Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

OTHER VOICES:

‘In one sense it’s nice to be a battleground state’

Mitch Fox’s take on Campaign 2012

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Mitch Fox

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A Q+A with: Mitch Fox

Host of “Nevada Week in Review,” political reporter Vegas PBS. On Twitter: @Mitch_Fox

What trends have you seen this election?

Because of the Citizens United decision, it seems like third-party ads have inundated the Nevada airwaves, more than any other election cycle. Additionally, I can’t ever remember a ground game that’s comparable to the Democratic registration/get-out-the-vote efforts here in Southern Nevada.

Any trends you are pleased with or worried about?

In one sense it’s nice to be a battleground state because of the countless visits by presidential candidates and their surrogates. It’s also annoying because the barrage of paid media has become “white noise.” I’m worried that the Citizens United decision has empowered the very wealthy to influence election outcomes.

Any Nevada-specific trends?

Although we saw it in 2010, the rise of Hispanic political power is something the Democratic party has tapped into while the Republican party is trying to figure out how to attract Hispanic voters and still maintain its existing stand on illegal immigration.

How would you tag this election on a blog?

The Citizens United Election.

Best thing(s) you’ve seen this election?

At the risk of being self-serving, I was proud of the eight debates (including two for U.S. Senate, two congressional and four state Senate) I moderated for Vegas PBS.

Worst thing(s) you’ve seen?

I’ve seen too many candidates who are ill-informed, inarticulate or simply incompetent for the position they seek.

Anything else notable/memorable for you this election?

This election is notable for the frequency of presidential campaign visits and because those candidates had very little to say about Nevada issues such as the housing crisis, nuclear waste, web gaming and water.

Any surprises you’ve seen so far?

I am surprised that Danny Tarkanian has done as well as he has in a Democratic district.

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