Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: It’s all over for 2002

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

IT'S ALL OVER and tonight we will learn the results of the 2002 election here in Nevada and nationally. I wouldn't hold my breath in anticipation of any big surprises here in the Silver State or on the national level.

What will be interesting is an evaluation of what impact negative campaigning had on the outcome of some races. In some competitive campaigns it will be difficult to measure exactly the effect negativism and nasty television ads had because both candidates reached deep into their slime barrels to create issues. For example, in the race for lieutenant governor, both Erin Kenny and Lorraine Hunt are covered with enough mud so neither can be recognized as the public servants we have come to know. If a mud bath can contribute to a person's beauty, both ladies should be absolutely gorgeous.

The race for attorney general between Brian Sandoval and John Hunt wasn't a thing of beauty when compared to the candidates. Both candidates had plenty to offer voters, but in short order they forgot about their personal and professional attributes. This race got down and dirty about four weeks ago and not even a hot shower can clean up the candidates in time to graciously accept victory or defeat.

Because of outside influence, we have come to expect nasty ads being produced and paid for by both national parties when seats for Congress are up for grabs. This year, as in past years, the Republican Party outspent the Democratic Party in Nevada. Despite this, both Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Lynette Boggs McDonald ran mostly positive ads on local television. It wasn't until the last week that the Boggs McDonald campaign dredged up garbage issues, that had failed two years ago, in an effort to hurt her opponent.

The congressional race between Republican Jon Porter and Democrat Dario Herrera started dirty and ended dirty. The Porter campaign was loaded with dollars to besmirch his opponent. Political insiders were wondering when Herrera would fire back with strong negative material they knew was available. It didn't happen, but Porter's assault never ceased and eventually ranked right up there with the race for lieutenant governor.

The 2002 campaign is now history and Nevadans can give a sigh of relief. Every campaign seems to be the worst in history but this is probably because we want to forget just how bad the previous campaign had been. Maybe the 2002 campaign had more candidates at the top of tickets who had the money and were willing to use any method to win.

During the coming weeks and months, media people will be evaluating the effects of personal attacks in political campaigns. Also, people who are paid big bucks running campaigns will be making the same evaluations and planning to reuse the tactics that succeeded. Candidates who were the targets of smear campaigns should also do some evaluating. If they run again for election or re-election they can expect to see their next opponent dredge up the same old charges as they faced in 2002. That's the recent history of political campaigns in Nevada and in many other states.

Although I can't foresee any surprises when the votes are counted, there were a couple of shocks during the campaign. They were delivered by two Democrats, former Gov. Bob Miller and Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani.

Giunchigliani, a former classroom teacher pushing pot for Question 9, surprised many of the voters in her district.

Miller running to the aid of Nevada Power and asking for a no vote on Q 14 was an even bigger surprise.

Do you know anybody who isn't happy that campaign 2002 is done and gone?