Other candidates raise third-party awareness

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002 | 8:43 a.m.

While two women have the spotlight in the lieutenant governor race, that isn't stopping two men back stage from trying to become Nevada's second in command.

William Billy Oswald, 57, is a handyman in Winnemucca who realizes he might place third or fourth in the race. But the Libertarian, who was trying to decide whether to wear a tuxedo or a dress made from an American flag to a Northern Nevada debate, just wants one percent of the vote.

"I've always supported the Libertarian Party and all its bits," Oswald said. "To retain ballot status for the next year, I need one percent of the vote."

Oswald has run for office consistently since 1978, falling short in every bid for the Assembly and Senate.

He opposes all tax increases, is not fond of the state's new medical malpractice bill and, while he opposes Yucca Mountain, he thinks there is little the state can do to stop the dump.

Merritt Ike Yochum, 76, is a retired Carson City contractor who dabbled in electrical work, tiles, plumbing and other hands-on labor. He also has no designs on winning but hopes to discuss the Independent American Party's issues.

"I'm running so that the people realize they don't have to vote for the lesser of evils now but can vote their conscience," Yochum said.

Yochum says he believes welfare, insurance and unemployment are not functions of government. He also opposes all tax increases and thinks the state should "cut the fat."

He has run unsuccessfully for attorney general and state treasurer and failed in three past bids for the Assembly.