Race features battle for Hispanic votes

Erin Neff

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

When Assembly District 28 was redrawn last year to be 65 percent Hispanic residents, lawmakers touted it as a seat Hispanics could finally call their own.

Incumbent Vonne Chowning was drawn out of its borders and into a fellow Assembly committee chairman's district. And Moises Denis, an education advocate who had lived in the district for 30 years proudly announced he would be the Hispanic vying for the seat.

But Chowning moved back in and now the North Las Vegas district's Democrats must decide between a white woman who speaks fluent Spanish and a Hispanic.

"They created this district for a Hispanic and I thought it was important that a Hispanic is elected," said Denis, 40, a computer technician for the Public Utilities Commission. "I've been here 30 years. I know the district and people who move here just to run for office aren't going to see what the district needs."

Chowning, first elected to the Legislature in 1989, has represented the old boundaries of 28 since 1993, and considers herself home in the new area.

"I absolutely do because it's right across the street from the District 28 I had," Chowning said.

After Chowning's first session, she lost her re-election bid, and says the experience from 1990 makes her want to work harder.

"I never take anything lightly," she said. "I am absolutely concerned because I had that experience (losing)."

Denis, who has five children, has been active in the Nevada Parent Teachers Association, Boy Scouts and elementary and high school groups. He is currently chairman of the Commission on Education Technology and is former chairman of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Board and of the Las Vegas Community Block Development Grant Committee.

"I think it's important for citizens to get involved," Denis said.

His top priority is education. And although he said he thinks more funding is needed for schools, he is more focused on accountability than on a particular amount that should be raised.

Denis said he is also concerned about senior issues.

Chowning, who chaired the Transportation Committee during the 2001 Legislature, said that while she is taking Denis "very seriously," she puts her resume "up against anyone's."

"I have served six terms," Chowning said. "There is a big difference."

A real estate broker who specializes in helping Hispanic families buy houses, Chowning also organized the first multicultural health fair for the American Heart Association. She has been active in Girl Scouts, Little League and the Boys and Girls Club.

"I'm walking this district as though it's my first time representing people," Chowning said.

During the 2001 session Chowning was criticized by fellow lawmakers for her bill that sought to enforce how loudly someone could play music in a vehicle. Although the so-called "boom box ban" cleared the Legislature, it was one of only a few measures Gov. Kenny Guinn vetoed.

Critics said the measure unfairly targeted ethnic minorities, especially Hispanics, and could give law enforcement another reason to pull over minority motorists.

Chowning was furious Guinn vetoed the bill and said it was one of the top priorities from older residents in her district who could not enjoy a quiet night at home because of all of the loud stereo sounds booming from passing vehicles.

Speculation abounded during reapportionment that Democratic leaders forced Chowning into Assemblyman Dough Bache's district in an attempt to get rid of her. Chowning maintains she had a successful session and has her party's support.

Denis said he doesn't just offer an alternative to Chowning because he is the only Hispanic candidate.

"I consider myself the best candidate," he said.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face a surprisingly successful third-party candidate in November. Libertarian James Dan, thanks to $20 donations from around the country, almost beat Chowning in 2000.

He has been actively campaigning for the seat since late last year and should get support from Libertarians nationwide as a candidate with a chance to win.