By Espen Storlie | City of McGovern, Dodge County

The state election process is officially up and running.

With both the Federalists and the Nationalists holding their State Conventions on Tuesday night, the voters have started to get a sense of who to hand their vote to. There were a multitude of speeches for a range of different state positions, with multiple memorable performances.

Andrew Williams, of the City of Nelson in Cameron County, and a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court, started his speech off like any other. The concept of justice and order was heavily hammered home.

Williams then pulled a stunt out of his sleeve that no one could have anticipated. Andrew stepped to the side of the podium and performed a standing backflip.

Fellow Federalist William Soquet said he enjoyed this trick and thought it was neat for everyone to see.

“Andrew brought a sense of entertainment to the convention that was sorely needed,” Soquet said.

Clearly, Andrew is a fan favorite, and a certain Federalist front-runner.

Another celebrity-like appearance at the convention was that of Michael Foley.

Foley, who is somewhat of a Federalist icon due to his many failed attempts at running for Party office, is now a candidate to get the nomination for Secretary of State. Foley received a large round of applause before his speech even began, and then again after his speech.

He seems to be a fan favorite as well, and is a serious candidate. Maybe this time Foley can break through and win a nomination.

The winners of the Federalist state primary elections on Wednesday will go on to face off against their respective Nationalist candidates in the general state election on Thursday. Everyone is reminded to vote, as every vote, along with every voice, matters.