Tarkanian withdraws from race

Erin Neff

Friday, May 31, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

Citing an unspecified illness in the family, Lois Tarkanian unexpectedly dropped her bid Thursday to be a member of the state Board of Regents.

Tarkanian, a Democrat and former School Board member, was not available for comment. But her political adviser, Steve Forsythe, said Tarkanian made the decision to withdraw from the race late Thursday afternoon after learning the results of medical tests.

"The tests were not as good as they had hoped," Forsythe said. "She would have no time to campaign because she will be handling this health problem."

Forsythe did not disclose whether it was Tarkanian, her husband Jerry Tarkanian -- former University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball coach -- or another family member who is facing the illness.

He said she plans to release a statement in a few days with a further explanation of her decision to withdraw.

Tarkanian filed to run for the District 2 seat on the last day of filing, in a move that surprised many political watchers.

She was running for the nonpartisan post against formidable Democrat Robert Forbuss, a business owner, former School Board member and former chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Forbuss is backed by political consultant Sig Rogich, a major behind-the-scenes player in both statewide and national politics. Forbuss has also hosted numerous fund-raisers for Democrats throughout the years and is a business partner and friend of former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones.

Tarkanian was viewed as someone who could give Forbuss a run because of her name recognition and husband's popularity. Tarkanian ran unsuccessfully for the Clark County Commission in 2000, losing to Chip Maxfield.

The District 2 regent seat was held, until this year, by Republican Tom Wiesner, who stepped down due to an ongoing battle with leukemia. Gov. Kenny Guinn's appointment, Laura Lopez Hobbs, did not file to run for the seat.

Bret Whipple has also filed to run for the office.