Not every race on the June primary ballot is a snoozer. Three that matter.
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 6
Candidates: Assemblyman Erv Nelson, R-Las Vegas; Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman, R-Las Vegas
The race: The Republican civil war is on full display in this state Senate primary race, as the forces of moderation (Nelson) face off against the forces of conservatism (Seaman). Nelson began his Assembly career vowing to oppose taxes, but famously reversed himself in one of the 2015 session’s most memorable speeches. Seaman stuck to her pledge and is now accusing Nelson of breaking his word to the voters and being untrustworthy. Nelson, meanwhile, is dodging the spotlight and avoiding reporters as the June 14 primary nears.
What’s at stake: Republicans need to retain this seat to keep their control of the upper house and have backed Nelson. If Seaman wins, she’ll not only upset the establishment’s plans, but also potentially hand the seat to the Democrats, who are running Clark County prosecutor Nicole Cannizzaro for the post.
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 36
The race: When it comes to voting for taxes, the last guy you’d expect to push a green button would be a Republican assemblyman from the Kingdom of Nye. But Oscarson cast his lot with Governor Brian Sandoval and a legislative majority to approve a package of taxes and education reforms in 2015. It was a vote he knew would cost him, and he’s drawn two GOP challengers: horse rancher and broadcaster Tina Trenner and gaming industry analyst Rusty Stanberry. The race also features the celebrity of brothel owner Dennis Hof, who considered other races before deciding to run for Assembly as a Libertarian.
What’s at stake: Sandoval vowed to stand with those lawmakers who voted for the tax package, and he’s helped Oscarson raise money. If Oscarson wins, it could demonstrate that a vote for taxes isn’t necessarily fatal, even in a conservative, rural district.
CLARK COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT B
The race: Ross is nothing if not a survivor, having won three terms on the council and beaten back a recall election. But his plans to run for mayor of Las Vegas were upset by a 2014 state Supreme Court decision that left him and other longtime incumbents facing term limits. His backup plan to move to the commission was similarly clouded by the resignation of incumbent Tom Collins and the appointment of Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick to the job last year. Now, two longtime Democrats and friends of labor are struggling over a seat on an all-Democrat board in a political game of musical chairs.
What’s at stake: Ross’s career in politics, which will either be extended as a county commissioner or end early next year as he’s forced from office by term limits. (Full disclosure: The writer’s wife is an employee of the City of Las Vegas.)