Our endorsements for state legislators

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

This year’s election for state legislators should be a call to arms for voters to endorse lawmakers who will put Southern Nevada’s needs ahead of partisan politics. For too long, we have gotten the bum’s rush in Carson City, where our needs are given short shrift — even from our locally elected politicians.

Our choices for the Legislature are men and women who have shown that ability and understand that for Nevada to be strong, Southern Nevada — home to nearly three-quarters of the population — has to be strong.

Senate

In the state Senate, the Sun endorses Mo Denis, the majority leader, in District 2; Ruben Kihuen in District 10 and Mark Manendo in District 21. The three veteran Democrats know the issues and know what needs to be done, and voters would be wise to re-elect them.

Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero Loop, a Democrat, is running for the seat in District 8, and she is the best choice. Dondero Loop comes from a strong family of public servants, and she spent her career as a teacher, so she knows education and the needs of the state’s schoolchildren. She has proved herself in the Assembly to be a dedicated voice for her constituents. The Sun endorses Marilyn Dondero Loop.

In District 9, Justin Jones, a Democrat, is running for a full term after winning two years ago to fill a vacant seat. Jones, an attorney, demonstrated he is an independent thinker who is willing to take politically risky positions if it’s best for his constituents. That’s why special interests are spending big bucks to try to oust him: They don’t want an independent politician. And that’s why voters should return him to Carson City: He’s a passionate voice for his constituents. The Sun endorses Justin Jones.

District 20 incumbent Michael Roberson, the Republican leader in the Senate, is facing a strong challenge by political newcomer Teresa Lowry, a county prosecutor. Lowry is smart and dedicated, a skilled professional, and she’s just the type of person the state needs. However, she’s facing off against a candidate who has matured in office and shown great leadership skills.

Roberson moved from an ideological position to a deeper understanding of the issues, and in his position, he has helped the state. He has been able to rally his caucus to support key issues, including education, and he has been open to considering taxes to pay for necessary services. And he has demonstrated that he won’t let Southern Nevada be steamrolled as it has in the past. Roberson has proved his worth and is an asset.

While Lowry is a terrific candidate and we hope she runs again, the Sun endorses Michael Roberson.

Assembly

In the Assembly, Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick leads a host of incumbents running for re-election. Under Kirkpatrick’s leadership, the Assembly handled some difficult issues during the 2013 session, due in no small part to her work ethic, which is matched by few. Marilyn Kirkpatrick should be re-elected in District 1.

In District 4, Michele Fiore is running for re-election. She’s personable and likable, but her politics have skewed to the extreme — notably when she promoted rogue rancher Cliven Bundy, whose supporters turned their guns on federal officers. Jeff Hinton, a Nevada teacher of the year, is more moderate and a good alternative. The Sun endorses Jeff Hinton.

Two appointed members of the Assembly are running for full terms: Tyrone Thompson in District 17 and Lesley Elizabeth Cohen in District 29. Both were appointed to office, and both provided reason to be elected on their own. Voters should send them to Carson City. The Sun endorses Tyrone Thompson. The Sun endorses Lesley Elizabeth Cohen.

The Assembly has several incumbents who should be re-elected, notably Maggie Carlton, Jason Frierson and Lynn Stewart, who have proved themselves over the years. And some candidates seeking a sophomore term — including James Healey — who showed a great work ethic in their first session in the Legislature should be re-elected.

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NEVADA STATE SENATE

4-year term

Republican Joe Hardy is running unopposed in District 12.

DISTRICT 2: Mo Denis (Democrat)

DISTRICT 8: Marilyn Dondero Loop (Democrat)

DISTRICT 9: Justin Jones (Democrat)

DISTRICT 10: Ruben Kihuen (Democrat)

DISTRICT 20: Michael Roberson (Republican)

DISTRICT 21: Mark Manendo (Democrat)

• • •

NEVADA STATE ASSEMBLY

2-year term

The following candidates are unopposed: District 6: Harvey J. Munford (Democrat); District 11: Olivia Diaz (Democrat); District 16: Heidi Swank (Democrat); District 23: Melissa Woodbury (Republican); District 28: Edgar R. Flores (Democrat); District 36: James Oscarson (Republican).

DISTRICT 1: Marilyn Kirkpatrick (Democrat)

DISTRICT 2: No endorsement

DISTRICT 3: Nelson Araujo (Democrat)

DISTRICT 4: Jeff Hinton (Democrat)

DISTRICT 5: Jerri Strasser (Democrat)

DISTRICT 7: Dina Neal (Democrat)

DISTRICT 8: Jason Frierson (Democrat)

DISTRICT 9: Steve Yeager (Democrat)

DISTRICT 10: Jesse “Jake” Holder (Democrat)

DISTRICT 12: James Ohrenschall (Democrat)

DISTRICT 13: Christine Kramar (Democrat)

DISTRICT 14: Maggie Carlton (Democrat)

DISTRICT 15: Elliot Anderson (Democrat)

DISTRICT 17: Tyrone Thompson (Democrat)

DISTRICT 18: Richard Carrillo (Democrat)

DISTRICT 19: No endorsement

DISTRICT 20: Ellen Spiegel (Democrat)

DISTRICT 21: Andy Eisen (Democrat)

DISTRICT 22: Lynn Stewart (Republican)

DISTRICT 29: Lesley Elizabeth Cohen (Democrat)

DISTRICT 34: Meghan Smith (Democrat)

DISTRICT 35: James W. Healey (Democrat)

DISTRICT 37: No endorsement

DISTRICT 41: Paul Aizley (Democrat)

DISTRICT 42: Irene Bustamante Adams (Democrat)