Friday, May 10, 2002 | 8:51 a.m.
Clark County Commission Chairman Dario Herrera returned from Washington on Thursday with more desire than ever to represent Nevada.
Fresh off the plane, the 28-year-old Democrat filed to run for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District -- a seat created due to Nevada's growing population.
On Wednesday Herrera was in Washington at the request of Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., to whip Democrats to vote with Nevada on Yucca Mountain. Ultimately the House voted 306-117 to approve the nuclear waste repository 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
"I was so upset," Herrera said. "I saw Nevada get steamrolled and it made me more committed than ever to run."
Herrera is finishing his first term as a county commissioner and previously served one term in the state Assembly.
He has strong support from state Democrats and national party leaders who view Nevada's 3rd District seat as one the Democrats can pick up in their bid to retake the majority in the House. Republicans currently have a six-seat advantage.
Herrera said his trip to Washington opened his eyes even wider.
"I literally saw the (Nuclear Energy Institute) lobbyists outside the House doors celebrating the decision," Herrera said. "It proved to me that we need someone in Congress to represent the health, safety and welfare of our citizens."
Herrera's Republican opponent, state Sen. Jon Porter, plans to file his candidacy next week. Independent candidate Pete O'Neil filed for the seat Monday.
Herrera is already using Wednesday's House vote to distinguish himself from Porter. He was quick to point out remarks U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Tex., made in support of Yucca Mountain and mention Barton's campaign contributions to Porter.
Porter has said he will not return any donations from pro-Yucca House Republicans because he said if elected he will need to work with those same lawmakers on Nevada's behalf.
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