Krolicki says he can beat Reid for Senate seat

Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki made his strongest statements to date today about a possible challenge to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, but stopped short of declaring himself a candidate.

Krolicki said the fact he won Clark County and “every precinct” in Washoe County during the 2006 election for lieutenant governor shows he is a strong statewide candidate, despite the fact Reid has raised more than $15 million and is expected to raise $10 million more to hold his seat.

“I believe I can beat senator Reid,” Krolicki said. “We need someone who can win.”

Krolicki, a Republican, said defeating what he called an “absurd political prosecution” by Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, made him stronger.

“I’m a proven survivor of the most brutal partisan attack possible,” Krolicki said of criminal charges related to a college savings fund program he oversaw.

No money was unaccounted for and the case was dismissed in December.

Krolicki has acknowledged for weeks he would consider a challenge to Reid, despite a crowded field of Republicans already campaigning that includes Las Vegas businessman Danny Tarkanian, casino owner and former Nevada GOP chairwoman Sue Lowden, former Assemblywoman Sharron Angle and investment banker John Chachas.

“People are tired of the dark side of politics. I’m going to talk about issues,” Krolicki said while discussing the prosecution and early negative campaigning in the Republican primary. “The sniping I currently see between some of the candidates is unappealing and disappointing.”

He said he will make a decision within a few weeks when he has a better idea of potential financial, endorsement and staffing situations.

Statements by Krolicki and national leaders such as Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, about the Republican primary have generated rebukes from former Nevada Gov. Bob List, now a Republican national committeeman.

List said Krolicki should resist suggestions — including those from Cornyn and other national Republican bigwigs — to join the fray seeking to challenge Reid.

“I think he is way too late trying to get into this race,” List said.

While Krolicki was coping with the criminal case, many other candidates, including current leaders Tarkanian and Lowden entered the race.

“Other people relied on that withdrawl and put themselves forward,” List said. He added there were potential candidates who eschewed a run for lieutenant governor out of deference to Krolicki.

“It is a bit disingenuous to suggest that he now ought to change course and run for the senate,” List said.

When asked whether it would be a disingenuous move by Krolicki, List responded he was referring to “those encouraging him to do it.”

Krolicki fired back, accusing List of working on behalf of Lowden, something Lowden consultant Robert Uithoven denied is the case.

“We don’t give anyone marching orders,” Uithoven said. “Bob List can speak for himself.”

Still, he said he thinks the notion that Krolicki should not enter the race “is an opinion that is shared by a number of other people in the state.”

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