Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Sun endorsements in 2008 election

  • Barack Obama: Our choice for President
    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.
  • Ballot question decisions
    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.
  • Our choices for Congress
    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.
  • Southern Nevada benefits from Shelley Berkley’s independent voice in Congress
    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.
  • How Jill Derby would bring a breath of fresh air to Congress
    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.
  • Our choices for Senate
    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.
  • County Commission choices
    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.
  • Our choices for Assembly
    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.
  • Judicial candidates vying to take the bench
    Although it is a state District Court, Family Court in Clark County has gotten a bad reputation as a second-rate court.
  • Our recommendations for justice of the peace races: Gibson, Sullivan and Lee
    Justices of the peace in Nevada play a crucial role in the legal system.
  • Supreme Court needs experience on the bench
    Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Gibbons is up for reelection this year to seat D, and he has proved himself to be a worthy and able judge.
  • Candidates show promise of boosting the reputation of District Court bench
    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.
  • Spotlight on candidates who seek education seats
    With four of its seven seats on the ballot, the Clark County School Board will see a major change this election.
  • Frederick and Fletcher, Olsen or Wallace, are our choices for state Board of Education
    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.
  • Despite flaws, Whipple the best pick in the race for higher education system regent
    The Nevada System of Higher Education, which includes seven public colleges and universities, is overseen by the 13 members of the Board of Regents.