Why Are Northern Nevada Democrats So "Fired Up & Ready to Go"?

Last night was interesting. In case you didn't my Twitter or Facebook feed yesterday, I made the 8 hour drive from Las Vegas to Reno with some great progressive friends. And once I arrived here, I got busy checking out the #nvp2 scene!

I first stopped at Sheila Leslie's campaign kickoff party in Downtown Reno. And let me tell you, the house was packed! I was really pleasantly surprised by so much Northern Nevada progressive energy packed into one room, as well as the huge outpouring of community support for Sheila Leslie.

I had a chance to talk with some locals there last night, and they gave some background on what to expect up north this year. They know Leslie faces new challenges in the new SD 15, but they also sounded quite confident of her ability to win this fall. Between her consistent record and Greg Brower constantly shifting between "moderation" and "tea party" crazy (depending on which election he's running in!), they sense West Reno voters will opt for the former. Let's hope they're right.







But wait, that's not all! After Sheila Leslie's kickoff, I headed over to Northern Nevada Stonewall Democrats' commnunity celebration in West Reno. We also saw Sheila Leslie and Assembly Member David Bobzien (D-Reno) here. Oh yes, and none other than Ross Miller, Nevada's Secretary of State, came by to give the group a full rundown of what his office has been up to. Believe it or not, he flew all the way (back) here from LA yesterday to make our party! He gave a rousing speech on the progress made on LGBTQ equality in the last 20 years, as well as what needs to be done to make Nevada a better place for all families.



David Bobzien also gave a wonderful speech on how the Legislature works and why Legislature elections this year are so important.



All in all, I was quote impressed with Washoe County Democrats and their astonishing energy. When media pundits like Jon Ralston ask how Nevada Democrats are supposed to conquer "the enthusiasm gap", this shows that Democrats probably already have. So far, 2012 really seems to be looking up for Nevada progressives hoping for a better 2013.