Matthews becomes Alliance candidate

Outgoing political leader Bill Matthews will run for the presidency, as the Alliance candidate

Outgoing Constitutional Assembly Chair Bill Matthews has been announced as James Morris’ replacement at the top of the National Alliance ticket. The election campaign was rocked last week when Morris, 53, announced he would step aside as the presidential candidate.

The former mayor’s decision to leave the race has thrown the Alliance’s campaign into turmoil – with no viable candidate coming forward for some seven days.

Matthews, an experienced veteran at the top of politics, is an insider who has an interesting backstory – growing up in rural Augusta, an orphan who made a living corn cutting, until his was adopted by a New Rhodes couple. The now Assembly Chair moved to Wheatland, and his adopted parents supported his desire to enter politics and rise through the ranks. Matthews was rumored as a candidate for the Alliance, but after an unsuccessful run for the job eight years ago, stood aside.

Popular Front’s Ramona Martinez has said she welcomes Matthews to the race and promises a ‘clean’ fight – after accusations Morris’ campaign had smeared her over links to religious extremists.

Matthews is yet to meet with his rival, but messaged his gratitude to the Alliance for putting him in charge of the campaign. “It is an honour and privilege to be campaigning with every Alliance member for the future of Karolina – BM” his team released as a statement earlier today.

It is highly likely Matthews will be formally introduced as the Alliance candidate at a rally in Hysham, close to where he grew up, at the weekend. Polling has not yet taken place to see the effect of Matthew’s entry into the race, but it is expected that his considerable political experience puts him in a strong position to challenge Martinez.

The Alliance now has a difficult job to introduce him to the electorate over the coming weeks, as the poll draws nearer.