Isaak Slooter will not run for re-election in 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His fellow New Portsmouth senators reacted with surprise but admiration.

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

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

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

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

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

Leandra Kemmes in strong position heading into 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the governor has avoided major missteps and gaffes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And finally, businessman Bob Hefner of Westhorpe is interested.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is one upside for the Conservatives, however.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Ritonio has recently re-emerged.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Conservative side is less clear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Senator Frank Traetori of Warnick ties Rodgers too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Durick trails CNS opponents in Wilkonshire governor's race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

White House placed angry phone call to Collester over Almone nomination

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DelLorean to challenge Ralston in 2020 Senate race

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spokeswoman for DelLorean declined to comment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All four now-former candidates endorsed Baskingwood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gymbal passes on run for governor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Heidi Wolmach, Jon Ralston spar over gun legislation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's ridiculous," he muttered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spokesperson for Ramos declined to comment on the issue.

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

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

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

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

Paula Tulane will not switch parties

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A young child and teenagers were among the victims.

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

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

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

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

The shooting shocked the nation and the comic community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almone: China needs to listen to Hong Kong amid unrest

MAVOCKE -- In her first major world crisis as Foreign Secretary, newly-appointed Donna Almone is taking on the Chinese government over unrest in Hong Kong.

A semi-autonomous island territory of China formerly governed by the British, Hong Kongers have long enjoyed more rights than their mainland Chinese counterparts.

But in recent months, the Communist Chinese government has aimed to curtail liberties in the former British colony.

This has led to unrest, with pro-democracy protesters taking to the streets and clashing with pro-national government forces in violent exchanges.

Many Western governments have called on China to find a peaceful resolution, but the Chinese government has dug in its heels and refused to negotiate with dissidents.

"This has been going on for months now, it's beyond time for the Chinese government to listen to Hong Kong citizens and negotiate a compromise in good faith," said Secretary Almone in her first official statement since taking over the state department last month.

Asked about the situation last week, Grassadellian President Jim McCaren agreed with his foreign secretary.

"The Chinese government is finding out that it's very hard to maintain peace and order when you take away peoples' rights," McCaren said.

"Now is the time for the Chinese Communist government to end its crackdown and to begin negotiations so that a peaceful ending can be had in this situation," said McCaren.

China's Ambassador to Grassadellia, Lee Hyung Chi, issued a written statement following Almone and McCaren's comments.

"The China-Hong Kong issue is an internal matter for the Chinese government," said Chi. "This is an issue that does not require outside intervention or commentary from uninvolved parties."

China's government has previously rebuked the Grassadellian government for its criticisms of the Chinese leadership.

Grassadellia's Ambassador to China, William Reel, said Grassadellia is not attempting to intervene in the situation, but is concerned.

"This is a matter for the Chinese government to resolve, and Grassadellia does not want to interfere. But Grassadellia does have a vested interest in peace in Hong Kong, and because of that, we will speak out when we have concerns."

Before she became Foreign Secretary, while running for president, Almone called China's government a group of "bullies" and a "roomful of old men" who have little concern for democratic reform.

Her comments earned strong scorn from China's government, with the state media calling her "a vile woman."

China's government has frequent diplomatic clashes with Western countries, despite being a significant trade partner.

Right now, the Chinese government is in a stand-off with US President Donald Trump over tariffs and trade deficits.

BREAKING: 19 killed at Damoign Comic-Con event

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- The state of Damoign is reeling after a gunman opened fire at the Grassadellia Comic-Con event in Grassadellia City, Saturday evening.

Gun shots suddenly rang out at the nation's largest Comic-Con gathering at 6:01 pm in the Sequester Lane neighborhood in Middleboro, about five miles south-southwest of the city's Central Business District (CBD).

Initial reports from Grassadellia City Metropolitan Police (GCMP) put the death toll at 19, with an unknown number of injured.

GCMP Commissioner Barry Whitemore said the lone suspect was shot and killed by police.

The shooting lasted only about three minutes, with multiple officers firing their weapons at the gunman.

"I can tell you we are confident there was only one suspect, a male, and he was taken down by multiple officers," Whitemore said at a hastily-arranged press conference.

"Active shooter situation in Sequester Lane -- avoid if you can, if in area, stay inside buildings & lock doors," tweeted GCMP as the event unfolded.

The shooting took place outside on Cayhill Street and in street-front businesses, where people rushed inside to take cover, police said.

The Comic-Con event was being held at the Deely Arts Centre, with most festivities taking place inside the building. However, there were many attendees and Comic-Con-related activities taking place out on the street.

"Most of the Comic-Con-goers were not outside on the street, but we're still talking about hundreds or thousands of people walking outside near the entrance, as well as customers of neighboring businesses," Whitemore said.

Nineteen deaths have been confirmed, but that number is likely to rise, Whitemore cautioned.

It's unknown exactly how many people were injured, because Whitemore said police were focused on eliminating the threat.

"In the chaos that unfolded, there were a lot of people injured and GCMP was not able to ascertain an exact number, but we are working on that," said the chief.

No information on the gunman's identity has been released yet, all Whitemore would disclose is the gunman was a male.

Witnesses who survived the shooting described the shooter as a young, white male who did not attempt to hide his identity with a mask or hat.

"He just walked down the street firing his guns," said one woman, who ducked inside a nearby stairwell and prayed for her life.

GCMP confirmed the gunman had more than one gun, but he declined to release more details.

"Right now, we are focused on responding to the victims and containing the scene. Once that has been finished, then we will move on to analysis and getting more details out to the media."

With 19 casualties, it's by far the worst shooting in decades in Grassadellian history.

In 1956, a gunman opened up at an overseas Grassadellian military base, killing 22 people.

It appears this shooting may become the worst on domestic Grassadellian soil.

Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol was in Tolston at the time of the shooting, over an hour away. He rushed back to attend the press conference.

"Our heart is breaking right now, collectively, as a city," Kastol said, with tears in his eyes.

"This isn't who we are, it isn't fair, and the pain is just very raw right now," he added.

Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan was at the state capitol in Mattinow and flew by helicopter to Middleboro for the press conference.

"'Horrific' -- that is the only way I can describe what happened earlier this evening. Just horrific," she said.

President Jim McCaren held a televised news conference at Collester in Mavocke, thanking the first responders and pledging to act on gun violence.

"This attack happened in Grassadellia City, the heart of our nation. And while Grassadellia Citians feel the pain most directly, the shock and pain reverberates across this country."

"We are so deeply grieved by this heinous attack, and to everyone who is struggling, to every person who was at the Comic-Con or who was in the vicinity, and to every person who lost a loved one, we will do whatever we can to make sure this is the one and only time this horrible violence happens in our country," said McCaren.

Damoign's four senators joined McCaren at the press conference, and all spoke with emotion.

"How many shootings will it take before Conservative lawmakers get a clue and take action on gun violence?" asked Senate Majority Leader Debbie Madronas (N-Damoign).

Senator Deborah Kay, one of the most outspoken anti-gun senators, said she was "appalled" at the scope of the violence.

"I couldn't even bring myself to look at the screen," she said, about watching news coverage of the shooting on her iPhone.

Senator Roman Chatskovy, the only Conservative in Damoign's senate delegation, said he shared in the grief.

"This is our city, it's where many of us grew up, where we went to college, where we started our lives as young adults, hoping to strike it big and make a name for ourselves, and it's a city where millions of people live and work and call home."

"We can't have this in our city. We can't have this in our country. We have to do better," he said, pledging to act on gun control legislation.

Finally, Senator Jean Chaveau, who at age 77 is the dean of Damoign's Senate delegation, saved her harshest words for the gunman.

"I don't even know his name yet, I don't want to know it. Whoever he is, or was, he was a coward, he was filled with hate, he was a low-life scum bag. And he won't be remembered for what he did, he will be remembered for spurring the Congress to finally act on gun legislation," said Chaveau.

Other prominent Damoign politicians and celebrities, many of whom attended the Comic-Con event earlier this weekend, spoke out on the shooting.

"Angry and in shock at what happened in #SequesterLane today," wrote former Grassadellia City Mayor and Damoign Governor Sid Hoffa.

"Please know, to the people of Sequester Lane and GC, we are one city, and no attack can ever defeat us," he added.

"Was just at GC Comic-Con yesterday with my 11 yo son," wrote actor Sean Tweed on Twitter. "Horrified. Simply horrified. Love to all."

Actress April McCabe also attended the Comic-Con on the preceding day.

"My heart is breaking right now," she wrote on her Twitter account. "Literally was just there, so many happy people."

"To see it shattered by something so awful and evil as this just makes me sick to my stomach."

Politicians outside Damoign have widely condemned the shooting, but Conservative lawmakers mostly offered support, thoughts and prayers.

NAT lawmakers were much more vocal about gun control legislation.

"What happened tonight in Middleboro at the Comic-Con is despicable and vile, and Conservative Senators universally condemn this act of terror," wrote Ansleigha Senator Jon Ralston, the Conservative Senate Minority Leader.

Many political leaders labeled the shooting an act of terror, but GCMP Chief Barry Whitemore said it's too early to know if there is a connection to international terrorism or domestic terrorism.

"Did it cause terror? Of course. So in that sense, yes it was definitely an act of terrorism. But does it officially meet the technical definitions that law enforcement uses to classify these events? It's too early for me to speak to that," said Whitemore.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 28 near the crime scene. It is open to the public, and President Jim McCaren will be speaking.

A spokesman for the president said McCaren could visit the city sooner, but has chosen to wait until the public vigil so as not to get in the way of the investigation.

"Frankly, having the president there right after a traumatic event can really be more of a distraction than a help," said spokesman Jared Franks.

An area of about eight square blocks was initially cordoned off by police as they searched the streets near the shooting sight.

Most areas have been re-opened, but Cayhill Street remains closed for one block, as does Underhill Street for two blocks.

The Deely Arts Centre will remain closed until Tuesday, a spokesperson said.

Businesses near the crime scene will remain closed but police have said they will re-open the area as quickly as possible to allow business to return to normal.

Greg Kelley will not run for Damoign governor in 2020

SEXTON, Damoign -- An outspoken liberal politician has announced he will not seek the Damoign governorship in the 2020 election.

State Senator Greg Kelley, a prominent left-wing leader in Damoign politics, was previously considering running for governor in 2020, challenging incumbent NAT Governor Jenna Duvan.

On Tuesday, Kelley said he would ultimately back Duvan in her 2020 bid for re-election.

"Running for governor would not be helpful for the Damoign NAT party. It would create division and it would ultimately help the Conservative party," said Kelley.

"I have some real disagreements with Jenna Duvan, but I would much rather have her as my governor than Sid Hoffa or any Conservative," he added.

Kelley, from Sexton, has been a champion of the working class.

He has been a rarely vocal critic of the governor from her own party.

"I wish Governor Duvan would cut her ties with the big corporations," Kelley said back in May 2019. "We need a governor who is empathetic to low-income and middle-class Damoignites, not the wealthy businesspeople who are wallowing in money."

Kelley's decision to stay out of the governor's race is surely to be good news for the Duvan campaign, which is hoping to avoid a tense primary and intra-party fight before the 2020 election.

The Duvan campaign did not comment on Kelley's announcement, but an advisor to Duvan -- who asked to remain anonymous because they were not permitted to speak about internal campaign rumblings -- said Kelley's decision to back Duvan is welcomed news.

"We need Greg Kelley's endorsement, or at least not his opposition," said the source.

Kelley added that he will push Duvan over the coming months to adopt more progressive positions favored by the party's left-wing.

"I'm still going to lean on her to embrace more progressive policy positions, I'm definitely going to tell her what I think and what policies will be best for Damoignites."

Brumley’s comments about Duvan 'sexist and misogynist,' say Duvan allies

TAMPICO, Damoign -- Allies of Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan are reacting with strong criticism to comments about the governor they say are "sexist."

The brouhaha started when Mattinow businessman John Brumley made a veiled swipe at Duvan in an interview with a local television station.

Duvan, a Nationalist, is running for re-election in 2020. Brumley, also a Nationalist, is considering challenging the governor in the NAT primary election, scheduled for May.

Brumley was asked by Mattinow's 3GBC what qualities Damoign's next governor should have.

"I think we need less vanity," he said of the next governor. "We need someone who isn't so concerned with image and celebrity and someone who is focused on solving problems and governing."

Immediately, Brumley’s comments came under intense scrutiny.

Allies of Duvan, a 39-year-old former model who is known for her sexy fashion choices and her close relationships with celebrities, said the comments were "sexist and misogynist."

"John Brumley is essentially saying the next governor of Damoign needs to be a man," said NAT political activist Evan Buyer, a close friend and associate of Duvan.

"It's unthinkable that in 2019, a candidate for governor in the state of Damoign would make comments so stunningly sexist and anti-woman," said Elena Candela, an advisor to Duvan's campaign on women's reproductive health.

Members of the media chimed in on the controversy also.

Betty MacGlover, a well-known news anchor for the local GBC TV station in Grassadellia City, called Brumley’s remarks "asinine." 

"I find it ironic and sad that in this day and age, women politicians are criticized because they wear fashionable dresses and nice shoes. Somehow that makes them unfit to be elected officials," MacGlover said.

A spokesman for Brumley said the Mattinow businessman was not referring to Duvan's wardrobe when he spoke.

"The line they keep quoting, it was totally taken out of context," said Brumley spokesman Josh Evans. "John was alluding to Governor Duvan's penchant for publicity and fame, not her actual clothing choices."

"It's clear from following the governor's media strategy and her public appearances and social media activism that she is more concerned with projecting a celebrity image. She's more concerned with being popular that being governor. It has nothing to do with what clothing she wears, it has everything to do with persona, attitude and priorities."

Brumley later said, in an off-hand comment to a reporter outside a Mattinow restaurant Tuesday night, that Duvan "can wear whatever she wants."

"If she wants to wear leopard print or tie-dye or whatever, she can wear whatever she wants," said Brumley.

Duvan herself has not commented on Brumley’s criticism.

The governor is widely-known for her stylish clothing.

She frequently dons expensive stiletto shoes and chic, designer-label outfits, including some with low neck lines and skirts above the knees.

Many of her outfits are personally made for her by top-name fashion designers. She is personal friends with many in the fashion industry.

Brumley previously ran against Duvan in the NAT gubernatorial primary in 2016.

After losing to Duvan in the primary, Mr. Brumley endorsed Duvan in her general election race against Conservative Mercer Diego.

"By and large, I think Jenna Duvan has done a great job as governor," Brumley said back in a January 2020 radio interview.

But in recent months, the Mattinow businessman, who made his fortune in the paper pulp industry, has stepped up his criticism of Damoign's first female governor.

In June, he took issue with what he called Duvan's "habit" of picking fights with Conservatives over highly-charged social issues like abortion and immigration.

"In my view, it's better for a governor to focus on economic issues and infrastructure and creating jobs," said Brumley in another radio interview.

Brumley’s more centrist views are often at odds with Duvan's more mainstream NAT positions, and the two have opposite approaches to politics.

Where Ms. Duvan is not afraid of confrontation, Mr. Brumley shies away from it.

But ultimately, Brumley’s more moderate views would be a tough sell to an NAT party base that leans increasingly to the left.

Duvan herself is facing pressure from the party's left wing, with several potential left wing candidates also considering challenging the governor in the 2020 NAT primary.

No polls have conducted yet on the NAT primary election for Damoign governor. But recent polling from The Grassadellia City Times and Dulkalow University have found Duvan leading nearly all potential big-name Conservative rivals.

Only Damoign Assemblywoman Pat Leemore, a moderate Conservative from Arnelleson, tops Duvan in a hypothetical general election match-up.

Leemore ran unsuccessfully for governor in the 2016 Conservative gubernatorial primary election, taking third place.

Ms. Leemore has not said whether she is considering running in 2020, but said she would announce her candidacy by spring if she decides to run.

Other potential Conservative candidates include former Grassadellia City Mayor Sid Hoffa, Assemblyman John DeGallio of Tolston, former National Security Director Robert Austin, and Assemblyman Ron Wilder of Kentwick.

McCaren to nominate Kiesling for Education Secretary

MAVOCKE -- Another former senator may be returning to Mavocke as a member of the president's cabinet.

President Jim McCaren is poised to nominate former POG Sen. Max Kiesling to be his next Education Secretary.

Kiesling, a moderate Nationalist, left the Senate in 2018 to run for POG governor. He lost in the NAT primary to then-POG Attorney General and now-POG Governor Ramon Ramos.

While in the Senate, Kiesling made a reputation for being a consensus builder.

He was well-liked by his colleagues from both parties, and his affable, southern charm won him many friends in the capitol.

But his more conservative positions on certain issues upset liberals.

Kiesling has a mixed record on abortion rights, voting to allow abortion but with restrictions. He also said he is personally opposed to abortion due to his religious faith.

On immigration, he was accepting of refugees but voted for more vetting of immigrants.

And on taxes and business issues, he frequently sided with his CNS colleagues, favoring business-friendly legislation, which earned him many foes in the labor sector.

But his congenial attitude did a lot for him.

The first-term senator negotiated a compromise between the two parties on school funding.

He also secured legislative victories on disability rights and hospital construction.

And he led a Senate delegation and represented Grassadellia's governments to various countries during the breakout of the Syrian Civil War.

But it's education that makes Kiesling an attractive candidate for Education Secretary.

Before he was elected to the Senate, Kiesling served as POG's Secretary of State. He used his office to increase civics education and English language classes for immigrant kids, something no secretary of state had previously done.

Sources inside Collester say President McCaren has a strong relationship with Kiesling and believes the veteran POG politician is well-suited for the job.

He has yet to be formally nominated, but when asked about rumors Kiesling was on the cusp of being nominated, a Collester spokesman declined to deny the rumors.

His prospective nomination has strong support among his former Senate colleagues, however, some have expressed concerns about President McCaren choosing prominent POG politicians to hold high-ranking positions in his cabinet.

Just last month, McCaren nominated former POG Governor Donna Almone to be Foreign Secretary.

POG is the second-most populous state in the nation, and many are concerned its large population and corresponding political clout may be outstripping influence of other states.

"There is a concern when a president only nominates cabinet secretaries from the largest states," said Jeni Onato, President of Grassadellians for Accountability, a Mavocke-based think-tank. "How can people in East Deschire or New Portsmouth feel represented when all of the president's cabinet members are from POG and Damoign, the two largest and most influential states?"

A spokesperson for Collester denied cabinet members have been chosen solely from large, populous states.

"If you look at all of this administration's cabinet members and advisors and appointees, you will see people from all over the country represented. There is no active plan to pack the cabinet with only people from POG," said spokesman Kevin Ranker.

A representative for Kiesling would not comment on the matter.

Since leaving the Senate in 2018, Kiesling has spent most of his time back in Lansdale, but he retains a home in suburban Mavocke, where he stays part-time.