Primary colors

Voters in Tuesday's primary took a harsh view of candidates dogged by questionable character or behavior.

The poster child for scandal was District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson, who has been on paid leave for most of the year while she faces a slew of charges now pending in front of the state Judicial Discipline Commission.

Judge Halverson took on two challengers and was bloodied by both. The fact that voters were able to remove her from the bench before the discipline panel could take action represents a strike against those who want to take ordinary citizens out of the judicial selection process.

In Clark County Family Court, Department K, incumbent Nicholas Del Vecchio went down in flames. He faces allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power -- and voters refused to look past them, sending the judge into early retirement.

In the Republican primary for Assembly District 4, two-term incumbent Francis Allen lost handily. She had recently been arrested for assaulting her husband and had an undistinguished career in the Legislature. Although her spouse refused to move forward with charges, GOP voters in her district decided she was no longer fit to represent them in Carson City.

In Northern Nevada, Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, a Reno Republican whose incredible political clout has cowed southern politicians for years, survived a spirited challenge from Sharron Angle and will rule the roost for another six four years, before term limits send him to the sidelines.

Overall, turnout in the election was abysmal and surprises were few and far between.

Expect the opposite come November.