Dear “Annie’s Army,”
You guys are the best. Hands down. The absolute best.
A lot of politicians say they were “urged” to run for this seat or that, but in this case it’s absolutely true.
Back in December I announced I was going to run for my old State Assembly seat in District 19.
Then Assemblymember Danielle Gallant (R-Clark) announced she was running for the State Senate seat that opened up when conservative GOP Sen. Jeff Stone announced he was retiring.
The calls urging me to switch races and challenge Gallant began almost immediately. Not just from voters in the district, but from conservative and GOP leaders around the state.
So I decided to consult with my “kitchen cabinet” – YOU.
I asked in an AnnieGram last week for your advice: Assembly or Senate? Your response was not only overwhelming, but overwhelmingly in support of running against Gallant for the Senate seat.
Here’s just a small sample…
- “My answer is yes, yes, yes, and many, many more yeses. Nevada and its citizens really do need individuals like you who have common sense and who truly care for the citizens of the State.”
- “Annie, I for one would like to see you run for the State Senate seat. I have more confidence in you being a true, thinking, conservative with the backbone to speak up and take on the lunatic Dems.”
- “Run for the Senate seat. We don’t need people like Gallant in there. She sounds like a RINO!”
- “I’m so excited to see you coming back to help us fight. Although I loved your spunk in the Assembly, and we need fighters like you there, I definitely don’t like Gallant. We don’t want another California outsider making decisions like she’s still in California. Go for it, Annie! We’ve got your back.”
- “Go against Gallant. PLEASE!!!”
- “I think if anyone could pull it off, it would be you for sure. Most importantly, you are the person that can take out Ms. Gallant if your election team is structured just right.”
- “Yes, Annie, go for it. I have contacted Gallant on a number of occasions, since she is my assembly rep, and generally came away disappointed with her perspectives on key issues.”
- “The Senate seat is more important. You need to run for the Senate seat. Can’t let someone like Gallant win the Senate seat.”
- “Annie, we need you in the Senate. You did a great job in your old assembly seat, but I believe you can do even more in the Senate.”
- “I think you should try for the Senate position. Everything we do in life is a gamble. Sometimes you win, which I hope you do.”
- “Hi Annie. I’m a long-time supporter. We need you in either position. And you would do a great job in either position. But I would love to see you in the Senate.”
- “You can have more influence and help the entire state more if you get the Senate seat vs. the Assembly one. Go for it.”
- “We live in Sparks and can’t vote for you, but for the good of Nevada in general we encourage you to run for the Senate.”
- “Hi Annie. I will support you in whichever you choose. The good news is your political reach goes far, so why not reach for the stars.”
Well, as they say, the people have spoken. And I’ve listened.
So let it be known, far and wide, that I’ve decided to switch races and will be running for Nevada State Senate District 20 this year!
For those who encouraged me to run again for my old Assembly seat, take heart. If I’m elected to the Senate, I’ll still be representing you – just in the Senate instead.
FINAL NOTE: I received a couple of emails like this one:
“I love the idea of you primarying Danielle if you can get someone to run with you for Assembly District 19 to help get the votes to win the primary AND have someone solid in AD19.”
Well, you’re in luck.
Yes, we have someone great warming up in the bullpen. Stay tuned – and THANK YOU all for helping me reach this important decision.
Buckle up. It’s gonna be one heckuva ride!
