Letter: Gibbons-Reid race would hurt

Monday, July 7, 2003 | 8:56 a.m.

Nevada is fortunate in having five hard-working legislators representing us in Washington, but only two, Jim Gibbons and Harry Reid, have the seniority and political influence that is necessary to get necessary legislation and funding for our state.

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and freshman legislators John Ensign and Jon Porter, though well-meaning, simply do not have the pull, the juice, to have much of an impact in Congress.

Now I hear it suggested that Jim Gibbons should run against Harry Reid for his Senate seat. This would be a disaster for Nevada. If Sen. Reid should win such a contest, then Mr. Gibbons' powerful voice would be lost in the House.

If Congressman Gibbons should win, then both voices would be lost, as Mr. Gibbons would revert to being just another freshman senator. I hope Jim Gibbons has the sense to keep his House seat.

RICHARD J. MUNDY

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