Monday, August 09, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Clark County GOP finances decried

Party raised just over $3,500 since April

Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald invited friends to a Pink and Platinum baby shower July 17 at the Suncoast for her soon-to-be arriving infant, Rachel Olivia. The invitation pointed guests to registries at Pottery Barn Kids and Babies R Us, and about 50 obliged with gifts. Two who attended reported that no county lobbyists were at the soiree.

The Republican Party views its candidates as fiscally responsible, but the new treasurer of the Clark County GOP thinks the local organization has been anything but.

John Chartier turned heads last Tuesday in an executive board meeting of the Clark County Republican Central Committee when he decried the party's failure to file a contributions and expense report with the secretary of state. He also suggested Chairman Brian Scroggins failed to oversee the old treasurer, elected Regent Bret Whipple.

"The current state of the CCRCC financial records and reports permitted by leadership fails any generally accepted standards of financial management," Chartier said at last week's meeting. "Further, CCRCC leadership apparently has adopted a financial planning model similar to that of the last Nevada legislation session such that lofty obligations and commitments are made with no priority given to the source of funds."

Scroggins appeared stunned at the tone of Chartier's report.

Whipple said he simply dropped the ball by failing to submit the party's contributions and expense report, which was due in January. The report has yet to be filed and the party faces up to a $5,000 fine from the secretary of state's office.

"I didn't even know that it exists," Whipple said of the report. "Whatever fine that may be, I will pay. I am personally responsible."

A few board members weren't pleased to hear Chartier's report. Gene Bare said he's seen similar flaps over the 12 years he's been active with the party's board.

"If it's that bad, I would recommend you resign," he barked at Chartier.

One thing Chartier didn't tell board members is that the county party has raised just over $3,500 since April, money largely raised from a mailer sent at personal expense by the county party's executive director, Mike Thompson.

For the same April through July period in 2003, the county party raised $90,000.

Scroggins said the party has not yet made financial commitments to candidates, keeping with its policy of no primary endorsements. He also said he's involved in his own business and that his family, professional and church commitments require him to delegate much authority to others.

Gifts fit for a babe

The cost of a new crib mattress: $129.

A video monitor: $99.

Having a mom on the Clark County Commission: priceless.

Lynette Boggs McDonald wants only the best for her soon-to-be arriving infant, Rachel Olivia. So with that in mind, friends were invited to the Pink and Platinum baby shower July 17 at the Suncoast.

The invitation pointed guests to baby registries at Pottery Barn Kids and Babies R Us, and about 50 people obliged with gifts that hit a price of $499 for an antique-style changing table.

Two of those who attended reported that no county lobbyists attended the soiree.

Must have been a shrewd staffer who selected the personalized chamois pink blanket for $29.

Senate race heats up

The battle for the Senate District 4 Democratic primary has heated up between the two big boys in the race.

Cedric Crear's ties to Station Casinos became obvious for patrons of Texas Station on July 31 when Crear greeted casino and moviegoers from a table near the cinemas. Station has contributed to Crear's campaign and is supporting him exclusively in the race.

Steven Horsford has sent a mailer each of the past two weeks and had the added advantage of being able to send out a letter as Nevada's Democratic national committeeman. The letter highlights the Kerry/Edwards agenda, attacks President Bush and reminds voters when to vote in the primary, as if that's when the presidential race, and not Horsford, is on the ballot.

Mom's for the other guy

When Royle Melton told his mother he was running for the U.S. Senate against Harry Reid, she wasn't exactly thrilled.

Marilyn Melton, a lifelong Republican recently turned Democratic National Convention delegate, told her son she planned to vote for the incumbent.

"I begged her not to put a Harry Reid sticker on her car," Melton said.

Porter's flag waving

The flag on the front of Jon Porter's new constituent mailer, the one taxpayers funded, is 6 by 8 inches.

Remember, it's not a campaign message. In fact, the picture he runs inside of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi even shows Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley.

Contact political reporter Erin Neff at 387-2906 or ENeff@reviewjournal.com.