STATE SENATE DISTRICT 1

During a year when both mainstream parties are fighting to gain control of the state Senate, incumbent John Lee said he cares less about who rules the Legislature than about the ability to work in concert.

"With the state in the situation it's in right now, we don't need a lot of partisanship. We need understanding, experience and to work together to resolve the shortfalls," said Lee, a Democrat with 10 years in state office.

Lee, 53, said he considered running for mayor of North Las Vegas but decided he would rather finish projects he started during his previous term.

Lee placed himself in the forefront of the issue of individuals' Second Amendment right to bear arms, typically not a stance held by Democrats. Lee said the right is important to states such as Nevada where hunting is a popular sport.

A project important to private business owners is working on acquiring rights of way from property owners to provide bus turnouts. Having buses stop in the middle of a lane not only slows already congested streets but poses a danger to passengers, Lee said.

"We need to get buses off the street when they're picking up people," he said. "It makes for smarter streets and faster streets."

Lee does not have an unkind word to say about his opponents, Lance Hinton of the Independent American Party and Republican Ron McGinnis. Lee said it is important for the Legislature to be stocked with experience heading into the next session.

"Whoever is in charge has to show leadership and from day one has to hit the ground running," said Lee, a 1973 graduate of Rancho High School. "Rather than a slow learning curve, we need a faster learning curve."

McGinnis, a Republican taxi driver, is the only active opponent facing Lee. Hinton has not responded to requests for candidate information. Although Hinton filed for the race, he has not submitted finance-related paperwork to the secretary of state's office, according to its Web site.

McGinnis decided to run for office after he was hurt on the job and failed to secure workers' compensation.

"I will fight hard to protect the rights of the working man and the constitutional rights of every citizen," McGinnis said.

On his flier, McGinnis tells voters he will fight for the rights of taxi drivers by opposing new cabs or trip charges and supporting flat rate zones and extra passenger charges.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.