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Government affairsKey Races to Watch in Nevada’s 2010 Primary With the close of candidate filing in March, the stage was set for what will be one of the most exciting primary election seasons in memory. A large number of high profile candidates filed for office for the two most watched offices in the state. The Republican primary to determine who will face Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in the fall is perhaps the most crowded field in history. Also, two high profile candidates will face Governor Jim Gibbons in a battle to face Commissioner Rory Reid to determine who will occupy the Nevada Governor’s Mansion for the next four years. A number of competitive primaries for the state senate are also on tap for the June 8 Nevada Primary. This is a critical election for NAIOP members to watch and cast their vote. Policies impacting the national and state economies will be at the forefront of Election 2010. Early voting starts May 22. United States Senate Senator Harry Reid’s bid for fifth term is expected to be one of the most watched political contests in the country this year. This race is also expected to the costliest in state history. There are a significant number of candidates battling for spot to face the Senate Majority Leader in general election. The current frontrunner according to most primary and general election polls is former Nevada Republican Party Chairwoman Sue Lowden, a gaming executive and former state senator. Also part of the Republican field is Danny Tarkanian, Sharron Angle, Assemblyman Chad Christensen, and John Chachas. Governor Incumbent Governors around the nation have seen their popularity fall due to the economy and Nevada’s chief executive is no exception. Currently, polls show Governor Jim Gibbons in a close race in both the primary and general election. In the Republican primary, Gibbons is a fundraising disadvantage to his chief rivals, but is benefiting from wide praise he receive for his leadership performed during the February 2010 Special Session dealing with the budget shortfall. Gibbons is also maintaining a high profile by taking legal fighting against the federal healthcare act, which is seen as benefiting his standing with likely primary voters. Former federal judge Brian Sandoval has raised the most and is also seen as the current frontrunner to Gibbons. Former North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon is running an aggressive grass roots campaign in the Republican primary and a recent poll showed him defeating Rory Reid should he emerge from the June primary. Nevada State Senate Political observers are closely watching several state senate primaries. With Nevada facing budget challenges that will include a debate of taxes and spending, those that are elected to the Nevada Legislature this year will determine the direction the state takes in fiscal policies. Three senate primaries in Clark County and two in Washoe County are the five primaries in focus. In the Democratic primary to replace term-limited Senator Terry Care in Clark District 7, state assembly members Mark Manendo and Kathy McClain are both skilled campaigners and the winner of this primary is expected to easily win in the general election, given the sizable party registration advantage in this senate district. State Senator Dennis Nolan represents Clark District 9 and is facing a strong challenge from businesswoman Elizabeth Halseth. In the open seat formerly occupied by Warren Hardy, Assemblyman Joe Hardy and businessman Patrick McNaught lead the Republican field in Clark District 12. This is expected to be a spirited race as both McNaught and Hardy are well-funded and organized. Two senate races in Washoe County are being closely watched because of philosophical differences in the Republican primary. In both cases, two strong fiscal conservative assembly members are challenging what many consider more moderate challengers. In Washoe District 2, Assemblyman Don Gustavson is facing Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin to replace term limited Senator Maurice Washington. In the Washoe District 4 primary to succeed term-limited Senator Randolph Townsend, Assemblyman Ty Cobb is facing Ben Kieckhefer, who currently currently serves as the Public Information Office with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.
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