Editorial: Legislative candidates endorsed

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 | 11:43 a.m.

In Wednesday's Sun we endorsed candidates in the Assembly races in Districts 1-14. Today we make our endorsements in the rest of the Assembly elections and in the state Senate elections being held in Southern Nevada:

STATE SENATE

There are five contested state Senate races in Southern Nevada. Sen. Bill O'Donnell has no opponents in his re-election bid.

In District 1, Democrat Richard Lyles is challenging Sen. Jon Porter, a Boulder City Republican. Porter has been a voice of reason in the contentious debate over how to address growth in the Las Vegas Valley. Jon Porter is one of Southern Nevada's best representatives in Carson City.

Meanwhile in District 2, Democrat Maggie Carlton faces Republican Tino Mendoza and Libertarian Craig Kuntz. Maggie Carlton, a fresh face who is energetic and who we believe would be a voice of reason in Carson City, should be elected.

In District 3, Sen. Bob Coffin, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Lou Toomin. Coffin has been a standout senator, refusing to buckle under to power brokers. Bob Coffin is progressive and truly is an independent Democrat who should be re-elected.

Democrat Terry Care goes up against Jack Close Sr. in District 7, one of the most watched legislative races of the year. Care, a fresh face who came to Las Vegas after being wounded in Vietnam, has proven himself as one of our most productive and talented citizens. Care, an attorney and former television newsman, has the intelligence and innovative ideas that are needed in the Senate. While Care believes in growth management he acknowledges that doesn't mean stopping growth. Terry Care, an outstanding candidate, should be elected.

Finally, in District 8, Republican Sen. Mark James is being challenged by Libertarian Jerry Sims. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, James has been responsible for putting through responsible legislation overhauling criminal penalty laws. Mark James should be re-elected.

STATE ASSEMBLY

In District 15, Republican Jim Forte, Democrat Kathy McClain and an independent candidate, Florian Tschmelitsch, are running. McClain works for Clark County and was one of its lobbyists during the last legislative session. Forte is the owner of a business that buys and sells collectible stamps. Both Kathy McClain and Jim Forte were well-prepared and knowledgeable in their endorsement interviews; we believe either one would do fine if elected.

In District 16, Republican Stefan Steel, Democrat Kelly Thomas and Libertarian Michael Thomas are running. Kelly Thomas, an assistant planner for the city of North Las Vegas, is forthright and seems to have the tempered enthusiasm required to be a success in Carson City. Kelly Thomas gets our endorsement.

Longtime Assemblyman Bob Price, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Frank Tucker in District 17. Price has been good for his constituents over the years and is a freethinker. He's also been a thorn in the side of the gaming industry, keeping it honest. Bob Price deserves another term.

In District 18, Assemblyman Mark Manendo, a Democrat, is running against Republican Patty Slack. Manendo has supported legislation that would help seniors, the disabled and protect consumers. A thoughtful legislator, Mark Manendo should be re-elected to another term.

Democrat Jerry Claborn and Republican Gary Horrocks face each other in District 19. Jerry Claborn, who is reasonable and level-headed, is the better candidate and should be elected.

Assemblywoman Kathy Von Tobel, a Republican, is being challenged by John Oceguera, a Democrat, in the District 20 contest. Oceguera is an exceptional candidate and for voters seeking a change they might want to take a second look at his candidacy. But Von Tobel has grown since the 1997 legislative session and we hope that maturity continues. Kathy Von Tobel should be re-elected.

In District 21, Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, a Republican, is being challenged by Independent American Chris Hansen. While it's important to have plenty of the so-called "team players" to help make legislative bodies work well, it's just as important to have legislators with an independent streak. Sandra Tiffany's independence should be rewarded with her re-election.

Assemblywoman Gene Segerblom, a Democrat, is facing a challenge from Republican Tony Delgado in District 22. Segerblom has the common sense and dedication that is the envy of any legislator. Gene Segerblom is one of our finest citizen-legislators and should get a return engagement to Carson City.

In District 23, Republican Troy La Mana is running against Assemblyman Richard Perkins, a Democrat. As majority leader, Perkins has been outstanding, providing the necessary leadership that's benefited the entire state, not just his district. Richard Perkins has earned another term in Carson City.

Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, a Democrat, is facing another Democrat in the race, Judi Lynn, in the District 28 race. As a legislator, Chowning has worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents. Vonne Chowning is by far the best candidate and should be re-elected.

In District 41, Republican Phillip Dane is challenging Assemblyman David Parks, a Democrat. Parks is a workhorse, not a show horse. He is results-oriented and his constituents have been served well. David Parks has earned re-election.

Assemblyman Harry Mortenson, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Bill Robinson in District 42. Harry Mortenson has done a good job of representing his residents and should be returned to Carson City.