ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 15

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 1:32 a.m.

Democratic incumbent Kathy McClain is vying for a fourth term in Assembly District 15 where Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 3,500 voters.

McClain, who was unopposed in the primary, faces a challenge from retired certified public accountant Bob Anderson, who garnered nearly three of every four votes cast in the Republican primary.

Both candidates are running on similar platforms that call for health care reform and improvements in public schools.

McClain, 60, a management analyst with a master's degree in public administration, was first elected in 1998. She says one of her goals is to pursue legislation that would provide dental and vision coverage to senior citizens.

She also says she will support legislation to enhance assisted living options for seniors, including in-home care, and provide incentives for businesses to make affordable health care available for working families.

McClain also wants to increase per-pupil funding that would create smaller classrooms and bring in better technology and textbooks.

McClain has served on the Nevada Commission on Aging, was chairwoman of the Task Force for the Fund for a Healthy Nevada, was vice chairwoman of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee and has served on the Ways and Means, Taxation, Judiciary and Transportation committees, among others.

Anderson, 57, who served 19 years as a CPA and executive at UNLV primarily with the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium, wants legislation that will lead to tort reform for medical malpractice and address the nursing shortage.

He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from UNLV, and said he wants to improve the performance of public schools.

He handily defeated former Assemblyman Lou Toomin in the GOP primary.

If elected, Anderson vows to help curtail escalating growth in government spending, address population growth issues and achieve accountability in education spending while improving the quality of education in Nevada schools.

Anderson is treasurer of the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association.

District 15 is generally bounded by Sahara Avenue, Tropicana Avenue, Harmon Avenue, Flamingo Road, Eastern Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.