Thursday, April 9, 1998 | 11:10 a.m.
Already having been the focal point of a disruptive Clark County Republican Party Convention, controversial gubernatorial candidate Aaron Russo already is causing waves around the upcoming state convention.
A hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday in District Judge Mark Gibbons' courtroom on a lawsuit Russo filed against the Nevada Republican Central Committee challenging the $125 registration fee for the convention.
Russo and five delegates have complained the $125 fee -- which jumps to $150 for delegates signing up after April 13 -- is "burdensome and unreasonable" and will make it difficult for some delegates to attend.
The lawsuit is seeking an injunction that the registration fee be no more than $20.
To justify that, Russo's lawsuit suggests that the meals included in the registration price be deleted in favor of letting delegates feed themselves.
Jennifer Harris, one of those who joined Russo in filing the lawsuit, stated in an affidavit that she does not have sufficient funds to spare for the registration fee including meals.
In addition to Russo and Harris, those who filed the lawsuit include Gregory Millspaugh, Teresa Kaizer and Joseph Ippolito.
The convention is scheduled for April 24 and 25 at the Stardust hotel-casino.
Last month's county convention nearly ended in violence when Russo supporters challenged those who favor GOP front-runner Kenny Guinn on a variety of issues.
The convention ended peacefully but Russo has continued to criticize party leadership and power structure. The struggle is expected to resume at this month's state convention.
archive
