Young Republican wants to hold his own forum

George Higgins said he plans to be at the Carson City Community Center Wednesday for the Democratic presidential forum.

But Higgins won't be inside watching - he'll be outside protesting.

He might even hold up a sign stating, "I'm here for the mindless, easy, liberal women. Vote Hillary," joked the University of Nevada, Reno student.

Higgins, 22, carried a sign with the same message during an event on campus not too long ago. People thought it was pretty funny. He's not sure the humor will translate as well away from campus, however.

Even Democratic presidential candidates coming to Carson City "is amazing," he said. "I'm excited. I'm proud they're coming here. This is my hometown."

This will be the first city in the West where presidential candidates will express their views. Western states have unique and important problems to address, such as growth, water supply and immigration.

"Hopefully, these issues will be brought up," Higgins said.

If he had the opportunity, he'd ask the Democratic candidates how they plan to improve the U.S. health-care system, stabilize conditions in Iraq while continuing to fight the war on terror, and ensure enough legal immigrants come to take jobs natives don't want while keeping out the illegal immigrants.

"And do it all without raising taxes," he said.

Higgins is a senior working toward a bachelor's degree in business management. He expects to graduate in December. He helps his family operate B'Sghetti's and Heidi's Family restaurants, is chairman of College Republicans of Nevada, and is involved in other party politics.

He also publishes a conservative monthly journal called the "Pack Patriot."

Higgins' interest in politics started young. He remembers talking with his father about the presidential race of 1992 between the elder George Bush and Bill Clinton. Though he has no ambition to run for public office anytime soon, it's not something he'd rule out sometime "in the future."

He wouldn't pass up an opportunity to see Republican candidates in Carson City, if they chose to campaign or debate here. Nevada is a predominantly Republican state. Voters elected Bush in 2000 and 2004. And in 2006, a slew of Republicans were elected to state offices, including the governor and lieutenant governor, he said.

It wouldn't bother him if GOP hopefuls didn't come here, however.

"I don't want (Republican candidates) to waste their time here just to make me feel good," he said. "I want them to win the presidency."

Nevada Republicans won't hold their caucus until April 26, 2008.

"If we were to move it up, it would be to obtain national attention," said Zac Moyle, executive director of the Nevada Republican Party. "Right now, the only other caucus is Kansas, and they may move theirs up. Nevada might be the only place holding a caucus that day."

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.