(Ezekiel Loseke, Headline USA) The Las Vegas Review-Journal endorsed Joe Lombardo, R-Nev., for governor, delivering a giant boost for the challenger and a serious black eye for the incumbent.
Breitbart News noted that The Las Vegas Review is the largest newspaper in Nevada.
The Review-Journal began its endorsement of Lombardo with a summary of his opponent. It noted that Steve Sisolak, D-Nev., has governed the state for 23 years and faced unprecedented challenges in his last term.
Still, The Review argued his term was a disaster. The paper complained that “he took the more heavy-handed approach favored by Democrats across the country,” referring to a spate of mandates and lockdowns that crippled many blue states.
Specifically, the paper argued, “Schools were closed longer than they needed to be. Mandates and edicts were issued with minimal explanation for their justification. Nevada was one of the last states to lift its mask requirement. The U.S. Supreme Court even chided the state’s order keeping churches closed.”
When presented with criticisms of his governing, Sisolak was defiant as he said, “I don’t regret it.”
Sisolak, beyond his failure to handle the COVID pandemic with moderation, was dominated by progressive Democrats in the legislature. He signed a bill allowing public employees to negotiate collectively, which according to the paper will be a significant burden on the state’s finances. The governor has also been slow to enable the reformation of the education system. He signed legislation making some government pensions a secret. Finally, he has a track record of supporting tax hikes. While he has ruled out further tax increases, the paper argued he will be under significant pressure to raise them again.
The paper was more optimistic about Lombardo. It favorably quoted him arguing for criminal reform. Lombardo said, “You’ve got to make it harder to be a criminal. They’ve made it easier.” The paper also embraced Lombardo’s support for education reform and is capable and willing to check the legislature.
The article ends with, “Gov. Sisolak has served honorably, but we believe change is in order. Vote for Joe Lombardo.“
