Why isn’t this man smiling?

Usually in politics, endorsements don’t change the course of races; most are fodder for political journalists and insiders.

But in the Assembly District 39 race that pits controversial incumbent Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Minden, against former gubernatorial chief of staff Robin Reedy, there is an endorsement that might make a difference.

Reedy’s campaign announced today she was backed by former District 39 Assemblyman (and co-Speaker of the Assembly) Lynn Hettrick.

Republican Hettrick served in the Assembly from 1993 to 2005, and was minority leader from 1997 to 2005. In 1995, thanks to a rare even split in the Assembly, he shared the speakers gavel with Democrat Joe Dini. Hettrick was also leader during the Assembly’s lowest point in recent memory, the 2003 session, when it took two special sessions and a lawsuit to come to an agreement on a budget plan.

But Hettrick himself, convivial and well-liked by people on both sides, maintained a good sense of humor throughout. His backing could help Reedy among fellow Republicans.

Wheeler is best known for telling voters that he’d reluctantly vote to bring back slavery if the people in his district endorsed the idea, leading to calls for his resignation. He later defended himself from the charges, claiming the media had exaggerated his comments. He was recently hospitalized for heart troubles, and doctors inserted two stents to open blocked arteries.

Reedy served as chief of staff to former Gov. Jim Gibbons during his single term in office. Since then, she’s worked as the principal of her own consultancy, Rpolitix. She announced her bid for the seat about a week after Wheeler’s now-infamous comment came to light, saying she wanted to bring “common sense and a positive future” to the district.