Las Vegas Sun

March 19, 2024

POLITICS:

Report: Amid racism scandal, Nevada Assembly speaker-elect steps down

Tesla Special Session Sept. 11, 2014

Cathleen Allison / AP

Nevada Assemblyman Ira Hansen, R-Sparks, speaks on the Assembly floor during the second day of a special session at the Nevada Legislature on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, in Carson City.

After facing a firestorm of criticism for racist comments he made publicly, incoming Assembly Speaker Ira Hansen signaled to his colleagues that he will not lead the chamber during the upcoming legislative session.

Hansen delivered the news to members of the Republican Assembly caucus on Sunday morning, according to an email obtained by veteran Nevada political journalist Jon Ralston.

It is unclear whether he will continue to serve as a lawmaker representing Sparks, but Hansen said the media was painting the wrong depiction of him. He implied he was a victim of "race-baiting."

"Politics of personal destruction win," he wrote. "I need to step down. I hope that you all know that the Ira that you have known through these years and weeks is the real Ira and not what the media is painting me to be."

Hansen first came under fire on Thursday after the Reno News and Review uncovered invective-filled columns the lawmaker wrote for the Sparks Tribune in the 1990s and 2000s. Among his opinions, Hansen wrote that Democrats have a "master-slave" relationship with "simple-minded darkies." He also disparaged Hispanics, members of the LGBT community and women, and boasted of having a Confederate flag in his home.

Political and activist groups immediately called for his ouster, and leading Republicans -- including Gov. Brian Sandoval and Sen. Dean Heller -- added their voices to those criticizing Hansen.

Hansen initially responded by saying his writings were taken out of context.

"These comments were meant to be purposely provocative in various political, cultural and religious views," he said. "I have the utmost respect for all people without regard to race, gender, religious or political beliefs."

Hansen was elected to office in 2010 and was designated as the speaker after Republicans won control of both legislative chambers in the Nov.4 election.

This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.

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