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Early state senate endorsement draws complaints
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Buzz up!The Associated Press
Published: Sunday, Sep. 20, 2009 - 1:30 pm
Last Modified: Sunday, Sep. 20, 2009 - 4:51 pm
CARSON CITY, Nev., -- With election day 2010 more than a year away, an early candidate endorsement by Nevada's Senate Democratic Caucus has irked some party activists.
The caucus announced its endorsement of Tammy Peterson in August. Peterson is seeking the Senate District 8 seat held by Republican incumbent Barbara Cegavske.
But Peterson, a former Clark County prosecutor, is not the only Democrat vying for the seat.
Some say the strategy is to focus on one candidate early, saving precious primary money for the general election fight.
But activists say the early endorsement is a sign that Democratic leaders are willing to sacrifice both the primary process and democratic principles.
"In order for these things to at least have the appearance of democracy, there needs to be some type of open process," said Steve Fernlund, president of the Red Rock Democratic Club. "The concentration of power basically makes the grass roots completely unnecessary. Why do we even have a party if we do things this way?"
Renee Meyocks, who volunteers on Democratic campaigns, said she thought the caucus "was simply taking away our choice."
"They're not allowing the process to work as it's intended to work and that takes away the privilege we have of reviewing candidates as they present themselves," Meyocks said.
Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, dismissed the criticism. He said Peterson is the best candidate and that other candidates were interviewed.
The Senate caucus and its Assembly counterpart have endorsed candidates before primaries in the past, even though state party bylaws prohibit endorsements before a competitive primary.
Peterson said she is grateful for the endorsement but can't speak to the caucus selection process.
Critics say their problem is with the party leadership's heavy hand, not Peterson.
"My main concern is that we as a party enter into the election cycle unified and energized to work in same direction," Fernlund said. "The only way to do that is if we all feel like we participated in the process."
ShareThis
Buzz up!The Associated Press
Published: Sunday, Sep. 20, 2009 - 1:30 pm
Last Modified: Sunday, Sep. 20, 2009 - 4:51 pm
CARSON CITY, Nev., -- With election day 2010 more than a year away, an early candidate endorsement by Nevada's Senate Democratic Caucus has irked some party activists.
The caucus announced its endorsement of Tammy Peterson in August. Peterson is seeking the Senate District 8 seat held by Republican incumbent Barbara Cegavske.
But Peterson, a former Clark County prosecutor, is not the only Democrat vying for the seat.
Some say the strategy is to focus on one candidate early, saving precious primary money for the general election fight.
But activists say the early endorsement is a sign that Democratic leaders are willing to sacrifice both the primary process and democratic principles.
"In order for these things to at least have the appearance of democracy, there needs to be some type of open process," said Steve Fernlund, president of the Red Rock Democratic Club. "The concentration of power basically makes the grass roots completely unnecessary. Why do we even have a party if we do things this way?"
Renee Meyocks, who volunteers on Democratic campaigns, said she thought the caucus "was simply taking away our choice."
"They're not allowing the process to work as it's intended to work and that takes away the privilege we have of reviewing candidates as they present themselves," Meyocks said.
Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, dismissed the criticism. He said Peterson is the best candidate and that other candidates were interviewed.
The Senate caucus and its Assembly counterpart have endorsed candidates before primaries in the past, even though state party bylaws prohibit endorsements before a competitive primary.
Peterson said she is grateful for the endorsement but can't speak to the caucus selection process.
Critics say their problem is with the party leadership's heavy hand, not Peterson.
"My main concern is that we as a party enter into the election cycle unified and energized to work in same direction," Fernlund said. "The only way to do that is if we all feel like we participated in the process."