Political Eye: Fiore causes controversy even in Minnesota
Nevada gun rights advocate and 3rd Congressional District candidate Michele Fiore can make waves well outside the confines of her home turf.
The Republican assemblywoman was unable to speak at a Republican event in Minnesota on Saturday when the event was canceled because of her controversial statements.
As Michael Brodkorb reported in his Jan. 21 blog for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Republican Liberty Caucus announced that because of unforeseen logistical issues, the group was canceling its annual convention that was to feature the Las Vegas lawmaker as its keynote speaker.
Brodkorb previously reported that the group had to seek an alternate location for its event because the operators of the original venue had concerns about Fiore's past controversial statements.
Brodkorb said in his story that it was the controversy over Fiore's appearance that led to the cancellation of the event.
Fiore has generated a lot of publicity for her actions and comments while a member of the Nevada Legislature.
She put out a 2016 calendar featuring herself in poses with different firearms. She also sent a Christmas card featuring herself and several heavily armed family members.
In early December, Fiore generated more controversy when she discussed Syrian refugees on her weekly radio program on the Las Vegas radio station KDWN.
"What, are you kidding me? I'm about to fly to Paris and shoot 'em in the head myself," Fiore told a radio audience in response to a question. "I am not OK with Syrian refugees. I'm not OK with terrorists. I'm OK with putting them down, blacking them out, just put a piece of brass in their ocular cavity and end their miserable life. I'm good with that."
Fiore clarified the remarks days later, telling the Review-Journal that her comments applied to terrorists and not refugees.
— Sean Whaley
Veterans group starts up
A new veterans group is starting up in Nevada with a focus on giving a voice to Nevadans who have signed on the dotted line to serve their country.
The Nevada Veterans Council will have a nonpartisan focus and involvement from state legislators of both political parties who are veterans, said Assemblyman Chris Edwards, R-Las Vegas. Edwards, a retired commander who served in the Navy Reserve, said the council will interview and score candidates for office on all levels: state, local and national races.
They will be graded based on how "pro-veterans they are," and the group recognizes the issue is one that crosses both political parties. The group will seek involvement from veterans, veterans' families, businesses and advocates for veterans.
The council had a kickoff event Thursday and will have a website up soon.
To get more information about the organization, email Edwards at Chris.Edwards@asm.state.nv.us.
— Ben Botkin
— Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801. Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1.
