Republicans ramp up for CD2 nomination Saturday, but then what?

Monday, June 13, 2011 | 3:53 p.m.

As Republican central committee members are buffeted by urgent emails, web videos and personal appeals from those seeking their favor in Reno on Saturday, it may be a better question how important winning their nomination will be in the race to fill Dean Heller’s congressional seat.

Remember, this will occur at least a couple of weeks before the state Supreme Court decides whether that nomination is binding – if it upholds a lower court decision – or is simply an expression of support by a body of 350 folks who meet every few months – if the lower court is reversed.

It is widely assumed that ex-GOP Chairman Mark Amodei, who until recently presided over these folks, has the inside track. (His successor also is scheduled to be elected Saturday.)

You can be sure the other leading candidates – state Sen. Greg Brower and ex naval officer Kirk Lippoid – are not thrilled with this scenario. Lippoid originally said he would not participate but now is and says he will not drop out of the special until the court rules and said he will run in 2012, regardless.

Brower has said nothing about what happens after Saturday but you have to believe he will not simply drop out without waiting to see if the court reinstitutes what Secretary of State Ross Miller favored and labeled a “battle royale.”

(No word from Amodei on what he will do if he loses Saturday. But if he doesn't win it then, it's very difficult for him to get there in an actual election because of his legislative record.)

The election is scheduled in the morning at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. The central committee folks will take stock of their numbers and then vote. It takes 50 percent plus one of those present to win. If nobody gets a majority on the first ballot, it will go to a second ballot between the two left standing.

Can you imagine the mischief if this is close? And can you imagine with the mercurial central committee folks what might happen Saturday?

I can’t, so I guess I’ll have to be there.

UPDATE: Also, I should have mentioned there are a few debates this week in the race, including one Wednesday featuring the three leading candidates. I will host one on "Face to Face" on the eve of the balloting, although Amodei is declining to participate. Lippold and Brower are confirmed for "Face to Face" on Friday.

(The Democrats have their nominating event a week later. But Treasurer Kate Marshall is the only credible contender and a lock, even among the central committee crazies.)