Guinn may have damaged clout with Democratic lawmakers

Friday, Nov. 10, 2000 | 11:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn may have damaged his political standing with some Democrats as he pushed hard to elect Republicans to the Assembly, achieving only limited success.

The governor wrote letters to voters on behalf of some candidates and made television appearances, but those efforts only resulted in the pickup of one GOP seat.

His campaigning left some bruised feelings among Democrats, and it could hurt Guinn as he tries to push his program through the next Legislature, some Democratic leaders say.

A governor always tries to elect members of his party to the Legislature, but Democrats say Guinn became more involved than his successors.

Assemblyman Joe Dini, D-Yerington, who was elected to his 18th term, said the Democrats were "lucky to come out that well" with Guinn putting his efforts behind Republicans. "He took some big shots at our guys," Dini said.

And while Guinn talks about a bipartisan working relationship, he may have trouble establishing that, Dini said. Some of the Democratic lawmakers who supported efforts by Guinn last session were targeted by the governor for defeat in this election.

Assemblyman Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, who will succeed Dini as speaker, said some Democrats "voiced concern" about Guinn during a closed-door caucus in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. "You always expect to see a sitting governor involved, but this seemed to be more than most of us remembered."

There could be some "hurt feelings" going into the session, Perkins said. "And it could create disagreement over a few issues later (in the session)," Perkins said.

Democrats control the Assembly 27-15. Republicans hold the majority in the Senate 19-9.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said she thought Guinn hurt himself. The governor was more involved in the Assembly contests than in the Senate, she said. But she added, "I think he will have a hard time getting his agenda through," the Legislature.

Guinn's press secretary, Jack Finn, said, "It is disappointing to hear that," referring to the criticism and possible loss of support in the Legislature. "He (Guinn) was approached by certain candidates. He wrote letters and gave them his endorsement.

"With the exception of Jon Porter (GOP candidate for Congress), it's not like he was pounding the pavement for them," referring to the Republican Assembly candidates.

"He's (Guinn) is not going to let that affect him in the session," Finn said.

The governor supported Democrats Mary Kincaid for the Clark County Commission and Justice Nancy Becker for the Nevada Supreme Court. "He (Guinn) took a lot of heat for that," from some Republicans, Finn said.

The Republican Party sent out a mailer, urging party members to vote for Gary Backus, Becker's opponent in the Supreme Court race. Finn said that was a "mistake ... that was an error," in having the party flier endorse Backus, who was soundly defeated in the nonpartisan race.

Finn said Guinn is the head of the GOP, and if he doesn't endorse Republicans, he will be criticized by his own party.