Del Papa may wait to throw hat in ring for Senate

Efforts are under way to push back Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa's announcement declaring her candidacy for the U.S. Senate until next month.

The announcement had been scheduled for Monday, the same day President Clinton planned to leave Las Vegas following a fund-raising trip here for the Democratic National Committee.

Del Papa and her campaign aides could not be reached for comment this morning.

But sources close to Del Papa's campaign said the three-term attorney general does not want her announcement to conflict with the president's trip.

Clinton expects to attend a DNC fund-raiser Sunday night at the home of Las Vegas Sun Editor Brian Greenspun, who also is considering a Senate bid in 2000. Greenspun, a Republican, is contemplating switching parties.

The president also plans to play golf with Greenspun, his good friend, on Monday.

"I think Frankie Sue has done the right thing not to confuse her political announcement with the president's trip to Nevada," Greenspun said. "They are two separate events and should be treated that way, and I think she is wise to recognize that."

Del Papa, sources said, had set Monday as her announcement date prior to Clinton's decision to reschedule his visit here. Clinton's fund-raising trip originally was planned for March 25 but was postponed because of the Kosovo crisis.

Del Papa's campaign now is said to be looking at the first week in June to make the announcement.

Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan, both D-Nev., are trying to rearrange their schedules so they can be on hand, sources said.

Both senators are said to be backing Del Papa's candidacy. Del Papa is looking to succeed Bryan, who is retiring from the Senate after two terms.

Former Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., already has declared his intentions to run for Bryan's seat in 2000.

Two other Democrats, Ed Bernstein, a well-known personal injury lawyer, and Stephen Cloobeck, president of Polo Towers, also are considering bids.

Del Papa last week filed her statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission and the Nevada secretary of state's office.

archive