Political hopefuls already have eye on 2006

Kirsten Searer

Monday, Nov. 22, 2004 | 11:01 a.m.

Election 2006 is a little less than two years away, but businessman Steve Hill figures when a rare opportunity arises, time should not be wasted.

For the first time since 1895, there will be a turnover of all six of Nevada's constitutional officers, including the lieutenant governor's seat, which Hill hopes to capture.

Hill, a Republican who is president of a concrete supply company, announced his candidacy more than a year ago and already has $450,000 in his campaign war chest, and he has an eye on raising at least another $50,000 by the end of the year.

"I've never run for office before," the 45-year-old Hill explained, saying he hopes to increase his name recognition as well as his campaign bank account.

Not everyone is showing such obvious ambitions this early in the game. But news this week that Attorney General Brian Sandoval expects to accept a position as a federal judge means that no incumbent state officer will be up for re-election in 2006.

Sandoval was serving his first term, but the other five officers -- from the governor to the state controller -- cannot run again in 2006 because of term limits.

Thus, many political observers say it's time to shuffle. A handful of political hopefuls already are floating trial balloons to run for positions such as secretary of state and lieutenant governor.

And many expect that state legislators -- with an eye on 2010, when their own term limits start to go into effect -- might see the constitutional offices as awfully appealing in 2006.

"You're going to see a lot of people after (the 2003 legislative) session start jockeying," Republican consultant Ryan Erwin said.

Republicans won all six constitutional offices in 2002, something the party hadn't done since 1890, state archivist Guy Rocha said.

Democrats are determined to prevent that from happening again, pointing to this year's strong win by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and the seats the party picked up in the Assembly.

"Those are all good indicators that we could do well in the 2006 races," said Democratic party spokesman Jon Summers.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, who already announced her intentions to run for governor, said Democrats must put up a strong candidate for every single office. Some Democrats might even run on a ticket of some sort to ensure they combine resources and prevent a Republican sweep, she said.

"This will be the tale of the tape if Nevada is really a red (Republican) state, and I don't think it is," she said.

Even Republican consultant Steve Wark said it will be difficult for Republicans to make another sweep.

"It doesn't mean they can't," Wark said. "Everything cycles around. You're dealing with individual political careers, all kinds of stuff like that. These seats will be very competitive."

Here's how the races appear to be shaping up so far:

Should Gibbons decide to stay in Congress, political watchers say they won't be surprised if Republicans such as Secretary of State Dean Heller and Treasurer Brian Krolicki jump in the race.

Others who have expressed interest include Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, a Republican, and Democrats such as Titus, Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, and Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, a Democrat.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, also a Democrat, and Bruce James, the U.S. public printer, who is a Republican, also have been mentioned.

If Gibbons runs, it will be good for Republicans up and down the ticket, Republican strategist Sig Rogich predicted.

"I'm just of the opinion that his strength in Northern Nevada and the rural communities, coupled with the fact that he is building momentum in Southern Nevada, will make him very difficult to beat if he chooses to run," Rogich said. "I expect him to run. I think he longs for the state, to be home again."

Krolicki also would consider a bid for Congress should Gibbons leave his seat, Erwin said.

"He's also got some other opportunities outside of politics, but I expect he'll be on the ballot somewhere," Erwin said.

Hill said he expects a strong Republican challenger in the primary and a Democratic challenger in the general election, which is why he thinks the election could cost him $1.5 million or more.

Scroggins pondered running for either the state Senate or the Assembly in 2002, but bowed out of the races before the Republican primaries.

Scroggins said he realizes he would have to create name recognition in the state and also would have to start raising money early, just as Hill has done.

"That was a pretty smart move," Scroggins said. "I think when you get that much of a lead and money in the bank and you're a front-runner, people shy from running against you. That's why it's good to make a decision early."

Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, confirmed that people have approached her about running for the job but said she is focused for now on the upcoming legislative session.

"It will be real interesting to see who the governor appoints, if it's somebody who wants to run or just a caretaker," said Democratic consultant Dan Hart.

Former Democratic Attorney General candidate John Hunt, who lost to Sandoval in 2002, said he has asked Guinn to consider him as a replacement for Sandoval and, either way, is interested in running for the seat again in 2006.

"It's a little early, but at the same token, I think I have a very strong base of support and I have a statewide network," Hunt said.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, confirmed that people have approached her about running for the seat, though she has made no decisions and could be in line to become Assembly speaker if Perkins runs for governor.

"I got a relatively good indication there's a lot of support out there for me," Martin said.

Other names floating include Republican Mark DeStefano, who ran for the Board of Regents this year. DeStefano is currently challenging a court ruling that threw him off the ballot because of residency requirements.

"He is considering a statewide race, but it's too early to tell which one and where,"said a consultant who works with DeStefano, Patrick Smith.

Assemblyman John Oceguera, D-North Las Vegas, also has been seen as having higher ambitions. But Oceguera, the Assembly's assistant majority leader, said he'll probably stay where he is.

"I'm pretty happy where I'm at," he said.