Masto files for attorney general; Townsend for state Senate

Catherine Cortez Masto filed for the Nevada Attorney General's post Thursday, saying she intends to concentrate on unifying, assisting and coordinating efforts of local prosecutors in the fights against methamphetamine, domestic violence and sexual predators.

Masto is a former federal prosecutor who has also served as a deputy county manager in Clark County and as chief of staff to Gov. Bob Miller during his final days in office.

She said the attorney general can accomplish a lot by helping coordinate county efforts against high-profile crime.

She said she also sees a role in the office helping victims of identity theft reclaim their credit ratings and gain control over their personal records and histories.

Asked about the numerous settlements the state makes in civil cases, she said she would have to review policies and procedures once she is in office but that, "I'm a former federal prosecutor and I'm not afraid to go to trial."

Masto was facing an uphill struggle against incumbent George Chanos, even though Chanos was appointed to the attorney general's position last year. But the scene changed dramatically after Chanos announced he didn't want the job and wouldn't run.

Former Clark County District Judge Don Chairez has stepped forward to file on the Republican side, but Masto is now regarded as the front-runner in the race.

State Sen. Randolph Townsend, the Reno Republican who is second in seniority, filed for election to a seventh four-year term.

Townsend is chairman of the Commerce and Labor Committee, among other duties in leadership.

He said he is running "because I can continue to make contributions to ensuring our state's growth and prosperity."

Ron Knecht, the Republican who served one term representing Carson City's District 40 during the contentious 2003 session, has set his sights on the university system Board of Regents.

Knecht filed Thursday for the seat being vacated by Jill Derby, who is running for Congress as a Democrat.

David Fulstone of Yerington, also filed Thursday for Derby's regents seat.

Knecht said he supports improvements to higher education including the proposed partnership between Carson City and Western Nevada Community College to build a recreation center for about $15 million.

Asked whether that should go to a vote of the people, Knecht said, "We don't need to put everything to a vote."

Asked how that squares with his support of the Tax and Spending Control Initiative, which would require a vote of the people for all revenue increases beyond inflation plus population growth, he said it wouldn't necessarily require a tax increase.

He said Nevada's strong economic growth should provide the extra money.

He also wants to promote and develop the Desert Research Institute and improve both graduate programs at the University of Nevada, Reno and better vocational and technical programs at Nevada's community colleges.

He said he doesn't have an estimate of what those enhancements would cost.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.