Guinn-Jones debates define rift on labor issues

The booing started Sunday afternoon before Kenny Guinn could finish asking Jan Laverty Jones his question.

If President Clinton lied under oath, should he resign?

The hundreds of senior citizens packing Desert Vista Community Center for the second gubernatorial candidate debate howled their disapproval as the question was asked.

Jones responded by saying, "If President Clinton committed perjury, should he resign? Yes."

But Jones said Congress is concentrating too much on investigating the president and not enough on issues such saving Social Security.

First lady Hillary Clinton is scheduled to host a $500-a-plate luncheon fund-raiser for Jones on Friday.

Guinn said he agrees with Jones' response and merely raised it as a "character issue."

There were no clear winners in either Sunday's debate or the one, which was televised on Friday. Both debates lacked major political fumbles.

The format of both debates allowed candidates to ask each other questions. During Friday's debate a panel of journalists asked questions too. On Sunday, the candidates also answered questions submitted from the audience.

Within seconds of the candidates finishing their remarks, representatives of both political camps descended upon reporters to give their "spin" on what they just heard.

"I think this will be the absolute turning point in this election. Kenny Guinn was mean-spirited, took cheap shots. He was trying to link Jan Jones to Bill Clinton," said Paul Henry, chairman of the Nevada Democratic Party. "It is a clear dirty trick."

On the other hand, Guinn's supporters played up that these were his first political debates.

"I think Kenny did quite well during the course of the last two debates when you consider that he has never done this before," said Sig Rogich, a senior consultant to the Guinn campaign.

The candidates drew clear distinctions between themselves on the state's right-to-work law.

Guinn said he would never support a repeal of the legislation, which keeps individual employees from being required to join a union.

But Jones said Friday she would support a measure to repeal the law -- if it passed the state Legislature.

But she said she would not push for the Legislature to approve the measure.

"I think it would be better for the Legislature to decide on this because it represents a cross-section of the state," she said.

Hundreds of Jones supporters rallied outside the KLVX television studio on Friday night -- many of whom are active with the Nevada labor movement.

"Jones is good for labor, and she has also done a great job with the local economy," said William Brady, a member of the Carpenters Local 1977.

The rally had a festive feel with folks munching on burgers and hot dogs and carrying "Jan Jones for Governor" that towered nine-feet in the air.

"Weren't my carpenters great? Nobody makes signs better than them," Jones said.

In response to Jones' comments on repealing the right-to-work law, Guinn said, "Her stand is astonishing. Nevada's right-to-work law is a hallmark of Nevada culture. Nevadans are fiercely independent, and Jan Jones is striking at the very heart of Nevada when she advocates repealing this law.

"I have no problem with organized labor. Workers should have the right to organize, but it is bad policy to mandate that Nevada's workers must join a union or that Nevada employers must hire union labor."

Jones said she supports a federal bill that would raise the minimum wage to $5.65 an hour. Guinn said this could create an unfair burden on small businesses.

Jones said this is an example of how she supports ordinary working people.

Both candidates said they would not rule out increasing the gross gaming tax. But were quick to add they would not consider raising any tax without first proving there is a need for the additional revenues and that everyone is paying their fair share.

According to the last campaign disclosure reports filed in August, Guinn received 30 percent of his campaign donations from the gaming industry and Jones receive 20 percent.

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