Monday, September 05, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Judge has little to say about potential run for Congress

Democrats have asked District Court Judge Nancy Saitta to consider challenging Porter in the 3rd Congressional District

Eldon Hardy, a Republican who serves as the state's homeowner association ombudsman, says he plans to run for lieutenant governor next year. *Credit* Nancy Saitta District Court judge has been asked by Democrats to challenge Republican Jon Porter for Congress Jim Gibbons Republican member of Congress launched his campaign for governor last week

Given the propensity by politicians to avoid commenting on issues, the Democrats may have found the perfect candidate for the 3rd Congressional District.

Party officials have asked District Court Judge Nancy Saitta to run for Congress against two-term Republican Jon Porter.

"I am exploring the possibility," Saitta said. "Whatever that means."

Saitta said she's rather unfamiliar with the federal campaign process, and is only beginning to explore the race.

To that end, there is no exploratory committee and no real gauging of fundraising ability.

There's also not much coming from the judge in terms of her political beliefs, views of the incumbent, or how she thinks she could campaign.

At least she has an excuse for staying mum.

Last week when Congressman Jim Gibbons launched his gubernatorial campaign, he spent 10 minutes with Las Vegas media, giving two definitive answers: yes, he invited Gov. Kenny Guinn to the event; yes, he intends to be the Republican nominee for governor and get Guinn's support.

He deflected all of the other questions, such as how to pay for increasing teacher salaries, whether he'd support Nevada's Proposition 13-style initiative to cap increases in property taxes or how he differed philosophically from primary opponent Bob Beers.

Saitta said that if she does run, her mouth will run, too.

"What I know from my history is that when I commit to something I give it 150 percent," she said. "But right now because of judicial canons I really can't say anything."

Saitta said she would resign from the bench if she decides to file for Congress. At least then she'd be allowed to talk.

Hardy plans run

Eldon Hardy, the state's homeowner association ombudsman, said he plans to run for lieutenant governor next year.

Hardy, 69, is a Republican who has served as the common-interest community liaison since 2001. He plans to give up the job in April, just before filing for office.

"I think state government can be more accessible to the taxpayers," Hardy said. "I've learned how to take phone calls and return them."

Hardy said owning an automotive business for 44 years has taught him firsthand about economic development, which along with tourism, is the lieutenant governor's main duty.

Asked whether he was related to any of the other Hardys in public life, he said he is the uncle of state Sen. Warren Hardy.

"I'm not sure if I'm related to Assemblyman Hardy," Eldon Hardy said of Joe Hardy, the Republican who represents Boulder City.

Between the lines

Reporters are often accused of reading too much between the lines. But the white space on two press releases issued last week begs to be filled in.

Sen. Harry Reid issued a statement Wednesday commending President Bush for his decision to return to Washington, D.C., to oversee recovery efforts. He also encouraged Bush to act swiftly to give Congress damage assessments so lawmakers can sign off on relief packages.

"To that end, I've spoken with Senator (Bill) Frist and asked him to set aside what is currently on the Senate schedule so that senators can take up relief work immediately upon our return."

Two things on the Senate's schedule that the Majority Leader from Tennessee might like to pursue are the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts and abolition of the estate tax.

Maybe our minority leader doesn't feel the same way.

The other press release came from We The People Nevada, which last Thursday filed petitions with the secretary of state's office to prohibit property taxes from increasing by more than 2 percent a year.

The press release goes on to spend the next 157 words devoted to trashing Secretary of State Dean Heller.

"Dean Heller has a clear record of blocking initiatives that would provide open government and tax relief for working families," said Cliff Nellis, chairman of the coalition.

The Angle Property Tax Initiative is sponsored by Reno Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, who is planning a bid for Congress against Heller.

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