Sisolak proposes crowded debates

The more the merrier!  That’s what Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Sisolak is proclaiming when it comes to political debates this fall.

In a letter to his Republican foe, Attorney General Adam Laxalt, Sisolak proposes three debates “including those from the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Independent American Party. Any nonpartisan candidate who receives significance in public polling also deserves a place on the debate stage.”

In addition to Sisolak and Laxalt, the race includes a Libertarian, and Independent and a non-partisan candidate.  Sisolak’s campaign has its sights set on the non-partisan, Ryan Bundy, son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy.  The Bundys have been targets of failed federal prosecutions involving their protests of federal land regulation.  Bundy’s presence in the race is expected to force Laxalt to the right on public land matters.

“Yes, we believe that all gubernatorial candidates who will be listed on the ballot in November deserve a place in the debates,” says spokeswoman Christina Amestoy.

Politically, Sisolak’s move is astute as Bundy’s presence stands to siphon votes from Laxalt.  This week Nye County Commissioner Donna Cox abandoned Laxalt in favor of Bundy because Laxalt is refusing to support brothel owner Dennis Hof, who is running for a seat in the state assembly.

But is giving Bundy a prominent forum the responsible thing to do?

Sisolak’s camp thinks so.

“Every voter deserves to learn about each candidate’s character and where they stand on the issues,” Amestoy said in a message to the Current.  “A debate is a one-of-a-kind format that requires candidates to answer a broad range of questions and defend their positions and records.”