Political notebook

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 | 11:38 a.m.

Nevada congressman endorsing Bush

RENO -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, a conservative Nevada Republican who was wavering between John McCain and George W. Bush, will endorse Bush today for the GOP presidential nomination.

Gibbons, the only member of Congress to serve in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, planned a formal endorsement late today, according to a congressional aide familiar with the decision.

Precinct gatherings are scheduled

Precinct meetings for the Clark County Democratic and Republican parties have been scheduled.

The precinct meetings are the precursor to the state party conventions, which determine which presidential candidates Nevada will support at the national conventions this summer.

The Democrats will meet at 2 p.m. March 12 at Valley High School, 2839 S. Burnham Ave. For information, call 735-1600.

Republicans will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at numerous sites. Call 258-9184 for locations.

Gore's campaign headquarters opens

A Las Vegas headquarters for Vice President Al Gore's presidential campaign opened Wednesday.

Former Gov. Bob Miller was on hand to lend his support to Gore's campaign at the office in the Clark County Democratic Party headquarters, 1785 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 496.

Phone lines have not been installed in the new office yet. The Gore campaign will temporarily use the Democratic Party line at 737-8683, Gore spokeswoman Angeliq Perassi said.

Art Ritchie seeks judgeship

District Judge Art Ritchie, who was appointed last March to fill a vacancy in the Family Court, says he will seek to retain his post in the upcoming elections.

Ritchie, 37, was appointed to Family Court Department H by Gov. Kenny Guinn.

"People who appear in Family Court want prompt, consistent and impartial rulings," Ritchie said. "The reputation of Family Court has improved greatly over the past year."