Nevadans to network at GOP convention

Monday, July 31, 2000 | 8:29 a.m.

The 74 Nevadans attending the Republican National Convention say they are there to network, raise money and increase their profile among the GOP circle of officials and wealthy donors.

Nevada has 17 delegates, 17 alternates and their guests at the four-day convention in Philadelphia.

The Nevadans who helped kick off events Monday were Senate candidate John Ensign and House candidate Jon Porter.

Although Porter and Ensign won coveted - albeit short and not prime-time - minutes on the podium addressing the delegates, the convention hall will most likely be nearly empty when they speak. They were held to 4 minutes each.

Porter is there to "meet as many of the right people as possible," said his campaign manager, Josh Griffin.

Ensign plans to frequent the receptions held for Senate candidates whenever he can. On Wednesday he'll speak briefly at a small fund-raiser sponsored by the American Israel Political Action Committee.

Rep. Jim Gibbons and his wife, Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons, have been invited to a small reception given by former first lady Nancy Reagan.

The Nevada contingent is invited to a reception Tuesday that includes the Florida and California delegations. While Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is a lock to attend, they're hoping his brother stops by.

"That's likely our best shot to meet (George W.) Bush," said Ryan Erwin, executive director of the Nevada Republican Party.