THE BLACK KNIGHT
CAN WE KEEP CONTROL
BY GEORGE HARRIS

2006 will be telling times for Republicans. We’re already in the minority in the state Assembly and with seven senators up for re-election, it’s possible we can lose the Senate. And if 

that’s not bad enough, no one is preparing for reapportionment in 2010. It’s clear we need a strong gubernatorial candidate to stand up for Republican principles. Who are our options? Let’s take a look.

The front runner today is Jimmy Gibbons, nicknamed “The Plagiarizing Playboy.” It seems Jimmy can’t find his own words when giving a speech. Polls show him easily beating everyone if the election was held today. Thankfully the election is 16 months away, so don’t count on Jimmy to make it to the winner’s circle. Also don’t count on him to ensure that lines are drawn fairly during reapportionment; he’s got a liberal streak that goes left down the middle of his back.

The most underestimated person running for governor is Lorraine Hunt. If she debated Gibbons today, Gibbons’ lack of understanding would crush him. Hunt is our sitting lieutenant governor and understands Nevada. She has money, a personality and is smart. Hunt will fight for Republican principles.

Kenny Guinn’s handpicked candidate is Jimbo Rogers — do I need to say more? Elect this guy and government will increase by another 50 percent over the course of four years. Oh yeah, word on the street is he’s running as an independent. 

Then there’s me, George Harris. Just kidding.

Mayor of Reno Bob Cashell is a businessman and long-term political junkie. He’s got his own money and can raise it too. He’s a middle-of-the-road kind of guy and no standard bearer of Republican principles. However, he’s got a lot of personality and makes Nevadans feel good in that grandpa kind of way.

State Senator, Vice-Chair of Finance, Certified Public Accountant, husband and father Bob Beers is clearly the most qualified of all people running. He understands the budget better than anyone. He’s strong on Republican principles and will ensure conservatives get a fair deal during reapportionment. Beers has a great personality and knows how to be a smartass when necessary. Beers has been the guardian of lower taxes and the brains behind TABOR, “Tax Payers Bill of Rights.” In early April when the first polls started coming out about the governor’s race, the unknown Beers was polling at just over 4 percent statewide. In June, another poll showed Beers at 8.2 percent.

If I were a betting man, I’d wager the farm on Beers. Why? Taxpayers will never have anyone who’ll watch out for their interest more than him. And besides, he’s got a great name; it’s cool and refreshing. LW