Recall against Nevada justices on hold

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003 | 6:39 a.m.

CARSON CITY, Nev. - A recall attempt aimed at six Nevada Supreme Court justices who set aside a constitutional mandate requiring a two-thirds legislative vote to pass taxes likely won't be launched, early backers of the move said.

George Harris, chairman of the Nevada Republican Liberty Caucus and part of the coalition Nevadans for Sound Government, said plans to try to force a recall of the justices who issued the July ruling during the legislative tax stalemate are "on hold."

The difficulty of obtaining enough signatures in a short period of time is stalling any move to initiate the recall process against the justices, Harris said.

"It's not just difficult, it's impossible," he said.

A recall effort is not easy. Once a notice is filed with the secretary of state, the coalition would have 90 days to collect signatures from registered voters equal to 25 percent of the people who voted in the general election in which the justice was elected to office.

For the Supreme Court justices, that would mean anywhere from 110,011 to 153,340 signatures.

Harris said the coalition is more likely to move forward with a recall attempt aimed at Gov. Kenny Guinn because of his support for higher taxes.

Last month, after a regular 120-day session and two special sessions, lawmakers passed an $836 million tax package. The bill was approved by a two-thirds majority in both the Assembly and Senate.

Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal