Republican Primary Candidates Speak at The Overland Hotel

On Friday, April 1^st, three Republican candidates spoke at the Historic Overland Hotel in Fallon. State Assemblyman for District 39 Jim Wheeler, who is running for State Senate District 17 currently held by Senator James Settelmeyer spoke first. He detailed his broad business background, his years of raising horses in California, Texas, and Nevada, and told of “killing bills” as a member of the minority Republican Caucus and as Chair of the “Freedom Caucus”.

Sometimes stopping bad bills from passing is as effective as passing good bills” he said. When asked why he was running Wheeler said: “Senator Settelmeyer is termed out and I think he’s been an extremely good, extremely effective senator and I want to continue on with that” and that “the timing was right”. On what separates him from his opponent (State Assemblywoman Dr. Robin Titus District 38) he said: “We both vote pretty much the same, but the fact is, I’m a fighter.  I will fight against the bad bills, that’s what I’m known for, a fighter for my constituents.”

Later in remarks to the 25 people in attendance, he said that he was “pro-life” and that Dr. Titus was “pro-choice”. When contacted and asked about that issue, Assemblywoman Titus said: “I am of course pro-life. As a doctor, I have saved many lives. I would not have an abortion, nor would I perform an abortion. I do not believe the government should ever pay for abortion. I also believe in parental notification. Having said all that, this last couple of years with the Covid mandates, I do not believe government should have anything to do with an adults’ health care choices.”

Also speaking at the Overland was Lyon County Commissioner Vida Keller who is running to replace Assemblywoman Titus in Assembly District 38. She spoke of her upbringing as a “small-town girl” from California, her 37 years in Nevada, her background in small business as a real estate broker and her work with the Chamber of Commerce in getting the USA Parkway built. “I work for the people,” she said when touting her time as County Commissioner “and will do the same in the State Assembly.” Her opponent in the race for District 38 is Churchill County Commissioner Greg Koenig.

There was no comment about who put on the event or why the other candidates were not present, however, the local Republic Central Committee sent out notifications of the event.  

In what appeared to be a surprise, former US Senator, Congressman, and Secretary of State Dean Heller who’s running for Governor was in attendance. He made very few remarks appearing to be present as support for the other two candidates.

At the time of this writing, none of the candidates have filed their first-quarter contributions and expenses report. For the end of the year 2021, Wheeler has a balance of $54,895. Titus has $81,646. Keller reports a zero balance and Koenig reports a zero balance as well. The primary is June 14 with early voting starting May 28.