Secretary of state files for re-election

Friday, May 10, 2002 | 11:19 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Secretary of State Dean Heller filed today for a third term and said he will "pursue higher office" in four years.

Heller used his 42nd birthday to sign his declaration of candidacy papers. The Nevada Constitutions prohibits him from running for another term after he completes this one.

Asked what he would do in four years, he said he definitely will seek a higher office. He did not mention any one, but the governor's office will be vacant then. No major candidates have filed against Heller, a Republican.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt filed for re-election Thursday in Las Vegas with no Democratic opponent in sight. Hunt, a Republican and former Clark County commissioner, has expressed interest in running for governor in 2006, but will likely have plenty of competition within her own party.

In addition to Heller, many Republicans are hoping Brian Sandoval is successful in his bid for attorney general this fall -- a seat that could boost a run for governor.

If Gov. Kenny Guinn is re-elected this year, he would be prohibited from running for a third term in 2006.

Several Democrats have already expressed interest in running for governor then, including Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, and Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson.

As chief election officer in Nevada, Heller has conducted a campaign to get more people to register to vote and to cast their ballots. But he admits it has been frustrating. Only 50 percent of those eligible sign up to vote. And only 50 percent of those registered actually cast ballot.

The toughest group to get to register, Heller said, is the 18- to 25-year-olds. He cited as an example the Community College of Southern Nevada, which with 30,000 students, held an election recently and only 300 voted.

Sun reporter Erin Neff contributed to this story.