Guinn builds war chest, awaiting opponent

Erin Neff

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001 | 11:06 a.m.

With more than $2 million in the bank, Gov. Kenny Guinn's re-election campaign is ready for any serious comers.

But thus far Democrats haven't fielded an official opponent and each month that passes makes it increasingly likely Guinn might not have to spend much of his war chest on himself.

Guinn's campaign chairman, Pete Ernaut, said "We're working every day" as though an opponent will emerge.

"We were in this exact same position in December of 1997," Ernaut said.

At that time, Guinn had about $2 million in the bank with no opposition before Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones decided to enter the race on the filing deadline.

Guinn's official campaign line is that fund-raising will continue at its rapid pace through the May 31 filing deadline.

"If we are fortunate enough to not have a race, the governor would look at possibly refunding some of the donations," Ernaut said.

Former Mirage Resorts executive Dan Lee is still considering running on the Democratic ticket. Movie producer Aaron Russo, who has previously run for U.S. Senate, is also mulling a run. Barbara Scott, a Democrat who failed to win her party's primary for governor in 1998, has decided to run again.

State Democratic Party Chairman Terry Care admits his job would be easier if a credible candidate was already out raising money.

"But money doesn't necessarily matter," Care said.

The campaign funds might not have a big impact in the governor's race, but the money might be used to help other candidates.

Ernaut admits "the governor still has a responsibility to help the party."

But election laws limit the amount of money Guinn's campaign can donate to other campaigns. For example, Guinn's campaign can only give $2,000 to Congressional candidates Jon Porter and Lynette Boggs McDonald.

And Care does not think Democratic candidates will be harmed even if Guinn's campaign runs Republican message ads.

"He could try, but in 2000 he got involved in eight legislative races and only one Democrat lost," Care said.

"I think he can have the same influence as President Bush in the Congressional races," Care added. "What we've seen in New Jersey and Virginia (governor's races) is that the popularity or influence of the chief executive isn't a factor."