Top Republicans huddle over Mason’s resignation

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 1999 | 11:32 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Top Republicans huddle today in Carson City amid reports that state GOP Chairman John Mason is reconsidering his resignation.

Mason could not be reached for comment but some party sources say he may be having second thoughts and may want to serve out his term, which ends next year.

Mason is scheduled to meet with Gov. Kenny Guinn, Chief of Staff Pete Ernaut, Mike Slanker, the Senate campaign chairman for John Ensign, and Ryan Erwin, executive director of the Nevada Republican Party.

Ernaut said he has heard rumors that Mason is reconsidering but does not place much credence in them. The meeting, he said is to forge a "smooth transition" in the change of leadership.

Guinn has asked Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt to succeed Mason and help the GOP climb out of more than $300,000 in debt. Hunt said she never sought the job but will answer the governor's call.

Mason submitted a letter of resignation, but he has failed so far to follow that up with a letter to the State GOP Central Committee scheduling a meeting to select a replacement. The tentative date was set for Oct. 16 in Carson City but there's been no formal notification by Mason to committee members.

But Ernaut said Mason's departure is on track. "Despite everybody's attempt to rile things up, it's a very amiable thing. The governor thinks the world of John Mason.

"There's been a lot of discussion that it's been contentious and that is in error," Ernaut said.

Ernaut, before Mason announced his resignation earlier this month, had sent the chairman a letter criticizing him for his comments made at a central committee meeting. Ernaut refused to disclose the contents of the correspondence but said it "wasn't a love letter."

He said it was hand delivered. Mason said he never received the letter so it could not have been a factor in his decision to resign.

Ernaut was unhappy that Mason had blamed Guinn and Ensign for the party's poor financial condition. Mason said he never made those remarks.

The chairman said he was quitting because he needs to devote more time to his law practice at Lake Tahoe to support his family of seven children.