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Lawmakers pass a new body of law, but it has no spirit
If you find the word “corporeal” in a new law, I would suggest: 1. Someone has been using a Thesaurus. 2. Someone has been taking part in seances. 3. Someone is desperate to justify a new law’s raison d’etre. That was my initial reaction when I saw the word meaning one’s actual body (as opposed to the spirit) in a new, probably unnecessary bill that is a response to a political situation and not really a substantive one. Yes, that never happens in Carson City.
State teachers union leadership about to change
It isn't on many folks' radar, but the woman who has been the driving force behind the margins tax is leaving the Nevada State Education Association. Lynn Warne's term expires in June, and the election to replace her is later this month. It's a three-way race, I'm told, between Ruben Murillo, who heads the Clark local; John Carr of the Education Support Employees Association; and ex-Assemblyman Doug Bache. I make Murillo the early favorite. But this will be very interesting to watch. Â
Sandoval: Marriage "should be between a man and a woman"
As the national media continues to regularly chronicle some national politician "evolving" on gay marriage, Nevada's governor is not joining the supposedly Darwinian progression on the issue: Brian Sandoval remains opposed to gay marriage, he told a Spanish-language interviewer in an exchange posted this week on the station's
On Senate floor, Reid invokes bill he sponsored almost a half-century ago for a three-day waiting period for guns
In 1969, two freshmen Democratic assemblymen from Southern Nevada introduced a bill that would have mandated a statewide three-day waiting period for gun purchases. The measure was introduced on Feb. 6 and referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. It was never seen again.
Brooks pal Barlow endorses Hispanic hopeful for former assemblyman's seat (updated with other applicants)
 SECOND UPDATE: Mujahid Ramadan, a longtime activist who worked for Gov. Bob Miller and Sen. Harry Reid, has applied. As an African-American who has been at the forefront of many issues, he could be a factor. I have attached his application here. UPDATED: I have also attached resumes for other applicants, including ex-North Las Vegas Councilman William Robinson's son.  Las Vegas Councilman Ricki Barlow is urging Clark County commissioners to appoint former city employee Meli Pulido to fill expelled Assemblyman Steven Brooks' seat.
Rothenberg: NV gov leans GOP, as does CD3, but Horsford's seat not in play
The Nevada governorship leans to Brian Sandoval next year, and Rep. Joe Heck is a favorite to retain his seat while Rep. Steven Horsford's district is not in play. That's according to The Rothenberg Political Report, an authoritative newsletter edited by renowned pundit Stu Rothenberg, with superb assistance from Nathan Gonzales and Jessica Taylor (now leaving for NBC News).
"House of Cards" is irresistible entertainment
Yes, I know I am late to the "House of Cards" party. But I insist on celebrating the series, no matter how tardy I may be, because it is the kind of heroin TV, without the side effects, that justifies my Netflix subscription and makes me eager with anticipation for the next chapters.
GOP legislative leaders attend confab in Utah
State Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson and Assembly Minority Leader Pat Hickey were in Utah this weekend attending a regional meeting of the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee. The meeting (flier attached here) at the St. Regis in Deer Valley ends today (Hickey is still there; Roberson left already).
Site poll: Roberson landslide
I hope there was no ballot-stuffing: Which leader has done the best job in the session's first half? Â
Two votes to note: Conservative state Senate Republicans vote for Internet tax collections, path to citizenship
 Amid headlines about NV Energy's bombshell, sports betting kiosks and, of course, pot, largely unnoticed were two interesting Senate Joint Resolutions passed this week with the votes of the most conservative members of the GOP caucus.