68°F
weather icon Windy

Democrats seeking nomination in 4th Congressional District election debate

NORTH LAS VEGAS — They debated the Iran deal, campaign finance reform and whether Edward Snowden is a traitor.

Seven Democrats seeking the nomination in the 4th Congressional District election debated for more than two hours on Thursday evening at the Pearson Community Center in North Las Vegas. Participating candidates were Brandon Casutt, Lucy Flores, Ruben Kihuen, Susie Lee, Dan Rolle, Mike Schaefer and Rodney Smith. Democratic candidate Morse Arberry Jr. didn’t attend.

The Democratic nominee after the June 14 primaries is expected to face U.S. Rep. Cresent Hardy, R-Nev., who is running for a second two-year term. Two other Republican candidates are running: Wayne Villines and Mike Monroe.

The 4th Congressional District encompasses North Las Vegas, Nye County and five rural counties.

The race could tilt to either side. Hardy was elected in 2014, winning in a red wave in which Republicans seized control of both chambers of the statehouse and won state offices.

Democrats have the edge in voter registration and aim to regain the seat.

Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families, Black Democratic Empowerment Project and North Las Vegas Democratic Club organized the event. Jon Ralston, a political blogger and television host, moderated.

Candidates disagreed about the Iran deal, which aims to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and will provide the nation with $150 billion by lifting sanctions.

Ruben Kihuen, a state senator, said he supports the deal, which he said had the support of five of the most powerful countries in the world.

Lee disagreed with Kihuen.

“I think that Iran has been an exporter of terrorism and has been a major destabilizer in the Middle East,” Lee said.

Flores, a former assemblywoman, agreed with Kihuen, saying Iran was in a position to acquire nuclear-grade uranium.

Candidates also were asked whether Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor who stole documents detailing classified U.S. surveillance programs, is a traitor. That drew mixed responses.

Lee said Snowden is both a traitor and not a traitor, given the circumstances. Flores said the case demonstrates the need for whistleblower protections.

Rolle told the audience they deserve “politicians who will answer the damn question.”

The government was spying on us, he said, declaring: “Edward Snowden is a hero.”

Smith, an Air Force veteran, said he’s worked in classified jobs and Snowden could have been a whistleblower and done it legally.

Kihuen, Lee and Flores have been campaigning since last year.

The opportunity gave lesser-known candidates a chance to introduce themselves.

For example, Schaefer told the group he’s for storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, claiming it will create 5,000 jobs and allow each state resident to get an annual $1,000 check.

Casutt said he’s “definitely against” Yucca Mountain and dismissed his opponent’s idea of subsidy checks as unrealistic.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com. Find @BenBotkin1 on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.