Assembly leaders rake in donations

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000 | 9:54 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Campaign donations are flowing into the war chests of Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, and Assembly Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, R-Minden, both of whom have only token opposition.

In reports filed this week, Dini said he has collected $177,338 and spent $117,368. His Republican opponent, Roger Bishop, reported receiving $1,850 and spending $1,871.

Campaign contributions to Hettrick total $108,875 of which he has spent $88,184. His Democratic opponent, Willie Edwards, has received $8,128, much of it from his own accounts, and he has spent $7,919.

Both legislative leaders are using part of the money to help members of their parties win seats in the Assembly. Dini sent $2,000 each to John Oceguera in Assembly District 16 in Las Vegas and to Assemblywoman Bonnie Parnell of Carson City. He also gave $1,000 to Kendall Stagg, who is trying to unseat two-term Republican Don Gustavson in Sun Valley in Washoe County.

Dini also contributed $1,700 to help finance the Joe Dini Appreciation Committee.

Hettrick has transferred $3,000 to Assemblyman Dennis Nolan of Las Vegas.

He has contributed $2,000 each to Geny Del Rosario in District 12; Jack McClary, who is challenging Oceguera; Jack Close in District 16; David Brown in District 22, all in Clark County. He gave $500 to Gary Horrocks in District 19.

Contributions of $2,000 from Hettrick also went to Brooks Holcomb, Keith Primus and Patti McClelland, all in Washoe County Assembly races, and Jeanne Simons of Carson City.

In the contest for the Nevada Supreme Court, Justice Nancy Becker has received $152,983 but has not collected any money since her overwhelming first place finish in the primary election. She reported spending $112,930.

Her opponent in the general election, Gary Backus, has received only $300 and reported spending all of that. Day Williams, who ran third in the primary election and was eliminated, said he collected $3,961 and spent $3,981.

Chief Justice Bob Rose, who is unopposed, reported receipts of $264,115 and spending $247,044. Since the primary election, he received only $12,000 in new money.