Cegavske announces candidacy for Nevada secretary of state
CARSON CITY — State Sen. Barbara Cegavske formally announced Thursday that she will be a candidate for secretary of state in 2014.
“I am running to ensure the integrity of elections in Nevada,” said the Las Vegas Republican. “(And) one of my other priorities will be to establish Nevada as the best place to do business. Toward that end, I pledge to encourage the creation of new businesses and jobs in Nevada by ensuring the cost of doing business here is fair, reasonable, and competitive with other states.”
Her staff said they have been notified that Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki does not intend to run for secretary of state. Cegavske said earlier that Krolicki was a personal friend and she would wait on his decision before announcing her bid for the seat being vacated by Secretary of State Ross Miller. Miller is an attorney general candidate.
Cegavske, 62, has served 18 years in the state Legislature, including 12 as a senator. She is prevented by the term limits constitutional amendment from making another Senate bid.
Just recently political newcomer Jordan Bradley, 31, announced he also will run as a Republican candidate for secretary of state. Democrat state Treasurer Kate Marshall also is seeking the seat. Marshall, like Cegavske, is term-limited from returning to her present office.
“My 18 years of legislative experience, especially chairing the Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee, and being a former business owner uniquely qualify me to successfully execute the duties and responsibilities of secretary of state,” Cegavske said.
But what could hinder her chances is the fact that Democrats hold a 96,400 registered voter advantage in Nevada.
Marshall noted last month that she twice has won election to statewide office. Cegavske lost a primary race last year to Danny Tarkanian when she sought the 4th Congressional District seat ultimately won by Democrat Steven Horsford.
Soon after her announcement, Gov. Brian Sandoval, U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and other top Republicans announced they would attend a 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 fundraising reception for Cegavske at the Las Vegas Country Club.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.
