2012 PRIMARY ELECTION: STATE SENATE DISTRICT 11
In the Democratic race for Senate District 11 an old hand is trying to get back in the political game against an upstart searching for a foothold in Carson City.
Attorney Aaron Ford is making his second run at the Senate, after losing in 2010 to Sen. Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City.
This time Ford, a favorite of the Senate Democratic Caucus, has found opposition within his own party in the form of former lawmaker Harry Mortenson, who said he still has ideas and energy to contribute to the Legislature.
The Democratic primary winner will have a registration advantage in facing Republican John Drake. District 11 has 17,318 Democrats, 11,622 Republicans and 6,927 nonpartisans.
Ford said what differentiates him from Mortenson is his list of endorsements that includes the caucus, several major labor unions and the Nevada Association of Realtors.
"I have numerous endorsements that demonstrate the wide variety of support that I have," he said.
On the issue of taxes, Ford said Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval is shortsighted in announcing plans to extend the life of temporary taxes on sales and payroll that are set to expire.
Ford said an extension is only a short-term patch and doesn't do anything to solve long-term education and other problems plaguing the state.
"I don't think they go far enough," Ford said. "Long term, we need long-term solutions to address these problems, not short, hole-filling measures."
Mortenson said experience is his defining political trait, noting that in his 14 years in the Assembly, from 1996 to 2010, he shepherded 40 bills through the Legislature and already has a list of legislation he'd like to enact if he returns.
"It takes a long time to really get your feet on the ground and know how to pass bills and know the process," Mortenson said.
On the issue of taxes, Mortenson said he agrees with Sandoval that extending the existing taxes is a good idea.
"Absolutely, I am in favor of it," Mortenson said. "There is no question, I don't think in anyone's mind, including the chamber of commerce, we need more money to put into education. I think everybody believes that."
Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.
STATE SENATE DUTIES, PAY
State senators pass legislation, review, amend and approve the state budget submitted by the governor, and review the performance of state agencies. They serve four-year terms. Candidates who win in November will be paid $8,777 for serving in the 2013 Legislature. They also receive a living allowance of $154 a day. Those who live more than 50 miles from the Legislature get another $736 a month in supplemental living allowances.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
