Former campaign worker, Russo dispute events of physical conflict

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1998 | 11:23 a.m.

Patricia Saye, a former Aaron Russo campaign worker, is alleging that the former Republican gubernatorial hopeful assaulted her in his one-time campaign office over the weekend.

Saye says that she went to the office to retrieve her belongings when she was confronted by Russo who she says punched her in the stomach.

Russo says that is not how it happened.

Russo fired Saye Friday night after she became involved in a dispute over a car with a fellow campaign volunteer, Russo said.

When Saye returned Saturday, he asked that she supply him with a list of things she'd left behind because he didn't want her meddling in his office, Russo said.

"I put my hand up to stop her because I didn't know whose things those were," Russo said. "She then bit my arm, gave me an elbow in the ribs and started hitting me."

Police responded to the scene at Russo's Tropicana Avenue and Wilbur Street headquarters on Saturday, but made no arrests.

Saye was admitted to University Medical Center Saturday, where she was treated and released for minor bruises.

"The whole thing is absurd," Russo said. "This is a woman who is looking for notoriety and press. It's unfortunate."

Saye said that she does not know whether she will press charges, and right now she just wants to make sure her medical bills are paid.

Russo was in contention for the post of Nevada governor before losing the Republican spot to Kenny Guinn, who will take on Democratic candidate Jan Jones in the November election.