Ensign seeks re-election to Nevada Senate Seat
KRNV.Com Reno, NV
Ensign seeks re-election to Nevada Senate seat
March 23, 2006, 06:23 AM PST Nevada Sen. John Ensign officially launched his bid for a second term in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, calling for cuts in government spending, stronger public support for the war in Iraq, tougher immigration laws and steady leadership.
“We need leaders who don’t just wet their finger, stick it up in the wind and say, which way are the public polls going today,” the Las Vegas Republican told a crowd of more than 100 supporters gathered for the campaign kickoff. Ensign served two terms in the House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2000. He touted his efforts to bring a veteran’s hospital to southern Nevada, his support of legislation that opened up federal land in Nevada to development and parks, and his efforts to block nuclear waste from being stored at Yucca Mountain.
Ensign is known as a Republican with a strong working relationship with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Speaking from notes, the 47-year-old veterinarian praised President Bush’s leadership, called on Nevadans to support the war in Iraq and warned of the spread of Islamic fundamentalism, which he called an “evil form of Islam that is perverting a great religion … and wants to destroy the United States.” “We cannot lose our courage. The only way that these insurgents, that al-Qaeda and the rest of them around the world, the only way that they win is if America is divided,” he said.
In comments to reporters, Ensign said acknowledged Republicans seeking re-election are facing increasing opposition to the war and wariness about the economy. Concerns he chalked up to unrealistic expectations about how quickly U.S. troops would leave the country and “a perception problem.” “That’s why it’s critical the president is out there talking about it and keeping people inspired. But it’s not just the president’s job, it’s our job, Republicans and Democrats,” he said.
Ensign’s only declared opponent is Democrat and former first son Jack Carter.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, a Democrat, also has said he’s considering a bid for the seat.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)