Halverson attracts opponent

Embattled District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson has faced a temporary suspension, accusations that she fell asleep on the bench and created a hostile work environment and a flurry of negative press.

She's now facing an opponent in the 2008 election.

On Wednesday, Las Vegas Family Court Judge Stefany Miley formally announced she was running for the District Court Department 23 bench currently held by Halverson.

"I think I can better represent the people in Clark County," 36-year-old Miley said.

Miley didn't sling any mud at Halverson but called her opponent "controversial."

Miley won her seat on the Family Court bench in 2004, replacing incumbent Robert Gaston. Her term doesn't expire until 2010. Miley is not required to resign from her current judicial office to run for another.

Miley said she is the right person for the District Court seat because of her six years experience as a Family Court judge, nine years as a trial attorney and her knowledge of many areas of law.

Miley said she wants to handle civil and criminal cases and sees the Department 23 position as a move up the judicial ladder.

Miley said she hopes one day to be chief district judge, a position currently held by Judge Kathy Hardcastle.

Miley said she has already been endorsed by the Las Vegas Police Protective Association.

Miley received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1993 from Texas A&M University and received her law degree from California Western School of Law.

She moved to Nevada in 1995.

Halverson is currently under suspension.

On Nov. 1, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a decision to suspend her because of allegations that she harassed employees, couldn't adequately conduct criminal trials, and communicated improperly with jurors, among other accusations.

The court ruled that Halverson's conduct "posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public and to the administration of justice."

Halverson was elected to a two-year term in 2006, defeating Family Court lawyer Bill Henderson.

Halverson couldn't be reached for comment.

Bill Gamage, Halverson's attorney, said she plans to run for re-election.

"Judge Halverson fully intends to defend her seat," he said. "She believes, in her role as a judge, that she could do a lot of good from the bench.

"This is a job she wants for the rest of her life," he said.

Contact reporter David Kihara at dkihara@reviewjournal.com or (702) 380-1039.