Sport imitates life in politics

J. Patrick Coolican and Joe Schoenmann

Sunday, April 29, 2007 | 7:25 a.m.

CARSON CITY - Democrats have finally learned their lesson: Play dirty, and play to win.

It's Thursday night. Democratic legislators versus their Republican colleagues, in basketball, for charity.

The Republican strategy was clear. Don't have talent? Go buy some, play rough if you have to. Thus the Grand Old Party started with a couple of talented local kids as ringers.

The Democrats started as Democrats usually do, surrendering on the altar of fair play.

The Republicans opened a big lead, aided by the shooting of Bum Hess, a Storey County commissioner, who drained 3-pointers from everywhere. (Digression: Shouldn't a man nicknamed "Bum" be at least, like, 65 years old? Not this guy. The name came from a childhood boxing career.)

Usually, Democrats whine and moan about how unfair it all is when the other guys bend the rules.

Not this time. After the half, the Democratic lineup also sported a couple of ringers - super-talented local kids. The Dems roared back from 14 down to win.

Lesson learned.

Other notes from the political game:

U.S. attorney firings, anyone?

The Republican future was there and there in force, though. Assistant Minority Leader Heidi Gansert scored 6 points.

In conclusion: Why do reporters insist on using sports as a metaphor for politics?