Incumbent justices survive primary challenges

Two incumbent Supreme Court justices emerged battered but still on the ballot from the primary elections Tuesday.

But both Nancy Becker and Michael Douglas have their work cut out for them since each received just one-third of the total vote cast in their primary race.

Becker, who was on the court when it ruled the two-thirds legislative requirement to raise taxes is trumped by the constitutional mandate to fund education, was challenged by three opponents including Clark County District Judge Nancy Saitta. Saitta walked around the issue but made it clear in her campaign she would not have supported that decision.

At the end of the evening, Becker had 95,347 votes for 33 percent of the total cast. Saitta was next closest with 71,384 votes - 24.8 percent.

They will meet in the November general election for Supreme Court Seat G.

Michael Douglas, the first black ever on Nevada's high court, faced a surprisingly strong challenge from Clark County District Judge Dianne Steel. He finished with 99,556 votes - 34.6 percent of the total. But Steel was close behind with 88,456 votes for 30.7 percent.

They meet in November to decide who will hold Seat F for the next six years.

Clark County District Judge Mike Cherry was unopposed in his bid for the third open supreme court seat this election year. He will replace Justice Bob Rose who is retiring at the end of the year.