Public to get first breakdown of Guinn’s campaign sources

Monday, Jan. 14, 2002 | 11:05 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has collected $1.9 million in his bid for a second term and the public will get its first glimpse Tuesday of where the money came from.

Candidates who raised more than $10,000 last year to spend in the upcoming election must file their campaign and expense reports by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Secretary of State Dean Heller also said all elected officials and 2002 candidates must submit a report on how they disposed of unspent campaign contributions. It details the money that was left over from the last campaign and how it was disbursed.

"It is imperative these two reports are filed in a timely manner," Heller said in a news release Friday. "Nevada voters have the right to be informed about the contributions and expenditures of elected officials and those seeking elected office in 2002."

Peter Ernaut, a campaign official for Guinn, said the governor has collected about $1.9 million in cash and probably more with "in kind" contributions. He estimated the governor has $1.5 million in cash in the bank.

About 65 percent to 70 percent of the donations come from Las Vegas, said Ernaut, who added it's about equal to the population breakdown.

State Treasurer Brian Krolicki, a Republican seeking a second term, says he raised about $120,000 for his upcoming campaign. Brian Sandoval, the GOP candidate for attorney general, said he has collected $250,000.

Sandoval, former chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, wants to succeed Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, who is not running for re-election. He said his contributions come from all over the state ranging from Las Vegas to Elko to Reno, where he lives.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and Controller Kathy Augustine could not be reached for comment on how much they have received. Heller said he has received about $2,500, which he did not solicit.

Since he has not raised more than $10,000, Heller said he will not be submitting a report. He said his campaign is starting this year and he did not solicit any money last year.

The report for statewide or multi-district candidates must be submitted to the secretary of state's office. For districts encompassed in a single county, the reports are filed to the county clerk or registrar of voter for that county. For city offices, the filing officer is the city clerk.

Those who are tardy face fines. If the report is filed 1-7 days after the deadline, the fine is $25 for each day the report is delinquent; 7-15 days late, it's $50 per day and after 15 days, $100 for each day with a maximum fine of $5,000.