The closing weeks of the 2008 presidential election are starting to have the feel of the 1980 and 1992 races. One of the threads that links the three presidential elections is the uncertain and troubling times, an anxiety intensified by a wobbly economy, which we certainly are living through today.
Voters in the general election would be well advised to take notice of the bottom of their ballots, which will include an advisory question on public education and four statewide ballot initiatives.
As Republican Jon Porter nears completion of his third term representing Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, he has done little to distinguish himself from the crowd.
Residents of Southern Nevada’s 1st Congression- al District have been fortunate to have Democrat Shelley Berkley as their representative. Since she was first elected in 1998, Berkley has developed into a dependable, moderate legislator who has earned the respect of her peers. That respect has translated into a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
Voters in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District have a clear choice between incumbent Republican Dean Heller, who surprised many of his constituents by attaching himself directly to President Bush’s hip, and Democratic opponent Jill Derby, a fiscal conservative who would bring independent thinking to the job.
Eight Nevada Senate seats representing Southern Nevada are on this year’s ballot, and seven are contested. Republican Mike McGinness is running unopposed in the Central Nevada District, which includes northern edges of Clark County.
The seven members of the Clark County Commission establish the policies that are carried out by the county manager. Four of the districts have races this election and all are being contested.
Owing to the recession, a state budget shortfall in excess of $1 billion will be facing the Nevada Legislature when it begins its 2009 session Feb. 2. Leadership from the governor’s office has been lacking, which means the Legislature’s decisions will take on added importance. Because of this, it is critical that Nevadans elect forward-thinking candidates with the right judgment to get the state through these difficult times.
Some voters may cast a jaundiced eye at the long list of judicial races on the ballot in the wake of the ethical mess surrounding Judge Elizabeth Halverson, who was elected in 2006.
The 10-member state Board of Education sets policy for the Nevada Education Department, which sets academic standards, oversees charter schools, licenses teachers and ensures the state’s 17 school districts receive equitable funding.