Hammargren may get back in race

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005 | 9:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Former Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren says his "intellectual success made him an egocentric."

And he's thinking about getting back into politics by running for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor next year.

The colorful Hammargren, who turns 58 years old on Christmas Day, has sent letters to lobbyists seeking contributions. But he says he must have a "substantial amount" before he gets into the race.

"This is exploratory," he said.

Hammargren's interest in returning to politics was disclosed by lobbyist Joe Guild of Reno, who said he received a letter soliciting campaign funds. Guild's statement was made on the television program "Nevada Newsmakers" on Tuesday.

Hammargren, a neurosurgeon, says he's on a "sabbatical" because he can't afford the medical-malpractice insurance. His premium last year was $275,000 and the Las Vegas resident says he lost money.

If he enters the race, he'll be up against a fellow Republican, state Treasurer Brian Krolicki, who has been campaigning for months.

Hammargren thinks he's better at promoting Nevada's tourism and economic development then Krolicki.

"I've got the pizzazz and salesmanship," he said.

Krolicki called Hammargren "one of the true characters in Nevada." He said he welcomed Hammargren's interest and said it would make a "more interesting" race next year if Hammargren joins it.

But Krolicki said he has "the background and experience" that are valuable to become lieutenant governor.

Hammargren said Krolicki "has been a 16-year bureaucrat in the same department" referring to Krolicki's time as a deputy state treasurer and then his two terms as treasurer.

The lieutenant governor is chairman of the state's Economic Development Commission and Tourism Commission.

Before Hammargren became lieutenant governor, he said he made tourism and economic development trips to Mexico and Central America. While in office, he visited China, South Korea and Japan.

"I laid the groundwork for all," he said, referring to the announcement that the state has located tourism offices in China. "I would be a smashing success in tourism and economic development."

While growing up, Hammargren says he was too small to make it big in athletics. But he achieved success intellectually, becoming a neurosurgeon.

He served one term as a university system regent. He ran into conflict for his zealous support of then-UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

Hammargren won the race for lieutenant governor and served for four years before running for governor in 1998. He lost the GOP primary to Kenny Guinn.

He most recently ran for office in 2002, losing a race for Assembly.

Cy Ryan can be reached at (775) 687-5032 or at cy@lasvegassun.com.