2000 United States Senate election in Nevada

Background

Incumbent Senator Richard Bryan had first been elected in 1988, and re-elected comfortably in 1994 amidst a national Republican wave. When he announced his retirement on February 18, 1999, many saw this decision as creating a competitive race. Immediately, both parties sought top recruits, with Democrats favoring former governor Bob Miller, and Republicans seeking former congressman, and 1998 Senate nominee John Ensign.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Ed Bernstein, attorney and talk show host

Declined

• Richard Bryan, incumbent Senator since 1989.
• Bob Miller, former Governor of Nevada 1989-1999.
• Frankie Sue Del Papa, Nevada Attorney General since 1991. Miller was interested, but on March 15, 1999 announced he would not run for Senate. He chose not to run, as he liked living in Nevada and he and his family felt that 25 years in politics was enough. With Miller out of the running, the next credible challenger was Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa. However, she would withdraw in September of that year, citing a lack of fundraising. In the end, Democrats would nominate wealthy attorney and talk show host Ed Bernstein.

Results

Bernstein was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Republican primary

Candidates

• John Ensign, former U.S. Representative and nominee for the United States Senate in 1998
• Richard Hamzik
• Fernando Platin, Jr. Ensign, a former congressman, lost the 1998 Senate election to Harry Reid by a narrow margin of 401 votes. After this loss, Ensign contemplated leaving politics for good. Bryan's retirement shook up these plans and Ensign, a top recruit for the GOP, ran and became a top fundraiser. Ensign faced only token opposition.

Results

General election

Candidates

• Ernie Berghof (IA)
• Ed Bernstein (D)
• John Ensign (R), former U.S. Representative and nominee for the United States Senate in 1998
• Bill Grutzmacher (CF)
• J.J. Johnson (L)
• Kathryn Rusco (G)

Campaign

Ensign was the favorite leading in polls by double digits. and significantly outraising his opponent. Bernstein would counter by loaning his campaign nearly $1 million of his own money. The trajectory of the race would change in the late summer when Ensign would face attacks for his anti-abortion stance and for voting to slash Social Security benefits. Ensign also was hurt by his comments claiming tax payer funded abortion to be worse than rape. Bernstein also drew attention for his campaign by taking a group of senior citizens to Mexico to get them prescription drugs and highlight the high prices of prescription drugs. However, even with these developments, Ensign still maintained a comfortable lead in polling in the closing weeks of the race.

Debates

• Complete video of debate, October 10, 2000
• Complete video of debate, October 20, 2000

Results

On election night, Ensign won comfortably, winning every county and ending a 12 year losing streak for Republicans in the states Senate races.{{Election box begin

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Carson City
• Clark (largest municipality: Las Vegas)
• Humboldt (largest municipality: Winnemucca)
• Lyon (largest municipality: Fernley)
• Mineral (largest municipality: Hawthorne)
• Pershing (largest municipality: Lovelock)
• Storey (largest municipality: Virginia City)
• Washoe (largest municipality: Reno)
• White Pine (largest municipality: Ely)

References

References

1. Dewar, Helen. (February 19, 1999). "Bryan Announces Senate Retirement".
2. Associated Press. (February 19, 1999). "Parties jump to fill void left by retiring senator". Kingman Daily Miner.
3. Associated Press. (February 19, 1999). "Sen. Bryan, D-Nevada, bowing out". Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
4. Associated Press. (March 6, 1999). "Chafee to retire, boosting Dems' hopes for Senate". Bangor Daily News.
5. Las Vegas Sun. (1999-09-09). "In withdrawal, Del Papa cites lack of funds - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper".
6. "2000 Senate races heating up - March 15, 1999".
7. Las Vegas Sun. (2000-11-08). "Little drama in Ensign win - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper".
8. Assosciated Press. (September 12, 1999). "Political parties target seats for 2000 contest". The Southeast Missourian.
9. (2000). "Results summary".
10. ncs-import. "Democrat Bernstein claims he's gaining on GOP front-runner Ensign".
11. "Nevada Senate 2000 Race".
12. Dewar, Helen. (October 4, 2000). "In Fight for Senate, Deep Pockets Aid Democrats". Washington Post.
13. (2023-07-08). "Ensign, Bernstein seek rare open Senate seat - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper".
14. Cross, Joe. (June 29, 2000). "Senate candidate brings 'RX RV Road Tour to Town'". Pahrump Valley Gazette.
15. Sonner, Scott. (October 6, 2000). "Surprising challenger tightens Nevada senate race". Kingman Daily Miner.
16. "CNN.com - GOP ends 12 year losing streak in Nevada Senate race - November 7, 2000".
17. "Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives". Clerk.house.gov.