Columnist Erin Neff: Democrats look out for little guy — and 2004 election

Erin Neff

Friday, March 21, 2003 | 5:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Legislative political strategy is typically hatched in caucus rooms and kept quiet to keep a party's maneuvering for the next election away from the policy debates.

But Assembly Democrats have openly seized a political edge by focusing their attention on a host of consumer bills and making sure everyone is taking note.

While others are mired in the stagnancy of taxes, Democrats have emerged with a message that not only fills the Legislative Building but will resonate during next year's elections.

Democrats were soundly, and justifiably, ridiculed after the 2002 elections and prior to the Legislature. They had no message, no apparent leadership and no tax alternative to Gov. Kenny Guinn's.

Now the party seems to have found itself in, of all places, the Republican-dominated state capital, and are taking the first step to make sure Election Day 2004 is much different than the 2002 debacle.

The message -- we're looking out for the little guy.

On Monday the Democrats took on the Republican caucus over a bill banning insurance companies from using credit reports to determine auto insurance rates.

The message -- you can either vote for the consumer or the insurance companies.

On Tuesday Dems quashed GOP attempts to water down a telemarketing "do not call" registry by forcing Republicans into supporting the bill to save face with voters who want the legislation.

The message -- you can either vote for the consumer or for telemarketers.

In June, when lawmakers head for home after approving a massive tax package, it could be the Democrats who have the best answer for constituents.

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, has proposed an exemption for property tax consideration that would provide bigger relief for homeowners.

Assemblyman David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas, has proposed a 50 percent cut in the loathed tax to register vehicles.

The potential message -- the Legislature may have raised your taxes but Democrats fought for relief for the little guy.

Consumer protection measures make more sense now when the economy is reeling and they resonate more in the post-Enron/Worldcom/Martha Stewart world.

And for Democrats, the message is simple -- big business might fund campaigns, but it's the little guys who vote.