Phillips Responds: “My record speaks for itself”

Phillips responds to criticism from opponents in race for Nevada GOP chairman

(Nick Phillips) – An October Surprise is a news event created or timed to influence the outcome of an election.

This tactic is frequently used by candidates as a last ditch effort to try to garner some advantage by taking away some enthusiasm of an opponents supporters.

In this case, my opponents are spreading lies and distortions of facts through a whisper campaign because they are scared.

Doubling down

Politicians promise transparency and openness. You deserve to be fully informed before casting your ballot. I want to be Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party to better our state. My only goal is to better Nevada. To do that we must have a strong Nevada Republican Party. I am the best choice to do the job.

The truth

I am proud of my record. I am proud of what I have accomplished as a 31 year old. I have owned multiple businesses employing approximately 200 employees over the past 15 years. I know what it takes to write payroll checks to employees every week to make sure that their families are taken care of even if it means that mine is not.

On a personal level, I am extremely proud of my family and the support and love I share with them. My wife is always supportive of my endeavors; my two year old son gives me meaning and purpose in my life. My second son, due to be born literally any minute, is a joy that I look forward to welcoming into this world.

My opponents are spreading rumors to confuse people about my record and who I am. They are trying to ruin my good name. I operate my life on the principle that I should be comfortable having my actions be on the front page of the newspaper.

The MOST important question in this race is: do we want more of the same or do we want real solid leadership? Real solid leadership means: top notch communication, equitable treatment for all and truly being the big-tent party.

Do not confuse the accomplishments of the Republican National Committee in the past few months as that of the Nevada Republican Party. As a state party, we have much to do. Do not confuse Presidential candidate ballot access money and money of the RNC with that of the Nevada Republican Party. Throughout the year, the Nevada Republican Party has had less than $10,000 of its own money.

My campaign

My campaign has been deliberately positive. This race is about the future of the party and the success of our state. We must have leadership who is able to carry our positive message and bring everyone possible into the party to meet our ultimate goals of taking back the White House, winning our U.S. Senate Seat and maintaining our majorities in the State Senate and Assembly.

My record

My record during the 2014 election cycle is public and well documented:

• I defended our candidates and attacked our opponents relentlessly
  • Click to view one of the times I was on News 3 doing so, not backing down no matter the attacks
  • Click to view my record on attacking the former Secretary of State, Ross Miller, on his allowing Democrats to skirt and break the law
• I was instrumental in Victoria Seaman winning her race in Assembly District 34. I personally signed the criminal complaint against her opponent. I helped throughout the case and publicized it to ensure her victory.
  • Click to view our celebratory photograph, judgment and news article
• When Senator Reid announced his retirement, I stayed tough on him.
  • As quoted in the RGJ, March 27, 2015:
    Said Nick Phillips, Political Director for the Clark County Republican Party:

“After 30 years in congress, Senator Reid has made the right choice by not running for another term. With an economy that is still recovering, it is vital to give Nevadans true change in Washington by electing a senator who has their best interest at heart, not their own. The Clark County Republican Party will continue to work hard to elect the best qualified candidate, while Democrats in Nevada continue their struggle to find candidates who will continue the same path of failed policies and broken promises.”

What are they saying and what is the truth?

I have no secrets. I will not be bullied. I will not hide. I am making this a matter of record now to ensure that everyone has the the facts.

• Falsehood: I was sent by the Governor to take over the Republican Party
  • Fact: The Governor did not send me to take over the party. I have never had a conversation with the Governor about the state party. I am not being supported in any way by the Governor.
• Falsehood: I lobbied for taxes and threatened a legislator
  • Fact: I never lobbied for taxes. I never told any legislator at any time they should vote for taxes. I never told any legislator at any time to do something or lose support from the Clark County Republican Party. I could not and would not do that. The CCRP bylaws require that we support all Republicans.
• Falsehood: I just registered as a Republican
  • Fact: I was previously registered non-partisan. I have always voted conservatively. I have always promoted limited government. I have been a resident of Nevada since 2005 and became active in local politics in 2010. I am keenly aware of why my peers choose to register as non-partisan. I am also acutely aware of what we need to show them Republican values and bring them into the party.
• Falsehood: I have not done enough for the Republican Party
  • In the past two years, with the support of my wife, I have donated thousands of hours of my time and spent many thousands of dollars of my own money promoting our party and its principles around the state. One goal as a party should be to find more people, like me, who are willing to commit substantial time and money to help the party.
• Falsehood: I am not a conservative
  • Fact: I am conservative. I believe in limited government, the free market and maximizing individual liberty. I could talk policy with you for days and I actually answer the phone and return phone calls.
• Falsehood: I have legal trouble
  • Fact: I have started several businesses and have joined others. I had one business that did not work out and ended up in court. We settled the lawsuit out of court for a small fraction of what the lawsuit claimed. I met all of my personal obligations. I have no criminal record or arrest of any kind –not even close.
• Falsehood: I want to turn Nevada into California
  • Fact: I left California because my business there was being destroyed by the oppressive, horrible rules, regulations and statutes in the State of California. I remember exactly why I left and do not want Nevada to resemble that state in any way.