2012 PRIMARY ELECTION: ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 12

A Las Vegas political newcomer will try to unseat a three-term incumbent whose family has held his Assembly District 12 seat for nearly two decades.

Mickey Frazier, who has lived in Nevada about three years, is challenging Democratic Assemblyman James Ohrenschall in the primary election to represent the district on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley.

The winner will face Republican Bridgette Nicole Bryant in the general election.

Frazier said he wants to improve the district's blighted areas and focus on issues that are important to seniors and veterans.

When it comes to the state budget, Frazier said lawmakers need to consider a combination of cuts and taxes to balance the books. He proposed a state lottery to generate new revenue and upping taxes on cigars and other tobacco products that are taxed at lower rates than cigarettes.

He also said he would consider raising the mining tax or adding a "sin tax" on alcohol.

"I know the big businesses won't like that, but I wouldn't rule it out," Frazier said.

He supports stronger legislation that forces banks to help struggling home-owners, including requiring reducing principal amounts on underwater mortgages.

"They've been talking about it. They've been flirting with it. Now they need to do it," Frazier said.

Ohrenschall, who took over the seat his mother held for 12 years, touted his experience in Carson City and his rising profile in the Assembly.

In the last legislative session he sat on several key committees, including the Commerce and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee, of which he was vice chairman.

That experience will be important in the upcoming session, especially since taxes and the budget will top the agenda.

Ohrenschall said the state's tax structure needs to be changed to be more fair and broad-based.

"There are certainly industries operating here who do not pay enough," he said.

The state must continue to fund education and human services, he said, which are especially important in tough economic times.

"People are still hurting," Ohrenschall said.

He said he will continue to champion openness in government and support autism causes.

His proudest accomplishment as a state lawmaker came in his 2009 bill that mandated health insurance coverage for children with autism.

"Even if I never serve another term, I know that bill will help kids," Ohrenschall said.

He also would consider legislation to deal with the Sloan Channel, which has become malodorous and insect-infested since North Las Vegas began dumping treated sewage into it.

Contact reporter Brian Haynes at bhaynes@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0281.