Candidate Russo wants Elko commissioner for his cabinet

Russo said that if he wins the governor's office, he wants Elko County Commissioner Tony Lesperance to head the state Conservation and Natural Resources Department.

And Lesperance, whose degrees and background are in agriculture and ecology, said he's eager to have the chance, the Elko Daily Free Press reported.

Russo said the department is one of the most important ones to the state because of its authority to manage Nevada's natural resources and added that in conversations with Lesperance he has found the commissioner to be in tune with his philosophy about resources.

Russo faces Kenny Guinn and Lonnie Hammargren in the September primary. Pete Ernaut, Guinn's campaign manager, called Russo's announcement premature.

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