Del Papa may meet with top Dems about possible Senate bid

Monday, March 22, 1999 | 11:54 a.m.

Del Papa put out a news release describing on-the-record events on domestic violence initiatives and other issues scheduled at a week-long National Association of Attorneys General meeting.

Asked in advance about possible meetings with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee or others who'd like to see her enter the Senate race in 2000, Del Papa said only that her NAAG schedule gives her one free day in the nation's capital city.

Translation: Enough time to meet with national-level campaign organizers who are eager to find a Nevada Democrat strong enough to keep a seat being vacated by Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., in Democratic hands.

Democrats need only six seats to wrest control of the Senate in 2000. Bryan was considered likely to win re-election and when he dropped out, the party began beating the bushes for another strong candidate.

Now that former Democratic Gov. Bob Miller has opted out of the Senate race, Del Papa has emerged as a leading Democrat contender for Bryan's seat - if she's willing to get into the race.

Former Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., who narrowly lost a Senate race to Democrat Harry Reid last year, already has said he'll try again in 2000.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., is also considering the race. Gibbons has said he wouldn't let Ensign's plans impact him.