Picks for the state Assembly

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 | 2 a.m.

The state Legislature will grapple with serious issues in the coming months, including education and the economy, and its actions will shape the state for years to come. Today, the Sun endorses in the races for the Assembly that are in Clark County.

The following candidates are unopposed: District 1: Democrat Marilyn Kirkpatrick; District 2: Republican John Hambrick; District 6: Democrat Harvey Munford; District 11: Democrat Olivia Diaz; District 18: Democrat Richard Carrillo; District 28: Democrat Lucy Flores. The Sun offers no endorsement in District 19.

District 3: Peggy Pierce, a Democrat, has worked hard in her four terms in the Assembly and should be re-elected. The Sun endorses Peggy Pierce.

District 4: The two major-party candidates present contrasting styles: Republican Michele Fiore, a businesswoman, is outgoing and exuberant; Democrat Ken Evans, a retired Air Force officer, is buttoned-down. We like both of them, but we are particularly impressed with Evans, an Air Force Academy graduate, whose passion for improving education is evident. The Sun endorses Ken Evans.

District 5: Democrat Marilyn Dondero Loop is a smart and reasonable lawmaker who has served two terms in the Assembly. A retired teacher, she’s a strong voice for improving education. The Sun endorses Marilyn Dondero Loop.

District 7: Dina Neal, a Democrat, is running for re-election after a solid freshman term. Committed to the community, she remains the right choice. The Sun endorses Dina Neal.

District 8: Jason Frierson proved to be a great addition to the Assembly in his first term. The Democrat earned a reputation for being smart and hardworking. Voters would be wise to re-elect him. The Sun endorses Jason Frierson.

District 9: Andrew Martin, a Democrat, is the best candidate in the race. A CPA with extensive experience and a background in auditing government, Martin would bring a sharp eye to the budget. The Sun endorses Andrew Martin.

District 10: Joe Hogan, a Democrat, has served ably in his four terms in the Assembly. The Sun endorses Joe Hogan.

District 12: Attorney James Ohrenschall has been a valuable member of the Assembly. The Democrat has good ideas, has been diligent and has worked across the aisle. The Sun endorses James Ohrenschall.

District 13: This race brings two bright candidates: Republican Paul Anderson, who owns an IT company, and Democrat Lou Desalvio, who trains workers with a trade union. We like them both, but the nod goes to Desalvio. We appreciate his understanding of the issues, particularly education, and his sense of urgency in getting things done. The Sun endorses Lou Desalvio.

District 14: A former waitress, Democratic Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton knows the needs of Nevada’s workers, and having served in the Legislature for 14 years, she knows what it takes to get things done. The Sun endorses Maggie Carlton.

District 15: Democrat Elliot Anderson, a Marine veteran, had a solid freshman term and has won broad support in his re-election effort. The Sun endorses Elliot Anderson.

District 16: Former UNLV professor Heidi Swank, a Democrat, has been active in the community, notably working on historic preservation, and understands how the issues affect the people who live there. Swank is the best choice. The Sun endorses Heidi Swank.

District 17: Democratic Assemblyman Steven Brooks knows the community, having served in a variety of organizations, and is the clear choice in this race. The Sun endorses Steven Brooks.

District 20: A former assemblywoman, businesswoman Ellen Spiegel, a Democrat, is running again and has the right credentials and experience to help Nevada move forward. The Sun endorses Ellen Spiegel.

District 21: Republican Becky Harris and Democrat Andy Eisen are well-qualified, and we like them both. Harris is an attorney who has been active in school issues. Eisen, a native Nevadan, is a doctor and medical educator. With his expertise in medicine and education, both issues that come before the Legislature, Eisen has the edge. The Sun endorses Andy Eisen.

District 22: Retired educator Lynn Stewart, a Republican, has worked hard to serve and represent his district. Although we don’t always agree with him, he has shown himself to be reasonable and independent. The Sun endorses Lynn Stewart.

District 23: A teacher, Republican Melissa Woodbury understands the needs of Nevada’s schools, and she has worked diligently in the Legislature since her election in 2008. The Sun endorses Melissa Woodbury.

District 29: Assemblywoman April Mastroluca, a Democrat, works for the national PTA and has been a champion for education and the public schools in the Legislature. The Sun endorses April Mastroluca.

District 34: Democrat William Horne is a five-term Assemblyman who has been a solid member of the Legislature. Voters should re-elect him. The Sun endorses William Horne.

District 35: Democrat James Healey is a good, all-around candidate. An executive at a Strip casino, he understands the issues facing the industry. He also has been a small businessman and has been an active volunteer in the community. The Sun endorses James Healey.

District 37: With a deep understanding of the issues and a track record of helping Nevadans, Democratic Assemblyman Marcus Conklin is the superior candidate in this race and is one of the best on the ballot. He is an effective lawmaker and has championed common-sense legislation and reforms. In line to become the next speaker of the Assembly, Conklin has a positive vision for improving the business climate as well as the education system. The Sun endorses Marcus Conklin.

District 41: Retired university professor and dean Paul Aizley, a Democrat, has served two terms in the Assembly. He’s still the choice in this district. The Sun endorses Paul Aizley.

District 42: Democrat Irene Bustamante Adams did a good job in her freshman term. The business consultant, who spent two decades in the casino industry, should be re-elected. The Sun endorses Irene Bustamante Adams.