Nevada Democrats ask Election Commission for Sue Lowden probe

Associated Press

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 | 2:50 p.m.

Leila Navidi

Sue Lowden smiles during a debate among the Republican U.S. Senate candidates on "Face to Face with Jon Ralston" at the KVBC studios in Las Vegas Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

Nevada Democrats on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission about Republican Sue Lowden's spending that they say violates campaign finance laws.

Lowden's campaign manager told a Las Vegas newspaper last week that "we're spending money as it comes in," including at least $18,000 that could be spent only if she makes it past the June 8 primary.

"We have enough to win, but we're not going to come out of this primary with cash on hand," Robert Uithoven told the Review-Journal last week.

That was enough to raise the flag for Nevada Democrats trying to defend Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader who faces a tough haul to re-election.

Democrats also pointed to reports that show Lowden had purchased more television ads that would put her spending above primary-flagged donations alone -- despite another $100,000 from Lowden's personal account last week.

A message Tuesday to Lowden's spokeswoman was not immediately returned.

Lowden, a wealthy business executive, leads a crowded pack of Republicans and has seen her lead slip to tea party darling Sharron Angle.

Reid got some campaign help on Tuesday from first lady Michelle Obama, who told a women's summit in Reno that he was "one of my favorite people in the world."

Reid told the conference: "I think that Michelle is the reason for President Obama's calm demeanor. I've seen him in the most difficult times a person could be involved in, but he is the same person. I've never heard him swear at anyone, never heard him raise his voice at anyone. ... Always he is the even, calm person we have come to know."