Political notebook: Tragedy haunts death penalty foe

Erin Neff

Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 | 9:40 a.m.

Debate over the death penalty always seems to draw the most emotional responses, whether from victims' advocates or the religious community.

Now, a woman who many view as the state's most powerful death penalty opponent is unfortunately going to have empathy for the other side.

Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, reeling from the recent death of her niece's 2-year-old daughter, which prosecutors charge was murder. Leslie said she is unsure if she will be able to lead next week's legislative committee, which is studying the death penalty.

"I don't know if I can do it right now," Leslie said. "I may have to ask (Assemblyman) Bernie (Anderson, D-Sparks) to chair this one."

Arnold Preston, 26, was arraigned Monday in Sparks on murder charges stemming from the Feb. 5 death of his girlfriend Tiffany Basa's 2-year-old daughter, Asiamae Basa.

The toddler evidently had numerous bruises and internal injuries, allegedly sustained when Preston tried to discipline her during potty training.

Leslie has been one of the state's fiercest death penalty opponents, sponsoring a bill that would have prohibited capital punishment in cases involving mentally-ill people.

She works closely with death penalty opponents, and as chairwoman of the interim legislative committee decides who appears on the agenda and in what order.

In the past, some victims' rights advocates said the committee made it difficult for that side's position to be heard. Victims' advocates are on the agenda to make a presentation at next week's meeting.

Fund-raisers abound

District Attorney candidate Abby Silver is hoping some big names can help drum up support and money for her campaign.

Beverage distributor Rino Armeni, developer Randy Black, ex-County Commissioner Bob Broadbent, political consultant Sig Rogich and Nevada Title Co. president Terry Wright are playing host to a $500 a person reception at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place on Feb. 28 to kick off Silver's campaign.

County Commission candidate Rory Reid will be the special guest at a March 6 open house at business developer Carlson & Associates sponsored by Smith & Jones Marketing, Nevada First Bank and Sperry Van Ness Investment Real Estate.

While candidates use political players and powerful businesses to help their cause, congressional hopeful Pete O'Neil is trying to lure support by handing out prizes.

The Independent candidate for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District seat will accept donations even as he awards prizes during a reception Monday at the Resort at the Lakes.

For the record

The Paradise Democratic Club will play host to a $5 dinner with Chief Supreme Court Justice Bill Maupin Feb. 27 at the Culinary Training Center, 707 Fremont St.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a special recognition of Ralph and Sara Denton. For information call 363-2456.com