GOP contenders tap their Nevada teams

Saturday, April 28, 2007 | 7:23 a.m.

Less than a week after Nevada Republicans made their new early caucus official, presidential candidates are rushing to compete here, snagging endorsements and trumpeting the news.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani named Rep. Jon Porter chairman of his Nevada campaign Friday. He also announced the support of state Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, who will serve as campaign co-chair.

Other state officials supporting Giuliani are Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Assemblyman James Settelmeyer and Washoe County Commission Chairman Robert Larkin.

Hours earlier Arizona Sen. John McCain announced his own leadership team. State Sens. Mark Amodei and Dennis Nolan and Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury will serve as co-chairs of McCain's Nevada campaign.

The elected officials will serve as important advisers, fundraisers and surrogates as the candidates navigate the political waters of Nevada, which is set to hold the second presidential contest in the nation next year.

Giuliani's campaign burst out of the gates this month with news that he had raised $526,000 from Nevada donors in the first quarter of the year, more than five times the amount raised here by McCain.