Jones view for top party job

Friday, Dec. 4, 1998 | 11:10 a.m.

Competition has surfaced between two Nevadans looking to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Both Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones and Nevada Democratic Party Chairman Paul Henry are seeking the job and are looking for help from Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate's new minority whip.

Reid said today he has committed to helping Jones land the high-profile position.

"Until she decides she doesn't want it, I'll have to stick with her," Reid told the Sun.

Reid, well-placed sources said, plans to talk to his good friend, Vice President Al Gore, on behalf of Jones. As the leading Democratic contender for president in 2000, Gore is expected to play a key role in the selection of the next party chairman.

It's highly unlikely, however, that a Nevadan would be chosen to head the party if two people from the state are fighting over it.

The position became available with this week's decision by current Chairman Steve Grossman to resign to spend more time with his family.

Grossman has been credited with guiding the Democratic Party to mid-term election gains while reducing its huge debt.

Coincidently, Grossman, DNC General Chairman Roy Romer and state party chairs from across the country were to be in Las Vegas today for a conference at the Luxor hotel-casino.

Both Jones and Henry, a former Reid aide, were scheduled to address the gathering today.

Jones reportedly has been lobbying hard for the job, pitching herself to contacts at the White House and casino industry leaders with political clout in Washington.

Should Jones be named chairman, she would have to resign as mayor and not seek re-election next year. That could set up a potentially bitter race to succeed her between City Councilmen Arnie Adamsen and Michael McDonald, both of whom have been eyeing bids for mayor.

Jones declined comment Thursday, and Henry could not be reached for comment.

But Jones, coming off her loss last month in the governor's race, has been described as an ideal candidate for party chairman. She has strong public speaking skills and fund-raising abilities.

There has been much speculation at City Hall that Jones would not run for a third term next year.

Democrats had coaxed her into challenging Republican Kenny Guinn at the last minute this year to help Reid attract women to the polls in his tight re-election bid against Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev.

Jones reportedly was promised a job in the Clinton administration, possibly as high as a cabinet position, if she lost the governor's race. But there are no cabinet vacancies at this time.

The selection of a new DNC chairman isn't likely to be made very soon.