Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 11:14 a.m.
Incumbent Democrat Ellen Koivisto's hopes to return for a fourth term have been boosted by legal troubles of her Republican opponent, Richard Gardner.
Independent American James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier also is running for the spot.
Clark County election officials announced they had learned of a California felony conviction on Gardner's record and that would prevent him from taking office if he won.
Gardner, 63, says it's all a mistake, and he plans to legally challenge the county's position.
Koivisto, 59, a program officer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, headed the Health Committee during the 2001 session.
She is concerned about health care availability and affordability, pharmaceutical costs, long-term care and pharmaceutical costs.
Gardner is a retired management consultant who has run unsuccessfully for Congress and the state Senate in the past.
Gardner said he wants to push for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reinforce states' rights. He describes himself as a Republican with strong Libertarian leanings.
Barrier, 49, owns a downtown auto-repair shop, is a television personality and runs a professional wrestling school. His campaign focuses on schools, youth violence, medical malpractice and senior citizen issues, flood control, and improving relations with Spanish-speaking citizens.
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