Congressional hopeful says no fallout from taped remark

"The only people who have asked me any questions about the attack on me were members of the press," she said.

"I think people identified immediately the source of the story and the purpose for it. I think we genuinely underestimate the intelligence of people when we think they're going to be sidetracked by an ancillary issue."

A tape recorded telephone conversation revealed that Ms. Berkley advised her former boss, Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson, to use his power and money to curry favor with politicians and judges.

Along with her apology for the comments, Ms. Berkley said the incident was an underhanded attack by her opponents, whom she now practically dares to use the issue against her.

"Whoever goes negative ends up the loser. I'm not a stranger in this town. People know me, know my background, know what I stand for. They know I tell the truth."

Ms. Berkley faces only nominal opposition in her campaign for the Democratic nod for the 1st Congressional District.

Clay Baty of Las Vegas has reported raising $3,500, but has not responded to requests for candidate information.

Ms. Berkley, 47, is a university regent and reported more than $300,000 in cash on hand as of June 30. It's an advantage she downplays.

"People know there isn't anybody in the race who is more knowledgeable about southern Nevada and the people and the issues than I am," she said. "There isn't anybody who's going to be able to fight more forcefully or with greater respect for their constituents than I am."

archive