Herrera takes first step toward bid for Congress

Adrienne Packer

Monday, June 18, 2001 | 10:21 a.m.

Clark County Commission chairman Dario Herrera confirmed political experts' beliefs Friday morning when he formally changed the name of his exploratory group to the "Herrera for Congress Committee."

Herrera, who claimed last week that he was still exploring his options after the birth of his son, made his intentions clear just hours after the state Legislature agreed on new district boundary lines.

"The fact I have a strong record representing the people of Nevada as a state assemblyman and the people of Southern Nevada as a county commissioner, I think I can make a tremendous difference as a representative in Congress," Herrera said.

The 27-year-old Herrera has been labeled the Democratic party's top candidate for the new congressional seat to open in 2002.

Herrera began his political career in Southern Nevada in 1994 when he was campaign coordinator for Gov. Bob Miller. In 1996, the then-23-year-old was elected to the Assembly. He won his first commission race in 1998.

Herrera's frequent visits to Washington, D.C., were a clear indication he planned to fill Nevada's third seat, but the County Commission chairman vowed not to make any formal decisions until the Legislature redrew district lines.

The new District 3 boundary, approved during a special legislative session Thursday night, is said to give Republicans an advantage because it excluded a heavily populated Hispanic community.

Herrera, however, said he wasn't bothered by the new lines.

"I've represented a significant part of the district as an assemblyman and commissioner," he said. "It gives Republicans or Democrats an excellent chance to win. The person whose ideas best represent those of the district is ultimately going to win the race without regard to party affiliation."

Herrera said he has 18 months to create a platform. In the meantime, he said he plans to focus on fund-raising and learning federal issues that affect Nevada. He doesn't plan to worry about potential competition. Sen. Jon Porter, R-Las Vegas, is expected to be Herrera's toughest competition, although former senate candidate Ed Bernstein's name has also been mentioned.

"I've never given much thought to my opponents," Herrera said. "I've run my races based on issues people care about, and I plan to do the same for the congressional district."