Special election to fill Rep. Dean Heller's (R-Nev.) seat will be a free-for-all with candidates allowed to compete without securing their party's nomination.
Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, a Democrat, announced Monday the Sept. 13 special election will be open for all comers, which could give his party an edge.
The decision is expected to spark a lawsuit by the Republican Party, which fears that if several Republicans run for the seat in a race against one or two Democrats, then a Democrat conceivably could win.
Dean is an experienced representative who is ready for the responsibilities of this office, and who will work hard, not just for Nevada, but for the entire nation," Sandoval said.
The new GOP governor, who was elected on a pledge not to raise taxes, praised Heller for similar thinking.
Spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee called the decision a "blatantly partisan ruling from Harry Reid’s political machine" that will lead to "what will surely be a long and drawn out process.
Miller, a Democrat, said he made the decision after consulting with the state attorney general's office. He said his decision was based strictly on the law and cases from other states, and it had nothing to do with his party.
here is a lot of hard work ahead to get our state and nation moving in the right direction," Heller said. "Nevadans across our state have been struggling with job loss, high gas prices, and foreclosure. There is no question that our nation needs to change the way we do business if we are going to get our economy back on track and get Nevadans working again.
No Democrat has yet to step forward to run in the Republican-leaning district. But if multiple GOP candidates remain in the field for the special election, it could hinder the party's chances of retaining the seat.
The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Heller's current term. The seat will be up for reelection in November 2012.
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