Guinn wins backing of key Republicans, including state chairman

RENO, Nev. - Breaking an unwritten rule about staying out of party primaries, several prominent Nevada Republicans are joining the chairman of the state GOP in endorsing Kenny Guinn for governor.

But two of Guinn's Republican competitors said the endorsements could backfire because they underscore their claims that Guinn is the "establishment" candidate who does not represent rank-and-file party members.

"The whole machine is going to support Kenny. That is not a surprise to me," said Aaron Russo, a former Hollywood producer.

"The streets are backing me. The country clubs are backing Guinn," he said in an interview on Tuesday.

Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Vucanovich and former Gov. Robert List joined the top Republicans in the state Legislature in backing Guinn in his bid to become the state's first Republican governor since List served from 1978-82.

"As you can see, Kenny has the overwhelming support of the party," Vucanovich said at a news conference Tuesday at the Atlantis Casino Resort with more than a dozen leading Republicans.

"He is the best qualified and he has the best opportunity to win back the governor's office for Republicans," she said.

Guinn, a retired businessman who has been on the campaign trail for more than two years, was the president of Southwest Gas Corp. and served as interim president of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 1994.

John Mason, chairman of the Nevada State Republican Party, said his endorsement was a personal one and did not reflect the formal backing of the state party for the Sept. 1 primary.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged it was unusual for a state party chairman to choose sides in a primary.

"It may be unprecedented for the party chairman to stand in front of you, but I'm standing here as an individual," Mason said.

"I think it is my job as the chairman of the party to see that we have a Republican governor. I believe one of the reasons we haven't had one for so long ... is because we haven't gotten involved in primary races as individuals often enough," he said.

Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren, another GOP candidate, said he discussed the matter with Mason a few weeks ago and told him that party rules prohibit the chairman from endorsing primary candidates.

Hammargren said it is not possible to step out of the role as chairman and offer a personal endorsement.

"There is no such thing," he said, adding he expects some party members will ask Mason to resign his position.

"It is inappropriate. It just shows the establishment is trying to control the electorate process. It is supposed to be a primary," Hammargren said.

Mason said there has been an "unwritten rule" that county chairmen stay out of primaries.

"Unfortunately, the result of having as late of primary as we have in Nevada ... is that by the time you get the primaries out of the way you have less than 60 days to run and you have to get behind your candidates. You have to raise money and gather support very quickly," he said.

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones is the leading Democrat in the race.

Other Republicans who announced their support for Guinn on Tuesday included:

State Senate Majority Leader William Raggio of Reno, Assembly Republican Leader Lynn Hettrick of Gardnerville, State Controller Darrel Daines, State Treasurer Robert Seale, former Lt. Gov. Bob Cashell and former Secretary of State Cheryl Lau.

"What this really signifies is the fact that Republicans are coming together," Guinn said Tuesday.

List said he has known Guinn since they grew up together in Exeter, Calif., more than 40 years ago.

"He has a deeper, broader base of public service. He's the one who would be the best governor," List said.

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