The Vegas Voice - Why I'm Running
Why I'm Running (Vegas Voice August 2005)
Not many people are thinking about politics right now. The Legislative session is over. Folks are away on holiday. The weather is too hot, hot, hot. And the news has been dominated by the G-Sting corruption trial in San Diego in which former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone was found guilty. But things are beginning to happen as we move into the next election cycle.
The 2006 election will be important for Nevada for several reasons. First, all the statewide offices will be up for election; and because of term limits, five of the six will be open seats with no incumbents. This means lots of candidates and lively debate.
The election is also important because Nevada is a swing state with almost equal Democratic and Republican voter registration, a high percentage of nonpartisans, and a tendency by voters to be ticket splitters. Nevadans do not vote a straight party ticket; they vote for the individual they trust and believe will get the job done. In the end, they vote for someone who will fight for their interests. The results of the 2006 election will be of interest to pundits and scholars nationwide.
Third, this election will be watched because it could result in Nevada's first woman governor. As you know, I've thrown my hat in the ring. I made the announcement on July 17th and 18th. I announced in Minden, Nevada; then Reno; then in my senate district in the heart of the Las Vegas Valley. I did this to make an important point - this is going to be a statewide race. No corner of the state will be overlooked and no one's problems will be ignored. Every Nevadan Matters.
I look forward to a lively campaign. In talking about my candidacy, analysts are already saying that for the first time in years, voters will be hearing from someone who represents the people of Nevada, not the special interests. I've always been a fighter. In the Senate, I've never backed away from a tough fight. People said I couldn't take on the developers to save Red Rock Canyon. But I did. The gaming industry has long been a supporter of mine, but when it came time to oppose them in order to protect neighborhoods, I stood with Nevada families. Last session, some powerful interest groups were opposed to my property tax freeze, but I pursued it anyway, because it was the right thing to do.
I'm going to fight for all Nevadans. Nevada shouldn't be at the bottom of every good list and at the top of every bad one. All Nevadans should have accessible, affordable health care. All children should have a quality education, and all seniors should be able to stay in their homes. That's government's job - educate the children, lock up the bad guys, and promote the common good. Then get out of the way and let people run their own lives.
I hope you will invite me out to club meetings and neighborhood parties. Wherever three people are gathered, even if it's in a phone booth, I want to be there talking with them about how to make Nevada even better.
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