Early voting in the municipal elections starts Saturday with only one contested judgeship featuring Judge Heidi Almase versus Cara Campbell. [Las Vegas Sun]
One analyst says Las Vegas is not building another bubble…yet. [Las Vegas Sun]
Some of you already discussed this, but here was a follow up article about Alexis Plunkett calling the charges against her a witch hunt. [RJ]
Clark County is cracking down on party home rentals this weekend. [8NewsNow]
"These appeals involve a divorce and a division of assets held in
self-settled spendthrift trusts owned by the former husband and wife.
Suffice it to say, the parties have substantial trust issues."
She and her canvassers are batshit crazy. And I say that as a libertarian Republican who caucused for Ron Paul twice, Rand Paul once, and who voted for Gary Johnson in 2016. Some folks might think my political opinions are unreasonable, but Dude. She. Is. Straight. Up. Kooky-tooks.
And yet, she will win, probably by a healthy margin. I agree that she is completely nuts (I'm also a libertarian). But she knows how to campaign. Her campaigns are smart (strategically, not policy wise) and efficient. I've been pestered by her canvassers repeatedly while Ross hasn't been around my neighborhood once.
The R-J is also the only major metro newspaper in America that endorsed Donald Trump. It's not so much a newspaper as much as it is a thinly disguised set of daily decrees from our benevolent billionaire oligarch and overlord, Sheldon Adelson (praise be unto him).
Yum. Fiore. I think I might have to head home for a lunch time quickie with wifey now. Mmmmmm.
Guest
Anonymous
May 25, 2017 6:24 pm
As far as the Almase/Campbell race, I am still puzzled that Judge Almase ran to the RJ columnist with the primary election night email from the Judge's campaign manager. The email indicated that Judge Almase's own campaign manager(who is known as the "Judge Maker") does not believe the judge can get re-elected in the general election, and that she lacks the funds to sufficiently compete with Campbell who is great at fundraising.
Naturally, the columnist, who in the past has taken a dim view of the campaign manager and his perceived tactics, ran with it and wrote a column which included excerpts from the email. So, since there is no love loss between the columnist and the campaign manager, I can understand her motivation for writing the column.
But I don't understand the Judge's motivation, beyond, I suppose, a somewhat human reflex to lash out and hit back toward those who hurt her. Obviously, it must have been shocking and quite hurtful to have her campaign manager send her the email that he could no longer continue representing her because he perceives she lacks sufficient resources and sufficient support to win.
But once she reflected on it, she should have bit the bullet and not gone to the press. After all, if you are sitting judge seeking re-election, why would you want to universally advertise the fact that your own campaign manager(who is known as the Judge Maker) is convinced you will be defeated? Perhaps she's banking on the fact that some people who otherwise would not have donated, will now donate because they don't approve of the campaign manager or what he did. But that seems like a real stretch.
So, someone please explain it to me like I'm a 10-year-old, because I just don't get it.
I don't understand the constant blog chatter on this judicial election. It's muni court, FFS. Does anyone really care besides the candidates themselves?
Attorneys who appear in municipal court care. A lot. I've asked around and it appears Almase doesn't play well with others and is unprofessional and rude since she took the bench. A few of my friends who support Campbell got calls from Almase yelling at them demanding they match their campaign contribution to Cara in the same amount to her because "it's her seat snd she's the sitting judge." What? Despite that I was undecided, so I decided to do some research. What is most interesting to me that it seems every single attorney who knows anything about the two supports Campbell. I have searched high and low and the only supporters I can find for Almase are people who were defendants in her court and there's only like 10 of them. I can't find a single attorney who publicly supports Almase. She's the incumbent judge and no attorney in town supports her? I have never seen that before. Campbell's endorsement list, which her campaign manager emails me all the time is the "who's who." The fact that all these members of the bar are willing to vouch for a first time candidate running against an incumbent judge speaks very loudly to me. I was undecided until I saw that but I am swinging all in for Campbell based on that alone.
Well, Campbell looks pretty cute on her billboards, so I'm voting against her. Attractive people shouldn't automatically get an advantage just because they're really really good looking.
I disagree. Looks matter, particularly in this town. That said, she looks MUCH different in person. Kudos to her photographers on the glamour shots. I wouldn't kick her outta bed, but having worked with her for many years, I'd never describe her as "really really good looking."
To the original poster, I think either is fine. I probably won't vote. Not worth my time. But I'll be okay with the results either way.
Guest
Anonymous
May 25, 2017 9:27 pm
Voting for her based on looks is sexist, whether you think she is hot or not. Vote for the most qualified woman in the race who will do the best job.
I am sexist and proud. These girls are running for a Man's seat. Ba da bing.
Guest
Anonymous
May 25, 2017 11:00 pm
Almase is too tall. She is a giant.
Guest
Anonymous
May 25, 2017 11:03 pm
I agree with the person who said no attorneys are supporting Almase. I think I have been to Muni Court once in ten years, but there must be a reason why the big money criminal bar does not support her – and I mean really not support her. I am going with Campbell.
I know of at least one criminal defense attorney who is supporting Almase, and who has extensive experience in muni court. I admittedly know nothing about muni court, but I trust his judgment.
Hi Heidi! Not a single criminal lawyer who has any reputation as anyone at all supports Heidi publicly, not one. That one weird guy does, but I think he has ulterior motives. Find me one who is willing to put their name out there for her.
4:21 here. I am too young, too male, and too fat to be Almase. Sorry. Besides my friend, who I'll concede does not have the appearance of a boring conservative dark suited attorney, but who is a very good advocate nonetheless, maybe someone at Morris Polich & Purdy? They hosted a fundraiser for her.
Almase has support in some big name local political figures. Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Senator Aaron Ford, William Horne, Ozzie Fumo, just to name a few. She has 5 times the endorsements of Campbell. Her recent campaign event was well attended, with several prominent criminal and civil attorneys there to show support. I think it will be close but should ultimately swing in favor of incumbent Heidi.
90% of the so called endorsements issued in political campaigns are a complete joke. The skid is greased prior to the endorsement whether by the political consultant, political party, etc… They look good on billboards, but actually mean very little in practical terms, unless you accept the premise that those candidates are able to be bought and more importantly stay bought by the endorsing entity.
With respect to Almase, thank you for posting that list of big name local political figures that are endorsing her. That list makes my decision easier since I have little to no respect for any of the individuals listed. If she is in bed with that crowd, it's time for a change.
Better than being in bed with Trump and the rest of the Republican party. I'd never vote Republican, particularly in this political climate, so no Campbell for me.
Endorsements are only a complete joke to Camp Campbell because her opponent has them all.
CAN believe you Democrats are still the sorest losers … we dealt with Obamas…it's called life. Taking turns. Different views is why we are in America and not in some socialist nation.
Guest
Anonymous
May 26, 2017 12:22 am
Cara Campbell, sweetheart, enough with the self-promotion. It's tired. Heidi won the primary, obviously she has support. You do too, doll. Stop being so unsure of yourself. It's a bad look.
Guest
Anonymous
May 26, 2017 12:40 am
Voting for Campbell.
Guest
Anonymous
May 26, 2017 2:05 am
Yeah, it does seem like the anti-Almase pro-Campbell person is just a tad too intensely and vehemently interested to be anyone but Campbell
Guest
Anonymous
May 26, 2017 2:08 am
I would say the opposite. Seems like people are saying they are voting for Campbell and that seems to set off the Almase people.
And by the way, I'm not an "Almase person." I don't know her and would probably vote for you. I'm just saying, the posts seem to have your fingerprints.
Come on guys, there's nothing wrong with a little self-promotion. If you think you're gorgeous and the best political candidate, shout it from the mountain tops. Especially if others don't agree.
7:08, not Cara. Just a supporter who is amused by the Almase postings.
Guest
Anonymous
May 26, 2017 2:12 am
Agree @7:05. Not to mention that yesterday Tomsheck is god's gift to lawyering and today his wife Campbell is the best pick for muni Court. A little insider trading? Things that make you go hmmmm…..
The behavior of Bill Kephart, who led the murder prosecution of Fred Steese, was repeatedly lambasted by the Supreme Court of Nevada. But that didn't stop him from becoming a judge. This month he was charged with misconduct in that position too.
It's stunning that Kepart is on the bench, and also stunning that Herndon is now the chief judge over murder cases. Both of them should be disqualified from all criminal cases, and especially murder cases. Shameful.
I looked up the article. This is all old news which has been aired before.Despite that Kephart was elected as a Justice of the Peace and as a District Court Judge. He must be doing something right. The article surprised me because it was so one sided and did not present anything in Kephart's defense. He got pretty high ratings as a JP. Attorneys either love him or hate him. If you are high profile, you have to expect some negative publicity. I think the article is character assassination. And no, I am not Bill Kephart just an attorney that knows him. Not even a friend. Overall, he is a decent judge and we could do worse.
I call BS.. If that claim was true, Campbell wouldn't have run, or could have run against Kerns or Rogers. At best she could have been neutral as to Almase, but you don't run against someone you consider to be a GREAT judge.
Justice Gibbons, FTW.
"These appeals involve a divorce and a division of assets held in
self-settled spendthrift trusts owned by the former husband and wife.
Suffice it to say, the parties have substantial trust issues."
LOL. Now that's a good joke, and it doesn't involve a single cow pun.
The RJ has an article on the election that includes its endorsements. I can't believe the love for Michelle Fiore. It's baffling.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-recommendations-in-the-las-vegas-municipal-election/
She and her canvassers are batshit crazy. And I say that as a libertarian Republican who caucused for Ron Paul twice, Rand Paul once, and who voted for Gary Johnson in 2016. Some folks might think my political opinions are unreasonable, but Dude. She. Is. Straight. Up. Kooky-tooks.
And yet, she will win, probably by a healthy margin. I agree that she is completely nuts (I'm also a libertarian). But she knows how to campaign. Her campaigns are smart (strategically, not policy wise) and efficient. I've been pestered by her canvassers repeatedly while Ross hasn't been around my neighborhood once.
The R-J is also the only major metro newspaper in America that endorsed Donald Trump. It's not so much a newspaper as much as it is a thinly disguised set of daily decrees from our benevolent billionaire oligarch and overlord, Sheldon Adelson (praise be unto him).
…which makes it the same as pretty much every other newspaper except for the identity of the owner.
I am voting for Ross.
I'm voting for Fiore.
Yum. Fiore. I think I might have to head home for a lunch time quickie with wifey now. Mmmmmm.
As far as the Almase/Campbell race, I am still puzzled that Judge Almase ran to the RJ columnist with the primary election night email from the Judge's campaign manager. The email indicated that Judge Almase's own campaign manager(who is known as the "Judge Maker") does not believe the judge can get re-elected in the general election, and that she lacks the funds to sufficiently compete with Campbell who is great at fundraising.
Naturally, the columnist, who in the past has taken a dim view of the campaign manager and his perceived tactics, ran with it and wrote a column which included excerpts from the email. So, since there is no love loss between the columnist and the campaign manager, I can understand her motivation for writing the column.
But I don't understand the Judge's motivation, beyond, I suppose, a somewhat human reflex to lash out and hit back toward those who hurt her. Obviously, it must have been shocking and quite hurtful to have her campaign manager send her the email that he could no longer continue representing her because he perceives she lacks sufficient resources and sufficient support to win.
But once she reflected on it, she should have bit the bullet and not gone to the press. After all, if you are sitting judge seeking re-election, why would you want to universally advertise the fact that your own campaign manager(who is known as the Judge Maker) is convinced you will be defeated? Perhaps she's banking on the fact that some people who otherwise would not have donated, will now donate because they don't approve of the campaign manager or what he did. But that seems like a real stretch.
So, someone please explain it to me like I'm a 10-year-old, because I just don't get it.
Voldemort is a staunch supporter of Almase. That may explain the impetus to "lash out and hit back toward those who hurt her."
Almase supported by Moldy Voldy…not good.
Campbell has been employed by the government since law school and has never experienced the joys of private practice…also not good.
I flipped a coin and it landed on its edge! Is this a sign that I miss voting for the first time in over 20 years?
I don't understand the constant blog chatter on this judicial election. It's muni court, FFS. Does anyone really care besides the candidates themselves?
@3:02- Nope, just the candidates. And this Almase fanatic: http://nevadanewsandviews.com/muth-why-i-support-judge-almases-re-election/
Attorneys who appear in municipal court care. A lot. I've asked around and it appears Almase doesn't play well with others and is unprofessional and rude since she took the bench. A few of my friends who support Campbell got calls from Almase yelling at them demanding they match their campaign contribution to Cara in the same amount to her because "it's her seat snd she's the sitting judge." What? Despite that I was undecided, so I decided to do some research. What is most interesting to me that it seems every single attorney who knows anything about the two supports Campbell. I have searched high and low and the only supporters I can find for Almase are people who were defendants in her court and there's only like 10 of them. I can't find a single attorney who publicly supports Almase. She's the incumbent judge and no attorney in town supports her? I have never seen that before. Campbell's endorsement list, which her campaign manager emails me all the time is the "who's who." The fact that all these members of the bar are willing to vouch for a first time candidate running against an incumbent judge speaks very loudly to me. I was undecided until I saw that but I am swinging all in for Campbell based on that alone.
I got that call and do you know who was behind it? Dave Thomas (or Mr. Nancy Allf). Dave plays rough and twists arms. At least he used to for Heidi.
Campbell and Ross here
I almost never appear in muni court and I am truly undecided as between Campbell and Almase. Help me make up my mind, blog.
Well, Campbell looks pretty cute on her billboards, so I'm voting against her. Attractive people shouldn't automatically get an advantage just because they're really really good looking.
Hey, not fair. Good looking men and women suffer precisely because of this bigoted view. We should admire and cherish beauty.
I disagree. Looks matter, particularly in this town. That said, she looks MUCH different in person. Kudos to her photographers on the glamour shots. I wouldn't kick her outta bed, but having worked with her for many years, I'd never describe her as "really really good looking."
To the original poster, I think either is fine. I probably won't vote. Not worth my time. But I'll be okay with the results either way.
Voting for her based on looks is sexist, whether you think she is hot or not. Vote for the most qualified woman in the race who will do the best job.
Oh I love people who come to the comments section of a blog taking every comment as being 100% sincere.
I am sexist and proud. These girls are running for a Man's seat. Ba da bing.
Almase is too tall. She is a giant.
I agree with the person who said no attorneys are supporting Almase. I think I have been to Muni Court once in ten years, but there must be a reason why the big money criminal bar does not support her – and I mean really not support her. I am going with Campbell.
Almase got the RJ endorsement. Case closed. Voting for Campbell.
When a Republican run newspaper endorses the Democrat, it speaks volumes.
I know of at least one criminal defense attorney who is supporting Almase, and who has extensive experience in muni court. I admittedly know nothing about muni court, but I trust his judgment.
Hi Heidi! Not a single criminal lawyer who has any reputation as anyone at all supports Heidi publicly, not one. That one weird guy does, but I think he has ulterior motives. Find me one who is willing to put their name out there for her.
4:21 here. I am too young, too male, and too fat to be Almase. Sorry. Besides my friend, who I'll concede does not have the appearance of a boring conservative dark suited attorney, but who is a very good advocate nonetheless, maybe someone at Morris Polich & Purdy? They hosted a fundraiser for her.
Still didn't hear a name of one attorney who has ever appeared in front of her willing to put their name out there as supporting her. Not one.
I'm assuming my friend is the same one referred to at 4:29. So there's one.
No one cares who is in muni court. No one. If you reply and say "this is where I practice so I care" Good luck with your next $200 retainer.
Almase has support in some big name local political figures. Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Senator Aaron Ford, William Horne, Ozzie Fumo, just to name a few. She has 5 times the endorsements of Campbell. Her recent campaign event was well attended, with several prominent criminal and civil attorneys there to show support. I think it will be close but should ultimately swing in favor of incumbent Heidi.
90% of the so called endorsements issued in political campaigns are a complete joke. The skid is greased prior to the endorsement whether by the political consultant, political party, etc… They look good on billboards, but actually mean very little in practical terms, unless you accept the premise that those candidates are able to be bought and more importantly stay bought by the endorsing entity.
With respect to Almase, thank you for posting that list of big name local political figures that are endorsing her. That list makes my decision easier since I have little to no respect for any of the individuals listed. If she is in bed with that crowd, it's time for a change.
Better than being in bed with Trump and the rest of the Republican party. I'd never vote Republican, particularly in this political climate, so no Campbell for me.
Endorsements are only a complete joke to Camp Campbell because her opponent has them all.
CAN believe you Democrats are still the sorest losers … we dealt with Obamas…it's called life. Taking turns. Different views is why we are in America and not in some socialist nation.
Cara Campbell, sweetheart, enough with the self-promotion. It's tired. Heidi won the primary, obviously she has support. You do too, doll. Stop being so unsure of yourself. It's a bad look.
Voting for Campbell.
Yeah, it does seem like the anti-Almase pro-Campbell person is just a tad too intensely and vehemently interested to be anyone but Campbell
I would say the opposite. Seems like people are saying they are voting for Campbell and that seems to set off the Almase people.
And the reply was too fast. Cara, you did better than most at not giving yourself away, but still too obvious
And by the way, I'm not an "Almase person." I don't know her and would probably vote for you. I'm just saying, the posts seem to have your fingerprints.
Come on guys, there's nothing wrong with a little self-promotion. If you think you're gorgeous and the best political candidate, shout it from the mountain tops. Especially if others don't agree.
7:08, not Cara. Just a supporter who is amused by the Almase postings.
Agree @7:05. Not to mention that yesterday Tomsheck is god's gift to lawyering and today his wife Campbell is the best pick for muni Court. A little insider trading? Things that make you go hmmmm…..
Kephart is making the national blogs …
https://www.propublica.org/article/las-vegas-judge-bill-kephart-history-of-prosecutorial-misconduct
Vegas Judge Had Long History of Prosecutorial Misconduct
ProPublica – 3h ago
The behavior of Bill Kephart, who led the murder prosecution of Fred Steese, was repeatedly lambasted by the Supreme Court of Nevada. But that didn't stop him from becoming a judge. This month he was charged with misconduct in that position too.
It's stunning that Kepart is on the bench, and also stunning that Herndon is now the chief judge over murder cases. Both of them should be disqualified from all criminal cases, and especially murder cases. Shameful.
I looked up the article. This is all old news which has been aired before.Despite that Kephart was elected as a Justice of the Peace and as a District Court Judge. He must be doing something right. The article surprised me because it was so one sided and did not present anything in Kephart's defense. He got pretty high ratings as a JP. Attorneys either love him or hate him. If you are high profile, you have to expect some negative publicity. I think the article is character assassination. And no, I am not Bill Kephart just an attorney that knows him. Not even a friend. Overall, he is a decent judge and we could do worse.
There was no evidence in his defense. He was ruthless (and clueless) as a DA. Not that different from his time on the bench.
Cara Campbell was recruited to run against Almase. Cara has told people (including me) that Almase is a GREAT judge.
I call BS.. If that claim was true, Campbell wouldn't have run, or could have run against Kerns or Rogers. At best she could have been neutral as to Almase, but you don't run against someone you consider to be a GREAT judge.