THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

Blog round up suckas!!! 12/29

2011-12-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

I love my progressive blogging community, I really do, and you should too. Check out some blog entires from this week, and add their blogs to your readers and bookmarks!

Andrew "Nerdrock" Davey at the Nevada Progressive breaks down 2012.it will be an extremely important election year for Nevada. Control of our state senate hangs in balance as well as Harry Reid's status as Senate Majority Leader.

Is it 2012 Yet?

Since hardly anything could be accomplished in Congress as our own Legislature kept kicking the can further down the road, focus turned quickly to the big election year that will begin in just 5 days in the snowy fields of Iowa. And back here in Nevada, the G-O-TEA is in full panic mode after the last R-J/8 News/UNLV poll delivered plenty of holiday cheer for President Obama and Shelley Berkley.

Desert Beacon's blog is the kind of blog other blogs aspire to be when they grow up. Her blog about the tax situation in Nevada is another example of her ability to throw out all the platitudes and partisan bullshit and get right to the point:

Nevada Tackles the T-Word

If we move beyond the No-Tax, or The We Want Something For Nothing, Crowd the questions might be focused more productively on how Nevada taxes can be structured to raise revenue while relieving the burden on small independent businesses and families. The big box retailers have been successful beating back attempts to tax their operations, and the resulting modified business tax reflects a win for the giant national franchises and a relative loss (or greater burden for) smaller independently owned businesses.

The Gleaner has long been my favorite blogger, but he is becoming more cynical and more critical of the Democratic party than any GOP operative, but he does make good points (especially the one about Harry Reid not having the need to "meddle" if the state party would take a Wellstonian approach to politics). The most amazing news for our dear Gleaner: his punchy progressive commentary is now available few times a week on My News 3's "The Agenda". He called Dean Heller "His Accidency" hahahaha.

Gleaner still has his City Life gig, check out The Year That Wasn't, his "counter-factual narratives of things that might have been."

Assemblyman and minority whip Mark Sherwood--who is extremely strange and has hilariously taken on a one-man jihad against Chuck Muth--has decided not to run again. It's funny when redistricting makes your district a little more Democratic and suddenly you discover the policies you think will help Nevada won't even get you reelected in your own district. Nevada State Employee Focus has the scoop on Sherwood retirement, as well as the Assemblyman's drag name.

The next blogger is not from Nevada, but her blog is a must read. Joy Reid writes for the Miami Herald, blogs, is the managing editor of thegrio.com and an MSNBC contributor. Her blog is pointed at Salon blogger Glenn Greenwald, but all you idealistic Ron Paul supporters need to read it. You wanna support Paul? You're accountable for everything he's about, not just the stuff you agree with:

his racist newsletter business and opposition to civil rights legislation, his desire to outlaw abortion, his extreme gun nuttery, or his belief that not only was World War II not worth fighting just to save a few (million) Jews, that the civil war wasn’t worth the lives it cost, when Abe Lincoln could have just bailed out the slave owners by having the federal government buy up the 4 million slaves still in shackles as of 1865 … thus saving 600,000 lives. He has yet to weigh in on Paul’s apparent heebie jeebies over people who, like Greenwald, are gay, including not wanting to use their bathrooms or shake their hands, and freaking out when he thinks one is coming onto him.

Happy reading :)

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Laura

Where the heck have we been?

2011-12-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Yuck! I can't believe there hasn't been an update for three months. Might be something to think about when writing out those New Years resolutions.

The last blog was about Governor Brian Sandoval's endorsement of Rick Perry. With the Iowa caucuses just a few days away, that choice still looks like an enormous blunder. Perry has flip-flopped and flapped on abortion, released an anti-gay 30 ad (where he's hilariously wearing the same jacket as Enis, the closest gay cowboy from the movie Brokeback Mountain) and is now battling Rick Santorum--the ex senator from Pennsylvania who lost his reelection in 2006 BY 18 POINTS--for fourth place in Iowa.

That information has nothing to do with the intent of this entry, I just felt like pointing out Sandoval's endorsement failure :)

Anyway, a blog round up is on its way.

Governor 'Sunny' endorses unethical, ineffective governor of Texas

2011-09-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight was supposed to be Mark Amodei's night, but that all changed this afternoon when Governor Brian Sandoval announced he was endorsing Texas Governor Rick Perry in the Republican presidential primary.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who was a little surprised. As the highest ranking Republican in the state, it's kind of bitchy to step on what's supposed to be a fellow Republican's good news night. And many of Nevada's Republican elected officials (and activists) have already glommed onto Mitt Romney.

And no, Sandoval endorsing Perry had nothing to do with Perry being the chair of the Republican Governor's Association because Perry was not chair while Sandoval was running for office in 2010. And even if he was, Mitt Romney was chair of the RGA when Sarah Palin was elected governor of Alaska in 2006. Quite a bit of RGA resources were devoted to the race (some illegally) and Mitt even traveled to Alaska to meet with Palin. How did she repay him? By voting for Mike Huckabee in the 2008 Republican primary and taking several swipes at poor Mittens this go around. Being RGA chair has little to do with loyalty later on.

But what's more important is who exactly has Governor Sandoval just endorsed. The press release Sandoval sent out was full of GOP talking points that would probably get a "pants on fire" from one of those fact-checking websites.

So who is the real Rick Perry? Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington rated Perry as one of 11 governors "who pride their self-interests over their states'." Describing Perry as "unethical" and "incompetent".

What did Perry do that's so bad? Take a look:

[And just a side note, on CREW's list is Haley Barbour and Mark Sanford, RGA co-chairs when Sandoval was ran in 2010, and Sandoval's predecessor Jim Gibbons.]

And another great website, meetrickperry.com gives a rundown of Perry's achievements that Sandoval thought worthy of endorsing:

The insider game of what Sandoval's endorsement means--what it means for Perry, what it means for Nevada and what is means for Romney--is inconsequential. The questions that should be asked are what does Brian Sandoval want for Nevada? His endorsement shows he wants the federal government to make it rain on Nevada. Brian Sandoval wants Nevadans to be employed but only at or slightly above minimum wage jobs with no benefits. Brian Sandoval wants to kill Nevadans who break the law, including juveniles and the mentally disabled. Brian Sandoval wants to force your tween to be vaccinated but won't allow your family to make their own decisions when it comes to family planning.

Brian Sandoval didn't endorse Rick Perry because they're buddies. He endorsed him because he felt his policies and record as governor of Texas would be good for the United States. If that doesn't have you second-guessing the "Governor Sunny" persona, you're hopeless.

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Yep, I spelled governor wrong

Joan Walsh needs a reminder

2011-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Joan Walsh, former editor of Salon and MSNBC contributer, has been in a lot of trouble lately. From her embrace of the 'Professional Left', to trying to subdue and beat back Black Obama supporters and openly howling that someone (re: Hillary Clinton) would've been a better president than Obama.

This week she whined that it was the Obama campaign who "accused" the Clintons of attacks during the 2007/08 Democratic primary.

Miss Joan, no one has to "accuse" anyone of anything. Attacks on Obama's religion and teenage drug use are easily traced back to the Clinton campaign.

Lets take a trip down memory lane:

Hillary Clinton's campaign passes around this photo of then-Senator Barack Obama in traditional Somali clothing:

Hillary Clinton campaign co-chair accuses Obama of dealing drugs:

Hillary Clinton says Obama is not a Muslim "as far as I know."

Hillary Clinton campaign advisor accuses Barack Obama of being an affirmative action candidate:

Keith Olbermann had to put together a Special Comment to try and put a lid on the Clinton campaign dirty tricks:

Yes Joan, that's your girl, Hillary Clinton.

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ETA: The original blog said Joan worked for The Nation, it's actually Salon. Thanks to Joan for pointing it out. I guess i'm on the list of mulattoes who disappoint her. At least I'm in good company :)

We Made the List!

2011-08-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we asked you to vote for us in Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza's "Best State-Based Political Blog" contest.

He was compiling a list of the best political blogs in each state. We asked you to vote for us, and you came through, we made the list!

Thank you for your support and readership. Chris, Derek and I try our best to provide regular updates while juggling our "real" jobs and other obligations. We hope to have The Sausage Factory show back up and running real soon too.

Stay tuned!

Twitter spam accounts for dummies

2011-07-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

If you're going to create a fake account to mock Democratic candidates, don't use your own personal information in the profile.

http://twitter.com/youth4shelley

http://twitter.com/hipstervative

Nine registered voters in Wade Wagner's household

2011-07-20T16:50:00.001-07:00

This was sent to me earlier today. It's a voter data base screen cap of the nine registered voters in Wade Wagner's household. Either Wade's got a big house or--as was suggested to me by the sender--he's committing voter fraud by allowing people to register to vote using his address.

The only change I've made is editing out his home address:

Maybe those private detectives who staked out the Adriana Martinez residence(s) can pay a visit to the Wagners.

And going on right now in North Las Vegas, a meeting with state officials to discuss how completely fucked the once fastest growing city in the nation is.

Why didn't you hear about this meeting? Mayor Shari Buck apparently forgot to send out a release and there's nothing on the city's website when I checked early this morning. But she did remember to send out a press release announcing the swearing in of Wade Wagner, who also just happens to be her dentist and her husband also just happened to be a Wagner paid campaign staffer, who was never listed on campaign finance reports...which happens to be illegal.

But don't fret, you have another chance to hear from Mayor Buck and the council. Tonight at 6:00pm (July 20th) head down the the city hall on Civic Center and Las Vegas Blvd N. On tonight's agenda under "news business"? Mayor Buck is going to shut down all the recreation centers in North Las Vegas.

North Las Vegas is starting to resemble my hometown of Colorado Springs.

It's too bad Mayor Buck didn't put as much effort into being an effective mayor as she did trying to elect her dentist.

Vote for the best blog in Nevada

2011-07-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Do you love The Sausage Factory? Vote for us in this Washington Post poll so we can have a chance to be featured as one of the top blogs in the state!

The best state-based political blogs, 2011 edition

Click the link above, log in and comment that The Sausage Factory is one of the best state-based political blogs in Nevada.

Also, check out out blogroll for some more recommendations --->

This blog has made news, it's made some friends and some enemies (and gotten us in trouble) but we always appreciate your readership and we'd really appreciate your vote!

Mark Halperin's obsession with genitals -- our political discourse

2011-06-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

In 2008 Mark Halperin had to apologize for claiming disgraced politician John Edwards called Barack Obama a “pussy” (he didn’t, it was Mark’s own character association) and today he’s apologizing for calling the President a “dick” live on MSNBC’s three hour brain drain, Morning Joe.

Halperin, political analyst for Time and Drudge-worshiping Morning Joe troglodyte, apologized on air only after Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski giggles died down and they all realized the hyperbolic comment would not be edited out.

Halperin also apologized on Twitter and MSNBC later suspended him indefinitely:

Why did Halperin call the President a dick? Because the President used his bully pulpit to call out Congressional republicans for their debt ceiling demagoguing.

Washington Post blogger Greg Sargent missies the point of the suspension. Halperin wasn’t suspended for calling the president a dick, he was suspended for saying dick on live TV which may very well result in an FCC fine. But Sargent does make some good points on our political discourse, what’s acceptable and who makes these unwritten rules:

I care less about Halperin’s use of the word “dick” than I do about the argument he and Joe Scarborough were making — that Obama somehow stepped over some kind of line in aggressively calling out the GOP for refusing to allow any revenues in a debt ceiling deal. This notion that Obama’s tone was somehow over the top — when politics is supposed to be a rough clash of visions — is rooted in a deeply ingrained set of unwritten rules about what does and doesn’t constitute acceptable political discourse that really deserve more scrutiny.

This set of rules has it that it should be treated as a matter of polite, legitimate disagreement when Michele Bachmann says deeply insane things about us not needing to raise the debt limit, but it should be seen as an enormously newsworthy gaffe when she commits a relatively minor error about regional trivia. This set of rules has it that it should be treated as a matter of polite, legitimate disagreement when Republicans continually claim that Dems cut $500 billion in Medicare in a way that will directly impact seniors, even though fact checkers have pronounced it misleading, but it should be seen as “demagoguery” when Dems argue that the Paul Ryan plan would end Medicare as we know it.

Halperin has certainly done his part to encourage these unwritten rules, and so maybe there’s a certain poetic justice in the fact that he’s now been suspended indefinitely for violating them, but still, this is over the top. I care that Halperin uncritically claims that Drudge rules the media world, and acts accordingly. I care that Halperin published a book that accused public officials of using explosive, racially charged quotes that were paraphrased, without guaranteeing their accuracy, in order to gin up media controvery. I care that Halperin does dumb things like parroting GOP predictions of a big victory when all available evidence is pointing the other way, as he famously did in the runup to the 2006 elections. I don’t care as much that he used the word “dick.” Suspending Halperin indefinitely for this only reinforces the bogus idea that a crass and dumb slip into foul language is worse than all this other stuff we see on a regular basis.

Has the pundit class fallen asleep?

2011-06-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

I was going to post something about the photograph the Las Vegas Sun chose to accompany the article about former Assemblyman Morse Arberry's misuse of campaign contributions, but I was distracted by this in the comments section:

Have our journalists lost their way? Is a tip from a lobbyist more valuable than a gut feeling?

The June 24th Nevada Week In Review roundtable agreed that Morse Arberry's campaign finance reports (and paperwork in general) have always been fishy. Las Vegas Review Journal columnist Jane Ann Morrison even said:

"When I started looking in the late 80s at his campaign finance reports they were always just hand-scrawled, you could hardly read them. But there was something-you know, when you go through as many as we do, some jump out at you as...suspicious and his always jumped out at me as suspicious."

Always suspicious? Did she ever report her suspicions in the past 20+ years, or ask Arberry about them? Is it her role as a journalist to do so?

What is certain, thanks to Secretary of State Ross Miller, it will be a lot easier for all of us to look through these reports and speak up when something looks fishy.

Something shady is brewing in North Las Vegas

2011-06-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

When North Las Vegas Mayor Shari Buck's dentist, Wade Wagner, won the Ward 4 City Council race by one vote over the Democrat incumbent, Richard Cherchio, North Las Vegas prepared itself for a recount.

During the Clark County election department's audit, it was discovered that someone voted in the wrong ward. The election might be invalid. Shit got real.

A city council meeting was called. The decision was made by the council to re-do the election in the precinct where the "mis-vote" was cast. Mayor Buck abstained from voting because not only is Wagner her dentist, her husband worked for his campaign. Cherchio also abstained from voting.

As expected, the Wagner campaign is suing over the decision. And for some reason, former North Las Vegas mayor (and failed gubernatorial candidate) Mike Montandan filed a restraining order. But to be quite honest, as a resident of unincorporated Clark County, I didn't care. I don't live in North Las Vegas and I never plan to.

I have nothing against Wagner because I have no idea who he is except that he's a republican. I had no opinion of Cherchio except he had a strike against him for hiring Bradley Mayer, a campaign manager to conservative candidates, including Carolyn Goodman. Mayer was running Carolyn's campaign for mayor of Las Vegas, and I knew not much attention would be given to Cherchio. Cherchio knew from the beginning his reelection was not going to be easy. He was going against the current mayor's personal friend and Cherchio needed a campaign manager who woke up in the morning and went to bed at night thinking about him.

After a conversation with a friend in North Las Vegas who is emotionally invested in this election and is "in the know" when it comes to North Las Vegas politics (disclaimer: said friend works for neither campaign or any political campaign or consulting firm), I suddenly became very interested.

You think the city of Las Vegas has problems? Let me tell you about what's going on in North Las Vegas:

Wade Wagner is Shari Buck's Dentist, and hand-picked candidate for her former City Council seat

The two PACs that sent direct mail pieces attacking Cherchio have never filed Campaign and Expense reports. They have been fined by the Secretary of State and the matter has now been referred to the Attorney General's office. [Delen Goldberg of the Las Vegas Sun with details LINK]

The Precinct with the illegal ballot happens to be that of both Mayor Buck's parents and former NLV Mayor Mike Montandon

An ethics complaint was filed against Cherchio in December by a Jay L. King. King lives on the same street as Mayor Buck, and shortly thereafter was appointed to two City Advisory Boards – the Citizens Advisory Board and the Utility Advisory Board.

On June 15th, when the City Council was slated to canvass the vote, the Mayor chose to abstain from the vote because she donated to the Wagner campaign and her husband worked on the campaign "and was paid". On both of Wagner's C&E reports, Keith Buck, the Mayor's husband, is not listed as a Campaign Expense.

On June 23rd, former Mayor Montandon and Jay King waited until after the filing deadline for Temporary Restraining Orders. As mentioned, Montandon lives in the contested precinct. Initially, Montandon was claiming that he would have been "disenfranchised" by the new election but in fact, he would be super-enfranchised.

Wade Wagner has 9 registered voters in his residence. Six are clearly family, but three have different last names. Does the El Dorado HOA allow that? Might be a zoning violation.

It should be no surprise to anyone that there is now talks of recalling Mayor Buck. How realistic are those threats? We'll see.

--

Laura

As #NVleg draws to a close, we finally have a budget

2011-06-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Governor Brian Sandoval, surrounded by beaming legislators, announced that a balanced budget exists, the session would end on time. Legislators congratulated each other for being able to work together for a common sense budget, despite not even a week ago it seemed bitter partisan divides would keep this day from happening, and Governor Sandoval threatened to shut the state government down rather than call a special session.

The #Mar21 and #Sandoville activists asked for it: a balanced approached to our state's budget and compromises on taxes and much needed reforms. Thanks to the Nevada Supreme Court, we got it. Legislators did their jobs, worked together and compromised. And I'm sure, everyone will do their best to take credit in some way.

Our friends on the right will try their best to explain that by Governor Sandoval (R-Jones Vargas) raising taxes he is in no way breaking his pledge not to raise taxes.

President Barack Obama takes a sip from a glass of cool, refreshing conservative tears.

"Non-partisan" Nevada Propaganda Rhetoric Institute will fudge numbers and whine about Florida.

Conservative purity police will have their say.

And some lefties will still be upset with some of the cuts and the damage done to unions.

But like the song says, you can't always get what you want.

In the end, it's Nevada who comes out the winner. Our budget is balanced, some of the cruelest reforms softened, much needed education reforms are agreed on and the sunset taxes passed in 2009, that Nevada's fragile economy has recovered under, have been extended to 2013.

Here's the numbers via the Las Vegas Sun (pdf)

I'll update this entry as more news about the budget comes out.

--

Laura

What actually happened at Sandoville

2011-05-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

If a direct action you’ve planned doesn’t go accordingly, you should never admit it. At least not to the press. They will gleefully print your failures and ignore the accomplishments. And, you most likely take away the opportunity for that action to be accomplished in the future.

But as I’m going through the clips of the coverage from our three day camp out on the grounds of the Nevada legislature, I've seen a few mischaracterizations and assumptions (some are just plain "untruths") about what we were planning to do.

I want to take the time to clear a few things up.

A few weeks after the now infamous March 21st student rally in Carson City one of the organizers told me that next time we go to Carson, we’re sleeping outside on the lawn.

But Sandoville wasn’t just a bunch of students. And we didn't go to Carson City demanding Governor Brian Sandoval raise taxes to save education, as many reported. We wanted our legislators to break the gridlock, work together, compromise and come up with a balanced solution to Nevada’s economic crisis.

We know that cuts have to be made. We know that there are needed reforms. We are willing to share the sacrifice. But it’s the wrong approach to only look for cuts while ignoring opportunities to raise revenue. And some cuts are simply too drastic and possibly unnecessary. What does it say about Nevada’s values if we’re willing to take away breakfast from poor children yet maintain extravagant subsidies for foreign mining companies who makes billions every year?

And its also very suspect that the groups bearing the brunt of the cuts (public employees, teachers and Clark County) happen to be the same groups who voted overwhelmingly against Brian Sandoval in the 2010 election.

But I digress.

Here is what Sandoville planned to do:

Originally we planned to stay a full week, but compromised with various agencies involved with the legislature to set up camp Monday and take it down Wednesday.

We identified legislators--Republicans and Democrats---to target with lobbying teams or for individuals to target their own legislators who needed some prodding.

Everyone was asked to give testimony during committee hearings that had to do with revenue and education. Some campers had prepared remarks, others read from statements they typed up on their smart phones and some just spoke from the heart. After committee hearings we stopped legislators in the hall, asking them to come to Sandoville or at least make a one on one appointment.

As for direct actions, we played with several options.

Having been involved in an action that successfully shut down the Las Vegas Strip and resulted in about a dozen arrests last summer, I made the suggestion of shutting down Carson Street.

I saw a report that we were going to block the highway. That’s not only wrong, but would be recklessly dangerous on our part.

The symbolism of shutting down a street was: if legislators are willing to bicker and fight and block progress, we were going to block them from getting to work. We decided not to do that because of the collateral damage (Carson City residents).

We also planned a sit-in at the Governor’s capitol office. It was scheduled for 3pm on Tuesday, but the Governor decided to take a quick trip to Vegas. So we set our sights on Senate Minority Leader Mike McGinness instead.

We asked McGinness’ secretary when he’d be in the office (she didn’t know) and then asked for an appointment, which she refused because (she claimed) he has already met with students once this session. I’m sure he meets with lobbyists multiple times a day, I guess students only get one shot. 40 people crammed themselves into the Minority Leader’s office and sat silently on the floor. His secretary, shaking with anger, was taping out emails and calling security. Capitol guards swooped to the office and you could tell by the looks on their faces, they had no clue what to do.

McGinness’ secretary announced that he was in committee and wouldn’t be back in the office for at least an hour. Some people seated on the floor pulled out their laptops and logged onto NELIS to see if he was in committee, a few others went to the committee room. All came to the same conclusion, McGinness was not there. So everyone continued to sit in silence.

A guard pleaded with us to leave. Some people moved into the hallway to allow more room for McGinness’ staff to go in and out of their offices. Eventually, McGinness appeared in committee and the sit-in moved to the committee room.

I saw a report that one of our direct actions was cancelled because we didn’t want to get arrested. That is also wrong. People who were willing to be arrested signed up to do so. Several news crews filmed our “Sandoville Schedule” white board and some reporters even tweeted pictures of it. On the schedule was a “peace training” I was going to help lead to explain what would happen when folks got arrested, how to prepare and what to do. We had lawyers on stand-by. We were ready to be arrested in McGinness’ office.

The pressure we put on McGinness resulted in a meeting with him and Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford post-committee. We were able to talk about a balanced approach to the budget, asked the two men to work together, communicate and compromise.

After the committee room we headed to other Senator’s offices. Much to his surprise and displeasure, we ran into Senator Gustavson in the hallway. He curtly answered our questions but after about five minutes he’d had enough and briskly walked away.

We walked down the long hallway of senate offices, stopping at each to make an appointment. We eventually sat outside of Senator Barbara Cegavske’s office, waiting for everyone to come back committee, lunch, the bathroom or whatever excuse their secretaries gave us.

What happened next was another first for the Legislature. Senator Michael Roberson brought us Girl Scout cookies then sat on the floor for a debate. He was soon joined by Senator Cegavske and Senator Ben Keickhefer. Senator Elizabeth Halselth and Senator Greg Brower stood and watched but did not participate.

There was a lot of back and forth. Mostly mutual understandings with a few heated moments (and some yelling) sprinkled throughout. Senator Roberson proved he was a text book conservative (blaming public workers for the state’s problems) with endless confidence. He complained that he’s shared more words with us than Senator Horsford. But much like the governor, he’s made himself irrelevant by refusing to compromise.

Then there was the donut summit.

It was mischaracterized as the governor winning over “students” with treats. No one was won over by anything the governor said or did. Sure, some people got in a picture with the Governor, but it was because his staff asked us to. Most of us refused. The Governor did not come to Sandoville to sell his budget, he came there to maintain his brand. Even his staff looks “sunny” and happy. A group of non-threatening people with warm smiles who, like the Governor, look like they were cast for the roles they play.

Governor Sandoval was unable to provide any perspective or answer questions with anything other than useless empty GOP “we hate taxes” rhetoric. And if the whole thing wasn’t ridiculous enough, he was wearing cowboy boots with his suit.

It’s safe to say that donuts are the only thing of substance the Governor will deliver to the people of Nevada this legislative session.

Sandoville is no longer on the lawn of the legislature, but it is not gone. On the bus ride down we were planning out next trip up north. At the end of each day in Sandoville we had checkin-in and planning meetings and a major wrap-up meeting was held Friday once everyone was back home.

We have new friends, a wider network, new targets and better perspective. With less than three weeks to go before the end of the session, and with the Governor threatening to shut down the state government, we have a lot of work to do.

--

Laura

Why you should ignore Carolyn Goodman's poll

2011-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

A bit of controversy erupted last week in the mayor's race (I know, shit breaks out every other day) over some dueling polls. Chris Giunchigliani's campaign released a poll conducted by Beneson Strategy Group showing the race statistically tied. Carolyn Goodman's campaign was forced to release their own Magellan Strategies conducted poll--after spending the weekend telling reporters they can't release the numbers because they're so good no one would vote--that showed Carolyn up 53-31.

Freelancer Steve Friess was skeptical of Chris G's poll, airing his frustration on Twitter that Goodman's numbers weren't being reported as breathlessly as Giunchigliani's. But anyone familiar with Magellen Strategies knows they have a poor reputation. And that could explain why no one is giving Carolyn's polling numbers any credibility.

Take for example:

“Tom Tancredo will become Colorado's next governor,” predicted David Flaherty, president and CEO of Magellan Data and Mapping Strategies, a Louisville, CO, pollster that works for Republicans around the country.

That statement was made Friday before the 2010 gubernatorial election in Colorado. Democrat John Hickenlooper went on to beat Tancredo 51-36 four days later. Magellan also predicted Meg Whitman would win the governor's race in California. She lost to Democrat Jerry Brown.

Another "oopsie" in 2010 by Magellan, they had to issue an apology for their flawed polling in the Kentucky senate race. Their polls showed Republican candidate Rand Paul beating his closest competitor by 20-30 points. What they forgot to mention: the poll they conducted did not mention any candidate but Rand Paul. Rand Paul went on to win the election 55-44.

In 2010 Magellan released a flurry of poorly conducted polls, all benefiting Republican candidates. Their website at the time had the tag line: Magellan Strategies Helping Republicans Win Elections. Magellan is on the payroll of the Republican National Committee and Koch-funded astroturf conservative organization, Americans for Prosperity.

I've been told that Magellan's bad results are due to bad methodology. One person was polled by Magellan at an office number. They pollster did not ask for a specific person nor did they ask any screening questions ("Are you registered to vote in Las Vegas?") either. Magellan is simply a disaster.

I should start my own polling firm. Get paid tens of thousands of dollars to produce crap? Light Skinned Polling is open for business.

But hey, if you want to trust Magellan, be my guest.

Everyone else who lives in a place called reality, keep knocking those doors and making those calls. It's making a difference.

--
Laura

Governor Brian Sandoval welcomes Urban Outfitters and their legacy of racism and anti-semitism

2011-05-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

On May 4th Governor Brian Sandoval "proudly tweeted" ("proud to" and "honored to" is Brian Sandoval's "this one time, at band camp" twitter tick) that Urban Outfitter's would be setting up an "internet fulfillment center" in Reno.

The gov claimed the 650 news jobs would come to Reno. But the reality is (Gov seems to have a problem with that) this "internet fulfillment center", aka warehouse, will provide maybe 150 full-time jobs and 650 temporary construction jobs.

150 jobs is better than no jobs. But why is Sandoval happy about gaining 150 when he plans on firing 7,000 teachers?

Also, why is Sandoval proud of a warehouse being built in his hometown by a company known for its racism and anti-semitism?

2003: Ghettopoly: Get your neighborhood addicted to crack, you earn $50. A parody of Monopoly labeled "racist" by the NAACP and African American clergy organizations.

2003: 'Everyone Love a Jewish Girl' t-shirt. Jewish girls are pretty awesome, but a t-shirt with that phrase, coupled with dollar signs caused the Anti-Defamation League to express "outrage and disgust" at this and other incidents of Urban Outfitters insensitivity. The shirts were discontinued.

Read a full list of products that were pulled from Urban Outfitters shelves. The company our governor is so proud of.

Is this what Nevada values?

Governor Creeper

2011-05-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

It appears Governor Brian Sandoval has been placed under the same trance as Michelle Bachmann.

Pitiful performances like this are why I roll my eyes and laugh when people call Governor Sandoval a "strong leader". He obviously has many people orbiting around him (painfully apparent that Michelle Rhee and/or her staff had a hand in crafting this speech) helping herd his doggies in line and outside groups are more than willing to kick the asses of Nevada's weak GOP legislators.

Watch for yourself, Governor Sandoval's speech where he tries to convince us he cares about education, but instead, through forced smiles and wandering eyes, shows us that he just might be Nevada's #1 Creeper

Side note: It's painfully obvious he's reading from a teleprompter, so why is he shuffling papers? More pomp and showmanship from our creeper gov.

The College Republicans are full of shit

2011-04-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying. I know.

A former Joe Heck staffer, who is in his mid-thirties, decided to enroll at UNLV after the campaign ended. As a sophomore he is now the new president of UNLV's college Republicans. Since his election, this student organization has launched a full-scale attack on Dina Titus. Complete with bird-dogging, a media campaign and website. How they find time to go to class between disrupting Dina's classes, harassing her in her office and tabling in UNLV's student center is a mystery.

What's also a mystery: they attack Dina for her salary and the fact that she teachers one class, yet they fail to mention that their own academic adviser is THE HIGHEST PAID FACULTY MEMBER at UNLV's College of Business, excluding the chair.

Associate Professor Ken Peffers raked in $173,376.54 (that's $67K more than Dina!) in 2009-2010 school year. And guess what? HE IS ON PAID LEAVE. You're mad Dina teaches only one class full of students? HE TEACHERS NO ONE and has no other assignments.

Why would College Republicans leave that out? Rumor has it they have no one else to advise them. I am told that no other professor will touch the group. And if they have no faculty adviser, they have no organization.

The UNLV college Republicans are nothing more than a Joe Heck re-election shadow campaign using up UNLV's resources and good name.

--

Laura

Brian Sandoval's trained dogs

2011-04-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

My mom used to cover the cops beat for our local paper. I was in elementary school at the time and she would drag me to many different ceremonial police activities. One of the most festive events was the graduating class of the police K9 unit.

German shepherds who were trained to perform were paraded in front of the adoring public and given their diplomas. The crowd would “ooh” and “aww” and clap as the dogs were taken through a few training exercises to show off to the crowd.

I thought the whole thing was sad.

These dogs were so convinced that they had no role in life but to do whatever their trainers said, they’d whine and squirm while anxiously waiting for the next command. Some would even pee on the floor in anticipation for the next order.

Legislative Republicans remind of those dogs.

Some are eager to please, like Senator Michael Roberson who yelps “GOV REC!” whenever asked about the budget. Or Mark Sherwood, who when given the challenge of thinking for himself and providing his opinion for all who are upset with cuts to education, simply replies “WE DON’T CARE! *ROO-ROO-ROOH*”

If anyone gets out of line, if someone wants to tax groceries to raise revenue or admits the truth that we must raise our almost non-existent taxes to meet our budgetary needs and keep the state running, if Governor Sandoval’s persistent phone banking of the Republican caucus (the other thing he does when he’s not reading to children), there’s always someone who will yank that choke chain. Sending the wounded legislator, whimpering and broken, back to their caucus. Eagerly awaiting their next chance to prove how well they've been trained.

--

Laura

You won't have John Ensign to kick around anymore

2011-04-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

I saw a tweet from Roll Call's Shira Toeplitzi, and Senator Ensign made it official on his website:

Press Releases
Media
April 21, 2011
ENSIGN TO RESIGN FROM OFFICE

Washington, D.C. - Senator John Ensign today announced his resignation as the 24th United States Senator from the state of Nevada. In a letter to Vice President Joe Biden tomorrow, Senator Ensign will state that his resignation from office is effective as of May 3, 2011.

"It is with tremendous sadness that I officially hand over the Senate seat that I have held for eleven years," said Ensign. "The turbulence of these last few years is greatly surpassed by the incredible privilege that I feel to have been entrusted to serve the people of Nevada. I can honestly say that being a United States Senator has been the honor of my life.

So now Governor Brian Sandoval has to appoint someone (re: Dean Heller) to that open Senate seat and a special election for the the now open congressional district 2 seat must be called in 180 days.

Why did this all happen, when only a month ago Senator Ensign said he'd finish his term? No one knows for sure. Ensign says it was to protect his family, but if he really cared for his family, he would've never cheated on his wife then given money and jobs to his mistress and her family.

Maybe Ensign knew the ethics investigation would not go well. If he's no longer a senator, there is no investigation.

Maybe Ensign was pressured by Governor Sandoval (side note: When Harry Reid involves himself in state politics he's called a meddler; when Brian Sandoval does it, he's a strong leader. I hate Nevada politics sometimes.) to get out because Dean Heller knows he can not defeat Congresswoman Shelley Berkley on his own merits. Being an incumbent adds some panache to your campaign, I'm told. Don't know if I believe that.

Now, who will run for #NV02? Sheila Leslie is the best option in my very humble opinion. I hear Debbie Smith is interested. And Jill Derby (two-time #NV02 loser) has been popping up at party events lately. She might want it too.

So much drama.

My dear friend Rhett sums it all up. I hope the Dems are smart enough to use this:

John Ensign resigning is a political stunt for Republicans to try to retain his Senate seat! First you cheat on your wife, now you cheat on Nevadans!

--

Laura

Results of our reader poll

2011-04-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

Sausage Factory readers voted for their favorite Nevada journo who covers the legislature (#nvleg) full time:

Here are the results:

Congrats to Andrew Doughman for taking first place!

Side note: I'm gonna guess that our readers either 1. Don't care about polls 2. Don't care about journos covering #nvleg or 3. Don't live in Nevada

A few hundred people visited the blog in the past 12 hours, but as you can see, only 36 people voted in our poll.

I was going to do a post with several polling questions (best #nvleg tweeter, best #nvleg analysis, etc...) but it looks like TSF readers aren't really into polls.

What are your thoughts?

Diversity fail

2011-04-14T13:18:00.001-07:00

The Assembly republicans have a blog, and for some reason they decided to post a picture, featured right at the top, of all their GOP assembly members.

Reminding everyone that the NV GOP is a Grand ol Party of old white men.

And Melissa Woodbury

Does Nevada's GOP even try to recruit candidates of color? Or is Brian "my kids don't look hispanic" Sandoval enough for them?

I wonder how many LCB staff or Republican attaches up in Carson are people of color.

#OscarsWife doesn't know anything

2011-04-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

Maybe the title is a a little unfair, but it seems that every time Carolyn "Oscar's Wife" Goodman is asked a question the response is either I don't know (re: DREAM Act) or some strange off-topic answer.

Carolyn Goodman is not good with details or facts. Perhaps she was too busy molding the young minds of the elite class' offspring to pick up a newspaper or watch the news and actually learn something about the outside world and how it might affect the city she now wants to be mayor of.

Local journalist Steve Friess was one of the first to expose her staggering ignorance. Despite claiming to be an educator and friend to Las Vegas' Latino community, she had no clue what the DREAM Act was and had no official position (and seemed to have no knowledge of) Las Vegas' Domestic Partnership law or gay marriage in general.

And now #OscarsWife has inserted her foot in her mouth once again.

Given a chance by Univision to clarify her DREAM Act remarks, she claims that students can find a pathway to citizenship by participating in the Teach for America program.

Teach for America does not provide you with a pathway to citizenship. Right now, the only way a non-US citizen can became a "legal" citizen is by going through the US' archaic, drawn out citizenship process.

From Teach for America's website:

About Us

Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity.

Our mission is to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort. Learn more about who we are looking for.

In the short run, our corps members work relentlessly to ensure that more students growing up today in our country's lowest-income communities are given the educational opportunities they deserve. In the long run, our alumni are a powerful force of leaders working from inside education and from every other sector to effect the fundamental changes needed to ensure that all children have an equal chance in life. Learn more about our impact.

Nothing about citizenship. At all.

I attended almost all of the mayoral debates during the primary, and I noticed whenever Chris Giunchigliani talked about legislation or ordinances she worked on, #OscarsWife would roll her eyes or pass a look to her staff as if to say "Now here she goes with all those facts and shit"

Why the hate from OscarsWife?

Every time Chris G talks about her experience, OscarsWife if forced to admit that she has none. Every time Chris G describes in detail a bill, proposed legislation or policy, OscarsWife is exposed as not just a political neophyte, but a Sarah Palineqsue character who has no knowledge of current events and no ability to articulate any of the little knowledge she does have.

We're still keeping an eye on this

2011-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Collective bargaining back in the news in Nevada (see TSF blog here):

Fight over collective bargaining looming in Legislature

But Sandoval’s newly unveiled education reform package might bring the collective bargaining fight to him.

Under the legislation, teachers unions couldn’t bargain for higher pay based on educational attainment or years of service. They would also be limited in bargaining on the processes for layoffs, other workforce reductions and termination.

The Nevada State Education Association sees Sandoval’s bill, Assembly Bill 555, as an end run around its collective bargaining rights.

“We certainly didn’t take the governor at his word that he was not going to mess with collective bargaining,” association President Lynn Warne said. “He said he wasn’t going to move to eliminate collective bargaining, but there’s lots of mischief to be made within the statute of 288. And he’s picked on two very important issues to us.”

I wonder why no mention of Legislative Republicans issuing a list of demands, including derailing collective bargaining.

Is it due to lack of resources or lack of will that no one is pointing out what Governor Sandoval and legislative Republicans are doing in Carson is happening in Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin and other states?

Conservative think-tanks and news services have been slithering around Carson for almost two months as part of a string of "non profit" franchise-type operations that have popped up in states with new Republican governors.

This is not all just a coincidence.

Early voters are lazy and uninformed. They must be stopped

2011-03-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Last Friday someone told me the Republicans in the Nevada legislature have a bill that would end early voting. I assumed they were kidding.

Nevada covets early voting.

But go to the website, look for assembly bill 311: AN ACT relating to elections; eliminating early voting in elections; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

...yeah.

My friend Andrew over at the Nevada Progressive blogged about the bill first. What blows me is the bill's sponsor, Crescent Hardy R-Mesquite, claiming an unnamed group for unknown reasons asked him for this bill.

The fuck? Is this real life?

Just more evidence of Republicans attacking the least among us.

They know they can't win elections with high turn out. All across the nation Republicans are doing what they can to knock registered voters off the official record and suppress turnout. Remember the voter suppression bill I blogged about early this session? The one where Jodi Stephens whined that the evil Liberals didn't like that she and her Republicans friends wanted to prevent the poor and people of color from voting?

None of these bills will go anywhere. Aren't the Republicans the fiscally responsible ones? This is a huge waste of tax payer money and time. So why bother?

Because they can go back to their districts and toss this red meat at the seal-clapping masses: "I tried, but it was the Liberals and ACORN and SEIU and those illegals who stopped me. I was on your side!"

That's right you lazy, ignorant, good-for-nothing teachers, grandmas, students, single parents and government workers. You've had your fun participating in Democracy, now the Republicans and their allies are going to take those privileges back!

And your little dog too!

Oh, the irony

2011-03-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've long complained that I have no congressman.

I live in Clark County but have the misfortune of living in Congressional District 2, the seat currently held by Dean Heller.

A CD2 resident since 2008, I've met my congressman exactly zero times. In the past three plus years I've gone to Washington, DC at least a dozen times and each request I've sent to his office to meet with him or to receive gallery passes has been ignored. Going to his constituent office in Las Vegas renders similar results. Usually no one is there. Just a locked office, lights off. Your tax dollars hard at work.

Today I caught Jane Ann Morrison's column in the Las Vegas Review Journal where Heller defends himself against the notion that he's become more conservative and less accessible.

The timing couldn't be more perfect.

I planned on going to Heller's office this morning with some seniors to ask him to stop threatening to kill the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, medicare protections and benefits with it. His office must know this column is coming out today. They surely had a staffer there so as not to prove the columnist's point. Or so I thought.

Waiting at security of Alan Bible building, I browsed the wall of the world's most evil terrorists (why isn't Bin Laden up there anymore?) and I could hear the security guard picking up the phone, dialing, waiting, hanging up, dialing, waiting...for almost a full minute. Finally, he said no one was in the office, so no one was going upstairs.

I really wish I knew who else was in the building so I could have told a little white lie, gone up and taken a picture outside his darkened office, on a weekday, at 10am.

Granted, Ms Morrison was mostly referring to accessibility of Heller to the press (more important than constituent accessibility, right?) in her column, but as I said above, as a constituent, no matter how hard I tried, I've had absolutely no access to my congressman.

Heller says he has a lot of work to do in Clark County if he wants to win Ensign's newly vacated seat (what happens if Ensign retires early and Sandoval appoints himself to that seat? No more election or Heller?) so far, he's off to a really bad start.

Not that I'm complaining or anything.

Republicans who support education and need a push

2011-03-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone following #Mar21 #NVed and #NVleg on twitter (or following The Sausage Factory's live blog here) knows shit is popping off in Carson City.

A dozen buses packed with students left Las Vegas last night and they were joined in Carson City this morning by 7 buses from Reno and 1 bus from the rural Nevada.

There are Republican legislators who support education and will listen to our pleas to save it.

Here are there contacts. Email, call and if you're in Carson, go to their office. Put a face behind these cuts.

Save our state!

Assembly
Scott Hammond
775-684-8853
office in the legislature: 4111
shammond@asm.state.nv.us

Randy Kirner
775-684-8848
office 3130
rkirner@asm.state.nv.us

Melissa Woodbury
775-684-8503
office 4103
mwoodbury@asm.state.nv.us

Ira Hansen
775-684-8851 (cell: 775-221-2502)
office 3156
ihansen@asm.state.nv.us

Pat Hickey
775-684-8837 (cell: 775-762-8006)
office 4112
phickey@asm.state.nv.us

Senate
Ben Kieckhefer
775-684-1450 (cell: 775-223-9618)
office 2145
bkieckhefer@sen.state.nv.us

Mar 21: Students March on Carson City

2011-03-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

A few months ago organizer Michael Flores told me he wanted to fill up buses with students and send them to Carson City to lobby the legislature.

Tonight I watched as hundreds of students piled into a dozen buses and headed north. And I have never been more proud.

Governor Brian Sandoval has pushed the students of Nevada too far. "Death by a thousands cuts" is what you often hear. But these kids aren't going to take it anymore.

Watch the events of the day unfold live right here:

#Mar21 - Students March on Carson City

Brian Sandoval vs. the American Dream

2011-03-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

While our press corps is distracted and Governor Brian Sandoval manages to avoid scrutiny with his nice smile and non-threatening hair cut, activists in Nevada and across the country are organizing and working to hold Sandoval accountable for the damage he is attempting to do to our great state.

The cuts are not a shared sacrifice. Like other republican governors across the nation, Sandoval's cuts target the least among us.

This was sent by MoveOn.org today:

Dear Nevada MoveOn member,

The battle of Wisconsin has awakened a sleeping giant—millions of people standing together to save the American Dream from severe budget cuts and attacks on the rights of working people.

We need to keep that momentum going here in Nevada, where a huge fight is brewing in Carson City over the state's budget.

Governor Brian Sandoval has proposed a budget that cuts public education, Medicaid, public safety and more—all while allowing corporations and the wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.1

Wisconsin showed that the people are not going to let corporations and their allies on the right trample the American Dream without a fight. Now we have to send that same message in Nevada.

Click here to sign the petition to Gov. Brian Sandoval and your state legislators.

Here's what the petition says: "Nevada's budget has already been cut to the bone. Corporations and the wealthy must pay their fair share for quality schools, police, health care, and other vital public services."

After you sign, be sure to share this petition on Facebook and email it to your friends and neighbors in Henderson and around the state.

This is about the budget, but it's also about something bigger. We need to make this the moment when regular people stand up and say "no" to the corporations and right-wing politicians who want to strangle the public investments needed to keep the American Dream alive.

Please take a moment to add your name to the petition, and we'll deliver it to Gov. Brian Sandoval and your state legislators by the end of this week.

Click here to sign the petition to Gov. Brian Sandoval and your state legislators.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Marika, Stephen, Adam Q., and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Governors are Proposing Further Deep Cuts in Services, Likely Harming Their Economies," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, March 3, 2011
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3389

After signing the petition, here is the email MoveOn will send to contacts of your choosing:

Subject: Nevada Budget Cuts vs. the American Dream

Hi,

Governor Brian Sandoval has proposed a budget that cuts public
education, Medicaid, public safety and more--all while allowing
corporations and the wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.

I signed a petition to the governor and my state legislators opposing
these cuts. Can you join me at the link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/nvbudget/?r_by=-5547254-wcBvX1x&rc=mailto

Thanks!

Dean Heller announces he's running for Senate; Clark County licks its chops

2011-03-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have the misfortune of living in Clark County's 2nd congressional district.

I say misfortune because my congressman, Dean Heller, never comes to this part of the district. His Las Vegas district office is rarely open. Yes Nevada, your tax dollars are paying rent on a congressional office that is supposed to provide constituent services that usually sits empty, doors locked. He lost my assembly district in 2010 to challenger Nancy Price (Price had 63% of the vote in my precinct) and the Nevada Democratic Party didn't even try to win this election (no calling, no canvassing). Jill Derby beat Heller in Clark County in 2008 in an election where NV Dems actually put forth a little bit of effort.

I'm not sure this is going to be a cake walk for Heller. This will be the first time he faces the full force of NV Dems and its activists, including an assist from OFA and President Obama at the top of the ticket. And I know I'm not the only CD2-Clark resident who has been saving up Heller's racist anti-immigrant mailers, fact-less constituent letters and tax payer-funded official congressional correspondence that seem to only come out when he's running for re-election and look a lot like a campaign mailer.

But he's decided to run for US Senate anyway.

Here's the email I received today. The opening line is full of lulz.

Also included a screen print so you know the mangled first sentence was in the actual email.

Laura,

Your past support has meant a lot me and for this reason I wanted you to be among the first to know that I am running for the United States Senate.

It is difficult to see so many people hurting in my home state. As many of you know, I grew up in Nevada and my wife Lynne and I have raised our family here. We see the tough choices our friends, neighbors, and family members are making every day and I see how poor decisions in Washington are impacting their lives.

This is not the first time that Nevadans have endured tough times and it won't be the last, but I know that there are better days ahead.

Our strength as a state and a nation is bigger than the troubles of today. However, it is also incumbent upon us to effect change in difficult times to create a better future.

As families across Nevada struggle to pay their bills and fight to keep their homes, Barack Obama and his beltway allies are proposing record spending that will add to America's job-killing debt from a stratospheric $14 trillion to a staggering $20 trillion.

We cannot allow this to happen.

We can change the course we are on by taking action today. The choices we make can lead to big changes in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. This is a crossroad that will not only change Nevada, but significantly change the direction of our nation for years to come.

If we are to turn our economy around, we must remove impediments that have caused economic stagnation and the inability of businesses to create new jobs. Not continue with business as usual.

We cannot ignore our nation's very serious fiscal problems and continue to allow Obama's big government job killing agenda to continue.

I have long been an opponent of reckless government spending and continue to support a balanced budget. In 2008, I stood up to former President Bush, then Senator Obama, and Washington special interests and said no to the Wall Street bailout. In fact, I was the only member of the Nevada delegation to vote against the Wall Street bailout, not once but twice. My view then, just as it is now, is that debt fueled bailouts only hurts long-term economic growth and places taxpayers on the hook for the excesses of Wall Street.

Now I want to take this fight to the United States Senate.

Congress can no longer refuse to make tough fiscal decisions and stick our children and grandchildren with the massive debt that has been allowed to accrue for far too long. We must take control of government spending to instill long-term economic growth in our country.

There are those who believe government spending is not the problem and we should simply raise taxes and treat the American public as an ATM. Let me assure you that I believe Washington has a spending problem—not a revenue problem—and that tax increases are not the answer especially in our current economic environment.

Just like many families across our state, Lynne and I sit around the table and discuss the direction of our country, the future of our children, and the needs of the people of our great state who have endured in this struggling economy for far too long.

It is time to move beyond the failed policies of the past and create real economic growth in Nevada.

I know that the tough times are not yet over. However, I also know that there are better times ahead.

Together we can move our country in a new direction, get Nevadans working again, and create a more prosperous future for us and our children.

It has been an honor to serve you and our great state in the House. I hope I can count on your continued support. With your help, we can bring a new conservative majority to the United States Senate.

Sincerely,
Dean
Dean Heller

UPDATE: Updated to correct Price's winning percentage from 62% to 63%

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Re-Tweeting the Nevada Legislature

2011-03-05T16:08:00.001-08:00

By far one of the most popular blogs on The Sausage Factory was 'Tweeting the Nevada Legislature'. I'm glad that my Twitter list of Nevada legislators has been useful for Nevada's tweeters who are trying to keep up with what their representatives are doing in Carson City.

I provided some gentle criticism for those whose Twitter skills are lacking and I am going to take full credit for the improvements that I've seen ;^)

Elizabeth Halseth @elizabethSD9 is no longer narrating her day with banal "I'm off to the bathroom" "Just got done washing my hands" "Heading back to my office" "Oops, toilet paper is stuck to my heel" type tweets. She is interacting more, asking questions and tweeting pictures. Twitter is not a community cork board where you just post information, to get the best experience out of Twitter that you can, you must be interactive.

I was also critical of Speaker of the House Oceguera @JohnOceguera and Senate Majority Leader Horsford @shorsford for their cold/impersonal tweets. But it has gotten MUCH better. Speaker Oceguera is sharing more articles and making comments on them. He's interacting more with his followers and people who "@" reply him. He even tweeted a video of his adorable baby boy Jackson walking; an inclusion in the #NVleg Democrat's #437Kreasons twitter campaign to bring awareness to the education budget in Nevada.

SML Horsford's account has also livened up. Tweeting questions, throwing out facts and providing #nvleg info to his followers. As Nevada's DNC committee representative, he recently traveled to DC for the DNC's winter meeting and live-tweeted a few meetings and shared pictures. Political nerds like me ate that shit up!

Lucy Flores @LucyFlores is still my favorite #nvleg tweeter. Providing information, asking questions, answering questions, talking about her personal life and refusing to take shit from anyone who tries to get crazy with her on Twitter. But I will say, I was hating on her a few days ago when she tweeted she tried Zumba, then did some yoga and finished it off with an hour of basketball! Trying to make us all look bad!

And here's an updated list of the #NVleg Twitter Follower Leader-board (for time's sake, only doing the top 10):

@JohnOceguera 550

@LucyFlores 513

@BobzienNevada 506

@ElliotAndersonv 483

@RubenKihuen 391

@MarcusConklin 372

@sleslienv 371

@Ben_Kieckhefer 356

@WILLIAMHORNENV 313

@elizabethSD9 283

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

What the hell RORY?

2011-03-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

News broke Friday that Rory Reid for Governor crew found some creative--albeit legal--ways to get some campaign cash that involved creating 91 (NINETY ONE!!? GOT DAMN RORY!) PACs:

In one of the most brazen schemes in Nevada history, gubernatorial candidate Rory Reid’s campaign formed 91 shell political action committees that were used to funnel three quarters of a million dollars into his campaign, circumventing contribution limits and violating at least the spirit – and maybe the letter – of the laws governing elections.

Reid, who was fully aware of what was done, essentially received more than $750,000 from one PAC – 75 times the legal limit -- after his team created dozens of smaller PACS that had no other purpose other than to serve as conduits from a larger entity that the candidate funded by asking large donors for money. Indeed, the shell PACs were formed in the fall and dissolved on Dec. 31, after they had served their short-term function, which was to help the candidate evade campaign contribution laws.

Tio Rory said he was playing by the rules: he sought legal council and received guidance from the Secretary of State's office.

But just because something is legal, doesn't mean you have to run out and do it (hey Rory, kinda referring to your dad's speech about hookers) especially if it feels wrong.

I was rooting for you Rory, we were all rooting for you! *rips up Rory for CD4 bumper sticker*

But I do have a question about the timing of it all.

Tio Rory claims to have gotten the okay from the Secretary of State's office beforehand.

He loses the bid for governor on November 2, 2010 (over five months ago) to Governor Brian Sandoval (which news agency will go through Sandoval's campaign finances I wonder? Don't hold your breath).

On February 28, 2011 Secretary of State Ross Miller again submits a campaign finance reform bill. Similar bills have been submitted by Secretary Miller. This bill faces some resistance from the right, especially from underfunded political parties who feel Secretary Miller is raising campaign filing costs and increasing the number of reports to shut them out.

The ACLU has claimed Secretary Miller's bill is a violation of the First Amendment.

March 4, 2011 news breaks that Rory Reid for governor formed a Megatron PAC

What better way to get bipartisan support for a campaign finance reform bill (similar ones have failed twice) than to make an example out of a Reid who took advantage of the state's weak campaign finance laws?

Interesting how things just seem to work themselves out.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Revisiting SB41

2011-03-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

By far the most controversial blog on The Sausage Factory was this one about holes in Governor Brian Sandoval's position on collective bargaining and lack of reporting on SB41. It's always funny to hear that people are calling around just to tattle on you over a blog. Man up!

This is a brief update/basic timeline:

Feb 4: Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval's adviser Dale Erquiaga says the Gov wants nothing to do with former Governor Jim Gibbons bill that would eliminate collective bargaining.

Feb 7: SB41, a bill that would eliminate collective bargaining in Nevada, finds its way to the state senate. Other bills left over from the Gibbons administration have yet to see the light of day. Somehow, despite the Governor's supposed lack of interest, SB41 is drafted and makes it to committee.

Feb 11: Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin introduces his budget that includes eliminating collective bargaining for public employees.

Feb 14: In Wisconsin, Labor Unions and members of the public begin to protest Governor Walker's union-busting budget.

Feb 19: In Wisconsin almost 70,000 people protest Governor Walker's union-busting budget.

Feb 21: Governor Sandoval attends the Churchill County Central Republican Committee's Lincoln Day Dinner and tells attendees he has Governor Walker's back
“We are all working together,” Sandoval told Walker. “No one is going to buckle, no one is going to blink.”

Feb 22: Governor Walker falls for a prank phone call and tells "David Koch" that Governor Sandoval says there is support for what Walker is doing in WI (busting unions) in the state of NV.

Feb 23: Republican governors in Ohio and Florida back off of collective bargaining.

Feb 24: Governor Sandoval tells the Las Vegas Sun “In regard to collective bargaining, there may be a bill,” Sandoval said. “I’ve not seen that bill. I’m watching the progress of such bills and waiting to see if they arrive here at the Capitol.”

Feb 27: The Las Vegas Review Journal reports there is no push by Governor Sandoval or Nevada Republicans to bother collective bargaining.

Mar 2: Assembly Republicans issue a list of demands, including "Strengthen management’s position in public employee collective bargaining rules."

updated to add gif, fix sentence
--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Governor Brian Sandoval wants to end collective bargaining

2011-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

On February 24, 2011 Governor Sandoval told Anjeanette Damon of the Las Vegas Sun:

“In regard to collective bargaining, there may be a bill,” Sandoval said. “I’ve not seen that bill. I’m watching the progress of such bills and waiting to see if they arrive here at the Capitol.”

On February 27, 2011 Laura Myers of the Review Journal, in one of her infamous rambling opuses declared Governor Sandoval and the Nevada republican party are not going after public employees or unions.

And today, Jon Ralston published a missive and he too fell into line claiming Governor Sandoval had no intentions (no stomach?) to mess with collective bargaining rights.

But over in Humbolt County, our friend Desert Beacon finds this:

In case citizens of Nevada were thinking that what happens in Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin would stay in Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin -- please see SB 41 (pdf), introduced into the Nevada State Legislature by the Legislative Committee on Operations and Elections at the request of the Governor.

What does it do?

In other words, if the local government doesn't "deem" collective bargaining "desirable" then all bets are off and there will be no collective bargaining. Period.

But surely it was introduced AFTER all those media reports claiming Governor Sandoval had no interesting in collective bargaining, right?

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Operations and Elections on February 7, 2011.

You have to wonder why our press corps intentionally led the public to believe our governor was staying away from the collective bargaining fight while at the same time that same governor had requested a bill that would essentially do away with with those bargaining rights.

Maybe if SB41 included something about prostitutes they would have noticed

UPDATE:
Desert Beacon provides a SB41 timeline

UPDATE 2:
These questions still stand: if Brian Sandoval was not interested in a collective bargaining bill and wanted it ignored, why was the bill still drafted? Why is it in a senate committee? Why waste valuable legislative time to work on a bill the governor has indicated he has no intentions of passing (and there is not enough legislative support to override a veto)? Who brought Governor Gibbons bill back to life? Sure, the bill will not go anywhere, but why did everyone just roll over and accept Governor Sandoval's word? Especially since he was caught twice praising union-busting Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker. Sandoval may think a bill would never go anywhere, but either he and/or the Nevada republican party may think they have a chance to win an ideological fight in the process.

Check our Desert Beacon (here and here) and Nevada State Employee Focus for more analysis

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Laura

Halseth seeks to deny voters access to elected officials by banning them from public hearings

2011-02-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

Over 1,000 parents, students, administrators, staff and teachers made their way to Green Valley High School in Henderson to testify in front of their elected officials about Nevada's education budget. This did not please freshman senator Elizabeth Halseth: she has called for all Nevadans without student identification to be banned from future public hearings.

In Halseth's defense, she might not have actually authored that tweet herself. As seen in her Face to Face interview, she is usually not that coherent, and its widely known that the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity chapter of Nevada assists with her blog and sends her questions to ask and comments to make during her committee hearings in Carson City.

Despite who was behind the tweet, Halseth or AFP Nevada, you have to wonder why they were so upset by the testimony they heard that they feel government must step in and prevent voters from speaking and having access to their elected officials.

Was it the 3rd grader with type 1 diabetes who didn't want his school nurse to be fired because he'd have no one to give him his insulin shot? The bus driver who faithfully performed her duties for Clark County School District for 30 years? The young man from Nevada Policy Research Institute who said Nevada's education system didn't need more money, the money we have needs to be spent wisely? Or the mother of three who wanted her kids education to mean something when they graduate and go out into the world?

And to further darken an otherwise uplifting evening of civic engagement and parental involvement, Halseth and freshman assemblyman Scott Hammond lied via their twitter accounts by claiming parents were shut out of the public hearing because the auditorium was full of union members.

Anyone who actually attended the open hearing knows there was not one person wearing union paraphernalia in attendance. This may be news to Halseth and Hammond: members of Nevada's labor unions have children who attend public schools, and they care about the budget too.

Halseth and Hammond are the types to be first in line to lie about and demonize members of Nevada's labor unions then whine and cry that those same union members they want to ban from public hearings overwhelmingly support Democrats.

I doubt little Christopher Hughes, the 3rd grader with diabetes, is a union member, but Halseth and Hammond have dismissed his testimony just the same. They have to look past their conservative talking points and push politics to the side to help children in CCSD like Christopher.

All people who provided testimony had great ideas. Lets hope their words didn't fall or deaf, or even worse, partisan ears.

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Laura

Governor Sandoval supports his Koch-head friend in Wisconsin

2011-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

Oliver Willis has the audio and transcript up on his blog as the original source, Buffalo Beast, appears to be down. Hopefully due to traffic.

Here is what Buffalo Beast had on their website to describe the call, before the site went down:

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker answers his master’s call

“David Koch”: We’ll back you any way we can. What we were thinking about the crowd was, uh, was planting some troublemakers.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker: You know, well, the only problem with that—because we thought about that…

***

WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS IS REAL. NO NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT. THERE ARE NO INNOCENT.
-MURPHY

***

“He’s just hard-lined—will not talk, will not communicate, will not return phone calls.”
-Wisconsin state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D) on Gov. Walker (source)

Carpenter’s quote made me wonder: who could get through to Gov. Walker? Well, what do we know about Walker and his proposed union-busting, no-bid budget? The obvious candidate was David Koch.

I first called at 11:30 am CST, and eventually got through to a young, male receptionist who, upon hearing the magic name Koch, immediately transferred me to Executive Assistant Governor Dorothy Moore.

“We’ve met before, Dorothy,” I nudged. “I really need to talk to Scott—Governor Walker.” She said that, yes, she thought she had met Koch, and that the name was “familiar.” But she insisted that Walker was detained in a meeting and couldn’t get away. She asked about the nature of my call. I balked, “I just needed to speak with the Governor. He knows what this is about,” I said. She told me to call back at noon, and she’d have a better idea of when he would be free.

I called at noon and was quickly transferred to Moore, who then transferred me to Walker’s Chief of Staff Keith Gilkes. He was “expecting my call.”

“David!” he said with an audible smile.

I politely said hello, not knowing how friendly Gilkes and Koch may be. He was eager to help. “I was really hoping to talk directly to Scott,” I said. He said that could be arranged and that I should just leave my number. I explained to Gilkes, “My goddamn maid, Maria, put my phone in the washer. I’d have her deported, but she works for next to nothing.” Gilkes found this amusing. “I’m calling from the VOID—with the VOID, or whatever it’s called. You know, the Snype!”

“Gotcha,” Gilkes said. “Let me check the schedule here…OK, there’s an opening at 2 o’clock Central Standard Time. Just call this same number and we’ll put you through.”

Could it really be that easy? Yes. What follows is a rushed, abridged transcript of my—I mean, David Koch’s conversation with Gov. Walker.

Here is the portion about Nevada's governor Brian Sandoval:

Walker: [blah about his press conferences, attacking Obama, and all the great press he's getting.] Brian [Sadoval], the new Governor of Nevada, called me the last night he said—he was out in the Lincoln Day Circuit in the last two weekends and he was kidding me, he said, “Scott, don’t come to Nevada because I’d be afraid you beat me running for governor.” That’s all they want to talk about is what are you doing to help the governor of Wisconsin. I talk to Kasich every day—John’s gotta stand firm in Ohio. I think we could do the same thing with Vic Scott in Florida. I think, uh, Snyder—if he got a little more support—probably could do that in Michigan. You start going down the list there’s a lot of us new governors that got elected to do something big.

Koch: You’re the first domino.

Walker: Yep. This is our moment.

Koch: Now what else could we do for you down there?

Walker: Well the biggest thing would be—and your guy on the ground [Americans For Prosperity president Tim Phillips] is probably seeing this [stuff about all the people protesting, and some of them flip him off].

Audio starts at 1:15

UPDATE:
Governor Walker's office confirms, that's him on this call talking about union-busting to a fake David Koch

Jodi Stephens takes a break from disenfranchising voters and attacks unions

2011-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

Having not been satisfied with going after the poor and people of color with voter suppression tactics, executive director of the republican senate caucus went after working Nevadans.

In a RT of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Jodi Stephens belittles Nevada's Labor Unions by suggesting (re: lying) they do not organize for education.

Thanks to republicans like Stephens, Labor Unions in Nevada *have* organized on behalf of education. If she took a break from supporting voter suppression (re: not creating jobs for Nevadans) she could Google and see many examples of unions having to lobby, march, rally, phone bank, canvass and organize because of her party.

Here are just two examples of union organizing I was apart of as a member of AFCSME Local 4041

UNLV students walk out

Let the protests begin: College students and teachers rally against budget cuts

And there are more to come. Former governor Jim Gibbons nearly choked the life our of our education system with drastic cuts. Current governor Brian Sandoval seems intent on finishing the job.

I am no longer a member, but I know AFSCME and other Labor Unions in Nevada will continue to organize, assist students and parents in organizing and partnering with the teacher's union and others to fight back against Jodi Stephens and the Senate Republican's attempt to gut our education system.

UPDATE

Someone sent this tip to me. They said she was Governor Gibbons Secretary, which is what I tweeted. Actually, she was his "executive assistant" then was promoted to "legislative director".

The story is on the Las Vegas Review Journal's website; I can't link/quote for obvious reasons. But, do a search for "jodi stephens" + "gibbons" + "salary" and its the first result (I could not find a Sun article).

Apparently, within the same year Ms. Stephens was feverishly working to take funding from education and cut the salaries of working Nevadans by 6%, she managed to DOUBLE her own salary to $103,382.

No wonder she was rejected by the voters of assembly district 32.

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Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Nevada republicans introduce bill designed to intimidate voters

2011-02-18T05:24:00.000-08:00

Nevada's financial situation is so dire, UNLV is considering bankruptcy and a judge fears Governor Brian Sandoval's budget would be a threat to public safety.

Good thing we have republicans to tell us what's really important: intimidating voters of color and the poor.

Senate Bill 178: "a country clerk, field registrar, employee of a voter registration agency or person assisting a voter...shall not register a person to vote unless the person submits proof of citizenship to the county clerk."

State after state, republicans do what they can to disenfranchise people.

Last year Talking Points Memo took a look at the issue:

Just in time for the new year and new legislative sessions, the voter identification and proof-of-citizenship trains have restarted their engines and are chugging down the state tracks once again.

It being an election year wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it?

For as we know the voters who are far and away more likely to be disenfranchised by these nonsensical, ineffective measures are lower income, young people, minorities, the elderly, new Americans and voters with disabilities. The research that it is these categories of citizens that are blocked from voting because of these rules at this point in the debate is voluminous, and the evidence of fraud at the polling place of the type an ID would prevent or catch continues to be nonexistent. This includes the lack of any known charges involving anyone impersonating another voter at the polls in the huge turnout 2008 election. Proof-of-citizenship bills may be even more pernicious, as we witnessed thousands of eligible citizens have their registration applications rejected when Arizona passed such a measure a few years back.

This is key:

It has been evident for many years now that the claims about fraud are a fraud themselves and the motives behind passage of ID and proof-of-citizenship bills are usually not one of true concern for the integrity of the voting system. If the sponsors and supporters of these bills were concerned about electoral integrity, they would be concerned about the millions of people who are prevented from voting because of our badly flawed voter registration system.

I wonder how many jobs this bill will create. How much money it will save.

Share your opinion of SB178 here

Find your state senator's contact information here

And your assemblyperson

Contact the bill sponsors:

Senate
Don Gustavson
775-684-1480
dgustavson@sen.state.nv.us

Joe Hardy
775-684-1462
jhardy@sen.state.nv.us

Mike McGinness
775-684-1442
dparks@sen.state.nv.us

Michael Roberson
775-684-1481
mroberson@sen.state.nv.us

James Settelmeyer
775-684-1470
jsettelmeyer@sen.state.nv.us

Assembly
Ira Hansen
775-684-8851
ihansen@asm.state.nv.us

John Ellison
775-684-8831
jellison@asm.state.nv.us

Ed Goedhart
775-684-8805
egoedhart@asm.state.nv.us

Pete Goicoechea
775-237-7383
pgoicoechea@asm.state.nv.us

John Hambrick
775-684-8827
jhambrick@asm.state.nv.us

Randy Kirner
775-684-8848
rkirner@asm.state.nv.us

Richard McArthur
775-684-8829
rmcarthur@asm.state.nv.us

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Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

What I Had Meant To Say Was...

2011-02-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

Nevada's mining industry had a bad day in the Nevada legislature Tuesday. State Senator Sheila Leslie's eminent domain bill is picking up some unlikely supporters. Freshman Republican senator Michael Roberson of Las Vegas made news when questioning Nevada Mining Association President Tim Crowley, but it was a blog on another freshman's website that caught my attention.

Elizabeth Halseth, a Sharron Angle/Sarah Palin Republican hybrid from Las Vegas, has a blog on her website that she claims she write, but I'm not convinced she does. Anyone who saw her on Face to Face (Part 1, Part 2) agrees with me. And word up north in Carson City, the questions she asks in committee are given to her by a conservative organization.

Halseth's website has scrubbed the original language after she was accused of hinting at a pay-to-play relationship with mining. The blog stated the mining industry will come to "regret" ignoring her. Fighting words!

Halseth attempted to clarify today by saying “They [the mining industry] didn’t take the time to talk and … meet with me. If I’m not informed about their side, how can I make a decision?”

In other words: "If you had just fed me your talking points and rhetoric, I would've repeated them ad nauseam. Didn't you see me on Face to Face?"

Tweeting the Nevada Legislature

2011-02-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

When I was first introduced to Twitter, I thought it was stupid. I assumed the micro-blogging/social-networking website was just another way for Obama for America to intrude on my life during the 2008 general election. But over 1600 followers later, I’ve become a Twitter addict and earned the nickname “Ms. Twitter". As the 2011 legislative session gets rolling, I’ve seen bevy of politicians catch the bug.

What is Twitter you ask? According to the folks in charge:

Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting. Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations.

At the heart of Twitter are small bursts of information called Tweets. Each Tweet is 140 characters in length, but don’t let the small size fool you—you can share a lot with a little space. Connected to each Tweet is a rich details pane that provides additional information, deeper context and embedded media. You can tell your story within your Tweet, or you can think of a Tweet as the headline, and use the details pane to tell the rest with photos, videos and other media content.

I am hundreds of miles away from our state’s capital in Carson City, but Twitter puts me in the middle of all the action. Yes, that sounds hella corny, but it’s true. I don’t have to wait for a nightly news cast, morning paper or weekly column. I don’t have to wait for constituent outreach every weekend or whenever my representative is able to come home. I can just go to their Twitter page and see what they’re doing. I can also tweet them and tell them what I want them to be doing. Writing a letter, making a phone call or scheduling an office visit is so 2008. Plus, Twitter harnesses the most effective tool in political activism: public humiliation.

There are some politicians who get it, and some who don’t. I’m going to take this opportunity to call a few of them out.

First up, America’s hottest Secretary of State, Ross Miller @rossjmiller. Secretary Miller is the best Nevada political tweeter who is an elected official (who actually tweets their own material). He tweets helpful links and information as they pertain to his duties as secretary of state. He shares pictures of himself on the campaign trail, with his UFC buddies, with his favorite candy and the occasional weird costume party picture. The key to his Twitter success: he doesn’t just cast out information, he engages. He has over 3,000 followers and follows almost 1,000 people back. He cracks jokes and plays the occasional trivia game. And he is reading our tweets. At the last Aid for AIDS Las Vegas walk, I tweeted “our secretary of state is here with his hot wife” and he tweeted me back agreeing that his wife is indeed, hot. When President Obama was at Orr Middle School in Las Vegas stumping for Harry Reid, as the event was clearing out, he called me over and asked why I hadn’t live-tweeted the event.

Assemblyman Bobzien @BobzienNevada and Senator Leslie @sleslienv are from “the north” and provide much appreciated information and play-by-play tweets of all that goes on in Carson City and in their home districts. Both have live-tweeted official and ceremonial functions. Without Twitter, us poor unfortunate souls down south would probably never get the chance to “get to know” these two fine Democrats.

Lucy Flores @LucyFlores is a freshman assemblywoman representing east Las Vegas with an amazing personal story (google her). Although I do wish she’d tweet more (she is hilarious and wicked smart) I understand that as a freshman she is quite busy. But what she does tweet is good stuff. Lucy uses her twitter to let her constituents, supporters and friends know what she’s doing, where she’s at and how she is. She also links to articles about Latino culture and politics, women’s issues, and of course Nevada. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to her superior foursquare skills.

I’m including Ben Kieckhefer (how the hell do you say that?) @Ben_Kieckhefer for the sake of bipartisanship. He does seem to be the only Republican in the legislature who can coherently tweet. I’m sure his days as an AP reporter and flak for governor Jim Gibbons has helped hone his twitter communication skills. But I will remember this tweet if (when?) he votes to take vital funding from the most helpless constituents in his district.

Elizabeth Halseth @elizabethSD9 is the worst legislative tweeter. I’m not sure she’s aware that other people are reading what she writes. A look at her timeline and you’ll see she is just narrating her day, or giving herself props. The best way to get the hang of Twitter is not by jumping in head first and just tweeting whatever comes to mind. Start following people, look at what they tweet. See how they tweet. If you don’t understand something (hashtags, url shortening, RT/MT, tweeting pictures, etc...) just ask! I’ve answered a lot of Twitter questions via direct message or email. I’ve even given one-on-one Twitter lessons (for free!). But I guess there is something to be said about her substance-free Tweets--tweeting just to tweet but adding no value--and how the Republican Party as a whole functions.

Speaker of the House Oceguera @JohnOceguera and Senate Majority Leader Horsford @shorsford. I love these guys, but I don’t think they manage their own accounts, and that is a pet peeve of mine. Sending a tweet is easy as sending a text message. Sure, you can have staff link to press clips, but why not take the time to interact with constituents on Twitter for a few minutes a couple times a week? They’re new to Twitter, so safe to say they (re: their staff) haven’t quite gotten a hold of what it’s all about, and their accounts seem very mechanical and too polished/impersonal. They are probably two of the busiest and most stressed out people in Carson City not named Brian Sandoval, but if you’re going to have Twitter, do it right.

Is Twitter important? That’s for you to decide. For politicians, I think it is. It’s a way to side step the media filter and connect directly with constituents.

Feel free to judge my own Twitter skills @LauraKMM

And if you care, the Twitter follower leader board among Nevada legislators (follow #NVleg or my Twitter list of legislators)

John Oceguera 423
Lucy Flores 420
Elliot Anderson 412
David Bobzien 396
Marcus Conklin 298
Ruben Kihuen 298
Ben Kieckhefer 286
William Horne 259
Sheila Leslie 243
Elizabeth Halseth 180
Jason Frierson 167
Steven Horsford 84
Debbie Smith 70
Paul Aizley 61
Steven Brooks 45
Allison Copening 41
Michael Roberson 28
John Hambrick 23
Ira Hansen 23
Mo Denis 10

Ben Spillman of the Review Journal recently did a story on the emergence of Twitter and Tweeting among members of the Nevada legislature. I would link, but it’s the RJ and I don’t feel like getting sued. I did want to give Spillman some props because his article (and Halseth’s horrible tweeting) prompted me to blog this. I suggest finding his article on the RJ’s site; it’s worth a read.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

A busy 24 hours in Nevada politics

2011-02-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

Let's see: Republicans in the legislature are whining, Sen Rhoades is going rogue, Chris G is running for mayor and apparently so is our current mayor Oscar Goodman's wife, Carolyn.

Steve Sebelius' has two blog entries over at Slash Politics on the Las Vegas mayoral race. This kind of stuff only happens in Vegas:

“The more I thought about it, the more there really was no question in my mind,” Carolyn Goodman said in a brief interview this morning.

“We woke up this morning, and Oscar said, ‘Don’t do it.’ And I said, ‘Interesting,’” Carolyn Goodman said. “And I said, ‘I’m doing it,’ so he said, ‘Go for it, girl.’”

[snip]

She joins Clark County Commissioners Larry Brown and Chris Giunchigliani as well as Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross as the front runners in the race.

HPIC Jon Ralston posts a letter from the Republican leadership in the Nevada legislature. Seems like after nearly a full week of Nevadans sharing their budget cut horror stories, our friends on the right are crying uncle, and looking to make someone else the bad guy. Misery loves company.

And speaking of Ralston and #LVMayor, in a tweet he tags Chris G as a favorite, based on what, I have no idea. But it is peculiar considering three months ago he was calling out Chris G for mayor supporters as "suckers".

Andrew Davey, the Nevada Progressive, sees a possible breakthrough on the GOP side of the Nevada Legislature as Sen Rhoades shakes off the zombie Republican "noooo neeeww taxessss" trance:

Dean Rhoads, the state’s senior senator, became the first Republican lawmaker to publicly break with Gov. Brian Sandoval, saying he thinks the state will need to raise taxes to balance the budget.

Rhoads, who is serving his final year in the Legislature because of term limits, told the Sun that cuts in education and social services in Sandoval’s budget are too deep.

“There will have to be deep cuts like Sandoval proposed, and tax and fee increases,” Rhoads said Tuesday. “We’re going to have to do a combination.” [...]

If you care about Nevada politics, Desert Beacon is a daily must-read. This entry breaks down the logical fallacies in a letter penned by Republican leaders in the legislature:

In short, it is the Nevada Republican Party that is calling for the maintenance of the status quo. After all they have a budget proposal that "that forces government to get more out of less rather than one that increases spending, cripples our economy, kills job growth." This is little more than a succinct restatement of the mantras associated with the "Supply Side Hoax," or as George H.W. Bush liked to call it -- Voodoo Economics.

Justin McAffee of The Nevada View calls Nevada Republicans out for claiming (*cough*LYING*cough*) Nevadans pay high taxes:

As the 2011 Nevada Legislative Session begins next week, interest groups and politicians will be arguing over whether Nevada’s taxes are too low or too high. There is a strong segment of local conservatives and Republicans who think that Nevada’s taxes are too high. The evidence and consensus among academics and think tanks (liberal and conservative) say that Nevada’s taxes are among the lowest in the nation.

And, a blog post isn't complete without Nevada Scandalmongers's wonderful photoshops:

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

An update

2011-01-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

An update to this entry

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

State of the State Round Up

2011-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Last night was an experience. Nevadans had the misfortune of discovering our new governor is a mouth breathing zombie republican.

Here's some reaction from across Nevada:

Launce Rake of PLAN:

But of course, the governor eloquently spoke to the necessity of firing school teachers - he told us, among other things, that having fancy-pants college degrees aren't important here in the Silver State when teaching kids who probably won't graduate anyway - and kicking disabled people to the curb. But don't worry! While one might think that Sandoval's entire program consists of three words starting with "no" and ending with "taxes," one would be wrong.

Not one, but two great pieces from Desert Beacon

So, in the State of the State Address our new Governor wants to end a teacher tenure system the state doesn't have, wants to hold teachers and administrators "accountable" just like the way we do it in NRS 385 already, and wants more money for "merit" pay and private school vouchers even if Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, and White Pine Counties wouldn't see any benefit? [DB]

Governor Sandoval gave an interesting State of the State speech...but a person would be excused from wondering what state he thought he was in?

and

In order for a voucher plan to be realistic there has to be a school available, with space available, with tuition rates such than a voucher would be generous enough to make the difference between private and public educational services. How generous would a voucher have to be? Las Vegas Day School charges $8,100 per year for grades K-8. The Meadows School charges $9,500 for K-5 instruction, $10,700 for instruction in grades 6-8, and $12,950 per year for grades 9-12. There is a $50 testing fee, and a waiting list. Bishop Gorman High School charges non-Catholic parents $6,550 per year, and Catholic parents $5,600 annually. Faith Lutheran charges $5,850 in annual tuition. [LHLV] Tuition at Bishop Manogue High School in Reno is $8,750 annually. There is a $450 parish affiliation discount. [BMHS] In other words, vouchers would be useful only to those parents who can already afford to pay most of the price tags referenced above.

Andrew Davey experienced some deja vu

I've seen this train leave the station so many times before in California. I've seen the devastating cuts that do nothing to help, and actually hurt economic recovery. I've seen the teabaggers (and their ideological predecessors) hold the budget hostage as they propose no realistic solutions. What I saw from Brian Sandoval in Carson City last night didn't seem all that different from what I experienced when Arnold Schwarzenegger ruled Sacramento. And I've seen far too many instances of legislators taking the easy road of toying with ridiculous budgetary gimmicks (moving money from this fund to that fund, calling taxes something else, playing games with bonds, stealing local funds to pay state bills, etc.) instead of solving the actual problems at hand. And funny enough, it's often the teabaggers here whining about "Nevada becoming California".

Sharron Angle pens a guest blog with this kids over at The Nevada View

Aristotle believed that some people are, by nature, meant to be slaves. It is the duty of the superior class of people (wealthy + white + Christian) to contain these other “heathen” people. So why waste money educating them? Just put them to work in our factories at extremely low wages, and America will regain its number one status in the world. It is the outsourcing of jobs to third world countries that has caused most of our problems. Blame unions and these lower class organizers who have a sense of entitlement who are to blame.

And lastly, Steve Sebelius' take. Possibly the last inclusion in the blog round up as he and Slash Politics move over to the RJ...and we all know how the RJ feels about sharing their content

That must be why Assembly Speaker John Oceguera‘s Democratic response seemed to contain more vision and more big-picture, long-range thinking than did the governor’s. It was Oceguera, not Sandoval, who said the state’s tax system obviously needs changing. It was Oceguera, not Sandoval, who reminded us we’ve already taken deep cuts. And it was Oceguera, not Sandoval, who noted the obvious: While money isn’t the only factor, you certainly can’t get to the top in education by funding at the bottom.

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Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Nevada's pathetic state

2011-01-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

Residents of Nevada watched (some of us in horror) for nearly an hour as new Governor Brian Sandoval giggled and grunted his way through his first Sate of the State address.

Much will be said within the next 24 hours about the speech. Numbers crunched, facts checked, soundbites and rebuttals broadcast. I quickly want to get out what bothered me the most about the speech (and I want time to do more research on Michelle Rhee who was at the address and is apparently going to help fix our education system. I worry that our press corps will not accurately represent her body of work in DC. I've already seen some fuckery on facebook and twitter).

Okay, so....Governor Sandoval said in his State of the State address that government is not the answer to our problems. That is a generic, bumper sticker slogan intended for the base to react with seal-like clapping. If the Governor truly believed that, he wouldn't have worked in government his entire adult life. He would've started his own private business and helped the state that way.

Governor Sandoval said he will terminate 20 (TWENTY!!!) government agencies. Who knows how many more unemployed people that means, or what Nevadans will be forced to give up. However, by the end of the speech, Governor Sandoval announced the creation of three (3) new government agencies.

I know, right?

Government is not the answer and can not solve our problems, so I will expand government to help solve our problems.

*sigh*

For a re-cap of live-tweets and live-chat, go here: http://laurakmm.coverpage.coveritlive.com

We have some funny people on Twitter in Nevada. Thought it was interesting there weren't very many right wing tweet.

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Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Nevada State of the State

2011-01-24T15:48:00.001-08:00

Trying something new: live-blogging the state of the state.

Cover It Live will bring all tweets related to the NVSOS to one spot you can keep your eye on

I hope this works!

Nevada State of the State

__

Laura

01/08 Sausage Factory guests

2011-01-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you can join me and Derek tomorrow morning for another--and sadly possibly last--episode of The Sausage Factory.

Listen live Saturday morning 10a-1p PST

Our legal eagle Ari Ezra Waldman will be joined by ACLU Nevada's Maggie McLetchie to discuss marriage equality

Derrick Mathis, blogger from the controversial Renwl

Irma Aguirre, owner of Mundo and member of the Latino Tea Party, the Tequila Party

George Knapp, investigative journalist and Peabody Award Winner from

Karen Abbott, local author

Byron Stringer of the Toe Tag Monologues

And as always Twitter Trends and our take on what's happened in Las Vegas and all around the world.

Joe Heck accepts government health care, for himself

2011-01-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

Our new Representative from Congressional District 3 didn't want you to know if he'd accept government health care once elected, but now the cats out of the bag.

Delen Goldgerg of the Las Vegas Sun:

Rep. Joe Heck, in one of his first moves in Congress, opposed a measure that would have required members of Congress to disclose whether they will accept government health care.

Heck, in fact, will take advantage of the Congressional health insurance plan, his aides said.

Heck campaigned against your right to have the same quality, affordable health care that he now enjoys. And he's doing what his leadership says and fighting for the repeal of Affordable Care Act. A move that will cost Americans $230 BILLION.

Here's a reminder of how Joe Heck feels about Nevadans having health care: here's a screen grab from the Maddow show. That's Heck mugging for the cameras. Attendees shouted "white power", "Harry (Reid) is a whore" among other things.

Heck is associated with the radical Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. The group that believes HIV doesn't cause AIDS and abortions cause cancer. He headlined and helped to organize their anti health care reform protest on the Las Vegas Strip a year before the Affordable Care Act passed.

Because of Sharron Angle's crazy and what seemed like contempt for Dina Titus, Heck's own radical views and positions largely went ignored by Nevada's press. And now we will pay the ultimate price.

If you will be in Nevada the next couple of days and would like information on action being taken against Joe Heck's decision to try and repeal health care, please email me at the address below.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Today's Nevada news round up

2011-01-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

Steve Sebelius on Raggio's retirement

The announcement has far-reaching implications for the upcoming Legislature, already presumed to be contentious because of Nevada’s budget crisis. Raggio pushed 10 years ago to expand the size of the Legislature as a hedge against growing population (and political power) in Southern Nevada, and it was generally assumed he’d push for that this time around, too. Surely, Raggio’s ability to cut a final deal at sessison’s end will be missed.

Anjeanette Damon was the first to break the news about Raggio and has done an excellent job getting information out. Follow her on twitter. From her blog:

For several sessions, Raggio's retirement had long been rumored as his political might began to wane in the wake of his support for several tax increases. Shortly after the election, his caucus ousted him as leader, ostensibly because of his endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid against Republican Sharron Angle. He also stepped down from the powerful Finance Committee, but had been expected to maintain a powerful negotiating position on budget issues and has been a key figure in calling for a tax increase to save state services from further cuts.

Raggio has held elected office for more than half a century.

The Gleaner takes Brian Sandoval and his "zombie economics"

Or as Gov. Brian Sandoval...chants in an unearthly tone while fellow soulless Nevadans wander aimlessly from one shiny/moving/warm object to another amid civilization's crumbling rotting remains, "no new taxes."

NV's longest serving state Senator announces his retirement

2011-01-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Republican William 'Bill' Raggio announced his retirement today, cutting short his 10th term as state Senator.

From Anjeanette Damon of the Las Vegas Sun:

Citing health concerns, Northern Nevada's iconic state Sen. Bill Raggio said today he will retire this month. The announcement comes just two months after he was ousted from the leadership position he had held for two decades.

“I had hoped to complete the remainder of my 10th elected term, but my physical mobility simply does not allow me to function fully, and therefore it is time for me to step aside for someone who can give the position a 100 percent effort," Raggio said in a prepared statement.

Raggio ignited a hissy fit among far right wing of Nevada's GOP when he endorsed Democrat Harry Reid over Republican Sharron Angle in the Senate election, a move that cost him his role as minority leader. Raggio also ruffled the feathers of his party when he suggested raising taxes to fix Nevada's budget woes.

Katie Duncan for mayor ?

2010-12-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

The campaigning never ends in Nevada. A little more than a month after Harry Reid triumphantly won re-election, all the yard signs and billboards have come down, only to be replaced by by those running in the Spring 2011 municipal elections. Katherine "Katie" Duncan held a press conference today to announce her candidacy for mayor, and its to her benefit that no press showed up.

The Aruba Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard is just south of Charleston and sandwiched between Downtown Las Vegas' ubiquitous wedding chapels and cheap motels. Pictures inside the lobby remind you of the boom period of Old Vegas, when the mob ruled, money and liquor flowed freely, girls were fast and loose and Negroes had to find somewhere other than the strip to spend the night.

The building itself was colder than the 30 degree weather and unforgivably brisk wind outside. The press conference was held in the hotel's nightclub that was so dark that yes, I'll admit it, I ran into a support beam. I don't think this is the impression Duncan would want to leave our political press corps with: less than a dozen supporters in a dark room, huddling together for body warmth.

Duncan is not the only candidate in the race. Commissioner Larry Brown and Councilman Steve Ross also want to replace our garish and termed out mayor, Oscar Goodman. Unfortunately for Ross, some voters think of him as just another "union hack". He's claimed his union ties and city hall job don't pose a conflict of interest, but even bleeding-heart union-loving Liberals like me think his situation is shady.

Larry Brown has problems of his own. As commissioner he recently voted "NO" to approve changes to the Coroner's Inquest process. Changes that would give victim's families more rights and access during the inquest process and create the position of an ombudsperson. He voted no, even after telling Hispanic's In Politics meeting attendees he'd vote yes. I don't think a vote to protect police officers from the families of the victims they've killed will go over too well with Latino and Black voters.

Duncan would be the first first African American elected mayor of Las Vegas. Her name is synonymous with Ward 5 which covers most of the predominately Black and Latino historical West Las Vegas. She didn't mention her race, in her speech she stuck to palatable topics like homelessness, Veterans, neighborhood revitalization and "green projects" to create jobs.

Interestingly, she claims she wants to "continue the vision" of Mayor Goodman. The same mayor she's bumped heads with for wanting to build a wall through F and D Streets, essentially closing the the West Side off (Berlin style) from the rest of Las Vegas. And who could forget Mayor Goodman attacking President Obama going so far as to tell him he's not welcome in Las Vegas. While the "vision" may be about the revitalization of Downtown Las Vegas, part of the F and D Street project was part of Mayor Goodman's revitalization. But, Duncan's cloudy message and unspectacular press conference isn't the least of her worries: she's tapped Aloha Consulting to help her with her race.

Aloha Consulting is headed by Johnny Jackson, the blond haired, blue eyed former boxer who claims to be a native Hawaiian and representative of their government. Jackson says Duncan would be the 77th Aloha Consulting candidate to win. That is impressive for someone who says they've been in Las Vegas for only four years. However, his website only lists 23 candidates under "Nevada clients" and his list of "our candidates for the 2010 election" is different from the list of "Aloha Consulting candidates who won their races in 2010".

Jackson's biggest transgression: he is a birther.

In an email I've obtained Jackson claims President Obama wasn't born in Hawaii and his birth certificate is forged. Jackson's Positions on Issues PAC unsuccessfully tried to retire Senator Harry Reid. Members notoriously showed up to several Reid events in 2010 with his Aloha Consulting crew dressed in Sharron Angle t-shirts.

This is who Duncan thinks can help her win the Mayorship in an overwhelmingly Democratic city?

ETA: Thanks to Ms Duncan's correction below regarding Jan Jones. The mistake has been fixed. In response to Mr Jackson, it's not libel when you're repeating what someone says.

And I want to make it clear, I have nothing against Ms Duncan. I have admired her since I moved to Las Vegas in 2007 and I was excited to see she's be running for mayor. I was disappointed in her choice of campaign consultant and by how poorly put together her press conference was. She deserves better.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

Obama, Vick and journalists with nothing better to do

2010-12-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

This morning Washington Post blogger Ezra Klein tweeted his disapproval of President Obama's phone call to the Philadelphia Eagle's owner. For background, check my post on This Week in Blackness.

It's hard to tell what Klein is upset about. His tweets and blog aren't too clear. Most of the anger directed at him was due to his garbled logic and lame defense. Klein seems to think that President Obama called the Eagle's owner to talk about Michael Vick, and the White House is lying when they say the president called to talk about the Eagle's move toward a clean energy stadium.

Candidate Obama promised innovation when it came to energy and the environment, but he's had a tough time building up Congressional support for his Cap and Trade energy proposal. President Obama has found an ally in Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie, and Lincoln Financial Field will be energy efficient by fall 2011; when Obama's re-election campaign comes to life. He'd be a fool not to reach out.

What evidence does Ezra have that he feels comfortable calling President Obama and the White House liars? It's a mystery he will never answer, but he managed to Google a few charts and is now thinking Obama should have fought to pass legislation to give felons a second chance.

Village Groupie (I can't remember who came up with that but *golf clap*) Ana Marie Cox weighed in on the faux controversy and provided an "anybody but Vick" argument. She claims that Vick isn't the best example to use for a rehabilitated criminal. Really? He's one of the most high profile dog fighters who has served his time and is successfully completing his process of rehabilitation. He's the perfect person to be made an example of.

Then Ana breaks off into a weird direction, claiming essentially that Black people love Michael Vick. Then gets a little wobbly, says Michael Vick's story means different things to different communities (translation: white people hate Vick, Black people love him. I hate when Obama reminds us that he's Black). Then she just gives up on the conversation.

Finally, Yunji de Nies of ABC News provides this banal report. She says the president "is a big believer in (Michael Vick's) comeback". She has no evidence that that claim is true. She reported President Obama has long been a supporter of giving felons (not just Michael Vick) second chances. Obama condemned the crimes Vick committed but praised the Eagles owner for allowing a felon to contribute to society again, despite his heinous crimes. It was an effort on her part to gin up controversy on an otherwise newsless holiday with the president in Hawaii.

ETA: How did I miss this dumbass tweet?

So now she's got a problem with people who don't have shelter dogs? Excuse Obama for seeking out a breed that won't cause his child to have an asthma attack. What is this bullshit? Is this real life? In the words of Obama "That's just how white folks will do ya"

The cultural arrogance is staggering.

--
Laura
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

2010-12-04T01:12:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY! December 4, 2010
www.vegasallnetradio.com

This week we’re on twice in one day! We’re LIVE from 7am-10am and rebroadcast from 10am – 1pm. (Times are West Coast)

We would love to have your questions answered. If you see someone in the line-up that you would like to ask about something, drop us an email at derekisademocrat@gmail.com / chrisisademocrat@gmail.com / or Twitter to @LauraKmm

07:23am Sue Fulton of Knights Out will give us an update of the battle to repeal DADT

07:43 JD Smith gives us the view of DADT from the inside by a service member currently serving

08:12 Rob Smith is a great writer and Veteran who writes for The Huffington Post, After Elton amongst others and is working on a book about his time in the Armed Forces

08:27 Dave Schwartz is the go to guy when it comes to the potential for the legalization of Marijuana in Nevada

08:42 Ari Ezra Waldman is our “Legal Eagle” and he’ll be updating us on all of the latest LGBT related legal issues

09:00 Rock & Roll Marathon is coming to Vegas on Sunday and we’re leading TEAM BATTLE BORN! We’ll give you all the info about this annual charity event

09:14 Mallory Cyr will discuss her activism in matters of immigration reform and issues affecting college students, especially the DREAM ACT

09:28 Michael Flores of Progress Now Nevada will tell us what he’s doing to help people in need and talk about his work on the DREAM ACT

09:43 Steve Walker is a co-chair of the Organizing For America LGBT working group. Steve will be talking to us about the Obama administrations work on LGBT issues and what’s going on in DC these days.

We would love to have your questions answered. If you see someone in the line-up that you would like to ask about something, drop us an email at derekisademocrat@gmail.com / chrisisademocrat@gmail.com / or Twitter to @LauraKmm

SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT

2010-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

By Chris Miller

I’m white. Yep, I was born Caucasian. That is the way God made me. All of my youth spent lying in the sun cannot change my skin tone… it just fades back to white. It also doesn’t matter how many Black or Hispanic friends I have, I will never know what it was like to grow up or live today as a non-white citizen.

Airline flying in the United States, and around the world, is a privilege, not a right. After the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, the security process required for anyone to fly was forever changed. It has evolved over time as other breaches in security have occurred. Thankfully, nothing to the extent of that horrible September morning has been repeated.

Because of different events, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) last week answered the call for increased screening of passengers as they embark into the friendly skies. Problem is people, mostly Caucasian, are upset. Why are they upset, because they are now learning how it feels to be searched, patted down, or touched in places that another person should not touch someone unless they are partnered… all while they have done nothing wrong.

Ask any Black man, he will tell you that this procedure was either a normal part of his upbringing or he lived in fear of this happening just because he looked different or was in what someone else perceived to be the ‘wrong neighborhood’. Am I speaking ‘out of turn’? I challenge anyone to ask an ethnic male friend if this is true to see if I am right. I am!

Now you have leaders such as Congressman-Elect Alan West (R-Florida) talking about ‘Trend Analysis’ in determining who should be searched. As a man of African-American heritage, I challenge him to call it out for what it really is…’Racial Profiling’ Mr. West needs to take a step back and remember Timothy McVeigh and the “Shoe Bomber” were Caucasian.

If we, as Americans, do not want a repeat of that life-changing 9/11 event, we have to pay the price. If TSA caves to public pressure, removes some safeguards just because a ‘Professionally Trained Agent’ is trying to keep the skies friendly, and another catastrophic event occurs, who will be to blame? The President, TSA, or the people with the biggest voices who felt inconvenienced or violated.

Air flight is a privilege, not a right. The US Government, airline companies and TSA are charged with making it safe to fly.

If you don’t like it, take the train!!!

Open Letter to Sen. Harry Reid Regarding the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

2010-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Martin : 702 292 1279
laurakmmartin@gmail.com

The Honorable Harry Reid
U.S. Senate
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Reid,

A very narrow window exists during the post-election session of Congress in which swift and decisive leadership must be displayed in order to secure successful repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). With all of the hard work that you have done to get this repeal as far as it has progressed thus far, it would be simply unacceptable for Congress not to get a chance to repeal DADT before the 111th Congress concludes its term.

As Senate Majority Leader, you control whether, when, and how bills are brought before the full Senate chamber. As a strong and principled supporter of ending the discriminatory DADT policy, you have the power to see that DADT gets acted upon in the lame duck session. We, therefore, ask you, the Senate Majority Leader, to oppose any effort to strip language repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The current language in the Senate Armed Services Committee-approved version of the NDAA offers important and overdue protections for servicewomen and military dependents, as well as provides those service members who are lesbian, gay or bisexual the opportunity to serve their country with honesty and integrity. Time is of the essence with ensuring that DADT is not removed from NDAA. We have the votes to end DADT this year. Now we must see more strong leadership from you, Senator Reid.

We know that you are committed to ending the dangerous and discriminatory policy that is DADT. We know that you are one to keep your promises, and we fully expect NDAA to be brought back up before you recess for Thanksgiving. We know you will follow through on your commitment to our LGBTQ community and our military here in Nevada, and across the nation, by ensuring that the DADT repeal provision is not excluded when NDAA is brought forward for a vote.

Sincerely,

STATE SENATOR DAVID PARKS (D-NV)
ROBERTA LANGE CHAIRWOMAN CLARK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
CANDICE NICHOLS DIRECTOR OF THE GAY & LESBIAN CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
EQUALITY NEVADA
GAY LESBIAN & STRAIGHT EDUCATION NETWORK OF LAS VEGAS
LAMBDA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
LAS VEGAS EQUALITY
NEVADA STONEWALL DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
PARENTS & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS OF NEVADA
PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE OF NEVADA
PROGRESS NOW NEVADA
SI SE PUEDE LATINO DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
STAND OUT FOR EQUALITY
STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF NORTHERN NEVADA

VETERAN & STUDENT ALLIES
Jonathan Abbinett
Ronald Ramsey
Conroe Brooks
Loretta Harper
Jennifer Webb
Christopher Mendez-Preciado
Marcos Penaloza
Adriana Felix
Robert Cavazos
James Lee
Edith Byrd

Diversity isn't "fair"

2010-11-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Chris Collins, executive director of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association (police union), last night said a coroner's inquest "jury" that is as diverse as the population of Clark County is not fair to law enforcement officers, suggesting that somehow diversity and fairness are mutually exclusive.

I attended the final meeting of the Coroner's Inquest Review Panel Monday night, where a panel brainstormed to come up with solutions to a process of investigating officer involved fatal shootings that is widely criticized by the public for being ineffective. I went partly to support friends on the panel but mostly to support a friend who has been a relentless advocate against the inquest process which sees officers walk free and the county using tax payer money to settle with victims.

From my seat in the Clark County Government Center commission chambers gallery I saw some news cameras and a few reporters scattered about. My hopes for good coverage disappeared when it was apparent that most of them weren't paying attention.

A cameraman sat in a chair and scrolled through his blackberry. A reporter who sat a few rows down from me was scrolling through his iPhone and giggling. Another reporter had her coat draped over her, slumped down in her seat and seemed to be dozing off (Ironically, during her evening news report, sleeping beauty said the meeting was "exhaustive").

So it's no surprise that there were no reports of Mr. Collin's offensive comments. There was also no report that the community members in the gallery erupted in applause after Mr. Collins was rebuked by Las Vegas NAACP representative Richard Boulware.

What was reported is interestingly the only bit of news Clark County tweeted: recently re-elected District Attorney David Rogers made a motion to remove his office from the entire coroner inquest process.

The purpose of the inquest is fact-finding in the occasion a police officer murders someone. The inquest brings out all facts and details leading to the murder for the public. A "jury" then decides if the use of force was justified, negligent or criminal. No punishments are made. Witnesses are not cross examined. Officers involved don't even have to participate. The last time an officer was found criminally negligent through this process was 1976.

Erick Scott was murdered leaving a Costco. Three Las Vegas police officers shot him in the chest and the leg. They then shot him five more times as he lay dying on the ground. He had a permit for the weapon he was carrying, but it was never removed from its holster.

Trevon Cole was murdered on his knees, in his bathroom, by Detective Bryan Yant (who has murdered a robbery suspect in 2001). Detective Yant claimed Mr Cole was dealing small amounts of marijuana to serviceman at the nearby Air Force base. But it turns out, Detective Yant had been targeting the wrong guy.

Erik and Trevon are just two of the six officer involved fatal shootings. Diversity isn't what we have to worry about when it comes to fairness. What isn't fair is for 36 years law enforcement officers in Clark County have gotten away with murder. In recent cases, these officers are cleared of all negligence despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.

Let's hope Mr. Collins can put aside his issues with "diversity", the Nevada press will wake up and the Coroner's Inquest Panel can come to a consensus on a solution that is not only fair, but just.

--
Laura

President Obama and his kabillion dollars a day trip overseas

2010-11-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over two years since Barack Obama was first elected president and the American people have been deluged with crazy rumors ever since. He's a Muslim. He was born in Kenya. He's a fascist. He wants to be Hitler 2.0. He hates white people (which really doesn't go with the whole Hitler accusation). He's the anti-Christ.

As the president embarks on his latest trip to play nice with India and visit his boyhood home in Indonesia, the Republicans are at it again; claiming the trip is costing the US tax payers $200 million per day. Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann seems to be "Idiot 0" in this latest whopper which was (surprisingly) quickly debunked by members of the White House Press corps.

Bad media reports are to blame for this rumor, and it's my wish that all rumors/lies can be debunked this quickly and cleanly. We all remember Senator John McCain lying to Jake Tapper on This Week about Phoenix being the kidnap capitol of the world. A claim that was not anywhere near true, but McCain was given a pass because he heard it from media reports--reports he was never asked to name.

---
Laura

Harry Reid wins, public polling be damned

2010-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

All public polling done for Nevada's Senate race was wrong. Several polls leading up to election showed Sharron Angle beating Harry Reid between 10 and 5 points. Pollsters and poll analyzers will hem and haw and suggest they "underestimated" certain groups of voters, but they were just wrong. Even Nate Silver of 538 fame, who's credited with teaching numbers how to fuck, was WAY off in his forecasting.

I was standing next to Harry Reid during his press conference when he was finally able to say in public that polls for his race were bullshit, and the press still "gobbled" them up. In a twitter back and forth with 8 News Now's Jonathan Humbert, he suggests he "has" to rely on bad polling because "what else do we have to go on?" Uh, how about nothing? Why report on a lie? Your employers spent a lot of money on bullshit polling. You should be apologizing, not making excuses.

Nevada's HPIC Jon Ralston got it right. His Sunday-after column says Reid won because of preparation. The Reid campaign spent the primary cultivating relationships with leaders of constituency groups. Seconds after the primary votes were counted in June, the Reid camp and its allies went live with their anti-Angle websites, Twitter accounts and facebook pages defining the "extreme" granny with a gun from up north before she ever had a chance to define herself.

--
Laura

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

2010-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 10AM -1PM
www.vegasallnetradio.com

Hour 1
Steven Thrasher on how White America finally lost it and what’s so bad
about Lt. Dan Choi. (Dan Choi was invited and accepted to be on this
weeks show, but, never got back to us to be scheduled, maybe next week
Dan?)

Ari Ezra Waldman with a DADT update and the latest on the election
scene in Cali.

Hour 2
Cathy Renna on sexism and misogyny in the LGBT movement and issues
affecting women such as DADT.

Ron Laurence from the Community Counseling Center of Las Vegas
telling us how we all can help queer at risk youth.

Hour 3
Doug Harris is the Producer of “The Glenn Burke Story” about one
man’s struggle to be a Gay man and still be part of America’s Pastime,
baseball.

Paco Alvarez will fill us in on where to get your Freak & Squeak on
this Halloween here in The City That Never Sleeps.

Jane Heenan will talk about whether or not it’s time for Derek to
change the tune on Ask A Tranny.

Political News
Entertainment News
Twitter Trenz with @LauraKMM

SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER 10AM -1PM
www.vegasallnetradio.com

THE YOUNG DEMS ARE READY TO PARTAY!

2010-10-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

> Hey YDs:
>
>
> EVENT TODAY!!
>
> ---Dems are gonna rule the UNLV/UNR tailgate today!
>
> Rory Reid will be there in person at 5pm. Our fellow YD, Sara Farr, will be his tour guide. Call her to walk with them or ask Rory a question at 702.672.4993!
>
> Dina Titus will also be at the tailgate at 5pm. Call Mark for details at 702.235.5868!
>
> Friends for Harry Reid will be in attendence. Call Carl to volunteer to go to the tailgate from 3-7 p.m. and find supporters. Carl Segerblom: office: (702) 522-9867
> cell: (702) 232-6310
>
>
> HOPE TO SEE YA'LL THERE!

2010-10-02T01:56:00.001-07:00

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY 02 OCTOBER 2010
10am – 1pm (West Coast Time)
www.vegasallnetradio.com

Hola! It’s been a very sad week in LGBTQ land. The completely needless death of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi was the latest in a string of deaths of LGBTQ young people who took their own lives because of the stupidity of others.

The Sausage Factory this week is dedicated to all of those who just couldn’t take it anymore.

Tyler Clementi
Asher Brown
Raymond Chase
Billy Lucas
Justin Aaberg
And all the kids everywhere who have been bullied and harassed because of who they are.

This weeks guests:

Educator & activist AJ O'Reilly will co-host with us.

Get Equals Michelle Wright with news from what activists around the country are doing to help keep our kids safe from bullies.

“Legal Eagle” Ari Ezra Waldman on what charges the people who led Tyler Clementi to take his life may face.

Nevada State Senator David Parks will tell us legislation to help keep kids safe.

Washington’s ultimate “insider” Steve Hildebrand

Shannon Cuttle joins us again on the urgent need for movement on the Safe Schools Improvement Act.

Live reports from the big march in DC by Natasha Dillon & Vito

As always, “Ask a Tranny”.

Paco Alvarez leaves his SkyPad in Downtown Vegas to tell us what’s going on in the city that never sleeps.

And Paul Soileau aka “Christeene” the filthiest drag queen since Divine!

Of course The Sausage Factory wouldn’t be complete without LauraKMM’s “Twitter Trendz”.

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY! SPECIAL GUEST HOSTS ALICIA JACOBS & MARY JO BUTTAFUOCO!

2010-09-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

SATURDAY 25 SEPT 10AM-1PM

www.vegasallnetradio.com

This week Chris & Laura are off activisting (it’s a word, like “refudiate”) in Reno this weekend at a “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” protest.

Well, that leaves this Lunatic in charge of the asylum! I’ve got two very special co-hosts this weekend, author Mary Jo Buttafuoco, KVBC and “Access Hollywood” reporter Alicia Jacobs!

THIS WEEK’S GUESTS

Stampp Corbin who will be giving us his take on the current state of LGBT activism and it’s affect on LGBT voter turnout in the upcoming mid-term elections.

Ari Ezra Waldman, The Sausage Factory’s resident “Legal Eagle”, gives us the latest on where “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” stands from a legal point of view.

Allen Lichenstein from the ACLU will tell us about “Uncensored Voices, Celebrating Literary Freedom”.

Shannon Cuttle is on hand to explain why we need to push for an inclusive “Safe Schools Act” bill to protect LGBT students from bullying & Discrimination.

Nathaniel Phillipps, Chairman of the new Las Vegas GLSEN chapter and Director of Youth Outreach for Stonewall Democrats of Southern Nevada will also be with us to discuss what needs to be done to make our schools here in Nevada safe for every student.

Phil Attey answers the question, “can you be Catholic and Gay”?

There’ll will be naked boys and they’ll be singing in The Sausage Factory as JD and the boys tell us all about the longest running show Off Strip, “Naked Boys Singing”.

Jeff Sharlett is the hottest author in the country right now and he’s on hand to tell us about his latest page turner which explores the creepy world of “The Family”. You’ll cringe as you realize that Hillary Clinton’s “vast right wing conspiracy” is really true and it all emanates from a brownstone, “The C Street House”. Naturally, it wouldn’t be a scandal if John Ensign and Martin Ssempa weren’t involved. They are and it is, a scandal!

Octavia Hamlett is our guest for this week’s “Ask a Tranny”. I can’t wait to see what Mary Jo and Alicia have to ask!

Christina Garcia of “Basta 4 Bell” has a big victory on her hands with this week’s arrest of the entire City Council of Bell, California! She’ll fill us in on how grassroots activism brought down an entire government.

ALL ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

ALICIA JACOBS SCORES A MAJOR SCOOP!

MARY JO REFLECTS ON LIFE AFTER JOEY

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

2010-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY / SATURDAYS 10AM – 1PM (PST)
www.vegasallnetradio.com

The Sausage Factory is for those of you who’ve grown tired of those who quote Glenn Beck and politicians who talk out of both sides of their mouths. Surely you’ve thought, “Gee, why isn’t there a show that mixes politics, entertainment. Gay crap and life all in one easily digestible package?”

Surely.

In a world under attack by right wing whack jobs and boring people, two Gay guys (we are NOT together!) and a sassy, straight, light skinned Black girl bring you laughs and, hopefully, learn you something while we’re at it.

Join Chris Miller, Laura Martin and Derek Washington as they take you behind the scenes from DC to Hollywood to show you how life is made. That is if you’re brave enough to hear the truth, in The Sausage Factory.

This week’s guests are:

10:23 Peter Yacobellis with the week in New York politics and all the latest on his very special 50th Birthday party featuring Michelle Clunie & Lance Bass. He’s not 50? Really? Wow.

10:45 Ask a Tranny with Equality Nevada’s own Jane Heenan. And yes, this segment does have the catchiest theme song this side of Fresno.

11:00 Joseph Smith from Stonewall will tell us about the record number of LGBT candidates this year in Maryland. Can’t wait to find out what’s in the water there! And can we ship it nationwide?

11:26 Phil Attey answers the question, “can you be Gay and Catholic”? Openly, that is.

11:43 Nadine Smith gives us a peek inside the world of Marco Rubio, Kendrick Meeks and the newly Gay lovin’ Charlie Crist from her vantage point at Equality Florida. Maybe we’ll find out what’s in Charlie’s closet. Other than his beard…combs.

12:12 Mark Ebner is in the house to blow the lid off the pot ‘O scandal that’s brewing in Tinseltown and points far and near. Can’t wait to find out what’s inside Paris’s snatc..uh, bag of goodies these days.

12:28 J Webb with the latest in Sports. Poor JWebb, every week he thinks he’ll finally get Derek to understand the difference between a tight end and a good date. Hmmm.

12:40 Derrick Mathis brings a little color commentary from The Hills. Baldwin Hills, that is. Y’all come on down now, ya here?

Twitter Trenz is always “educational” with Laura “Light Skin” Martin leading us down the Rabbit hole to the land of twits.

The Sausage Factory. Four out five Ex-Gays agree, it’s the best place to start your relapse.

Sharron Angle (R-Area 51) called a "mental patient" on Morning Joe

2010-09-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

And it's Nevaaaada! With a short "a"

--
Laura

Sharron Angle (R-Area 51) sued by her biggest supporter

2010-09-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Nevada GOP candidate faces copyright lawsuit

(AP) – 1 day ago

LAS VEGAS — A company has sued Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle, claiming she reprinted two Las Vegas Review-Journal articles on her campaign website without permission.

Las Vegas-based Righthaven is seeking unspecified damages in its complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.

The suit alleges Angle neither sought nor received permission to display a Review-Journal article and editorial on her website this summer.

An Angle spokesman says he would not comment until the campaign's lawyers have reviewed the suit.

Righthaven tracks Internet traffic for copyright infringements of Review-Journal stories. It then buys the copyright for a story from the newspaper's owner, Stephens Media LLC, and sues the alleged infringer.

The Las Vegas Review Journal is the shittiest newspaper ever in life. Since 2008 they have lost 10s of thousands of subscribers because of their shittiness. How do they make up for that lost revenue? Sue people, get them to settle out of court.

And don't take my word for it. The folks over at ProgressNow Nevada are busy pointing out the shittiness by shinning light on the RJ's habitual errors and shameless conservative bias with their project The Las Vegas Journal Review.

--
Laura

Vatican 'may appeal' to Iran over stoning case

2010-09-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

Too bad the Vatican wasn't this pro-active when priests were raping kids.

The Vatican has said it could appeal diplomatically to Iran to spare the life of an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.

The statement followed a plea for help from the son of the woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, in an interview with an Italian news agency.

After an international outcry, Iranian officials temporarily halted Ms Ashtiani's stoning sentence in July.

However, campaigners fear Ms Ashtiani could still be hanged.

The Vatican said it was "following this affair with attention and commitment," spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement.

"The Church's position against the death penalty is well known and stoning is a particularly brutal form of it," he said.

Fr Lombardi said the Vatican could use diplomatic channels to try to save Ms Ashtiani, but he told Associated Press news agency that no formal request to intervene had been made.

Source

--
Laura

HI, I'M WITH STUPID or WHY GAYS REALLY SHOULDN'T BE REPUBLICANS pt2

2010-06-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Whenever I hear a homo say they are Republican I go through a range of emotions from pity to pissed. They give you every excuse from , "I believe in smaller government and lower taxes" all the way to "Obama is a Socialist!". Then, they give you this one, "I'm working from within to change the culture of the party".

Yeah, I guess the Jews shoulda tried that at Treblinka.

Martin Luther King shoulda just put on a sheet and tried to understand Bull Conner.

Or some such drivel along those lines.

Gay Republicans live in a weird world where they think if they just keep being "straight acting and appearing" and don't make any waves, the Republican party will accept them.

They also think Unicorns fart in Lavender and Tangerine scents and Domesticv Partnership is "good enough".

They Don't.

It's not.

Pretty much every anti-Gay iniative put forward has been backed by Republicans. Now, the state that brought us the brain trust of the Bush family, Texas, has a doozy that I would like to see the self hating Gay Republicans explain away.

Here's just a small part of the 2010 Republican party platform. Mind you, a party platform is the OFFICIAL line of the party that they expect their candidates to support and campaign on.

Go ahead Gay Republicans, explain to me again why you put an "R" by your name.

CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE
Family and Defense of Marriage – We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage. We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married. We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.

Family Values – We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These include well- funded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities. These aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.

Marriage and Divorce – We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be protected at all levels of government. We urge the Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws. We support Covenant Marriage.

Marriage Licenses – We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such.

Homosexuality – We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.

Texas Sodomy Statutes – We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.

I'm listening........

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY!

2010-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK ON THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

WHO: Chris Miller & Derek Washington along with Laura Martin

WHEN: 10AM – 1PM

WHERE: www.vegasallnetradio.com

Alan Bouneville from Queer Rising

Michael Ginsburg of The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

Mike Zahara The Man you love to hate from Watchdog Wag with an election update.
Internet sensation SHOQ

CD KIrven & Michael Robinson of Get Equal Now on the state of Race and the LGBT movement.

World Cup Update with JWebb

Eduardo Cordova with the latest on the LGBT club scene on The Las Vegas Strip.

Debbie Hall to tell us where to go and what to eat in the city that never sleeps!

A special interview with Amanda Lepore!

HI, I’M WITH STUPID aka WHY GAYS REALLY SHOULDN’T BE REPUBLICANS

2010-06-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

SHARRON ANGLE

Ok.

One of the best things about Gay is the comforting feeling you naturally have because you are naturally smarter than straight people.

Really.

I swear.

Well, imagine my surprise to find out that some people who claim to be Gay are actually, gulp, REPUBLICANS!

Zut Alors!

That’s stinky cheese eater (French) for WTF?

I know. It’s hard to believe. I can’t either. But. It’s true.

Much like Blacks in the KKK the Gay Republican is a terribly misguided creature. You see, pretty much EVERY anti-LGBT action done in the last twenty plus years has been Republican led.

More on those as the days go by.

In Nevada, we have a Senate race where the Teabagger contingent of the R’s somehow managed to stop watching paternity tests on Maury long enough to skedaddle over and vote for the Queen of Crazy, Sharron Angle.

I know I’m biased. I read.

But.

Really?

This Dame is so schizzy that even the Mayor of Reno, a staunch Republican, says no way Crazay! The Republican First Lady won’t have anything to do with her.

And yet, some poor misguided Homosexuals have decided that Sharron is the one that makes their wigs twirl.

Eek.

Remember when I mentioned that Gay = Smart?

These nimrods are messing up the grading curve.

To whit.

Angle doesn’t support ENDA.

She’s against repealing DADT.

She is literally on the wrong side of EVERY LGBT issue there is.

And yet some people think they are right to be proud of their support for this women who would just as soon have the Gays thrown in Camps as have them sully her crazy little flat Earth society view of the World.

Stay tuned. I’m just starting to get to know the honorary Queen of Crazy. I’ll be sure to let you know more about her and her rather, um, unusual ideas about a host of subjects.

THE SAUSAGE FACTORY PREMIERES!

2010-06-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Sausage Factory premiered with lots of fun and information on hand. Just some of the topics covered were the weeks primary elections, Cindy Reid (the next first lady of Nevada),DADT and the latest in Vegan Ice Cream and dining & hanging out in Las Vegas!

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID ISSUES LGBT PRIDE MONTH STATEMENT

2010-06-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID STATEMENT ON LGBT PRIDE MONTH

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement in support of National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month:

“Our state and our country have always been strengthened by diversity in our workforce, businesses and our military. This month we celebrate that diversity and the people who have worked so hard to create a more just and equal society in Nevada and across the country.

“I stand with President Obama and military leaders in support of ending the policy of 'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,' which often prevents qualified and willing individuals from honorably serving their country because of their sexual orientation. Our nation’s security is too important to deny those who want to serve because of this flawed policy. I am encouraged by recent steps in the Senate and House to repeal this policy, and I will continue to advocate for the a fair review of for distinguished military service members who face dismissal until this policy is ended.

“I have pride in our nation and in Nevada’s LGBT community. We must end discrimination in the workplace and in our military. I will continue to fight to ensure Dignity and equality for all Nevadans.”

Senator Reid has a long record of supporting Nevada’s LGBT community. He was instrumental in passing the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which gives more support and funding to federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hate crimes. Reid supported the creation and reauthorizations of the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides care, treatment and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Reid supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

http://reid.senate.gov/

DMV TO RECOGNIZE GENDER MARKER CHANGES UPON DOCTORS CONFIRMATION!

2010-05-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

The ACLU of Nevada is very pleased to announce that we learned today that the DMV is going to make changes that allow transgender people to obtain gender marker changes with a standardized form completed by their doctor. This change rightly puts the determination of whether someone’s gender has changed in the hands of medical professionals rather than individual DMV employees.

The ACLU of Nevada heard disturbing reports that individual DMV employees were asking inappropriate personal questions of transgender people who have submitted requests for gender marker changes, and even, in violation of HIPAA, contacting applicants’ doctors. After a particularly disturbing complaint that a DMV employee told a transgender person that God would not approve of her, we brought the incident to the attention of the DMV and a broader letter about the issues was sent on behalf of numerous community groups, from the Stonewall Democrats to the Log Cabin Republicans and the Abundant Peace Church.

The ACLU of Nevada and Jane Heenan from Equality Nevada met with the DMV and a representative from the Attorney General’s office, and negotiated the changes.

We understand that while the changes will not go into place immediately because they need to finalize the materials, the DMV is committed to instituting a humane policy that allows people whose gender has changed to get drivers’ licenses that reflect their identity and enable them to avoid harassment and discrimination. The representatives from the DMV and the Attorney General’s office that worked with have been extremely responsive and understanding, and we are glad that we could work with them to make this important change. We are also very grateful to Jane Heenan and Equality Nevada for insight into how the driver’s license issue affected the lives of transgender people. Finally, and most importantly, thanks to everyone who shared their stories and everyone who gave their support to the cause.

In Liberty,

Maggie McLetchie

Interim Southern Program Director and Staff Attorney

Obama: GOP Drove The Country Into A Ditch. 'Now They Want The Keys Back'

2010-05-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

2010-05-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

By Chris Miller
US Senator Larry Craig, Florida Congressman Mark Foley, California State Senator Roy Ashburn, Leader of the National Evangelicals Ted Haggard, the Catholic Church… the list could go on and on. What list? I am talking about a list of Republicans or right-leaning evangelical “leaders” or organizations that lived their life as hypocrites.
Numerous political figures have used the anti-gay rights issue to pander to their political base. Countless evangelical leaders and religious organizations have used the “homosexuality is a sin and is the reason for our moral decay” mantra for years. Both have used LGBT Rights as a “wedge” issue to scare voters.
Are we now turning the corner, or are Gay Republicans just being punked?
Here in Nevada we have had several LGBT issues brought to the state legislature for debate and vote. In the 2009 legislative cycle, two LGBT themed bills passed and became law, SB207 and SB283.
SB207, providing some citizens rights against discrimination in the form of public accommodations, passed the Nevada Senate by a vote of 19 – 2. The 2 no votes were Republican Senators Maurice Washington and Barbara Cegavske.
SB283, the Domestic Partnership bill, passed after a heated debate, and Governor Gibbons veto. The veto was overridden in the State Senate by a 14-7 vote. One of those voting no on both occasions, Republican Barbara Cegavske.

Nevada State Senator Barbara Cegavske

Ms. Cegavske recently attended an event hosted by a local LGBT Republican organization (yes, there is such a group). Ms Cegavske has demonstrated that she will not vote in favor of gay issues, but she will obviously shill for gay votes. Maybe this evangelical political figure has changed her beliefs? Maybe Gay Republicans are being falsely charmed to gain their support? I will leave that answer to you.

During a recent appearance on Orlando, Florida radio station WORL, Arizona Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth made the following comment during a conversation about gay marriage, “I guess that would mean if you really had affection for your horse, I guess you could marry your horse”

Arizona Senate Candidate J.D. Hayworth

Here is a picture of Mr. Hayworth at a Nevada Republican event attended by a member of a Nevada Republican LGBT organization. Did Republican Candidate Mr. Hayworth make the “marry your horse” statement to rally his base? Is he now backtracking to have the support of a community of horses? gays? Is he now in favor of gay marriage? Does anybody really know where JD Hayworth stands on LGBT rights issues?

Senator Cegavske and J.D. Hayworth are not the only current Republican candidates or elected officials who have shown up or schmoozed with the gays

US Senate Candidate Chad Christensen

For the record, in the 2009 legislative session, Assemblyman Christensen voted against SB207 (Public Accomodations) and SB283 (Domestic Partnerships). And my Republican friends tell me Mr. Christensen is pro-gay rights...Really?

Congressional Candidate Craig Lake

I did save the best for last. Lou "two-faced" Toomin changes political parties more often than most of us change underwear. Democrat, Republican, Democrat...which face is Lou wearing this election cycle? Maybe one of each. You see, Mr. Toomin is running in the Democratic Primary in AD 15, but here he is politicking for Republican votes.

AD 15 Democrat Candidate Lou Toomin at event hosted by Gay Republicans

Someone needs to tell Mr. Toomin that no matter how many times he changes parties, Republicans can't vote in the Democratic Primary and vice-versa.

So I ask the question, are all of these candidates in favor of LGBT rights? If elected, will they vote in favor of bills to protect LGBT Nevadans from Housing Discrimination? Employment discrimination? Will they support a movement toward the recognition of Marriage Equality?
Or are they just hypocrites saying or doing anything for a vote?
I say they are hypocrites and Gay Republicans are…
…just being PUNKED!

BOYCOTTING ARIZONA

2010-05-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

By Chris Miller

FROM FACEBOOK:
William A Pope May 3 at 5:14pm Report:
"You are welcome to be completely ignorant. I'll be boycotting Las Vegas as long as ignorant people there want to boycott Arizona. Nevada has a lot more to loose than Arizona does. Out of staters need to mind their own business."

William A Pope

When Arizona passed its new immigrant “Paper’s Please” law, I decided to voice my opinion thru facebook. I changed my facebook name to “Chris BoycottArizona Miller” and posted several stories about this law and an economic boycott encouraged by many other individuals and organizations as a protest to it. Shortly thereafter, I received the message above from William A. Pope.

For the record, I do not personally know Mr. Pope. He may have been a facebook friend prior to this message, if so, he has since de-friended me. Mr. Pope, like myself, is entitled to his opinions. I personally believe that the new Arizona law undermines the bedrock of justice in the United States by presuming guilt before innocence as it singles out a group of individuals in an unfair manor.

The issue that I do have with Mr. Pope and any Arizonan that tells “out of staters to mind their own business” is to practice what they preach. Last month, I went to the Arizona / Nevada border where I witnessed an endless stream of out of state cars, primarily from Arizona, come in to my state and spew lies and hate about my US Senator, Harry Reid. Mr. Pope, I do not recall seeing you at the border telling fellow Arizonans to stay out of Nevada’s business...Why not?

As far as the “ignorant” comment, I wish to ask the question…Why or how does voicing an opinion constitute a lack of knowledge? I am well-versed on this law and how it resembles the Gestapo tactics used against Jews and other minorities in Nazi Germany. I am appalled that in 2010, any person, let alone a whole state, can still think it ok to single out a group with such hate. No person is illegal!

So, Mr. Pope, as an American with immigrant ancestors, I will continue to voice my opinions thru a personal economic boycott of your state and I will also continue to use this blog, social media and any other means at my disposal to promote this boycott. I encourage all fair-minded Americans to join me.
We will not rest until this law is overturned!

WE'LL JUST LET THEM SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

2010-05-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

VOTE SUE?

How do you spell E-N-D-O-R-S-E

2010-04-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

By Chris Miller

The right to vote. A right some take for granted. A right some choose not to exercise. A right some have given their life for. A right that some of our foreign brothers and sisters only dream about. When I stop to really think about this basic principal of democracy, I am awestruck by its power. If you don’t understand the power, ask Al Gore, a few hundred vote swing in November, 2000, and the first decade of this century would look vastly different than what will be written about in future history books.

If this right is so important, then why do so many choose to not educate themselves on the choices? Ah, but an even bigger question, why do some in position of perceived authority choose to educate us without first educating themselves.

The political endorsement. Many organizations, periodicals and individuals tell the masses that we need to vote for a particular candidate or referendum. Those doing the telling are usually in a position of authority such as a past or present elected official, an editorial review board, a labor union, an group of individuals held in high esteem. You would think that any of these ‘endorsers’ would take the process seriously. Well, think again.

It has come to my attention that in this primary season, there are several entities that have chosen to ‘endorse’ candidates, not on the basis of an interview or from answers on a written questionnaire, but because of how they might ‘feel’ about a candidate. They also endorse because of ‘identity politics’. i.e. I am a woman, therefore I will always endorse the female candidate. This occurs even if the male candidate has the same voting record and beliefs as the woman.

The endorsement process needs to be taken seriously. Calling a candidate a ‘Jackass’ or telling us to ‘not for for him’ when you haven’t completed due diligence is inexcusable. So if you are referring to an endorsement as a way to determine who to vote for, here are a few simple suggestions:

1.Look to see how the endorsement process was completed? Was it through an interview, questionnaire, or someone’s ‘feelings’ toward a candidate

2.Check to see who is doing the endorsing? If the endorsement comes from a periodical or a group, the names of the persons on the panel should be published. Don’t forget there are candidate friends who can ‘stack the deck’ on an endorsement vote.

3.Read everything. Flippant comments are not a sign of a serious process.

4.Do your own homework. The internet is a valuable tool that is quick and easy to use.

Remember, voting is one of the most valuable rights you have. Be educated. Be informed. Please take the process seriously.

THEN THEY CAME FOR ME......

2010-04-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was made aware of an email this morning that really hurt my heart. It hurt because it showed the level of education that our Black community still needs when it comes to matters of Black & Brown people.

Here's the email:

Hi Every One.

listen up I think it would be very unwise for the black community to get involve
in the illegal immigrant confusion. I feel that is a Spanish problem. I sympathize
with Spanish concerns, but I don't think the Black community has the resources
to sub stain us in a battle such as that, after all we are law biding people and we
believe in Justice for all. let the spanish citizens handle that problem.

respectfuly yours

I left the name unexposed.

There's so much wrong with this email that it's hard to know where to start. But, here we go.

The Black community MUST get involved in the issues of the Latino community. Why? It's actually very simple.

Recently, Arizona passed an awful law that makes it legal to stop people based on the fact that they "look illegal". Why does that matter to Black people? Have you ever been to Miami? Florida is chock full of Haitians who are in the country without papers. Now, imagine if the law spreads to Florida. The police will then be allowed to stop anyone they suspect of being "illegal".

Guess what color Haitians are?

BLACK.

I am sure that many of you are aware of the fact that a whole lot of us Black folk (myself included) look more Latin than we do Black. There's quite a few of us mixed with Native American who could easily pass as Latino. Now, imagine a light skinned ("High Yella") person takes a day trip to see the Dam in Boulder City and crosses the border into Arizona only to be stopped because they "look illegal". How exactly does a light skinned Black person prove they are a citizen? A Nevada Drivers License is not proof of US citizenship. How many of you carry your "papers" with you? How many Black folk have a passport? How many Americans actually carry their birth certificate with them?

I don't and I look hella Latino.

Oops.

I was especially concerned with the section of the letter that refers to "us" as "law abiding citizens". Uh, ask the people who came up with this law what they think of Black people and if they feel that Black folk are "law abiding". I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of people who support this law don't think much of us either. Btw, I'm Black as is my little brother and he's in jail for the rest of his non law abiding life. Generalities are never pretty.

I learned from a local leader that all problems faced by minorities are all minorities problems. Why? Because what could happen to someone else could happen to you. How dare we Blacks dismiss another group after all we went through to get equal rights. I myself being Gay have less rights than the vast majority of people who will read this including "illegals". Do I say "screw you until I get mine"? No. I say, "how can we work together and build trust and foster communication so that I know your struggle and you know mine and together we can prevail?"

When did we forget that the Jews and other non Black groups marched with us into Selma and to Washington? How have we forgotten that a Gay Black man, Bayard Rustin planned the actions that led up to the most important event in Black Civil Rights history, The March on Washington? How on Earth can Black people turn their back on any group that needs our help?

If we turn our backs on the Latino community now in their time of need, how can we expect them to be there for us later?

And if there is any doubt that we will need them later, look around you. We live in a City, County, State and Country that is rapidly browning. Latinos will soon be the majority. They will sit on the school boards, in City Hall and in all of the highest offices of the land. In fact, after Barack, there will probably be a Latino President. Why should they help us if we turned our backs on them?

I'll close with a very famous poem that perfectly describes why we must become more involved in our Brown Brothers & Sisters lives.

This was written by Pastor Martin Niemoller:

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Please, read and learn from this and try to curb your own inner racism and prejudices.

We as Black people are better than that.

TEAM REID 2010 HAS A GREAT TIME SUPPORTING AFAN!

2010-04-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

2010 AIDS WALK A ROARING SUCCESS!

TEAM REID 2010 joined thousands of other walkers to raise money for and celebrate the good work that Aid For Aids of Nevada does for people living with HIV/AIDS in Nevada. Several dozen people from all walks of life and ages ranging from those in strollers up to active seniors joined to show support for both the charity and for our friend, Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

We were joined by progressives from various clubs and caucuses such as the Red Rock Dems, Stonewall, the Clark County Democratic Black Caucus and others. OFA showed up in force along with African Americans for Harry Reid, the Asian American Caucus, both the state and Clark County Dems, folks all the way from Mesquite and Laughlin and members of various unions such as SEIU and the Southwest Flight Attendants.

The walk attracted over 8500 walkers and was followed by a family festival with lots of hot dogs and smiles. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley came and hung out meeting and greeting pretty much everyone in the place while never tiring of stopping to chat, listen or have her picture taken with her many admirers. The woman is a Rock Star!

Secretary of State, Ross Miler and his (gorgeous) wife were there to accept an award for his work on behalf of Equal Rights for all Nevadans and Kristine Kuzemka (who's running for Justice of The Peace) was honored as well. Several other candidates such as Paul Murad, Gloria Sturman (District Court Judge candidate), Nancy Alf and Carolyn Essex (running hard for the Assembly seat in North Las Vegas!)and too many others to remember and list, all joined with TEAM REID 2010 to make this year's AIDS Walk a smashing success!

Take a look at the pictures for a front row seat on the fun!

WELCOME TO THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

2010-04-26T08:54:00.002-07:00

It's been said that even though people may love sausage, if they knew how it was made, they might just pass on that next plate of Bangers & Mash.

The same could be said for politics and how your life is being affected by the relentless Conservative attacks on basic American values.Hopefully, instead of passing on the sometimes ugly backstage process, you will take what you're going to learn and get involved in taking back America from those who hate her.

Welcome to The Sausage Factory. And no matter how ugly it gets, keep your eyes open.