ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 13

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 1:33 a.m.

Chad Christensen, the incumbent Republican in Assembly District 13, became fair game over the course of his last term thanks to some controversial positions and some financial sloppiness.

But in a district that is predominantly Republican, his challengers, Democrat Justin Jones and Libertarian Debra Caren Payne-Dedmon, have their work cut out for them.

Christensen was first elected in 2002. He says he is proud that he was one of the "Mean 15," the anti-tax increase holdouts.

Christensen must answer for his campaign finance violations earlier this year. After an investigation by the secretary of state's office, he was fined $4,500 in April for failing to detail campaign loans, expenses and contributions.

Another complaint about his finances, filed by Jones, is being investigated by that office.

Assembly District 13 covers a wide area, including the outer edge of Summerlin and Mount Charleston. Of the 55,000 registered voters, 45 percent are Republicans and 38 percent are Democrats.

Christensen, 34, is an independent consultant who offers his sales services to other companies. His five-part platform consists of improving education, creating economic growth, making health care affordable and accessible, controlling government spending and providing quality safety to the public.

"We must ensure our fixed-income and senior residents are not forced out of their homes by rising property taxes," Christensen wrote in a Sun questionnaire, adding that he supports Nevada's current tax structure and would fight an income tax.

Christensen has also adopted the Republicans' Contract With Nevada, which promises limited government, tort reform and prioritizing the water crisis.

Christensen served on the Assembly's Government Affairs; Natural Resources; and Elections, Procedures and Ethics committees.

His endorsements include the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Nevada Concerned Citizens, the National Rifle Association, law enforcement unions, the state Carpenters Union, the Clark County Medical Society and the state Association of Independent Businesses.

Christensen holds an undergraduate degree in international relations from Brigham Young University.

Jones is a 29-year-old attorney specializing in business litigation. He says he knows what the district's voters want because he has spent the past year talking to residents.

"If elected, I will fight for a better education for our children, quality affordable health care for working families and a smarter, more accountable government that puts Nevada residents' interests first," he wrote in his Sun questionnaire.

Jones is a Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada board member and has been honored by the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow for his community service.

He is endorsed by teachers' unions, labor unions, government workers' unions, and police and firefighters' unions.

Jones has an undergraduate degree in political science from Brigham Young University and a law degree from George Washington University.

Payne-Dedmon is a 33-year-old parent, activist and eBay businesswoman. She emphasizes keeping government out of people's lives and protecting their personal freedoms.

If elected, Payne-Dedmon said she would work to cap property taxes, repeal the federal Patriot Act, end gun control and put a stop to the war on drugs.

Payne-Dedmon's affiliations include the November Coalition, a nonprofit group dedicated to opposing the drug war; Rock the Vote, which aims to register young voters; and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

Payne-Dedmon graduated from Western High School and attended the Community College of Southern Nevada and UNLV, but did not earn a degree.