Wednesday, March 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones knows all about life on the gubernatorial campaign trail.
Now she's ready to impart some of that knowledge as a member of an exploratory committee to determine whether Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa ought to make her own gubernatorial bid next year.
Jones lost to Gov. Bob Miller in the 1994 Democratic primary. But she said Tuesday that fellow Democrat Del Papa has the potential in 1998 to tap into many of the same constituency groups, such as women and seniors, that the mayor targeted.
"She's been very supportive of working people, women who work and child care," Jones said. "Her program to reduce teen pregnancy in Nevada is important. You could also point to her experience in government."
The exploratory committee, which also includes former Miller Chief of Staff Scott Craigie, has not yet met. But when it does, it will study Del Papa's chances of winning a race that already includes heavily financed Republican Kenny Guinn.
Jones said Guinn is a good candidate, but she accepted Del Papa's request to work for her for several reasons.
"First of all, I'm a loyal Democrat," Jones said. "Frankie Sue is a woman, and a person I consider a friend."
Del Papa's gender is an important issue for Jones. The mayor has addressed the need for more women to achieve positions of high political office. She said there have been only seven female governors in this nation's history.
Unlike Jones, who challenged a popular incumbent, Del Papa would be competing for an open seat. Miller cannot seek re-election because he has served two full terms.
"She's been a loyal Democrat, and she has a lot of support in the party," Jones said.
archive
