Interest builds among several for state post

The candidate field in the race for lieutenant governor is taking shape, with incumbent Brian Krolicki leading the Republican side and several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination.

A recent criminal case against Krolicki generated headlines and raised the public profile of the job, which typically is overshadowed by other offices.

District Judge Valerie Adair dismissed the case Dec. 7, giving weight to Krolicki's argument that Democratic Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto's prosecution was flawed from the outset.

Krolicki last week spoke about his intent to run for re-election during an interview on "Nevada Newsmakers," a statewide television show.

"I'm just delighted that it is over," Krolicki said about the case on the program. "We've got some important work to do. We have got to create jobs."

Masto had alleged Krolicki mismanaged a college savings program he supervised as state treasurer by not sending money to the state general fund and by using $6 million for marketing, including on ads that featured Krolicki.

Krolicki maintained the arrangement was legal, the program was successful and the prosecution was flawed. No money was alleged to have gone missing or to have personally benefited Krolicki. Being out from under the case will allow him to refocus on his political career.

Meanwhile, several Democratic candidates are positioning themselves for the job, including pilot Robert Randazzo, who has support from Masto's husband, Paul Masto.

Paul Masto had planned a fundraiser for Randazzo days before Krolicki's case was set to head to the courtroom. Masto said she was unaware of the fundraiser, and the event was canceled after the link to attorney general came under scrutiny.

The incident boosted support for Krolicki's argument the prosecution was politically motivated, a charge Masto has said is untrue.

At least three other candidates on the Democratic side would come into the race untouched by the Krolicki-Masto dispute. The official filing period isn't until March, and there is plenty of time for more candidates to jump in and for current candidates to drop out.

Reno Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza is expected to officially announce her candidacy early next year. Sferrazza was in Las Vegas last week with political consultant Jim Ferrence to introduce herself to people in Southern Nevada political circles.

She plans to emphasize her experience revitalizing Reno neighborhoods and lobbying for renewable energy programs in Northern Nevada.

Las Vegas developer Paul Murad, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, has said on his Web site he will emphasize during the campaign his experience in international business development.

Candidate Bob Goodman is perhaps best known for his signs that feature his last name, which happens to be the same as popular Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who is not related.

Bob Goodman is a former economic development director for Wyoming and has said , if elected, he would try to strengthen tourism and trade ties with China.

Although it is considered a low-profile office compared with that of governor, U.S. senator and some other legislative posts, the job of lieutenant governor is viewed as a stepping stone for higher office and has been held in the past by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and former Gov. Bob Miller.

"It is a race that, frankly, we and most states don't pay attention to," said Fred Lokken, a political science professor at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno.

The job responsibilities include being president of the state Senate, chairperson of the Nevada Commission on Tourism and the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and vice-chairperson of the Nevada Department of Transportation board of directors.

"It can be a training ground and proving ground for leadership," Lokken said. "At least in Nevada it does have a few responsibilities."

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.