May 17, 2024
Clark and Washoe county election officials hope new technology will speed up ballot processing pace. Clark County will be able to tabulate 48,000 mail ballots per hour, and Washoe County plans to use a new device in November to automatically verify signatures. President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to two debates, one June 27, and one Sept. 10. We are just days away from Primary early voting on May 25th, so get to know some of the candidates below in the Elections section. Enshrining abortion rights in the state Constitution, requiring ID to vote, allowing teachers to strike, these policies are among the 10 potential ballot questions that may end up before Nevada voters this year or in 2026, many of which are political hot-button issues that, if passed, could have major effects on Nevada’s government and people. Washoe County School Board unanimously chose Joe Ernst as the next superintendent. These news links and so much more below!
State and Local Government Updates
Is Nevada’s ‘gold standard’ of gaming regulation in jeopardy after money laundering cases?
Sibella’s sentencing triggers uneasy feelings created 17 years ago when the Treasury Department increased tracking of casinos’ cash reporting. (The Nevada Independent)
Judge dismisses suit challenging Uber-backed petition capping attorney fees at 20 percent
A Carson City judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Nevada trial lawyers seeking to block an Uber-backed ballot petition that would cap attorney fees at 20 percent of all settlements and rewards in Nevada civil cases. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada Supreme Court strikes down independent redistricting commission ballot questions
The ruling, which preserves the Legislature’s control of redistricting, supported the finding that the petitions would create an unconstitutional unfunded mandate. (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada Supreme Court rejects teachers union-backed appeal to put A’s public funding on 2024 ballot
RENO — The Nevada Supreme Court on Monday struck down a proposed ballot initiative that would allow voters to decide whether to repeal the public funding that lawmakers approved last year for a new MLB stadium in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Sun)
Nevada DMV says $300M increase for computer upgrade project is ‘a worst case scenario’
In April, Nevada DMV officials said its project to upgrade the agency’s computer upgrades would cost $300 million more than planned. On Tuesday, the agency director said that was a “worst case scenario.” (The Nevada Independent)
Nevada to pay $535K to family of man who died by suicide in state-run psychiatric facility
The family of a former Washoe Sheriff’s deputy and U.S. veteran filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging that officials were deliberately indifferent to his mental health needs before his 2019 suicide. (The Nevada Independent)
Who is Joe Ernst, who unanimously was chosen as WCSD’s next superintendent?
There wasn’t any wavering, debate or uncertainty when the Washoe County School Board unanimously chose Joe Ernst as the next superintendent. (Reno Gazette Journal)
CCSD to consider exiting charter sponsorships; six schools face uncertain future
The Clark County School District is looking to end its sponsorship of charter schools. (Las Vegas Sun)
‘Mom’ legislators see their numbers, influence grow but barriers to elected office remain
For the second time while serving in the Nevada Legislature, Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro gave birth last year. And again, she publicly pledged to continue full participation in her duties. (Nevada Current)
Federal Updates
D.C. Download: Why Nevada Dems want Biden to take action on the border
The Biden administration proposed a new rule Thursday aimed at speeding up the processing of migrants by allowing immigration officers to reject asylum claims earlier in the process. (The Nevada Independent)
Two-front war: Hackers and feds
The Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into MGM — the victim of the cyberattack — and demanded that MGM, which suffered an estimated $100 million loss from the hack, provide information about the breach. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Still distaste for nuclear waste
For years, the controversial proposal to turn Yucca Mountain into a federal nuclear waste repository was met with strong opposition from Nevada politicians on both sides of the aisle. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
New federal rule will overhaul transmission planning as electric grid strains
A divided Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this week issued a long-awaited overhaul of how regional electric transmission lines are planned and paid for, a move cheered by clean power groups but blasted by a conservative commissioner who said it was driven by “special interests” and exceeds the commission’s authority. (Nevada Current)
Tariffs to be sharply hiked by Biden administration on Chinese-made products
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is doubling and, in some cases, tripling tariffs on Chinese-made products, like steel and electric vehicles, in a move aimed at easing economic pain in battleground states, though senior administration officials say it isn’t political. (Nevada Current)
Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department on Thursday formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift in generations of U.S. drug policy. (Las Vegas Sun)
Articles of Interest
New home report: ‘2024 will be an ugly year’ for Reno-Sparks’ new housing market
A high median home price and high mortgage rates mean a repeat of 2023’s lackluster sales for the new home market in Washoe County. (Reno Gazette Journal)
The Las Vegas Valley gets almost all its water from the Colorado River. But in the rest of the state, thousands of homes rely on groundwater wells, relying on a resource they have a right to use —but may soon not exist. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Lake Tahoe expected to be full for first time since ’19
Lake Tahoe is expected to fill for the first time since 2019, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Do Biden’s climate credentials appeal to young voters?
His current lead among those younger voters is somewhere between the single digits and high teens, according to a variety of polls. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Pro-Palestinian art riles festival
The debates and protests sparked by Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip have worked their way into seemingly every corner in the world —even the free-spirited desert festival in Nevada known as Burning Man. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
The Nevada Supreme Court on Monday rejected a teachers union effort to put public funding for the Oakland Athletics’ planned Las Vegas ballpark on November’s ballot. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Strip price-fixing suit dismissed
A class-action lawsuit alleging hotel room price fixing has been thrown out, handing a win to the Strip hospitality companies accused of antitrust behavior. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Culinary Union un-endorses 17 lawmakers running for re-election over room cleaning bill
It marks the most public split yet between legislative Democrats and the labor group widely considered to be one of the most politically powerful in Nevada. (The Nevada Independent)
Judge allows Nevada ‘fake electors’ to file reply after allegations of withheld evidence
The judge allowed the “fake electors” to file an additional legal reply that includes evidence they say was wrongly withheld by the state and could exonerate the six individuals facing felony charges. (The Nevada Independent)
‘Unpersuasive’: Judge tosses PI David McNeely’s privacy lawsuit against Sparks police
A federal judge on Monday dismissed a private investigator’s lawsuit that claimed Sparks police detectives violated his rights by naming him as the person who put a tracking device on Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve’s vehicle. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Despite new law, some Nevada seniors fighting to wear personal regalia to graduation
The ACLU of Nevada has intervened in several cases, arguing the First Amendment and a 2023 law permit apparel of cultural or religious significance. (The Nevada Independent)
Clark County schools to ban cellphones for middle, high schoolers
Signal-blocking pouches to reduce student distractions are already being used at some schools. (The Nevada Independent)
Suspected wolf pack sighting in NV turns out to be coyotes
Wildlife managers in Nevada confirmed Monday that a possible wolf pack sighting north of Elko months earlier was, in fact, a pack of coyotes. (Nevada Current)
NV water right holders have little choice but to sell, say water regulators
After two decades of dwindling aquifers, landowners in northern and central Nevada are choosing to surrender their groundwater rights to the state in exchange for cash payments, and more are waiting in line. (Reno Gazette Journal)
The Mirage’s expiration date officially has come into view: July 17, 2024. Some 3,300 employees to be laid off as the hotel rebrands into the Hard Rock Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
LVCVA ‘hero ’VP restarts with F1
Tuesday was Nelson-Kraft’s last LVCVA board meeting after being hired as vice president of communications for Formula One’s Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
MGM board member Barry Diller moves from restricted to unlimited gaming licensed
Gaming regulators said a letter from the SEC and a condition added by the control board satisfied concerns regarding a now-closed insider trading investigation. (The Nevada Independent)
Watchdogs: BLM quietly rerouted transmission line, favoring mining over national monument
Conservation and watchdog groups are questioning the Bureau of Land Management’s willingness to reroute an NV Energy transmission line around a potential mine site but not a Southern Nevada national monument. (The Nevada Independent)
Zero-emissions buses aimed at raising Las Vegas’ clean public transport profile
An annual clean energy assessment knocked Las Vegas for its inefficient transportation, something the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada and city of Las Vegas plan to improve with a revamped bus system and complementary pedestrian connections. (Las Vegas Sun)
Business owners must cultivate crisis readiness in the age of deepfakes and cyber threats
In the past year, our community has seen cybersecurity threats affect prominent organizations such as MGM Resorts International, the Clark County School District and countless others. (Vegasinc.com)
Las Vegas Stadium Authority reviews A’s 30-year non-relocation agreement
The Oakland Athletics provided language to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority Thursday for a proposed document that would tie the team to Southern Nevada for 30 years. (The Nevada Independent)
Election News
Important Dates
Primary Early Voting May 25 Days Until: 8
Primary Election June 11 Days Until: 25
General Election November 5 Days Until: 172
Nevada GOP nominates indicted ‘fake electors’ for national convention
Five of the six Nevada Republican Party officials accused of submitting “fake elector” ballots in a scheme to swing the 2020 presidential election for Donald Trump will be delegates to this summer’s Republican National Convention; two of them have also been nominated to be among the party’s presidential electors for Nevada. (Las Vegas Sun)
Duerr, Kerns, Taylor running in Democratic primary for Nevada State Senate District 15
After State Senate District 15 in 2021 was redrawn to be friendlier to Democratic candidates, Republican Senate Minority Leader Heidi Seevers Gansert opted not to run for reelection. (Reno Gazette Journal)
GOP banks on a road less traveled to Senate majority
WASHINGTON — It’s going to be difficult for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate, but they have a window of opportunity because of Republicans’ reliance on wealthy outsiders now facing the intense scrutiny of competitive U.S. Senate races. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Trump Leads in 5 Key States, as Young and Nonwhite Voters Express Discontent With Biden
Donald J. Trump leads President Biden in five crucial battleground states, a new set of polls shows, as a yearning for change and discontent over the economy and the war in Gaza among young, Black and Hispanic voters threaten to unravel the president’s Democratic coalition. (NY Times.com)
Why a Blue-Leaning Swing State Is Getting Redder
Joe Biden’s standing in Nevada probably isn’t as bad as polling suggests. But Democrats should still be worried. (The Atlantic.com)
Nevada Cross-Tabs: May 2024 Times/Siena Poll
Results of a poll by The New York Times and Siena College in Nevada from April 28 to May 9, 2024. (NY Times.com)
Election 2024 guide: Here are the primary candidates for WCSD Board District A
Of the four seats open for reelection on the Washoe County School Board, the race to defeat incumbent Trustee Jeff Church in District A may be the most watched. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Tracking Nevada’s 2024 ballot measures: From A’s to abortion rights
Click below to go to a specific ballot initiative. And click here to scroll down to proposed measures that have been disqualified, or here to view questions that are guaranteed to appear on the November ballot. (The Nevada Independent)
Will rising antisemitism, Israel conflict help (or hurt) only female Jewish US senator?
Republican Sam Brown is hoping to convince voters he’s the best candidate on Israel and on antisemitism, despite facing the nation’s only female Jewish senator. (The Nevada Independent)
Biden campaign asks court to dismiss GOP lawsuit challenging Nevada mail ballot deadline
The Biden campaign is getting involved in another Nevada election lawsuit, challenging the legal merit and intent of a Republican effort to object to the deadline for how long mail ballots can be accepted after Election Day in the Silver State. (The Nevada Independent)
Good CBS Piece on Beadles menace
A wealthy right-wing activist is hoping to take control of the process in one county.
@CHueyBurns reports. (X)
Trump leads Biden in five swing states, new polls show
Trump leadsboth groups in Georgia, Nevada, Arizona and Pennsylvania, per the inaugural Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena polls. (Axios.com)
Nevada Supreme Court rejects Robert Beadles’ election lawsuit against Washoe County
The Nevada Supreme Court agreed Wednesday with a lower court’s decision to dismiss Robert Beadles’ election lawsuit against Washoe County. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada Donors Hoping to Raise $15 Million for Trump Ahead of Vegas Fundraiser in June
For retired Nevada businessman George Harris and his friends, the Biden administration’s “corrupt” nature should be “obvious to anybody that can read on a second-grade level.” (Nationalreview.com)
Berkley, Seaman leading field of 14 vying in Las Vegas mayor’s race
Former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman are the frontrunners in a crowded race for Las Vegas mayor, according to a poll released last month that shows Berkley with 16%, slightly ahead of Seaman with 12%, and Councilman Cedric Crear with 7%. (Nevada Current)
Election 2024 guide: Here are the primary candidates for WCSD Board District D
Washoe County School Board President Beth Smith is facing four challengers for her seat representing District D. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Marsha Berkbigler is running in Republican primary for Washoe County Commission District 1
Former Washoe County Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler may have a rematch with current Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill in November, but first she must win the District 1 Republican primary. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Nevada shows biggest lead for Trump over Biden – 13 points – in new poll of swing states
It certainly looks like a possibility based on a new poll by the New York Times, Siena College and the Philadelphia Inquirer. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Biden and Trump agree to 2 debates, in June and September
President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to two debates, one June 27 on CNN and one Sept. 10 on ABC News, the first onstage clashes between the former president and his successor in more than three years. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Regent challenges Democratic incumbent in State Senate District 4
Democratic state Sen. Dina Neal is facing a challenge from a higher education regent in a primary race where the outcome will determine who represents the district for the next four years. (Nevada Current)
Complaint alleges Wolfson violating ethics law by appearing in daughter’s campaign ad
A complaint filed with the Nevada Ethics Commission against Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson alleges Wolfson violated state law by appearing in a campaign ad for his daughter, Rebecca, a candidate in the race for Las Vegas Municipal Judge. (Nevada Current)
Las Vegas mayoral candidates debate policy, defend records at Nevada Independent forum
Former U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV), City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman and City Councilman Cedric Crear debated their qualifications, proposed city policies and leadership visions. (The Nevada Independent)
Voter registration and early voting, what to know
Early voting takes place Saturday, May 25 to Friday, June 7. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Las Vegas Mayoral candidates hold forum on News 3
14 candidates are running in the primary for Mayor of Las Vegas. 56% of poll participants said they were still undecided about who they would vote for. Ralston told News 3 that he wished more candidates could be on the stage, but having more than three in the forum was not feasible. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
What to know about Nevada’s heated GOP primary in Lee’s district
A large field of Republicans hope to win their party’s nomination to take on Lee in the fall. Here’s what you need to know. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Republicans vie for nomination in Dina Titus’ district
Five Republicans entered the June 11 primary for Nevada’s 1st Congressional District, currently held by longtime Democratic Rep. Dina Titus. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election 2024: Here’s who’s running in Republican primary for Washoe commission District 4
Appointed incumbent Clara Andriola faces Trista Gomez, Tracey Hilton-Thomas and Mark Lawson in Republican primary for Washoe Commission District 4. (Reno Gazette Journal)
DNC requests to join in legal defense of Nevada mail ballot law
Republicans filed a lawsuit challenging a Nevada law that allows for mail ballots to be counted up to four days after Election Day. The DNC has joined in defense. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Election 2024: Diane ‘Nevada Moon’ Sullivan running in Assembly 26 Democratic primary
Scott Savage and Diane “Nevada Moon” Sullivan are competing in the Democratic primary for State Assembly District 26. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Election 2024 guide: Here are the primary candidates for WCSD Board District E
The Washoe County School Board seat representing parts of northwest and northeast Reno has three challengers looking to unseat incumbent Alex Woodley. Woodley was appointed to the board in December 2022, replacing Trustee Angie Taylor after she was elected to the state Assembly. (Reno Gazette Journal)
Clark, Washoe election officials hope new technology will speed up ballot processing pace
Clark County is upping its number of mail ballot counters and flash drive readers. Washoe County plans to use a new vote sorting device in November to automatically check signatures. (The Nevada Independent)
‘Low and vile’: Wife of wounded veteran in bitter Senate primary unleashes on GOP opponent’s ‘disgusting’ ads FIRST ON FOX: The wife of Sam Brown, a Republican Senate candidate and wounded war veteran left with life-altering scars, is coming to her husband’s defense over “vile” attack ads being run by his primary opponent. (Foxnews.com)
Upcoming Fundraisers
Spring Fling
Nevada Wins PAC
Saturday, May 18, 2024
The Stirling Club
2827 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV
For more information contact
phyllis@nevadawinspac.org
_______________________________________________
State Senator Carrie Buck
Henderson
Wednesday, May 22nd
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location and more info TBD.
________________________________________________
Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser
Natha Anderson
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
3:30p.m.-6:30p.m.
Engine 8 Urban Winery
1260 C Street Suite 150
Sparks, NV 89431
_______________________________________________
Fundraiser to Support
Heidi Kasama for Assembly District 2
Brian Hibbetts for Assembly District 13
Gregory Hafen for Assembly District 36
Thursday, May 23, 2024
11:30AM-1:30PM
Panevino
246 Via Antonio Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Questions: eric@gopnevada.com
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Fundraiser to Support
Edgar Flores Senate District 2
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
5:30-7:30PM
The Composers Room
953 E. Sahara Ave. #E-1A
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
| The Griffin Company is a full-service public policy and government affairs consulting firm based in Nevada. We believe a complete government affairs practice must be able to effectively navigate all levels of government, both with the laws and regulations, as well as with an understanding of and sensitivity to the politics associated with each issue. The Griffin Company provides clients with the breadth of experience – local, state, and federal – that enables a comprehensive approach, integrating policy and relationships at all levels of government. |
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