Chair’s attack on Augustine out of line
Inside Liberty Watch Today - Feb. 28, 2006

The Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party wants Controller Kathy Augustine out of "his" party.

From the moment he ascended to the lofty pinnacle of leadership in the Nevada Republican Party, NvGOP Chairman Paul Adams put a bulls-eye on Augustine, declaring her "Republican Enemy #1".

Augustine has apparently angered some folks by declaring she intends to run for State Treasurer. 

It is a well-known and much dwelled upon fact that Augustine is the only elected official in Nevada’s glorious, impeccable political history to be impeached. 

To read the daily newspapers, or to listen to Mr. Adams, you would figure Augustine committed something akin to accepting monetary bribes from influential lobbyists or lying under oath. 

Nope. The 14 - 7 vote in the Nevada Senate "convicted" her of using State owned equipment and facilities for campaign/re-election purposes. 

I have a feeling that if she had not alienated a few of her employees and, probably, a few political forces with her temperamental nature, this Legislative fiasco would never have come about.

(I wonder what the monetary value of such discretions might total up to. Would it be equal to free tickets to Rolling Stone concerts, NASCAR races and elite cocktail parties?)

No one challenged her performance of her professional duties. In fact, I believe she has received more than one National commendation for her job performance.

Now, Chairman Adams wants to change the State Party by-laws to prohibit any impeached state official from receiving party support. If no other Republican candidate comes forward, this move would allow Mark DeStafano to receive the Party endorsement and money, prior to the Primary.

A few months ago, when only rumors of Augustine’s candidacy existed, he issued a letter "ordering" County Chairs to not allow Augustine to speak at local functions, such as Lincoln Day festivities.

This is just what the State Party needs….something to take Republican minds off of defeating Democrats in the upcoming Primary and General elections.

This is just what opposing factions within the State Party need to further distance themselves from each other and the ultimate goal of electing Republicans.

Is Ms. Augustine’s candidacy that much of a threat to the Party; or, is it that her candidacy is a threat to certain political interests within the Party?

Are the forces pushing Mr. Adams in his efforts to discredit Ms. Augustine the same as those that pushed Republican legislators in their bumbling efforts to disgrace and embarrass her? 

Ms. Augustine’s trials and tribulations undoubtedly have more to do with her being an occasionally abrasive, hot-tempered, finicky boss and political thorn then to any in-office indiscretions. However, being personally unpopular or creating a hostile work environment are not impeachable offenses.

Nor are they reasons to eliminate by censure a Republican candidate’s right to equal treatment by the Republican State Party.

This is not an endorsement of Ms. Augustine’s candidacy for State Treasurer, nor is it a condemning of Mr. DeStefano’s candidacy. 

It simply gives me one more reason to hang up when the NvGOP calls, again, asking for a donation.

My money will go to candidates of MY choice, not Paul Adam’s choice.

Think about it.

Nancy Dallas, Editor/Publisher
www.NewsDeskbynancydallas.com