Primary Election: Carson City voters say they want change

Among the handful of Republican voters in Carson City polled by the Nevada Appeal Tuesday morning, many expressed antipathy toward the size and scope of government with many calling for a change in leadership.

"We definitely have to make a change," said Jim Brenneis, 51, retired. "To be blunt about it we have to get the current administration that's running Washington out."

Brenneis said he voted for Sharron Angle, who seeking the GOP nomination to challenge Sen. Harry Reid in November. He said he agrees with her religious values.

"I really do think if God's a big important part in her life, she'll make the correct choices," he said. "Meaning smaller government."

Meanwhile, many of those calling for change also said they voted to nominate incumbent Jim Gibbons to run as the GOP's nominee for governor again in November.

Brenneis said he supported Jim Gibbons, adding he was impressed by the governor's "State of the State" speech that was televised in February before the legislative special session.

"We're in a tough time, but I appreciated the fact that he stood up and that he was being tough in a tough time," he said. "And I don't believe he's raised any of our taxes."

Joe Espinosa, 79, said he voted for Gibbons and Angle "because they're conservative and they're Republicans," he said.

He said he didn't support Lowden because "she wasn't really conservative all the time," and Tarkanian because he felt the candidate and son of famed UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian was running on name recognition.

His wife, Sharon Espinosa, 66, said she supported Angle and Gibbons, too.

"In no way do I think Jim Gibbons' personal problems affect his knowledge and his capability and his know-how, I'm just really pleased with the way that he handles himself," Espinosa said.

Tony Pilant, 50, a state worker, said he, too, supported the governor's second bid.

"I think Gibbons had a tough job to do and I think he did it well," said Pilant, a self-described conservative. "And I don't like Brian (Sandoval)."

Pilant said he supported U.S. Senate GOP candidate Sharron Angle, but would support Lowden or Tarkanian if they won in today's election.

"I think anybody can beat Harry Reid," he said. "Because he has screwed up so badly."

Carrie Ignacio, 30, said she supported Tarkanian in the GOP field of U.S. Senate candidates and Republican Brian Sandoval for governor, "because he has better chances to beat (Democratic candidate) Rory Reid."

Ignacio, who considers herself very conservative, said she did not support Sue Lowden, accusing her of supporting Sen. Reid in past elections.

She also said Angle, who was endorsed by the Nevada Tea Party, was not a consistent conservative vote.

The Carson City sheriff race among incumbent Kenny Furlong and challengers Bob Guimont and Bob White garnered the most attention from the voters interviewed this morning.

Ignacio said she decided to support Furlong.

"The crime rate locally has gone down and there's a few things that he's pro on that I'm pro on," Ignacio said. "I just think he's done a good job so far."

Sharon Espinosa said she supported Guimont based on a personal experience some friends had with the candidate.

"I have nothing against Kenny, I think he's a great guy," she said. "But he's been in a long time... we need some new blood."

Jeremy Branham, 33, who works in law enforcement, said he supported Furlong "because you see him out at all of the community events."

Rick Ramsey, 48, said he decided to vote for Furlong based on an endorsement from a family member who serves in the department.