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Dean Heller: Gun control advocate
"Knowing your interest in gun control, I wanted to give you an update on legislation I have cosponsored and supported rceently." Imagine how Nevadans felt when they received a letter that began that way from none other than Sen. Dean Heller, who voted against the Manchin-Toomey bill, saying he feared a creation of a gun registry despite his general support for the concepts in the measure. He was hailed by NRA types and blistered by gun control advocates. I wonder how many folks who received that missive fell for the having-it-both-ways Heller approach.
The greatest takedown of Session '13 I could imagine
It hits all the right notes. I'm not at liberty to say who produced it -- at least not yet. But worth watching:
Milam uses FOIAs to try to make connection, but to what?
LettertoDOIIG-SandraEvans&MildredWashington_May172013.PDF, FOIAtoDOIOfficesoftheSecretaryandSolicitor_May172013.PDF, FOIAtoBLM_May172013.PDF This week, an attorney for failed arena developer Chris Milam asked two federal agencies for a lot of documents that he clearly hopes will explain why the BLM canceled a land deal with him earlier this month. What is he looking for? A connection to Reid the Elder (the majority leader) or Reid the Younger (the Henderson city attorney)? I'd guess so. But is he fishing, looking for something specific or simply devolving into conspiracy theories? The letters are attached here.
No new taxes, but plenty o' fees
By now, you know Gov. Brian Sandoval's mantra so well you don't have to be reminded (Hint: Same as Jim Gibbons', only people listen.). But when he sunnily says, "No new taxes," you notice something about Sandoval's assertion: He doesn't also say, 'No new fees."
Would Assembly Democrats be crazy/dumb enough to take a bribe to kill SJR15?
Would Assembly Democrats really trade an extra $50 million or so from mining to kill SJR 15, the resolution taking the industry’s tax policy out of the Constitution? I don’t think they are that dumb or short-sighted, but I don’t want to bet my stash of gold bars on it. Nevertheless, the conversation did take place, Nevada Mining Association President Tim Crowley confirmed. Here’s what he tells me:
Mayors' group prepares all-out push to get Jones' bill passed
I've already told you about the group started by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg trying to pressure Carson City Republicans to pass state Sen. Justin Jones' background check bill.
What could bring Reid and Sandoval together? Helping NV Energy
"REID, SANDOVAL SEEK TO POSITION NEVADA AS NATIONAL CLEAN ENERGY LEADER" You don't see headlines on a news release like that too often.
Centrist think tank forming in Nevada
Sick of ideologically driven, tendentious research, a group of prominent Nevadans is organizing to form a new think tank expected to be unveiled in a few weeks. I've learned the new organization will be headed by ex-Harrah's chief Phil Satre and will be named after former Gov. Kenny Guinn, known for his moderate bipartisanship. The Guinn Center for Public Policy already has a board -- listed below and heavy on former educators -- and an executive director -- Nancy Brune, a Nevadan with an impressive Ivy League pedigree.
NV Energy presents new version of its omnibus bill
And here's a summary via the company (actual changes attached) NVision reduces CO2, SO2 and other emissions and ensures that NVE will continue to have the resources to provide reliable service. The legislation requires the Company: ü to retire 800 MW of Company-owned coal-fired generating plants; ü to acquire or construct 550 MW of capacity to replace the retired coal-fired generating plants;
Bloomberg's anti-gun group targets key NV legislators
MAIG_Nevada_6x11_Kieckhefer.pdf, MAIG_Nevada_6x11_Hutchison.pdf, MAIG_Nevada_6x11_Brower.pdf, MAIG_Nevada_6x11_Hammond.pdf, MAIG_Nevada_6x11_Roberson.pdf New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's anti-gun group is stepping up its efforts in Nevada to get state Sen. Justin Jones background checks bill passed. The group dropped mailers in districts of five Republican senators today -- attached below -- and has a field program going in GOP state Sen. Michael Roberson's district. I bet we hear about this on the floor from the targeted lawmakers.