Reid quashed Latin Chamber’s GOP endorsement

Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, a Democrat running for lieutenant governor, won the endorsement of the Latin Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, but only after last-minute intervention by her biggest benefactor — U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

The Latino BizPAC had considered a dual endorsement of both Flores, D-Las Vegas, and her Republican opponent, state Sen. Mark Hutchison, R-Las Vegas, who enjoys support within the chamber because of his business-friendly views.

But at the last minute, after Reid lobbied the Hispanic business leaders by phone, the Latino BizPAC late Friday decided to officially endorse only Flores, giving her a boost. She already enjoys significant support in the Hispanic community as one of the first Latinas to win an Assembly seat in the Nevada Legislature, in 2010.

Several sources familiar with the behind-the-scenes discussions confirmed that Reid intervened to promote Flores, but they spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they fear retribution by the Senate majority leader. Reid has an out-sized influence on Nevada politics and runs the state Democratic Party.

Brian Ayala, chairman of the Latino BizPAC, said he couldn’t discuss internal deliberations but he acknowledged there are differing opinions on the best lieutenant governor candidate. He also lamented the awkward rollout of the endorsements.

Review-Journal columnist Steve Sebelius, citing an anonymous source, reported Friday that the Latino chamber group would endorse both Flores and Hutchison. Several hours later, however, the a news release on the official endorsements listed only Flores.

“It didn’t’ go as smoothly as we’d like,” Ayala said. “At the end of the day, we stand by the endorsement. Overall, I think we have a balanced endorsement of candidates. Nothing’s ever going to make everybody happy.”

Otto Merida, a Republican and president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, said he personally backs Hutchison but declined to discuss the endorsement decision.

“Yes, I support Mark. That hasn’t changed,” Merida said. “I think he knows that.”

Hutchison has been trying to eat into Flores’ Hispanic support with some 17 to 18 percent of the Nevada electorate now made up of Latinos along with nearly 30 percent of the state population. Last week, Hutchison touted his endorsement by the Las Vegas Colombian and Peruvian Chambers of Commerce.

The lieutenant governor’s race is getting a lot of attention because of speculation that the winner of the part-time post could become governor if GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval wins re-election, as expected, but doesn’t complete his four-year term. Sandoval has said he loves the governor’s job and he has dismissed rumors he might run against Reid in 2016 or accept another judgeship or a Cabinet post if a Republican wins the White House in 2016.

The Latino BizPAC endorsed Sandoval, who faces weak Democratic opposition in Bob Goodman, who came in second to “none of these candidates” in the June 10 primary and doesn’t enjoy backing from the party.

The Latin chamber’s PAC otherwise endorsed mostly top tier Democrats, including Secretary of State Ross Miller for attorney general over Republican Adam Laxalt; state Treasurer Kate Marshall for secretary of state over state Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas; and Controller Kim Wallin for state treasurer over Dan Schwartz, a businessman.

Contact Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919. Find her on Twitter: @lmyerslvrj.