WINNEMUCCA — Republican Senatorial hopeful Danny Tarkanian brought his message of common-sense government to local voters during a campaign stop on Saturday (Jan. 30).  The visit was part of a northern Nevada tour in which the candidate held events in small towns across the rurals.

Tarkanian is working to defeat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who's campaigning for a fifth term.  No majority leader has ever been unseated, Tarkanian noted, but he feels his chances are good as state-wide polling reflects voter dissatisfaction -- on every level.  

He said, “The Republicans are getting a second chance.  We cannot blow this second chance because there will not be a third.” 

If he is to be the candidate, Tarkanian must first win the GOP nomination, which he plans to do with a message of more common sense and less self-promotion in government.  “I believe I’m the best candidate,” he said then added with a wink, “But more importantly my wife believes it.” 

Tarkanian said one of the issues voters express concern about are elected leaders who represent their own interest or the needs of special interest over the concerns of their constituents.  He noted examples of leadership within the political structure -- like former Senator Paul Laxalt -- who have worked for the public and not necessarily for themselves or their political party.  Drawing inspiration from these leaders, Tarkanian said as a young man he made it a goal to pursue public service.

“Our elected leaders are not working for the people but are instead working to improve themselves and their positions,” he said.

Formerly an attorney, Tarkanian now runs two businesses in Las Vegas – one of which is a family-owned commercial real estate operation that leases office space.  As an example of over-regulation and not enough common sense, Tarkanian points to landscaping he was required to do during the building-phase of the offices so that residents of an apartment complex wouldn't have to look directly at the commercial structure.  Tarkanian said the landscaping eventually cost the business $30,000.  However, if the commercial building wasn’t there the residents of the apartment building would be looking at the highway.

Tarkanian argued strongly for less regulations and taxes so businesses could do more to put people back to work.  As an example, he pointed out legislation that restructured the tax code and increased a tax paid by large corporations – primarily casinos – to $100 per employee.  Tarkanian’s GOP opponent, Sue Lowden, supported the legislation.

"In 1993 the legislature voted to tax jobs – literally,” he said. “With my opponent's vote, they passed a $100 per head per year tax that only applied if an employer hired someone.  I strongly disagree that we should create disincentives to hire people."

In addition to the commercial business, Tarkanian  -- along with his brother George --founded the Tarkanian Basketball Academy in Las Vegas.  The academy gives underprivileged youth a place to practice their basketball as well as learn important life-skills.

LOCAL ISSUES:  The following responses were taken from questions posed by local voters.

• Tarkanian believes the Indianapolis Colts will win the Super Bowl.
• In reference to the proposed Jungo Rd. Landfill, Tarkanian said it’s his goal to be a public servant and mind the needs and interests of the constituents. If residents have environmental concerns, he believes it is appropriate, and further his responsibility, to look into those concerns through the appropriate federal agencies. Otherwise, the issue should remain at the local and state level. 
• Much like the voters in Humboldt County, the concerns expressed by voters along the rural tour have been jobs, economy and health care.  In addition, he said voters have expressed frustration with government regulations that hamstring businesses and make it tough for people to start new businesses.  There have been a lot of questions about term limits, entrenched politicians, and benefits Congressman receive.  Tarkanian said, “Our elected leaders are not working for the people but are instead working to improve themselves and their positions.  (The voters) want to see that stopped … (Congress)  wouldn’t agree to take the health care they’re trying to push on the public”
• Water is a big concern, he said.  Tarkanian feels there needs to be a better balance between water issues and environmental concerns.  He feels the farmers and ranchers need to have the necessary resources to continue their businesses, which were sometimes generations in the developing.
• On the US Supreme Court decision on corporate donations, Tarkanian explained with Supreme Court decisions there’s always different interpretations and some time will be needed before the consequences of the decision are fully understood.  The decision does not effect the limit federal candidates can receive from individuals, which is still $2,400 per person. Instead, the decision impacts the relationship between corporate donors and third-party organizations (PAC’s).  Tarkanian said he sees the decision as a Free Speech issue leveling the playing field between unions and third-party organizations.

TARKANIAN ON THE NATIONAL ISSUES:  The following were taken from statements made by the candidate during opening remarks and in answer to questions posed by audience members.

• Tarkanian is adamant the government must stop borrowing so much money.  He was opposed to the bailout, the stimulus, and recent actions taken by the federal government to raise the federal debt ceiling.
•  Tarkanian believes health care reform should come through the following measures:  1)  people must be allowed to purchase insurance across state lines, 2) tort reform, 3) enforce federal law that requires Medicare as the option of last resort, 4)  reduce or eliminate state mandates in health insurance, 5) get away from employer sponsored-insurance, which would allow people to take their insurance from job to job.
• Enforce existing immigration laws and take away the incentives that bring illegals to the US. For example, illegal immigrants should not have access to health benefits or a public education meant for US citizens.
• Supports the Second Amendment, believes CCW’s should be good across state lines, and also supports laws that prevent ex-felons from having firearms.
• Believes the US should reduce its dependency on foreign energy sources.  Supports the construction of coal-fired power plants.  Supports off-shore drilling and drilling in ANWR.  Also believes the US should be investing in alternative energy sources.  Supports easing the permitting process on energy development – including that of nuclear power.
• Does not believe terrorists should be granted the same rights as US citizens.  Believes terrorists should be tried by military tribunals.
• Is a proponent of state’s rights, believes the framers of the Constitution intended there to be limited federal intervention in people’s lives and was not intended to correct social ills.
• Believes the Department of Education should be downsized and more control over education should be shifted to the local level.

Although Tarkanian supports legislation that would remove entrenched politicians,  and in fact pledged to pursue such legislation if elected, he also pointed out the concern of having too many freshman legislators at once -- especially where matters of national security are concerned.

Tarkanian intends to release his economic plan for the future this week.  Those interested in the plan may visit his website http://tark2010.org for more information.