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Republican candidate Sue Lowden is the subject of early ads by Sen. Harry Reid that focus on her business resume.
By J. Patrick Coolican (contact) 
, Michael Mishak
Sunday, March 14, 2010 | 3 a.m.
Harry Reid
Sun Coverage
Sun archives
- Tea Party candidate adds drama to Great Reid Hunt (3-7-2010)
- Tea Party candidate could siphon GOP votes in bid to remove Harry Reid (3-5-2010)
- Sue Lowden files for U.S. Senate seat to battle Harry Reid (3-1-2010)
- SEC filing: Sue Lowden cut jobs, got bonus (2-24-2010)
- Sue Lowden hates taxing and spending and bailouts (2-16-2010)
The headline was tough and blunt: “Lowden’s Casinos a Dangerous Place to Work.”
Its origins were a little surprising — the re-election campaign of Sen. Harry Reid. Surprising because Republican Sue Lowden is widely viewed as Reid’s strongest challenger, given her attractive personal profile, her engaging life story and the fact that she’s a woman.
By attacking Lowden, Cook Political Report analyst Jennifer Duffy noted, Reid is helping her in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, where antipathy toward Reid runs so fierce that anyone on the receiving end of his attacks will win plaudits from the party’s voters.
Indeed, Robert Uithoven, Lowden’s campaign manager, welcomed the onslaught, saying it had paid dividends in donations and volunteers.
“You’d be hard pressed to find these kind of document dumps on any other candidate in this race,” Uithoven said, referring to the attacks. “It helps Republican voters see exactly who Harry Reid fears the most. They are painting a clear picture of who they don’t want to face in the general election.”
If Reid and his team had any hope of facing a different Republican in November — Danny Tarkanian, Sharron Angle, John Chachas — they would lay off Lowden. But with this broadside and several other recent attacks on her family’s casino business interests, the Senate majority leader’s team was making a statement: They believe Lowden to be the presumptive nominee and have decided to start softening her up now.
“She’s starting to establish herself as a front-runner, and that worries them,” Duffy said. “If she establishes herself in a crowded primary, then there’s some ‘there there.’ ”
With Lowden as the presumptive nominee, Reid’s team has begun the process of defining her to voters while she’s busy fending off attacks from her Republican opponents. “Might as well do it now,” Duffy said.
The attacks help Reid change the debate and deflect the criticism being leveled at him, both from Republicans in the primary and from liberal Democrats disappointed with his leadership in Washington on issues such as health care, said Eric Herzik, chairman of UNR’s political science department.
“Reid has been the primary target of everyone,” he said. “This is a way to deflect criticisms from him to the flaws in others.”
So far, Reid’s campaign has focused on Lowden’s business resume, highlighting a bonus her husband received as their casino company laid off workers and a ream of workplace safety violations at their various hotel properties over the years.
Asked to comment for this story, Reid’s campaign manager, Brandon Hall, used the opportunity to continue the attack.
“Sue Lowden has said that Nevadans should judge her qualifications for public office based on her business record,” he said in a statement. “The fact that we’re taking her advice is not because national Republicans say Lowden’s the front-runner, but because there are so many examples where she proves she’ll do anything — even break the law — to make a buck at the expense of her employees and fellow Nevadans.”
Uithoven offered a sweeping response: “Harry Reid knows very little about the private sector because he’s never worked in the private sector. He’s never created a private-sector job or made a payroll. The taxpayers have always provided the payroll for him and his staff.”
The risk for Reid’s campaign would be to use up all the ammunition now, before voters are paying close attention, Duffy added.
An operative in the Reid camp said the focus is on Lowden because she’s the only one in the race spending money. The Reid camp is content with her as the GOP nominee, the operative said, because it has the most to work with in a race against her.
He mentioned the deep antipathy toward Lowden in the labor movement because of her company’s aggressively antiunion stance, her flirtation with favoring a nuke dump at Yucca Mountain, and her opposition to the insurance company mandate to cover mammograms.
Her ability to drive turnout among labor union members “changes the whole voter profile,” he said, giving the campaign 10,000 rank-and-file members going door-to-door to bring out the Democratic base.
In fact, Herzik said the thrust of the recent attacks seemed designed to stir passions within the labor movement. “The message is: Rich Sue Lowden profited and put hardworking Nevadans at risk,” he said. “That’s aimed at union workers, and labor has really got to come out strong for Harry Reid.”
When the Reid operative was reminded that neither Yucca Mountain nor mammograms tend to be at the top of voters’ issue lists, he said political operatives are too often enamored with polling and fail to think creatively. “You create issues” with effective advertising, he said.
Uithoven said Reid revealed his campaign’s focus on Lowden in August when the senator attacked her on the mammogram issue before she was officially a candidate.
On Friday, Uithoven seemed to be asking for seconds.
“We’re more than happy to engage with Harry Reid, but it is a bit cowardly for him to hide behind his staffers,” Uithoven said. “If he has something to attack Sue Lowden on, let’s hear it from him directly.”
why does Lowden's campaign manager have to do all the talking for her? Maybe Sue is too busy figuring out how many more employee's she needs to lay off from her own company to maximize the bottom line.
"The attacks help Reid change the debate and deflect the criticism being leveled at him, both from Republicans in the primary and from liberal Democrats disappointed with his leadership in Washington on issues such as health care, said Eric Herzik, chairman of UNR's political science department."
--------------------------
Nothing Harry Reid does can change the debate debate and deflect the criticism - Reid is an abject failure for Nevada and American.
Some wonder "why does Lowden's campaign manager do all the talking"
That is easy to respond to -
First Harry Reid use his Manager to make the smear
Second others will not reduce themselves to the trash talking campaign that is the only way that Harry Reid can "change the debate and deflect the criticism being leveled at him" about his inept RECORD.
2010 is about Harry Reids RECORD
I love people that attack a business owner for making cuts to "improve" their bottom line. When a company doesn't we end up with Government Motors. If the owners don't protect a company, then no one has a job.
Government Motors laid off more people than anyone. Not just at the factory but the dealerships and suppliers across the country. If General Motors had "improved" their bottom line it would not have become Government Motors.
Doesn't Sue or her team have anything else to talk about except "making a payroll"?
I'm getting a little sick of those words.
The only time they have any impact on the conversation is if the business owner isn't taking a paycheck in order to be able to pay their employees.
That's what shows real character.
Anybody but Reid. He is a sleaze. He called the war lost,he is for the health plan which 60% of Americans do not want. You will see a landslide for Republicans and Independents in Nov. The arrogance of Reid (sleaze) and the Democratic Party will come back to haunt them!
Looks like Sue Lowdon would make a great MAYOR. She really knows how to trim the fat, I'll betcha she could handle the FIREWHORES, do away with unions, and no overtime for any government employee.
Sulowdown is to the right of Joe McCarthy.
Ha! Team Reid is bringing it on, and Team Lowdown is already crying uncle. What, they can't handle Nevadans learning about who she really is and what she really does at Archon? Are they afraid that Nevadans ultimately won't vote for a Johnny Casino clone?
"Asked to comment for this story, Reid's campaign manager, Brandon Hall,"
I bet money that Patrick got the idea and most of the material from the Reid campaign.
The Sun is the mouthpeice for the Democratic party and for Reid's campaign.
is sue lowden only running for office because her casino business is in the crapper???
keep looking in her closet harry!!!
harry will close yucca...
sue no experience and no clout lowden couldn't close a crack house!!!
An election is a job interview.
Who is the best person for the job?
Who can do the job?
Who has done the best job?
Harry Reid!
Best for working men and women.
Best for Nevada.
Best for the future of my children.
Senator Reid killed Yucca.
Senator Reid just passed the travel promotion act.
Senator Reid helped save city center.
Senator Reid helps government work for Nevada.
While Sue Lowden goes on FOX News and says government doesn't work elect me and I'll prove it.
What's wrong with running the government like a business?? If that would be happening now we wouldn't be in the mess that we are in. Most of the People in DC have no business experience including the Obamination. Time to let some business people have a go at it and Searchleight Harry to prop up his feet in Searchlight and fade into the sunset. All successfull businesses do not spend their way out of debt. The ones that do go bankrupt!!!!! Anybody paying attention????????
If Sue is DIRECTLY responsible for theses OSHA violations (and she is NOT) then Harry is DIRECTLY responsible for all of our soldiers' deaths in Iraq and Afganny.
I'll give Reid credit for one thing: He is the King of sleaze.
If Sue Lowden made a mess of running the Nevada GOP -- considered the most screwed up state organization in the party -- how is she a better choice for senator than Harry Reid, the majority leader and second most-powerful person in Washington?
Nevada does not need to shoot itself in the foot. Re-electing Harry Reid is critical for the state.
"Uithoven offered a sweeping response: "Harry Reid knows very little about the private sector because he's never worked in the private sector. He's never created a private-sector job or made a payroll. The taxpayers have always provided the payroll for him and his staff.""
Not true. Harry Reid had a law office in Las Vegas for many years and employed many people. He made payroll each week.
Not really defending Mr. Reid but if you are going to spout nonsense try using facts.
I just love that stock photo of Reid. He's gotta go and not soon enough. Lowden looks pretty good in a dress, even at her age. I wonder how Reid would look in a dress?
Mike he might look pretty good as long as he didn't pick up a newspaper.
Sue Lowden is another republican teabagger.
She's a smarter version of Sahah Palin, but
no better.
Anyone running against health care reform, as
Sue Lowden is, is not working for the average
American.
Harry Reid is working for the little guy in
this country.
Don't think Sue can spell payroll.
Translation, Harry has the money chest to start his campaign now. All Senate and House races should be publically financed with strict spending caps. Fundraising has no legitimate business in them -- saw a cool site; Balkingpoints ; incredible satellite view of earth
Guess what: Sue isn't going to run the "evul govermint" like a business. She will have to contend with the filibuster. She cannot raise he own pay or pay herself a bonus. She will not be able to "layoff" those she dislikes. And, she has to figure out whether Medicare is government-run. Sue, it is. But since you are against Medicare, Social security, unemployment insurance, food stamps since they are government "programs", just say you want to end them in an unambiguous way.
Really Sue, Businessman GW Bush ran every business he ran into the ground and then followed suit with the USA. And Fiona in CA; the people in HP are scared she'll do to the state what she did to HP before they had the foresight to sack her.
Schwarzenegger was a businessman too, big deal, they can't function in government.
How would a "musician" from back east get a big loan to buy little casino in Vegas? Why would someone trust someone with this background, no casino experience, to run a casino? Sounds like the high school football coach who became head of a big union pension fund overnight.
Anyone but Sue Lowdown.
There must be a reason most casino moguls support Reid even though they are Republicans, oh that's right, he's got the ear of the President! Nevadans would be nuts to vote out Reid!
ILoveCoffee...
ILoveCoffeeToo!
Andechoyoursentiments!
Can't the Republican's field ONE SINGLE CANDIDATE that doesn't automatically make over half the populus of Nevada want to throw up?
ANOTHER Casino owner????
OH! GOODY!
Another smarmy, self-righteous, "let them eat cake" spoiled brat???
OH GOODY!
Another "let's lower taxes on rich people like me, and watch it trickle down!" Reagan Republican???
OH, GOODY!
Another polarizing, unethical, right-wing, Tea-Lovin' NutJob???
OH, GOODY!
Really; Is this the BEST the Republican's can offer???
OH, GOODY!
Looks like another 6 years of Harry.
There won't be a demand for casinos and we won't have an economy to worry about if this health care fiasco passes - and you know it.
Representative Dina Titus is voting YES for health care.
That you would elect a representative, send them to the White House, and then have them blindly and sheep-like do whatever a green, ill-prepared, failure of a liberal, American-hating president told them to do is unthinkable.
You don't want this horrendous bill - yet your representative will deliberately throw your vote back in your face...telling you that you don't know what is best for you - and that they do what THEY want, once in office.
You need to teach them how to represent and make believers out of them. Give them one chance to toe the line as your representative - then vote for someone with less of an ego and more respect for their constituents.
Call your representative and senator and tell them to vote this fiasco down. Then become active in removing them and replacing him or her with someone worthy if they continue with their self-destructive course.
Obama is tickling their ears with comments like "this is the chance of a generation" and "The president very pointedly talked about how important this is historically," said Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., "how he needs our help." Obama told them that "'this is an opportunity, it'll give us momentum'" on other issues, the congressman said."
Tell Titus to make her historical moment by standing up to this bill.
harry reid will pull up anything on sue lowden and try to make it look the worst it could possibly be, just so he looks better. harry is running scared, as he should be, people are wising up,and have had enough, at least most of us are.
Probably Sue Lowden means well in the messages on her web site. So does Glenn Beck. What is not on her web site is a single statement about nature, the great outdoors of Nevada, clean air, water,education, climate, science, or clean energy.
Unfortunatly I also noted her thesis : "the creation of any government job means the loss of a private sector job" Hmmm. Perhaps we can have a privatley funded military. Hard to believe it was there but it was there. Not very erudite.
I kept an open mind on her before reading her website. A strong sense emerged after reading it that she has little education, empathy, interest in scientific advancement,culture, art, better schools, technology or any shred of understanding that our government was created by our founding fathers to escape from the tyranny of the rich over 200 years ago. To escape the Queens.
I conclude she would be a detriment to the well being and lives of working Americans sacrificing all that is good for the benefit of corporate greed and her own ego.
bradgore...
"I conclude she would be a detriment to the well being and lives of working Americans sacrificing all that is good for the benefit of corporate greed and her own ego."
BINGO!
wizardofOz - Perhaps you are unaware, your caps lock is stuck on.
Nearly 400 people have filed for county offices. Other news reports indicate about 22 people have filed for the U.S. senate seat - 12 Repubs, 4 Dems and 6 minor party members.
I'm not sure what your point is regarding the number of statewide filings. I also don't understand how you reached the conclusion that it's obvious Nevadans are fed up with Lowden's husband's bonus.
WE NEED HARRY REID.
Sue Lowden cares about one and only one thing. Her bank account. Enough said.
"our government was created by our founding fathers to escape from the tyranny of the rich..."
See, there's what's wrong - no one reads the history books anymore. Many of our founding fathers were quite wealthy. They were set on escaping the tyranny of an unresponsive government. Sound familiar?
Reid cares about one and only one thing. His bank account. Enough said.
No more greedy republicans for Nevada.
That includes teabaggers.
Ok, I'm a Republican and also a Union member, I wouldn't elect Sue Lowden as a dog catcher and I hope the GOP has a better candidate than her. Harry Ried on the other hand says he's a friend to Unions, Yeah right, thats why Nevada is still a right to work for less state. The most powerful man in congress and his own home state is still not Union shop. Harry isn't about helping anyone but Harry. Instead of Harry working so hard against Yucca Mtn he should have been working hard to make sure jobs were coming into the state and securing safety standards for the workers, Some one said he saved city center, woo hoo, short term problem. City center will fall on its face anyway you look at it. Harry is part of the problem he is not the solution.
She believes in democracy......Poltiboro style.
Lowden halted the election in midstream and without the approval of delegates to the convention. A few weeks after the election at the state convention was abruptly halted, a few state party leaders named the delegates to the national convention, which according to the Republican National Committee, violated an agreement with the national party which required that the delegates be elected at the state convention. The state party leadership, with Ms. Lowden as Chairperson, was severely criticized by the contest committee which decided the issue.
vote reid out in 2010
Anyone but Harry Reid.
Obama hates Las Vegas and loves Harry Reid. Go figure.
Reid needs to go. He is the definition of a Washington politic and he does not know what the common man has to deal with these days.
Read about yet another example of Sue Lowden willing to say anything--even lie, about her record.
http://www.harryreid.com/ee/index.php/ne...
WE NEED HARRY REID.
Harry has been in washington for 24 yrs..and the federal debt is 14 trillion and going higher...
how many times has harry voted to cut spending...??? So hang 14 trillion plus around harry's neck....
Nevadan and Americans can not afford another 6 yrs of Spendy Reid...
cuda....
Nevada can't afford greedy republican crooks.
teamster. You stayed up past midnight to post your childish remarks? You ought to think about ways to use your time wisely. Oh wait, you're in a labor union - you don't know about those things.
The attempts to defend Lowden and her fellow Republicans--you know, the ones asleep at the switch domestically and internationally for the past eight years--remind me of a line from another Harry, named Truman, who said he didn't "give 'em hell," but "I tell the truth and they think it's hell." Fortunately for Nevada and the country, and unfortunately for them, what Republicans say about Harry Reid and about themselves just doesn't stand up to the truth.
MichaelGreen - I googled "Harry Reid corruption" and got 580,000 results. All lies and right-wing propaganda, right?
Where do I sign up for a pass to that fantasy land you live in?
"I googled "Harry Reid corruption" and got 580,000 results. All lies and right-wing propaganda, right?"
Yes, because none of them can be backed up by any real facts. And no, "FreeRepublic" and "WorldNetDaily" do not count as credible news sources.
ANYONE BUT THAT CROOK HARRY REID!!!
Harry lost 32 votes when those monkeys died today.
Searchlight Harry,
Attack Lowden now you have already made her the front runner. She will defeat you just because of all your partaken greed. The media today has even discovered you are a lost cause.
Nevada needs A Safe Yucca Mountain. One that can reprocess the waste into useful Nuclear Power. Nevada can be the leader as France is. What, When or How could France be leading anything or the USA but they are. Well, America Wake Up we are dependent on our energy from the Middle East whom hates all of us with a vengeance. Nuclear Power and small power generating reactors will be the future if we are to survive. Nevada needs to be the leader not the looser.
Thanks Harry for killing $35 Million of Federal dollars that were not even part of Barry's Stimulas Plan. We better get you back on Viagra and get something going at Yucca if not you won't even be able to dribble out the end of that little thing.
WizardofOz compared that Sue Lowden laying off some employees at Pioneer is why we are losing our jobs to Asia. No Wiz, the reason your gaming industry and every city in Nevada is hurting is the lack of tourists spending their earnings there. Look around at all the foreign brand vehicles in your state. Every lot caused an American autoworker or supplier to lose their job and means of income. This means we stay close to home. Our family and many of our friends used to visit Vegas and Laughlin at least 4 times a year. The people driving these foreign brands took that ability away from us. The U.S. lost 7.5 million and Michigan lost 287,000 manufacturing jobs. How many of those do you think visited Nevada ? Economists are predicting that states relying on tourism will get worse each year until bottoming out in 2018.
I also believe it's time we looked at what our career politicians have accomplished and vote for those that are accountable to America and it's citizens. I would rather have someone that employs Americans than someone that gives our hard earned money to aliens or perpetual welfare recipients. The temporary jobs Harry sold his health care vote for will dry up quickly but the money he takes from lobbyists will go on as long as he is in office. Here in Michigan we have a saying "Vote them all out", that includes both Democrat and Republican career politicians. Serving in Washington should be an honor, not a means to get rich !
Sue Lowden is not going to win. Period. She is too dumb. Now since her campaign Manager, Robert Utihoven is speaking for her saying we have access to health care if you show up with a bullet hole in your chest. Are you serious? People want to actually vote her in. The GOP is only using her, because they think she has good looks which she only rates a 6 out of 10. When she says dumb thing such as bartering, and the bullet hole thing, she becomes even more ugly. Though she did not say the bullet hole thing from her mouth, since she has her campaign manager speaking for her, that's good enough for me. I challenge to open debate with the Nevada public from both parties. I hae a few questions of my own.
Comment removed by moderator. Personal attack.