Dem announces bid to unseat Beers

Allison Copening, a public affairs official with the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, confirmed Tuesday that she plans to run for state Senate against Sen. Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas.

Copening, a Democrat, declined to comment further on her candidacy, saying she's in the process of stepping down from the Las Vegas Valley Water District, in part to avoid conflicts of interest.

A 43-year-old graduate of Bonanza High School, Copening previously worked in corporate public affairs and marketing, most recently for homebuilder Pulte Homes/Del Webb.

Beers, a 48-year-old accountant and business consultant, has represented the far northwestern 6th District for four years. In 2006, he ran unsuccessfully against Gov. Jim Gibbons for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Beers said Tuesday he believes his constituents will re-elect him because they don't want their taxes raised, as Democrats are threatening to do.

"Particularly as we head down this path, where a small group does want to kick Nevada families when they're down by raising taxes, the experience I bring serving on the Assembly Ways and Means committee and as the vice chairman of (the Senate) Finance (Committee) is important," he said.

The incumbent is one of two being targeted by Democrats hoping to turn the state Senate, where they are an 11-10 minority, to their advantage.