Recall Fever Spreads To Nevada
Emboldened by recall efforts in California, a group of Nevada conservatives upset about the largest tax increase in state history began recall proceedings Wednesday against the popular Republican governor.
The group filed a notice of intent with the Nevada Secretary of State's Office in Las Vegas to seek a recall election against Gov. Kenny Guinn. Organizers have 90 days to collect 128,109 signatures, or 25 percent of those who cast ballots in the 2002 general election.
"It's going to be a daunting task," said Tony Dane, a political consultant and chairman of The Committee to Recall Governor Guinn. "But if people feel motivated enough to take control of their government, it's possible."
The group is not backing a recall candidate, Dane said.
No statewide recall effort has ever succeeded, and no Nevada governor has ever been the subject of a recall election, state Archivist Guy Louis Rocha said.
Guinn, 66, issued a statement highlighting his accomplishments, including establishing a scholarship program and privatizing the state worker's compensation program.
"Nevadans expect their elected officials to make difficult decisions that are not always popular with everyone," he said. "With respect to the recall effort, I have great faith in the wisdom of the people of Nevada."
Guinn was re-elected to a second term in 2002 with 68 percent of the vote.
Leading Democrats dismissed the idea of unseating the Republican governor.
"I don't think there's one Democrat who is going to sign that petition. It's just stupid," Chris Wicker, chairman of the Washoe County Democratic Party, said on KRNV-TV.
Dane said more than 600 volunteers have signed up to collect petitions. He said the efforts began before the California recall, although he acknowledged events there could bolster their cause.
"I'm hoping people in Nevada look at California and get excited about the possibilities," Dane said.
A Reno Gazette-Journal/KRNV-TV poll found 68 percent opposed recall efforts targeting Guinn and six Nevada Supreme Court justices. Twenty-four percent supported it, and 8 percent were unsure. The poll had an error margin of 4 percentage points.
Guinn tangled with Republican leaders in the state Legislature earlier this year over his $1 billion tax proposal. After months of debate, two special sessions and a landmark Nevada Supreme Court decision prompted by Guinn's request for intervention, lawmakers approved a record $836 million in tax increases.
If the group collects enough signatures, an election could be held as soon as late December.
Eighteen states and the District of Columbia allow for recalls of state leaders. Nevada would be the first since California to trigger a recall election against its governor.
By Christina Almeida