Monday, April 20, 1998 | 10:11 a.m.
Discussing Nevada's gubernatorial race without mentioning the primary opponent by name seems to be the Democratic Party's method of operation.
Sen. Joe Neal didn't make an exception Saturday when he delivered a fiery speech to a group of about 200 supporters at the Clark County Democratic Convention.
"I know that this is a difficult race; big bucks," said Neal, D-North Las Vegas. "But when I am matched with the anointed one -- and you all know who the anointed one is -- we are dead even across this particular state."
The anointed one happens to be Republican gubernatorial candidate Kenny Guinn.
Neal blasted Guinn and the powerful casino industry that backs him financially. Casino owners have donated millions to Guinn, allowing him to blitz the community with billboards, commercials and appearances.
Neal, who has been in the Legislature since 1973, has said he is running a "poor man's campaign" and won't be intimidated by Guinn's money.
The casino-backed Guinn already forced one candidate to drop from the race. Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa took herself out of the running when she could only raise a tenth of the $2.5 million Guinn had by January.
Come November, however, Neal and Democratic Party leaders are confident that voters will not be swayed by Guinn's big bucks and his high-profile campaign.
"I think Joe can win if he gets his message out to people," John Ponticello, president of the Paradise Democratic Club, said. "People don't want to be told who will be governor. They want a choice."
But Neal is not everybody's choice. Even top Democratic supporters have backed away from the candidate and focused on Guinn's campaign. Neal told supporters Saturday that he was not bothered that some of the party has snubbed him.
"Some supporters at the top of our party said we should not support Joe Neal," Neal said. "But, frankly, Joe Neal had not asked for their support."
Not only is Neal taking on Guinn, but he's a threat to the casino industry that backs the Republican candidate.
Neal said he would like to raise the taxes that the larger casinos pay. Casinos that pay 6 1/4 percent on gaming gross revenues should be paying at least an additional 2 percent, he says. The increase would pump at least $100 million more into state coffers each year.
"This may be like David vs. Goliath," Neal said. "But unlike David, I do not want to slay Goliath, I just want them to take full responsibility for the problems they've created."
Neal said his proposed tax increase has been popular throughout Nevada.
"The response has been great across the state once they hear how much the casinos are making," Neal said.
While the senator said gaming taxes were on the top of his list, he also is targeting health care.
Managed health care programs are not saving residents money as they were expected to do and Neal said he would propose changes to make the programs more effective.
Also on Neal's list is the utility industry. Most states in the country are deregulating the industry, opening the market to allow residents to shop for the best rates nationwide.
Many utilities companies have debts related to the construction of plants, transmission lines and other equipment. Utility companies are trying desperately to get rid of their debt before the market opens.
Neal assured ratepayers that he would not allow them to get stuck with the debt, also called stranded costs.
"Hopefully as governor, if a bill comes before my desk with stranded costs being passed on to you, that bill will be vetoed," he said.
Guinn's name wasn't the only omission in Neal's 20-minute speech. He never mentioned Gov. Bob Miller's recent financial troubles, but Neal made it clear that improvements need to be made to both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Miller failed to report about $48,000 in privately funded trips outside Nevada on his financial disclosure forms.
"I don't hold that against him," Neal said after Saturday's convention. "But if they want to come to the rail to be baptized tomorrow, I won't turn against them."
While most of the speakers Saturday received a smattering of applause, Neal was given a standing ovation.
Delegate Mary Ann Goormastic said she was pleased with Neal's address and disappointed with fellow Democratic Party members. She said she doesn't agree with Neal on all issues -- including his willingness to allow nuclear waste to be transported to Nevada -- but she plans to stick by him.
"He's the Democratic candidate, so I'll back him," she said.
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