Russo talking like candidate, but he hasn’t decided yet

Erin Neff

Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 | 8:58 a.m.

Despite his television ads and harsh words for Gov. Kenny Guinn, past candidate Aaron Russo says he hasn't decided whether to run for governor again.

The ads, running on cable television, urge Nevadans to join the fight against Yucca Mountain -- Russo's latest cause celebre, and the likely precursor to his run for office, should he decide to join the race.

"This situation is one where all the politicians and Kenny Guinn say they want to stop it," Russo said. "Why haven't they gone to the Supreme Court?"

Russo, 58, isn't new to Nevada's political scene, but he's never won a race.

A Libertarian who lost to Kenny Guinn as a Republican in the 1998 gubernatorial primary, Russo made millions as a movie producer. His films include the "The Rose," which earned his then-love interest Bette Midler an Oscar nomination.

Russo said he's leaning toward running for governor but is still trying to decide whether to run as a Libertarian or gather petitions to run as a non-partisan candidate.

"I really, truly believe I can win," said Russo, who has a home in Las Vegas, but spends a lot of time in Southern California.

Russo, who also ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, has recently campaigned for the legalization of medical marijuana and for creation of a Nevada state lottery.

He said he is the only one talking about the "real solution" to Yucca Mountain -- basing Nevada's fight on the Constitution's 10th Amendment governing state's rights.

Guinn's campaign chairman had no kind words for the governor's once and possibly future foe. "I think that he is a five-alarm, certifiable idiot," Pete Ernaut said.

"The 10th Amendment has been the basis for the legal strategy since 1983," Ernaut added. "It's unfortunate that Mr. Russo hasn't spent that much time in Nevada for the past 18 years."

Ernaut said Guinn, Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa and Nevada's two U.S. senators have plotted their legal strategy based on a state's rights issue, but have been unable to take the case to the Supreme Court yet because there has been no final decision on Yucca Mountain.

"Mr. Russo's comments exemplify how horribly naive he is to Nevada issues and to this issue specifically," Ernaut said.

Russo isn't concerned about Ernaut's comments, saying only that Guinn's campaign is frightened he will hurt their candidate.

"I got a strong following last time," Russo said. "I have a very, very strong foundation and there's a distinction in this governor's race."

Statements like that sound like they are coming from an announced candidate, but Russo said he still hasn't made up his mind.

"I'll know soon, and I think it's going to surprise a lot of people," Russo said.01