Political notebook: Democrats say Herrera campaign hurt efforts

Erin Neff

Friday, Nov. 8, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

There was no such thing as a no-gloat zone for Nevada Republicans at Caesars Palace on Tuesday,

So it's no surprise that Democrats don't have a no-blame zone in the election's post mortem.

Many Democrats begrudgingly point inward, complaining about poor candidates, weak leadership and failed get-out-the-vote efforts.

But some are beginning to get really specific about the weaker candidates.

"The Herrera campaign certainly was a drain," Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said.

Perkins said the constant television commercials attacking congressional candidate Dario Herrera on ethics and absences from meetings trickled down to hurt other Democrats.

He also said it drained the focus of the state party to "try and salvage Herrera's campaign."

There was also a call in Washoe County for a boycott of Democratic candidates -- a move prompted when the party deserted state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, in his bid as the first black gubernatorial nominee in history.

The Progressive Baptist District Association in Washoe County, a group of predominantly black churches, claims its boycott cost Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, her seat. She lost by 31 votes in a Democratic district to Republican Assemblyman Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley.

Pre-emptive air strike

Fearing an onslaught of post-election nuclear industry ads telling Nevadans to give up and cut a deal for Yucca Mountain, Gov. Kenny Guinn has taped a radio spot.

The idea, drummed up by Brown and Partners, is to protect the state from inner conflict on Yucca as it heads to federal court to try to block the dump.

"The fight to keep nuclear waste out of Nevada is just beginning," Guinn says in the spot. "We are taking the battle to the courts. And we will win. That is, if we as Nevadans, go forth with a united voice. It seems there are some who think a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain is inevitable and we should simply strike a deal."

Guinn asks Nevadans to stand strong to prevent Nevada from being a dumping ground.

Former Republican Gov. Bob List, now a lobbyist for the nuclear energy industry, is reportedly working on the industry's ads that are expected to soon hit television in Nevada.

Porter transition

Fresh off his double-digit drubbing of Dario Herrera, Congressman-elect Jon Porter will change the Victory 2002 office into his transition district office.

The office at 7530 W. Sahara Ave. will serve as Porter's district office until his January swearing in.

Campaign consultant Mike Slanker will lead the transition team.

Porter is also accepting resumes for those who want to work for Nevada's new congressman. Call Kay Finfrock at 839-2002 for information.

Minority power

Much was made this year about the push by Hispanics to get elected to offices from courts to Congress.

But women and blacks made some real ground Tuesday.

William Horne and Kelvin Atkinson, both Democrats, won election to the state Assembly. Horne from Las Vegas and Atkinson from North Las Vegas will join other black assemblymen, Wendell Williams, D-North Las Vegas, and Morse Arberry Jr., D-Las Vegas.

State Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, won re-election Tuesday. Washington and Bernice Mathews, D-Sparks, along with Neal, are the only blacks in the 21-member Senate. Mathews retained her position as assistant minority leader during a caucus meeting Wednesday.

In judicial races, women won four of the six Family Court seats up for election in Clark County on Tuesday and picked up three seats in District Court.

Attorney Jackie Glass, Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge Jessie Walsh and Deputy District Attorney Valerie Adair will join six incumbent judges on the bench in District Court.

Newcomer Jennifer Elliott joined Family Court Judges Cynthia Steel, Cheryl Moss and Lisa Brown in victory on Tuesday.

Women now make up three of the seven Supreme Court seats; nine of the 21 District Court seats and five of the 12 Family Court seats.

For the record

The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley will hold a forum on domestic violence and the feasibility of a consolidated domestic violence court. The event features panelists from Safe House, Safe Nest, the Andre Agassi Foundation and county courts. The event begins with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Las Vegas Social Club, adjacent to Main Street Station at Main Street and Stewart Avenue. Call 464-7887.