Chamber backs Brady for state Senate

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001 | 9:24 a.m.

Endorsements from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce are among the most prized by candidates for office.

And in the race for Senate District 9, still a year away, the chamber's endorsement of Bill Brady could prove to be the deciding factor.

The chamber's decision to endorse Republican business owner Brady over four-term Assemblyman Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, could further hamper Nolan's bid. The endorsement also effectively kept the potential Democratic candidate, George Togliatti, out of the race.

Togliatti, a former FBI agent and current Harrah's executive, said he would enter the race if he won the chamber's endorsement. Togliatti removed himself from consideration for the seat days ago -- perhaps after learning the endorsement would go to Brady.

The Republican primary battle is already lopsided, with Brady winning the endorsement from powerful Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio and his Senate Republican Caucus.

Brady, owner of Brady Industries, has pledged $250,000 of his own money for the race. Raggio said the caucus endorsement was awarded to the best candidate, and the one with the best chance to win.

Democrats had crowed that a hostile Republican primary could open the door for Togliatti.