Political notebook: Controversy gives Wings to campaign for Congress

Erin Neff

Friday, April 5, 2002 | 10:02 a.m.

Las Vegas was able to nab Paul McCartney tonight to try to make up for the tens of millions of dollars the proposed Tyson-Lewis bout would have brought to town.

So in that replacement-minded spirit -- and with homage to the Fab One and apologies to anyone who might not understand the references -- the Sun brings you Jon Porter vs. Dario Herrera, a showdown from the debate that wasn't.

Both candidates can actually claim "I'm a Loser."

Some in the crowd at Tuesday's planned Associated General Contractors' Great Debate thought Herrera lost by not showing up.

But Porter did his best to lull the audience of 275 people into a stupor, taking a long and winding road with circuitous responses and unquotable answers. There was also his belief that "there is a movement afoot to call for a legislative session" even though Gov. Kenny Guinn -- a fellow Republican -- had decided against that days before.

Then there were the places he remembers from his life. But a litany of Boulder City friends and family doesn't prove too exciting.

Herrera didn't show because he said he was committed to chairing the County Commission meeting. The excuse would work if Herrera isn't usually a man on the run -- chronically missing for stretches of the county's business sessions.

So "Maybe I'm Amazed" at the way you skip out all the time. Except for the days you have made promises.

Herrera also picks up the "Let It Be" honor.

Not only did he fail to show, but his campaign sent out a 5-page statement of how he would have responded to the questions -- complete with digs at his opponent.

Too bad nobody heard him ask Mr. Porter to come on board the Yucca Mountain fight.

There's no reason to try to enter the dialogue when you didn't keep an appointment, so he should "Live and Let Die."

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has got to be concerned about Herrera's campaign. Not only has Herrera taken hits over ethical questions, he's trailing Porter by 11 points in the latest GOP poll.

"We're so sorry, Uncle Harry. We're so sorry if we caused you any pain."

If Herrera would only "Listen to What the Man Said," he might have an easier ride for the next few months.

Thankfully for both men November is a long way away and this week's debate can always be seen as "Yesterday."

We'll just have to wait to see who will be the "Fool on the Hill."

Herrera gets labor nod

Democrat Dario Herrera -- a former Service Employees International Union organizer -- has won the endorsement from the Nevada State AFL-CIO in his bid for Nevada's 3rd Congressional district.

Herrera'a campaign trumpeted the positive news Thursday in a press release calling the endorsement "historic" because it comes three months earlier than the labor union typically endorses candidates.

Both Herrera and Republican state Sen. Jon Porter met the union's executive committee.

Danny Thompson, executive secretary of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, said Herrera won the endorsement because of his union support while a state assemblyman and now as chairman of the Clark County Commission.

Thompson said Herrera's work after Sept. 11 to support economic assistance for laid-off hotel workers showed his support for union members.

Boggs knows her ABCs

Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald proudly passed out press releases during the AGC's debate that was hyping an endorsement from another contractors' group.

Boggs McDonald, a Republican, won the endorsement of the Associated Builders and Contractors for her bid for Nevada's 1st Congressional District. She is running against Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley.

Steve Hill, past president and government affairs chairman of ABC, said Boggs McDonald's support of private and family-owned businesses won her the endorsement.

"When it comes to taxes, regulations and the role of the endless alphabet soup of government agencies Lynette stands with us, the entrepreneur," Hill said.

No mention of the alphabet soup of contractors' organizations names.

Brower to seek re-election

Assemblyman Greg Brower, R-Reno, announced this week he will seek a third term to the Assembly in District 26.

Brower, who is the Assembly's minority whip, heads into the campaign with endorsements from Gov. Kenny Guinn and Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno.

After redistricting, Brower's district shifted north to include the Verdi and McQueen areas to the border of California at Susanville. He still retains about 80 percent of his old Republican district, which currently has a 19 percent GOP advantage.

In his previous two elections, Brower had challenges from third-party candidates and other Republicans.

"I'd actually welcome a Democrat," said Brower, an attorney with Jones Vargas. "I've never had the experience of running against the other party before."

Even though the district is the state's third-most Republican, Brower should still be careful what he wishes for.

For the Record

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