ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 2

It's a crowded race to see who will replace Republican Garn Mabey as the next assemblyman for District 2.

The primary has narrowed the November election down to four candidates in this GOP stronghold where nearly 45 percent of active voters are Republican.

John Hambrick, a 63-year-old retired federal law enforcement officer and former chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, was first to announce his candidacy.

To win, Hambrick must stave off Democrat Carlos Blumberg, and third-party candidates Independent American Jon Kamerath and Libertarian Edward G. Klapproth.

Hambrick has enjoyed the backing of Nevada's Republican leadership, including endorsements by Gov. Jim Gibbons, U.S. Sen. John Ensign, and Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki.

But it remains to be seen if endorsements from the establishment will be a hindrance or benefit.

The No. 1 issue voters are talking about is the economy, Hambrick said.

"It's going to be a tough session for the entire Legislature and we are going to have some tough decisions," he said.

Hambrick doesn't believe any tax increase would pass. "The citizens of the state couldn't endure any more taxes coming out of their pockets," he said.

Still, Hambrick doesn't want to have to cut jobs to balance the state budget, but said, "I'd be willing to make hard choices in the best interest of the state."

Hambrick said he expects to have run his race on a $90,000 budget.

Meanwhile, Blumberg has been pounding the pavement trying to win votes. He believes he will have spent about $50,000 by the end of the race.

Blumberg, who lost to Mabey in 2006, believes this year he will gain the upper hand because more voters have registered as Democrats in the district.

He has also found that economic concerns have been the focal point for voters.

Blumberg said he doesn't want to increase taxes to balance the state budget and would consider temporary layoffs, if faced with that choice.

But it's not an either/or situation, he said. There's always something else that can be cut from the budget, he said.

Still, he's willing to go to Carson City and face the crisis. "I'm not going to step aside" during tough times, he said. "That's when you need top leadership."

Blumberg said many retirees also are worried about health care. He wants to make sure the state takes steps to investigate the evolving public health crisis, stemming from unsafe practices at ambulatory surgery centers.

Klapproth sees his campaign as a battle against the two Goliaths of the major parties.

It's a grass-roots effort, the Libertarian candidate said. He's running his race with about $1,000 of his own money.

Klapproth has a plan to increase jobs in Nevada and lower the nation's dependence on foreign oil. "I'd like to see Nevada develop wind, solar and geothermal energy and become an energy exporter," he said.

To help people during these tough economic times, Klapproth wants to see the property tax lowered to 2 percent for the primary residence of an individual and no property tax charged to senior citizens and handicapped people with an income under $50,000.

Instead of firing teachers or cutting state employees, Klapproth believes budget relief could be found by creating a state lottery in which 50 percent of the money taken in would go to education.

To get the casino industry on board, Klapproth would allow casinos to sell tickets, noting that a state lottery is less painful than increasing casino taxes.

Independent American candidate Kamerath's priorities include addressing illegal immigration and reducing the size of government by cutting taxes and spending.

"In a budget crisis, to stimulate the economy, we have to cut taxes and stop spending money," he said.

Kamerath said there's too much wasteful spending. For instance, the state Department of Cultural Affairs should be cut, as well as some courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Kamerath said if elected he would consult government watchdog groups who report on wasteful spending to find potential cuts. Kamerath also wants to lower property and sales taxes.

Kamerath, who also lost in 2006, expects to spend about $5,000 on the race. "I intend to win my race," he said.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.