Douglas stays on Supreme Court

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004 | 11:28 a.m.

Nevadans elected their first black Supreme Court justice Tuesday.

Michael Douglas, appointed to Seat F on the Supreme Court bench by Gov. Kenny Guinn in April to replace the late Myron Leavitt, was retained with 360,001 votes. His opponent, Las Vegas attorney Joel Frederick Hansen, 60, had 196,799 votes.

Voters also promoted Clark County District Court Judge Ron Parraguirre to the state Supreme Court, choosing him over Lake Tahoe entertainment lawyer John E. Mason in the Seat E race.

Parraguirre, a District Court judge since 1999, won with 393,116 votes over Mason's 215,729 votes. Parraguirre, 45, said he would work to ensure court administration efficiency in an era of increased case loads and limited funding. He will replace Deborah Agosti, who is stepping down.

Douglas, 55, is Nevada's first black justice and served two terms as a District Court judge in Clark County. He said he would work to improve court access and push for "speedy justice" in civil cases.

Seat A on the Supreme Court went to Washoe County District Court Judge Jim Hardesty, who had 356,674 votes. His opponent, Family Court Judge Cynthia "Dianne" Steel received 259,299 votes.