Campaign tactics bring concerns

A round of finger-pointing over questionable campaign tactics has sparked controversy in a Clark County Commission race.

The allegation comes from a local political activist who says three-term District C incumbent Paul Christensen has violated ethics laws by printing his County Commission telephone number in a campaign ad.

Shaughn Daily filed a complaint Monday with the Nevada Ethics Commission, alleging that Christensen's ad violates ethics laws not only for using the phone number but for failing to indicate who paid for the ad.

"I just believe the ad is wrong," said Daily, a member of the Democratic Party National Steering Committee and a volunteer for Brooks Compton, one of two candidates facing Christensen in the Sept. 3 Democratic primary.

Daily also is a sales rep for Bonanza Printing, which the Compton family owns.

Christensen said the allegations are "totally ridiculous" and are politically motivated.

"It's ludicrous to think that because I'm a sitting commissioner I can't take phone calls," he said. "I guess I'll just ride this one out like all the rest of the things through the silly season."

Lawyers for the secretary of state and the state Ethics Commission said a preliminary investigation indicates Christensen probably has not violated any laws.

In addition, the Ethics Commission may not have legal jurisdiction since it is prohibited from becoming involved in election and campaign practices, officials said. The commission is set to meet Aug. 15-16 in Las Vegas to decide whether it has jurisdiction.

Mike Sullivan, a campaign consultant who created and placed the ad, said the County Commission number seemed like the most logical way for people to reach Christensen.

Sullivan said he didn't see any conflict because the ad doesn't solicit donations or seek volunteers.

"We thought there wasn't going to be a conflict," Sullivan said. "I'm outraged anyone would even think this is an issue."

Sullivan also said the ad was placed without Christensen's having given it a final stamp of approval.

"If there's any problem, we'll definitely change it to his home number," Sullivan said.

Meanwhile, some Las Vegas who asked not to be named have complained about a recent automated campaign phone call from Lance Malone, one of three Republicans running in the commission district.

Those who received the call said it was misleading because Malone identifies himself in a pre-recorded message as a Metro Police officer and a County Commission candidate.

Sheriff Jerry Keller said he has heard the automated call and has no objection. Keller said officers running for office are free to identify themselves as being employed by the police department, provided they don't campaign on department time or use department equipment and resources.

archive