Opening day busy in candidate filings

Senate candidate Sue Lowden and gubernatorial candidate Brian Sandoval were among the dozens who officially entered races for federal, state and county offices.

"It’s a historic day for me," Lowden, a businesswoman and former state senator, said shortly after filing her candidacy in Carson City. "It feels as though I’m doing something very important for our state and country."

The field of challengers for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s Senate seat already was crowded at the beginning of a two-week filing period and is expected to grow more so.

Six candidates including Lowden and fellow Republican Sharron Angle were on the list. Reid has yet to file but has said he intends to defend his seat.

A Review-Journal poll conducted last week showed Lowden emerging as a clear leader among Republicans fighting for the chance to run against Reid. Lowden also would lead against Reid 52 percent to 39 percent, according to the poll.

Former federal judge Sandoval also led in the poll, which showed he would beat incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons 37 percent to 30 percent in a primary election.

U.S. Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., both filed Monday to retain their seats. Each drew two challengers.

"I love Las Vegas and it’s an honor for me to be able to fight in Congress for the families and businesses of our community," Berkley said in a statement. "Today I am asking for the privilege of continuing to serve as your congresswoman."

Three challengers so far were vying for the District 3 seat held by Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., who had not yet officially declared her candidacy.

Incumbents who filed on Monday included Secretary of State Ross Miller, State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Clark County District Attorney David Roger.

The candidate filing period runs through March 12.

Early voting for the primary begins May 22 and runs through June 4. The primary election is June 8.

Early voting for the general election begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 29. The general election is Nov. 2.

Clark County Election Department’s list of candidates who have filed can be found online at http://red rock.co.clark.nv.us/candfile/.