(Las Vegas, NV) – “The gloves are off,” thought Bridgette Bryant, Nevada State Assembly District 12 Candidate on Thursday after being asked to leave a women’s luncheon that was hosted by a democrat organization.
Bryant, who had been invited to the event by two of the organization’s members, was approached 20 minutes into the event by organizer Judy Rhein who told Bryant, “though you are delightful,” you have to leave this event.
The event was held in a public location by the Women’s Democratic Club of Clark County. The organization’s bylaws are “to foster loyalty to our country and respect for the flag, and to assist in developing the highest concept of patriotism.”
Despite this vow to patriotism, when Rhein gave back Bryant’s money, which had been paid online with her name listed as a candidate prior to the day of the event, Rhein said that it is a part of their organizational rules. Rhein became angry with Bryant when she saw Bryant write down the name from her nametag.
“As I wrote down her name and asked who mandated my removal she said that this was why they didn’t want any non-democrats around and started to get upset with me even though I had already asked if I could gather my things and speak with her outside,” said Bryant. “I was certainly not causing any trouble nor did I hand out any cards. I had even had quite a lovely conversation with my democrat opponent while I was there.”
Bryant, who is also former Ms. Henderson and Ms. Nevada Plus America, said that she understood not being able to speak in front of the group but was confused by the fact that, in a free country, she was not even allowed to be in the room.
“A democrat friend of mine who is also running for Assembly not only attended but was also allowed to speak at a recent Republican event.” Bryant laughed, “he even received a slow-clap style standing ovation for what he said about ending the battle between parties.”
One week prior, Bryant was labeled an infiltrator by the organizers of the Henderson Democrats candidates party at which, after her departure, it was publically proclaimed that if she showed up at any other events, she was to be escorted out.
“It really hurts to know that an entire group of people whom in my heart I had pledged to show love to no matter what, have completely ostracized me just because of the ‘R’ on my voter registration card,” Bryant said.
Having worked on several political campaigns for other candidates, Bryant says she just does not see the value of arguing amongst leaders in government and she plans to be a bridge over this 200 year old bad habit.
“People ask me why I go to the democrat events…well, it seems I foolishly believe that we can all actually work together to solve the issues,” said Bryant. “But if these organizational leaders are purposefully restricting peoples’ options it’s like brainwashing them….making choices for them without consulting them.”
Bryant’s campaign website called, “Fixing Nevada” will debut on May 17th. The site is a Facebook-style community where people from all over the state are invited to come and talk about the issues they are facing and suggest ways of creating change.
“I once heard about an Assemblyperson who commented that they did not owe the people an explanation for any mistakes they made,” said Bryant. “That’s major BS. We owe the people explanation for all of our actions and this site is going to be a place where people can come and really tell me how they feel and what they need.”
Bryant, who actually was a democrat herself 14 years ago, said she will not let the actions of these organizations deter her from trying to bridge the partisan gap in Nevada’s Legislature.
“I do not believe that what happened at these events is a reflection of what the democratic party feels as a whole,” said Bryant. “The way I was treated is simply a loud and clear reminder that we have got to do something right away to stop this party-battling nonsense.”
