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Sue Lowden chats with a film crew while waiting to shoot a shotgun during a fundraiser at the Clark County Shooting Park. Lowden is a candidate in the Republican primary for the right to run for U.S. senator in November.
By J. Patrick Coolican (contact) 
Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 2 a.m.
Sun coverage
Harry Reid
Sue Lowden
Danny Tarkanian
Gov. Jim Gibbons
Brian Sandoval
John Ensign
Nevada Republicans seem more like Democrats this year. They should be ready for a big year, but seem intent on embracing failure, like a blackjack player hitting on 20.
First, the good news for Republicans:
The economy, although finally showing some tiny signs of life, is still awful and has voters in an angry, anti-incumbent mood, which is mostly bad for Democrats given that they’re the party in power.
The Republican base has been fired up by its animus toward the policies of President Barack Obama and his most important legislator, Sen. Harry Reid.
And, neither Reid nor his son, likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rory Reid, inspire much enthusiasm among voters of any type.
So it ought to be a clean sweep for the GOP.
And yet, no one is counting out Democrats, and for good reason.
First, Democrats have built and maintained a strong infrastructure that is the result of the 2008 presidential caucus. They’ve continued to build it even after Obama’s crushing, 12 percentage point general election victory here.
Democrats have money, organization and a deep bench of candidates — a firewall.
As for Republicans, well, it’s quite a thing to behold.
Where to begin?
The race for U.S. Senate has turned into a circus, with between four and, oh, say, a dozen candidates with a chance of winning the Republican nomination. As former state Sen. Sue Lowden tries to firm up her front-runner status, with Danny Tarkanian, John Chachas and Sharron Angle attacking her, Reid is taking shots at her daily, forcing her to fight on two fronts.
For a while, it seemed as if Gov. Jim Gibbons would either not run, or put up so little resistance that former federal Judge Brian Sandoval would sail to the nomination and be a strong contender against the younger Reid. But Gibbons is fighting for his political life, and if nothing else will force Sandoval to spend some of his precious money during the primary.
A slew of contentious Republican primaries in state Senate races must have Democratic Majority Leader Steven Horsford flashing his ear-to-ear grin.
The Republicans failed to find a top challenger to either Secretary of State Ross Miller or Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, two up-and-coming Democrats who could have used some softening up this cycle, even if neither could be defeated.
Finally, there’s the ongoing mess of Sen. John Ensign. Thus far, apparently no Republicans have the stature to tell Ensign, who faces federal investigation, that it’s time to do the party a favor and quit.
The state party itself evoked laughter among several prominent Republicans I spoke to last week.
“There’s a whole lot of unproductive activity going on over there without any rhyme or reason,” said a Republican source, before unfurling a string of unsolicited insults at party leadership.
A key question would seem to be, “Where are the adults?” Can’t someone put a heavy hand on the shoulder of a top-tier candidate and say, “We need you,” or clear the field of primary challengers, or tell Ensign it’s time to step aside?
“That’s usually the role of the head of party,” another Republican source said. “But who is the head of the party? Yeah, there’s your answer.”
Steve Wark, a Republican consultant and former party chairman, said the GOP is fortunate that the primary is early this year — it’s been moved up to June 8. Once the party has its nominees, national political talent will come in and fix things, he said.
This seemed to be the consensus among Republican sources — that the failures of the state party are irrelevant because what matters are the individual campaigns and the ability of national political talent in those campaigns to build grass-roots infrastructure for victory.
The state party’s new spokeswoman, Ciara Turns, acknowledged prior organizational problems but said the ship had been righted. It’s recently hired Cory Adair, who has run parties in two other states, to be executive director.
“With the current team in place, we are confident in our ability to organize and develop a grass-roots effort geared toward winning in November,” Turns said.
Fake! Sue Lowden looks as stupid as John Kerry with that shotgun.
The state party is a mess? They should look at prior GOP state party leadership.
Who was state party leader during the last election?
Wasn't it... Sue Lowden?
Didn't she deeply embarrass herself and the national party when the Ron Paul supporters almost took over her state meeting?
You see how the left really thinks. They think both parties should be ruled with a heavy hand. Picking candidates and clearing the field.
The Republican party is happy with its large field of primary candidates. Happy to let the people pick their nominee and then support them in the general election.
The voters don't want some party hack picking the winner in advance and pretending to give the voters a choice. The voters are tired of every democrat elected being bought and paid for by special interests all controlled from a party chief. This isn't a union election. We plan on actually letting people vote and have a choice.
The Clark County Shooting Park was built with money from the sale of public land to developers. Thanks Harry Reid for stopping George W. Bush from taking that money and sending it to Washington D.C. Last year I received a letter from the NRA supporting Harry Reid. I guess Harry Reid must support gun owners.
THE DEMOCRATS ARE DESTROTING US:
-1.3 TRILLION DOLLAR 2300 PAGE HEALTH CARE BILL. WHAT A SCAM ON THE MIDDLE CLASS, WHO WILL PAY FOR IT THRU HIGHER TAXES.
-72 HOURS TO READ IT BEFORE SIGNING IT INTO LAW? I DON'T THINK THEY DO. IF THEY DID THEY WOULDN'T SIGN IT.
-BACKROOM DEALS, NO TRANSPARENCY. THEY SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR HIGH TREASON, IF NOT BRIBERY.
-MASSIVE SPENDING CAUSING INFLATION WITH VERY LITTLE OR NO RETURN ON INVESTMENT.
-CAP & TRADE COMING SOON. ANOTHER SCAM ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
-WHAT NEXT? VOTE THEM OUT BEFORE WE FIND OUT.
Considering how the State has fared under GOP leadership, having the party collapse altogether would not be a bad thing. Lack of foresight and catering to special interests at the expense of the vast majority of Nevadans had to end sometime, and that time is NOW.
We see how the radical right really works. They lived high & mighty when Bush was in office, offering all sorts of giveaways to their big corporate donors. Really, what did we get out of the Bush years? Two wars, big corporate tax cuts, and skyrocketing debt.
And Republicans expect us all to forget about it now and blame everything on Obama when he, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi are working to clean up the mess the Republicans left us?
To quote (their) "Dear Leader" Sarah Palin: "Thanks, but no thanks."
Let the Nevada GOP collapse again. They've earned it.
Shes a babe owweee She has my vote, besides she employees many Mexican people !
if sue no experience and no talent lowden's business was doing well, would she be running for the senate???
Hey CheckEmate, We're in a lot of trouble no doubt,but it was left there by Bubba boy Bush for Banana boy Obama to clean up,which he hasn't. I'm a republican but I don't blame the dems for the whole problem,they just haven't been able to clean up a mess like they said they would. And it's just about time for the people in this country to get sick of this partisan crap and vote em all out and get rid of both parties.
Republicans thought there would be dissension when they encouraged the support of Obama against Clinton. Their hopes of dissension did not pan out. I don't think dissension is the problem once a single candidate is chosen in the primary. The real problem is whether their candidate can gain the confidence of voters.
Obama, Reid, Berkley, and Titus; destroying our state incrementally. Poor policies, wrong direction, and poor leadership.
Nevada Democrats far surpass the Nevada GOP in organization, staff competence, volunteer base, messaging, and yes, enthusiasm. Waiting for the adults from the national Republican committees to bail them out after bitter, divisive primaries is hardly a viable strategy.
When will we see Sue riding around in a tank? Can anyone be more phony than this woman?
The shooting park is an example of government tax and spend and Federal money (earmarks).
Wark is another talk radio Republican revolving door type. Ensign's employee becomes talk show host. Talk show host becomes communication director for NV Republican Party. Secretary of Clark County REPUBLICAN PARTY BECOMES TALK SHOW HOST (IN A CONTEST??) Girl friend of Nevada right wing think tank becomes a talk show host. Former Republican Party head becomes a talk show host. so on and so on.. The talk stations in town should have to file campaign finance disclosures in my opinion.
Will David Duke, who was a frequent guest at Lowden properties, come out to campaign for her???
Also, injured and ill employees and patrons of Lowden's business were taken to UMC, a quasi government medical facility. I thought Lowden says that "government medical care is wrong" in her commercial? Why did she take her employees and customers to UMC then??? also does she want to tear down, the new VA hospital, Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital???
"The Republican party is happy with its large field of primary candidates."
And the Democratic Party is happy with the large field of Republican primary candidates. Even happier with the evidence that the Nevada Republican Party is embracing so many carpet-baggers. I want to see Wall Street banker John Chachas as the nominee, bringing in a bunch of Texas political consultants to make the pitch that Harry Reid is "out of touch with Nevada."
It's funny that our State Legislature has been predominately Democrat for many, many years now and because we have a Republican Governor people assume our state is ran by Republicans. Other than the Governor and general Presidential elections minus '08 Democrats have been running Nevada for quite some time now. Clark County has been in Democrat hands for at least a decade and look at the shape it is in. Blame the federal government all you want, but when you look at who has actually had control you may just become sad to realize what party should be held accountable. I am not giving a pass to the crap of a state run party the Republicans have, but seriously at least show some common sense and realize who are pulling the strings. Case in point Barbara Buckley, speaker of the State Legislature voted most effective how many times? Maybe term limits are beneficial to our State. Not too mention who runs the CCSD and heads up the Teacher's Union.
The Dems are going to get swept in November. The carnage will be ugly for them. That is exactly what they deserve after all of the back room deals and tricks they tried. The Dems are showing they are just as if not more corrupt than the republicans have ever been. I'd rather die poor, sick, decrepit, and FREE than live under the iron fist of socialized government. If the Dems succeed in their smoke and mirrors ways, I will be poor, sick and decrepit because of their policies.
If the Republicans are going to win anything, they better come up with some legitimate candidates, and soon!
Harry Reid, the most vilified and yet most successful politician in Nevada, is going to win again by default.
Sue Lowden? see mwileynet's comment above.
Also, she represents about 5% of the state's residents. That won't get er' done, even with the Rush/Fox Herd added to the 5%.
Tarkanian? Dooon't think so. No shot.
Ashjian? (hee hee! or is it; tea-hee!)
Sharon Angle? Well, unless we have an alien invasion between now & November, she has as much chance as "the man in the moon."
And the "For Governor" pool is almost as bad;
Could Nevada SURVIVE if Gov'ner Gym got re-upped?
Gym Gibbons; GET OUUUUT!
Brian Sandoval? Another Sig Rogich product, just like Gym!
Swung and missed big-time on the budget mess.
And you HAVE GOT TO WONDER;
Why he quit the Federal bench. To be Governor of Nevada??? Tough one to reconcile. Got to be more to it.
greg: you forgot Chad Christiansen.
Shocking that mwileynet is calling Sue a phony. perhaps because you failed to get even 1% name recognition in your attempt to run for US Senate.
Maybe if you werent nuts, you wouldnt have had such a hard time?
"Harry Reid, the most vilified and yet most successful politician in Nevada, is going to win again by default. "
So if he loses does that mean he is the biggest loser on the planet.
I think the answer on that one is a big YES.
GOP really stands for Greedy Obstructive Politicians. Many if not most GOP members are greedy people who think they are the only people who work hard for a living. They care very little or nothing for the sick or unemployed. This group of Nevada GOP Candidates speaks to those people in the GOP who call themselves proud Republicans. I use to be a Repub but I let my common sense and conscious overrule the political garbage they talked. Don't misunderstand I'm not a fan of Democrats but I am alarmed by the Republicans.
stgRock, why don't ya tell us how you really feel?
Hey Mike; This guy Chad Christiansen...
He's a wee bit conservative; Take a right, go to the end o the road, and look for the mailbox that says "Christiansen."
I do not think he will be a happy camper this evening!
Hahaha oh Sue trying to court the votes of the gun toting voters in the valley. Oh well!!
It's good to see Mike Wiley is still interested in Nevada politics, even after dropping out of the Senate race. So, got any UFO sightings to report, Mike?
Democratic Party is spelled M-A-R-X-I-S-T-A-N-D-L-E-N-I-N-I-S-T.
To Randomrider - you NEVER received a letter from the NRA in support of Harry Reid so let's just cut the crap out now. My husband and I are Lifetime NRA members and proud gun owners, Harry Reid has NEVER been supported by NRA nor would he ever be. Now that you've been "outted" as a liar, nothing you post again will be believed. Welcome to the Obama/Reid/Pelosi/Stupack Club of liars!
To Ivelegante commenting to Randomrider - "you NEVER received a letter from the NRA in support of Harry Reid" AMEN, sister; What a big fat lie.
I think Sue looks sharp carrying that lovely shotgun; What every candidate should be sporting.
No PierreBeauRegard, it's D-E-M-O-C-R-A-T-I-C. So if I'm just going to assume you have trouble spelling I'll just give you another little lesson. Democratic comes from the word Democracy. You know... that idea that the United States was founded on. Come on, I'm sure you've heard of it.
There are two parties for a reason. We should never need to resort to the options that have been used in the past 9 or 10 years just to get things moving.
I don't think this bill is the best our elected officials could come up with, but with the stupid fighting I think this was the best they could get pushed through.
If our elected representatives are unwilling to work together to do what's right, then maybe it's time for new representatives on both sides.
"Harry Reid has NEVER been supported by NRA nor would he ever be."
Actually.... The NRA did send a letter praising Harry, it sounds like support to me.
http://media.lasvegassun.com/media/pdfs/...
http://media.lasvegassun.com/media/pdfs/...
Not sure why the link didn't post
Gun owners might want to also consider that if Harry loses, and the Dems stay in control, which they most likely will, then Dick Durbin will become majority leader.
Reid has always supported Gun owner rights, Durbin, on the other hand does not. Obama was committed to going after Gun rights until he spoke with Harry and backed off.
Hey poly6006: Who every said that the Democrats are going to still be in the majority next year anyway. I wish senator Dick Durbin well next year as senate minority leader.
I sure did receive the letter. It said Harry blocked several gun control laws in committee and that if he is not re-elected, we will have to depend on Chuck Shummer to look after our gun rights.
November is still a long way away. If the economy continues to get better (and it looks like it will) and the Republicans continue to do nothing more than be the party of "No Progress" (which also looks true) and the Health Care Reform bill shows it's true promise (I hope it does), then The Republican party is going to become a marginalized organization.
This country needs two parties to work the way the founding fathers intended, but the Republican party needs to get it's act together and realize the only way for this country to survive is by working together.
And yes, The Democratic party needs to understand that concept also, but they don't seem to be insane at this moment.
And in case you missed the subtle inference, yes, I believe the Republican party is currently insane.
Crazy.
Wacko.
Nuts.
Not right in the head.
In short, Sarah Palin followers.
"Who every said that the Democrats are going to still be in the majority next year anyway."
It seems pretty obvious the Republicans are falling apart. Why else would they be screaming all this "end of the world" stuff.
They will splinter this Nov into the extreme wacko teabags led by Rush and Sarah, the regular conservative Republican crooks led by the likes of Gibbons and Lowden, The ones that make the most sense are the Ron Paul Libertarians, but people don't listen enough to actually make them a fesable choice.
Dems will stay in power, and even though I am not really fond of Harry Reid, He is best for Nevada.
It is rather funny that the NRA faithful in Nevada should vote for Harry or face a real fight when the Reidless Dems get around to gun control.
Personally I think it would entertaining to watch.
Hey poly6006: Thats the problem with the Democrats instead of crime control they focus on the law-abiding. Like i said next year there the minority party!!!
thanks poly6006 for posting the letter from the NRA. I guess the fools who called me a liar have egg on their faces. They must believe that a lie repeated often enough will become accepted as the truth.