tags: Targeted Races

Porter (R-NV-3)

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RESULT: Dina Titus (D) 47% – Jon Porter (R) 42%

The Race:

Given the toss-up nature of his district and the constant influx of new residents, Representative Porter (R) cannot afford to rest on his heels. However, Democrats in the district have experienced turmoil in every election cycle since it was created in 2002, and this cycle is no exception. Party leaders had settled on high-profile local prosecutor Robert Daskas (D) as their preferred candidate, but he abruptly dropped out of the race without explanation in late April. The Democratic nominee, state Senator Dina Titus, was the Party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2006 and turned down a shot at Porter’s seat earlier. In the August primary, she “coasted to victory collecting 85 percent of the early returns.” [AP, 8/13/08] Titus is well-known and may be able to raise money quickly. But given her late start, Rep. Porter probably has the advantage for now. [Roll Call, accessed 5/15/08] In May 2008, the Las Vegas Review Journal said, “the campaign is no longer about the state budget, it’s about the Iraq war, the economy, health care and immigration reform.” [Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/4/08]

The Porter Position:

Jon Porter

MOVING TARGET. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Porter’s complicated position on immigration represents the tricky political dance many candidates, especially Republicans, are doing as they attempt to appeal to voters.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06] In 2005, Porter voted for the House bill that would increase border and interior enforcement without addressing the situation of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who live in the United States, H.R. 4437. The bill included a provision that would make illegal immigration a felony. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06] In 2006, Porter said he favored a plan that “considered” the concept of legal status for undocumented immigrants. He said, “I support looking at options at some point for the 12 million people living in the shadows. But there needs to be penalties for those who break the law.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06; Las Vegas Sun, 9/17/06] In 2007, Porter said he opposed amnesty but supported a temporary guest worker program. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/18/07]

The Titus Position:

Dina Titus

COMPREHENSIVE REFORMER. Although her current campaign website lists no immigration position, Titus was vocal on the issue during the 2006 governor’s race. Titus said then that undocumented immigrants should apply for a program that allows them to become citizens after waiting many years and clearing hurdles such as paying fines and back taxes. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06] During a September 2006 gubernatorial debate, Titus also signaled her support for the DREAM Act, a bill that would allow undocumented children to go on to college. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06] Despite allegations made by her opponent during a September 2006 gubernatorial debate, Titus has never been quoted as saying she favors driver’s licenses for undocumented workers; she has a record of opposing them, and there is no evidence she’s ever changed her position. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06]

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Dina Titus
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http://www.dinatitus.com

Jon Porter
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http://www.porterforcongress.com
Nevada 3rd
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