Former Nevada first lady Dema Guinn endorses Reid

Former Nevada first lady Dema Guinn today endorsed U.S. Sen. Harry Reid for re-election.

Guinn cited Reid's support for education, especially the university scholarship program the late Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn launched.

"Senator Reid’s unwavering support for vital education programs such as the Millennium Scholarship, together with his tireless efforts to create new jobs and protect Nevada businesses from the unprecedented challenges we have faced during these trying economic times earned my respect, and my vote," Dema Guinn said in a statement.

The statement did not mention Reid's GOP challenger Sharron Angle, a former Reno Assemblywoman.

The endorsement comes as no surprise since Angle fought a record $830 million tax increase Guinn imposed in 2003. Angle, a staunch conservative, has often opposed GOP establishment figures such as Guinn and state Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio who endorsed Reid on Thursday.

Here's Guinn's full statement:

I want to thank so many people from across this state for the outpouring of support they have shown me and my family since Kenny’s passing.  While it has been very difficult to adjust to a new life without him, my family and our many friendships have been a constant source of strength for me.  

As many people know, with the loss of someone so close comes an almost daily reminder of things you wish you had  said, but didn’t, or things you wish you had done, but for one reason or another never took the time to do.  These new perspectives give you great resolve to stand up for things you may have once ignored or speak out on issues on which you may have remained silent in the past.

I love this state, and my husband loved this state. We dedicated our lives to public service in one way or another through our support of education, many charitable and community causes, and eventually in his holding public office. All of these efforts were our way of trying to make Nevada a better place to live and raise a family.

Kenny believed very strongly in education. He believed it was the single most important element to a successful life, vibrant state and strong economy.  With better education came better jobs, and the ability for people of all economic circumstances, race, or handicap to take control of their lives and their future.

Given the challenges Nevada now faces in education and unemployment, our collective efforts in these areas and the choices we make on who will lead our state through these difficult times are more important than ever.

That is why I am supporting Senator Harry Reid for reelection.

Senator Reid’s unwavering support for vital education programs such as the Millennium Scholarship, together with his tireless efforts to create new jobs and protect Nevada businesses from the unprecedented challenges we have faced during these trying economic times earned my respect, and my vote.