State GOP leader decides not to quit

Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999 | 10:40 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- In an about-face, state Republican Chairman John Mason said today he would remain in his job after being asked by Gov. Kenny Guinn to stay.

Mason submitted his resignation effective Oct. 15, but after a Republican summit Tuesday night with Guinn and other GOP leaders, Mason decided to withdraw the Sept. 13 letter. Mason called Tuesday's session a "frank discussion" of party problems. Mason said today he was remaining in his job until the end of his term next May because "concerns about the organization and financial structure of the party have been allayed."

He said an "amicable" agreement was reached during the meeting. Republicans face a debt of more than $300,000 and a declining edge in voter registration. Democrats have narrowed the registration lead in the state to less than 300 voters. And there has been disagreement on how some of the party money has been spent in the past, according to GOP sources.

Guinn said he was confident Mason will recommit himself to the structure and financial management of the party.

"John Mason is a good man. I'm glad he made up his mind," said Mike Slaker, campaign chairman for former Rep. John Ensign, who is running for the Senate.

The decision could end weeks of turmoil among party leaders. Before Mason announced his resignation, Guinn's Chief of Staff Pete Ernaut sent Mason a letter criticizing him for his alleged remarks that the governor has not done enough to financially help the party.

Mason denied ever making the comments and said he never received the letter.