Our choices for Senate

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 | 2:02 a.m.

As we noted in Wednesday’s editorial, in which we endorsed candidates for the Assembly, it is expected that when state lawmakers return to Carson City early next year, they will be confronted with a state budget shortfall of up to $3 billion. Anyone with a dose of realism knows that state government and education, which have been hit with budget cuts, can’t be expected to make up this shortfall on their own with even more budget cuts. At the same time, it’s not realistic to expect that, as our economy continues to hurt, tax increases alone can erase the shortfall lest they damage an economic recovery. Most observers concede that to balance the budget, a combination of budget cuts and a broadening of the tax base will be required to ensure that all businesses pay their fair share of taxes.

But this isn’t just a situation of lawmakers simply using a ledger to make simplistic across-the-board cuts that don’t prioritize what government programs are most important. For that matter, just increasing gaming, mining or business taxes by a uniform amount wouldn’t factor in whether everybody is paying an equitable share now. The next Legislature is going to require reasonable decisions by levelheaded lawmakers who can put aside partisanship and decide what’s best for Nevada — whether it’s today, five years or 20 years from now. Nevada doesn’t need juvenile partisanship that gets us nowhere; what Nevada needs are adults who understand how to find common ground.

We suspect that, as it has in years past, the Senate will be the pivotal chamber of the Legislature determining the success or failure of the next legislative session — and the future of Nevada as well. In Southern Nevada, seven Senate seats are on the ballot. Mo Denis, a Democrat who has been one of the ablest, steadiest members of the Assembly, is running unopposed for the District 2 seat. What follows are our endorsements in the six contested seats:

District 5: Democratic Sen. Joyce Woodhouse has made a significant impact in her freshman term. A retired educator, Woodhouse has become a leader on education issues. Serving as chairwoman of the Legislative Committee on Education, she is working to revamp the state Education Department. Woodhouse has also been active on issues affecting seniors, veterans and those with special needs. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, she has a well-rounded understanding of the state budget that many candidates lack. Given her knowledge and experience, she should be re-elected. The Sun endorses Joyce Woodhouse.

District 7: Democrat Mark Manendo is leaving the Assembly due to term limits after 16 years and is seeking to replace the term-limited Terry Care in the Senate. There are few — if any — who work harder than Manendo. He is constantly in his district meeting constituents to discuss their concerns and he serves in a number of community organizations. Manendo knows the issues facing his district and the state. His experience would be a benefit to the Senate. The Sun endorses Mark Manendo.

District 8: Republican incumbent Barbara Cegavske, a business consultant who has served eight years, is running for re-election against Democrat Tammy Peterson, an attorney. Cegavske has worked hard in the Legislature and in the community, but we disagree with her on several key issues that will be crucial this coming session, including budget priorities. Peterson, meanwhile, is an excellent candidate. A native Nevadan, she is a former prosecutor in the special victims unit and now is a partner in a local law firm. She has command of the issues and understands the need for good schools and social services. A mother of school-age children, she said she wanted to run to make the state a better place for children. She has the motivation and ability to do so. The Sun endorses Tammy Peterson.

District 9: Democrat Benny Yerushalmi, a native Nevadan, is an impressive candidate. A son of immigrants, he earned a law degree from Stanford and an MBA from UCLA, and he now helps run his family’s business. With his business background, he brings a good perspective to budget issues, and he comes with no shortage of thoughtful ideas that cross ideological and party lines. Yerushalmi would be a great addition to the Senate. The Sun endorses Benny Yerushalmi.

District 10: After two terms in the Assembly, Democrat Ruben Kihuen is running to replace the term-limited Bob Coffin. Kihuen has covered plenty of ground in the Legislature, having served on seven different Assembly committees. He says he would like to concentrate on long-term solutions and economic development in the Senate. He is well-versed on the issues, understands the process and knows his district. The Sun endorses Ruben Kihuen.

District 12: There are two strong candidates in this race: Republican Assemblyman Joe Hardy and Democrat Aaron Ford. Hardy, a native Nevadan, is a Boulder City family doctor who has served in the Assembly for eight years. Ford is an attorney and a former educator with a doctorate in educational administration. Both are bright, diligent and knowledgeable, but the edge goes to Hardy, who has proved himself as an effective lawmaker. He has a clear understanding of the budget and the citizens’ needs. Hardy has been diligent and has shown a welcome willingness to work across the aisle to find solutions for the good of the state. The Sun endorses Joe Hardy.