Congressional District 1

Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 | 8:41 a.m.

Lynette Boggs McDonald has her eye trained on Congressional District 1 incumbent Shelley Berkley, but the Republican contender and Las Vegas city councilwoman first has to get past Alfred "Bus Driver" Ordunez in the primary.

Boggs McDonald, 39, and Ordunez, 45, are the only candidates in the race who will face primary challenges. Berkley has no opponent in the Democratic primary. Neither do W. Lane Startin, 29, of the Green Party or Steven "Capt. Truth" Dempsey of the Independent American Party.

A former assistant city manager, Boggs McDonald was appointed to the council in 1999 and elected in 2001 with 70 percent of the vote in her ward. She also owns LBM Consulting LLC.

Ordunez, a bus driver, has drawn attention to the nickname he lists on the ballot, gaining mention in the press and in a secretary of state newsletter.

He backs repealing the capital gains tax, inheritance and estate taxes and the income tax.

Boggs McDonald's campaign focuses on the small-business community and choice in education, senior and veterans issues.

Berkley, a two-term incumbent, is focusing on homeland defense and the economy since Sept. 11, as well as Social Security benefits, education and Yucca Mountain.

Startin, co-chairman of the Green Party in 2001-2002 and current secretary of the state Green Party, backs campaign finance reform, corporate accountability and stimulating economic growth while maintaining the environment.

Dempsey did not reply to requests for information.