Speculation abounds over who will be new GOP state chairman

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999 | 11:22 a.m.

With Nevada Republican Party Chairman John Mason announcing he will step down Oct. 15, several past and current county GOP leaders statewide are being discussed for the nonpaying but prestigious post.

It has been speculated for several months that Mason would step down, so his official announcement Monday came as little surprise to political observers.

The father of seven, who is a Lake Tahoe entertainment attorney, cited family and business reasons for his decision to step down after four years on the job.

However, party insiders say that Mason is resigning because he could not get the support of the Republican Party establishment to raise the funds to retire a $350,000 debt from last November's election.

Other speculation has been that Mason's resignation and the layoffs in March of the party's executive director and his statewide staff are part of efforts by Gov. Kenny Guinn, the first Republican governor since 1982, to establish control over the party.

Upon accepting Mason's resignation, Guinn praised Mason's efforts.

"John has served the Nevada Republican Party with a level of dedication that has served candidates, officeholders and the party faithful well," Guinn said. "I want to thank him for his tireless service, congratulate him on his many victories and wish him well in his future endeavors."

The party's state central committee is slated to elect a new chairman Oct. 16 in Carson City.

It has been speculated that some within the party would like to see the chairman come from Southern Nevada, the GOP's largest base of support.

Earlier this year the name of Las Vegas attorney Greg Jensen was floated as a potential replacement for Mason. Although it is believed that Jensen has the support of the party's establishment, he has no prior leadership roles.

But there are a number of people who do. Among them are ex-Washoe County Chairman George Peek, former Clark County Chairman Milton Schwartz, Carson City Chairman Joe DiLonardo, former Churchill County Chairwoman Rachel Dahl and current Nevada GOP Secretary Beverly Willard, an ex-Douglas County chairwoman.

Under Mason's leadership, the GOP gained a statewide registration advantage for the first time in the state's history.