By Michelle Rindels, the Nevada Independent
The Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, one of the biggest players in the Southern Nevada business community, has thrown its support behind 28 candidates in legislative and Clark County Commission races — including some Democrats.
The chamber, known for its hesitance to support new taxes, embraced even some liberal Democratic incumbents in districts that lean blue. The selections are based on candidates’ voting records, if one exists, their stated positions on business policies and their willingness to work with the Chamber.
“Nothing is more important to the health of our state than having a business and regulatory climate that helps our economy grow and spurs job creation,” said Hugh Anderson, chairman of the group’s Government Affairs Committee. “The Las Vegas Metro Chamber takes its endorsement responsibility very seriously and recommends those candidates who truly understand issues that impact businesses and will stand up for our state’s employers and small businesses.”
Chamber leaders spent three days interviewing nearly 60 candidates before making endorsements. More endorsements are expected this summer in legislative and county commission races, as well as races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, the Board of Regents, the Clark County School Board and the state Supreme Court.
There are 42 Assembly seats and 11 Senate seats up for grabs this year. The group hasn’t yet endorsed in some swing districts that are expected to be highly competitive, such as Senate Districts 8 and 9, which were held by nonpartisan Patricia Farley and Republican Becky Harris, respectively, last session.
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