Two Prominent Nevada Republicans’ Endorsement of Reid Only Strengthens Angle

The recent endorsement of Harry Reid by two high-profile Nevada Republicans shows more than ever why Sharron Angle’s leadership and commitment are needed in Washington. Nevada’s former first lady, Dema Guinn, and state Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio both announced their support for Reid, Guinn implying in her statement that her late husband would have done the same.

Both individuals should not be allowed to register as Republicans, because anyone who would vote for Harry Reid has has shown that they do not embrace the core values of the Republican Party. Reid is everything a Republican and Senator is not supposed to be; he spends money without regard for consequences, he supports expanding the federal government and most importantly he makes his own career a priority at the expense of all Nevadans (see highest unemployment in the nation.)

Yet, by endorsing Reid, these two so-called Republicans went out of their way to show just how far the Republican establishment in Nevada is willing to go to stop Angle from being elected. While Guinn’s endorsement is is purely symbolic, her husband was hardly known as a stalwart of Republican principles after approving at the time was the largest tax increase ever in 2003. Guinn mentioned Reid’s commitment to education and job creation in Nevada as justification for her support of Reid. Angle is a former teacher though and has been unwavering in her effort to bring educational control to the local level. More importantly, if Guinn is content with Reid’s effort to create jobs in Nevada, she is minority and severely out of touch with how bad unemployment is in Nevada. It is the worst in the nation and no one should be content with being the worst in the nation. Nevadans deserve better.

Raggio on the other hand, is motivated by bad political blood from a previous race for state Senate against Angle. He is the figurehead of the Republican establishment in Nevada having served in the state Senate since 1972. Angle lost to him in 2008 by 500 votes and would rather support Harry Reid and everything he represents then a candidate who will fight against the establishment and fight for Nevadans. Angle spokesman Jerry Stacy said it best in a statement shortly after the news of Raggio’s endorsement was made public, that the endorsement just showed Raggio to be one of those “good ol’ boy career politicians” who “do not believe in Republican principles.”

The funny thing about all of this is that Angle’s support among the people who really matter (the people of Nevada) is stronger than ever. The most recent CNN/Time polls shows Angle ahead 42-40, despite not having the official support of many members of her own party. The people of Nevada want a candidate who will put Nevada first, not special interests and other politicians. Angle will not go to Washington loyal to anyone but the people of Nevada. So while Reid can find minor success in racking up the endorsement of two Nevada Republicans, it only makes Angle stronger as a leader who is willing to take on the establishment of her party to fight for the people of Nevada.