Concerns About Brian Sandoval
Despite my liberal leanings, I’m still undecided when it comes to the Nevada Governor’s race. I’m not completely sold on the idea of Rory Reid in the Governor’s Mansion but at the same time, the more I research Brian Sandoval, the more concerns I have. The following are just a few and mostly stem from his issues page:
Health Care Law Suit: I can understand disagreeing with the new federal health care legislation. I can’t understand wasting state resources on a lawsuit to prevent its implementation. Sandoval likes the idea and in doing so he undercuts his claim to want to fix our current deficit issues and be a fiscally responsible Governor. Other states are already doing it so let them expend resources. If the law is unconstitutional (which is probably isn’t) then we get the benefit without having had to pay the costs of litigation. I get that this was an issue to fire the base up but when it comes to actual governing, we need someone with a little more level headed approach.
Support for AZ Racial Profile Law: A duck that calls himself a goose is still a duck. A racial profiling law that says it is not a racial profiling law is still a racial profiling law. During a primary debate, Sandoval said he supported the law. I expected him to say he supported the concept or the goals of the law in curbing the problems of illegal immigration but no he went for an all out support of the law as written. The law is not only racist in its intent (just listen to the members of the Arizona legislature) but also attacks the civil liberties of legal Americans as anyone who looks like they may not be legal can be required to show their papers upon demand of a police officer. This issue concerned me mostly because it showed a lack of ability to balance concerns about freedom and law enforcement and is just the type of policy decision that comes before a Governor.
Tax Policy: I would say that Sandovals “no raised taxes” position is just as irresponsible as Gibbons when it comes to governing a state and that politicians should keep an open mind to budget solutions. Can anyone really argue that Nevada’s tax structure is perfect and changing it that would result in higher taxes for anyone is not an acceptable option? Why can’t I say this gives me hesitation to vote for Sandoval? Reid has made the same ridiculous pledge.
Those two big issues give me hesitation but I realize those are just a few issues in the broad range of the Governor’s responsibilities. I’m actually thankful Nevada voters get a choice this time between competent candidates rather than having the threat of another Gibbons victory.
