Assemblywoman Michele Fiore mulls House bid, files paperwork

By Michelle Rindels, Associated Press

Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 | 10:15 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Republican Assemblywoman Michele Fiore has filed initial paperwork to seek a Southern Nevada congressional seat, although she says she's still not sure she'll jump in the race that already includes four other Republican contenders.

Fiore filed a statement of candidacy on Friday with the Federal Election Commission. The filing allows her to receive campaign contributions or make expenditures in excess of $5,000.

But Fiore told The Associated Press on Monday that she's still deciding whether to go through with a bid to represent Nevada's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Henderson and Summerlin. She said she expects to formally announce her intention in coming weeks.

House candidates running in the district must pay a fee and file with the Clark County clerk in March to appear on the ballot.

Other Republicans running in District 3 include state Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson; Danny Tarkanian, who's the son of the late, legendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian; Andy Matthews, the former president of Nevada Policy Research Institute, a conservative think tank, and Annette Teijeiro, a medical doctor.

Democrats Jesse Sbaih and Barry Michaels have announced election bids, but higher-profile Democrats have declined to run in the district.

Fiore, an outspoken advocate of expanding gun rights, also announced Monday that she's releasing a calendar celebrating the 2nd Amendment. The calendar, which features professional portraits of her dressed up and toting a range of guns, is available for a minimum $25 donation.

Fiore said proceeds will benefit statewide races, not her potential congressional campaign.