ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 11

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 1 a.m.

After squeaking out a 28-vote victory in the state's closest primary, Assemblyman Bob McCleary, D-North Las Vegas, will defend his District 11 seat against Republican David Adams.

The district is heavily Democratic, with nearly three times as many registered Democrats as Republicans. McCleary faced Adams two years ago and won 68 percent of the vote.

McCleary, 43, is the public relations officer for an auto-body repair shop. He calls himself a champion of the working class and says education is his priority as a legislator.

"I grew up on the hard streets of Las Vegas and did not have the opportunity to obtain a higher education," he wrote in a Sun questionnaire. "I know what it's like to struggle to pay the bills on a low-paying job."

During the 2003 session, McCleary served on five Assembly committees: Government Affairs; Education; Elections, Procedures and Ethics; Natural Resources; and Constitutional Amendments of which he was vice chairman.

McCleary attended Valley High School.

McCleary's opponent is also in the auto-repair industry. Adams is a 27-year-old automotive technician who is working toward a degree in automotive technology.

Adams said he was inspired to run by a political science course in which he learned about the workings of government. He said his background as an Eagle Scout helped qualify him to serve.

"Today's situation requires someone who cares about our citizens and the direction their future is taking," Adams wrote. "Nevada is my home and I care deeply about it."