State of Nevada Archives: on Principles & Values


Adam Laxalt: Son of Sen. Pete Domenici; grandson of Gov. Paul Laxalt

Adam Paul Laxalt (born August 31, 1978) is an American attorney and politician who serves as the 33rd and current Nevada Attorney General. A Republican, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy.

Laxalt ran for Attorney General of Nevada in the 2014 election and defeated Democrat Secretary of State Ross Miller.

Laxalt is the son of the late Republican U.S. Senator from New Mexico Pete Domenici and Michelle Laxalt, the daughter of former Republican Nevada Governor and U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt.

Adam Laxalt was not publicly acknowledged by Domenici until 2013.[2] At that time, Domenici acknowledged that Laxalt was his son and was a result of the affair and said: "I deeply regret this and am very sorry for my behavior."

Source: Wikipedia.org "Adam Laxalt" on 2018 Nevada governor race Mar 23, 2018

Amy Klobuchar: Will bring rural and suburban voters together to win

I think the path is a high voter turnout. I'm the one on this stage that had the highest voter turnout of any state in the country when I led the ticket, as well as bringing in rural and suburban voters. I'm the only one with the receipts to have done that in Republican congressional districts over and over again.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Amy Klobuchar: Need a president with heart, unlike Trump

You need someone that has the heart to be the president. They were talking a lot about heart conditions up here. We have a president that doesn't have a heart. I love the people of this country. I ask for the vote of the people of Nevada, because this state gets it. They get that maybe you don't agree with every single thing that's said on this debate stage, but we understand that the heart of America is bigger than any heart that guy has in the White House.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Bernie Sanders: it's fairness for working class, not communism

Mike BLOOMBERG: We're not going to throw out capitalism. We tried. Other countries tried that. It was called communism, and it just didn't work. We're not going to throw out capitalism. We tried. Other countries tried that. It was called communism, and it just didn't work.

Bernie SANDERS: Let's talk about democratic socialism. Not communism, Mr. Bloomberg. We are living in a socialist society right now. The problem is we have socialism for the very rich, rugged individualism for the poor. When Donald Trump gets $800 million in tax breaks and subsidies to build luxury condominiums, that's socialism for the rich. I believe in democratic socialism for working people, not billionaires, health care for all, educational opportunities for all.

Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Bernie Sanders: Disowns vicious internet trolls

We have over 10.6 million people on Twitter, and 99.9 percent of them are decent human beings, are working people, are people who believe in justice, compassion, and love. And if there are a few people who make ugly remarks, who attack trade union leaders, I disown those people. They are not part of our movement.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Bernie Sanders: US has an immoral distribution of wealth

We have a grotesque and immoral distribution of wealth and income. Mike Bloomberg owns more wealth than the bottom 125 million Americans. That's wrong. That's immoral. That should not be the case when we got a half a million people sleeping out on the street, where we have kids who cannot afford to go to college, when we have 45 million people dealing with student debt.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Bernie Sanders: Does not advocate communism, but fairness for working class

Let's talk about democratic socialism. Not communism, Mr. Bloomberg. We are living in a socialist society right now. The problem is we have socialism for the very rich, rugged individualism for the poor. When Donald Trump gets $800 million in tax breaks and subsidies to build luxury condominiums, that's socialism for the rich. I believe in democratic socialism for working people, not billionaires, health care for all, educational opportunities for all.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Bill Richardson: Pledges to not engage in negative campaigning on Dems

We’ve been given two minutes to tell you how we’re going to balance the budget, get out of Iraq, give opportunities to every American, strengthen the middle class. I can do it in four words: Elect a Democratic president.

I think it’s really important now that we have a strong nominee. The worst thing we can do is tear each other down. So what I am proposing is that every Democratic candidate sign a pledge that we will not engage in any negative campaigning towards each other.

Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Catherine Cortez Masto: Served as Assistant County Manager & criminal prosecutor

Q: Please state your qualifications for this office.

CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO: I served two terms as Nevada's Attorney General and became well known for integrity and leadership on behalf of Nevada families, women, and seniors. Prior to serving as Attorney General, I worked as an Assistant County Manager for Clark County, Nevada and served as a federal criminal prosecutor for the United States Attorney's Office in Washington.

Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Nevada Senate Race Sep 19, 2016

Catherine Cortez Masto: Offensive to criticize Mexican-American for no Spanish

Cortez Masto said it was "offensive" to suggest she isn't Mexican enough because she doesn't speak Spanish. Cortez Masto was responding to her opponent's former political director, who is also Mexican-American and who asked in a tweet: "quick question does @CatherineForNV speak Spanish?"

"I think its absolutely ridiculous--if that was the litmus test for whether or not you're Mexican-American then Gov. Sandoval would be thrown into that," she said.

Source: Buzzfeed News on 2022 Nevada Senate race Sep 22, 2016

Chris Dodd: We can’t survive as a nation 51-49; end partisanship

The stakes have never been higher, in my view. There’s a sense of urgency in our country that I think we all feel. I believe it’s going to take a sense of optimism, a sense of confidence, talking about hope for the future, bringing people together. We can’t survive as a nation 51-49. We’ve got to come together as a party first and then as a nation. I believe that takes optimism and confidence. It means talking about the future and rebuilding that sense of optimism in our country.

It’s also going to take committed leadership, principled leadership, proven leadership. I’ve served in the US Senate for 26 years. I’ve been involved in every major domestic and foreign policy debate of our country. I know how to bring people together.

Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Danny Tarkanian: Will fight Republican "liberals"

I am a conservative Republican who supports the policies of President Trump to repeal Obamacare and end illegal immigration. I will continue to support President Trump's policies that have led to a 20% increase in the stock market in just six months. I will join Senator Lee, Senator Cruz, and Senator Paul fighting for real reforms against the liberals in our party.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor website TarkNV.com Aug 17, 2017

Dennis Kucinich: I can move this country because I have no strings

Why is it that I’m able to do this? No strings! You need a president with no strings.
Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Harry Reid: Son of a miner; mother took in wash from brothels

Angle's rap on Reid is that he's a creature of big-government Washington, out of touch with average Nevadans.

"Senator Reid has been a politician for over 30 years," Angle began. "I live in a middle-class neighborhood in Reno, Nevada. Senator Reid live in the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C."

That might particularly rankle Nevadans who now suffer with the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country.

But Reid, the son of a miner, tried to show he knew what it was like to suffer through tough times--like when he was growing up in the tiny town of Searchlight. Lean times sound different in Nevada than they do in other parts of the country, though.

"Times were tough. The mines weren't doing well at all. My mom took in wash from the brothels in Searchlight so I have some idea of what it's like to struggle," Reid said.

If you'd decided to play a drinking game and take a swig every time Reid called his opponent extreme, you'd have quite the hangover this morning.

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

Hillary Clinton: Proud of Bill Clinton's record as president

Q: [Regarding David Geffen's remarks, a Hillary donor who attacked Barack], do you think that candidates should be held accountable for the statements of their supporters and donors?

A: I want to run a very positive campaign, and I sure don't want Democrats to be engaging in the politics of personal destruction. I think we should stay focused on what we're going to do for America. And you know, I believe Bill Clinton was a good president, and I'm very proud of the record of his two terms.

Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Jack Carter: There are certain values that are intuitive to all Americans

There are certain values that make us all a part of the American community. We honor liberty & democracy, and the rule of law enshrined in our Constitution. We love our families and respect our neighbors. We care for our sick, our poor, and our elderly. We educate our children. We believe in honesty and integrity, cooperation, fiscal responsibility, and sound business judgment. You do not need a college education or to slog through policy papers to understand these values intuitive to all Americans.
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, Carter for Nevada May 21, 2006

Jack Carter: I'm fed up with this administration & my opponent

I'm fed up with this administration. They have led us into a disastrous war in the Middle East. They have squandered the goodwill we had at the end of 9/11. They have sold our souls to the special interests. They are encroaching on our states' rights and trampling on our personal freedoms.

And my opponent is responsible for it. He has voted with this admin 96% of the time. This is the last chance we have to get rid of this administration and the people who work for them.

Source: Nevada 2006 Senate Debate, at KLAS in Las Vegas Oct 15, 2006

Jack Carter: Campaign funding source doesn't matter; "we the people" do

Q: Your campaign has raised $1.1 million, with 84% from out of state. Why should Nevadans vote for someone whose support comes from out of state?

CARTER: People should elect me because I'm going to refocus the government on we the people instead of the special interests.

ENSIGN: My opponent has actually raised more money in California than he has in Nevada. He says he wants to be Nevada's voice in Washington, but if Nevadans aren't supporting him how can he be Nevada's voice in Washington?

Source: Nevada 2006 Senate Debate, at KLAS in Las Vegas Oct 15, 2006

James Vandermaas: Constitution designed to force officials to compromise

Many of us seem to have forgotten that our US Constitution was purposefully designed to force our elected officials, regardless of how extreme their ideas might be, to come together and hammer out compromise and solutions that work for the greater good of all. If we don't follow this design, then nothing gets done. This is what we are experiencing now.
Source: 2022 Nevada Senate campaign website VoteVandermaas.com Dec 9, 2021

Jared Fisher: Master of time management: time is our greatest asset

Jared has always been committed to providing the best conditions for his workforce, protecting the environment, and pushing the limits on business innovation, development, and sustainability. He starts every day out with a bike ride, a run, a hundred push ups and a non-fiction audio book. He is an energetic leader who believes in doing the right thing and trusting employees to do their best. He listens to what people have to say, starts debate and ends debate. He is a firm believer that time is our greatest asset and has become a master of time management. He does not waste time getting to the point and following through.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com Jul 12, 2017

Jared Fisher: Started renewable-energy-based tourism business

Jared moved to Nevada in 1990 with a few personal items, a bike, and a dream to go to UNLV and start his own business in hospitality. In his second year of studies at Harrah's College of Hotel Administration, he married his best friend Heather, and together they started a successful Nevada-based tour company from a UNLV marketing project. Their original 1992 mission to promote human power and the natural environment is now the basis of three bike shops & a tour company powered by renewable energy.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com Jul 12, 2017

Joe Heck: Small business owner and emergency-room physician

Q: Please state your qualifications for this office.

JOE HECK: As a small business owner, physician and brigadier general in the U.S. Army Reserve, I am uniquely prepared to serve in this difficult time. With the arrogance and gridlock in Washington, we need leaders willing to work tirelessly for Nevada. It is an honor to serve you--in the emergency room, in the Army and as a Member of Congress.

Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Nevada Senate Race Sep 19, 2016

Joe Lombardo: Sheriff Lombardo prefers you just call him Joe

Joe Lombardo has a lot of titles. Sheriff, officer, veteran, leader, husband, and father. Soon he'll add another title: Governor.but you can just call him Joe. Joe has dedicated his life to protecting American freedoms, putting bad guys away, and keeping us safe. So whether you salute him as a veteran, appreciate his service in law enforcement, or can't wait for him to be the next Governor of Nevada.he just prefers you call him Joe.
Source: 2022 Nevada Governor campaign website JoeLombardoForNV.com Oct 21, 2021

Joe Lombardo: Recognizes Biden as duly elected president

Though he did not vote for President Joe Biden, Lombardo said he recognizes Biden as the duly elected president. "The evidence was not brought forward that we could prosecute on [fraud]," he said. "Thirty-four years in law enforcement, that's what I base a lot of my decision on, is actual evidence and not anecdotal information."
Source: The Nevada Independent on 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial race Mar 30, 2022

Joe Lombardo: Faith leaders are the backbone of our communities

The Lombardo for Governor campaign hosted its first Faith Leaders for Lombardo Breakfast at Liberty Baptist Church in Las Vegas. "During my tenure at Metro, I've worked to partner with faith leaders to make our communities safer and stronger. As I run for governor, I know how critical it is to listen to our faith leaders and learn from them: they are the backbone of our communities and their input, support, and guidance is invaluable," said Sheriff Lombardo.
Source: 2022 Nevada Governor campaign website JoeLombardoForNV.com Apr 6, 2022

John Ensign: Nevadans need Nevada leaders with Nevada roots

My Nevada roots go back to my great-grandparents, who settled our state in the early 1900s. They created and passed down a work ethic and values of have integrity that I have embraced my entire life. I've tried to instill those Nevada values in my own children. We need proven Nevada leadership to keep Nevada strong. We need leaders with a deep understanding of our state. We need proven Nevada leadership to keep Nevada strong.
Source: Nevada 2006 Senate Debate, at KLAS in Las Vegas Oct 15, 2006

John Ensign: Carter gets more campaign money from California than Nevada

Q: Your campaign has raised $1.1 million, with 84% from out of state. Why should Nevadans vote for someone whose support comes from out of state?

CARTER: People should elect me because I'm going to refocus the government on we the people instead of the special interests.

ENSIGN: My opponent has actually raised more money in California than he has in Nevada. He says he wants to be Nevada's voice in Washington, but if Nevadans aren't supporting him how can he be Nevada's voice in Washington?

Source: Nevada 2006 Senate Debate, at KLAS (X-ref Carter) Oct 15, 2006

John Jay Lee: Switched parties because of "socialist, extremist agenda"

Today's Democratic Party has embraced a socialist, extremist agenda that hurts working class families, restricts freedom, and extinguishes opportunity for millions of Americans - particularly working class minorities who deserve the chance to give their families a better life. That's why I voted for President Trump twice. Though I've been a registered Democrat on paper my entire life, I made the switch to the Republican Party--because on some things, there's simply no compromise.
Source: 2021 Nevada Governor campaign website VoteJohnLee.com May 25, 2021

Mike Bloomberg: Ridiculous to throw out capitalism; communism doesn't work

Mike BLOOMBERG: We're not going to throw out capitalism. We tried. Other countries tried that. It was called communism, and it just didn't work. We're not going to throw out capitalism. We tried. Other countries tried that. It was called communism, and it just didn't work.

Bernie SANDERS: Let's talk about democratic socialism. Not communism, Mr. Bloomberg. We are living in a socialist society right now. The problem is we have socialism for the very rich, rugged individualism for the poor. When Donald Trump gets $800 million in tax breaks and subsidies to build luxury condominiums, that's socialism for the rich. I believe in democratic socialism for working people, not billionaires, health care for all, educational opportunities for all.

Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Mike Gravel: Achieved much in Senate, but prefers governors for president

Q: You've been out of elected politics for some time. Why should Democratic voters choose you over all these other candidates?

If they like what I'm saying, that I'm not politics as usual -- and they could look at my record -- very unusual. I ended the draft, released the Pentagon Papers, stopped the nuclear testing in Alaska. You know, it's all there. And I did all that within four years.

Q: And of all the other candidates you're seeing running right now, if these voters aren't going to pick you, who should they pick?

A: Well, I like the governors. For some reason, they bring more of an executive approach. And so if I were to pick right now, I'd say Vilsack first, Richardson second, because they have executive experience. Our record of people in legislative positions providing real leadership is very, very dismal. Governors have had to lead a state in a very personal kind of way, and so I would say that that would be the approach.

Source: 2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada Feb 21, 2007

Pete Buttigieg: We can accomplish goals without polarization

The vision I'm putting forward has the support of the American people. We can actually deliver health care without taking it away from anyone. We can actually empower workers and lift wages without further polarizing this country. And we can build a movement without having legions of our supporters online and in person attacking Democratic figures and union leaders alike.
Source: 9th Democrat 2020 primary debate, in Las Vegas Nevada Feb 19, 2020

Sharron Angle: I live in middle-class Reno; Reid lives in DC's Ritz-Carlton

Angle's rap on Reid is that he's a creature of big-government Washington, out of touch with average Nevadans.

"Senator Reid has been a politician for over 30 years," Angle began. "I live in a middle-class neighborhood in Reno, Nevada. Senator Reid live in the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C."

That might particularly rankle Nevadans who now suffer with the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country.

But Reid, the son of a miner, tried to show he knew what it was like to suffer through tough times--like when he was growing up in the tiny town of Searchlight. Lean times sound different in Nevada than they do in other parts of the country, though.

"Times were tough. The mines weren't doing well at all. My mom took in wash from the brothels in Searchlight so I have some idea of what it's like to struggle," Reid said.

If you'd decided to play a drinking game and take a swig every time Reid called his opponent extreme, you'd have quite the hangover this morning.

Source: NPR Morning Edition coverage of 2010 Nevada Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

Steve Sisolak: I put a lot of faith in God to advise me

A devout Catholic, he says his faith guides his toughest decisions. "I get down on my knees every morning and say my prayers. It's an important part of my life and who I am. During the toughest times of this pandemic, I probably prayed more to make decisions that you know are going to be unpopular. I put a lot of faith in God to advise me, to give me some direction in that regard."
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal on 2022 Nevada Gubernatorial race Oct 13, 2021

Joe Lombardo: 2020 election environment was easy to commit fraud

Lombardo has said the election was not stolen and that Biden was legitimately elected. However, Lombardo has also fomented doubts about the election.

In 2021, Lombardo told said that he didn't have the information necessary to say if the 2020 results were accurate, and he added that "we had an environment where it was easy to commit fraud." (There is no evidence of any widespread fraud in Nevada in 2020.) This March, Lombardo said he couldn't say whether Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske was wrong to say there was no widespread voter fraud in 2020, since there hadn't been a comprehensive audit.

In an email to CNN in July, a Lombardo campaign spokesperson said that "Joe Lombardo has been clear … he has not been presented with evidence to show that any fraud would have changed the outcome of the 2020 election." She added that, "however," Sisolak and his allies "have passed laws that make it easier for bad actors from any party to commit fraud."

Source: CNN on 2020 Election Denial in 2022 Nevada Governor race Sep 9, 2022

Joe Lombardo: The Nevada Way: never give up; never stop dreaming

Our Nevada history teaches us to persevere while others settle for less. Time and again, we have gathered our resolve and doubled our determination when others tell us it can't be done or shouldn't be tried. We instinctively do the opposite. It is my intention to work side by side with all of you to write another chapter of Nevada history, that will record, that we did it the Nevada Way--never give up, never stop dreaming.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature Jan 23, 2023

  • The above quotations are from State of Nevada Politicians: Archives.
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023