Las Vegas attorney Hunt enters campaign for attorney general

Erin Neff

Monday, Feb. 11, 2002 | 9:26 a.m.

Las Vegas attorney John Hunt officially entered the race for attorney general this weekend by saying hello to fellow Democrats at a countywide precinct meeting.

Hunt, who specializes in commercial litigation, will challenge Reno attorney and former Nevada Gaming Commissioin Chairman Brian Sandoval, a Republican who announced his bid for the seat last year.

Although Hunt founded his own law firm in Las Vegas and worked for the state Gaming Control Board as an auditor, he considers himself a political novice.

"I am going to be as politically naive as possible," Hunt said Sunday. "Win or lose, I'm going to stay me."

Democrats were thrilled to announce Hunt's bid to replace the only Democrat in the state's six constitutional offices, Frankie Sue Del Papa, who is not seeking another term as attorney general.

The state party still has no official candidate to run against Gov. Kenny Guinn, although a Democrat and former topless dancer -- Barbara Scott -- is running.

Hunt's candidacy gave the party a boost because, officials said, 70 percent of the state's population is in the Las Vegas area and voters will be more inclined to elect a Southern Nevadan to the post.

Sandoval said last week he is focused on his own race and will not change his campaign strategy based on Hunt's entrance. But Sandoval also realizes that as a northerner, he must spend the bulk of his time in Las Vegas courting votes.

Hunt, a UNLV graduate who served in the Air Force, said he considers himself a moderate Democrat who will have to earn support from the party's more liberal factions.

"I think I can do a great job," Hunt said. "That's the only reason I decided to do this."