Hammargren decides not to withdraw from governor's race

"My wife and my staff people, they all think I can win," he said. "So I'll hang in there."

Before his announcement Saturday, there was speculation that Hammargren would withdraw from the race and endorse Hollywood producer Aaron Russo, an anti-government candidate said to be gaining ground on GOP favorite Kenny Guinn in some polls.

Earlier last week, Hammargren criticized Guinn and praised Russo as "a real Republican." He acknowledged he didn't expect to win the Sept. 1 primary, but stopped short of quitting.

Instead, he said he would reach a decision Saturday, the first day it was possible to vote early in the primary.

Hammargren, a Las Vegas neurosurgeon, declined comment on whether his decision was tied to fears he would be an outcast in the GOP if he decided to pull out and endorse Russo.

But a GOP activist who asked not to be identified said that's exactly why Hammargren decided to stay in the race.

Hammargren is considering a run for a House seat in two years if Democrat Shelley Berkley wins and doesn't want to jeopardize his chances in that race, the activist said.

Russo said Hammargren's decision would have no effect on the primary.

"I think Lonnie's people know he has a very insignificant chance of winning, so they're already throwing their support to me or Guinn," Russo said.

Guinn, a retired banker, gas company executive and superintendent of schools, could not be reached for comment.

A statewide poll conducted early this month for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and KTNV-TV Channel 13 found Guinn was favored by 38 percent of Republicans surveyed while Russo was favored by 31 percent.

Hammargren followed with 13 percent and 18 percent were undecided.

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