Two stay on ballot for post

Two candidates who claimed they would not compete against Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury were still in the race Wednesday, despite the district attorney issuing an opinion a day earlier backing Woodbury's right to seek re-election.

Brian Scroggins, who ran for secretary of state two years ago, and Steve Sisolak, a regent, still were candidates when Wednesday's deadline for withdrawing passed.

Both men said Woodbury's legal battle was far from over.

Sisolak, a Democrat, said that although he has a lot of respect for Woodbury, he believes the 12-year term limit clock started ticking for the incumbent in 1996. Many voters seem to agree, he said.

"A lot of Bruce Woodbury supporters say 12 means 12. Twelve doesn't mean 16," Sisolak said.

Scroggins said he is staying in to ensure that, no matter what, a qualified Republican vies for the District A seat.

"I'm there to protect the district," Scroggins said. "If they validate Bruce, I'll gladly step off the ballot and support him with all my heart."

Secretary of State Ross Miller is arguing that the term limits approved by voters in 1996 bar Woodbury and several other candidates from seeking re-election. Others contend that because the amendment was passed after the 1996 election, it didn't go into effect until the next regular election in 1998.

District Attorney David Roger wrote a letter to the secretary of state's office that said "probable cause does not exist to remove the challenged candidates from the ballot."

Many believe the Nevada Supreme Court ultimately will settle the dispute.

Sisolak said he hopes the court decides before the general election.

Scroggins said Sisolak made innuendos about withdrawing if Woodbury ran.

"But that didn't happen," Scroggins said. "He's a Democrat, so he'll run against Bruce, regardless."

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.