Weekly Editorial Recap

WEDNESDAY

VOTER ANGER

Nevada's lawmakers, meeting in special session to reconcile a projected two-year revenue shortfall of nearly $900 million, are hyperfocused on the financial problems of state government. A new public opinion poll sounds a clear warning that they had better start paying attention to the suffering of their taxpaying constituents.

According to a Public Opinion Strategies survey commissioned by the Retail Association of Nevada, 80 percent of Nevadans say the state is on the wrong track. That number, gleaned from interviews conducted last week, is up 7 percentage points since May. ...

These numbers translate into strong anti-incumbent sentiments that cross party lines. When asked if their state legislator has performed well enough to deserve re-election, 71 percent of poll respondents said they definitely or probably would vote for a new person. Only 14 percent said they would definitely or probably vote to re-elect their legislator. Among voters who are "base" Republicans, 79 percent said they would vote for a new person. Among base Democrats, 55 percent said they would vote against the incumbent. ...

Term-limited Sens. Bill Raggio and Randolph Townsend, both R-Reno, appear more than willing to provide Senate Democrats with the two GOP votes they need to raise taxes and override a gubernatorial veto. Any such vote would amount to a declaration of contempt against the private sector -- and pink slips for more of its workers. Voters are paying attention. And they're not happy.