August 26, 2006
In This Issue:

What a week!

Celebrating together on primary election night. Let's do it again in November!

Dear Tony ,

What a week! From the Democratic National Committee meeting in Chicago, to the electric “Ticket to Victory” celebrations today at home, our message of change has caught fire in Nevada, and beyond our borders. The phones have been ringing off the hook, with calls from supporters and prominent fans from across the nation offering their help in our bid to take back our government for the citizens of Nevada.

The eyes of the nation will be on our state, perhaps now more than ever before with last weekend’s approval of Nevada’s early caucus. I was thrilled to be a part of our state’s leadership group at the DNC summer meeting in Chicago where the historic vote was cast, solidifying Nevada’s position as the new gateway to the West. I had the opportunity to meet with party leaders from across the country who are very enthusiastic about our campaign – and let’s just say it’s a good bet that Congressman Gibbons won’t have his much-discussed fundraising advantage for long!

In addition to fundraising, we gained a great boost of support this week through the endorsement of the Nevada AFL-CIO and its many affiliated organizations, representing more than 160,000 working men and women across our state. I am extremely gratified to have the support of this group as we work to address the issues of greatest importance to all working families – affordable health care, access to education and a safe workplace, to name just a few.

As I write this, I have just finished a day of party events in Las Vegas and in Reno, in support of a stellar Democratic ticket I am truly proud to be a part of. It was clear at these gatherings that the people of Nevada are ready for meaningful change – to get our state, and our entire nation, back on track. I am confident that the energy and enthusiasm shown in these packed houses today resonates throughout the state, and will carry us all the way to Carson City.

But our greatest task is ahead. Although Congressman Gibbons has been most notable this week by his absence from public forums and the media, his campaign will not stay silent for long. Your support is needed now more than ever before – and every contribution, large and small, makes a real difference. Please know how much your time, talent and resources are appreciated.

Together we will make history on November 7!

Respectfully,

Dina Titus, Nevada State Senator

August 23, 2006

In This Issue:

Gibbons ducks debates - don't let him get away with it!

visit www.dinatitus.com

Just days into the general election campaign, Congressman Gibbons has already returned to his familiar pattern of hiding from you, the voters of Nevada. He has rejected our “six for ‘06” proposal for a series of six debates leading up to the November election, and failed to appear at the season’s first major candidate forum, organized by Congregation Ner Tamid.

The Las Vegas Sun agrees that the people of Nevada deserve better. In today’s edition, (“Voters served by debates,” 8/23/06,) the editors put it in stark terms:

“…we’re disappointed that Gibbons, after practically sitting out the primary election, believes that the voting public can truly be served by just three debates. Titus and Gibbons have very different visions for Nevada, and voters would be well served to see them together, trading their sharply contrasting views, as often as possible."

It’s clear that the congressman’s strategy is to duck Nevada’s voters, and refuse to discuss his record outside of pre-prepared, one-way messaging. We know that Nevadans are too sophisticated and smart to fall for that tactic – and the media is catching on, too.

If you believe that Nevadans deserve better than duck and run posturing, I’d ask that you reach out to the newspapers, and even directly to the congressman, to make your opinions heard.

I am looking forward to engaging Nevada’s voters on the issues most important to our state throughout this general election season. I hope that the congressman agrees that voters deserve a thorough vetting of these issues, and side-by-side, spontaneous discussion in order to make an informed choice in November.

Respectfully,

Dina Titus, Nevada State Senator

Just a short note to welcome you to our information network. I'll be writing you with updates on my work as Minority Leader of the Nevada State Senate as well as other important events and issues that affect each and every Nevadan.

We respect your privacy and we will not share your information with anyone. Feel free to stop by my website at www.dinatitus.com or Email me with any of your questions or concerns at dina@dinatitus.com

Once again, welcome!

Respectfully,

Dina Titus, Nevada State Senator

Thanks for your support. C

Aug. 16, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Berkley, Wegner advance
By LISA KIM BACH
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Pundits predicted a walkaway Democratic primary win for incumbent Congresswoman Shelley Berkley in District 1.

Election results on Tuesday gave her that and more. By the time returns were tallied, Berkley trounced challenger Asimo "Silver" Lawlor with 90 percent of the vote.

"I am very gratified to know that the people I represent have enough confidence in me to renominate me," Berkley said.

Berkley's opponent, Lawlor, claimed to be the heiress to the Romanov dynasty when she was asked about her reasons for running.

Berkley was able to maintain her overwhelming lead over Lawlor throughout the night.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Berkley maintained a 90 percent share of the vote.

On the Republican side of the primary, Kenneth Wegner won the right to challenge Berkley in the general election.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Wegner had 51 percent of the party vote. Russ Mickelson received 38 percent of the vote.

Michael Ace Monroe earned 11 percent of the vote.

"I'm so happy that tomorrow morning, I'm going out early to put up signs," Wegner said.

Wegner, 50, a military veteran and a bail enforcement agent, has pledged to win the race without any support from special interests.

Wegner lists his political goals as supporting U.S. troops abroad and lobbying for a flat tax formula that impacts all people equally.

Berkley and Wegner will compete in the general election with Independent American candidate Darnell Roberts, Libertarian candidate Jim Duensing and Reform Party candidate Bruce Westcott.

Dina Titus Asks Nevadans to Join Campaign to Take Back their State

August 16, 2006

LAS VEGAS –State Senator Dina Titus stood before an ebullient crowd tonight as the Democratic nominee for governor and asked Nevadans to join her in a campaign to put the people’s interests first and create a new era focused on quality education, better jobs, affordable and accessible health care and protection of the state’s environment.*1

“What we celebrate here tonight is not just a primary victory for the Dina Titus campaign,” Dina Titus told a crowd of supporters at the Nevada State Education Association headquarters in Las Vegas. “No, indeed. We’re not celebrating the end of something. We are celebrating the beginning – a new day -- the first day of the march to Carson City to take back the government for the people of Nevada. Are you ready to begin that march? It’s time!”

Dina Titus won with 53 percent of the Democratic vote and said the General Election campaign will present the many differences between herself and Republican opponent Jim Gibbons on issues important to Nevadans, including education, health care, energy costs, ethics in government, economic development and environmental protection.

“I have a record to stand on and a plan to build on,” Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus said, noting she has been at the forefront of progressive legislation since her election to the Nevada Legislature in 1988 and appointment as minority leader in 1992. “I have built a strong record of legislation in the areas of greatest concern to Nevadans: education, health care, senior and veterans’ issues, the environment, and fighting crime.”

Outlining her vision for the state, Dina Titus said: “Nevada deserves better than to be at the bottom of every good list and the top of every bad one. All Nevadans should have accessible, affordable health care. All children are entitled to a quality education, and all seniors should be able to keep their homes.” Dina Titus said she is committed to instituting all-day kindergarten for all Nevada children, creating better-paying jobs with health benefits for Nevada families and reducing energy costs that are draining family budgets.

Noting that Jim Gibbons decided to run for governor only after being turned down by his party’s leadership to head a congressional subcommittee, Dina Titus said, “Being governor of Nevada is my first choice. My only choice. And that’s why I’ve been working so hard to earn your support in this race. I’m optimistic about Nevada’s future and excited about leading the state in new directions.

“There’s no question about it. Tonight’s results prove it. The people of Nevada want change, and my campaign is all about change,” Dina Titus said. “My fellow legislators will tell you that I’m a consensus builder. I know what works in state government and what needs fixing. I am ready to hit the ground running as your next governor. We have shown that together we can defy conventional wisdom and change the political landscape of Nevada. Let’s do it again. It’s time.” *2

The following is a bio of Dina Titus:

Senator Dina Titus has dedicated her entire professional life to education. She has taught American and Nevada government at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for nearly 30 years. She has represented the people of Senate District 7 in the Nevada Legislature since 1988, serving as the Democratic Minority Leader since 1992.

As a teacher and legislator, Dina Titus has fought to maintain smaller class sizes in the important early grades and sponsored legislation for full-day kindergarten as a strong advocate of early childhood education. Dina Titus has sought to protect Nevada’s most vulnerable citizens – seniors. She sponsored legislation allowing seniors and other Nevadans to purchase less expensive prescription drugs from Canada, proposed successful legislation mandating enhanced penalties for criminals who commit identity theft, and won passage of legislation doubling penalties for offenders who commit crimes against disabled persons. Dina Titus cracked down on sexual predators with legislation increasing penalties for sex offenders, requiring lifetime supervision of their conduct, and establishing a state website that allows concerned citizens to identify locations in their neighborhoods where paroled, supervised sex offenders reside.

To protect Nevada families against rising property taxes that could tax them out of their homes, Dina Titus proposed a freeze on property tax valuations that led to the Nevada Legislature capping increases in valuation. Dina Titus also has been an advocate of “smart growth,” proposing a “ring around the valley” in Southern Nevada to better manage growth, and was successful with legislation protecting environmentally sensitive Red Rock Canyon from encroaching development.

Please click on the Nevada map on this web site’s home page to see specifics of Dina Titus’ legislation by region of the state. Click on Endorsements to view the many groups that have formally endorsed Senator Titus for Governor. For additional information on Senator Titus's legislative record, you can visit the Nevada Legislature website.

Dina Titus earned her Bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia and her PhD from Florida State University. A noted non-fiction writer, she is the author of Bombs in the Backyard: Atomic Testing and American Politics (University of Nevada Press, Revised Edition 2001) and Battle Born: Federal-State Relations in Nevada During the Twentieth Century (Kendall-Hunt, 1989). She has been named UNLV’s Teacher of the Year and received the President’s Medal for Service to Higher Education. Readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal have twice selected her as their Favorite Female Las Vegan of the Year and the Outstanding Legislator of the Year in 1999. Dina Titus is married to Professor Tom Wright.*3

--------------------------------------------
References

*1. Dina Titus 2006. 'A profile of Dina Titus,' "A search of 'Dina Titus for Governor' on the Google.cn," (August 16, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.cn.
*2. Ibid.
*3. Ibid.

Aug. 16, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

SUPREME COURT Seats F and G: Incumbents make strong showings
Two will face Clark County district judges in November
By CARRI GEER THEVENOT
REVIEW-JOURNAL

[[[Friends and family join Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker, center, at her Las Vegas home Tuesday as she watches election results unfold on television. Becker advanced to the general election, where she will face Clark County District Judge Nancy Saitta in the race for Seat G.
Photo by Ronda Churchill.]]]
[[[Nancy Becker]]]
[[[Michael Douglas]]]

The incumbents in two Nevada Supreme Court races made strong showings Tuesday, and each will face a Clark County judge in November's general election.

Justice Michael Douglas and Justice Nancy Becker were the top vote-getters in their respective races. According to nearly complete results, Douglas received about 35 percent of the vote in the Seat F race, and Becker received about 33 percent in the Seat G race.

Voters chose to pit District Judge Nancy Saitta, 55, against Becker, 51, in the general election. About 25 percent of the voters favored Saitta.

Becker said she has "a broader base of support and a better reputation for integrity" than Saitta.

"I think that my record of service -- even if you disagree with some of the decisions the court has made -- my experience, my integrity over a 20-year period, is what people will appreciate," Becker said.

Saitta said voters now should expect the two candidates "to talk about the issues."

"It's time for a change in that court, and I'm certainly ready to make that change," she said. Saitta said she has more "real-life experience" than Becker.

Becker was elected to the Supreme Court in 1998. She previously spent 10 years as a Clark County district judge.

Saitta, who formerly was the state's children's advocate and senior deputy attorney general, was elected to the District Court bench in 1998.

Also in the Seat G race were Clark County Family Court Judge Nicholas Del Vecchio, who had 13 percent, and Las Vegas attorney Thomas Christensen, who received 12 percent of the vote.

Douglas, 58, will square off against Family Court Judge Cynthia "Dianne" Steel, 53, in November. Steel received 31 percent of the vote to edge out Reno attorney John Calvert, who received 14 percent.

The incumbent said he will strive to make voters understand that he has the most overall experience in the race, having spent years as both a lawyer and a trial judge before joining the high court. Steel could not be reached for comment.

Douglas was appointed in March 2004 to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Myron Leavitt. He defeated Las Vegas attorney Joel Hansen later that year for the right to serve out the remaining two years of Leavitt's term.

Steel is making her second bid for the state Supreme Court. She ran in 2004 for the seat vacated by Justice Miriam Shearing. Although Steel survived the primary election, she lost in the general election to Jim Hardesty.

Douglas served as a Clark County district judge from 1996 to 2004. He previously worked for 11 years as a Clark County deputy district attorney. He spent a year in the family support division of the district attorney's office before moving to the civil division.

Steel ran unsuccessfully for a Clark County Family Court seat in 1992, two years after receiving her law degree.

She was elected to the Assembly in 1994 but resigned in February 1996 to become chief of staff for then-Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren.

Later that year, Steel was elected to a new seat in Family Court.

Aug. 16, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: Commission to get new look
Giunchigliani tied Williams to investigation of colleagues
By MIKE KALIL
REVIEW-JOURNAL

[[[Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani high-fives a teenage campaign worker Tuesday night upon arriving at her victory party. Giunchigliani trounced Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams, who was seeking a fourth term.
Photos by K.M. Cannon.]]]

[[[County Commissioner Myrna Williams speaks to Richard Williams, a member of the carpenters union, on Tuesday evening while awaiting election results. The union was one of the commissioner's strongest supporters during the heated primary.]]]

Democratic voters ousted three-term Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams in favor of challenger Chris Giunchigliani on Tuesday, delivering a decisive end to the primary election's ugliest contest.

Giunchigliani trounced the incumbent, garnering 50 percent of the Democratic vote in District E compared with Williams' 37 percent.

The commissioner blamed her defeat on Giunchigliani attacks that linked Williams to the political corruption investigation that led to criminal convictions of four commissioners she once served beside.

Even though Williams was never accused of wrongdoing by authorities, Giunchigliani attacked her for "looking the other way" as other commissioners were trading their influence for bribe money.

Williams said late Tuesday that Giunchigliani effectively tainted her among the electorate.

"Basically, what did it was the idea I am corrupt," a melancholy Williams said as supporters were leaving her campaign headquarters.

The 76-year-old said Tuesday's defeat marks the beginning of the end of her lengthy political career. Williams said that after serving the remainder of her term, she will dedicate her time to community service outside of public office.

Giunchigliani's headquarters, her mother's home near downtown, crackled with a festive atmosphere as soon as early voting totals were released showing her with a 13-point lead over Williams.

Asked what had pushed her ahead of Williams, Giunchigliani replied "hard work." But in elaborating, she didn't back off indirectly linking her opponent to former Commissioners Erin Kenny, Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Dario Herrera and Lance Malone, who are all facing prison terms for misdeeds.

"In the long run, I represented a fresh voice, a new way of doing business and not the status quo," Giunchigliani said. "People don't want crime and corruption."

Celebrating alongside the eight-term state legislator Tuesday night were Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Wolfson; his wife, District Judge Jackie Glass; and County Commissioner Tom Collins.

At Williams' headquarters, the buzz of the crowd turned silent when initial returns showed the commissioner down significantly.

Her Democratic commission colleagues Rory Reid and Yvonne Atkinson Gates were there offering support, as was Republican Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald.

Williams, who engaged in the same brand of negative campaigning as her opponent, said she did not believe her legacy is tarnished by a final race dominated by mudslinging.

"My legacy will be community centers, parks and a health clinic which serves 1,500 people," she said.

A third Democratic candidate, UNLV student Priscilla Marie Flores, captured 13 percent of the vote.

Political observers have said Giunchigliani's primary victory all but guarantees she will capture the District E seat in the November general election. Giunchigliani will face Republican Joe Thibodeau and Independent American Itzhak "Isaac" Shoham in the general election.

No well-known Republican opponent is in the race, and the district votes heavily Democratic.

Giunchigliani's advancement brings an end to what the candidates acknowledged was the ugliest primary contest in the state.

No other race saw as much mudslinging and name-calling, all the more surprising considering it pitted against each other candidates who, if not friends, have been at least allies as two of the local Democratic Party's most liberal stalwarts over the past 15 years.

The two served together in the state Assembly in the early '90s, have attended Democratic functions at each other's homes and have in the past shared the same campaign consultant in Giunchigliani's husband.

With similar voting records and nearly identical stands on many issues, Giunchigliani faced a struggle in giving voters a reason to oust her opponent.

The 51-year-old Giunchigliani focused on depicting herself as a more aggressive and energetic politician than Williams. She also attacked Williams in a political flier as the only candidate in the race who had been "investigated" for corruption by the FBI.

Political observers called the allegation unfair because Williams was never indicted or accused of wrongdoing, only interviewed by federal agents for 20 minutes as part of their investigation of the other commissioners.

Doing pretty good. Going out to walk again though.

Thanks so much.

Chris

To: tojulei@yahoo.com
From: "Chris Giunchigliani for Commission District E" [chris@giunchigliani.com]
Subject: GRAFTING: First it’s faces onto photos, then endorsements.
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:41:28 -0700

GRAFTING: First it’s faces onto photos, then endorsements.

In the last days of the campaign, Myrna Williams’ campaign has identity confusion as revealed in the updated www.districtefactcheck.com

We invite you to click on www.districtefactcheck.com to see the newest wrinkles in the Myrna Williams’s campaign.

First, Chris Giunchigliani’s photo is grafted onto another woman’s body—a cute trick but given away by the reflection. Click on “There She Goes Again” for a close look.

Then, Williams claims endorsements which have already committed themselves to Chris Giunchigliani. Apparently not content with the ones she already had, Williams grafted Chris’s endorsements onto her list. Click on www.districtefactcheck.com and scroll further down on the page titled “Down Memory Lane” for the facts.

Paid for by Chris Giunchigliani for Clark County Commission
706 Bracken Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
Home phone: 366-1663 Cell phone: 521-1663
Email: chris@giunchigliani.com
Website: www.giunchigliani.com and www.districtefactcheck.com

It is our pleasure to post the following information from President Joh Ponticello of the Paradise Democratic Club of Las Vegas (PDCLV):

Tonight

DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HOST A "MEET YOUR DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES $5 DINNER" *1

HONORING NEVADA STATE PARTY CHAIR TOM COLLINS

The Paradise Democratic Club is sponsoring a "Meet your Democratic Candidates $5 dinner" honoring Nevada Democratic Party Chair Tom Collins. The dinner will be at the Teamsters Local #14 Building 1250 Burnham street, Wed July 19th . No host Cocktails at 6 PM and Dinner will start at 6:30 PM*2

John Ponticello, President
Paradise Democratic Club
7744 Rockfield Drive, LV NV 89128
(702) 363-2456 phone/fax - jpontic177@aol.com

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Ponticello, John. 'The Paradise Democratic Club is sponsoring ... ,' "An e-mail from President John Ponticello of PDCLV to WBTI," (July 19, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: PDCLV.
*2. Ibid.

Jun. 28, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN: Titus ends silence on television
She trades attack ads with Democratic rival in Reno
By MOLLY BALL
REVIEW-JOURNAL

[[[Dina Titus
Jim Gibson]]]

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Dina Titus broke her television silence Tuesday, but only in Reno, where she went on the air with ads attacking primary opponent Jim Gibson and defending her record in Northern Nevada.

Henderson Mayor Gibson's first negative ad, also running only in Reno since Friday, questions state Sen. Titus' attitude toward Northern Nevada, noting that Titus called northerners "a sponge" and "rascals" in separate incidents.

"If Dina Titus doesn't trust you, why in the world would you trust her as governor?" Gibson's ad says.

Gibson has had positive ads on the air statewide since the end of May.

With her first television ad of the campaign, Titus hits back with her contention that Gibson is a Republican in disguise, noting that he attended President Bush's 2001 inauguration and accusing him of "promising his Republican friends he would work to outlaw abortion."

The ad also describes Titus as "working to restore the Truckee River, fund education in Northern Nevada, protect seniors from identity theft and pass a tough new sexual predator law."

The ad references an article in the Review-Journal in October about Gibson's stance on abortion.

On the television show "Face to Face with Jon Ralston," Gibson had said, "I believe that abortion is an alternative in the circumstances I described (rape, incest, life of mother), and that would be the kind of legislation, if it ever came to that. I don't imagine that it will. That's a position I would take."

Titus at the time blasted Gibson, saying abortion "is the choice a woman makes with her family, her doctor and her God, not with her state Legislature." Gibson said he hadn't had a chance to fully explain his position and would never outlaw abortion.

Gibson spokesman Adam Candee on Tuesday said Titus' claim in the ad was "patently false." "He's never promised anyone anything," Candee said.

As for Gibson's stance on abortion, Candee said, "Personally, he believes that abortion should not be a form of birth control. He believes it should always be available in cases of rape, incest or the health of the mother. More importantly, he believes the issue is settled in Nevada."

In 1990, Nevada voters approved a referendum making abortion legal. Under Nevada law, another referendum would be required to change the law.

As for Bush's inauguration, Candee said Gibson only attended because he happened to be in Washington, D.C., for a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting. "He didn't make the trip just to go to the inauguration," he said.

Titus spokeswoman Jennifer Knight said Gibson is "trying to play both sides" on the issue. "You either support a woman's right to choose or you don't," she said.

Knight said Gibson's complicated take on abortion was "a wink to Republicans" and noted he has been an official in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which believes abortion should not be legal.

Gibson's ad refers to two comments Titus made. The first was in 1991, when she was pushing the "fair share" bill that reallocated sales taxes in the state to give Clark County more revenue.

In a speech to the Legislature, Titus said, "For years, Washoe County has been a sponge, just soaking up the income that's been earned by the blood and sweat of miners, gamblers and ranchers throughout the remainder of the state. Washoe County residents don't want taxes; they don't want growth; they just want handouts."

The second comment came in 1997, "after our deadly floods where two people died and thousands were left homeless," as Gibson's ad puts it. Titus said on a television show, "You know, there are rascals up north. We want to be sure that what we pay for is what was really damaged, that we aren't putting in some improvements that weren't there before the flood."

Titus later said she was referring to northern politicians, not flood victims, and that she was joking.

Titus political director Marlene Lockard, who is based in Reno, said the comments were "decade-old remarks" being dredged up in a desperate attempt to dent Titus' credibility.

"I don't think it's appropriate or healthy to try to play off the regions, to try to divide the state," Lockard said. "It's the ultimate irony of him trying to pit Northern Nevadans against Dina when she has worked on a statewide basis for years in the Legislature ... and he sits in his elite, wealthy community and has never done anything for the rest of the state."

Candee said the comments might be nearly a decade old, but they were several years apart. "It's not like it was one isolated outburst and then she changed her mind," he said. "It's not possible to rewrite her record of 18 years of contempt for Northern Nevadans in a 30-second television ad."

The split between north and south is a longtime feature of Nevada politics, Democratic political consultant Billy Vassiliadis said. Once, the state's economic and political power was concentrated in Reno and the rural counties, with mining, ranching, and a thriving gaming industry in Reno.

"The power base, politically and economically, is shifting to the south," Vassiliadis said. Because their influence is waning, Northern Nevadans tend to be resentful and suspicious of southern politicians, he said.

Northern Nevadans tend to be longtime residents and politically engaged, while Clark County voters "tend not to pay too much attention to things outside their direct line of sight," Vassiliadis said.

Clark County is also the state's Democratic stronghold, with 70 percent of the state's 374,581 registered Democrats as of last month, according to the secretary of state's office. But its influence is diminished by low turnout. In 2004, Clark County had the lowest primary turnout in the state, at 27.5 percent.

Dina Titus 2006
Straight Talk, Bold Ledership

Titus Shares Vision in Pahrump Swing

Nevada gubernatorial front-runner Dina Titus came to town Monday, telling Pahrump business leaders she is the best candidate to translate the state university system's high-tech research programs into general economic development.

Pahrump Valley Times

Jun. 13, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

JOHN L. SMITH: Democrats' best fighter aware key to winning is in knowing when to fight
It's like listening to a rib-cracking prizefighter quote Shakespeare.

When James Carville speaks of measured Democratic approaches on the sensitive subjects of abortion rights and gay marriage, you'll almost forget that he's arguably his party's most effective street scuffler.

Almost.

Then he'll interrupt his rhapsody to remind you that the Democrats must seize this moment in history while President Bush's popularity is lower than a snake's belly. He'll tell you the Democrats must get in there and fight like they mean it, show some leadership, some backbone and vision, and remind converts and critics alike that they're the best qualified to guide America's future -- as long as they're willing to put up a fight.

While John Kerry was stiffly imitating JFK in a presidential version of "Legends in Concert," Carville was hooking and gouging and calling for his colleagues to get out there and thump somebody upside the head. Nobody likes wimps, not even other wimps, and the Democrats had second-guessed themselves so long they'd begun to look like the Alan Alda Party, but with smaller biceps. Losing both houses of Congress, the White House and the spin in the popular media will do that.

Then there's Carville, a key Clinton corner man who parlayed that success and his pugnacious style into national political celebrity and a fascinating job description that keeps him with one foot in the campaign business and the other in the pundit press. He included Las Vegas on his latest trip through the West to fire up volunteers and champion Democratic campaigns, and while in Nevada he talked up congressional candidates Jill Derby in the North and Tessa Hafen in the South. By the time Carville gets through touting their strengths, Derby and Hafen sound like formidable favorites instead of underdogs looking for upsets.

Carville is a gifted fighter, but he is aware the key to success for his party will be in knowing when to do battle.

"No. 1, a lot of people thought the Kerry campaign was not aggressive, and the Bush campaign was very, very aggressive," Carville said. "The lesson to be taken from that is that people actually like an aggressive campaign.

"Second, the plunge in Bush's polls is partly attributable to the fact that Democrats got more aggressive. As the opposing party goes down, ours gets a little more testosterone, if you will. The problem with the Democrats wasn't so much ideological, but sort of anatomical. I think the party is doing a little better because it's fighting a little harder."

Politically speaking, the Democrats have been stone stupid on the gun-control debate, allowing the other side to own it because they've failed to judge its importance to a large percentage of middle-class voters. Instead of focusing on the laws already on the books, they've allowed the liberal end of the party to continue to foment a debate that cannot be won.

"On the gun stuff, we need to declare victory and enforce the laws we've got, and get the hell out of there," Carville said.

The same is true when it comes to discussing religion and abortion rights.

"What does it really mean to be Christian?" he asked. "It's how you treat each other. ... If we understand that we are how we treat each other, we'll all be better people for it -- and it's completely compatible with our Constitution.

"Democrats tend to be uncomfortable with it. We're a diverse nation, and we wouldn't want to, like, offend anybody."

But to many with strong religious beliefs, that silence is offensive and in recent years has been filled with rhetoric from Republicans, including the president, who do not hesitate to slip religion into the conversation.

But if you focus on the tenets of religious faith, then the gay marriage issue is eclipsed by more pressing subjects, such as how we treat our poor, elderly and uninsured and how we promote our best values overseas.

And while nationally the Democrats will continue to promote education and contraception, they have begun to refocus how they talk about abortion rights, he said.

"People understand it's a choice, but it's a tragic choice," he said. "They'd prefer their politicians not be so enthusiastic about it."

Knowing how to address sensitive issues can mean the difference between winning and losing in November.

Sometimes fighting is the easy part.

John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail him at Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.

The following information has been received from a search of "Natalie Tyrrell" on the Google.com in the morning on May 13, 2006:

Detail: Come enjoy an open bar and hors d'eouvres at the Southern Highlands Golf Club home of Attorney Nancy Harkess.*1

Contributions are encouraged and can be sent to 1930 Featherbrook Avenue, North Las Vegas 89031 in lieu of attendance. Please call for directions.

City or County: Clark County, North Las Vegas Township

When: 6 p.m. on Friday, May 19

Location: Home of Nancy Harkess, Esq. - 11772 Canons Brook Drive, Las Vegas 89141

For More Information, please contact: Nancy Harkess 382-5330 harkess@unlv.nevada.edu*2

We wish more people will enjoy the open bar & hors d'eouvres and make the party great!

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Nevada State Democratic Party. 'Party for Judge Natalie Tyrrell's Reelection Campaign,' "A search of 'natalie tyrrell' on the Google.cn, AOL.com, and Google.com" (May 13, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.cn.
*2. Ibid.

More than 10,000 visits to our website. 852 emails of encouragement and support, ..... 1382 Metro employees on board and more than 200 phone calls in just the past few days.

It really is time to bring the 'shine' back to the badge at Metro as our well wisher asks of us.

I will do my level best to keep my promise to him and all of the people of Clark County.

It will be a brand new day at Metro in 2007, and I will respectfully ask all citzens of Clark County to join our efforts to bring Justice, Integrity and Accountability back to Metro.

.....................................

The Paradise Democratic club is having 2 events this month. A $5 dinner with Jack Carter on May 17, 2006 at 6:30 pm in the Teamsters #14 bldg at 1250 Burnham Street. The second event is a tree planting ceremony honoring the late Jan Smith on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 10 am at Paradise Park.*1

John Ponticello, President
Paradise Democratic Club
7744 Rockfield Drive, LV NV 89128
(702) 363-2456 phone/fax - jpontic177@aol.com

PARADISE DEMOCRATIC CLUB NEWS LETTER
May 1, 2006

Dear Club Member:

Our next meeting will be in conjunction with our $5 dinner with Jack Carter on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 6:00 pm (no host cocktails 6 pm, dinner 6:30pm) at the Teamsters Local #14 Building, 1250 Burnham Street. Please invite your friends to attend.

Please note: no host cocktails start at 6 pm and dinner at 6:30 pm.

We also have another event scheduled this month. It is a tree planting ceremony honoring the late Jan Smith at Paradise Park on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 10:00 am. Jan was a former Justice of the Peace in Jean, Nevada. Prior to that she was the Chief of Staff and Assistant to Governor Mike O’Callaghan during his regime. In her early days she was a strong Democratic and woman’s activist. Jan also was very instrumental in getting O’Callaghan elected.

Our "Outstanding Democrat of the Year" 2005 reception honoring Constable "Bobby G" Gronauer was a huge success and all who attended seemed to have a good time.

As always, all Democratic candidates are welcome to attend our meetings and events and introduce themselves. If you know any Democrats running for office in the 2006 General Elections, be sure to tell them, but please make sure they are Democrats. Non-Partisans and Republicans are not welcome, as you must be a Democrat to attend our meetings.

Looking forward to seeing you at the $5 dinner and our meeting on the 17th.

John Ponticello

President

P.S. If you have not paid your dues please send $10 to Sally Clapp, 1340 W. Horn Rd. Pahrump NV 89048 361-4055.

************************

Two Events This Month

$5 dinner with Jack Carter

Wed. May 17, 2006 at 6 pm

Teamsters #14 Building

Burnham 1250 St

*******
Tree planting Ceremony

Honoring Jan Smith

Saturday, May 20, 2005

Burnham 1250 St Paradise Park at 10 am

Near Eastern & E. Tropicana*2

---------------------------------------------
References

*1. Ponticello, John. 'Two Events This Month,' "An e-mail from President John Ponticello of PDCLV to WBTI," (May 2, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: PDCLV.
*2. Ibid.

***"Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him." --- Booker T. Washington
***"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more." --- Jonas Salk, MD
***"Those who trust us, educate us." --- George Eliot

PARADISE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF LAS VEGAS held "OUTSTANDING DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR RECEPTION" HONORING Las Vegas Constable Robert "Bobby G" Gronauer. The party was held at Bally's Hotel Skyview Room Monday, April 17, 2006 from 7 to9 PM. "Bobby G" Gronauer was honored as "THE OUTSTANDING DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR" 2005*2

During the party, Special Tribute Award was presented to former Assemblyman Bob Price. Randy Solterio, Carol Burgeson and Carol & Duane Chesnut were honored as "Grass Roots Democrats of the Year" 2005.

Many high ranking officials of Nevada together with famouns intellectuals, business executives, and community leaders attended the party. The highlight of it was the OUTSTANDING DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR AWARD to Robert "Bobby G" Gronauer presented by the President of PARADISE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF LAS VEGAS John Ponticello.

With more than 400 attendances to the Party this year, we could recognize the successful leadership of President John Ponticello of PARADISE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF LAS VEGAS. His diligence, integrity, and good work performance have made the many events of this Club wonderful and fruitful for many years.

The co-sponsors of the Party included Sheet Metal Workers Int Association (Michael J. Sullivan, President), Sheet Metal Workers Local #88, IBEW #357 (David Jones), Proggemeyer Design Group, Harrah's Entertainment (Jan Jones), IATSE Local 720, Jim Gibson for Governor, Republic Services, Shelley Berkley, Dina Titus for Governor, Deputy Constables & Office Staff (Marian Replogle), Russel Dorn, Sierra Health Services Inc (Marie Soldo), Painters Local #159 (John Smirk), the Walters Group, Sprint (Margaret McMillan), Culinary Workers Union #226 (D. Tayor), Teamsters #631 (Ed Burke), International Game Technology, Mexican Patriotic Civic Community (Eddie Escobedo, Ultimate Sports Entertainment, Charlyne Chen & New Shanghai Restaurant, CCYPD, UNLV Students (Lisa Wyman), Steve Sisolak, Sen. Steven Horsford, Operating Engineers #12 (William Waggoner & John Haslam), Labor Union Retirees International Council #892, Justice Michael Douglas, Carol & Dwayne Chesnut, Claudine Williams, Former Justice Robert "Bob" Lueck, Time Priting, NSEA, Washington Business & Technology Institute (Tony Lei, President), San Gennaro Feast (Anthony Palisano, President), Fraternal Order of Police, Educators Vote, and Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian.*3

After nearly three decades in police work, Robert A. Gronauer, better known by his friends as "Bobby G" has been our Las Vegas Township Constable since the January of 1999. His endeavor for Las Vegas as a constable is remarkable with his popularity, integrity, and professionalism.*4

The International Association of Chiefs of Police chose Gronauer as one of the top police officers in America for using innovative and progress techniques to solve problems in one of the most crime ridden areas of Las Vegas, "Gerson Park", one of those places where they said it couldn't be done. Dedication to his country and community brought "Bobby G" a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a V for Valor in Vietnam, and the Marine Corps looked to Robert Gronauer to teach its young officers to be leaders. "Bobby G" has been presented with the following awards: "Humanitarian Award" - presented in March 2002 by the Seniors' United Organization, "Elected Official of the Year" - presented in April 2001 by the Asian Chamber of Commerce, "Constable of the Year 2001" - presented on April 7, 2002, by the National Constables' Association, the "Citizen of the Month Award-June 2002" - presented on June 5, 2002, by the Las Vegas City Council and "Proclamation Award" - presented on July 16, 2002, by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for serving his country and the Clark County community with dedication and pride.

Some of Bobby's objectives are to help preserve and clearly define the significant role of the constable in the delivery of justice system in the United States, train, educate and upgrade the quality of performance of the constable, provide membership benefits which will contribute to the general welfare and quality of the constables, continue to carry court orders from the court offices and be available to assist the needs of the office of the county sheriff and local police departments.*5

"Bobby G" Gronauer has invited Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei as his and Las Vegas Township Constable Office's Senior Advisor since January 2002. "Bobby G" has been a Vice Chairman of Clark County District and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) since since March 2002.

"As the Vice Chairman of Clark County District and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC), Bobby G. Gronauer was invited by the Pan Pacific and Asian American Forum (PPAAF) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) to attend this Party. With selected important people as a group from WBTI, it was leading by its President Dr. Tony Lei accompanied by his wife. The General Manager Nadia Sales of 'Nevada Examiner' came with her photography just on time. The presence of U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley hightlighted the event. Executive Director of PPAAF Bud Cranor appointed Brian Sandoval Honorary Chairman, David Roger and Bill Young Co-Chairs of CCDAPCC on January 2, 2003. It's my honor and challenge to endeavor to our community as a Secretary with the excellency of our Secretary General Cheryl Moss," said Agnas Chan, Consultant (now the President) of the United Business Source at the Campaign Party by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on February 20, 2003.*6

"Booby G" Gronauer was the hit winner of visitor number at One Hundred Three Thousand Three Hundred and One (#103,301st) of WBTI website in the morning on April 10, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Hi! Dr. Lei, I hit the visitor's winner number One Hundred Three Thousand Three Hundred and One (#103,301st] of the Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) website for "Bobby G". How wonderful! Its knowledgeable and rich information, plus the creative design with beautiful and colorful paintings are really impressive. I'm also inspired by the many years of contribution in academic research, community service, and humane spirit of WBTI," said Ms. Marian Replogle, the Executive Assistant of Constable's Office Las Vegas Township. Google.cn and Google.com publish WBTI's website every two or three days. Besides the 103,301 visitors of WBTI's website, the visitors on it through Google.cn, Google.com, AOL.com, WebCrawler.com, and many others are numerous.

On April 3, 2006, Robert (Bobby G) Gronauer wrote Dr. and Mrs. Tony Tung-tien Lei that "I am honor and humbled that friends like you, are willing to be generous with their time and ability to help me successful as the Las Vegas Township constable."*7

*** A photo of "Bobby G" and the announcement of the Party were shown on the Section of "Photos & Pictures" at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti in the morning on April 20, 2006.

--------------------------------
References

*1. PAI of WBTI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Vega, Valorie; Denton, Mark; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. '"Booby G" Gronauer is the hit winner of visitor number at One Hundred Three Thousand Three Hundred and One (#103,301st) of WBTI website,' "A search of 'Section of Business & Administration of WBTI website' on http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti," (April 19, 2006). Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*3. Ponticello, John. 'The co-sponsors of the Party on April 17, 2006,' "Special Periodical of PARADISE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF LAS VEGAS," (April 17, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: PDCLV.
*4. Office of Las Vegas Constable. 'About Bobby Gronauer,' "A search of 'Bobby Gronauer' on the Google.cn," (April 19, 2006), Las Vegas, Nevada: Google.cn.
*5. Ibid.
*6. Gronauer, Bobby; and Chang, Tiffany Chang. 'Motivation and entrepreneurship contribute to city development,' "Special Column; PPAA15)," (September 12, 2003), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*7. Vega, Valorie; Denton, Mark; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. Ibid.

Dear Dr.& Mrs. Lei,

Greatly appreciate for your kindness! See you Apr 17 :)

Best wishes!

Yi Li