Editorial: The SUN’s top picks for Assembly

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

THE SUN recommends the following candidates for state Assembly:

District 1 -- Former Assemblyman Tom Collins, a Democrat, is contending with Republican Jeff Knight for this legislative seat. Collins' experience and recent reversal on the Yucca Mountain nuke dump -- he's now against it -- makes him the top choice.

District 2 -- Republican Merle Berman is challenging Democrat John Ponticello for this position, replacing Bill Harrington who declined to run this time. We support Ponticello for District 2.

District 3 -- Freshman GOP Assemblywoman Maureen Brower is being challenged by Democrat John Lee and Libertarian Lewis Roesberry. Lee, a champion of holding the line on taxes, gets the nod.

District 4 -- Incumbent Assemblywoman Deanna Braunlin, a Republican, is facing Democrat Leroy Jenkins in this race. Braunlin's experience and commitment to education wins the SUN's support.

District 5 --Republican Barbara Cegavske is running against Libertarian Patrick O'Neill to replace Jeannine Stroth, the GOP incumbent who lost in the primary. Voters should choose Cegavske because her support of education.

District 6 -- Five-term incumbent Democrat Wendell Williams is being challenged by Republican Arlene Southard in a rematch of the 1994 race. As then, Williams' solid legislative experience and commitment to the community gives him the edge.

District 7 -- Six-term Democrat Morse Arberry Jr. is being challenged by Republican Chester Richardson. Arberry has been a strong advocate for minority issues and has been effective in the Legislature. He deserves another term.

District 8 -- Barbara Buckley, a freshman Democratic assemblywoman, is facing Republican Devrin Gubler. Buckley has worked hard for her constituents -- she was named top freshman in her 1995 legislative class -- and has earned the support of the voters.

District 9 --Three-term Democrat Chris Giunchigliani, is running against Republican Lili Lagan in this race. Giunchigliani is an ardent supporter of education, unions and consumer rights and has captured important committee seats. She is an effective legislator who should be returned to Carson City.

District 10 -- First-term Assemblyman David Goldwater, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Bill Lance and Libertarian Paul Conte. Goldwater made a positive contribution to the overhaul of the State Industrial Insurance System and is strong on education and crime fighting efforts. The SUN endorses Goldwater.

District 11 -- Doug Bache, a three-term Democratic Assemblyman, is facing Libertarian Earle Severance and Republican Bryan Henchik in District 11. Bache has demonstrated his effectives in key committee positions and deserves another term in the Legislature.

District 12 -- Freshman Democrat Genie Ohrenschall is running against former GOP Assemblyman Art Rader. Ohrenschall is tough on crime, supports protection for seniors and education, and has been a strong voice in legislative committees. Voters should return her to Carson City.

District 13 --First-time Republican Assemblyman Dennis Nolan is being challenged by Democrat John Lowes in this race. Nolan supports tough crime laws and promoting the business environment. He has been an asset for Clark County in the Legislature and has earned another term.

The remainder of the Assembly endorsements will appear in the Thursday SUN.