Editorial: Berkley, Gibbons get nod

Because Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., is challenging Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., Nevadans have an opportunity to send a message to the Republican-controlled House by electing someone with a common-sense vision. In the race to succeed Ensign are: Democratic nominee Shelley Berkley, Republican nominee Don Chairez, Libertarian nominee Jim Burns and Independent American nominee Jess Howe.

Fortunately for residents of the 1st Congressional District, if they elect Shelley Berkley to Congress, they won't just be sending a message, they'll also be sending an intelligent woman who will represent the interests of all Nevadans and not those of big special interests. Berkley is dynamic and has the common sense Congress desperately needs on national issues and those of particular interest to Nevada.

For instance, Berkley favors a patient's bill of rights that would afford protections for patients who currently are at the mercy of the managed-care companies. She also supports legislation that would reform the way campaigns are run in this country.

Nevadans have grown accustomed to negative campaigning, but this race has got to be one of the worst in recent memory for its viciousness and mean-spirited innuendoes. Republicans started it with a vicious television advertising attack on Berkley's character. Also not to be ignored is the impact casino mogul Sheldon Adelson is having on the race. Adelson is trying every underhanded stunt he can think of to destroy Berkley, a former employee.

Say no to Sheldon Adelson and his political campaign of hate. Say yes to Shelley Berkley and her positive vision of the future.

In Nevada's 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., squares off against Independent American nominee Christopher Horne, Libertarian nominee Louis Tomburello and Natural Law nominee Robert Winquist.

Gibbons has been a steady voice for all Nevadans and a tireless representative for the state. He has spoken out forcefully against a national gambling commission that seems to have lost its way. Gibbons also has been an effective and strong opponent of the federal government's efforts to place a high-level nuclear waste dump in Nevada.

There have been some stands that he has taken that have been a disappointment, but overall Gibbons has been there for Nevadans. Gibbons has earned a second term.

archive