FBI: Kathy Augustine Murdered by Husband

The long-awaited toxicology report from the FBI revealed traces of a paralyzing drug in Kathy Augustine. Her husband, Chaz Higgs, was arrested Friday in Virginia on charges of first-degree murder.

Augustine, the Nevada Controller, died July 11 from what Higgs described as a massive heart attack. However, an anonymous tip to police quickly had them treating it as a possible murder investigation. After weeks of waiting, the FBI determined that succinylcholine had been given to her. The powerful drug, used in emergency rooms and in surgery to help the insertion of breathing tubes in patients, can paralyze muscles within minutes.

Higgs was a critical care nurse who, presumably, was not only familiar with the drug but would have had access to it as well.

Higgs was also the nurse to Augustine's former husband, Charles, who died of an apparent stroke in 2003. Higgs and Augustine married three weeks later. Family members had earlier indicated that if Higgs was charged in this case, they would ask for an autopsy on her former husband as well.

UPDATE (1/17/07): NBC's Dateline covers the Augustine story.

More Polls: Some Close, Some Surprising

After dominating the numbers in yesterday's post, the other results of the recent Las Vegas Review Journal poll show some potential problems for Nevada GOP candidates.

While Danny Tarkanian held a surprising 12-point lead over Democrat Ross Miller (a stunning reversal of his nine-point deficit in a recent Reno Gazette Journal poll), the other races surveyed are essentially dead heats with a large amount of undecided voters. The lone Democratic leader is state controller candidate Kim Wallin who leads incumbent Steve Martin by five points. Martin holds the distinction of being the only candidate running for his own job in this year's Nevada constitutional office races. He was recently appointed state controller following the death of Kathy Augustine.

The Mason-Dixon Polling & Research survey of 625 likely voters took place September 19-21. There is a four-point margin-of-error.

Attorney General:
Don Chairez (R) -- 28
Catherine Cortez Masto (D) -- 26
Chris Johnson (IAP) -- 7
None of These -- 7
Undecided -- 32

Secretary of State:
Danny Tarkanian (R) -- 44
Ross Miller (D) -- 32
Janine Hansen (IAP) -- 5
None of These -- 2
Undecided -- 17

State Treasurer:
Mark DeStefano (R) -- 33
Kate Marshall (D) -- 29
Mark Andrews (IAP) -- 5
None of These -- 5
Undecided -- 28

State Controller:
Kim Wallin (D) -- 28
Steve Martin (R) -- 23
Floyd Fitzgibbons (IAP) -- 7
None of These -- 4
Undecided -- 38

Poll Round Up: Mostly Good News For GOP

A recently (Sept. 19-21) Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by the Las Vegas Review Journal had mostly good news for Nevada Republican candidates. Jim Gibbons, Jon Porter, John Ensign and Brian Krolicki all enjoyed surprisingly strong leads. The one bright spot for Democrats was Jill Derby's closing to within the margin-of-error on Dean Heller.

Unlike other recent polls, this one actually included third-party and independent candidates, with some surprising results. Two Independent American Party (IAP) candidates polled five or better points.

In the top race, Gibbons continues to lead Titus 45 to 36 percent. Perhaps most troubling for the Titus camp is her negative numbers. While 27% view Gibbons unfavorably, 41% view Titus that way. Her favorable ratings also lag Gibbons 39-30.

Meanwhile U.S. Senator Ensign continues to hold a huge 23-point lead over Democratic newcomer Jack Carter.

Mason-Dixon polled 625 likely voters and has a margin-of-error of four points.

Governor:

Jim Gibbons (R) -- 45

Dina Titus (D) -- 36
Christopher Hansen (IAP) -- 5
Craig Bergland (G) -- 1
None of These -- 3
Undecided -- 10

Lt. Governor:
Brian Krolicki (R) -- 38
Bob Unger (D) -- 22
Thomas Jefferson (IAP) -- 7
None of These -- 6
Undecided -- 27

U.S. Senate
John Ensign (R) -- 58
Jack Carter (D) -- 35
Brendan Trainor (L) -- 1

David Schumann (IAP) -- 0
Undecided -- 6

Congress District-2
Dean Heller (R) -- 45
Jill Derby (D) -- 42
James Krochus (IAP) -- 1
Scott Babb (L) -- 0
Daniel Rosen (I) -- 0
Undecided -- 12

Congress District-3
Jon Porter (R) -- 47
Tessa Hafen (D) -- 37
Joshua Hansen (IAP) -- 2
Joe Silvestri (L) -- 1
Undecided -- 13

Mason Dixon poll results for Nevada Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer and Controller can be found here.

10 Questions With IAP Gubernatorial Candidate Christopher Hansen, Pt. 2

While Christopher Hansen, the Independent American Party (IAP) candidate for Nevada governor, wasn't invited to Monday night's debate between Democrat Dina Titus and Republican Jim Gibbons, his presence was felt in a recent Las Vegas Review-Journal poll. Hansen drew a surprising 5%.

In yesterday's first half of our interview, Hansen discussed how he would have Nevada declare war on illegal immigrants and push for changes in our state's grand jury laws. Today, we'll look at his plan for fixing the state budget, what voter is attracted to the IAP and why he thinks Gibbons doesn't want to face him in any of the other debates (though with a poll showing of 5%, Hansen may have just earned his ticket in).

6) So far it appears there may be another budget surplus headed our way. At the same time, we have just heard the state is looking at a multi-billion dollar shortfall in road construction funds. What would you do with the former and how would you fix the latter?

I would return those taxes to Nevadans. I would send the refund to the home address of registered voters. All mail that was returned would start an investigation into why the registered voter was not at their home address. This would help stop voter fraud.

I would start prosecuting IRS agents in Nevada for violations of many laws they violate every day. I would cut the school budgets by 1/4 by instituting the Voucher System and use those funds for roads. I would abolish almost all sales taxes and business taxes except on corporations. International Corporations would have the largest tax increases to assist small business to compete against these heartless giants. The larger the Corporation the larger the tax.

I would start the Nevada Bank. All Nevadans would be share holders. If the bank made a profit so would Nevadans. After less than ten years there would be no taxes needed to be paid by Citizens.

The Nevada Legislature's pay would be directly tied to the Nevada economy. If it increased their pay would increase. If it dropped so would their pay. The same should be done for all the Statewide offices and the local government offices. No government employee should get paid by the hour or by salary. It must be tied directly to the overall economy. Government elected officials and employees should have a personal interest in seeing that government is lean and efficient because it would directly affect their pocketbook.

7) Republican Jim Gibbons has suggested that third-party candidates be allowed in the gubernatorial debates (though the first will be without). If it goes through are you excited, nervous or just surprised (or a little of all three)?

I will never be allowed into the debates. Something will make sure I am not allowed in. Some technicality. Some time problem. Some excuse. The rules will change between now and 2006 and 2008 so that we cannot meet their arbitrary rules again just like they did from 4 years ago. They must keep us out or we will expose their fraud. They have everything to hide and nothing to gain.

Titus already debated me in Reno with Bob Beers and so she does not want to do it again. She stood up and walked out of the first one after she said she would stay and answer questions. Both of them are afraid of me. If they were not they would have ensured I was in at least one debate.

When you have the truth you are never nervous. Gibbons would look like a do nothing Fascist Bush patsy when I was done with him. Titus would just look like the tax and spend Socialist she already is known to be. These people have no solutions and have been the cause of all the problems. I would be thrilled to be in the debates and am trying to get into them but it will not happen. The powers at be do not want real debate. They want the same old slop fed to the same old pigs that continue to vote for the same old pig farmers on the Animal Farm.

8) You mention Barry Goldwater as an early influence on your party's formation and ideals. Yet on social issues, your party seems to be at odds with his more "live and let live" philosophy. How did that evolve?

I have studied history extensively and written a book on Religion and Taxes and the History of America. That study changed my direction and therefore the party's direction. We all knew that Socialism was bad for America but the only other choice was the Republicans and they favored Corporatism. Benito Mussolini said: "Fascism should more appropriately be called corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power." (Benito Mussolini, Encyclopedia Italiana)

FDR confirmed this when he wrote: "The first truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling power. Among us today a concentration of private power without equal in history is growing." --President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (One Thousand Americans, George Seldes, page 5.)

The Republicans are Fascist (Corporatists). The Democrats have been Socialists but have become Neo-fascist as the labor unions lost power and the Democrats sold out to the Corporations. Look at the Election Reports on Contributions and Spending on the Secretary of States Web Site as: http://sos.state.nv.us/nvelection/

Big Corporations hedge their bets and give to these twin parties to buy influence in both. "That, in essence, is fascism - ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling power."

As long as voters vote for candidates with big budgets they will get elected officials that vote for Corporations and against the average Citizen. You should never vote for the candidate with the most advertising budget. He is the one that is the most corrupt. Always vote for the candidate with a very small budget. He has not been bought and sold to the highest bidder.

9) It would seem your target voter, besides your own party, would be disaffected GOP conservatives. What would you say to those who think the IAP just hurts the GOP (much like the argument Greens hurt Democrats) and, in a close race, could be the deciding factor in a Democrat winning?

The fact of the matter is we normally take more votes from disenfranchised Democrats than frustrated Republicans. Republicans are loyal to the point of insanity. To them there is no evil on earth compared to Hillary Clinton and all Democrats are Hell Spawn. It is ridiculous at best. So they vote for Hitler and Mussolini so Mao and Stalin don't get elected. MORONS!

There are many pro-life Democrats that would never vote for a Corporatist Republican. There are many gun toten' Democrats that love the NRA and hate commie pinkos just a little less than they hate Republicans. These Democrats vote for us. And since there is no real difference between the Republicans and the Democrats I really could care less which party wins anyway. It is like worrying about which of two cars will take you over the cliff faster. The only real choice is to get out of either car and not go over the cliff at any speed. When you vote for the lesser of two evils you still get evil. What is the difference between having your liberty taken at the point of a gun or the point of a sword? Independent Americans want to arm people with knowledge so that they can fight back against the loss of their liberty by gun, sword or Republicrats. The Republicans and Democrats want to make tyranny less angry and more comfortable. Independent Americans do not. We want liberty.

10) If there was just one idea voters learn from your campaign, what would you like it to be?

That the Republicans and the Democrats have caused the problems in Nevada and the USA and it is time for change. Not minor change where the Republicrats and Democins rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, but real 1776 revolutionary change where government is reduced by at least 50% and people have more liberty in EVERY aspect of their lives from business to education to travel to marriage to contracts. You know! Freedom and not permission from the government if you buy a license and then follow their expensive and usually ridiculous regulations.

"A nation of lemmings and sheep, unwilling to learn what the laws say and mean, deserves the tyranny it tolerates." -- C.F. Charpentier

"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Samuel Clemens, author writing under the pen name "Mark Twain"

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Part one of our interview can be found here. To learn more about Hansen's campaign, please go to the IAP candidate site.

Our interview with Green gubernatorial candidate Craig Bergland can be read here.

Update: On 10/1/06, the Reno Gazette Journal published a front-page story about the Hansens and the IAP.

Titus Bumbles Early; Gibbons Bumbles Throughout in Fiery Debate

Forget the college kids booing, the fiery exchanges during the candidate question session or the surprisingly dull opening questions, what will be played on every TV station in Nevada is, much to Dina Titus' chagrin and Jim Gibbons' relief, is the Las Vegas Democrat thanking the students of UNLV for hosting Monday night's gubernatorial debate -- at UNR.

While Titus recovered from those early boos, Republican Gibbons suffered again from the usual suspects. After scoring a point with the line about Titus needing another "E" for her much ballyhooed "4 Es" (or is it 5) plan, calling her "Expensive," the congressman, apparently giddy over the response to that one, went to the well perhaps one too many times when he followed that zinger with a crack about her "mortgaging" Nevadans' futures. Considering his track record in federal budgets, it was the equivalent of throwing a slow hanging curve over the fat part of the plate. When it was Titus' turn to rebut, she sent it over the wall.

Gibbons also had problems when in the middle of answering one question he decided to go back to a charge Titus had leveled at him regarding amnesty for illegal immigrants. In probably the eight most tortured sentences sputtered during a gubernatorial debate, Gibbons may have successfully refuted the accusation. Though one can't be sure because only he knows what he actually said (hopefully).

Though for all his problems, Gibbons probably didn't harm himself any as he did manage to mention "Education First" a couple dozen times and tag Titus as a taxer. With an almost universal agreement that the expectations were low for the congressman, he probably was within shooting distance.

Titus, meanwhile, was expected to win the debate and did. She went on the attack often and proved a lot more adept at counter-punching. She also had more specifics than Gibbons, including a nice story about why not have an Entertainment Engineering degree, which at least was more original than repeating "Education First" over and over. But, that said, she probably didn't change many minds and will probably spend the rest of the week apologizing up here for her UNLV gaffe.

Gibbons' Best Moment:
Although it was one of the softball questions (What attributes will make you a good governor?), it gave Gibbons a chance to talk of his roots in Nevada, his war experience, legislative experience and time in DC. He was smooth and seemed passionate about it.

Gibbons' Worst Moment:
His fumbling and looking at his notes, though since it was an off-script rebuttal there were none, as he tried to explain what he said at a Latino luncheon in Vegas. I still don't think anybody knows what he said in the debate. If I'm correct in what I think he wanted to spit out, he should have just said "Your 'facts' are wrong Dina. I told the audience my door would be open to discuss the matter. I never endorsed it," and be done with it. But, then again, I'm sitting at home watching and not standing in front of a crowd.

Titus' Best Moment:
Since there were many, it's got to be especially depressing to the Titus camp that the most airplay will go towards the gaffe. But, I thought she handled the homeland security question (which, I think, was an intended softball for Gibbons from the Patriot Pack editor) pretty well.

Titus' Worst Moment:
Obviously her campus confusion. Although, I suppose 80% of Nevada's population would think it funny. Of course, now she is in a predicament only a politician could find. If she goes back to UNLV, where she teaches, and makes some crack about UNR, this being the week of the big football rivalry and all, it could play poorly up north. Then again, should it really matter?

Debate Highlight:
The candidates questioning each other. Cripes, toss the dull audience questions (though the gay/lesbian question did throw Gibbons off) and just let the two go at it for 60.

Debate Lowlight:
While the cheering students add some excitement, the boos definitely detracted from the event. I'm sure Gibbons, in particular, will balk at another college crowd debate. Plus, imagine how lively it would have been if Craig Bergland and Christopher Hansen were there. The promoters should have extended an invitation to the two.

10 Questions With IAP Gubernatorial Candidate Christopher Hansen

While Dina Titus and Jim Gibbons prepare for their first debate, let's not forget there are other names on the ballot for Nevada's governor.

Joining Gibbons, Titus and the Green Party's Craig Bergland (who we interviewed last week), is the current state chairman of the Independent American Party (IAP) -- Christopher Hansen. A long-time conservative activist, and former candidate, the 51-year-old Nevada native is hoping to spread his message of constitutional law and his plan to address the illegal immigration problem.

In a wide-ranging email interview, Hansen discusses, among other things, what his first act as governor would be, the evolution of the IAP and what he thinks of the Nevada Supreme Court, Republicans, Democrats, Gibbons, Titus and being allowed in this year's debates.

Here is the first part of our interview with Christopher Hansen.

1) You have run for statewide office before, Secretary of State in '04, what prompted you to make a bid for governor this year?

When I saw that none of the Republican or Democrat candidates were going to even try to do anything about illegal aliens I decided that someone had to give Nevadans a choice. I would declare war on Illegal aliens in Nevada as is allowed by the United States Constitution. The Republicans and Democrats never think they can solve problems without raising taxes. I can solve problems while lowering taxes.

2) Since the IAP was founded by your brother Daniel, and Hansen names are frequent candidates, some have said that is more the "Hansen Party". What do you say to those critics?

There are, to my best guess, 9 Hansens that are active Independent Americans. There are at least 41,796 registered Independent Americans in Nevada. There are 6 Hansens that are running for office in Nevada. The Party has 44 Independent American Party candidates in Nevada. What else would I need to say?

The Hansens are indeed the heart of the IAP as we spend a lot of our time and funds making sure the party grows. In the last 3 years the party has grown by 25,000 members. That is over a 150% increase. We Hansens are working hard to make sure that the Hansens remain very active in a very large party with diverse people, interests and talents. We cannot do it alone and we Hansens know it. That is why we recruit.

3) Many people claim to be disappointed in the Republican and Democratic candidate choices, yet feel voting for a third-party is equivalent to "throwing your vote away". How would you convince people it's not?

John Quincy Adams said: "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." But the fact of the matter is that if a voter does not like the direction of Nevada or of America then if they vote for either a Democrat or a Republican they are wasting their vote because there will never be change until there is a viable Second party since the Democrats and Republicans are so much alike. Vin Suprynowicz, in his column Two candidates -- and they're so different!, gives a good example of the problem.

The Republicans or Democrats do not want to drastically change the IRS. They just fight over small percentages. The same is true for Social Security, illegal immigration, school funding, Medicare, Medicaid, the BLM, FBI, CIA, BATF, gun control (or, more appropriately, gun ownership), etc. They call a lower tax increase a tax deduction. They are a single twin party. Two heads of the same beast.

ALL of the problems in the USA today were caused by Republicans and Democrats so if you want change and do not want to waste your vote then the Independent American Party is your only real choice. If you already like Corporatism then vote for Democins and Republicrats. They will continue to steal your money, get you into undeclared no win wars, let in more illegals and keep the schools as crime centers for those that want uneducated children. Any vote for either of those parties is a waste.

4) What do you think is the most important issue facing Nevadans today?

Getting rid of the 7 judges on the Nevada Supreme Court that do not want to allow Nevadans to change the Constitution. They are corrupt to their core and every one of them should be removed. They are tyrants in Black Robes and nothing less.

One related thing that would help this move to remove corrupt judges and elected officials is to help the IAP change the current law (NRS 6.132) to reduce the number of voters that are needed to sign a petition to call for a Grand Jury investigation to only 5000 voters in major counties and 10% in the Cow Counties. This would allow Nevadans to call for a Grand Jury criminal investigation of anyone, including a Supreme Court Judge or the Governor or a Cop or an IRS agent. It would make the Government fear the Citizens again and as Thomas Jefferson said: "Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!"

The Grand Jury is the Citizen Jury and if Citizens had REAL access to it instead of having to go through a District Attorney we would have fair and honest government officials. It is a simple answer to a long time problem and the majority of the solution is already in Nevada law. (NRS 6.132 Summoning of grand jury by filing of petition by committee of registered voters) All we need to change in the number of registered voters required to sign a petition. Power to the People is what this is all about. Naturally the powers at be will oppose it as it threatens them personally. But as they always like to say when pass laws like the PATRIOT ACT or search us before we get on an airplane, "If you haven't got anything to hide, what are you worried about?"

5) Under a Hansen administration, what would be your first action as Governor?

To declare war on Illegal Immigration and call out the Nevada Guard to start rounding them up and arresting any employer that has hired them for treason as per the US and Nevada Constitutions.

Then I would start working to get the law changed to allow for the Citizens to call for Grand Juries on anyone but especially government officials by obtaining 5000 signatures in the large Counties and 10% of the voters in the Cow Counties. (NRS 6.132)

I would also encourage every Nevadan to buy a gun and learn how to use and carry it. Citizens need to protect themselves at all times. This would lower crime and reduce the number of Police needed and thereby reduce taxes. As Patrick Henry said: "The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun."

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We'll continue our interview with Hansen tomorrow, where we'll discuss the state budget, who he believes his target voter is (it's not who you think) and why he thinks Gibbons is afraid to debate him.

For more information on Christopher Hansen, click here for his web site.

The Darby Affair Goes International

When your blog starts to receive hits at two in the morning from Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Canada and Nairobi, something has got to be going on.

Apparently that something was the whole Tom Darby/Sparks Tribune blogger/reporter controversy that raged here for awhile. In short, Darby posted a personal and very partisan political blog on the side while working as a city reporter for the Sparks, NV, newspaper. It got a little ugly, and even a little more wacky, but the end result was the Tribune pulled the plug.

Well now Cyberjournalist.net, published in partnership with The Online News Association, has picked up the story and posted a blurb on their site. And from there, the story was picked up by Visual Editors and a site from the Netherlands, About (:) Blank.

Update: Darby was dismissed by the Sparks Tribune shortly after the above controversy.

For those interested in the background, here are the posts that started it all:

The Beginning (8/12/06) -- Sparks Tribune's Tom Darby Takes Strange Trip to Cobblerville.

The End (8/19/06) -- Sparks Tribune Bans Blogs By Staff Members After Darby Controversy.

The Commentary (8/23/06) -- What the Experts Say Regarding Reporter Blog Controversy.

The Expert Opinion (8/30/06) -- Ethics Expert Weighs In On Darby and Blogs.

Darby Dismissed (1/11/07) -- Darby back Blogging After Sparks Tribune Dismissal.

10 Questions With Green Gubernatorial Candidate Craig Bergland, Pt. 2

Craig Bergland may face the longest of odds as the Green Party candidate for Nevada's next governor, but that isn't stopping him.

Yesterday, in the first half of our interview, we talked of his campaign goals, why Democrats would be fools to vote for him and what he would do if a Republican offered him a donation. Today we look at how Bergland would fix our roads, what the #1 issue facing Nevada is and who kind of creeps him out.

6) So far it appears there may be another budget surplus headed our way. At the same time, we have just heard the state is looking at a multi-billion dollar shortfall in road construction funds. What would you do with the former and how would you fix the latter?

The former 'surplus' may not really be a surplus. Let's not write the check until the money's in the bank.... The rumor mill suggests that our federal highway funds are low, and may be gone by 2010. This remains to be seen, but we cannot much longer count on the bankrupt federal government for much in the way of hard funding. While trying to get through college, I worked summers for CALTRANS in an asphalt batch plant lab. While building highways I learned that it takes a lot of energy to keep that asphalt hot, and it is far easier to keep roads in good condition than to have to repair them.

If we can reduce the amount of fuels required for road maintenance and repair, then that will help a little bit. Like a flower growing out of the crack in a sidewalk, we also must use every little bit of resource available to us. I propose several solutions to accomplish this. It is time to explore the concept of solar furnaces, both portable and site-situated as a means of heating, and also reclaiming asphalt. Every little bit that we can cut down on our (increasingly expensive) fossil use is a benefit to us. When the Nevada Hybrid vehicle comes out, that also will enable us to lessen our fuel use -- including construction vehicles. And, my proposal for the growing of industrial hemp will provide a (reputedly) direct replacement for diesel fuel, enabling many construction machines to be locally powered, which will additionally enhance local economies.

And, lastly, my call for a good statewide light rail system will help alleviate highway wear and tear. While not comprehensive solutions, these suggestions may eventually have some merit.

Some states are embracing the selling of roadways to foreign companies. These companies maintain the roadways yet charge tolls. I do not support this concept.

No matter how highways are funded, they are ultimately funded by the taxpayer.

We must consider even radical suggestions to solutions. Some politicians have trouble thinking outside the box. I have no box.

7) Republican Jim Gibbons has suggested that third-party candidates be allowed in the gubernatorial debates. If it goes through are you excited, nervous or just surprised (or a little of all three)?

Of course I'm nervous. I hate debates. They're terrifying, but I'm foolish enough and brash enough to speak my mind. Gibbons is only trying to show Titus in a bad light, and leave us with the subtle suggestion that she is anti debate, and that she hates freedom or something like that. Lot's of money and psychology behind his handlers. Next it'll be Titus has WMD's or something else stupid.

Also he is doing this because he hates debates, too. You can see it when he's on camera. He sweats. I hate watching it because it's creepy.

8) What do you think is the number one issue facing Nevada today? And what can the average Nevadan do about it?

Our #1 issue is the $3 billion coal power plant going up in Eastern Nevada. This will probably kill the alternative energy movement here, and thus deprive future generations of free power. 70% of a coal plant's energy is lost thru heat. It takes 20 lbs of coal to watch an hour of TV -- both a waste. And it is dirty.
The average Nevadan can call or write our power company demanding an end to this and calling on them to honor their commitment to Green Power. We must pressure our government to make this stop. We must write letters to the papers, and organize. It's time to get vocal and active. Organize.

Issue #2 is my fear that unless we clean up the Tahoe Basin immediately it will become a conflagration.

9) You have mentioned that a Nevada inventor is close to finishing a design for an electric car. Any updates or more info?

I cannot discuss this yet, however I have ridden in it. It is currently under rigorous testing, and predictions are that it will get triple the mileage of a vehicle of similar size and weight.

Soon.

10) You have a unique idea for a sort of private version of FEMA in the form of the Nevada Neighborhood Emergency Management Association (NNEMA). Tell us a little about that.

NNEMA is what's going to happen after the campaign. We will discuss and plan for emergencies and how to fend for ourselves. It's time to turn off the TV and go meet your neighbors. There is strength in numbers, and neighborhoods could and should be resources and good places to live. We will talk about neighborhood owned micro power plants, co-operative bulk food buying, tool sharing, and composting/gardening. We must address pending Peak Oil and how to rescue the suburbs after cheap gas goes by the wayside.

The federal government has shown that it cannot respond to major emergencies, and it is far too bankrupt to afford us much help. We must learn to fend for ourselves in all ways. I believe in the 10th amendment.

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Part one of our interview can be found here. To learn more about Bergland's campaign, please go to www.bergland4governor.org/.

On Monday, Sept. 25, we'll begin our interview with Independent American Party candidate for governor Christopher Hansen.

10 Questions With Green Gubernatorial Candidate Craig Bergland

While virtually everyone, we hope, knows Republican Jim Gibbons and Democrat Dina Titus are running for the privilege of being Nevada's next governor, there are other names gracing the November ballot.

One in particular is the Green Party's lone candidate, Craig Bergland.

The 57-year-old Reno resident is making his second foray into politics after making a brief run for Reno mayor in 1998. A Green Party member since 2005, Bergland hopes to spread the party's message as well as espouse fiscal conservatism in his campaign.

Dullard Mush caught up with the candidate recently and conducted a lively email interview where, among other things, Bergland discussed why he's running, who he finds "creepy" and what voter he is targeting. (Hint: It's not who you think. Well, at least the targeting isn't who you think. "Creepy" you probably can.)

So without further ado, we present Part One of our interview with gubernatorial candidate Craig Bergland.

1) You joined the Green Party in 2005 and now are running for governor in 2006. What prompted you to throw your hat into the ring?

The world sucks and it's getting worse. I'm a new grandpa, and she deserves a nice planet to grow up on.

2) Although winning would be the ultimate goal, what are some of the more immediate goals you have set for your campaign?

I've already won, my name is on the ballot, and I've shown that the average citizen can run, and without millions of dollars. I'm spending less than $2,000 on this campaign, and the only one who's not asking for money. How's that for fiscal responsibility? I am a harsh fiscal conservative.

My immediate and long term goals are to help educate people about Green Values and promote conservation in both our personal and societal lives. Running for office is a forum to talk about ideas and creativity. I win if we get 1% of the vote. That will give the Green Party ballot access in '08. And then all you good Greens and soon to be Greens can also participate in government.

3) Your original campaign site had a folksy appeal where you talked of mining and other topics in a way that, quite frankly, had me thinking "This guy doesn't seem like the stereotypical 'Green'." Your new site, while more polished, tends to be a little more traditional in Green areas. Was this a conscious choice by you?

I don't know what is 'traditional Green areas', but yes, after listening to opinions of friends, and receiving kind offers of help, the site was redone. Perhaps some thought the original site too folksy, but in reality I am folksy. I like the new site, it's cleaner, but no recipes yet.

No, I'm not the Martha Stewart of Nevada politics, but I am the Darth Vader.

4) Third-party candidates always have the burden of overcoming the "you're just throwing away your vote" problem. The Green Party also has the added stigma of being blamed for siphoning away Democratic voters. What would you say to those who claim you are only hurting Dina Titus in this election?

I don't want the Democrat vote. Any Demo who votes for me is a fool. If they don't all stick together, they'll become a minor party, too.

I'm shooting for the Republican Conservative vote. I'm a conservationist and am sure there are conservatives who are conservationists also. I think I'm more of a danger to Jim Gibbons than to Titus.

5) Along those same lines, let's hypothetically say that your campaign received a sizable donation for you to buy some media time or send out a mailer and you found out that it was from supporters of an opponent (variations of this have occurred before in politics). Would you accept the donation knowing it would help spread the Green message or decline because you know it was intended to harm the Democrat's chances?

I would probably take the money to spread the message, and reveal where it came from, and work toward publicly funded elections which would eliminate forever those kinds of dirty political tricks.

-----------------

We'll continue our interview with Bergland tomorrow, where he'll discuss how to fix our roads, who he finds creepy and a new electric car being built by a Nevada inventor.

For more info on Craig Bergland's campaign, please go to www.bergland4governor.org/

KRNV-4's Sarah Johns Brings the Heat

While I guess I could have went with the highly annoying "You Go Girl!", in a tip of the hat to beleaguered RGJ reporter/blogger Ray Hagar, I decided on some good 'ol sports lingo.

Reno's Channel 4 reporter and occasional anchor, Sarah Johns, has been mainly known for her niceness and friendly on-air banter with co-anchors (unlike a lot, hers never seems forced). But on Wednesday, a new Sarah Johns appeared.

While covering yesterday's public revote by Sparks City Council on the proposed Lazy 8 casino project (not to be confused with the earlier private vote that overturned the even earlier public vote that ticked off developer Harvey Whittemore), Johns let fly a line worthy of the best (or, maybe, most predictable) Hollywood thriller when she approached Judy Moss, whose flip-flop vote started it all.

"Did someone get to you?" she asked the startled Moss. Although, ironically, Johns' question has been mysteriously edited out of the video version posted on KRNV's site, you can tell from how Moss reacts that Sarah did indeed go high and inside.

Moss, incidentally, is up for reelection this November.

Prison or Partisan Blogger?

Political pundit Jon Ralston had a good line in his recent Las Vegas Sun column about Congressman Jon Porter's knack for dispatching Democratic opponents.

"In case you don't recall, Dario Herrera, Opponent No. 1, is about to go to federal prison, and Tom Gallagher, Opponent No. 2, is now a partisan blogger. Not sure which purgatory is worse."

Ouch.

How Fishing and Catching Candidate Interviews Are Alike

Like a lot of things in life, you tend to start well and then watch as things peter out. Beginner's luck and all, I guess.

Take fishing, for example. As kids, my brother and I loved it. When our grandpa took us for the first time to the "Bar Pits" for catfish one early summer morning we thought we were living the life as I quickly pulled in a two-pound Channel (this wasn't the Mississippi, so forget the 40-pounders). Later that afternoon I hooked into a 4-pound Blue my cheap reel couldn't handle. I had to pull the cat in by hand. My brother also bagged a couple decent sized ones that day. However, that one day remained the sole "Bar Pit" highlight despite years of trying. (Well that's not entirely true. There was the day we were sprayed with shot by a hunter despite sitting near a roadside bridge. He apologized. He didn't get anything either.)

The same thing, except for the gunfire, happened at the Lewiston Dam. The first day there, my brother and I hooked a large trout on virtually every cast. As we limited out, we thought we had once again struck fishing gold. Our next half-dozen trips or so netted a total of two fish ... combined. We resorted to counting strikes as points in our battle of who was the best. But cheating ended that.

So goes, apparently, fishing for interviews. While being surprised at the ease of garnering Q & As with Bob Beers, Heidi Gansert and Michael Smith (he's running for President), I eventually hit a dry spell.

Although eagerly agreeing to an interview, Libertarian chairman and congressional candidate Jim Duensing apparently changed his mind after receiving the questions (it's not like I asked him if he has "beaten his wife lately"). But, I guess, he at least responded to my initial request. I'm still waiting to hear from AD-26 candidate Ty Cobb and secretary of state candidate Ross Miller. Cripes, even Kenny Guinn's spokesman wrote back.

But at its darkest moment, I got a bite again. Not only did gubernatorial candidate Craig Bergland send in his answers (his interview will start tomorrow), but so did the IAP's candidate Christopher Hansen. Couple this with U.S. Senate Libertarian candidate Brendan Trainor and AD-24 Libertarian Jim Young (whose campaign might be a deciding factor in the tight Brooks Holcomb and David Bobzien race) preparing their answers as I write this, and the "10 Questions With..." series is back on. And, as an added bonus, I just heard from the Danny Tarkanian camp. The GOP secretary of state candidate has agreed to an interview.

I just might have to drag out my old rod and reel again.

Hagar Takes Heat; Damon Bemoans Lack of Comments; Neff Hates Kooks and the Fat & Sick

I was going to run a "10 Questions with Green Gubernatorial Candidate Craig Bergland" interview today, until I realized that in all my cut-and-pasting I had actually only asked nine. So while I wait on my tenth answer, I figure we can look at some of the stuff happening around Nevada's political commentators.

Hagar On Hot Seat
Although I think he still is a little uncomfortable with the whole blogging thing, the Reno Gazette Journal's Ray Hagar has been taking some unwarranted heat over at the Inside Nevada Politics (INP) blog.

When he isn't being called boring, he's, heaven forbid, reverting back to a sportswriter . Even when he uncovers Derby fudging on her most recent ad, he gets reprimanded when the Derby camp argues semantics. The poor guy can't win.

Despite what some have said, Hagar posts more lengthy news-like stories than most blogs out there. What he doesn't do is spin them to a particular political viewpoint which, apparently, most blog readers want. He did, though, post a short, funny bit today with a clip of an old Bob Hope movie. Since it was a jab at Democrats, he'll probably be attacked for that.

I wonder if he sometimes wishes he was writing about Bonds' steroid use and whether Don Nelson can awaken the Warriors (God I hope so)?

Where Have All The Comments Gone?
Besides making me hum the Kingston Trio song, Anjeanette Damon's plaintive post on INP asked the question a lot of us have been thinking. What happened to all the back-and-forth comments on INP?

While some will point fingers at Hagar, I think it's just a combination of less candidates to complain about, no CobbGobbler-like controversy and, yes, the no-anonymous posting rule. While I know the sign-up process is short, people don't know that going in and naturally balk at the thought of possibly giving personal information just so they can say "That guy sucks!" Go back to comments for all and things should pick up. Either that or endorse a candidate.

Neff Hates Kooks and The Fat
Okay maybe hate is a little strong, but Erin Neff's column on some of Nevada's more interesting candidates comes close.

Sure, Republican Congressional District-1 candidate Ken Wegner probably earned the unique distinction of possibly landing himself in two courts (one civil, the other divorce) with just one quote. Let's face it, when is the last time you heard a candidate (or anyone for that matter) tell a reporter, "My wife's had a few kids, doesn't have a great body anymore and my secretary is really hot." But that's the stuff that makes campaigns interesting. When have you heard his opponent, incumbent Shelly Berkely, say something you remember?

While Wegner's kookiness wigs Neff out, apparently it is the size and infirmity of Clark County District Court (23) candidate Elizabeth Halverson that does the trick. Halverson's claim to kookdom is that, horrors, she is mad at Judge Kathy Hardcastle who fired her after she filed to run against Judge Gerald Hardcastle! That's kooky alright. Oh and the fact that "She's the morbidly obese candidate wheeling around Democratic and Republican functions alike sucking oxygen through tubes affixed to her face." Emphysema -- always good for a laugh.

At least Neff didn't treat us to her trademark complaint of how things were so much better back on the East Coast. Now that would be kooky.

Gibbons and Education First Initiative Lead

Republican Jim Gibbons and the Education First initiative he sponsored are both leading in a recent poll of 600 Nevada voters.

Gibbons led Democrat Dina Titus 45% to 38% in the latest Reno Gazette Journal/KRNV News 4 poll. The "likely" voters were polled in the first week of September. There is a 4-percent margin of error.

Gibbons led in most categories, including Clark County (43 to 40 percent) and independents (36 to 31 percent). He also held a large advantage over Titus in Washoe (47 to 36 percent).

Education First, the initiative pushed by Gibbons and wife Dawn as a response to the 2003 budget battle (or, as critics would say, to coincide with Jim and Dawn's elections this year) appears to be cruising once again for ratification. The measure, approved in 2004, is supported by 57% of voters. 28% are opposed, with 15% undecided. Ironically, it is Democrats who support the measure most with 68% for and only 15% against. Republicans only favor the measure 47 to 42 percent.

Ensign by 21-Points Over Carter

After a brief bout of euphoria over a Zogby poll that, surprisingly, had Jack Carter even with U.S. Senator John Ensign, the Democrat's supporters watched in dismay as two new polls showed the race was anything but.

As expected by most political observers, Ensign was back to a substantial lead in the recent Reno Gazette-Journal/KRNV News 4 poll. The Republican was favored by 56% to Carter's 35%. Only 9% of Nevada voters remain undecided. This combined with the more recent Zogby poll showing Ensign with a 52-40 advantage, the incumbent hitting the airwaves and Carter's bout with colitis has taken what little steam there was out of the Democrat's campaign.

While Washoe County Democratic Party chairman Chris Wicker expressed "disappointment" at the numbers and conceded that "it looks like an uphill battle," others were a little more blunt.

"The chances of Jack Carter beating John Ensign are so absurd that they are not even worthy of our time talking about it," said R & R Partners' Pete Ernaut.

With a double-digit deficit, little money in the bank and questions of "carpetbagging" rearing its head, it would seem doubtful the Democratic Party would steer much if any money to Carter's campaign at this point. About the only positive spin the Carter camp can put on the RGJ poll is that his numbers can only go up. And they probably will. Enough to win? Not likely.

New Poll Shows Good News for Krolicki; Bad News for Tark

A recent Reno Gazette Journal/KRNV News 4 poll had good news and bad news for both parties.

Republican Brian Krolicki had a healthy 14-point lead (44-30) over Democrat Bob Unger in the race for the largely ceremonially position of lt. governor. As the sitting treasurer, Krolicki's lead was to be expected, especially since Unger had lost to "none of the above" in all but Clark county in his primary.

In the battle of famous Nevadan names, Democrat Ross Miller (son of former Governor Bob Miller) has a nine-point advantage (42-33) over the GOP's Danny Tarkanian (son of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry "Tark") in the secretary of state race.

And, in what could become one of the nastier battles this year, Republican Mark DeStefano has a slight edge over Democrat Kate Marshall, 37 to 35, in the run for treasurer.

Remind Me Not to Have My Oil Changed at Wal-Mart

Despite the horror stories I have heard, I took our beater Chevrolet to the Super Wal-Mart in South Reno for an oil change. Now I have a few more to add to the list.

Although I swore off Wal-Mart for oil changes on our Nissan after watching the tech try to take off the filter without removing the skid plate (Good News: He was actually changing the filter [of course I was standing there with my son]. Bad News: The oil dumped all over the plate), my inherent cheapness still had me going there for the Nova. That though has changed.

While I managed to (apparently) escape unharmed, though the sticker telling me when my next change is due was missing and the back wasn't vacuumed, others weren't as lucky.

First, I was surprised the oil was changed in about 30 minutes, which in itself must be a record, so I went to pick up the car. I was third in line.

The couple at the front were in a somewhat heated conversation with the staff as they just found out the oil put into their truck was the wrong weight. Making matters worse was that their groceries were already packed (the truck wasn't locked after being serviced) to go and a trip back to Fernley on tap. After first floating the lead-balloon idea that the couple could drive the truck and take it to a different Wal-Mart to have the oil swapped out, they finally agreed to replace it there (and within 10 minutes!).

That couple's problems, though, pale in comparison to the lady next in line. It probably should have tipped me off something had gone terribly wrong when I looked out at the bay and saw two techs push a 2004-05 Volkswagen Beetle out the door. Then the manager walked in and told the lady the threads in the pan had been stripped out by a tech and she needed a new oil pan! It was almost 5:00 p.m. and her car would have to be towed to the Volkswagen dealer. Wal-Mart would pay, they said, but she obviously wasn't getting her car back today.

Making matters worse, the lady had said this was the third time that Wal-Mart had screwed up her Bug's oil change. Apparently they had stripped the lug nut before and had forgot to put a fluid cap on another time. Why she was back again is a mystery, perhaps she thought the third time would be a charm, but it is safe to it was probably her last visit. I know it was mine.

10 Questions With AD-25's Heidi Gansert

Heidi Gansert took over Dawn Gibbons' assembly seat (AD-25) in 2004 and quickly established herself as a leader on Nevada water issues as well as in the Republican party.

We talk with her about negative campaigning, budget surpluses and what she has planned for 2007 in an email interview.

1) In 2004 you had a fairly contentious primary battle with Robin Levy, but in '06 you're running unopposed. Were you surprised or just relieved?

I was pleased to be running unopposed so I could focus on legislation for next session and on helping other Republicans with their campaigns.

2) Your first term featured you being named "Freshman Legislator of the Year" by several organizations and being chosen Minority Whip by your peers. What did you consider your successes and, if any, failures or disappointments?

I found my first session to be very successful as I was able to get numerous bills I sponsored signed into law. The most significant bill I sponsored for my district and the Truckee Meadows region was AB 323 requiring an audit of Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA). The audit by the Consumer Advocate was a well needed check on TMWA. TMWA cancelled one planned rate increase and may postpone another in the near future.

3) I notice you have been prominently featured in a couple political TV ads this season endorsing Jim Gibbons and, I believe, David Humke. Pretty heady stuff for a freshman! Were you surprised at being asked and do you think your endorsement helps (both did win handily)?

It was an honor to be asked to support candidates like Jim Gibbons and Dave Humke. Jim Gibbons has the experience and fiscal discipline to move Nevada forward as our next governor. He is the right person for the job. Dave Humke has a wealth of experience in the legislature and on the county commission to make good decisions for our community.

4) This year has seen a flurry of negative primary battles in the GOP, including those against incumbents like John Marvel and Francis Allen. How do you think this will effect the general election?

Negative primary battles are very difficult for any party. I am confident that Republicans recognize that we need to support our candidates to have the greatest impact on policy in the long run.

5) Much has been made of the possibility of a Democratic veto-proof Assembly. How real are those odds and what are Republican Caucus members doing about it?

The Republican Assembly Caucus is supporting its incumbents and has some excellent new candidates. The Assembly Republicans have been fighting for seats in upside down districts since reapportionment and may make some gains this election cycle.

6) Water is a big issue in Nevada and in 2005 you were a leader on the issue. What can we expect in that area in 2007?

My TMWA bill put me at the forefront of water related matters. As Vice-Chair of the SCR 26 Interim Committee to study water in Washoe County, I have continued on behalf of our community to help shape policy for our limited resource. I have submitted another bill draft request regarding TMWA and will support the measures the SCR 26 Committee developed for better water management and conservation.

7) While still early, it appears that Nevada is running a budget surplus again. Where do you want to see the money go if a sizable amount appears again?

If we have a surplus, the legislature will examine ways to make the best use of it. Spending on one-shot projects, increasing the rainy day fund, and another rebate are all possibilities. We may look at decreasing future taxes too. I have submitted a bill to create tax incentives for businesses to provide health care coverage. By giving businesses a break for providing health care coverage, tax revenues would decrease while the number of employees covered by private health care coverage would increase.

8) We all know talking of raising taxes is political suicide, but the flip side is nobody ever talks about what to cut instead. So, hypothetically speaking, if there was a budget shortfall this next year or in a future term what specific areas would you look at to either increase revenue or programs to cut, or a combination of both? [Note: I know this is probably the most difficult question here, but it is one nobody ever seems to answer.]

The state’s revenue numbers look strong right now so I do not see a need for tax increases. If the state falls short in the next 10 years, we will have to look at the numbers then to determine the best path.

9) What were your feelings on the Sharron Angle lawsuit and GOP chairman Paul Adams' decision to support it? And, if you didn't support it, do you think it is time for Adams to go?

I did not support Sharron’s lawsuit. In the end, promptly supporting Dean Heller as the Republican primary winner was the best choice. Paul Adams published letter regarding the lawsuit is solely his opinion. Paul has worked hard for our party this election cycle for which I am appreciative.

10) Are there any specific pieces of legislation you are planning to introduce in 2007 and is another crack at Minority Whip in the works or do you have your sites set higher?

I have submitted a number of bills for the next session. My bills deal with continuing to reign in TMWA, making Nevada’s laws tougher on sexual offenders, energy conservation, access to health care, and voting statutes. I will be submitting several more by the end of the year. (As for Minority Whip) our caucus will vote on leadership in November.

Derby Camp Well-Versed in Washington-speak

Apparently Jill Derby's down-home, cowgirl image (carefully cultivated in her recent media buy) doesn't translate to her actual campaign communications. Or, in other words, the Derby Camp is already well-versed in the world of Washington-speak where an apple sometimes is an orange.

After seeing the Democratic candidate for Congressional District-2 announce earlier on one of our Reno television newscasts that she was hoping to avoid negative campaigning, but would fight back if attacked first, I was surprised to see her recent spots highlighting the Club For Growth's attack ads on Republican Dean Heller. With the words "big, taxing liberal" blaring throughout the first 15 seconds, Derby's ad purports to be about giving "career politicians" the boot.

So how does the Derby campaign reconcile their claim to not go negative with the recent Heller-bashing ads?

"I'm campaigning on a message of bringing change to Washington and giving the boot to career politicians who are more interested in party politics than in doing what's right for Nevadans. That's the message of the ad -- that any one of the Republican candidates is more of the same. And if you want a representative who talks straight, looks you in the eye and means what they say -- then I'm your candidate. If you like the same old rhetoric, then I'm probably is [sic] not the candidate for you," answered "Jill Derby and The Derby Team".

Apparently in Team Derby's world looking in the camera's eye and meaning what you say is different than doing so to an actual person's eye. As for the straight talk, why not a truthful "I realized I have a 50,000 voter registration deficit to make up and negativity works. Thanks for noticing." Instead we get an answer that doesn't, wrapped in the "same old rhetoric" she (ironically) claims not use. I guess, in her own words, Derby's probably not the candidate for Nevadans.

10 Questions With Bob Beers

2006 was shaping up to be a banner year for Nevada State Senator Bob Beers. He just had a record 150,000+ voters sign petitions for the Tax and Spending Control (TASC) initiative he helped organize and, as the campaign season progressed, saw his previously thought longshot bid for the GOP nomination for governor gain traction.

But a combination of Jim Gibbons' millions and a surprise court decision put a damper on what had been a breakout year for the Las Vegas senator. Still, with his trademark humor, Beers agreed to an interview with us just hours after the TASC decision was announced.

In our email Q&A, Beers talks about the future of TASC, his primary battle and what he has on tap for 2007.

1) Were you surprised with the Nevada Supreme Court's decision to remove TASC from the ballot?

Yes. Case law and the facts could support either argument, keeping TASC on or taking it off. Thus, the decision came down to judgment, which is influenced by politics. I thought the justices would give more weight to the people given that it is a few months before an election, not the special interests who inundated them with pressure.

2) Is TASC "officially" dead in Nevada or can the decision be appealed in a higher court? If so, do you plan to, or just try again in 2008?

Almost certainly no appeal. I would like to try again but it was the cooperative effort of many people. I have not yet spoken to them to see if they're ready to hurl themselves back into the maw of the beast.

3) You had a bruising primary battle with Jim Gibbons. At one point some polls had it as a toss-up late in the campaign. Was there anything you would have done differently those final weeks?

Won megabucks. Matched his media buy.

4) Much has been made about the number of debates candidates should have. Underdogs want a lot, front-runners want to duck. What do you think is the "right" number and do you think your debates made a difference in the campaign?

I don't think debates made a difference in this campaign because they happened too late. They will have a greater impact in the general because a) there will be more of them; b) they will be earlier before the election and c) citizens will be more interested.

5) Will you actively campaign for Gibbons, if asked?

I have been asked, and I am.

6) How would you handicap some of the other races in November and do you think there will be a Democratic veto-proof Assembly in 2007?

I do not think there will be a D majority that is veto-proof in 2007. In other races... hey, wait.... (Bob vigorously shakes his crystal ball) I can't make the answers out anymore!

7) I was reading the 2007 Bill Draft Requests and though most of the descriptions are pretty vague, you seem to have some interesting ones (e.g., school administrator salaries, eminent domain, voter ID, etc.) on tap for 2007. Can you tell us a little more about them?

One says no administrator in a school district can earn more than 1.5-times the highest paid principal. Another would require school administrators to teach one day per semester. Another would do what PISTOL does, protect us against the Kelo decision. One would require proof of citizenship to vote. Others seek to repeal half the DMV tax, repeal assessing the insurance premium tax on retiree's annuities, one will require the Governor to zero-base-budget 20% of our budget accounts every biennium, so that everything gets a zero-based budget once a decade.

8) Is there any issue that faces Nevada today that you believe isn't being addressed or talked about enough?

Overgrowth of government.

9) Much has been made of a "Bob Beers" winning AD-21 simply because of his name (a nice compliment for you, maybe not for the voters). Any comment?

Someday, my little brother Bud will become president.

10) You still have two more years as State Senator, but did your gubernatorial run whet or curb your appetite for another office some day?

I am not seeking office, I am trying to save my state from Californication. I am not tired of fighting yet.

Coming this Week: Beers, Gansert, Derby and More

Now that the euphoria over Ohio State's victory has turned to the realization Dallas' 4th-quarter defensive woes and inability to mount a comeback continue, I figure I'll turn back to the fields of Nevada politics.

Heading off the week will be 10 Questions with Bob Beers, where we'll discuss the TASC decision, debates, his future and that other "Bob Beers". Other interviews on tap include AD-25 Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert, Green gubernatorial candidate Craig Bergland and Libertarian Party of Nevada chairman Jim Duensing (if he ever returns his answers).

Also, we'll look at CD-2 Democrat Jill Derby's response to a question regarding negative campaigning.

PISTOL Survives Court Challenge ... Sort Of

After hearing TASC had been tossed from the ballot, the backers of the People’s Initiative to Stop the Taking of Our Land (PISTOL) had to be holding their breath as they awaited their decision from the Nevada Supreme Court Friday.

They could relax, sort of, as PISTOL still has a place on November's ballot. It will, though, be missing a few provisions.

"We conclude that NRS 295.009 (which limits petitions to single subjects) is constitutional and that because the Nevada Property Owners’ Bill of Rights embraces more than one subject, the initiative violates this statute. Even so, strong public policy favors upholding the initiative power whenever possible, and NRS 295.009 does not prescribe a remedy for single-subject requirement violations. As the initiative includes a severability clause and facially and unequivocally pertains to a primary subject—eminent domain—we are compelled to sever sections 1 and 8, which do not pertain to eminent domain, in lieu of removing the entire initiative from the ballot," wrote the court in its majority opinion.

Section one declared "all property rights" to be declared "fundamental constitutional rights", while section eight dealt with "substantial economic loss" caused by government takings. Both of these provisions were considered outside the scope of eminent domain.

Also being removed from the 14-section initiative were three provisions the court deemed had violated the belief "that initiatives proposing constitutional amendments must propose policy and not direct administrative details." Sections three, nine, and 10 dealt with unpublished opinions and what judges could hear an eminent domain case.

The decision wasn't unanimous, however, as while Justice James W. Hardesty concurred with the majority that the single-subject requirement was violated, he argued against the "strike and sever" remedy the court decided on. "...to preserve unadulterated the will of the people, the proper remedy for the single-subject requirement violation here is to strike from the ballot the entire initiative," wrote Hardesty. "The majority, by creating this remedy of severing and striking portions of an initiative, has set a dangerous precedent for the future review of initiative petitions."

Joining Hardesty was Justice A. William Maupin who added, "It would be inviting to permit the electorate to vote on the Kelo (eminent domain) portion of the petition and simply strike the rest. But that would not settle the overriding question here: what standard should we use to strike or not strike? While a ruling taking an expedient course seems fair today, it would set a trap for deciding the validity of future ballot initiatives under NRS 295.009. We should adopt a rule that gives absolute and clear guidance to proponents of measures such as PISTOL. The majority ruling today does nothing of the kind, inevitably leading to unwarranted mystification of petition proponents and the electorate alike, particularly those interested and committed enough to attempt constitutional change."

TASC Tossed by Nevada Supreme Court

"Because the initiative petition was not filed in compliance with mandatory requirements set forth in the Nevada Constitution, we conclude that the district court erred in denying declaratory and injunctive relief. Accordingly, we reverse the district court’s order."

And with that, the Tax and Spending Control (TASC) initiative was removed Friday from the November 2006 ballot by the Nevada Supreme Court.

Citing differences in the version filed with the Secretary of State's office and the one actually circulated to the public, the Supreme Court reversed an earlier district court judge's decision not to throw the initiative off the ballot.

One should probably expect this decision to become an issue in November when justices Nancy Becker and Michael Douglas face re-election.

An Obsession With Stats and Other New Blogger Musings

[Warning: Self-indulgent and possibly extremely unimportant content below. Proceed at your own risk.]

I suppose it was bound to happen. You know, "curiosity killed the cat" and all. So, despite already having a moderate obsession with numbers thanks to the world of fantasy sports, political polls and annual rate of returns, I decided I wanted to see who was visiting Dullard Mush. Now I can add a fourth numerical obsession.

It was all so easy. I went to Site Meter (I might as well plug them considering the bandwidth I use reading my stats), pushed a button or two and I was counting.

As a newbie, I watched with amazement as my count numbers steadily rose from what I thought would be just a handful of visits. When I hit 60 visitors the day before the primary, I began to think for the first time (and, granted, it was only briefly, being a cynic and all) of the possible riches AdSense could bring. Then, of course, the hits dropped to around 20 a day. Plus I discovered, rather quickly, that my own visits were being counted (apparently a dynamic IP address is hard to stop), so it is closer to 17 or so. Oh well.

So after a month and a couple days, Site Meter tells me I've had 878 visits and 2,064 page views. Granted, probably 10-20% are my own and another big chunk are a handful of locals but there have been a few surprises.

Thanks to the wonders of stats, I found what the world and myself already knew -- Google is king. Maybe because they own Blogger, or because they are just so much better, I was listed on Google pretty fast. That allowed me visitors like the guy from Spain looking for Melody Damayo pics, the person in Lima, Peru, who was interested in the Mike Dillon vs. Ty Cobb race, to KOLO's Koula Gianulias apparently Googling herself a couple of times (Hi Koula). I also discovered I had semi-regular readers in IL, OR, VA, DC and Baja.

One of the features with a Blogger site is the "Next Blog" button in the upper right corner. Click this and you will be taken to another random blog in the "Blogger/Blogspot" world. Because of this, I've noticed visitors from Britain, Spain, Philippines, Australia, NZ, India, Thailand, Portugal, Taiwan and other places where the clicker probably exited my site as fast as they entered. Still, I guess I can say my blog is "officially" international.

However, there was one foreign visit a few weeks ago that I was especially proud of. After peaking at 60 visitors just a few days earlier, I was rather disappointed to see six that Saturday afternoon. So, at a loss as to what to post, I borrowed from a question Mr. Jerz had asked and "What is Blogging's Purpose in This World" was born. I checked back later that evening to see if I had even cracked double digits and found that not only had some guy's "Blog of the Day" site picked it up, but I had a hit from a Google search of "political blogs" from someone in China. Apparently Google has a beta blog search and for a few hours at least that story was at the top. Don't know if they stayed long or even read a word, but it's nice to imagine.

So that's kind of where it stands now. I'm hoping to incorporate some more Q&A features as we go forward. In fact, I have two now that have agreed and am just waiting for their answers. So we'll see how that goes.

Well anyway, thanks for reading. I've got to go check Site Meter again and see if I'm still 479,027 on Technorati. I did mention my new Technorati obsession, right?