Assembly GOP leader calls for campaign transparency

CARSON CITY - The Assembly's new Republican leader called Monday for campaign contribution limits, fall primary elections and a cooling-off period before former legislators can return as legislative lobbyists.

But Assemblyman Pat Hickey, R-Reno, said he wasn't about to impose contribution limits this election year on fellow Republicans as his party tries to gain seats in the Assembly, where Democrats hold a 26-16 lead over the GOP.

"It is never a wise idea for one side to 'unilaterally disarm' in the middle of a battle, in this case, a campaign season," said Hickey, although he vowed to work with Democrats to enact fundraising limits during the 2013 Legislature.

Hickey based his need for campaign finance reform on faulty math. He told reporters that $100 million was spent on federal and state elections in 2010 and only 680,000 people actually voted, or equivalent to $147,000 per vote. But that actually is $147 per vote.

When questioned, Hickey also could not give a source of his finding that $33 million was spent on legislative races in 2010.

Hickey himself has raised $76,405 since Jan. 15. He has no opponent, but as Republican leader is expected to raise funds that he can pass on to other candidates.

He said voters should know before they go to the polls how much candidates have been given and who gave them the money. He pledged to issue reports showing his own contributions every 48 hours throughout the campaign.

The 2011 Legislature approved some campaign reforms. For the first time starting today, legislative candidates are required to electronically post their contribution and expenditure reports on the secretary of state's website.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.