Editorial: Senate hopefuls endorsed

Monday, Oct. 23, 2000 | 10:13 a.m.

Last Friday we endorsed candidates seeking seats to the state Assembly. Today we make our endorsements in the six state Senate elections being held in Southern Nevada. Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, won't run in the general election. Neal received more than 50 percent of the vote in the District 4 Democratic primary with two other opponents, and since no Republican filed to run in his district, his primary victory means he automatically is returned to Carson City for another term.

Democrat Ray Shaffer has represented the residents of District 2 for 16 years. The North Las Vegas resident hasn't been the flashiest legislator, but he quietly has built a record of serving his constituents. The Sun endorses Shaffer. In District 3, Democratic incumbent Valerie Wiener has been a forceful advocate of programs benefiting both seniors and children. Wiener's enthusiasm and commitment to tackling tough issues merits the Sun's endorsement.

Ann O'Connell, the Republican incumbent from District 5, is one of the staunchest conservatives in the Nevada Legislature. This paper's editorial page doesn't always see eye to eye with O'Connell's views, but no one has questioned the sincerity of her convictions. In today's poll-driven politics, that's a trait to be admired. The Sun endorses O'Connell.

Meanwhile, in what is shaping up to be the most competitive race in the Senate, Republican incumbent Ray Rawson is squaring off against Terrie Stanfill, a Democrat. Stanfill is knowledgeable and energetic, but the Sun's endorsement goes to Rawson in District 6. Rawson has shown real dedication to improving and increasing the availability of health care for Nevadans. In addition, he has been a strong supporter of class-size reduction when some in his party opposed it.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, a Democrat from District 7, has been an outstanding legislator. She has shown that she isn't afraid to stand up to Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, especially when it involves fair-share funding issues important to Southern Nevada. The Sun endorses Titus. Democrat Mike Schneider is seeking re-election from District 8. Schneider has been a steady legislator who has advocated more rights for those who live under homeowners association guidelines. The Sun backs Schneider.