Boggs McDonald supporters rally as she files for House

Erin Neff

Tuesday, May 21, 2002 | 10:05 a.m.

Las Vegas Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald officially filed for Congress on Monday, with boisterous supporters rallying behind her in an effort to pump up her campaign.

Boggs McDonald, a Republican, is running for the 1st Congressional District against Democratic incumbent Shelley Berkley.

"I had a lot of supporters at the convention, and many of them came after hearing me speak on Saturday," Boggs McDonald said, referring to the past weekend's state Republican convention.

About 40 people joined the councilwoman at her rally during filing, including Democratic state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandan, a Republican.

Boggs McDonald's campaign has undergone some tumult in recent weeks, with the firing of campaign manager Tim Mooney and the campaign's fund-raiser.

Now, Boggs McDonald said, her campaign is operating in a more structured and organized fashion.

Most of the tactical strategy is being led by GOP consultant Mike Slanker, also a consultant for Republican Jon Porter's congressional campaign.

"I just feel that I have a lot more resources and talent around me," she said. "The momentum is really building."

Carin Nersesian is now heading up fund-raising, and out-of-state events are planned for Boggs McDonald in the coming weeks.

Boggs McDonald said she believes the race will be about "jobs, jobs, jobs."

"We have one of the strongest small business communities in America," Boggs McDonald said. "This is a small business mecca."

In her city ward, Boggs McDonald said, she licenses about 2,000 small businesses a year -- something she said Berkley has no experience with.

Boggs McDonald said she also differs from her opponent on school choice. Boggs McDonald favors vouchers for parents to send their children to private school.

Still, Boggs McDonald faces an uphill battle, with Berkley already having raised more than $1.2 million and the district having 35,578 more registered Democrats than Republicans.

As of March 31 Berkley had $838,810 cash on hand to Boggs McDonald's $156,045.00