Ex-candidate faces couple of lawsuits

Fallout continues from Sue Lowden's stunning primary loss in her U.S. Senate bid. At least two lawsuits have been filed over unpaid debts, and it's not exactly chicken feed.

A campaign document obtained by Vegas Confidential indicated her recent debt stands at more than $750,000, nearly six months after the primary.

Reached by telephone Saturday, Lowden confirmed there are disputes over "alleged" debt and added she is going over invoices "and carefully looking at the legitimacy of those who say they should be paid what they say they should be paid."

The largest lawsuit was filed by Rex Elsass, an Ohio media consultant. According to the campaign document he is owed $204,435.28. Lowden's lead pollster, Todd Vitale, on Saturday confirmed he filed a lawsuit in Denver District Court about two months ago for almost $78,000.

More than a dozen consultants are owed for their campaign services, according to the document.

Vitale called it "a travesty," adding Lowden attempted to pay off his debt at 20 cents on the dollar . He is a nephew of basketball analyst Dick Vitale.

The debt document indicates Lowden, who opened a large lead in the primary polls, owes her campaign manager, Robert Uithoven, about $43,000 and lead fundraiser Janel Domenico about $86,000.

During the primary, Uithoven told Review-Journal political reporter Laura Myers that Lowden made it clear she would spend what it takes from her own purse to finish the race .

Uithoven, reached Saturday night, said by e-mail that Lowden has debt "like many campaigns that come to an end, but she has been working to pay it off."

Vitale's Denver attorney, John Head, said Lowden has sent word "saying 'I'm not liable.' She's putting herself first," he added.

"We've had process servers looking for her ever since," Head said.

SIGHTINGS

Rodeo legend Ty Murray and wife Jewel , at the National Finals Rodeo's third session Saturday. ... Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, dining at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) before attending the UFC fights there. ... NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs, who coached the Washington Redskins to three Super Bowls, at La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway (Wynn) at Friday's grand opening. ... Mark McGrath of the band Sugar Ray, with friends at Todd English P.U.B. at CityCenter on Saturday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Justin Bieber was nominated for Best New Artist. ... That's got to make the other nominees feel great. It's like finding out you were nominated for Best Actress and then finding out Snooki was nominated too." -- Craig Ferguson.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.