Biereland gubernatorial candidates trade insults

GERBANNON, Biereland - They're supposed to be setting their sights on their Nationalist opponent. But instead, Conservative gubernatorial candidates Ben Jordan and Bob Kozzy (pronounced "Cause-ee") are aiming their ammunition at each other.

Jordan - the state's attorney general - and Kozzy - a former senator - are running for the CNS nomination for governor. They are joined by Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco, who has largely stayed out of the limelight.

The winner of the three-way primary will take on Nationalist Gov. San Bartholomew, who is seeking a second term.

It's unclear if it's a good thing or bad thing, but DeFrancesco has largely stayed out of the fray, while Jordan (who is the favored candidate), and Kozzy duke it out in a bruising primary race.

And this weekend, the insults were flying through the air.

Appearing together at a candidate forum in Gerbannon in the state's north-central region, Jordan called Kozzy a "kook" for his anti-government conspiracy theories and his belief in UFOs.

Kozzy returned the favor by labeling Jordan "an arrogant windbag," and saying Jordan panders to the far right with gimmicks and "political theatre."

"(Ben Jordan) excites the base of the party by filing frivolous lawsuits against the federal government. And he gives rousing speeches that denounce the president or the governor with almost hate-like passion. And why does he do these things? Because he knows it will energize the base and get them excited for his campaign. But it's merely pandering. It's not genuine. He knows these lawsuits will go nowhere. He knows he shouldn't be speaking ill of the governor or the president in a hateful manner. But he does it anyway for political gain and it's reprehensible."

Kozzy continued, "If all you want is a dramatic monologue or an Oscar-worthy performance, then vote for Ben Jordan. But if you want real change that will restore this state and bring it back from the precipice of disaster, vote for me. Because that's what I plan to do as governor."

Jordan then jabbed Kozzy with a tongue-in-cheek UFO joke.

"Tell me, Bob, will you nominate any extra-terrestrials to serve in your cabinet if you're elected?"

The laughter and applause from some of the crowd did not hide the animosity between the two strikingly different candidates.

Meanwhile, back in Brookings, Mayor Rich DeFrancesco also jumped into the ring with his own take on the Jordan-Kozzy feud.

"While Ben Jordan and Bob Kozzy were in Gerbannon debating the possibility of alternative life forms, Rich DeFrancesco spent the weekend meeting with voters in Brookings - talking about issues that matter to people: the economy, jobs, roads, infrastructure, health care, education, taxes. These are the issues Bierelanders care about."

San Bartholomew was asked about the infighting among his Conservative opponents. He joked with reporters that he would be calling an "inter-planetary conference" and would invite Jordan and Kozzy to appear.

Sen. Chambers criticizes administration over 'power vacuum' at Foreign Affairs Office

FAIRFIELD, South Ceona - A top NAT senator is taking the Menuhaeo administration to task for what he perceives to be a "power vacuum" at the office of Foreign Affairs.

Appearing on the GBC's Landscape with Jim Danderfield, centrist Nationalist Sen. Vic Chambers of South Ceona said the president is taking too long to name a nominee for Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Currently, Deputy Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett is serving in an interim role, until the president announces his nominee.

Hunter-Garrett assumed in the interim position after former Secretary Jim McCaren stepped down back in February.

"I respect the president and I think he's a good man. And I respect Deputy Secretary Hunter-Garrett. But I'm concerned that our country has gone several months now without a formal leader at the Office of Foreign Affairs. It gives the appearance of a power vacuum at the Foreign Affairs Office and that weakens our image and our influence," said Chambers.

Hunter-Garrett is doing a "fine job" for the time-being, Chambers said. But he would prefer the president nominate a candidate with more experience in diplomacy.

"The Deputy Secretary is very knowledgeable, but we really need someone who has experience as a diplomat, not just a professor," said Chambers.

Hunter-Garrett was a the chair of the International Affairs program at Kinn College prior to taking the deputy secretary post.

Chambers, who is up for re-election in 2014, also urged President Menuhaeo and the international community to do more to help ease the tension in Ukraine, following Russia's forceful annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

"I think we ought to be doing more instead of just sitting idly by while (Vladimir) Putin takes what doesn't belong to him," said Chambers. "We don't have to send thousands of troops over there, but we could do more than just freezing assets in Western bank accounts."

Chambers has no opponent yet in the fall race. Several no-name Conservatives are running to challenge him in November. But he is considered potentially vulnerable, since South Ceona is a more conservative state and the minority party (the CNS this go-round) historically fares better in mid-term elections (2014 is a mid-term election).

In other words, he's not considered vulnerable yet. But he could face a tough fight for re-election, depending on which CNS candidate wins the primary and how much money party leaders and conservative activists are willing to spend on the race.

Earlier this year, rumors were circulating that Chambers might switch parties and become a Conservative. A spokeswoman for his campaign shot down that idea, saying in a statement that "Vic Chambers is running for re-election as a Nationalist, and he is proud to be a Nationalist."

Meanwhile, also appearing on Landscape next to Chambers, was another senator who is up for re-election this year.

Conservative-turned-Democratic-Reformist Sen. Paul Ludtke of Ansleigha expressed similar sentiments about the lack of a Foreign Affairs nominee, but disagreed with Chambers on the Ukraine crisis.

"The last thing we need to do is up the rhetoric and make a military provocation. The days of Grassadellia and the United States being the world's policemen are over. Those days ended when George W. Bush and Dan Byelle left office, and we don't want to bring them back," said Ludtke. "What we need to do is put pressure on Russia diplomatically and through the seizure and freezing of assets, and also through other economic sanctions. Hit them in the pocket book. And build international public opinion against them so they are forced to stop this very provocative move."

Ludtke added that Russia's invasion of Crimea was "absolutely unjust, and a total violation of international law." But he cautioned against military involvement by Western powers.

"Military involvement should be a last resort, and I don't think we're at that point yet. But obviously, if Putin keeps marching across Europe swallowing up countries like Hitler did in the 1940's, then that would be an appropriate time to act swiftly and with decisiveness."

Ludtke was a moderate Conservative until switching parties four years ago after what he called the "lunacy of the Conservative Party" and its "obsession" with social issues.

Holding mostly libertarian views, Ludtke is an accountant and CPA by trade, and also an adjunct professor of Economics at Randolph College in Ansleigha. He is fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

It's unclear who Ludtke's opponent(s) will be in the coming fall election. Former senate candidates Mark Altberg and Jon Schauman, both Nationalists, are thought to be considering a run against him. Schauman narrowly lost to Ludtke in 2010.

Conservatives are also planning to challenge Ludtke. Former Assemblywoman McKendra Brown, a moderate pro-choice Conservative who represented the seat of Gowlinson, which encompasses Koeurn, the state's largest city, is mulling a bid.

Current Assemblywoman Tara Burlingame of Chadwick and the Donsides, an electorate based in southwest Ansleigha's coal country, is also considering a run.

However, there is concern among some in the CNS that some of Burlingame's more libertarian views may overlap with Lutke's. and that she may have more in common with the incumbent than preferred, though Burlingame is decisively more conservative on social issues.

Whichever candidates win each parties' respective nominations, the Senate race in Ansleigha will be one worth watching. A likely three-way race could result in either a close finish, or a split centre-right vote, which would virtually hand the seat to the Nationalists, who hold a sizable majority of seats in the upper house.

Penora urges legislature to approve record education spending

RODDITCH, Damoign -- Deeming education "the moral calling of our time," Damoign Gov. Rod Penora (N) urged members of the state legislature to approve his education budget amendment by the end of May 2014.

Penora's budget calls for a record $20 billion in education spending. That's more than the $19.6 billion for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, and more than the $18.8 billion spent under former Gov. Sid Hoffa (C) during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

During a speech at Mellenbank University in Rodditch in the state's north-central region, Gov. Penora said education is "the cornerstone upon which all society is driven."

"The origin of our society and the rules by which it is governed are traced back to a well-educated populace, and we have the moral responsibility to make sure education is a top priority. And that's why I am proposing, and urging the members of the legislature, to pass this record education budget, because we have to put our children first," said Penora.

With a population of 20 million people, Damoign is by far the most populous state in the country. The state has almost 4 million school age children from pre-school to secondary school.

Of the $20 billion proposed by Penora, $1 billion would go to universal pre-kindergarten funding, while some $1.2 billion would go to after-school programs. Another $990 million would go to alternative education opportunities, for students who excel in non-traditional educational settings.

But while many education lobbyists and members of the governor's party support his increased education spending, predictably, not everyone is happy.

Critics say, among other things, the budget increases spending without focusing on unsatisfactory test scores and graduation rates.

"You can't just throw money at education and think that's going to help the problem. We have more children ever before who are struggling to meet proficiency in math, science and social studies, and we have the worst graduation rates we've ever had. And the governor and his supporters just want to spend more money. They think that's the answer, and that's not the answer. That's a very rudimentary approach to an extremely complex problem," state Sen. Jim Mastinos, a Conservative from the Columbus area in south-central Damoign, told The Grassadellia City Times.

Others say the budget has too much money going toward teacher pensions, and widens the gap between urban and rural schools.

"What we're seeing in the governor's budget is increased spending and a primary focus on urban schools, especially in the greater Merryton Valley area, while schools in the downstate region and in rural counties seem to get the short end of the stick funding-wise," said Sheila Jackson-Weiler, an education lobbyist for Cooperative Solutions, an education think tank in north Damoign.

The governor's proposed budget also provides little spending for home-schooled students, according to advocates.

"It's no secret that Governor Penora is not a fan of home-schooling or private schools. He is overtly and unapologetically in favour of state-funded education, and adamantly opposed to any other options for students or parents," Chris Skimpson of the National Home-School Association told the National Press Foundation (NPF).

Penora's office shot down those claims, with the governor's appointed Education Secretary Clive Dillard telling The Grassadellia City Times editorial board that the governor wants an "equal-access, equal opportunity education system equal to none" in any other state.

"These criticisms are based out of fear of the unknown and also just plain ignorance. Perhaps these opponents of the governor's education priorities need to read the budget. If only they'd do that, they would see that the governor is putting all school children first. He supports students, he supports teachers, he supports the teachers unions, and he wants Damoign to have a first-rate, landmark education system that is not equaled in any other state," Secretary Dillard said.

State Senate Minority Leader James Tiberias of Tolston said there are portions of the education budget that he favours and portions he would like to edit.

"Some of it is good, some of it needs re-working, and I hope the governor and the majority party will be open to re-working the budget in a bipartisan fashion," said Tiberias.

Dr. Deborah Calkins, PhD and superintendent of Grassadellia City Public Schools, the largest district in the nation, said she was pleased with the budget.

"It's nice to have a governor in office who truly understands the importance of education funding on a state level," said Calkins.

The state's largest teachers union, the Damoign Education Association (DEA), is also satisfied with the proposed budget.

"This budget needs to be approved and it needs to be done quickly so we can plan for the future," Donna Alboy, the DEA's executive director, told the Times.

The governor told the NPF he is open to working with Conservatives but won't "piss around" with the issue.

Penora, in his second year as governor, is known for his off-colour remarks and antagonistic language toward political opponents.

Actress Sofia Gloriares under fire for comments about race

GRASSADELLIA CITY - It was supposed to be a typical celebrity magazine interview. But while Glamour's sit-down with actress Sofia Gloriares covered the usual topics of beauty, fashion and dating tips, it was Ms. Gloriares' comments about race that have caused an uproar from some minority groups.

In the interview, celebrity columnist Alison Keilar asked Gloriares, who starred in such movies as The Latina Sisterhood and Dark Ventures, a series of questions about the types of men the actress falls for.

Keilar: "What is the first thing you notice about a man?"

Gloriares: "Well the first thing I notice is his skin tone."

Keilar: "Why do you say that?"

Gloriares: "Because I only like white men. Or occasionally a Latino guy. The more Caucasian the better though, for me. Black guys, Asians, Middle Eastern guys, they just are not attractive. I don't mean that in a bad way. I just don't find them as attractive. So obviously when I see a guy, the first thing I'm going to notice is if his appearance as a whole is attractive, and a big part of that for me is his skin tone. If he has that milky white skin tone and Caucasian features, then I'm sold right there. Assuming he's attractive and in good shape."

Keilar, a bit perplexed, continued.

Keilar: "The first thing you notice is skin tone? Don't you think that's a little unusual? Most women would say the first thing they notice about a man is his eyes, or chest, or butt or muscular arms or his laugh..."

Gloriares: "Well I'm not most women."

It's those lines about skin tone and "the more Caucasian the better" that has attracted all the attention.

Social media lit up Friday when the article was published in print and on Glamour's website. The topic was talked about by hundreds of thousands on Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr, and the hash tag #skintone was trending on Twitter for much of the day.

Most of the public's reaction on social media was in defense of Gloriares, but some were outraged.

"The more Caucasian the better? Blacks, Asians, Middle Easterners aren't attractive? That's not only insensitive, it's ignorant," wrote one woman on Glamour's Facebook page.

"Anyone who thinks skin tone is the most important thing about a person is shallow and ill-informed," tweeted Joshua, a 22-year-old college junior from Haystead University in Damoign.

Many more notable voices with larger audiences also sounded off.

Mary Cielentes, the Director of the Latino-Grassadellian Advocacy Centre in Grassadellia City, took issue with Gloriares' 'unfortunate' words.

"I think what Ms. Gloriares said is unfortunate and incorrect. All people, all ethnic groups, races, nationalities have attractive people. And while you as an individual may find one particular type or ethnicity attractive, that does not disqualify someone from a different group as being attractive. It does not mean all people from a certain group are unattractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And just because you have your personal preferences does not mean you should walk into an interview with a national publication and make incendiary remarks about race and paint everyone of a specific racial group with a broad brush," said Cielentes.

Gloriares herself is a Latina women, and has said in the past she is proud of her Hispanic heritage, something that was of little comfort to Cielentes.

"The fact that she is a member of the minority community in this country makes her comments all the more troubling."

Lionel Hammond, a Black newspaper cultural columnist from the Lansdale Focus, told the GBC's London Brightwell that while Gloriares used a poor choice of words, he believes her comments were meant to be innocent.

"The way she said it was stupid. Very poorly worded. But she was asked, what do you notice about guys, essentially, what type of men do you go for? And she responded by saying she has a preference for Caucasian men. She likes their features and their skin tone and she finds that attractive. I don't think she meant to convey that non-white people are ugly, or that she detests certain ethnic groups. I'm not getting that vibe. I'm just getting the vibe that she meant one thing but it came out in a poorly worded, utterly ignorant sounding way."

Other celebrities made light of the situation.

"So it sounded bad. I don't think she meant it that way. She likes white men. Who doesn't? I mean, most women look at David Beckham or Brad Pitt and think, 'yeah, I like that.' Can you fault her for that?" Kathie Debchant said in a discussion about the incident on STAR TV's Celebrity Cabaret.

"Besides, if she doesn't like Black men or Asian men or Middle Eastern men or whoever, that just leaves more beautiful men for me," laughed Dechant.

Daniel Akavian, a Black actor and model, posted a picture on Twitter of himself wearing nothing except a tightly-fitting speedo, with the caption "Apparently I'm not hot enough for Sofia Gloriares."

The actor later said he was just joking and not offended by Gloriares' comments.

"I think we just need to laugh it off. Sofia has her personal preferences with men and what appeals to her and what doesn't. We all have our own preferences. It might seem shallow, but it's just human nature to have your own preferences. Most of us aren't brave enough to talk about them, but Sofia did, and I don't think the backlash is necessary. She maybe didn't say it the best way, but I think it was not meant in a mean-spirited way," Akavian told GNN's Pierre Chilpinne.

Even Alison Keilar, who interviewed Gloriares for the Glamour piece, told The Times of London she believed Gloriares' remarks were not malicious.

"I was a bit surprised when she said that, but I can tell you, I never got the sense from her that she meant what she said in a malicious way. I think she was just talking about sex appeal and attraction. I don't think there was any deep-seated, racial motivation behind what she said."

Gloriares finally issued a statement through her publicist Friday evening.

"Just to clarify about my comments to Glamour, I do not have hatred or prejudice toward any ethnic groups or racial groups. My words have been taken out of context. I was asked what I notice about men and what I find physically appealing in men. I do find Caucasian men attractive. I do find a lighter skin tone more appealing to my personal preferences. But I do not think other race groups are ugly or unattractive. I know there are many attractive people from all groups of people. I believe that all people are beautiful, and a person's skin color does not define their worth."

The statement ended with an apology.

"I sincerely, with all my heart, apologize to anyone who was offended by my words. It was all meant in good fun, in a light-hearted conversation about dating. I apologize to anyone who feels hurt by what I said. I hope my love for all humanity and all people won't be tinged by these unintentionally poorly-spoken words I said."

Late night houseboat fire kills 6 in rural New Portsmouth

LAKE SURREY, New Portsmouth -- Six people are confirmed dead and four others injured after a massive fire on a houseboat in rural New Portsmouth overnight.

Four of the fatalities were children, the New Portsmouth State Police said.

The fire broke out around midnight late Saturday night-early Sunday morning.

At the time of the fire, the boat was adrift about a mile off-shore on Lake Surrey, a large inland lake that is within the boundaries of Steigaken State Park, about 20 miles southeast of Mt. Sabacca National Park in rural central New Portsmouth.

In total, there were six adults and four children on board, all family members. Investigators believe the fire started when one of the children was playing with a lighter and ignited some linens in the cabin.

All four children, ages 4 through 8, were killed. Two elderly adults in their 70s were killed as well.

The Sabadohn County Coroner is still investigating, but believes the fatalities were caused either by burns and smoke inhalation.

One child is believed to have died of hypothermia after jumping into the water, which park rangers say was about 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Investigators have determined the vessel exploded after catching fire, which may have also contributed to the deaths.

The New Portsmouth Parks Department and the Sabadohn County Sheriff's Department are investigating the fire. The New Portsmouth State Police are assisting in the investigation.

Chief Ranger Rick Steigall, Commissioner of the state Parks Department, said the fire is the worst in the history of the department.

"This is a very tragic and terrible situation. In my 31 years with the state Parks Department, I have never seen a tragedy of this proportion and this high of casualties," said Steigall.

Sabadohn County is the state's largest geographically, but one of the smallest in population. It is home to Mt. Sabacca National Park, as well as numerous other natural recreation areas.

Lake Surrey is the largest lake in the state, more than 18 miles long and more than 4 miles wide.

New Portsmouth Gov. Charles Wornkin promised a thorough investigation into the matter, and a re-evaluation of maritime safety laws that govern the state's lakes and rivers.

"We will, of course, look very deeply and extensively into the cause, and to determine if there is anything that could have been done to prevent the loss of life in this awful tragedy," said Wornkin.

Plane overruns runway at Mattinow airport

MATTINOW, Damoign -- Emergency crews are responding to a crash-landing at Mattinow's Millesday International Airport, after a plane overran the runway, the Mattinow Aurora has confirmed.

A spokesperson for the airport told Mattinow's Channel 10 News the plane, a GrassAir Boeing 777, overran the runway by about 80 to 100 feet.

GrassAir says no major injuries have been reported, though many passengers were taken to the hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

The plane crashed at Mattinow during a routine landing, after departing from Lansdale earlier in the evening. GrassAir reports 177 passengers were on board, and eight flight crew members.

The Boeing 777 appears to have suffered only minor damage.

The airport is currently shut down while emergency crews continue to evaluate the scene and investigators from the Grassadellian Aviation Authority (GAA) look into the accident.

Ryder switches races, surprises fellow Conservatives

STARKSMIN, Wellington -- There's been somewhat of a political earthquake in Wellington over the past 48 hours.

Just as candidates were beginning to secure the backing of party leaders and wealthy financiers, and just as the candidate rosters were nearly set for the primary election, Secretary of State Robyn Ryder (C) announced he will not seek re-election and will instead run for Attorney General instead.

Ryder made the announcement late Monday night from his home in Starksmin.

His announcement has shaken the political landscape in Wellington, where Conservatives were hoping their roster of candidates was finally set after several candidates switched races or dropped out.

In a video posted on his campaign website, Mr Ryder said he has "loved" serving as Secretary of State, but believes "it's time for a change" in his political career.

"Being secretary of state is great and I love it. But I feel like I can better use my skills as attorney general. I'm a lawyer, and being a lawyer, I have experience in the courtroom. I have experience standing up for the people of Wellington as secretary of state. And now I'd like to continue fighting for Wellingtonians by serving as their next attorney general," said Ryder.

He continued, "Right now the attorney general's office is just not being run as effectively as it should be. The attorney general is supposed to stand up for Wellington's interests, protect our citizens and our children, and defend the Wellington Constitution. And over the past four years, we have seen very little work on our behalf from the current administration."

Ryder's move not only shocked party leaders and political observers, it also angered fellow Conservative Liz McKinn, who announced she was running for attorney general back in January.

"I feel betrayed by Robyn Ryder right now," McKinn said in an interview with a Starksmin radio station. "I thought he was my friend and my political ally, but now he's my opponent. I think the least he could have done was call me and give me a heads up he was going to do this, instead of not saying anything and then I wake up to see it in the paper the next morning. It was an ambush."

McKinn, a state senator from Hollam and former lieutenant governor candidate, previously announced in 2013 she was running for governor. She later dropped out of the governor's race and decided to run for attorney general after Assemblyman Wade Quanson (C) entered the gubernatorial race.

In his video statement, Mr Ryder acknowledged there were other candidates that had already declared for the attorney general position, but he said he believes he has the best chance of winning.

"I respect the other candidates already in the race, but I believe I am the only person who can beat Mike Kozinski," said Ryder.

Mike Kozinski, a Nationalist, is the incumbent. He is seeking a second term in 2014.

Few people of knew of Ryder's last-minute switch, according to sources close to the situation.

Ryder, who has served as secretary of state since 2008, had previously said he would seek re-election in 2014.

In 2013, Ryder toyed with running for governor in 2014, but decided against it.

But sources close to his campaign, who asked not to be identified because they were not permitted to speak to the media, said Ryder was growing discontent as secretary of state.

"It's a low-exposure job. You don't get as much credit or limelight as the governor does or the attorney general does. I think he's bored as secretary of state, and I think he also knows that jumping from the attorney generalship to the governorship is a lot easier than going from secretary of state to governor. You can rack up a lot more achievement and accomplishments and really build your resume up as AG. That's something you can't really do as secretary of state," one source told The Chamber.

The source added that if Ryder wins the attorney general seat, he will be better-positioned to win the governorship down the road.

"Attorney General really fits his personality more than secretary of state does anyway. He has a very principled, stubborn, combative personality and that really lends itself to the attorney general's job more so than the secretary of state's job, which is supposed to be more diplomatic and non-controversial."

Though she's clearly angry, Liz McKinn has not indicated her response to Ryder's entry into the attorney general race. Some wonder if McKinn will drop out of the race now that Ryder is in the picture.

Mike Kozinski's campaign has been silent as well. A campaign spokesman, when contacted by the reporters Tuesday, only said the campaign wanted "to see how things play out" with the CNS intra-party conflict that appears poised to happen.

Both candidates for governor, Wade Quanson (C) and incumbent Pierre Carten (N) did not comment on the matter Tuesday.

Ryder's switch also creates an opening for candidates of both parties who are now more inclined to run for the vacant secretary of state position.

His decision also leaves the CNS with an open seat that was once safe but is now vulnerable to takeover.

Several candidates from both parties have expressed interest in running to succeed Ryder in the secretary of state's office.

Grapevine County Auditor Colleen Daniels (C), a rising star in the state CNS party, appears to be the leading Conservative candidate thus far, while Nationalists immediately pointed to Lois Mjeden as a possible candidate for their party.

Mjeden is the wife of Starksmin Mayor Nikolaas Mjeden.

Having been born in Serbia, raised in Estonia, and educated in Sydney, Australia before settling in Wellington, where she works for several non-profit organizations, Mrs Mjeden has a compelling life story that Nationalists say would make her a strong contender.

Whoever enters the race, one thing is certain: Wellington will have no shortage of political theatre this go-round.

Halitz concedes she should spend more time in home state

CHRISTENKERR, East Deschire -- Caught up in an ever-increasingly difficult primary race against a well-known opponent, incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz (C) admitted Wednesday she has not spent enough time back home in East Deschire, and plans to spend more time in the state she represents in the future.

Halitz made the admission in an interview with local GBC Radio affiliate 1390 AM. When asked by local political radio host Michael Damser why she has spent less time in East Deschire than the state's three other senators, Halitz admitted she has not come home enough on the weekends and during Congressional recesses.

Said Damser: "The Hansboro Laureate (newspaper) says you only came back to East Deschire 15 times last year (2013). That's significantly less than our other three senators. And the paper says you only appeared at seven public events (in 2013), also less than your colleagues. How come you have been so reluctant to come back? Don't you think that, as a senator who represents the people of the state of East Deschire, you should spend more time here in our state to talk with voters and meet with constituents about issues that are important to them? It seems to some that you're a senator in absentia. You technically represent East Deschire but you're never here. Isn't that a legitimate criticism?"

Halitz responded by acknowledging she has not spent enough time with constituents.

"I think that's a very fair question and I will admit that I have not spent enough time back here at home in East Deschire. I've been so busy in Mavocke that I haven't allowed myself to come home as often as I should. And I admit that and apologize for that. I owe it to the citizens of this state to be around and available and to spend more time on East Deschire soil."

She continued, "For me, it's not that I don't like coming back to East Deschire. I'd much rather be here than in Mavocke, to tell the truth. It's just that as a member of Congress, you get so busy and involved in legislation and committees, and charity work and conferences and policy work, that you forget the most important thing is the people. It's going down to the local diner to have coffee and talk with your neighbors. It's walking in parades and shaking hands of the citizens you represent, and attending festivals and community events and talking with people. That's the most important thing a member of Congress can do, and unfortunately I have not done enough of that, and I'm very sorry about that, and I pledge to do more of that in the future and not get so engrossed in the paperwork and the policy work of Mavocke," said Halitz.

Unsurprisingly, former hardline Sen. Nancy Lindselli, who is challenging Halitz in the CNS primary election, was quick to seize on the Laureate's article.

"The Hansboro Laureate says that Denna Halitz has spent less time in East Deschire than any of our other senators. The Laureate also pointed out that I spent more time in East Deschire, on average, than any of the current senators, when I was in office. That really goes to show the level of commitment of both respective candidates. Senator Halitz feels it's better to stay in Mavocke and hob-knob with politicians and interest groups, while I feel the best way to do your job as a legislator is to be on the ground with the people you represent, so you can gauge their opinions and feelings and go back to Mavocke and cast a vote that represents their views. It's a commitment issue," Lindselli said in a press conference with East Deschire media in Derosa, Wednesday.

The Laureate's  research showed Conservative Sen. Mike Aventhalle spent the most time in East Deschire last year, making 35 trips back to the state from Mavocke during 2013. Sen. Portia McLendon (N) made 27 trips back to East Deschire, while Sen. Allison Sweeten (N) made 18. Halitz made only 15, according to the paper.

The paper's analysis of travel records also found Lindselli traveled home 45 times in 2012, the last year she was in office, however, 2012 was a campaign year and Lindselli was up for re-election (she lost to Sweeten in a very close race).

The paper also scrutinized public events held by the senators, including town hall meetings, community forums, and meet-and-greets.

McLendon held the most events, holding 28 for the year 2013, while Aventhalle held 24. Sweeten held 14, and Halitz just 7.

Aventhalle made more trips to East Deschire for political fundraisers, according to documents disclosed by the campaigns.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Christenkerr Ledger, Halitz defended herself, and insisted she has not been entirely disengaged from the state during her tenure.

"Every day, I sit down at my desk and I listen to phone calls from my constituents, I answer their emails, many of them personally. I write letters to folks, I skype with my constituents back home in East Deschire several times a week. I do conference calls, I do online chats where the public can interact with me. I do interviews with East Deschire TV stations and newspapers. I Facebook and I tweet. And when I'm busy or in a meeting or the Senate's in session, I have my staff represent me at functions and back home in East Deschire. And they keep me updated and help me communicate with folks back home. So I do have some areas where I can improve. But it's not as if I'm completely detached from the people I represent."

Polls show Halitz's lack of connection with the state's voters may be the number one issue on CNS primary voters' minds. A poll published Monday by the Weber Society, a conservative fiscal group, showed 71% of CNS voters think Halitz is too liberal.

The poll also found that 61% of respondents think Nancy Lindselli is more committed to East Deschire, and 59% believe Lindselli better represents their values.

Those numbers are alarming to the Halitz campaign, which explains why the embattled senator has been seeking to re-establish ties to her home state, particularly in the western half of the state, where Halitz has spent less time and is not as well known or liked.

A spokesman for Denna Halitz's campaign said the senator has a "rigorous" schedule for the next several months, and will be making many campaign appearances across the state.

"Denna Halitz is a senator for all of East Deschire. She believes we are better off as a state when we are united as one and not divided by political or geographical differences and boundaries," a statement from her campaign read.

The senator's next big campaign event will be this Saturday in the central East Deschire town of Freelan, where she will speak to community leaders about transportation and improving the economy in the hub city, which lies at the junction of NR-15 and NR-71.

She'll also travel to several smaller towns in the central part of the state as a part of her "rural community outreach" program.

Menuhaeos highlight armed forces, tout science and culture in Veroche trip

TWIN LAKES, Veroche -- It's been a very busy past three days for President Brenton Menuhaeo and First Lady Carolla Menuhaeo, as they've traveled around the state in Veroche not to campaign for fellow Nationalist political candidates, but to stump for important causes.

The first couple arrived in Lanakis late Friday evening, where the president spoke at the Murkallo Institute, a leading pharmaceutical research facility in east Lanakis.

The Murkallo Institute employs over 400 scientists, and in recent years, has produced ground-breaking research in treating cancer, AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. Calling the Institute's work "vital," President Menuhaeo said he would push Congress to approve nearly $400 million over the next seven years in grants and federal funding for the Institute.

"Every day, researchers here at the Murkallo Institute devote their skills, their time, their careers and their lives to discovering break-throughs in medicine and biotechnology. Life-saving treatments and medications are coming out of this wonderful facility, and I will push Congress to approve this spending proposal because this is money well-invested in the future of health care and science," Menuhaeo said.

The president was joined by three of Veroche's four senators --  Kit McHenry (C), Niles Gilcrest (C), and Mark Peoninski (N) -- all of whom said they would support the funding allocation.

After his speech, the president and first lady arrived at the state capitol of Pointe Leare, a small suburb that borders Lanakis on the south, Kanassett on the north, and Lake Hutchison on the west.

The Menuhaeos were hosted at the Veroche Governor's mansion by Gov. Linda Van Auhn and her husband Paul, who are longtime friends of the first family.

Saturday morning, the presidential entourage traveled three hours south to Trewallen Military Academy in Cloverfield in central Veroche, just outside the twin cities of Flicksman-DeMarra, for a military graduation ceremony.

Menuhaeo spoke to the infantry cadets, thanking them for their service and bestowing a Pendant of Sacred Duty upon each of the 350 graduates.

"Each of you brave young men and women have finished your formal military training today. But the real training is just beginning. The training that only comes with service in action. Serving alongside your brothers and sisters at arms. Serving alongside the forces of Grassadellia's allies in the battlefield and in times of peace. Serving the people of this country, who are counting on you to make them proud and to embody the honor this flag bestows," the president said, pointing to the national flag.

Menuhaeo is himself a Navy veteran of the Korean War.

He told the National Press Federation (NPF) that he "never tires of attending a military graduation ceremony."

"Seeing these young kids, who are signing up and signing their lives away to a cause greater than themselves, that really fills me up with pride."

Next on the agenda, the president and first lady were whisked even further south to Twin Lakes, where they watched a GSL soccer match between the Twin Lakes Hornets and the Owens Park Nomads.

The Menuhaeos showed a more relaxed side at the soccer game at Letchfield Stadium.

The president was seen having a beer and eating peanuts with Hornets owner Tom Marshall, while First Lady Carolla Menuhaeo was spotted sipping lemonade and sharing laughs with Twin Lakes Mayor Georgia Waldo Basson.

After a leisurely afternoon at the soccer game, it was off to a more formal event at the Sidney Altruss Opera House in downtown Twin Lakes, where the president and first lady were hosted once again by Gov. Van Auhn, Mayor Waldo Basson, and Twin Lakes-area MP Beth McGill, who represents the seat of Jilanovich-East Waters.

The dignitaries were treated to a performance by Italian-Grassadellian soprano Ava Cillione Dianchi, and world-renowned harpist Rebecca Von Keil, a Veroche native.

And finally, Sunday morning, the president headed north to the University of Western Veroche in Pendleton, where he gave his second speech of the weekend, speaking on the importance of the arts in Grassadellian culture.

"A lot of people think the military or a strong economy are the defining characteristics of our country," said Menuhaeo. "Those things are important, but the soul of our country, the very intimate essence of our nation's character is expressed not through military might or economic power, but through the arts and the gifts and talents of our citizens."

He used the opportunity to announce his proposal of a $280 million proposal for funding endowments for the arts, and urged Congress to act to pass it.

"A lot of people are pushing austerity right now because of the economy and the budget. But we cannot afford to be stingy when it comes to the arts, because they define our culture and give life to our society," he said.

And after dozens of handshakes, autographs and posing for pictures with college students, having traveled clockwise around the state for the past three days, the Menuhaeos boarded the presidential plane and flew back to Mavocke.

The three-day swing through Veroche was all apart of the president's plan to travel the country and highlight issues of national importance in campaign-like style, rather than from Collester where he is secluded from the public.

"President Menuhaeo very much loves to get out of Mavocke and travel around the country and interact with the Grassadellian people. He finds it invigorating and liberating from the walls of Mavocke that really tend to insulate the president and members of Congress from the reality out in the field," Collester spokesman Andy Satterberg told the NPF.

No future outings have been announced on the president's travel schedule. But as campaign season heats up, he's likely to be out touring the country to stump for fellow Nationalists. And with the NAT facing a tough election this year, the president could find himself spending a lot of time jet-setting around the country.

Gabler may face rematch with Conservative David Brown

MADAGEN, Marchenay -- It's going to be déjà vu in Marchenay this fall.

Conservative attorney and businessman David Brown announced he will run for governor again in the 2014 election.

"I'm running for governor because I see so much that needs to change in our state. I see our future slipping away before our eyes. I see our families being unduly burdened with taxes. I see our schools failing to perform. I see our healthcare system not meeting the needs of our people. And I see an incumbent who is more focused on her own political agenda than on serving those who elected her in the first place," Brown said at a campaign rally just outside Mavocke.

Brown previously ran for governor unsuccessfully against Christine Gabler (N) in 2012.

The 2012 race was a special election, marking Marchenay's first elections since the state broke off from the formerly unified state of Ceona.

Gabler (pronounced "Gabe-ler"), who at the time was governor of Ceona, defeated the lesser-known Brown by a margin of 55%-45% in the special election.

In accordance with the newly-established Marchenay Constitutional Charter, the special election in 2012 was only for a two-year term, so Gabler is up for re-election again this year. 

The 2014 election will be for a full, four-year term.

Despite a decisive defeat last go-round, the 54-year-old Brown, who hails from the state's capital city of Newcastle, is optimistic about his chances in 2014.

He cites the strong NAT momentum in 2012, as well as Gabler's incumbency, which enhanced her appeal.

"2012 was a strong year for the NAT. So many Conservative candidates tried to rise above the NAT tsunami that swept the nation, but they weren't able to, myself included," Brown told the Newcastle Daily Register. "And because it was a special election, and Marchenay was electing a new governor to oversee the transition to independent statehood, I think a lot of voters looked to Christine Gabler as a sort of stability to help lead our state through that time."

But Brown points out a lot has changed since 2012.

For starters, Gabler became Governor General (a position also known as "Chair of the Governors Board") in 2010, succeeding popular POG Gov. Donna Almone.

Gabler remained Chair after her 2012 re-election bid, and still currently holds the position.

But her role as the nation's highest-ranking governor has caused her to lose focus on her home-state duties, said Brown.

 "Christine Gabler is so focused on being Governor General that she has lost sight of the very people she is supposed to serve at the most basic level: the people of Marchenay, who elected her. We elected her to serve as our governor. And instead, she is out in the spotlight, enjoying the national media attention, and plotting her national ambitions rather than serving as a full-time governor for our state," said Brown.

Furthermore, Brown said, is Gabler's lengthy tenure in public office.

She has been a governor since 2008, when she was elected governor of Ceona. She served in that capacity until the 2012 election, when she ran for the interim, inaugural governorship of Marchenay.

"She's been governor of Marchenay and before that, the territory of Marchenay, for almost six years now. And what do we have to show for it? Nothing but higher taxes, no change in the unemployment, no change in our business climate, no change in our social welfare system, no improvements in education or healthcare or transportation. Nothing. She has no accomplishments," said Brown.

Brown adds that Gabler has been in government for more than 15 years, working for the state attorney general's office and for the Federal Department of Justice.

"She's been in office way too long. It's time for some new blood, some new ideas, some new leadership. Someone from outside of government that can really reform the way we do business here in Marchenay," said Brown.

Supporters of Gabler hit back at Brown, Friday, saying the governor has a clear record of achievement.

"Christine Gabler has stood up for Marchenayans. She has fought corporate greed, fought to protect consumers from greedy big businesses, fought for social justice, and fought the fat cats of finance to protect the hard-working citizens of our state," said state Sen. Joe Migeleccio  (N-Ampton Grove) told the Daily Register.

Gabler's campaign also responded directly to Brown's assertions.

"David Brown is just another typical, run-of-the-mill Conservative, who is in bed with big business, the oil companies, and the top 1% of the socio-economic ladder," campaign spokeswoman Cassie Yentle said in an email.

"Marchenayans know that Christine Gabler has their back. They know she fights day in and day out for the people of our state, for progress, for real reform. Christine Gabler is not afraid of a fight with the corporate bigwigs or the wealthy elite. She has stood, from day one, up for equality and fairness, and she will always remain committed to that fight."

Though the rhetoric is already flying from both sides, David Brown doesn't have a clear shot at the Conservative nomination for governor.

Conservative activist Andy Rapalli, from Bentbrook in the state's northeast, is set to run as well. 

Rapalli, who is staunchly opposed to tax increases and favors cutting the budget to reduce the state's debt burden, has not officially announced his candidacy but is widely expected to next month.

If he does run, Rapalli would have much less name recognition and money than Brown. Party insiders are most certainly to support Brown, who is seen as a much more viable candidate than the far-right Rapalli.

Still, Rapalli could make the path to the CNS nomination a little more tricky for Brown, and the far-right activist could for the party's front-runner to the right, which could prove damaging in the general election in left-leaning Marchenay.

Lindselli injured in auto accident

HANSBORO, East Deschire -- Former Federal Sen. Nancy Lindselli was injured in an auto accident Monday morning.

Begoran County Emergency Dispatch confirmed Lindselli, 76, was injured in a single-car roll-over accident in rural northwest Begoran County around 10 am Monday.

Lindselli was heading westbound on Honey Hill Road en route to visit her colleague, former Federal Sen. Roger Gzarno, who resides in the small town of Gansberg in neighboring Firmont County, about two hours away from Lindselli's home in southern Begoran County.

Police say Lindselli struck a patch of ice, which caused her 2013 Ford Escape SUV to lose control and careen down a wooded embankment.

Lindselli was stuck inside the vehicle. A woman walking her dog down the road noticed the incapacitated vehicle over the embankment and called 911.

Emergency crews from Begoran County responded, while Firmont County deputies assisted the call.

Lindselli had to be extricated from the vehicle. She was transported to the nearby Johnsville Community Hospital, and then air-lifted to Benevolence Hospital in Hansboro.

She was listed in serious but stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon. Doctors are optimistic she will recover.

Lindselli's daughter, Lacey Almira, told the media the family is grateful for prayers and support from the community.

"We are so grateful my mother is alive and in stable condition. We are so thankful to the person who called for help and to the emergency personnel who responded to her accident. We're also grateful to her doctors and nurses that are working with her. And to all of the community members who have been praying for her and thinking of her. It is really encouraging and gives my mother strength," the younger Lindselli said in an interview with local media.

Former Sen. Roger Gzarno also said in a statement he is "deeply concerned" about the injuries Lindselli sustained, but is glad she is okay.

The two former senators had planned to meet for lunch Monday to catch up, which was the purpose of their meeting.

"I'm so sorry to hear my friend Nancy was injured in an accident. I feel bad that it happened while she was on her way to see me," said Gzarno to Hansboro Local 6 News. "I visited her at the hospital and she is in good spirits and I know she will make a full recovery."

As for their lunch, they'll have to reschedule, said Gzarno.

"When she's all healed up, we'll have to lunch again. Maybe I'll drive to her house this time instead," he joked.

Conservative primary shaping up in East Deschire governor's race

HANSBORO, East Deschire -- With less than six months to go before the East Deschire primary, Conservative Assemblyman Dane Gutmeier (pronounced "Gute-meyer") finds himself at the front of a crowed pack in the race for the CNS nomination for governor, according to a recent poll.

The Liberty poll of 786 likely CNS voters found Gutmeier, who represents the seat of Abbott-Allistair in the southern part of the state, with the most support, with just over 27% of respondents choosing him as their first pick.

Christenkerr Mayor Phil Qwenberry, who is notably more moderate, came in second place, with just over 22%.

He was followed by Iraq War veteran and hard-right activist Tim Hutsell of Dillingham, who received 18%.

Former Federal Sen. Roger Gzarno (pronounced "Sz-ar-no") received 16%, and Assemblyman Sam Pyatt, who represents the seat of Pittsgol in the East Deschire panhandle, came in last place with 15%.

The numbers confirm what many Conservative Party leaders have been arguing: that Gutmeier is the party's most viable choice to nominate for governor.

He's only been in the National Assembly since 2010, but the sophomore assemblyman has already struck a bipartisan tone while sticking to his core conservative values.

Gutmeier is backed by the party establishment, but conservative enough that hard-line Conservatives would likely coalesce around him, party officials say.

"Dane Gutmeier is the best-positioned candidate we have to nominate against Lynn DeMont," Michael Ocalis, a CNS political consultant based in Derosa, told the Hansboro Laureate.

But Gutmeier's relative youth (he's 48) could be a problem. Some business leaders view Qwenberry, a political veteran in southeastern East Deschire, as the more experienced and pro-business candidate.

"Phil Qwenberry has been a mayor, city councilor, county commissioner, state legislator and businessman in the Vandershutes region for decades. He knows how to navigate state government and work through the red tape," Chris Donaldson, a Christenkerr City Councilor who serves with Qwenberry, said of his colleague.

Still other prominent Conservatives are not backing either of the front-runners.

Assemblywoman Sara Fraser of Derosa, who represents the seat of Bridgeworth, was an early supporter of Hutsell, who is the only candidate who has officially filed papers to run thus far.

Fraser, who spoke with the Laureate by phone Tuesday from Mavocke, said she was sticking with Hutsell, despite the looming entries into the race by other prominent candidates.

"While I respect Dane Gutmeier and my colleague Sam Pyatt and Senator Gzarno, I was a strong supporter of Tim Hutsell on day one, and I remain a strong supporter of his. I believe he has the courage to take on Lynn DeMont, and the fire in his belly to storm his way to Derosa and fight for conservative change," said Fraser.

She declined to comment on Qwenberry, whom she has said in the past is too moderate.

Two prominent Conservatives who opted not to run -- former Federal Sen. Seth Harkin and Hansboro Mayor Bill Engstrom -- are not marking endorsements at this time.

Many caution though that it's still too early to make endorsements.

"We have a lot of time before the May 13 primary, and we haven't really given the candidates a chance to state their positions and campaign yet," State Conservative Party Vice Chairman Phil Vancell told the Laureate.

Having announced his candidacy way back in August, Tim Hutsell has spent the most time traveling the state campaigning and raising money.

While he has a devoted group of supporters and campaigns with a fervor many politicians don't possess, Hutsell has largely limited his appearances to small towns and rural counties, and has steered clear of the state's larger, more liberal urban centres, where his backwoods, almost redneck-like conservative libertarian values are not as welcomed.

Neither Dane Gutmeier nor Phil Qwenberry have officially announced their candidacy, but neither has moved to quash speculation either. Qwenberry has publicly stated his interest in running, while Gutmeier has privately mulled a bid, though his political ambitions were leaked to the media last fall.

Roger Gzarno and Sam Pyatt have also said they are both considering a run for governor, but have not made official plans.

It's possible all five men will end up in the race, making for a crowded fight for the chance to take on two-time incumbent Lynn DeMont (N), who is running for his third but second full term.

DeMont's last two elections were both close, but his approval ratings have remained high. East Deschireans value his centrist views, his bipartisanship at the state capitol, and his folksy, friendly demeanor.

But DeMont's popularity has taken a hit in the last year, as Conservatives have attacked him for being absent-minded and more focused on national ambitions. They specifically cite his position as Chairman of the Nationalist Governors Association (NATGA) and his frequent traveling outside the state for NATGA engagements as proof the governor has lost his focus.

"Lynn DeMont is a nice person. But he is more focused on climbing the political ladder in the Nationalist Party right now than he is on being governor of East Deschire," Paul Hackett, a spokesman for the rival Conservative Governors Association (CGA) said in an interview with the Laureate.

Conservatives are hoping DeMont's distance from his home state duties will help their chances at the polls in December. They're also trying to tie DeMont to the much more liberal Gov. Christine Gabler (N-Marchenay), who serves as the Chairwoman of the Governors Board.

DeMont has worked closely with Gabler, though the two Nationalist are far apart on the political spectrum.

Still, knocking off the state's inaugural governor won't be a walk in the park for Conservatives. DeMont has deep roots in the Harvest State, and despite East Deschire's considerable Conservative tilt, the state has trended blue in recent elections.

For now, both sides are gearing up for the forthcoming elections. DeMont has actively been raising money, and a spokeswoman for his campaign confirmed the fundraising pace will increase over the coming months.

"We expect to have lots of (NAT) star power here in East Deschire on Lynn DeMont's behalf," said spokeswoman Sara Eckland.

Ansleigha Gov. Dale Lindstrom, who is chairing the CGA for the 2012-2014 election cycle, told the GBC the CNS is prepared for a close race in East Deschire.

"A few months ago, we wrote this race off as unwinnable," said Lindstrom. "I think over the last month or two, the polling and the political mood in East Deschire have shown this is a winnable race, and we will allocate the appropriate resources needed to win."

Grassadellia urges 'peaceful resolution' to Japan-China row; China responds with admonishment

TOKYO -- Collester says the Menuhaeo Administration is officially not taking sides in the ongoing territorial dispute between Japan and China in the East China Sea. But Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, expressed support for the Japanese in a speech Monday in Tokyo.

The two Asian powers are involved in a tense and increasingly escalating dispute over a chain of uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, and the Diayu Islands in China.

Both countries lay claim to the archipelago, and tensions have flared recently after the Chinese government announced it was creating an air defense identification zone over the islands ostensibly due to security concerns.

China is demanding that all foreign aircraft file flight reports and ask for permission before flying in the special zone, or risk "defensive measures" being taken against them.

Japan, the US, Australia and other countries view China's move as a potential provocation, and have expressed concern the status quo could be threatened.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said China's move is "unjustly violating the freedom of aviation over the high seas."

US Secretary of State John Kerry responded firmly, saying China's "unilateral action constitutes an attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea," and "create risks of an incident."

And on Monday, in a speech before foreign and Grassadellian media in a Tokyo ballroom, Grassadellia's Ambassador to Japan, Juslana Thompson, defended Japan, despite Collester saying it officially is not taking sides in the matter.

"Neither side wants to see the conflict escalate, nor does Grassadellia nor any parties interested in the stability and security of the Pacific region," said Thompson. "Grassadellia urges both sides to participate in open dialogue, engagement, and a peaceful de-escalation. This is in the best interest of both parties and the region as a whole."

Thompson continued, "While we feel that a peaceful outcome is the only acceptable outcome, Grassadellia firmly supports its allies in the region, and we believe Japan has a legitimate, sovereign right to defend its territory against an imminent military threat."

"However, let me reiterate, we urge restraint on both sides, and we strongly urge both sides to engage in dialogue, to avoid military conflict and to strive for a peaceful resolution," Thompson said.

Her words were backed up by outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren, who called China's defense zone a "provocative move" that "could be misinterpreted."

"We support our Japanese friends, and we also support the Chinese. But most importantly, we support peace in the East Asia region. That's in the best interest of both countries, it's in the best interest of human security and economic security. And any military conflict in this matter could very well result in significant damage to Grassadellian-Sino-Japanese relations," said McCaren.

The Chinese government responded by sharply by saying it was "highly inappropriate" for Grassadellia to take sides in the conflict.

"This is a matter concerning China's inherent sovereignty and security from imperialistic intrusions into Chinese territory," a statement from China's Foreign Office said. "This matter does not concern Grassadellia. Offending rhetoric from ignorant sources will only make tensions grow. The Grassadellian government should reserve judgment and commentary on the issue, or risk grave damage to the longstanding Chinese-Grassadellian relationship," the statement read.

Collester has not spoken publicly since Japan's announcement Tuesday that it will increase military spending by 2.5%, or $1.4 trillion yen over five years, in order to purchase new aircraft, sea vessels, and replace aging equipment.

China says Japan's increased funding is provocative, while the US defended the spending spree.

The Grassadellian Foreign Affairs Office has said it will release a statement tomorrow to address the latest developments.

Burns urged Lindselli not to run

HANSBORO, East Deschire -- Sources close to Deschire Sen. Jay Burns (C) say the Senate Minority Leader called a former colleague and urged her not to run for the Senate in 2014.

The sources, who did not want to be named because they were not permitted to speak, told the Mavocke Capitol that the Senate Minority Leader made a phone call back to former East Deschire Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C) back in October and tried to persuade he not to challenge incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz (C) in the 2014 primary elections.

"He attempted to talk her out of it, and told her that a damaging primary campaign would only help the Nationalists and hurt whichever Conservative wins," one source was quoted as saying.

The call reportedly lasted for about 15 minutes, and Burns appeared visibly agitated when he hung up, the sources said.

Burns evidently did not succeed in convincing Lindselli to stay out of the race, as she has continued on her "exploratory tour" around East Deschire to gauge voter angst.

Though she has openly criticized Denna Halitz and traveled extensively around the state in recent months, the hardline Conservative Lindselli has not officially filed papers to run for the Senate in 2014, nor has she said publicly she will do so; though most political analysts and insiders believe she will challenge the more moderate Halitz in what will likely be a bruising primary race.

No NAT candidate has emerged in the race yet, although former Senate candidate John Blackman is said to be considering another run.

Lt. Gov. Laurel McEdery is also reportedly looking into a Senate bid, as well as Assemblywoman Donna Rae Cobb of the seat of Forkwich, which encompasses the northeast corner of the state.

The East Deschire Senate race is likely to be the most closely watched race in the 2014 mid-term elections.

BiGadi considering run for governor

MONVAILLE, Lial -- He's been trekking across Lial for the past two weeks -- appearing on cable news programs; forums with business leaders; meeting with teachers; speaking with doctors, nurses and emergency response workers; even dropping the puck at a Monvaille Paladins hockey game. And yet, Lial's lone Conservative senator, John BiGadi, insists he's not running for governor. Yet, that is.

In an interview with local Clothen 9 News, BiGadi told news anchor Karen Williams he is "considering all options," but is not running for governor at this time.

"I'm not currently a candidate for governor," BiGadi said. "That being said, I am considering all options. I enjoy being a senator representing this great state. But I am also troubled by what I've been hearing around the state when I travel, or when people contact my office. There is a real discontent in the electorate right now with the way things are being handled at the state level, and that is concerning to me."

Asked what he thinks about current Gov. Todd Pergich (N), BiGadi said he believes Pergich is "well-intentioned," but not producing results.

"I think Todd Pergich is trying. I think he's trying very hard. I think he is well-intentioned. I think he means well. But unfortunately, governing is not just about what you intent to do or trying hard. It's about producing results. And right now, I don't think we're seeing any good results coming out of Clothen. And it's not just Todd Pergich's fault, it's the legislature's fault as well, and the unions' fault. There is plenty of blame to go around. But what I'm hearing all across Lial every day from constituents, is that we need results. We need a change. Things are not going well in Clothen. We are still struggling with an anemic economy in Lial, we are still struggling with education, we need to invest in our transportation system and infrastructure, our taxes are too high, small businesses are closing up shop, our health care system is in trouble...there are just so many issues going on right now facing our state that are not effectively being addressed by the current administration, and that does trouble me," said BiGadi.

The former businessman and state senator said he is still thinking about challenging Pergich for the state's top job, but has no timetable for a decision.

"I'm going to meet with some people over the coming weeks, talk with my family, my supporters, business leaders in this state, and gauge the barometer a bit to see where people are and if this is the route we should go. If it's not, there are no hard feelings because I am very happy where I am right now in the Senate. It's not all fun and games in the Senate either right now, since we are in the minority. But when I hear things are not going well back home in Lial, it really frustrates me and concerns me and really instills in me a passion to help and make things better. So we'll see."

BiGadi, who hails from Monvaille, did not address far-right Conservative activist Libby Marshall, who has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2014.

Marshall, who lives near Sauvienne in southwestern Lial, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2008 against incumbent Sen. Susan Thompson (N). Back in September, he announced he would seek the CNS nomination for governor in 2014.

BiGadi's criticism of Pergich is in stark contrast to comments made by Pergich's predecessor, Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C), who praised Pergich for his centrist governing style.

Gymbal's high marks for Pergich annoyed many in Lial's CNS party leadership, who felt the comments might undermine Conservative candidates for governor who were seeking to unseat Pergich.

BiGadi was first elected to the Senate in 2002, and re-elected in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2016.

Planes collide on tarmac at Cedrickson airport

CEDRICKSON, Lial -- No one was injured when two passenger planes collided on the tarmac at Cedrickson-Danniger International Airport Saturday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the airport told the NPF the collision occurred between two slow-moving Boeing 767s on an east-west landing strip. The collision was reported at 2:15 pm Eastern time.

Airport emergency crews responded, but no one was injured and the planes were not seriously damaged. Passengers from both planes were taken back to the concourse and boarded on new planes while the two planes involved in the collision are looked over for damage.

The Grassadellian Aviation Authority (GAA) is investigating the incident.

DeSalle tells pro-women group Ritonio would 'turn back the clock' on gender equality

LAMBERTH, Kalnier -- He's not even running for governor yet, officially. But Conservative businessman Tony Ritonio (pronounced "Rit-tone-yo") is already being assailed by Nationalists on everything from women's issues to the economy.

Ritonio--who has not officially filed papers to run but is widely expected to--was a popular topic during Kalnier Gov. Karen DeSalle's Friday morning speech at the Greater Lamberth Emily's List luncheon. Emily's List is a left-centre pro-choice advocacy group.

DeSalle, who is running for re-election and will likely face Ritonio in 2014, told the audience that Ritonio would seek to limit abortion and would not stand for equal pay for women.

"A Tony Ritonio governorship will mean that women will have less access to choice, and the ability of women to choose what they want to do with their body will become severely limited in this state," said DeSalle.

"If Mr. Ritonio had his way, he would turn back the clock on women's rights. He thinks that government should tell women what to do with their bodies. We believe that women and their doctors should decide for themselves," she added.

On gender equality in the workplace, DeSalle said Ritonio would "foster the same good ole boys environment that has plagued corporate Grassadellia for decades."

The governor contended Ritonio would not be a genuine advocate for equal pay and treatment of women in the workplace.

"Do we really want someone like Tony Ritonio, who has a history of opposing equality for women, do we really want someone like that as our governor, as our leader in this state? Or do we want a real advocate, someone who will stand up for fair treatment of women? Someone who will fight to protect women's rights and be a champion of women's issues. The choice is clear," said DeSalle.

Ritonio responded to DeSalle's attack via a video posted on his Facebook page.

"I don't know what's more deplorable. The attacks that Karen DeSalle said about me at the Emily's List luncheon, or the fact that she was brazen enough to make those false accusations in public," said Ritonio.

"First of all, I am not against women's rights. I am married to my beautiful wife Malaysia and I have two beautiful daughters, Ayla and Adrianna, and I love all three of them with everything I have. They are my world. I support them and love them and want them to achieve and succeed at everything they do," said Ritonio.

He continued, "Secondly, I have no interest in limiting women's access to healthcare. I do believe that life is sacred and my Catholic faith has taught me to value life, even the life of the unborn. But while I stand firmly in my faith, I do not believe government should be telling women what to do with their bodies. I believe women and their physicians should make that decision, with due diligence and prayer. So Karen DeSalle is completely and utterly lying about that."

"And thirdly, I'd like to strongly refute what Governor DeSalle said Friday morning during her speech. She said that I would hamper women's equality in the workplace. That I was apart of the 'good ole boys network.' This again is completely and utterly untrue. I have never been apart of the 'good ole boys network.' I believe that any Grassadellian who works hard and does a good job at their place of employment, should be treated fairly and equally with their coworkers. That means fair pay, fair treatment, fair benefits, fair promotions, fair days off and sick days, all of the above."

"So for Karen DeSalle to say all these things about me is just untrue, unfair, and just out-right lies. She is purposely trying to distort my position on the issues to benefit her campaign. And she clearly has no regard for the truth or no ethical commitment to honesty if she is propagating and advancing these falsehoods," said Ritonio.

He ended the video by asking supporters to donate to fight the "DeSalle political machine."

"I'm not even running for governor yet and she's already pumping out lies about me in front of crowds of people and television cameras. If it's already this ugly and I'm not even in the race, how much uglier is it going to get?"

He added, "I need your help to fight Karen DeSalle and her allies, to set the record straight and get the truth out to the people of Kalnier, so they know the real Tony Ritonio and so they see Karen DeSalle for who she is: an unethical politician who is desperate to keep her job and who will stop at nothing to make sure she gets re-elected."

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Governors Association, known as NATGA, told the Lamberth Regent newspaper that Karen DeSalle was "right on" about Tony Ritonio's "antiquated" views on women.

"I didn't see any lies in Gov. DeSalle's speech," spokeswoman Nancy Kilhoffer said. "She's just going off of his record and going off of his positions during his 2010 Senate campaign."

The head of the Conservative Governors Association (CGA), Ansleigha Gov. Dale Lindstrom, skewed DeSalle for what he called her "campaign of dishonesty."

"How disappointing to see an incumbent governor in this country openly and overtly engage in a campaign of unfounded fear and intimidation and blatant dishonesty," Lindstrom said. "It's really disconcerting to see this kind of behavior from any governor. It really diminishes the dignity of the office of the governorship."

Though Ritonio has not officially declared his candidacy, he has been making frequent public appearances. And while we don't know exactly how much money he has, we do know the self-made millionaire likely has hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, to self-finance his campaign.

DeSalle reported $2.7 million in her campaign war chest, as of the last reporting date. She had about $1.1 million cash on hand.

Sen. Danbury: Nasty CNS primaries should be avoided

Prominent senator says bitter intra-party battles undermine CNS unity

MAVOCKE -- If Conservatives hope to make gains in the 2014 Senate elections, they will have to avoid nasty primary election fights, Armana Sen. Chuck Danbury (C) told the GBC in an interview Tuesday.

Danbury, a moderate, made no specific reference to any particular races or candidates, though there was widespread speculation he was aiming his words at former East Deschire Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C), who is expected to challenge fellow Conservative colleague Sen. Denna Halitz (C-E. Deschire) in the 2014 primary elections.

"A big part of the reason why [the Conservative party] lost so big in 2012 was because of bitter, virulent primary fights between Conservative candidates," Danbury told the GBC's Jane McEnie.

The three-term senator cited CNS primary fights in Monomi, Veroche, Trinton, and POG specifically.

"Those intra-party battles, between conservative candidates and slightly more conservative candidates, a lot of them were very bitter, very nasty fights. There was a lot of friendly fire, Conservatives shooting down Conservatives. And when we attack each other, when we attack our own, we tear our party apart, and worst of all, we give Nationalists ammunition. The NAT benefits most from that kind of tactics," said Danbury.

During the interview, Danbury never mentioned the East Deschire contest, which is shaping up to be the most brutal primary fight of the 2014 election.

When asked by correspondent Jane McEnie what he thought of the East Deschire race, Danbury declined to comment.

"I'll just say this: I have no problem with a respectful, civil, friendly and engaging primary election. That's what democracy is all about. Giving the voters a chance to choose the candidate of their choice. That kind of political interaction and electoral style should be encouraged. The problem arises when one candidate is hell-bent on tearing down their opponent. They will stop at nothing to defame, demoralize, discredit and attack their opponent. That's where it crosses the line, when all civility and respect for common, shared principles has gone out the window. That's what I'm saying. I don't think that kind of behavior has any place on the campaign trail or in Grassadellian politics," said Danbury.

Pushed again by McEnie, Danbury said he respects both incumbent Sen. Denna Halitz and former Sen. Nancy Lindselli, who lost re-election in 2012 by a sliver of the vote.

"Look, I have nothing but respect for Denna Halitz. I think she's a fine senator for the state of East Deschire. She has done a lot of good for that state, and a lot of good for our country. I admire her and support her on a number of issues. I think she is doing good for this country," said Danbury.

"And I also respect Senator Lindselli as well. I don't agree with her on a number of issues, but I do think she is right on a lot of things, and like Denna Halitz, she also has done a lot of good for East Deschire and for Grassadellia."

"I have nothing but respect for both of them. They're both fine people, and any primary election that occurs between them is not up to me, but up to the people of East Deschire."

Nancy Lindselli has not officially declared her candidacy for the Senate in 2014, though she has overtly indicated she is leaning toward a run.

Trau a lone soldier in POG's Senate delegation

MAVOCKE -- The NAT won a landslide victory nationwide in the Senate elections in 2012.

But one of their most important victories came in a Conservative-leaning state.

Conservatives held 3 of Province of Grassadellia's 4 Senate seats heading into the 2012 elections.

Those numbers reversed after election night, with the NAT taking 3 of the 4 seats.

That left only Sen. Dick Trau as the lone Conservative senator from POG.

Incumbent Charlie Quince lost his seat in the CNS primary, and the NAT won his seat in the general election, while Sen. Bobby Hafen Jr. ran for re-election in his native Onakiah, vacating his seat in POG.

Now, POG is represented in the Senate by Nationalists George Mercott, Max Keisling, and Diane Coke, with Trau in the clear minority.

It's a lonely place for Trau, who felt at ease working with Hafen and Quince.

"It does get lonely. You do sort of feel outnumbered, and when it comes to representing our state, I have very different views from my home-state colleagues," Trau told the GBC in a special interview last week.

The interview is set to air this coming Sunday. The GBC released a preview of their story on Trau, who comes from a politically active family.

"Being the son of a former Foreign Affairs Secretary and being married to a former lieutenant governor means I'm used to politics. It runs in the family," he joked with correspondent Kelly Abrams. "But when it comes to working in the Senate, the people you work very closely with don't always share your common views and political ideologies. So you have to be able to work with them. You basically have to master the art of working with people with which you disagree."

Case in point: Trau's working relationship with his three NAT colleagues.

"In many ways, I couldn't be further away from them in terms of political philosophy. We see things very differently. But we find common ground. We find areas where we can agree, and we agree to put aside our political parties and come together for the good of the province. It's called bipartisanship, and unfortunately, we don't see that as often as we should in this country."

Trau is a reliable Conservative vote in the Senate. But he has shown his bipartisan side in recent months, forging alliances with POG's other senators on key issues.

"All four of us (POG senators) supported taking Syria to the United Nations for their use of chemical weapons on civilians. So we found mutual agreement there. I'm working right now with Max Kiesling on an agriculture bill that would change labeling laws and help protect farmers and orchardists here in POG. I'm working with Diane Coke on a consumer rights bill that is still being drafted. And George Mercott and I are teaming up to lobby the federal government for more funding for the Quankalla Zoo in Lansdale and the Royal Marcedus-Leopold Space Center. So we are working together on many things and I want to continue that working relationship," said Trau.

While he may enjoy working with his Nationalist colleagues, he makes no secret that he would prefer their seats be held by Conservatives.

"I admire my NAT colleagues. I respect them, and I do enjoy partnering with them. But I would like to see those seats come over to the CNS side. I think we need a CNS majority in the Senate, and POG is a generally conservative-leaning state. I don't think the voice of the majority of the people in the province is being heard and conveyed as well as it should be. And I will probably campaign for Conservatives in the future and do my best to get those seats back in Conservative hands. But for now, I'm working with whoever is willing to work with me, Conservative, Nationalist, Democratic-Reformist, Independent, you name it."

For their part, Trau's NAT counterparts enjoy working with him too. Though they agree their views are far apart.

"Dick is a nice guy, he's a good person. I hardly agree with him on a number of issues. But he is a good person, and he really does have a genuine passion for serving," Coke told the GBC.

Kiesling and Mercott identify with Trau, both having also come from political families.

Kiesling is the son of former provincial Gov. Maxwell Kiesling Sr., and served himself as POG's Secretary of State until 2012; while Mercott formerly served as lieutenant governor in the 1990's and is the son of a former Secretary of Agriculture,

"We know how to raise political dynasties here in POG," Mercott joked.

Kiesling added the three men give their female colleague, Diane Coke, a hard time.

"Diane puts up with a lot by working with us guys. She keeps us in line."

Their collegial relationship helps them accomplish legislative goals, the group says. But the NAT's success in the last election means POG's clout in the Conservative party has dropped.

Dick Trau is optimistic though, about the party's future in the nation's most populous state.

"Election cycles bring victories and defeats. Parties go up and down. But I think the Conservative party will remain competitive in POG, as long as we stand united and don't get ourselves involved in bitter primaries."

None of POG's senators are up for re-election in 2014. Trau will be up for a second term in 2016.

Garesby approval, likeability remain high

CLEVEY SPRINGS, Harvannah -- A new poll shows Harvannah Gov. George Garesby has maintained a high approval rating from voters.

The Mainline / TWS Dispatch poll finds Garesby's current approval rating at 69%.

It's an impressive number, and it's significantly higher than the 58% approval rating Garesby's predecessor, Mark Andres (N), enjoyed at a comparable time in his first term.

Slightly more Nationalists and Independents than Conservatives approve of Garesby's policies, the poll found.

Almost 7 out of 10 of Nationalists said they are pleased with "many or most" of his policies, while just 6 out of 10 of Conservatives said the same.

Of Independents, 8 out of 10 were pleased with his policies.

The poll also asked respondents if they liked Garesby as a person, regardless of his politics, to which 80% responded "YES."

Garesby's approval numbers easily make him the most popular CNS governor in the country, if not the most popular governor of any party.

His moderate policies are in line with tradition in Harvannah, where the Conservative Party tends to be more moderate than in other states.

Garesby's reluctance to engage in divisive social issues, along with his populist push to lower taxes on the middle class have helped him avoid damaging political battles.

His diplomatic personality has also enhanced his image as a bipartisan bridge-builder, a sharp contrast from his predecessor, Mark Andres, who often refused to work with Conservatives in the state legislature.

Still, while the polls tout his popularity, Garesby remains modest about his approval numbers.

"I don't take anything for granted. I work hard to bring about solutions for the people of Harvannah, not for the Conservative Party or the Nationalist Party or interest groups or unions or anything like that."

"I don't consider myself popular. I just am doing what any positive-minded person would do," said Garesby.

Nationalists concede the governor enjoys high approval ratings, but insist those numbers will likely fall before Garesby is up for re-election in 2016.

"He's flying high right now," Chris Van Sconden, an NAT strategist from Ashford's Landing, told the Mavocke Capitol. "But come 2014, 2015, 2016, you'll see his numbers go down. It's inevitable for any incumbent."

"Nationalists can only hope his numbers go down enough to make him vulnerable. If he still has a 60% or 55 % approval rating in 2016, which is unlikely, but possible, he will win re-election. His approval rating needs to be below 50% for him to be beat," said Van Sconden.

Nationalist Mark Andres' approval rating was at 53% in January 2012, and at 46% when he was defeated in the November 2012 general election.