Democrat Copening won’t seek re-election to state Senate seat
Democratic state Sen. Allison Copening announced Thursday she would not seek re-election, putting in play her Las Vegas seat that Republicans hope to capture to gain control of the Senate.
Copening said she decided not to run in 2012 to pursue a business venture and focus on a nonprofit organization she formed, but she was not more specific.
"My decision not to run comes with mixed emotions," Copening said in a statement. "Helping people is what drives me, and I will miss serving in the Legislature."
The Nevada Senate Democrats praised Copening for her legislative work and quickly endorsed Benny Yerushalmi, a small-business owner, to run in her Senate District 6.
In 2010, Yerushalmi lost to state Sen. Elizabeth Halseth, R-Las Vegas, in Senate District 9 in a close race.
The Nevada Senate is controlled by Democrats, who hold 11 seats to 10 for Republicans. The GOP is targeting two seats: Copening's District 6 and District 5 held by Shirley Breeden, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election because she must care for her ailing mother.
Senate Republicans on Thursday backed Las Vegas lawyer Mark Hutchison to run for Copening's seat. Hutchison has led the state of Nevada's opposition to the national health care overhaul law.
State Sen. Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, who leads the Senate Republican caucus, said Hutchison would work to fight laws and regulations "that would hamper Nevada's economic growth."
Copening was viewed as vulnerable to defeat after generating negative headlines during the 2011 legislative session over a possible conflict of interest.
She pursued bills having to do with homeowners associations, although she had taken a job that did business with HOAs.
State Sen. Mo Denis, chairman of the Nevada Senate Democrats, said Yerushalmi's business background should make him a strong Senate candidate and legislator in Carson City.
Democrats have the advantage over Republicans in the battle for the open seat. Democrats outnumber Republicans in District 6 by 2,732 registered voters, according to Clark County Election Department figures released after inactive voters were removed.
Contact Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919. Follow @lmyerslvrj on Twitter.
