Horsford says right things in crowded congressional race

Steven Horsford sounds convincing.

"I can't imagine representing any other district than this one," Horsford said Wednesday before announcing his candidacy for Congress.

Horsford, the Democratic state Senate majority leader, made a long-rumored but astute career move Thursday at the Culinary Training Academy when he made official his candidacy for the U.S. House seat currently held by U.S. Senate aspirant Shelley Berkley. If successful, the 38-year-old Horsford will become the first African-American elected to Congress from Nevada.

During our interview, he stressed his ties to the traditionally African-American Westside community, which he noted suffers even higher levels of unemployment and home foreclosure than the rest of Southern Nevada.

"I understand the struggles they face because I face them," said Horsford, who heads Nevada Partners and the Culinary union's job-training center.

A man who actually helps provide jobs on the local level now wants to take that skill to Washington: That's a compelling campaign message.

Horsford also said he believed the best way to serve the community was to help the national economy recover and improve the effectiveness of Washington. So that's why he wants to be there.

"I agree with the constituents in this district who think that Washington is broken," he said.

And, as you might guess, the Democrat believes the rise of tea party Republicans has only made the partisan political atmosphere worse. He was a guest of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for President Barack Obama's recent American Jobs Act speech before Congress.

"We cannot allow extremism and ideology to prevail," Horsford said, taking direct aim at tea party acolytes.

It's always risky to predict Reid's real level of support for any candidate. But Horsford is a fierce party and labor loyalist, and his candidacy will surely help motivate African-American voters at a time President Barack Obama's re-election bid will need every ballot to carry a struggling Nevada. Horsford was an early Obama supporter.

Although Democrats control the state Senate by just an 11-10 margin, Horsford's departure poses less great a risk to the balance of power than some might have you believe. His legislative rise has come within a Democratic voter registration stronghold, and the party has proved more than capable at candidate recruitment.

In making his announcement, Horsford joined a field of Democrats seeking congressional seats, two of which are occupied by Republicans Joe Heck and Mark Amodei. Among those on a growing list: former Rep. Dina Titus, Assembly Speaker John Oceguera and state Sens. John Lee and Ruben Kihuen.

Depending on how the districts are finally drawn, Horsford will emerge as a heavy favorite anywhere close to his own backyard.

His challenge in the coming campaign season will be in convincing voters that he really does have their best interests in mind by taking a job a long way from home.

IN GRATITUDE: Many thanks to readers who continue to boost my spirits as I travel through throat cancer treatment. More on this front soon, but for now let me say in a hoarse voice that the kind words are very much appreciated.

ON THE BOULEVARD: GOP presidential front-runner Mitt Romney continues to show off his statewide political connections. Rick Perry has miles to go to catch Romney's organization. ... Meanwhile, members of Occupy Las Vegas keep building steam on and off the Strip. ... And Republican presidential hopefuls meet here Tuesday at The Venetian for the Western Republican Presidential Debate hosted by CNN and the Western Republican Leadership Conference.

Las Vegas as a quirky national political hot bed?

Of course.

BOULEVARD II: There's still time to sign up for Saturday's 11th annual Walk n' Roll/5K Run for ALS of Nevada at Police Memorial Park at 3250 Metro Academy Way. The event starts at 8 a.m. and benefits local patients and families stricken by Lou Gehrig's disease.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.