Candidates to speak at State Democratic convention

Adrienne Packer

Friday, May 15, 1998 | 10:14 a.m.

Democrats from across Nevada will begin filtering into town today for the weekend-long state convention at Bally's hotel-casino.

A barrage of candidates will speak to delegates and guests Saturday morning in Bally's Skyroom on the 26th floor. Brooks Stratmore, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said about 350 delegates and an equal number of guests are expected.

"As I understand it, on non-presidential years like this one there is not quite the turnout," Stratmore said.

But party chair Paul Henry, who is running unopposed to keep his seat, said Democrats are expecting "an atmosphere that will be truly supercharged."

Shortly after the introduction speech at 9 a.m., Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan, both D-Nev., will take the stage. Governor hopeful and current Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, also will address the crowd during the morning session.

Also joining the morning speakers will be congressional candidate Shelley Berkeley and lieutenant governor candidate and Clark County Commissioner Rose McKinney-James. Delegates will hear from those vying for state and local offices throughout the day.

Gov. Bob Miller is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at 3:45 p.m., Stratmore said.

Registration for the convention begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The fee for delegates is $20 and $10 for senior citizens and students.

The party chose to have its state convention in Las Vegas this year because the city offers a larger variety of unionized hotels, Stratmore said.

"We try to do everything through unions," Stratmore said. "Every possible vendor is union."

Also mixed into Saturday's convention will be elections for the party's chair, secretary and treasurer. Stratmore said nominations will be accepted Saturday morning, but most Democrats are pleased with the job Henry has done.

"It's a volunteer position and the party is grateful he spends so much of his time working on the party," Stratmore said. "The feedback from delegates is he's been doing a great job."