of it."

After viewing the web ad on the Grind, CGA chair Sid Hoffa dismissed the "zig-zag" attack, telling Jeff MacDonald the attacks are baseless.

"This is just a distraction. It's a distortion and not even accurate. George Garesby has been steadfast in his views on the issues. But that's beside the point. The point is that, at the end of the day, the Nationalists are not going to win by making social controversies a wedge issue in this campaign. Mark Andres has to stand for re-election on his record, and that record is a record of extreme partisanship, a lack of achievement, alienation of the military in the state, an overwhelming budget deficit and increase in taxes, and burdensome environmental regulations that cripple economic growth in Harvannah."

Hoffa ended the interview by saying, "There is no good outcome for Mark Andres in the fall election. There just isn't." 

Augustino wins Ducheffrey NAT primary

HARLYNE, Harvannah--Ray Augustino, president of the Western Harvannah Metropolitan Council (WHMC), has won the NAT primary in the electorate of Ducheffrey in southwestern Harvannah.

Augustino was favored to win, and handily defeated Harlyne Mayor Kallain Carney and former MP Dawn Mattosh.

Augustino won with just over 43 per cent of the vote. Carney trailed with 34 per cent, and Mattosh came in a distant third with 22.6 per cent.

Augustino will go on to face Conservative incumbent Rep. Frank Kerenbury in the 2012 general election.

Elsewhere across the state, Henley Mayor Jill LaFraniere overwhelmingly won her NAT primary race against lawyer and civic activist Dennis Steinhaus in the newly-drawn seat of Ashford-North Shore. LaFraniere garnered 80.5 per cent of the vote, compared to 19.5 per cent for Steinhaus.

In the newly-added electorate of Gilbourne, which encompasses all of Saoca County, most of Herell County, and the western half of Bourneham County, incumbent Rep. Marin Holsh (NAT) won her primary, and Western Harvannah Metropolitan Council (WHMC) member Hugh Brogan of Clevey Springs won the Conservative primary.

And in the seat of Londigan, which includes southeastern Harvannah and Kilgore Island, Conservative incumbent Steve Frenitch faced no opposition in the CNS primary. Cobbleton businessman Don Pinter won the NAT primary with no opposition as well.

Garesby prevails in crowded CNS governor's race

HARRISPORT, Harvannah--The crowded race for the Conservative nomination for governor has come to a close end, with Harrisport Mayor George Garesby clinching victory narrowly.

A final count of ballots showed Garesby winning with 29.13% of the vote. Close behind him was state Attorney General Julia Giorchani with 27.55%. Trailing Giorchani were Goldchrist businessman Tom Marelo with 23.62% and H-Tel CEO Rich Tuller with 19.70%, respectively.

Vote totals showed Garesby leading with 51,290 votes to Giorchani's 48,520. Marelo pulled in 41,595 and Tuller trailed significantly with 34,691.

Garesby's victory marked the end to a long, grueling, and bitter campaign that sharply divided the state Conservative party.

At his victory party at the waterfront Port Club in downtown Harrisport, Garesby thanked his supporters for their determination, and thanked his rivals as well.

"I want to thank all of you for your hard work and support. It's been an excruciating past few months, and this could not have been done without you," he told his supporters. "I also want to thank those that voted for me. It's a privilege to have your vote and trust, and I hope your confidence in me will only grow throughout the rest of this campaign.

"But I'd also like thank my three opponents, who worked very hard and earned a credible amount of support by their own merit. This was a tough campaign, a very, very difficult one with a lot of intensity and emotions to go around, and I would like to thank them, and I think the whole state of Harvannah should thank them for the wonderful contributions each one of them has made to our state and to our party. They are all wonderful people, and we look forward to working with them in the general election campaign and beyond," Garesby said.

During the campaign, the affable mayor from Harrisport took heat from his opponents for his moderate stance on some issues. Garesby's most credible challenger, Julia Giorchani, attacked him for his civil nature, which she considered too passive. She accused Garesby of being too meek and timid in confronting and campaigning against incumbent NAT Governor Mark Andres, and alleged Garesby's "liberal" views were too similar with those of Andres.

On numerous occasions during the campaign, Giorchani attacked Garesby because he was endorsed by the moderate Conservative Senator Dick Ammons. When Garesby was endorsed by his close friend, former Senator Bourret Magiscanti, another distinguished moderate figure in the state party, Giorchani made similar criticisms about Magiscanti's moderate voting record, arguing Harvannah needed a "clear conservative alternative to Mark Andres."

But Giorchani's attacks were not enough to buoy her to victory.

Polls showed conflicting predictions in the last two weeks of the campaign, with some showing Garesby in the lead and some with Giorchani in the lead. The two had largely been neck-and-neck in the polls since October, with Garesby usually leading by only a few percentage points.

However, Garesby's win on election night was enough to end all doubt. On election night, around 11:00 pm, Giorchani admitted her prospects of winning were "grim," but said she would not make a formal decision to concede until after meeting with advisers in the morning. And Sunday afternoon, speaking from her home in rural Herell County, she conceded.

"I called George Garesby this morning and congratulated him on winning. This was a hard-fought, very passionate campaign. It has been exhausting and very tense at times. Obviously, I'm disappointed I did not come out on top. It's always disappointing to lose. But this campaign has also given me an incredible opportunity to meet more people and talk with every day Harvannans about the needs of our state and the desire of the constituents and the direction they want our state to go. I'm so grateful for all the experiences I've had during the past eight months," Giorchani said.

She did not endorse Garesby.

Fellow candidates Tom Marelo and Rich Tuller also conceded, both on election night. Marelo, speaking from the Empire Hotel in downtown Goldchrist, thanked his supporters and congratulated Garesby in his win. But the self-made millionaire also urged Garesby to "not abandon the values of the Conservative party just to win an election."

"I fervently hope that Mr. Garesby does not go back on his Conservative values for the sake of a general election victory. I believe the Conservative agenda is one that people can get behind, and one that people will get behind if we present it in the right way and if we stand by our values," Marelo said to a cheering crowd.

Tuller offered similar sentiments, telling his supporters at a gathering at the Yacht Club in downtown Harlyne that the campaign was "extraordinarily tough," but he was honored to "end the campaign with dignity."

"At many points during the campaign, people suggested that I drop out of the race. I myself even considering leaving the race. This was a tough road that we traveled," Tuller admitted.

"But I ultimately decided to stay in this race because I felt the voters needed a strong economic leader as one of their options. And while I would have loved to have won tonight and would have been honored to win the nomination of our party and the chance to take on Mark Andres, I am still happy with the campaign we ran. I am still happy that we didn't quit early and give up, but we kept on fighting to the end. I think that says a lot about my values and a lot about the values of this campaign and my supporters," Tuller said.

Neither Marelo nor Tuller offered an endorsement of Mr. Garesby.

Garesby's win comes as good news for national Conservative party leaders, who publicly remained neutral during the tense primary, but were privately hoping Garesby would win, as he is seen as the most viable of the four candidates.

A spokeswoman from Mark Andres' team had no comment over the weekend.

Garesby's campaign confirmed the mayor will hold a morning press conference on Monday to address the campaign's future direction and agenda.

Sulley hangs on in HVN primary election

ASHFORD'S LANDING, Harvannah--Nationalist Senator Cal Sulley barely eked out a victory in Harvannah's primary election Saturday night.

The first-term Sulley, who came under fire from the left for his moderate voting record, faced a formidable challenge from the ultra-liberal Ashford's Landing Mayor Peter Levenko.

Harvannah Secretary of State Jennifer Giorchani reported Sulley winning 51.52% to Levenko's 48.48%, with less than 4,000 ballots left to count.

At last count on election night, Sulley had 109,119 votes and Levenko trailed with 103,311.

Levenko conceded the race to Sulley, and thanked his supporters for a spirited campaign. He praised Sulley for his "dedicated service" to the state.

"Cal and I clearly disagree on a number of issues, and to say I'm not disappointed tonight would be a lie. But regardless of where you stand on the issues, and despite not winning tonight, I know Cal has been very dedicated in serving the people of Harvannah over the past few years, and I hope that he will continue to serve his state well and listen more closely to the will of the people," Levenko said at his campaign headquarters in downtown Ashford's Landing.

There was a big sigh of relief at the Sulley campaign celebration at the Ashford Golf and Country Club, where supporters and campaign staff were cautiously optimistic but not sure the incumbent senator would hold back Levenko.

"First of all, I want to thank all of the great Nationalists across this state that voted for me and made this win possible," Sulley said to cheers. "But I also want to thank my wonderful campaign team and all you volunteers for the countless hours of work and sweat and tears you put into this campaign. You have partnered with me to make Harvannah a better state for the past five years, and this fall I will ask you to partner with me again for another six years."

Sulley also called for unity in the state NAT party.

"The worst thing we could do for the fall election is be divided and angry with one another. We have to come together and unite and find common ground. Otherwise, we are just handing ourselves to the Conservatives and allowing them to have a foothold in the general election," Sulley said.

Immediately following Sulley's victory, the Nationalist Senate Campaign Committee, NSCC, released a statement saying they will back Sulley in the general election. The committee was previously uncommitted during the primary.

Sulley will go on to face former Lieutenant Governor Robert Faller Jr., who defeated state Senate President Jim Fribenzi for the Conservative senate nomination.

Authorities: 'miracle' no one killed in crane collapse

DUBE CITY, Armana--Authorities say it's a miracle that no one was killed or seriously injured after a crane collapsed at a building site today in southern Armana.

The 350-ft tall crane came crashing down early Monday morning, around 5:30 am eastern time. About 15 people were at the construction site when the collapse occurred, officials said, but all were inside the site's mobile office quarters, about 500 feet away from the crane.

Workers felt the ground shake as the crane fell on top of a cement foundation.

"It felt like a small earthquake, or a big explosion," one worker told reporters.

The building site lies in a vacant district west of Dube City's industrial district, and no neighboring buildings or parks were endangered.

A spokesman for the construction company, Harbour Freight, said the company is "relieved" no one was injured and will be conducting a thorough investigation.

"This could have been a real tragedy and we want to look into exactly what happened so we can avoid anything like this from happening in the future," spokesman Darren Smith said.

The Armana Department of Labor and Industries is also investigating the incident.

The site will remain closed until the investigation is complete.

Menuhaeo to embark on east Asia tour

MAVOCKE--President Brenton Menuhaeo will travel to Asia next month, on a tour to six countries, his office announced Thursday.

The president will make stops in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The focus of the trip will be economic relations, human rights, foreign affairs and the environment.

First Lady Carolla Menuhaeo will join her husband on the swing through east Asia, Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert confirmed.

Addelson: CNS has 'declared war on women'

MAVOCKE--Deschire Nationalist Sen. Jhinny Addelson lashed out at her Conservative colleagues Thursday, telling Mavocke radio host Jim Weatherby the CNS has "launched a major ideologically-based war on women" in regard to reproductive rights.

"What we're seeing from the other side is an extreme, out-dated ideology that states that government should be able to limit women's rights and tell them how to manage their bodies. The Conservative Party of Grassadellia has declared war on women in this country," Addelson said.

Addelson was answering a question from Weatherby about a proposed bill sponsored by Wellington Conservative Rep. Joe Wilsey, member for Claremonte-White Pines, that would outlaw late-term abortions outright after 20 weeks. The bill, which is still in committee, is seen only as a symbolic move, as it is unlikely to pass. Currently, there is no federal law banning late-term abortions, although most states have laws in place.

Addelson says the proposed bill, although unlikely to pass, is a threat to women's rights. She also addressed the battle over employer-issued insurance and birth control, as well as a recent effort in Monomi to prohibit public schools from handing out birth control to teenagers.

"Not only is the CNS out of touch with the sentiment of the electorate on this issue, but their policy on women's rights is clearly degrading and threatening public health. Women need to have access to clinics that offer these services. They need to have access to safe birth control. And anyone who wants to take that right away from [women] needs to get a bucket of cold water thrown in their face and wake up," Addelson chimed.

Wilsey's bill is still in the preliminary drafting stages, but already, many members have signed on.

Trinton Conservative Sen. Greg Baxter, who has not endorsed Wilsey's bill but has supported restrictions on abortion in the past, appeared on the GBC's Parlour Chat program Thursday and responded to Addelson's claims.

"This kind of rhetoric from the other side is what's making this argument so divisive and emotional," Baxter said. "There is no 'war on women,' as Miss Addelson claims. Obviously, some members are more opposed to abortion than others and want more restrictions in place than others. But what we can all agree on is that we want less abortions, and we don't want these decisions to be made lightly. We want them to be made deliberately and with discernment.

"And when it comes to the issue of birth control, we want to make sure that employers are not forced to violate their deeply-held religious convictions on this issue. That's where the CNS stands on this. The other side believes that religious liberties should be over-ridden, and I think that's a view most Grassadellians disagree with," Baxter added.

Rep. Wilsey's office had no comment, but ensured the assemblyman will have plenty to say at a press conference next week. Senate Majority Leader John Morandi's office also had no comment, however, a private NAT source hinted the party will continue to bring up the controversial topic as part of an election-year campaign offensive.

German launches long-shot bid for lieutenant governor

HARLYNE, Harvannah--A young Conservative pastor has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Harvannah.

Dackery German, who goes by the shorter name "Dack," has announced he will challenge incumbent Nationalist Mia Xhi in the 2012 election.

German is a long-shot to beat the highly-favored Xhi, who easily defeated Conservative incumbent Robert Faller Jr. in the 2008 election. Xhi has rolled in campaign cash, and has high state-wide name recognition, both of which German, a political new-comer, lacks.

But in a video released on his campaign website, www.dackgerman.com, the 37-year-old minister says he wants to "transform the way elected officials interact with their constituents." He criticizes Xhi, saying she is too stand-offish and does not attentively listen to citizen complaints and concerns. "We need a lieutenant governor who is not apart of a political machine or a political agenda, but just genuinely wants to help the people they serve," German says in the video.

German works as a youth minister at Harbourview Church in southeast Harlyne. Before he can compete against Xhi, however, he will have to make it through the primary election, where he will face Clevey Springs Mayor Todd Kren, who announced his candidacy last month. Kren is viewed by many party insiders to be a more viable candidate.

German had been exploring running for office for months, but made his candidacy official yesterday, December 26. He will be temporarily stepping down from his position at Harbourview until the race is over.

The Kren and Xhi campaigns had no comment.

Boden won't decide until January

COREEGA, Harvannah--Wealthy businessman, attorney, and anti-tax activist Craig Boden will not decide until after the new year if he will run for governor, he told GBC radio today.

Boden, a Conservative, has been toying with joining the crowded field of CNS gubernatorial candidates. However, on Wednesday, he told Harvannah's GBC Local 1390 AM he won't make a decision until January.

Already in the race are state Attorney General Julia Giorchani, Harrisport Mayor George Garesby, H-Tel CEO Rich Tuller and Goldchrist businessman Tom Marelo.

Boden has criticized the current CNS field of candidates for not being conservative enough. The far-right of the Conservative party are attempting to draft him into running, sources say.

The primary election is slated for March 24, 2012.

Fulbright: concessions from state unions needed to save jobs

NEW SALEM, Armana--State unions must make concessions in order to save government jobs, Armana Gov. Dale Fulbright said Tuesday.

Fulbright and the state legislature are attempting to reach an agreement on how to climb out of a $763 million budget shortfall. Cuts have already been made, but the governor insists concessions from various state employees' unions are necessary to help avoid lay-offs.

"In lean times, we have two choices: either make concessions and share the burden collectively, or decline to make concessions and write out lay-off slips. I would really rather avoid the latter," he said at a Tuesday press conference.

Specifically, Fulbright is calling on the state teachers' union, the Armana Teachers Association (ATA), to make concessions on yearly pay increases and holiday reimbursement. The governor has also asked the Armana State General Employees' Union (ASGEU) to make concessions on holiday pay and retirement benefits.

"It's unfortunate, but we have to close this budget gap, and in order to do that, we need the unions to stop holding out and to sacrifice a little here and there," Fulbright said. "No one wants to make these concessions, but we've tried to make them as painless as we can given the situation, and we see the alternative of laying people off as not a good solution."

ATA President Brenda Siemen jumped on the governor's "sacrifice" comments, telling the Maine City Overseer that "teachers make huge sacrifices every day to supplement their classrooms and educate children."

"I don't think most people would consider cuts in pay and benefits for our hard-working teachers minor sacrifices like the governor does. I think he really stands alone on that," Siemen said.

Brett Stewart, who heads the ASGEU, told the GBC the governor is being dishonest, because cuts could be made in other areas instead of cutting pay and benefits for state workers.

"This is a classic strategy of this Conservative government: blame the unions for our budget problems. The fact is, if the governor would look harder at the budget, he could find other, less painful places to cut money without impacting the pay and retirement plans of state employees," Stewart said.

Grace Solomon, a spokeswoman for the governor's office, told the National Press Federation (NPF) that other parts of the budget are being impacted.

"We are seeing the budget impacted at many different levels. Agencies across the state are seeing their budgets slashed, less services being offered to the citizens, and that's because the governor is trying to make cuts in several different areas so we don't have just one area where we're feeling the pinch," Solomon said.

The budget showdown comes as Armana tries to fix its worst budget deficit in 12 years. The state's budget is better off than other states, but the 2011-2012 fiscal year has seen the first deficit since 2005.

Manning, DeBoor face off over economy

MAVOCKE--Two leading senators went head-to-head on a Sunday morning news program today, arguing their party is better prepared to address the economic challenges facing the country.

Stephanie Manning, a Nationalist from Lial, told Weekend Glance host Ed McCulvie the NAT party needs a majority in both houses of Congress before it can "lead the country out of an economic drought."

"The only way we can bring this country out of this economic dry spell is to elect an NAT majority in the Senate and the National Assembly," Manning said on the morning political news program.

She was rebutted by Remmington's freshman Conservative senator, Pete DeBoor, a former oil executive.

"Electing an NAT majority in Congress is the last thing this country needs," DeBoor said. "We already have a Nationalist president who doesn't know how to handle the economy. If we give him an NAT-controlled Senate and Assembly, we're just asking for more stimuluses and bail-outs and tax increases."

McCulvie pointed out that the bail-out and stimulus packages of 2009 were passed with Conservative support, including DeBoor's fellow Remmington senator, Curt Blaisek, who helped reach an agreement on the $315 billion stimulus.

"Well I like Curt, and I think he meant well when he voted for the stimulus. He was trying to reach a compromise and trying to reach across party lines to make an agreement that all sides could be happy with. But I disagree that spending money is going to get us out of this economic rut," DeBoor said, of the stimulus and bail-out.

DeBoor ridiculed a proposal from some Nationalists for a second stimulus, telling McCulvie the NAT's only strategy is tax-and-spend.

"That's all they've got. That's their only idea, to just keep taxing the people of this country and spending and hoping that if they spend enough money, they'll finally start earning some back. That is not a real solution."

Manning declined to support the proposal for a second stimulus, but did say the NAT will cut spending, something DeBoor laughed at.

"I'm very serious when I say that [Senate Majority Leader] John Morandi and [Assembly Minority Leader] Allison McGint and Brenton Menuhaeo are going to go through the budget and find areas where we can cut back. But what they will not do is make cuts to services and programs that are vital to working-class Grassadellians in exchange for tax breaks and pay-offs for the super rich. And they will not burden our children and seniors and low-income citizens while cutting deals with corporations and the big oil companies," Manning said, a clear slight at DeBoor.

DeBoor ended the segment by telling McCulvie that jobs, not rhetoric, is what the people want.

"The best thing you can do for the working class people of this country is to get them jobs again. No more broken promises, just a paycheck. That's what the people of this country want."

NAT eyes Ansleigha for pick-ups

KOEURN, Ansleigha--The Nationalist Party is hoping to win a majority in the Federal Assembly for the first time in more than a decade. And picking up Conservative-held seats in the state of Ansleigha is part of their strategy for reaching that goal.

Key NAT leaders are watching the state closely, and are hoping an anti-Conservative sentiment that's sweeping parts of the country will take deep root in a state that is already well-known for its battleground status.

Ansleigha has more registered Nationalist voters than Conservatives, but the CNS controls the governor's mansion and two of the state's four Senate seats. In addition, the lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general are all Conservatives.

Currently, four of the state's seven assemblymen are Conservatives. But that could change in 2012 if the NAT gets its way.

Their main target is freshman Rep. Michael Collins, who represents the battleground constituency of Hawkinson in the central part of the state. The district includes the northern and western parts of Danaecke, Ansleigha's fourth largest city, and goes west all the way to the Danver River, including Kollandon in the north-central part of the state, as well.

The state NAT is hoping to recruit Kollandon Mayor Jeff Felworth, who ran unsuccessfully against Collins in 2010, for a rematch, only this time, a nation-wide NAT wave could catapult Felworth into first place.

Fellow freshman Rep. McKendra Brown, who represents Gowlinson, which is home to Ansleigha's largest city, Koeurn, is also likely to face a tough race. The district is, overall, NAT-leaning. But the outer suburbs helped Brown defeat Koeurn City Councillor Chris Hayfield by a comfortable margin of 55% to 45% in the 2010 race.

This time around, NAT leaders are hoping to recruit a stronger candidate. And they're hoping Koeurn's liberal bent will outweigh any support the moderate Brown might have in the suburban areas.

Also in the NAT's cross-hairs: Reps. Nick Winsich of Bedland-Brinson in Ansleigha's east, and the outspoken Tara Burlingame, who represents Chadwick and the Donsides in the state's southwestern coal country.

Both won election relatively easily in 2010, but Winsich could face a more difficult opponent in 2012, and Burlingame is likely to face a rematch against Rawlingsworth businessman Roman LaPierre. And neither district is a Conservative lock-hold.

Nationalists will almost for sure keep the seat of Tidewell in the southern part of the state, where Rep. Jeff Symanthe cruised to victory in 2010. The liberal strong-hold of Churchtown makes it extremely difficult for the CNS to compete there. Rep. Chris Gilson, a freshman Nationalist who defeated incumbent Jeff Woonby (C), will also likely keep his seat, though a competitive CNS opponent could spring up.

The one bright spot for Conservatives will be the seat of Ambrose in northwestern Ansleigha, where veteran Assemblyman Pat Alosha is retiring. It's rumored former Rep. Jaime Scousenovy (N) may run for the seat, but Conservatives are banking on businessman Bill Haas making a second bid. Haas, a political newcomer, almost beat Alosha in the 2010 race. A Scousenovy-Haas match-up would be very close, but definitely attainable for the Conservatives.

One other thing in the Conservatives' favor: Governor Dale Lindstrom. While the national mood is souring on the Conservative party, Lindstrom remains popular, and will be on the ballot in 2012 for his first full term in office. His popularity will be a big boost to the party's endangered incumbents.

Candidates argue over abortion, electability in first debate

HENOTIA, Harvannah--The first Conservative gubernatorial primary debate saw attacks and insults hurled in every direction.

Held at the Emporium Theatre in east Henotia, the evening's first attack came from H-Tel CEO Rich Tuller, who criticized state Attorney General Julia Giorchani's changed stance on abortion, an issue that arose earlier in the week when fellow candidate Tom Marelo brought it up on the campaign trail.

Tuller accused Giorchani, who in the past has identified as pro-choice, of back-pedaling in recent months, and quietly altering her position to be more pro-life, a move that could help her with far-right Conservative voters.

Giorchani responded, saying that her Catholic faith has always taught her to be personally opposed to abortion, but she believes "the government should not be in the business of telling women what to do with their bodies."

Tuller, who also has moderate views on abortion, called Giorchani's changing stance "hypocritical."

"It's clear, Julia, that you've changed your position on abortion because you think it will win you points with the primary voters, and that's deceptive politics," Tuller said.

Giorchani responded, "I've been much more pro-life than you've been, Rich, and I will stack up my record and my positions on the issue of abortion with you any day."

Goldchrist businessman Tom Marelo criticized all of his opponents, saying he is the "only true Conservative."

"I am the only candidate up here on this stage that can honestly say I am pro-life, I am against tax increases, and I am committed to saving the budget," Marelo said.

"These two over here," he said, pointing to Garesby and Giorchani, "want you to believe that you have to choose between them. But there is, in fact, another choice. And that is to vote for me, the only true Conservative in this race."

Garesby, who has led in the polls since he entered the race in September, was largely silent for the first ten minutes of the debate, refusing to involve himself in the abortion debate, likely because his views on abortion are the most ambiguous of the four candidates.

Instead, he attacked his leading opponent, Julia Giorchani, for comments she made about he and CNS Senator Dick Ammons, who endorsed Garesby two weeks ago.

In a TV interview, Giorchani was asked for her reaction to news of the endorsement. She responded by saying that the senator's endorsement of Garesby was a bad thing because of Ammons' "liberal" voting record.

"Dick Ammons is not a real conservative. He's voted with the Nationalists more than 50 percent of the time. So the fact that George Garesby has received his endorsement is not surprising and it's actually disturbing," Giorchani said.

During the debate, Garesby chided Giorchani for "insulting a fellow Conservative."

"Dick Ammons is a good man. He has faithfully served this party and this state. Those kinds of comments are destructive and hurtful," Garesby said to Giorchani, who defended herself, saying "the proof is in the voting record."

The candidates also sparred over electability. Garesby claimed he is the most electable of the four candidates, because he is a bridge-builder able to win over independents and moderate Nationalists.

"I'm someone who builds bridges and finds common ground, and that's why Conservatives and independents and many Nationalists have endorsed my campaign and have endorsed me in the past when I ran for mayor of Harrisport," he said.

Giorchani cited her state-wide name recognition, her gender, and her previous run against incumbent Nationalist Governor Mark Andres.

"I'm the only candidate in this race who has worked in state government. People all across this state know me and trust me, and have trusted me to fight crime and protect Harvannah families as Attorney General.

"The fact that I'm a woman makes me more electable because, as my sister [Secretary of State Jennifer Giorchani] can tell you, there are more female voters in Harvannah than male," she said to laughs. "Being a woman doesn't make me more qualified to be governor, but it does allow me to be more in tune with the needs and issues that women face.

"And finally, I'm the only candidate that has gone up against Mark Andres. I ran against him back in 2007. I know how he works, how he operates, the kind of tactics he pulls in a campaign. I've been tested and I am prepared to go up against him in battle again, if I have the opportunity," Giorchani said.

Tuller touted his experience as a CEO, telling the audience, "the last thing we need is someone who has worked in government."

"I'm the only person who has been a CEO. I've led a company. I continue to lead a company. And if I were a voter, I would not want to choose between someone who is entrenched in state government and someone who is entrenched in city government. I would want an outsider who has a different perspective and a different way of going about doing things."

Marelo, who is a self-made millionaire through real estate projects and investments, agreed with Tuller.

"This is one area where Rich and I agree completely. We both have experience in the private sector. Neither one of us has experience in government, and that's a good thing. The last thing this state needs right now is someone from the government. If we wanted that, we'd just vote for Mark Andres," he said to cheers and applause.

The debate came to a close with the candidates giving their closing statements and shaking hands afterward. The next televised debate between the four Conservative candidates will be held Thursday, November 17, at the Overcliff Events Centre, just outside Goldchrist.

Coach has outburst, calls player 'stupid brown kid'

SYDMORE, Lial--McKenlan University head basketball coach Paul Dillian shocked players and fans at Monday night's game against Canthorne University, when he made a scene on the court and yelled a racial slur at his own player.

Each teams' players were shaking hands when Dillian, visibly angered at his team's 66-75 loss, began yelling, flailing his arms, and calling player Antoine LaNett expletives and a racist epithet.

Sports Network Grassadellia (SNG), switched camera angles and attempted to delay the audio as Dillian made his on-court tantrum. Dillian, who has headed McKenlan's basketball program since 2007, had to be escorted off the court by the team's assistant coaches and players.

During his rant, he reportedly yelled several expletives at LaNett, and called him a "stupid brown kid."

LaNett, a 21-year-old junior, appeared upset but remained calm during the episode, following a disappointing performance in which he made several turnovers, got into foul trouble, and scored just 6 points. He typically averages close to 20 points per game.

LaNett declined to speak with reporters in the locker room, and the school released a statement denouncing Dillian's comments and behaviour.

"We strongly condemn Coach Dillian's harmful actions and words tonight after the McKenlan-Canthorne game.  What Coach Dillian said was wrong, hurtful and unsportsmanlike. His behaviour was highly reprehensible and in direct contradiction to the values and code of conduct for both McKenlan University and the National Association of College Sport (NACS)," the statement read.

It continued, "We especially apologize to Antoine LaNett, who is a dedicated and celebrated player and student at McKenlan. We also apologize to the rest of the team and the fans who were offended by tonight's incident."

The statement also said school administrators will take "swift action" to resolve the incident. A spokesman for the NACS said the association would release a statement tomorrow.

Weather balloon crashes into Lamberth house, injures homeowner

LAMBERTH, Kalnier--In what officials are calling a "freak accident," a 59-year-old man was injured when he was struck by falling equipment from a weather balloon.

Just after 1 pm Eastern time, dispatch received a call from a neighbor, who heard the victim yelling for help.

Emergency crews responded to the home in north Lamberth, where they discovered a large piece of equipment had improperly detached from the balloon, fell through the roof of the house, and struck the man while he was sitting inside.

The man was taken to hospital with a deep gash to his leg. After receiving sixteen stitches, he was released.

The falling piece of equipment that was a recording box attached to a parachute, which did not deploy. The box weighs about ten pounds.

The National Weather Observancy Bureau (NWOB) is investigating why the balloon did not land properly. Officials say accidents involving falling debris are extremely rare and the victim was just simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Almone Lambastes Gabler For Partisanship, 'Condescension'

Former governor general criticizes successor for 'cranked up partisanship'

LANSDALE--Former Governor General and current POG Gov. Donna Almone, a Conservative, told GBC newsman Gene Caughley she's disappointed with her successor's performance.

"I think the position has become more partisan than ever, with the politicization of the position leading to a sort of cranked up partisanship that puts party and self-interest first rather than the honor of the job and the good of the people," Almone told Caughley. "And I think that's unfortunate, because the governor general position is one that is supposed to be about problem-solving and reaching across political parties to come up with bipartisan decisions, and I don't see that happening now and I think that's very unfortunate."

Ceona Gov. Christine Gabler, a Nationalist who became governor general when the NAT won a majority of governors' seats in 2010, scoffed at her predecessor's criticisms.

"I don't know where she's getting her information but it's just plain wrong. I have never used this position to advance my own agenda or to help my party above the Grassadellian people's interests," Gabler told the Mavocke Capitol on Tuesday.

Almone specifically addressed Gabler's many fundraisers for NAT candidates, and her recent refusal to disclose information to Conservative governors about the president's economic agenda.

"Clearly this is a governor general who is very focused on her party's goals and on her party's agenda. And every governor is, to an extent. But the position of governor general is really meant to be beyond partisanship. It's meant to be a bridge-building, problem-solving position. And having clear, definite partisan motivations takes away from that part of the job, I think," Almone said.

Nationalists pointed out that Almone made numerous campaign appearances while she was governor general, from 2008-2010.

"Donna Almone's criticism of Christine Gabler is so blatantly hypocritical, it's laughable," spokesman Chris Anderson of the Nationalist Governors' Association (NATGA) told STAR News. "When she was governor general, she campaigned for Conservative candidates right and left. There is no difference between what Christine Gabler's doing now and what Donna Almone did then."

Almone responded by saying Thursday that she simultaneously served as governor general and head of the Conservative Governors' Association (CGA), the latter of which permitted her to appear at fundraising events.

"The difference is that I was heading both positions at the same time. Christine Gabler is not serving as head of NATGA. She asked Lynn DeMont to continue to serve in that position. So she really has no reason to be campaigning for gubernatorial candidates. But really, Gene, it's about more than just campaigning. It's really the tone. The tone that we're seeing from this governor general is so incredibly partisan. There is an attitude of exceptionalism, there is a condescension toward and a lack of respect for Conservative colleagues, and I think that's really a disservice to the governors in this country, to the constituents, and also to the governor general herself," Almone said.

"When I was governor general, I worked very hard to not favor one party or the other. I worked very hard to ensure that the position was largely neutral, and that my own personal and political feelings didn't creep in to what I was doing. I tried to put the country first and the position first rather than Donna Almone first," she said.

A spokeswoman for Christine Gabler's office did not return comment.

Trau: Libya Mission 'Very Important'

POG senator tells Menuhaeo to 'keep his word'

MAVOCKE--Grassadellia's mission in Libya is "very important," POG Sen. Dick Trau told the conservative National Defense Council (NDC).

"Moammar Gadhafi is losing overwhelmingly, and the rebels are on the verge of taking over a frazzled and uncertain Libya," Trau told the NDC. "The stakes are high in Libya, and Grassadellia must keep its commitment to the Libyan people to help financially and militarily in any way we can."

Trau also met with President Brenton Menuhaeo earlier this week to underscore his position to the president.

"I spoke with Brenton Menuhaeo a few days ago, and I told him how very important the situation is over in Libya, and I asked him to keep his word on this issue, to the Grassadellian people and to the Libyan people."

Trau's comments come on the same day British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy both arrived in Libya, the first foreign leaders to visit the war-torn country.

The Menuhaeo administration has already made clear they will support the Libyan rebels in the fight against the ousted dictator Gadhafi.

"We want to reiterate our support for the Libyan people--we stand with you, and we do not foresee, nor do we desire, just like the people of Libya, a future government that involves Mr. Gadhafi or members of his former regime," Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett said at a press conference yesterday.

Trau said he and other like-minded members of Congress will "keep up the pressure" on the president to maintain Grassadellia's role in the conflict "until the job is done."

"Grassadellians do not make a commitment and then run away from it. And I hope this president and his Nationalist colleagues in the bodies will understand that and support that," Trau said.

Gymbal Glad To Be Back In Assembly, Misses Governorship

Former Lial governor reflects on political career, says Senate is too 'uppity'

MAVOCKE--Former Lial Gov. Gavin Gymbal is "happy" to be back in the National Assembly, where he served for years. But he also misses his most recent job, the governorship.

"It's great to be back here in Mavocke with my colleagues and to try to address some of the issues that are facing this country at a national level," Gymbal told the Monvaille Star Journal. "But being governor was probably one of the greatest opportunities of my life, and one of the funnest jobs I've ever done. I do miss it, without a doubt."

Gymbal served just one term as governor. He decided not to seek re-election in 2010, but instead ran for his old Assembly seat, Mansill, in southwestern Lial, which he held prior to winning the governorship in 2006. He's the first governor since the 1800's to return to the Assembly after serving in a governorship.

Why did he not run for re-election?

"I really missed working in Mavocke collectively with members from all over the country. I loved being governor, and I do miss it. But I also missed the Assembly, and I hated the nasty partisanship that paralyzes Clothen. It's bad in Mavocke too, of course. But in Clothen, the Nationalist machine is so strong, so much stronger than the Nationalist Party as a whole throughout the country. So I don't miss that part of it," Gymbal said.

He also reflected on his legislative career, and what issues he's focusing on. Prior to 2006, Gymbal championed fiscal and defense issues.

"I'm still going to work on those things, but I'm also going to focus on the environment and particularly on education and civil liberties. When I served as governor, I learned so much about the environment and even more about the education system that is failing in this country. I tried very hard to improve the education system in Lial to help every child succeed and I want to help do that at the national level. And in terms of civil liberties, I think we're seeing a very quick and decisive erosion of them thanks, in large part, to the federal government. And I think someone needs to stand up and take a stand and say, 'enough is enough.'"

When asked why he ran for the National Assembly instead of the more prestigious Senate, Gymbal told the Star Journal that the Senate is too "uppity."

"The Senate, and I mean this with no disrespect to my colleagues in the upper house...but the Senate has a very uppity feel to it. There's a sort of arrogance, I think, to the Senate. And it is the upper house, of course. But the members are elected by the people just like the members of the Assembly. And the atmosphere is just so far from reality in the Senate. I would much rather work in the more down-to-earth Assembly any day. I think members of the Assembly are more in tune with what their constituents want. And I'm a very normal, down-to-earth person. I didn't run for office so I could become an elite and a power-thirsting politician. I ran for office so I could make a difference and be a loud-sounding voice for the common man."

Finally, the Star Journal asked Gymbal about his younger brother Luke, who is a freshman senator from Ansleigha, but recently lost in the Senate reduction lottery as the Senate is reducing the number of members from five per state to four.

"I think Luke is a bright guy and an excellent public servant. He did a great job of representing Ansleigha in the Assembly and then last year he was elected to the Senate in a very close race, but I think he's done a great job in the Senate. And I'm very proud of him. I know he's disappointed he lost in the lottery, and I am too because I think he's a great, effective voice for his state and for the conservative mission. But I'm confident that he will be back, whether it's in 2012 or 2014 or whenever. I think he will be back. I know he's not done serving his state, though in what capacity, I'm not sure."

Luke Gymbal is rumored to be considering a 2012 run against fellow Ansleigha Senator Jan Vanderhoogen, though his office has not confirmed if he will run.

Grassadellians Mark 9/11 Anniversary

President, dignitaries attend somber ceremony

MAVOCKE--Grassadellians came together Sunday to mark the tenth anniversary of the US September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

About people 13,000 turned out at Mavocke's Capitol Square for a remembrance ceremony at the foot of the Fountain of Enduring Hope.

During his speech, which headlined the event, President Brenton Menuhaeo recalled "that day of horror in September 2001," and noted that 38 Grassadellians lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"The world watched in horror and disbelief at what was unfolding in New York, and we here at home in Grassadellia were just beginning to count the damaging toll our own country would face, as well as that which our American friends would face," Menuhaeo said.

"But the September 11 terrorist attacks did not leave us living in fear, but rather led us to live in victory. The attacks did not dampen our desire for freedom and liberty, but only strengthened it. The gruesome killings of thousands of innocent people shattered our innocence, but did not destroy our spirits. Today, we grieve the loss of those we loved and those from other countries we did not know. But we stand victorious, we stand stronger than we were. We stand more resolved than ever before to see a free and open and accepting society emerge amid the best efforts of those who do not share our view of personal liberty and human dignity."

Former President Dan Byelle recalled the day of the attacks. Less than a year into his presidency, he was in Carova speaking at an education seminar when news of the attack broke.

"My heart sank and my mind tried to grasp the magnitude of what had happened," Byelle said. "My focus then shifted to protecting this country, making sure that the awful, cowardly acts of violence that were happening in the states would not happen here in Grassadellia."

"This was a tragedy that would come to define the United States of America forever, and one that would shake our security in this country and around the world," Byelle continued. "But, as we know, hope conquers fear. Love triumphs over hatred. Peace defeats bloodshed. Liberty overcomes oppression."

First Lady Carolla Menuhaeo led a children's choir and a candle lighting ceremony. Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren acknowledged the "ugliness of 9/11," but spoke of the resolve of the American people and the special friendship between Grassadellia and the US.

"I can say without uncertainty that the special relationship between our two great countries accounted for an expedition of the healing process and for an outpouring of support from Grassadellia to Americans and from Americans to Grassadellians," McCaren said. "Our two countries were brutally and ruthlessly attacked on that day, but we stood united and we stood determined to defeat the enemy that opposes freedom and exalts violence, and we continue to stand together."

Other speakers at the event included the American Ambassador to Grassadellia, Dave Oken, actor and peace activist Scott Kenard and former GNN newsman Fred Johnson, who holds dual US and Grassadellian citizenship. Singers Bali Durman and Lad Beckerstan sang, as well as a reading from poet Lucinda James Vernon. The band Angels of Dawn also performed.

Similar events were held in Grassadellia City, Lansdale, Treeton, Lanakis, Monvaille, and other cities across the nation.

Grassadellia's Ambassador to the US, James Alexander, was in New York for the memorial service at Ground Zero, where he unveiled a statue in honor of the Grassadellian victims.

A memorial to the Grassadellian victims opened back in 2007 in Mavocke, just south of where the memorial service was held. Mourners made a procession to the memorial, about three blocks away.