Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Nevadans give $15,880 to Clinton defense fund

"I know that there are a lot of people in important positions who could not bear the inspection of their lives that Clinton has had to bear," said the retired teacher.

Lessly was among 118 Nevadans who contributed $15,880 to Clinton's defense fund last year.

Las Vegas casino executive Arthur M. Goldberg led the way with a $10,000 contribution, making Nevada's average donation of $134 the fifth highest in the country.

The bulk of the contributions came from Las Vegans in amounts less than $50. Many also came from retirees like Lessly.

"Many of the seniors tended to separate private irresponsibility with public responsibility, and that was a way to show their disgust with the whole matter," said Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, who gave $50 to the defense fund.

Asked why she made the contribution, the Las Vegas Democrat replied: "Because of Hillary - I supported Hillary Clinton, and I felt with what that whole family has gone through, you feel like you have to support them."

Elmer Rusco, a retired University of Nevada, Reno political science professor, said he donated $30 because he thinks special prosecutor Kenneth Starr overstepped his bounds.

"Whether (Clinton) is guilty or innocent, he has to defend himself," he said. "The guy is not rich."

Reno lawyer Mark Mausert said he contributed $50 because he thinks the vast majority of Americans still supported Clinton.

"A cadre of right-wing, fundamentalist jerks in Congress were trying to overturn the will of the people," he said. "These people who say they care about due process, justice and truth, they don't really care about it at all."

James Hurin of Carson City said he gave $5 for a similar reason.

"Some of us old World War II veterans have seen some of those holier-than-thous who have come here (to Nevada)," he said. "We've certainly got some of those right-wing nuts running around.

"We've got a little forgive and forget in our blood, and some of these other people are out for blood."

Clinton's defense fund drew a total of $4.5 million in contributions last year.

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