John Wagner (IAP) – Secretary of State

Mike Hawkins (IAP) – State Treasurer

M. K. Yochum (IAP) – Washoe Senate District 4

Cody J. Quirk (IAP) – State Senate Capital District

Janine Hansen (IAP) – Assembly District #33

Michael L. Haines (Non-Partisan) – U.S. Senate

11:50 AM:

Joetta Brown (D) – Assembly District #39

2:50 PM:

David VanderBeek (IAP) – Assembly District #36 (filed in LV)

Alex Miller (D) – U.S. Senate

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Whether you believe our state legislators should address Nevada’s budget issues by having the courage to cut or the courage to levy more/different taxes (or some of both), we all seem to agree that courage is needed.

But can our politicians ever manage to muster that virtue?  It’s always something:  lobbyist and special interest pressure and push-back, an election year, other pressing priorities, redistricting and reapportionment, etc.  Jockeying for money, power and prestige is what politics is all about — and is exactly what gets in the way of good policy.

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The gist is that U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian alleged in a CNN piece today that Tea Party candidate Scott Ashjian is a puppet put into the race to help Harry Reid.  Tarkanian told CNN that “Harry Reid’s staff, campaign, whatever” recruited Ashjian to jump into the race as a third party candidate and that part of his reason for thinking so is that Ashjian, like Tarkanian, is of Armenian descent.

There is still no evidence that Ashjian is Reid’s (or anyone’s) spoiler, and I think this whole Armenian angle is pretty thin which caused me to have a little fun and Tweet this earlier:

Hey! @DannyTarkanian has 2 arms & legs & so does TeaParty candidate @scottashjian! @HarryReid musta planned that, too! #conspiracytheories

Also:  Bonus points to Harry Reid for using the word “conspiratorialists” in his CNN comments.

(Although, as a dear friend of mine loves to say:  “It’s not paranoia if they’re really out to get you.”)

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So/but:

Patrick McNaught, candidate for Senate District 12, is having a $25-a-head fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday) night at Tommy Rocker’s on 10050 South Eastern Avenue, Henderson, from 5 to 7 p.m.  Notice says appetizers plus cash bar.

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For Immediate Release: March 10, 2010

From Nevada grassroots and tea party leaders

Subject: Unified Statement / Grassroots Nevada is United

On March 9th, conservative leaders across Nevada came together to issue the following statement. The signature list is subject to modification over the next 24 hours. The final, signed statement will be available by Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12 noon.

We, the grassroots/tea party leaders of Nevada, speaking for the conservative activists in our communities, are united in issuing the following statement.

– We are united in denouncing the TPN (Tea Party of Nevada).

– The TPN is not a conservative party who speaks for grassroots and tea party activists in Nevada.

– The TPN is not now, has never been, and will never be affiliated with grassroots efforts in Nevada.

– The term “Tea Party Candidate” will no longer be used to indicate grassroots support for a candidate or candidates.

– The TPN will not be invited to or allowed to represent themselves at conservative grassroots events and functions across Nevada.

– We are united in our desire for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability from legislators and in legislation from Carson City, NV and Washington, D.C.

– We are united in opposition of progressive leanings towards unfunded mandates as a solution to appeasing special interest and delivering ‘social justice’.

– We are united in the belief that our government should be inspiring pride and accountability, and personal strength and opportunity, not a path for us to follow to have our needs met as the government sees fit.

– We, the tea party activists and grassroots organizers in Nevada, are united.

The joint statement is attached for signature. Please return a clear/strong signature by fax to Debbie Landis 775-852-2611 or email to info@angerisbrewing.com. When all signatures have been returned, the final document will be made available electronically.

Feel free to disseminate to the media as a joint NV grassroots effort, with our organizations united we are exponentially stronger than the sum of our members. I am truly proud to be part of joint efforts moving forward.

We are all in this together,

Debbie Landis / www.AngerIsBrewing.com

I don’t mean any disrespect, but wouldn’t one just naturally assume that the Tea Party of Nevada principals (and candidate Scott Ashjian) are well aware that they speak for themselves and not “for grassroots and tea party activists” around the state?  Does this really require a formal denouncement?

Various grassroots and tea party leaders, activists and groups (and any candidates they support) also speak only for themselves and their own members/supporters and not for all grassroots/tea partiers.  Nobody “owns” a certain message or the right to speak about it.  Are all the different factions and wings of the grassroots/tea party movement going to put out disclaimers/denouncements clarifying that others do not speak for them?

And speaking of owning:

Scott Ashjian was quoted in a CNN story today as saying, “I don’t think Republicans own the Tea Party. In fact I know they don’t in Nevada, because I do.”  Not sure what he meant by that.  The Tea Party, as a movement, is not “owned” by anyone.  The Tea Party of Nevada, as a political party, is not “owned” either.  A political party, by nature, is an organization that seeks to attain and maintain political power within government by participating in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protests.  Parties espouse an expressed ideology or vision bolstered by a written platform with specific goals.  It’s not about ownership, it’s about ideas.

Beyond all this “ownership” talk, though, here’s the bullet from that doc that really gets me:

“The TPN will not be invited to or allowed to represent themselves at conservative grassroots events and functions across Nevada.”

Really?  Why not?  And who is going to stop them?  Isn’t the very nature of public, citizen-driven grassroots gatherings to allow and enable individuals to show up and express their views?  What are these folks going to do if Scott Ashjian shows up with a sign and some stickers and starts speaking to people?  And why on earth wouldn’t he be invited to, say, a rally or a debate with and among tea party/conservative candidates?  Aren’t individual liberty and the right to speak one’s mind part of the energizing force and core values of the Tea Party movement?

Whether Scott Ashjian is “the real deal” as a tea party candidate, or an electable candidate at all, is not the point here.  (Vetting him is all well and good but ultimately, his conservative creds will be for the voters to decide.)  He’s a citizen, first and foremost.  If he wants to form and file a third party, run for office, do CNN interviews, show up at a Tea Party or attend a conservative event, he ought to be – and is – free to do so.

Update (12:22 p.m.):

Here is a list of signers to the above document/denouncement so far:

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JIM GIBBONS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR NEVADANS

WILL FILE FOR RE-ELECTION THURSDAY

March 10, 2010

Carson City- Jim Gibbons plans to continue his fight on behalf of all Nevadans against higher taxes. Gibbons is also looking for support to carry on his efforts to reduce state spending. Those are only two of the vital tasks Jim Gibbons promises to vigilantly uphold as he files for re-election on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Secretary of State’s Office in Carson City.

“I have built a strong track record of fighting for hardworking families in Nevada, I promised to fight higher taxes and rein in government growth and I kept my promises” Gibbons said, “I want to continue doing what’s right for Nevada by leading all sides together as ONE NEVADA and standing up to the ‘good old boys’ and the ‘establishment’ or anyone else standing between the citizens of Nevada and prosperity”.

“During these tough economic times, I believe the best course for Nevada is to maintain our leadership team so we can work through the difficulties, like every family in Nevada, and we can continue our efforts to be prepared for the economic recovery that will come.”

Jim Gibbons is a decorated fighter pilot, former airline pilot, former United States Congressman and is presently serving his first term as Governor of Nevada.

Governor Gibbons will file for re-election at the Secretary of State’s Office in the State Capitol in Carson City at 11:00AM on Thursday March 11, 2010.

Contact Information: Jan Brase (775) 636-4452

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Rory Reid (D) – Governor (filed in LV)

11:35 AM:

Pete Goicoechea (R) – Assembly District #35

Tom Grady (R) – Assembly District #38

Paul Murad (D) – Lieutenant Governor (filed in LV)

David Scott Curtis (Green) – Governor (filed in LV)

3:35 AM:

Frank L. Wright (R) – Washoe Senate District #4

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Coolican at the Sun:  “Tea Party candidate could siphon GOP votes in bid to remove Harry Reid” — In which Coolican says it “has become clear” that Ashjian is not a “stooge” of Harry Reid, that Republicans fear his prospective siphoning of votes, that Ashjian has some issues (including an IRS lien on his property due to owing $200K+ in back taxes and an already reported (by me, here) pending contractor’s board complaint for a bad business check) and that, still, he cannot be dismissed and is potentially appealing because “he and his wife look like they could star in an ad for a health club” and “Ashjian is familiar with Tea Party talking points” and in his first TV appearance he showed “poise.”  Coolican reports a “sprawling business enterprise” which Ashjian says includes 27 properties and at least one accountant who is tasked with clearing up his problems.  (Bio blurbs:  He is the eldest of eight children; born in Fresno, Calif.; graduated from South Lake Tahoe High School; completed a Mormon mission in Argentina; says he’s fluent in Spanish; passed up college to start a series of small businesses; came to Las Vegas for a prize fight in 1994 and fell in love with the city; moved here with wife in 1995 from Fresno; has three children.)

Jourdan at the LVRJ:  “Tea Party hopeful Ashjian gives voters third choice” — In which Jourdan offers a few more details about and some more quotes from Ashjian; a quick read that will fill in some blanks.

Fox News Channel website:  “Facing Dismal Poll Numbers, Reid Welcomes Third-Party Candidates in Senate Race” — In which Harry Reid is not disappointed that there are third party candidates who might siphon votes from the real competition.

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Joshua Gust (via press release) says he’s raised $50,000 and is kicking off his campaign tonight with a reception for volunteers, supporters and friends.  If you’re down south and want to meet him, stop by Agave Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. (Agave is located at 10820 West Charleston Blvd.)

Snippets from his bio page:

– Born and raised in Las Vegas.

–Family here since 1969, in the wedding chapel business.

– Gust is President of J Transportation and Associated Chapel, LLC.

Visit his campaign page (linked from his name, above) for more.

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Phoebe Sweet’s first set of comments on Harry Reid’s likely GOP opponents went something like:  When you put Senator Reid up against (1) a two-time loser (Tarkanian) or a (2) woman whose husband collected $200K in bonuses while laying off employees (Lowden)…

When Ralston asked Comfort if he is obsessed with Reid and beating Reid, Chris joked:  “Constantly. I have a difficult time sleeping at night…”

Ralston joked back re: whether or not Dr. Comfort’s dental patients should be concerned (presumably about his lack of sleep) and Comfort replied:  “It’s interesting because the dental patients are giving me ideas.  It’s interesting… Because where I work, there are a lot of miners, a lot of self-educated people, and these people understand there is something  wrong with this state and with this country, and how disconnected the Democrats are from any known parameter.”

Comfort went on to say that the GOP has “very well known candidates” running for governor and then named them:  Montandon, Sandoval, Gibbons. When asked if Gibbons is doing a good job, Comfort said:  “The governor is doing a decent job as a conservative in office, and he is holding the line on taxes the best he can, given the hostility of the Democrats…”

Sweet chimed in:  “Well, if that’s the only benchmark, I guess so.  But if you take into account his flip-flops…”

Ralston interrupted and said perhaps the Dems should be praying for Gibbons to win the primary because that is the only hope they (Rory) have.  He went on to say that based on recent polling, Montandan is known by “no one” and is still beating Rory Reid.

At which point Sweet whipped out that famous old standard:  “The only poll that counts is the poll on election day.”

Ralston also read an excerpt from one of Comfort’s recent news release about the voter registration gap which was put out in response to the news that Democrats now have “only” a 63,000-voter lead over the GOP (due to a purging of inactive voters from the rolls):

Looking for proof that our message of common-sense, responsible conservatism is resonating with Nevada voters?

…more and more voters are rejecting the failed policies of the Democrats and are instead embracing the kinds of real, common-sense solutions Republicans are offering. Voters are tired of the reckless spending and unaccountable government that threatens the future of our great state. They are saying: Enough is enough!”

Ralston asked Comfort:  “Were you inhaling some of your own laughing gas?  The Republican party is hemorrhaging voters…”

Comfort acknowledged the numbers but then said the Dems are losing voters at a 3-to-1 ratio.  (They are?)  He added that voters “are not flocking to the Republicans…yet…” and then thanked Jon, tongue in cheek, for “getting the message out…that we see so many people being disaffected by the government, people are fed up, and we see a resurgence of common sense values…”

Ralston turned the subject to the Tea Party candidate (Ashjian) and asked Comfort if he wasn’t “terrified” of the votes that could be pulled and that it might throw the November race to Reid.

Comfort said, “No, we’re not petrified at all” and then said he/we (who you calling we?) are calling him “the Tim Geithner candidate…with his tax problems and so forth.”  (It was revealed on Ralston’s show last week that Ashjian has a tax lien issue of some sort.)

Shortly after, Ralston asked Sweet if independent voters don’t seem to be turning more to Republican candidates right now.  Sweet said, “There’s a move  away from both parties” and then said the reduction in Dem voter rolls are “indicative of a change of address, not a way of thinking.”  She then pointed out that the GOP doesn’t have much going for it if “all they have to crow about is a 66,000 voter registration gap.”

(Ouch!)

There were a few more parting comments about Senator Reid, on whom Comfort’s last word was:

“There is technology park on 215 and Durango, near my house, that has sat empty for years.  That’s a testament to Harry Reid’s failed leadership…” and then, re: Rory, he added:  “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

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His Facebook page lists his campaign website as:  http://ashjian4senate.com/

(Click the link.)

Looks like somebody (else) bought the url.

Related posts:

1. Tea Party Qualifies as Third Party in Nevada
2. Third Party Politics

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CARSON CITY — Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons will veto a bill tightening furloughs for state workers that was passed during a special session of the Legislature.

Gibbons’ staff says the governor instead will enact most of the provisions of SB3 through executive order and regulations.

The bill also establishes four-day, 10-hour work weeks for most state agencies beginning July 1, and tightens one-day-per-month furloughs imposed last year by requiring exempt employees to instead take a 4.6 percent pay cut.

Chief of Staff Robin Reedy won’t discuss details of the governor’s concerns over the bill, saying they will be addressed in the governor’s veto message.

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Someone new (first time candidate Orrin Johnson) has filed and is joining Pat Hickey in jumping into the GOP primary race for Heidi Gansert’s now up-for-grabs Assembly seat.

Some bio info from his campaign team:

– Orrin put himself through college at the University of Minnesota on a Navy ROTC scholarship, making ends meet by working for his school’s police department.

– After graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy for six years as a Surface Warfare officer, “driving” Destroyers around the world and deploying overseas three times in support of missions such as Operation Southern Watch and the post-9/11 Operation Enduring Freedom.

– After leaving the Navy, Orrin attended law school at the University of Washington in Seattle where he met his wife, Alicia. Orrin and Alicia were married at Alicia’s parents’ home in Reno – the same home she had grown up in as a little girl.  After graduation, the Johnsons settled in Reno to raise their own family.  Baby Lillian was born last year.

– Since moving to Reno, Orrin has engaged in the community, working as a public defender for Washoe County.  He’s volunteered to coach a high school mock trial team, assisted with speech and debate programs at various schools and taught 5th Graders about the justice system.  He’s participated in various charity events, and has been active for years in promoting Republican events, ideas, causes and candidates.

I talked with Johnson briefly this morning.  Here’s what he said when I asked him what he thinks differentiates him from other candidates:

“Well, the fact that I’ve been a conservative blogger for years sets me apart.

The ideas and principles that underlie good government should be studied and pondered and put out to survive the forge of debate. I recently finished reading a book called, “Ronald Reagan: In His Own Hand.” It was a reproduction of his notes and drafts of his many radio spots but if you didn’t know any better, you’re swear you were reading a blog that was written in the late ‘70s.

He wasn’t afraid to put his ideas out there firmly and positively, and I wish we saw more of that today. Without that foundational consideration of our core principles to build on, it’s harder to view individual policy decisions in terms of a long term vision. And a lack of long term vision – marked most notably by spending like there’s no tomorrow when times are temporarily flush – is exactly why we face Nevada’s ongoing fiscal and economic crisis.”

Here’s his new site.

And here’s a YouTube clip I found of him speaking (at the July 4th Tea Party up in Reno).

Gansert’s seat is sure to attract more wishfuls.  Who’s next…?

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