Reid: Open race the fairest way to decide open seat

Sen. Harry Reid today backed Secretary of State Ross Miller's ruling to have an open ballot election decide Nevada's next member of Congress in a special election set for Sept. 13.

Reid said Miller made "the right decision. It seems to be fair that anyone can get into the race.

"People shouldn't be chosen by their parties in a special election like this," said Reid, the state's top Democratic leader. "There isn't time to do it. I hope this all works out well."

Nevada Republicans fear the decision made by Miller, also a Democrat, could lead to them losing the U.S. House seat being vacated by senator-designate Dean Heller. They are preparing a lawsuit to challenge the ruling.

Miller said Monday that allowing an unlimited number of major party candidates and independents in the race was more democratic than allowing Republican and Democratic party leaders to choose a nominee apiece.

Nevada, a state for 147 years, has never held a special election to fill a House vacancy. A 2003 state law calls for an election but makes no provision for a primary or a run-off of any kind. Miller said he made his decision based on his interpretation of the law and not on politics.

A number of potential Republican candidates, including Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki and state party chairman Mark Amodei are looking at the race. If they jump in, they would join already declared candidates Kirk Lippold, a retired Navy commander, state Sen. Greg Brower and Tea Party favorite Sharron Angle.

Republicans fear a large number of GOP candidates would split their vote, propelling a Democrat to victory in a Northern Nevada-based district that has never elected a Dem in 30 years. GOP insiders say they are particularly concerned about Angle, a prolific fundraiser who does not hesitate to criticize fellow GOP members.

On the Democratic side, former university regent Regent and two-time House candidate Jill Derby said she is running. State Treasurer Kate Marshall, and former university regent Nancy Price, who ran for the seat in 2010, also are considering candidacies. But Democrats expect they will settle internally on a single contender who will give them the best chance to win.

Reid shrugged at the idea that an open ballot might favor Democrats.

"I don't know anything about that," he said. "It is a very tough district" for Democrats.

Reid commented to reporters who were invited to take his picture with Cheryl Macy, the 2011 Nevada Teacher of the Year. Macy is an English teacher at Carson High School in Carson City.