Former stripper wants to lead Democratic Party

Erin Neff

Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 | 9:34 a.m.

Former stripper Barbara Scott failed in two bids to win the Democratic Party's nomination for governor. The third time was not a charm.

The former Glitter Gulch gal's latest attempt to run for the party's executive director post is being summarily rejected. Outgoing Nevada Democratic Party Chairman Terry Care had a quick response to Scott's press release announcement this week that she was seeking the party's director post.

"No," Care said. "No way; not even going to consider it."

Scott, it seems, didn't throw her name into the ring quickly enough.

Care said nine individuals were already interviewed by a small search committee seeking a new executive director. Pam Egan left the post in December and now does consulting work for the Nevada AFL-CIO.

The search committee is composed of representatives from Sen. Harry Reid's staff, Rep. Shelley Berkley's office and Democratic state legislative caucus representatives.

"She wasn't interviewed," Care said. "I turned over the name of every person who had contacted me or expressed an interest to me in the job."

Scott apparently was too late.

In her press release, the 47-year-old unemployed grandmother said she believes she is the best person for the job.

"I believe my unique political background, experiences and abilities provide me with the qualifications to best solidify and unite the Democratic Party in Nevada in attracting candidates and registering voters at the state and local level with a voice as a liaison between Northern and Southern Nevada, while providing leadership for national candidates," Scott wrote.

After she faxed out her press release from her Gardnerville home this week, Scott could not be reached for comment.

Scott unsuccessfully sought the party's nomination in 1998 and 2002.

And after losing to state Sen. Joe Neal in the primary last year, she sued him, claiming Neal had cost her the election by calling her a "blonde bimbo" in a newspaper article. She is seeking $40,000 in damages.

In the two-person race, Scott finished third. Neal won the nomination with 35 percent of the vote. Scott received 21 percent of the vote. The rest of the ballots were cast for "none of these candidates."