The G3 Wire

October 4, 2024

The general election is only 32 days away.  That’s when voters in Nevada will help decide the presidential race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate tilt with incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Republican challenger Sam Brown, and other local and federal races.  There are also seven ballot questions, ranging from enshrining abortion rights into the Nevada Constitution to removing sales tax on diapers. A recent poll found more than 30 percent of Nevadans are not confident in the security of American elections this year. However, more are confident in the integrity of Nevada’s elections. And in another poll, created in collaboration with The Tarrance Group — a leading Republican polling firm — found that support for ballot Question 7 cuts across party lines. The poll also found that a voter ID ballot question will easily pass, with more than two-thirds of voters supporting the proposition. These Nevada news links and more polls in the content below!

State and Local Government Updates

Public defenders tell county proposed homeless ‘camping’ ban ‘is not the solution’
Attorneys with the Clark County Public Defender’s office implored County Commissioners on Tuesday to abandon efforts to punish unhoused people from sleeping in public areas amid a rising homeless crisis. (Nevada Current0

Henderson City Council approves $600k for Somerset Park pipe repairs

The city will front $600k for repairs to a deteriorating water system, but residents will have to pay the city back in tax liens. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

CCSD sued over services for children with disabilities

Several parents of students with disabilities are suing Clark County School District and the Nevada Department of Education for alleged failure to provide adequate special education services. (Las Vegas Sun)


Council clears path for Area15—Ordinance allows attraction to expand

The expansion of Areal5, the experiential art and immersion attraction that will soon include Universal’s Horror Unleashed, is on track after the Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday tentatively approved an ordinance forming a tourism improvement district. (Las Vegas Sun)

Metro adds social workers to assist inmates leaving CCDC

As Las Vegans who are struggling with substance abuse or homelessness are booked into the Clark County Detention Center, they’ll be greeted not just by officers, but a different kind of face: a social worker. (Las Vegas Sun)

Fiore guilty of conspiracy, fraud

A jury found former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore guilty of federal conspiracy and wire fraud charges on Thursday for defrauding donors who thought they were contributing to a statue honoring a fallen Las Vegas police officer. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

CCSD: Possible deficit of $20 M—Estimate a response to state official’s demand

The estimate was included in a letter sent Thursday by the district’s interim superintendent, Brenda Larsen-Mitchell, in response to the Sept. 25 demand for answers by the state’s superintendent of public instruction, Jhone M. Ebert, about the district’s potential budgetary issues. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Mayor: City eyes housing priority–‘Productive year’ for Henderson

Henderson is poised to welcome affordable housing, attract thousands of new jobs, and open a new hospital, Mayor Michelle Romero said during the annual State of the City address on Thursday.( Las Vegas Review-Journal)


LVCVA mulls $3M employee transportation deal

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors on Tuesday will consider approving a contract with TLC Luxury Transportation for an initial three-year term, valued at $1.7 million, for fiscal years2025-2027. There are two optional one-year extensions, valued at $600,000 annually, for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, according to a meeting agenda posted Thursday. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Federal Updates

Housing: Where do Trump and Harris stand?

WASHINGTON — As the cost and supply of housing remain top issues for voters, both presidential candidates have put forth plans to tackle the crisis, in hopes of courting voters ahead of the Nov. 5 election. (Nevada Current)

Department Of Justice Awards Additional $16 Million In Grants To Support Public Safety Efforts In Nevada

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson today announced awards totaling $16,231,466 in Department of Justice grants to support public safety efforts in the District of Nevada. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women.

Articles of Interest

Village for homeless veterans–Facility to offer job training, mental and physical health services

The village aims to assist the 2,400 veterans experiencing homelessness in Southern Nevada, making the region second in the nation in homeless veterans, according to Tunnel to Towers. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Reno posts 2nd-highest median home price; Fed cuts rates

The median home sales price in the city of Reno remains way above $600,000. Will Fed rate cuts help homebuyers? (Reno Gazette Journal)

Some of Trump’s education policy proposals show ignorance of how public education works

Former President Donald Trump has some bold educational policy proposals that he says he is ready to implement if elected president in November, including a proposal to let parents elect school principals that even one of his top supporters says is “not logistically possible.”  (Nevada Current)

Gov. Lombardo testifies in Michele Fiore’s federal wire fraud trial

The governor is one of multiple high-profile donors that prosecutors said gave money to Fiore for the construction of a statue honoring a fallen Metropolitan Police Department officer. Fiore, a former Las Vegas councilwoman who recently served as a Pahrump justice of the peace, is accused of then using that money on personal expenses. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

October 1 remembrance events set; Las Vegas to mark 7th anniversary

Sixty people were killed in the shooting attack during the Route 91 Harvest Festival, and hundreds were wounded. It remains the worst mass casualty shooting event in modern United States history. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

A place of remembrance–Victims of Harvest festival mass shooting honored at ceremony

Together, the 58 trees in the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden create a “breathing memorial,” said the mayor at a name-reading ceremony Tuesday that honored victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, mass shooting. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Vegas Tech Summit calls on entrepreneurs to embrace Nevada’s growth potential

Teddy Liaw has for years been pitching tech entrepreneurs on moving their businesses to Nevada, and was at it again Thursday while hosting the third annual VegasTech Summit in a luxury Summerlin home. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

These products will be most affected by port strike. Here’s what to stock up on in Nevada

Update: US port workers and operators reach a deal to end East Coast strike immediately on Oct. 3. Read more.  The dockworkers’ strike has shut down 14 ports on the East and Gulf Coasts and could affect consumers across the country. (Reno Gazette Journal)

PowerHouse breaks ground on large data center project east of Reno

Northern Nevada is adding another data center to its portfolio. Virginia-based PowerHouse Data Centers held a groundbreaking Monday for its 65-megawatt facility at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center. The company closed the sale on the “PowerHouse Reno” site in Storey County in January. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Indy Gaming: Calendar often skews Nevada’s slot machine revenue totals

State gaming revenue totals are often skewed when a month ends on a weekend because of how casinos record the revenue from their slot machines. (The Nevada Independent)

In a rare video message, Light & Wonder CEO says slot issue was ‘an isolated incident’

Light & Wonder’s CEO said the company is removing 2,200 slot machines from casino to comply with a ruling by a federal judge in Las Vegas who expressed concern the games violated trade secrets from a another company. (The Nevada Independent)

Election News

Important Dates

General Early Voting                                      October 19th                Days Until: 15

General Election                                             November 5th              Days Until: 32

Berkley views Las Vegas mayor’s race as her final chapter in public service

More than a decade after losing a race for the U.S. Senate, former Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley is running for mayor of Las Vegas as a way of continuing her love of public service. (The Nevada Independent)

In a deep purple county in the purple state of Nevada, voters find reasons for hope

With a Republican governor and two Democratic U.S. senators, Nevada is a true battleground state where either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris could win. And Washoe County ― home to Reno ― is the most politically divided county in the state. (Reno Gazette Journal)

On the Record: Senate District 15 candidates Angie Taylor and Mike Ginsburg

In separate, in-depth interviews with The Nevada Independent, Assemblywoman Angie Taylor (D-Reno) and Republican candidate Mike Ginsburg answered questions across a wide range of policy areas. (The Nevada Independent)

On the Record: Assembly District 29 candidates Annette Dawson Owens and Joe Dalia

With five-term Democratic Assemblywoman Lesley Cohen’s upcoming departure, Democrat Joe Dalia and Republican Annette Dawson Owens are vying for the newly open seat. (The Nevada Independent)


Vegas mayor candidates agree on ending Badlands drama, but spar on how

During a candidates forum, Las Vegas mayoral candidates Shelley Berkley and Victoria Seaman agreed the city needs to settle the long-running land-use dispute surrounding the defunct Badlands golf course. (The Nevada Independent)

D.C. Download: Congress authorizes another decade of Tahoe funding

A bill to keep federal funds flowing to Lake Tahoe for another 10 years is now awaiting the president’s signature after successful passage in both chambers. (The Nevada Independent)

On the Record: Assembly District 37 candidates Shea Backus and David Brog

The race for the Summerlin district is all but guaranteed to be close again this year — but the stakes are even higher. (The Nevada Independent)

VP’s pitch to Nevada: Vote—Harris touts economic, immigration plans in latest LV rally

Vice President Kamala Harris made a plea to Nevadans during a speech on Sunday evening: to make a plan to vote. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

VP debate could hold more sway–Tight presidential race potentially ups stakes

WASHINGTON — Tim Walz and JD Vance might have the chance to reshape the political landscape Tuesday in their first and only debate. (Las Vegas Review Journal)


City Council seat up for grabs–Entrepreneur, activist vie for Ward 2 position

A local entrepreneur and community activist is campaigning to oust North Las Vegas Councilwoman Ruth Garcia-Anderson, who’s been endorsed by her fellow City Council members. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

When does early voting for 2024 general election start in Nevada and Washoe County?

The opportunity is coming up soon. Early voting in-person starts Oct. 19 in Nevada and runs through Nov. 1.  Nevadans can also vote on Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Kamala Harris’ Las Vegas rally contrasts sharply from Donald Trump’s

LAS VEGAS — Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally Sunday night in Las Vegas showed stark differences between her campaign and Donald Trump’s, both superficially and on the issues. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Three candidates vie for seat on District Court 
Las Vegas attorney Terry Coffing and attorney Alexandra Beth McLeod are challenging newly-appointed Judge Erika Mendoza in the special election for Dept. 27 in Clark County District Court, which came about as a result of the resignation of Judge Nancy Allf.(Nevada Current)

Tim Walz and J.D. Vance tangle in wonky, largely cordial vice presidential debate 

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance squared off Tuesday night in a vice-presidential debate that marked the last scheduled in-person meeting for the campaigns as Americans decide the country’s next chapter. (Nevada Current)

School board president seeks reelection amid tumultuous time for CCSD

Clark County School District is currently without a permanent superintendent and chief financial officer and is facing public calls for legislative and state audits into financial mis planning that has allegedly left an unknown number of schools facing significant budget shortfalls. (Nevada Current)

AI advocate vs. ‘science of reading’ champion in Nevada State Board of Education race

The learning environment for Nevada’s school children is largely driven by policies and regulations determined or approved by the Nevada State Board of Education — including graduation requirements, teacher performance evaluations, and school star ratings. (Nevada Current)

Harris on immigration: ‘Trump won’t solve it’

At a Sunday rally in Las Vegas, Vice President Kamala Harris accused former President Donald Trump of fanning “flames of fear” around immigration, warned of the dangers of a Trump second term, and urged people to make a voting plan ahead of the election. (Nevada Current)

Election 2024 Q&A: PK O’Neill, Katherine Ramsey running for Nevada Assembly District 40

Incumbent PK O’Neill seeks his third and — because of term limits — final term representing Nevada’s Assembly District 40.  The Republican and former division chief with the state police faces political newcomer Katherine Ramsey, a Democrat and trucking company owner. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Nevada GOP Candidate Says He’s ‘Not Worried About Black People’ In His Bid For Congress

John Lee, who is running against Congressional Black Caucus chair Steven Horsford, also called the caucus “the most racist people in the world.” (Huffpost.com)

Walz and Vance meet in vice presidential debate

Tim Walz and JD Vance on Tuesday each pointed to the crises of the day as reasons for voters to choose their respective running mates for president. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Horsford denounces GOP opponent over controversial remarks

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., took to social media with a simple response to comments from his November opponent in the race for the 4th Congressional District. (Las Vegas Sun)

Question 5 asks Nevada voters if diapers should be taxed

Nevada voters in November can help bring down the cost by voting yes on Ballot Question 5. (Las Vegas Sun)

Campaign: Trump raised $160 million

Former President Donald Trump raised $160 million for his campaign in September and entered October with $283 million in the bank for the campaign’s final sprint, his aides announced. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Missiles, a hurricane and a strike: How three crises are shaping the presidential campaign

ATLANTA — A trio of simultaneous crises sent the White House buzzing and threatened to reshape the presidential race this week, as President Joe Biden and the two candidates vying to replace him scrambled to recalibrate their schedules and strategies for a world that felt even more chaotic than usual. (Las Vegas Sun)

Here’s what you need to know about registering and voting in Clark County

The general election is 32 days away.  That’s when voters in Nevada will help decide the presidential race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate tilt with incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Republican challenger Sam Brown, and other local and federal races. (Las Vegas Sun)


As GOP files (and loses) election lawsuits in Nevada, Dems say it’s a plan to sow distrust

Republicans say the suits will bolster trust in elections, but critics say they serve as public relations channels for a campaign that has claimed they will only lose this year if Democrats cheat. (The Nevada Independent)

Liz Cheney campaigns with Harris in Wisconsin while Trump holds a rally in Michigan

RIPON, Wis. — Vice President Kamala Harris rallied side-by-side with Republican Liz Cheney in the birthplace of the modern Republican Party on Thursday as the two women delivered a double-barreled denunciation of GOP nominee Donald Trump as a threat to democracy. (Las Vegas Sun)

New filing illuminates Nevada’s role in Trump’s 2020 election scheme

Special counsel Jack Smith’s new evidence in the election case against former President Donald Trump, released this week by a U.S. District Court judge, includes a trove of accounts involving how Trump tried to claim victory in Nevada in 2020, even though the official count showed him losing by about 30,000 votes. (Las Vegas Sun)

Question 3 promises to give political power back to voters through open primaries, ranked choice

Question 3 asks Nevadans to adopt an open primary, ranked choice voting system. It is a citizen-driven proposed state constitutional amendment, which means it must be approved twice by voters in subsequent general elections before going into effect. Nevadans passed Question 3 in 2022 with 53% in support and 47% opposed. (Nevada Current)

Who’s ahead in the presidential race In Nevada? What the polls and odds say now

The Election Day countdown is on, with just over a month to go. The race is heating up, and the polls show it. (Reno Gazette Journal)

Five candidates seek open seat in LV Justice Court special election 

Former Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Suzan Baucum says she didn’t know in 2022, after losing the seat she held for 12 years, if she’d ever run again. (Nevada Current)

Former CCSD trustee challenges incumbent in Nevada State Board of Education race

The learning environment for Nevada’s school children is largely driven by policies and regulations determined or approved by the Nevada State Board of Education — including graduation requirements, teacher performance evaluations, and school star ratings. (Nevada Current)

Don’t take a photo of who you voted for; ballot selfies are illegal in Nevada

Are you a Nevada voter thinking of snapping a selfie with your completed ballot?  Don’t do it — it’s a felony.  As wild as it might sound, Nevada is one of 14 states where it’s illegal to take a ballot selfie, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Reno Gazette Journal)

GOP pollster: Harris and Rosen up in Nevada, voter ID in landslide

Republican support for ballot Question 7 tops 90 percent, with Democratic support at 49 percent. Harris’ lead in the presidential race echoes recent polling. (The Nevada Independent)

Poll: Distrust in U.S. elections remains in Nevada, but state elections seen as fair

A recent poll found more than 30 percent of Nevadans are not confident in the security of American elections this year. However, more are confident in the integrity of Nevada’s elections. (The Nevada Independent)

Republican has enjoyed fundraising advantage in bid to flip Assembly seat

In nonpartisan-rich Assembly District 35, Republican candidate Rebecca Edgeworth has significantly outraised her Democratic opponent Sharifa Wahab in the race for a long-held blue seat Republicans are trying to flip. (Nevada Current)

 
Poll: Nevadans of both parties against new tariff hikes; Trump has backed the concept

Bipartisan majorities of Nevadans opposed raising tariffs on other countries by 10 percent to 20 percent — a policy proposal that former President Donald Trump has embraced on the campaign trail, repeatedly saying that higher tariffs will fix a range of U.S. economic problems including high prices, the federal deficit and the cost of childcare. (The Nevada Independent)

Legislative Updates

Important Dates

First Day of Legislative Session         February 3rd                Days Until: 122

Check out the 537 bill draft requests that have been submitted up until now–BDR List

Upcoming Fundraisers

Fundraiser in Support of

Sandra Jauregui for Assembly District 41

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

5:30pm-7:00pm

Alibi Ultra Lounge

3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Las Vegas, NV

RSVP 702.735.4888 or

 Sabrina@nevadaresort.org

Fundraiser Supporting

Nevada HOPE PAC

Thursday, October 17, 2024

6:00pm-7:30pm

Full Address to be sent out with RSVP

Berrer@nvsenatedems.com

Reception in Support for

Governor Joe Lombardo

Friday, October 18, 2024

5:30 p.m. – _7:00 p.m.

Brasserie St. James

901 South Center Street

Reno, NV 89501

Please RSVP with Tim Perez at

(702) 242-1414 or

tperez@octoberinc.org

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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