Monday, April 27, 1998 | 9:39 a.m.
Few delegates knew what to expect when they first wandered into the state Republican convention last week to kick off the official campaign season.
Some wondered whether the heated rivalry between gubernatorial candidates Kenny Guinn and Aaron Russo would trigger a repeat of the shouting match and near-brawl that occurred just weeks earlier at the county convention.
So when Russo's first words to the crowd of about 500 were a plea to show respect for both candidates, supporters were leery, but relieved.
"We all are Republicans," Russo said. "We may not agree on the issue at hand, but we must be civilized and work together."
The plea lasted less than a minute. Organizers had to hush a heckler who promptly shouted to Russo that he should consider practicing what he preaches.
An entourage of Guinn campaign workers wearing ear pieces and carrying radios flooded the convention, but after the brief outburst, the two candidates and their supporters kept to promoting their platforms.
Russo emphasized the importance of ridding Nevada of nuclear waste and passing a paycheck initiative that would require unions to receive permission from members before donating money from their checks to political campaigns.
Guinn reiterated his objective of improving Nevada schools and introduced a plan that would offer teachers and principals merit pay. Guinn also suggested stricter laws that would hold parents accountable for their children's crimes.
While the two gubernatorial candidates went about their business in a subdued fashion, it was congressional candidate Hilary Michael Milko who caused problems at the convention.
Milko, a perennial candidate, was escorted out of the hotel banquet room by security Saturday morning after he repeatedly ignored convention rules, according to Dan Burdish, executive director of the Nevada Republican Party.
Burdish said Milko snuck into the convention room at the Stardust hotel-casino about 2 a.m. Thursday to pin up his campaign signs. The candidates' posters were to be displayed in the room on a first come, first served basis beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday.
"We gave him the specific instruction that if he did anything else, we would have him removed," Burdish said.
After delegates left Friday night, Milko returned to the convention floor, took down other candidates' posters and switched around the location of his own, Burdish said.
Milko also ordered Stardust employees to help him set up a table for a karaoke program he had scheduled for the demonstration session Saturday. The candidate planned to belt out the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Elvis-style.
Burdish said Milko dismantled part of another banquet room and removed tables from a cart.
"He wreaked havoc on the Stardust," Burdish said.
Shortly before his Elvis routine, Milko left the building.
Milko's ejection was just one more incident in a series of unusual occurrences that some feel have divided the state's Republican Party.
Earlier this year, Russo filed a lawsuit against the GOP because he felt its state convention registration fee of $150 kept many supporters from attending. In the end, his contingent was as large as the well-financed Guinn's group of supporters.
And while barbs are typically saved for the opponents in the rival party, on Friday lieutenant governor candidate Jessi Winchester blasted Clark County Commissioner and fellow Republican Lorraine Hunt during Friday's luncheon.
"I'm not involved in any scandal or in any ethics investigations," Winchester said, referring to the state's Ethics Commission probe into several Clark County officials. "I am an honest person."
Delegates who attended the convention insist that the party is not divided. Both Guinn and Russo supporters agreed that whoever wins the primary election will be fully supported.
"We're divided only in the sense that the party welcomes diversity, whether you're a long-haired hippy like myself or a BMW driving yuppie," said Russo backer Duncan Coons.
"Which ever candidate wins the Republican primary, we will support," said Guinn delegate Patty Chipman.
Guinn campaign workers said Saturday's vote for party chairman was crucial in unifying the Republicans. Incumbent John Mason beat Russo's nominee, Dr. Fuller Royal for the position by a 298-201 vote.
"Dr. Royal's supporters are welcome to give me guidance," Mason told delegates as the convention concluded. "I look forward to it and I will appreciate it."
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