David McGrath Schwartz

State Capitol Reporter

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Dina Titus dares to cross Harry Reid, maneuvers for Democratic safe seat: Reid's ideal candidate for Congressional District 1 bows out of race, leaving Titus poised to claim the seat; Monday, Feb. 13, 2012; The almost universally acknowledged master of Nevada politics, Harry Reid and his lieutenants anoint candidates, eliminate contested primaries and, ultimately, win elections. Few dare cross him. So when Dina Titus, a former state senator and one-term congresswoman, decided, against Reid’s wishes, to run for the safest Democratic Congressional seat in Nevada, some observers were waiting for Titus to be pushed out.
Sandoval's $400,000 credit card payment reveals campaign finance flaw: Friday, Feb. 10, 2012; To pay for some expenses for Gov. Brian Sandoval’s inaugural gala, the inaugural committee made a $400,000 payment to its consultant’s credit card. The payment stands out, even though using credit cards for political expenses is common in Nevada.
Initiative filed to raise tax on casinos: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012; Nevada’s tax on its largest casinos would jump from 6.75 percent to 9 percent under an initiative filed Tuesday by a conservative businessman.
Sandoval vows new economic development plan, wants 50,000 new jobs: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012; Gov. Brian Sandoval promised to create 50,000 jobs by the end of 2014 when he released the state's new economic development plan on Tuesday.
After beleaguered caucus, political leaders considering switching to primary: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012; A primary election is easier to conduct than a caucus — the civic process that involves talking politics with neighbors. And after Saturday’s troubled GOP caucuses, the state’s political leaders are suggesting they’re ready to switch.
Donald Trump takes credit for Mitt Romney's Nevada win: Monday, Feb. 6, 2012; Forget attributing Mitt Romney’s win Saturday in Nevada to his superior campaign organization, momentum from Florida, electability, business record or the Mormon factor.
Lawmakers preparing for mining tax fight: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012; The biggest legislative battle next year might not be over school spending, public employees’ bargaining rights or even the never-ending struggle over taxes, at least the usual kinds of taxes. The most contested issue, many legislative observers believe, will be a proposal that would eventually remove the industry-specific mining tax from the constitution.
Economic woes, anti-Obama sentiment fail to draw large turnout: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012; Mitt Romney’s easy victory in Nevada’s Republican presidential caucuses might, in the long run, be less important than the fact that a surprising number of Republicans who could have participated Saturday chose to stay home.
On eve of caucus, Mitt Romney makes case to voters across Nevada: Friday, Feb. 3, 2012; In his final campaign swing through Nevada before Republicans caucus on Saturday, Mitt Romney found himself fending off not attacks from his GOP primary opponents but a more nefarious campaign foe: positive economic news.
Why Ron Paul thinks he can make inroads with Mormons: Friday, Feb. 3, 2012; The idea of a divided Mormon vote in Saturday’s Republican presidential caucus sounds implausible: Mitt Romney is positioned to become the first major-party presidential candidate who is also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But Ron Paul’s campaign isn’t automatically ceding that ground, and instead has mounted a campaign aimed at members of the church based on Paul’s strict constitutionalist views.
Ron Paul hopes efforts to broaden base of support prove fruitful: Friday, Feb. 3, 2012; The Ron Paul crowd in Reno on Thursday night was young and cool — there was a waxed mustache; someone complained about the venue’s lack of PBR, the hipster beer of the moment; and a recent college grad sold homemade Paul T-shirts outside. Inside, the young audience was loud and engaged, creating the rock concert-like atmosphere that has characterized the Texas congressman’s campaign stops. If Paul was a television show, he’d hit the perfect demographic — 18 to 34 — and given his four-plus years on the national scene, probably would be syndicated by now.
Gingrich limits Nevada appearances as local, national advisers argue: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012; Newt Gingrich’s national advisers are feuding with his Nevada team over the candidate’s campaign here, sources said, highlighting the shortcomings of a hastily assembled local operation.
Will Nevada 'confirm the status of Mitt' or shake things up?: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012; With Mitt Romney’s commanding win in Florida on Tuesday, he will face lofty expectations in Nevada as he tries to maintain momentum and cement his status as the Republican presidential front-runner. The former Massachusetts governor will enter Saturday’s GOP caucuses as the heavy favorite, hoping a win here will be the first in a series of February victories.
Mining tax could nearly double under proposed initiative: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012; CARSON CITY -- Nevada’s constitution cap on the state mining tax would nearly double if a conservative businessman succeeds in passing a proposed constitutional amendment filed today.
Caucus 101: A guide to helping pick the GOP presidential nominee: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012; You’re scrambling to look for a job or working overtime to keep the one you have. Your house is underwater. The kids need rides to soccer practice.
New law has stalled, not stifled, foreclosures: Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012; Banks have stopped filing new foreclosure notices in Nevada, but that doesn’t mean the housing crisis has passed. In fact, bankers say a new law has put bank foreclosures on hold and is preventing the Las Vegas housing market from finally hitting bottom.
Annual legislative session getting yet another look in Nevada: Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012; For all the reasons Nevada distinguishes itself among its sister states, here’s one that isn’t mentioned too often: Nevada is only one of four whose legislative body meets every other year.
State treasurer: Fannie and Freddie need to ‘show me the money’: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012; When a home is sold, buyers and sellers in Nevada — from big banks to investors to first-time homebuyers — have to pay a real property transfer tax. Except for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The state’s treasurer wants Nevada to yank a little-noticed exemption for the federal mortgage giants.
Secretary of state under fire for trying to close business license loophole: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012; Secretary of State Ross Miller has been on a yearlong quest to require thousands of home-based businesses on file as limited liability companies and corporations to again pay the business license fee. He is now pursuing his case in court. The effort, which in the words of Miller will “close a loophole,” has drawn fire from Republican lawmakers and a trade group that registers companies.
Government gridlock compels Nevadans to pursue progress via initiatives: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012; Labor is preparing a business-tax ballot initiative. A conservative businessman is threatening initiatives to raise taxes on mining and gaming. A maverick attorney is proposing an initiative calling for sweeping changes to the state tax structure.
Donors signaling they want GOP to take over the state Senate: Friday, Jan. 20, 2012; In the race to control the state Senate, Republicans have built a sizable cash advantage as business interests signal with campaign donations that they want control of the state’s upper house taken away from Democrats.
Assembly Republicans choose moderate Republican as leader: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012; CARSON CITY - Assembly Republicans have tapped as their next leader a Reno lawmaker who is part of the party’s more moderate wing. Pat Hickey, a fourth-generation Nevadan, replaces former Minority Leader Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, who stepped down to run for state Senate.
North Las Vegas mayor’s ethics complaints blamed on bad legal advice: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012; The state ethics commission found today that North Las Vegas Mayor Shari Buck acted on flawed legal advice when she gave only a vague disclosure of her husband’s interest in a City Council campaign and then tried to influence the outcome of the election.
Nevada teachers lend support to business-tax initiative: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012; Nevada teachers are prepping for a tax fight. The state teachers union, with tens of thousands of members and the ability to spend big money, will join the state’s largest labor union in backing a tax initiative. Frustrated by the inability and unwillingness of lawmakers to raise taxes, Nevada’s AFL-CIO, which includes state employees and construction trades, has been working since the fall to draft a tax initiative.
More voters opting for nonpartisan status: Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012; Daniel Walton, Fred Lokken and thousands of others are part of a growing share of Nevada voters who have rejected the Democratic and Republican parties and registered without a party affiliation.
Former Nevada tourism official reflects on his stint at N. Korea casino: Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012; For all the mystery engulfing North Korea, Robert E. Goodman knows what that isolated country and tourist-laden Las Vegas have in common. They both lust for Chinese gamblers.
Lawmakers begin discussion about allocation of higher ed dollars: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012; One front in Nevada’s ongoing civil war over the next year will be how the state divides money among its universities and community colleges. UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada are shortchanged by a combined $55 million every two years, a Southern Nevada lawmaker said Wednesday.
Majority leader ends Democratic caucus rebellion: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012; Ending an internal caucus rebellion that sought to upend how the caucus picked its leader, Assembly Democrats picked their majority leader to chair their caucus tonight. Assemblyman Marcus Conklin, D-Las Vegas, was picked by his members in a contested vote. The caucus then unanimously affirmed him as winner.
Gov. Brian Sandoval preparing for Nevada's 150th birthday: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012; Gov. Brian Sandoval issued an executive order Wednesday to prepare the state ready for its 150th birthday, on Oct. 31, 2014.
State senator's resignation doesn’t keep conservatives from pursuing lawsuit: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012; A conservative think tank is moving forward with its challenge of the legality of a public employee serving in the Legislature, even though the state senator and target of the lawsuit has resigned from his state job.
Democrats' voter edge in Nevada is dwindling: Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012; Nevada Democrats’ once seemingly insurmountable voter registration edge is dwindling, with the latest numbers showing the margin at its narrowest since 2008. But active Democratic voters in the state still outnumber Republicans by 50,000 voters.
Commission takes what could be first-ever swing at NV Energy pay scale: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012; State regulators took a bold swipe at the salaries and bonuses of NV Energy executives last month, as they reviewed and ruled on the utility’s case for raising electricity rates.
Matchup set for race that could decide control of the state Senate: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012; State Sen. Allison Copening, D-Las Vegas, will not run for reelection in one of the key battleground districts that will decide control the Legislature’s upper house.
Youth vote in Nevada drops, spelling problems for Obama: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012; Young Nevadans have dropped off the voter rolls at a precipitous rate since 2008, portending trouble for President Barack Obama’s re-election bid in this swing state, a nonpartisan analysis shows. Nevada voter registration rolls have shrunk by a net of 117,000 since the 2008 election, when Obama trounced Republican John McCain by 12 percentage points here.
Gov. Brian Sandoval 'just not in Iowa' for presidential candidate Rick Perry: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012; Gov. Brian Sandoval’s hands-off approach to Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential bid is starting to resemble clean-up efforts at Japan's ailing Fukushima nuclear power plant - approach only when absolutely necessary, and then wearing a Hazmat suit.
Nevada's best-known brothel owner endorses Ron Paul for president: Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012; Nevada's best-known brothel owner is endorsing Ron Paul for president. Dennis Hof, owner of Moonlight Bunny Ranch outside of Carson City, told the Daily Caller that he made his decision after polling his workers on their favored candidates.
Libertarian former governor could siphon votes from Republican candidates in Nevada: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011; Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson's decision last week to be the Libertarian Party candidate could make him a deciding factor in swing states like Nevada.
NV Energy says monthly bills will rise less than $5: Friday, Dec. 30, 2011; The base general electricity rate for Southern Nevada customers will go up by almost 8 percent, less than expected, but will be accompanied by a $2 a month higher service charge, according to numbers released Friday by NV Energy.
Coalition taking initiative to change state's tax structure: Citing legislative gridlock, it's gathering signatures to take the question to voters; Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011; CARSON CITY — The seemingly constant fight over Nevada taxes will be waged in a new way — with an initiative petition to implement a business tax that would raise at least $400 million over two years.
Why a power rate hike was inevitable: Residential bills are set to rise 10-15 percent; Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011; Nevadans’ base residential electricity rates will go up on the first of the year, likely by double digits. That would be about a $15-per-month hit on today’s average utility bill of about $140 a month.
Governor orders airspace cleared for arrival of Santa's sleigh: Friday, Dec. 23, 2011; Gov. Brian Sandoval issued an executive order today allowing Santa Claus to talk on his cell phone while driving his sleigh and ordering the governor’s cabinet to assist in the delivery of packages to Nevada children.
Sandoval’s shift to pragmatism: Is it enough?: Friday, Dec. 23, 2011; As the Sun takes a look back at Gov. Brian Sandoval’s first year in office, it appears his shift from a conservative’s conservative to pragmatic CEO came in late May, as the end of the legislative session approached with Democrats and Republicans in a budget standoff.
Democrats wonder whether a nice guy can lead: Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011; State Sen. Mo Denis’ resignation from his state job may have spared him a lawsuit challenging his status as both a lawmaker and public employee, but it has some Democrats questioning whether he’s equipped to lead.
Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross to face recall election: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011; Opponents of Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross have collected enough signatures to qualify a recall election, Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller announced Wednesday.
New panel asks: Are state regulators too cozy with mining industry?: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011; Nevada has long prided itself for a business-friendly state government, and nowhere is that clearer than with its mining industry.
Mo Denis, target of suit challenging public employees in Legislature, leaving job with state: Monday, Dec. 19, 2011; CARSON -- The leader of state Senate Democrats will resign from his job with the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, potentially nullifying a lawsuit challenging his positions in the executive and legislative branches of state government.
Parties lacing up gloves for ’13 tax fight: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011; Let’s get excited for another tax fight in Nevada! Tax revenue for the past few months is good, at least compared with the noxious numbers the state has seen in recent years.
State economic development agency gets money, call for accountability: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011; The state’s economic development bureaucracy got a boost today, with a legislative commission approving an additional $3.5 million in funding for the agency.
Ethics Commission working to clear backlog of complaints: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011; The Nevada Commission on Ethics will hire a full-time attorney for six months to clear up a two-year backlog in writing ethics opinions.
State tax collections slightly above projections: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011; State tax collections are slightly above projections, meaning no special session of the Legislature is needed for further budget cutting.