Watch the ad, “Don’t Believe,” here
For Immediate Release
September 15, 2016
Las Vegas, NV – Catherine Cortez Masto for Senate released a new ad today featuring Nevada law enforcement telling viewers not to believe Congressman Joe Heck’s lies about Cortez Masto. Congressman Heck, Washington Republicans, and the Koch Brothers are spending millions of dollars lying about Cortez Masto’s record as Attorney General. The truth is: as Attorney General, Catherine Cortez Masto worked with Nevada law enforcement to combat human trafficking, help victims of sexual assault, and protect Nevadans from predators. That’s why she’s been endorsed by law enforcement organizations from across Nevada.
“Congressman Heck and his special interest allies are lying about Catherine Cortez Masto’s record because they can’t defend Joe Heck’s,” said Zach Hudson, spokesperson for Catherine Cortez Masto for Senate. “Nevada law enforcement are standing with Catherine because she has a record of working with them to keep our communities safe. In contrast, Congressman Heck has spent his time in Washington voting with his party against more funding for sexual assault victims and to address the rape kit backlog. Unlike Congressman Heck, as Nevada’s next Senator, Catherine will work with both parties to solve problems and keep Nevadans safe.”
See below for backup of the ad.
CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO FOR SENATE “DON’T BELIEVE”
MIKE RAMIREZ: Don’t believe…
TEXT: Officer Mike Ramirez
MICHELLE JOTZ: Don’t believe…
TEXT: Sergeant Michelle Jotz
TODD VINGER: Don’t believe Joe Heck’s attacks.
TEXT: Former Washoe County Undersheriff
FACT: SHAMEFUL AND DECEITFUL ADS FOR JOE HECK FALSELY ATTACK CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO’S CHARACTER
Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger: Heck’s Attacks Against Cortez Masto Were “Egregious And Distasteful,” “Shameful And Beneath Anyone Who Wants To Represent Us.” “However, one recent attack by Joe Heck on his opponent Catherine Cortez Masto caught my attention because of how egregious and distasteful it is. In the race for Nevada’s Senate, we’ve seen a lot of contrast on the best path to move our country forward, but these kinds of personal and unfounded attacks are shameful and beneath anyone who wants to represent us in Washington.” [Reno Gazette Journal, Todd Vinger Op-Ed, 9/12/16]
Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger: Heck’s Accusations Against Cortez Masto Were Debunked By Fact-Checkers But Heck “Continued To Drag Catherine’s Reputation Through The Mud.” “Last week, Joe Heck’s campaign released a website attacking Catherine Cortez Masto’s character and record as attorney general. He accuses Catherine of being corrupt, even using claims that already have been debunked by nonpartisan fact-checking organizations. Heck knows these accusations are untrue and yet he continues to drag Catherine’s reputation through the mud.” [Reno Gazette Journal, Todd Vinger Op-Ed, 9/12/16]
Sen. Bryan: Attacks Against Cortez Masto “Crossed A Line I Have Never Seen Crossed Before In All My Years In Public Service.” “Most people enter public service because they want to better our country, have a discussion with people with opposing views and make compromises that solve problems Americans are facing. Unfortunately, in our hotly contested Senate race this year, Congressman Joe Heck’s campaign released an outrageous website attacking Catherine Cortez Masto’s integrity. These attacks from the Heck campaign cross a line I have never seen crossed before in all my years in public service. These attacks go far beyond a debate over the issues or the candidates’ records.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
Sen. Bryan: Heck Should Know Better Than To Throw Unfounded Personal Attacks. “Heck may not agree with Masto’s way of doing things, and that’s OK. We’re a diverse country with differing ideas, and our Founding Fathers built this country in a way that promotes debate between opposing sides. Heck has been to Washington. He knows what unfounded personal attacks do to our country’s civil discourse. This campaign should be a conversation about the issues.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
Sen. Bryan: There Is “No Place” For Heck’s Personal Attacks In Election That Are Intended “To Deceive Voters.” “Masto presents her ideas for moving the country forward, and Heck should do the same. Highlighting concerns with your opponent’s ideas and voting record is fair game. Attacking your opponent’s personal character — and falsely, I might add — is what turns people away from politics. In a time when partisan dysfunction in Washington is at its worst, Masto is running on her record of working across party lines to get things done. Heck may disagree with how Masto wants to move our country forward — that’s why we have elections — but there is no place for personal attacks that are intended to deceive voters.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
Las Vegas Sun Editorial: NRSC Was “Deceitful And Conniving” In Launching Ad. “Presumably, the National Republican Senatorial Committee knew this when it ordered the commercial. It knew it was trying to pull the wool over voters’ eyes. It knew it was being deceitful and conniving.“ [Las Vegas Sun Editorial, 8/22/16]
Las Vegas Sun Editorial: NRSC Ad Was “Playing Voters For Suckers” And Lied About Cortez Masto’s Record. "This particular commercial might seem damning for the conclusions it tries to draw about the qualifications of Heck’s Democratic opponent, former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. But it’s playing voters for suckers… PolitiFact took a look at this commercial and observed: ‘The numbers are technically accurate, but the ad fails to prove what Cortez Masto had to do with them.’” [Las Vegas Sun Editorial, 8/22/16]
Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Steve Sebelius: Heck Campaign Ads “Attempt To Go One Bridge Too Far, Levying A Charge Of Corruption Where It Does Not Fit.” In August 2016, Steve Sebelius wrote, “But these ads attempt to go one bridge too far, levying a charge of corruption where it does not fit (for example, almost all public officials attend official conventions put on by groups, ranging from governors to statewide officials to members of the Legislature and even local governments). It’s difficult to alleged that a single public official, whether an AG, a DA or even a sheriff, can singlehandedly be held responsible for an increase (or a decrease) in the crime rate, let alone that attending a seminar had such an impact.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column,8/26/16]
Steve Sebelius: Heck’s Campaign “Should Know There’s A Breaking Point At Which Stretching Those Facts Too Far Will Cause Them To Snap.” In August 2016, Steve Sebelius wrote, “Heck’s campaign is certainly entitled to comb over Cortez Masto’s record and identify things that undercut her campaign’s law-and-order message (in fact, that follows a popular political strategy to attack an opponent where she’s the strongest). But the campaign should know there’s a breaking point at which stretching those facts too far will cause them to snap. That’s worth remembering since it doesn’t appear the ‘corruption’ meme is going to go away anytime soon.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 8/26/16]
Jon Ralston: There’s “Never Been Any Evidence” Of Congressman Heck’s Attacks On Cortez Masto’s Character. RALSTON: “But I do think that the definition of her as being corrupt is, it is something she really needs to worry about, even though there’s never been any evidence that that’s true.” [Ed Morrissey Show, 8/26/16]
DAVID ROGER: Catherine Cortez Masto has always served with integrity.
TEXT: Former Clark County District Attorney
LARRY BURNS: As a federal prosecutor and Attorney General.
TEXT: Captain Larry Burns (Ret.) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO SERVED WITH CLASS AND UPMOST INTEGRITY ADVOCATING FOR ALL NEVADANS
Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger: “I’ve Seen Firsthand How Catherine Approached Her Time As Attorney General With Integrity And Class.” “That’s why I find Joe Heck’s recent attacks so distasteful. I’ve seen firsthand how Catherine approached her time as attorney general with integrity and class. She’s been a champion for Nevada’s seniors, children, and our state’s most vulnerable. These attacks are not only disgusting, but have been shown to be untrue. These baseless personal attacks cross a line.” [Reno Gazette Journal, Todd Vinger Op-Ed, 9/12/16]
Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger: “I Am A Lifelong Republican” But “I’m Supporting Catherine Cortez Masto For U.S. Senate Because I Want A Senator Who Will Work Across The Aisle” “But this November, I’m supporting Catherine Cortez Masto for U.S. Senate because I want a senator who will work across the aisle to find solutions for Nevadans. As attorney general, Catherine worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass over 40 bills that better protect Nevadans. Before taking on a problem, she met with law enforcement across our state, listened to us and used our input to craft laws that would best serve our state.” [Reno Gazette Journal, Todd Vinger Op-Ed, 9/12/16]
Sen. Bryan: Cortez Masto “A Personal Of Unquestionable Integrity” “Her record as our attorney general has earned her the support of law enforcement officials across the state who have worked with her and know she is a person of unquestionable integrity with an ability to get things done in a dysfunctional Washington. I’ve seen her in action. She brings Republicans and Democrats together, listens to all ideas and comes up with solutions that get real results.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
Sen. Bryan: Cortez Masto Had A Record Of Solving Problems And Fighting For Nevada Families. “I’ve known Masto for years, and she has served Nevada with integrity and grace as a prosecutor and as our attorney general. She has a record of solving problems and fighting for Nevada families. As attorney general she passed more than 40 bills with Republican and Democratic support, demonstrating her commitment to working across party lines to get things done.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
President Obama Praised Cortez Masto As A “Tireless Advocate” For Children, Women And Others – She Has A “Track Record Of Integrity.”“In a nearly 14-minute speech, Obama said Cortez Masto, a former Nevada attorney general, has shown leadership as a ‘tireless advocate’ for children, women and others, saying she has a ‘track record of integrity.’ Cortez Masto, 50, is backed by Reid and will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, 53, who has won thrice since 2010 in the 3rd Congressional District in southwestern Clark County. Heck, a physician and brigadier general in the Army Reserve, has announced he’s seeking the GOP nomination, and is by far the most prominent Republican candidate so far.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/24/15]
Former Nevada Republican AG George Chanos: “Cortez Masto Is A Principled Public Servant, Who Has Always Attempted To Serve The People Of Nevada, To The Best Of Her Ability.” [Facebook, George Chanos, 8/29/16]
TREY GETHOEFER: She made sex trafficking a felony crime.
TEXT: Sergeant Trey Gethoefer
FACT: AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, CORTEZ MASTO WAS THE LEADING FORCE THAT PASSED TOUGH ANTI-SEX TRAFFICKING LAWS AND INCREASED PRISON TIME FOR PIMPS AND PREDATORS
Fox News: Cortez Masto “Dedicated Herself To Fighting Sex Trafficking In Our State.” In February 2015, Fox News In The Morning reported, “Catherine Cortez Masto. Former Nevada Attorney General. Dedicated herself to fighting sex trafficking in our state. 'The numbers that we’ve seen in our state, when these kids come through, 60 percent of them are our own. They’re homegrown.’ she decided it’s time to do more to hold the perpetrators accountable. 'The problem we had is there was this revolving door through the justice system. They were able to manipulate the system and get out very quickly on probation, circle back to the victim and scare the victim and prevent them from testifying.'” [KVVU, 2/19/15]
AG Cortez Masto Sponsored And Pushed For Legislation To Combat Child Sex Trafficking In Nevada. According to an article by Alex Pompliano of the Nevada Media Alliance, “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and other supports of the bill will join Sandoval as he signs AB67 into law. The bill establishes the crime of sex trafficking of children and adults, and makes victims eligible for state assistance and allows them to sue their traffickers. By doing so, the bill holds pimps accountable and protects the victims of sex trafficking. Cortez Masto, a primary proponent of the bill, says bills passed this year by the Legislature will serve as a springboard for more anti-trafficking measures in future years.” [Carson Now,6/6/13]
Las Vegas Sun: Cortez Masto Championed Law That Increased Penalties For Sex Trafficking Law As It Was Working Its Way Through The Legislature. “The new law ups the penalty for sex trafficking to put it on the same level as the state’s sexual assault laws, disallows probation for people convicted of sex trafficking, allows courts to order those convicted to pay restitution to victims and requires a person convicted of sex trafficking register as a Tier 1 sex offender, among other provisions. […] Masto championed the bill while it was working its way through the Legislature. The law went into effect in July. In the news release about the indictment, Masto said her office will use every law enforcement tool available to prosecute sex trafficking cases to the fullest extent of the law.” [Las Vegas Sun, 11/22/13]
AG Cortez Masto’s Involvement With The Sex Trafficking Legislation “Marked A Turning Point” As A Cortez Masto Aide Pulled Together AB 67 Toughening Penalties On Pimps As An Omnibus Bill. “This event marked a turning point. The huge turnout, which included people from various backgrounds and both political parties, indicated that a serious effort to combat child sex trafficking was not only the right thing to do; it might also be politically feasible. Attorney General Masto assigned her top aide, Michon Martin, to scour other states for model legislation, then pulled together a task force that drafted a groundbreaking omnibus bill—Assembly Bill 67, which defined sex trafficking in Nevada as a crime, sharply ramped up penalties for pimps, gave law enforcement new resources for tracking and prosecuting offenders, and redefined children working in the sex trade as victims rather than as criminals.” [Commonweal Magazine, 9/9/15]
After A Full-Scale Lobbying Effort, Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill Passed Unanimously On The Last Day Of The Legislation Session In 2013.“NCG leaders took their case to anyone who would listen. They met with their legislators, key committee heads, prominent gaming-industry executives, local public officials, and key social-service agencies like the Salvation Army. They spoke to reporters, sent thousands of emails and postcards, and worked the phones. Finally, they dispatched busloads of committed activists to the state capital, Carson City, to press for passage of AB 67. On the last day of the legislative session, the bill passed unanimously. For once, the voices of ordinary Nevada citizens had prevailed.” [Commonweal Magazine,9/9/15]
Exploitation Of Children Became Class A Felony With Maximum Life Sentence, Trafficking An Adult Became Class B Felony With Three-To-10-Year Sentence. “The passage of Assembly Bill 67 will help law enforcement, Chalmers said. ‘I am extremely proud of the collaborative work of supporters, stakeholders and elected officials that went into this law,’ Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, sponsor of the bill, said in an email. ‘I remain committed to the fight against this rapidly growing crime that deprives children and young adults of their human rights.’ The new law, which went into effect onJuly 1, made trafficking an adult a category B felony that carries a three-to-10-year sentence. Exploitation of a child is now a category A felony that carries a maximum life sentence. Parole eligibility for those cases depends on how young the victim is.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 7/21/13]
Nevada Bureau Of Criminal Justice Head: Before AB 67 Traffickers Were Fined And Released. With The New Law, Offenders Will Face Life In Prison. “Sex trafficking is a real problem throughout Nevada, said Russell Smith, chief deputy attorney for the Nevada Bureau of Criminal Justice. ‘As long as there is a demand, there will be a supply,’ Smith told the Nevada Community Prevention Coalition (NCPC) this week while discussing human and sex trafficking. […] Assembly Bill 67, passed last year, defines sex trafficking as when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, in which the person performing the sex act is younger than 18. The bill also increased the penalties for such crimes. Smith said before that bill became law, offenders were usually sentenced to take a sex trafficking class, maybe charged a fine and then released. With the new law in place, offenders will face life in prison with a chance of parole after various lengths of time.” [The Spectrum, 1/22/14]
JOTZ: She worked with the Bush and Obama administrations to combat terrorism.
TEXT: Sergeant Michelle Jotz
FACT: AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO WORKED WITH THE BUSH AND OBAMA ADMINISTRATIONS TO COMBAT TERRORISM THREATS
October 2007: Nevada Fusion Center For Southern Nevada Opened To Allow Local, State, And Federal Agencies To Share Information About Terrorism Threats. “The center is run by Metro Police and houses investigators and analysts from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Southern Nevada. It has an ‘all-crimes, all-hazards’ mission, which allows it to also keep tabs on traditional crime, health hazards and local emergencies. But the main aim of the ‘fusion’ center is to protect Southern Nevadans from terrorism, for which the case of the suspicious photo trio provided a real-life test. […] The center, which opened in October 2007 with the help of $4.6 million in federal funding and costs an estimated $1 million a year to operate, was supposed to be a way to speed up the sharing of information among various law enforcement agencies. The center’s leadership says it has done that. In other words, while intelligence-sharing may still be a slow process, it is not as slow as it once was.” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/22/09]
2007: Cortez Masto’s AG Office Public Safety Division Provided Legal Services To Commission On Homeland Security And The Homeland Security Grant Programs Working Group. “The Public Safety Division (Division) has nine attorneys and two legal researchers in the Las Vegas office, assisted by a Supervising Legal Secretary and four secretaries. In Carson City, the Division has fifteen attorneys and two legal researchers, assisted by a Supervising Legal Secretary and four secretaries. The Division provides a full spectrum of legal services to the clients mentioned below. […] The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the Commission on Homeland Security, the Nevada Communications Steering Committee, the Governor’s special executive committee - Homeland Security Grant Programs Working Group, the Nevada Earthquake Safety Council and the Nevada Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee.” [Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Biennial Report, 2007]
Cortez Masto Voted To Approve $344,000 Funding Request For Nevada Fusion Center To Hire Analysts To Collect And Share Information About Terrorist Threats. “A state office designed to collect and share information about potential terrorism activities in Nevada won funding approval Tuesday for the three positions needed to get it operational. The Board of Examiners, including Gov. Jim Gibbons, approved $344,000 in state funds for the analyst positions. The funding request, much less than the $651,000 set aside for the program by lawmakers, must now be approved by the Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee. […] The Board of Examiners, which also includes Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Secretary of State Ross Miller, voted unanimously for the funding request. Marks said much of the work of the fusion center will be evaluating tips about suspicious activities generated by law enforcement and the public.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/9/08]
Fusion Centers Were Developed After 9/11 Attacks To Enhance Information Flow Between Police Agencies For Stopping Terrorism. “When a Baltimore teenager fired on classmates on the first day of school this week, officials at the Southern Nevada Counterterrorism Center were watching closely. A school shooting thousands of miles away probably has nothing to do with Las Vegas or terrorism. But the cops at the local fusion center have to be sure. ‘We can’t accept that it’s an isolated event,’ said Patrick Baldwin, a manager at the fusion center at Metropolitan Police Department headquarters in downtown Las Vegas. ‘We must investigate whether it’s a coordinated effort and right away push out advisories and notify the command staff.’ […] Fusion centers, developed by the federal government after the 9/11 attacks, are grounded in the idea that information flow between police agencies is key to stopping terrorism. But in Las Vegas and elsewhere, their focus has evolved into a broader ‘all crimes, all hazards’ approach.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/31/12]
Nevada Fusion Center Allowed Analysts To Share Information And Probe Ties For Suspected Terrorists. “When a tip came in recently about a threat of violence at a local high school football game, a Clark County School District police officer helped plan a response. When a Colorado man was arrested this fall on terrorism charges, a Department of Homeland Security analyst probed whether the suspect had Las Vegas ties. Though the two cases could not be more different, the officials who worked them can be found in the same cubicle-filled room at the Southern Nevada Counterterrorism Center. Open for more than two years now, the Las Vegas ‘fusion’ center is battling both terrorism and street crime, a dual mission that has affected how local and federal law enforcement agents view each other and their jobs.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/23/09]
State Law Enforcement Collaborated With DOJ And DHS To Enhance Coordination In Responding To Criminal And Terrorist Activity. “A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and information to the center with the goal of maximizing their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. Intelligence processes—through which information is collected, integrated, evaluated, analyzed, and disseminated - are a primary focus. Data fusion involves the exchange of information from different sources—including law enforcement, public safety, and the private sector. Relevant and actionable intelligence results from analysis and data fusion. The fusion process helps agencies be proactive and protect communities. The Fusion Center Guidelines were developed to ensure that fusion centers are established and operated consistently, resulting in enhanced coordination, strengthened partnerships, and improved crime-fighting and anti-terrorism capabilities. The 18 guidelines and their key elements—as well as additional resources, model policies, and implementation tools—are included in this publication from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS.” [Department of Public Safety Website, Fusion Centers, Accessed 1/25/16]
AG Cortez Masto Letter To President Obama Requested Continued DHS Grants To Protect Nevada From Terrorism And Natural Disasters. In November 2008, Cortez Masto press release stated, “Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Dr. Dale Carrison, Chairman of the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security, sent a letter to President-Elect Barack Obama to underscore Nevada’s homeland security needs. ‘Chairman Carrison and I feel it is imperative that Homeland Security Grant funding continue for Nevada in order to secure our State from terrorism or natural disasters,’ said Attorney General Cortez Masto. ‘The Attorney General and I will work together to protect continued funding of these very important initiatives,’ said Chairman Carrison The letter to the President-elect reviewed the state initiatives which, in the past, have received grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security Grants program. These initiatives address man-made and natural emergencies and disasters and include interoperable communications among first responders and law enforcement agencies; evacuation; sheltering; mass care and training exercises. Masto and Carrison stressed the DHS funding program is essential for Nevada’s efforts to achieve a maximum readiness capability and asked for Obama’s support in the continuation of the Homeland Security grants Program in the future.” [Nevada Attorney General press release, 11/24/08]
MIKE HALEY: As Attorney General, she helped reduce crime.
TEXT: Former Washoe County Sheriff
DOUG COOMBS: That’s why she’s endorsed by law enforcement across Nevada.
TEXT: Agent Doug Coombs (Ret.) United States Secret Service
FACT: AS ATTORNEY GENREAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO LED THE FIGHT TO CRACK DOWN ON VIOLENT CRIME AND CRIME RATES WENT DOWN
Cortez Masto Spent 8 Years As Attorney General Working To Fight Sex Trafficking, Sex Offenders, And Protect Seniors. “After five terms in the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid is leaving behind some pretty big shoes to fill. And so far there are three candidates hoping to do that. Of course the Democratic Party wants to see that seat stay blue. The Reid Machine is fully behind Catherine Cortez Masto, who spent 8 years as our Attorney General. There she fought sex trafficking, sex offenders and to protect senior citizens. She says bipartisanship politics is the key. ‘These are all areas I have a proven record of working on in a bipartisan manner. It is about building partnerships and coalitions. That’s what we need in Washington and I have a proven record to show I can do it,’ Cortez Masto said during a recent interview.” [KTVN, 2/1/16]
Nevada Appeal: Cortez Masto’s Top Priorities As Attorney General Were To Combat The Use And Distribution Of Meth In Nevada, Protecting Seniors, And Preventing Sex Trafficking And Violence Against Women. “Masto was first elected attorney general in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. Term limits prevented her from seeking re-election in 2014. One of her first priorities after taking office in 2007 was to set up a statewide Methamphetamine Working Group to combat the use and distribution of meth in Nevada. Other major focuses during her time in office included setting up a senior protection unit to pursue abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors and strengthening laws preventing sex trafficking and violence against women.” [Nevada Appeal, 4/14/16]
Reno Gazette-Journal: Legislative Attack On Meth Received “A Burst Of New Energy” When AG Cortez Masto Replaced Tracking Cold Medicine Sales Provision To Instead Limit The Sale Of Cold Medication. “Republicans in the Assembly killed a major bill last week that aimed to track the sale of drugs used to make meth after the retailer’s association lobbied against a reporting requirement and fees for some stores that sell the cold medications. But that bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Bernie Anderson, D-Sparks, and Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto have added some of those provisions to a measure she sponsored, Assembly Bill 148, to help limit the sale of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 6/1/07]
Sparks Tribune: Cortez Masto Led The Charge To Address And Combat Rising Violence Against Women. “The Nevada Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (DVFRT) held its inaugural meeting on Thursday to address and combat rising violence against women, with Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto leading the charge. The Silver State leads the nation in the per capita number of women murdered as a result of domestic violence, a trend that for years has plagued urban areas such as Reno and Las Vegas, as well as rural areas such as Elko County and, particularly, in Native American communities. ‘It exists in every community in our state,’ Masto said. ‘Nobody escapes it.’ The state Legislature, at Masto’s behest, created the DVFRT last year and authorized a multi-disciplinary team comprised of prosecutors, police, domestic violence service providers, treatment providers and community and faith leaders to review the deaths of domestic violence victims.” [Daily Sparks Tribune, 1/12/12]
Pahrump Valley Times: Cortez Masto Strengthened Laws To Protect Kids From Predators: “In My Office, We Actually Are The Investigators And Prosecutors. We Are The Ones Who Lure The Predators So They Are Not Preying On Our Kids.”“Masto’s work has resulted in new laws strengthening the registration and notification requirements of convicted sex offenders and preventing a person from luring someone believed to be a child. During her presentation the attorney general told the students how her office works to get the ‘bad guys’ each day. ‘It’s happening here and every community in our state. In my office, we actually are the investigators and prosecutors. We are the ones who lure the predators so they are not preying on our kids. We have laws that allow us to pretend we are the 12-year-old so that we can lure those predators. We have seen horrific cases here in Nevada and we want to make sure our kids are protected and they don’t become that next statistic,’ she said.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 3/21/14]
Elko Daily Free Press Editorial: Cortez Masto Led The Fight To Combat Domestic Violence And Left Behind A Legacy We Hope Others Follow. In January 2015, the Elko Daily Free Press editorial board wrote, “Before she left office, Catherine Cortez Masto released information to combat domestic violence in the state, which is something she battled throughout her time as attorney general. While she is no longer the state’s chief law enforcement officer, she has left behind a legacy we hope others follow. She led the way against domestic violence through the Nevada Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. The NCPDV’s mission is to combat domestic violence through awareness, legislation and the support of agencies involved in the fight against domestic violence, according to the AG’s office.” [Elko Daily Free Press, Editorial, 1/13/15]
From 2007 To 2014, The Total Index Offenses Index Declined From 116,814 To 92,376. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed 8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Murder Index Declined From 194 To 168. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed 8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Robbery Index Declined From 6,932 To 5,951. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed 8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Aggregated Assault Index Declined From 11,039 To 10,466. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Burglary Index Declined From 24,839 To 21,787. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Larceny Index Declined From 49,744 To 42,122. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Motor Vehicle Theft Index Declined From 22,333 To 10,128. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed8/1/16]
From 2007 To 2014, The Arson Index Declined From 639 To 403. [2014 Crime in Nevada, Total Index Crimes In Nevada for Past Decade (2005 to 2014), p.55 Accessed 8/1/16]
VINGER: Catherine Cortez Masto
TEXT: Former Washoe County Undersheriff
JOHN HAYES: Catherine Cortez Masto
TEXT: Sergeant John Hayes (Ret.) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
BURNS: I trust her to keep us safe.
TEXT: Captain Larry Burns (Ret.) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
FACT: GROUPS THAT EMCOMPASS ALMOST EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN NEVADA UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO FOR SENATE
KOH-AM: For The First Time In Nevada History All Law Enforcement Unions In Nevada Endorsed Cortez Masto. “For the first time in Nevada history, all the state’s law enforcement unions and associations have come together for a unanimous endorsement. The organizations backed former Nevada attorney general and candidate for U.S. Senate Catherine Cortez Masto, citing her record of working across the aisle to solve problems for Nevadans. Ron Gareer, career government affairs director for the Police Officers Research Association of Nevada on why they chose her: For the attack on law enforcement today I mean everything we do on the is second guessed by everybody. That lady understands what we’ve gone through, she understands what the families of these officers killed in line of duty are going through. We need that support and that’s why we support opponent republican representative Joe Heck.” [KOH-AM, 7/6/16]
Headline: Associated Press: “Nevada Police Unions Back Democrat Cortez Masto For Senate.”[Associated Press, 3/2/16]
Coalition Of Nevada Law Enforcement Unions Endorsed Cortez Masto For U.S. Senate. “A coalition of Nevada law enforcement unions is announcing support for Democratic Senate candidate Catherine Cortez Masto. Cortez Masto’s campaign announced endorsements Wednesday from the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, Peace Officers Research of Nevada, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Southern Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs. The latter group includes the Las Vegas Police Protective Association and organizations representing Henderson and Las Vegas police supervisors.” [Associated Press, 3/2/16]
The Law Enforcement Unions Cited Cortez Masto’s Work To Fight Human Trafficking And Support For Funding More Police Officers As Reasons For The Endorsement.“Cortez Masto’s previous job as Nevada’s attorney general involved frequent work with law enforcement. Representatives from the unions cited her initiatives to fight human trafficking and her support of funding more police hires as reasons for the endorsement.” [Associated Press, 3/2/16]
Cortez Masto Picked Up Support From Nevada Police Unions. “Former state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto (D) picked up endorsements from the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Peace Officers Reserve of Nevada, and the Southern Nevada Conference of Police and Sheriffs Wednesday.” [National Journal, 3/3/16]
FACT: REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS HAVE PRAISED CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO AS A BIPARTISAN PROBLEM-SOLVER
GOP Attorney General Adam Laxalt: Cortez Masto Is A “Role Model” In How She Has Run The Office. “He said he wants to continue many of the programs started by current Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat who fought domestic violence and human trafficking. Cortez Masto has been helpful during the transition, he said, calling her ‘a role model’ in how she has run the office during the past eight years.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/7/14]
DEM Ross Miller Said Cortez Masto Did A “Commendable Job” As Attorney General.“If elected to attorney general, Ross Miller said he would prioritize protecting Nevada’s most vulnerable residents: children and the elderly. The Democratic candidate said during a stop in Elko that scam artists who prey upon senior citizens have become a growing concern, as well as criminals who target children through the Internet. […] Miller said Catherine Cortez Masto, who is terming out as attorney general, has done a commendable job.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 9/1/14]
GOP Gov. Sandoval Praised Cortez Masto For Bills Toughening Laws On Sex Trafficking And Giving Resources To Victims. “Gov. Brian Sandoval saidThursday that staff in the Legislature and in the state Taxation Department are looking at the bill to determine if there could be unexpected hit. […] In a ceremony attended by about 30 people Thursday, the governor signed two bills toughening the laws on sex trafficking. He praised Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for leading the efforts to get this legislation passed. Sandoval said these bills will protect many people now and in generations to come. Cortez Masto said this was one of the most important laws approved in her two terms in office. This legislation, she said is about young people and saving lives. It gives her office the authority to prosecute these cases and she will be working with police. One bill, Assembly Bill 67 provides that a judge may not place a person convicted of pandering or sex trafficking on probation. And an offender living off the earnings of the prostitute will be required to pay restitution to the victim. The second bill, AB-311 creates a contingency account for the victims of these crimes. Masto said there is federal money and other sources of funds to help these women.” [Las Vegas Sun, 6/6/13]
DEM Rep. Steven Horsford Praised Cortez Masto Bill For Taking Proactive Steps To End Human Trafficking. “‘Assembly Bill 67, championed by Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and passed unanimously by the Nevada Legislature in 2013, ensures Nevada is taking proactive steps to end human trafficking of young people,’ Horsford concluded. ‘The package of bills just passed by Congress will assist states like Nevada that have established task forces to work toward ending human trafficking. I look forward to working with the Nevada Attorney General and leaders from our state on how we can pursue these much-needed resources to fight the scourge of human trafficking.’” [Steven Horsford press release, 5/20/14]
DEM Sen. Bryan: Cortez Masto Had A Record Of Solving Problems And Fighting For Nevada Families. “I’ve known Masto for years, and she has served Nevada with integrity and grace as a prosecutor and as our attorney general. She has a record of solving problems and fighting for Nevada families. As attorney general she passed more than 40 bills with Republican and Democratic support, demonstrating her commitment to working across party lines to get things done.” [Las Vegas Sun, Bryan Op-Ed, 9/7/16]
GOP Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger: “It’s Clear Catherine Cortez Masto Is Best Suited To Fight For Us In Washington.” “In a time where party lines have left Congress virtually paralyzed to get anything done, we need someone representing us who will build bridges and work across the aisle to solve the problems directly affecting Nevadans. Joe Heck’s outlandish attacks might be great for shock value on the internet or cable TV, but they do nothing to help Nevadans. If the way Joe Heck and Catherine have run their campaigns is any indication of how they will represent us in the Senate, it’s clear Catherine Cortez Masto is best suited to fight for us in Washington. I’m disappointed that Mr. Heck would turn an honorable debate of the issues that affect us in Nevada to juvenile attacks.” [Reno Gazette Journal, Todd Vinger Op-Ed, 9/12/16]
CORTEZ MASTO: I’m Catherine Cortez Masto and I approved this message.
TEXT: Approved by Catherine Cortez Masto. Paid for by Catherine Cortez Masto for Senate.
FACT: AS U.S. SENATOR, CORTEZ MASTO WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS TO ISSUES NEVADANS CARE ABOUT
Headline: Las Vegas Review-Journal: “Cortez Masto’s Senate Hopes Mirror Her AG Track Record.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/30/15]
As Attorney General, Cortez Masto Visited All 17 Counties To Help Nevadans Address Domestic Violence, Sex Trafficking, Home Foreclosures, And Prescription Drug Use. “As attorney general, Cortez Masto visited all 17 counties to help Nevadans with their problems, from domestic violence and sex trafficking to home foreclosures and prescription drug abuse, which is just as prevalent in the rurals as it is in urban Las Vegas and Reno.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/30/15]
Cortez Masto Spent Eight Years As Attorney General Working In A Bipartisan Manner To Fight Sex Trafficking, Sex Offenders, And Protect Seniors. “After five terms in the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid is leaving behind some pretty big shoes to fill. And so far there are three candidates hoping to do that. Of course the Democratic Party wants to see that seat stay blue. The Reid Machine is fully behind Catherine Cortez Masto, who spent 8 years as our Attorney General. There she fought sex trafficking, sex offenders and to protect senior citizens. She says bipartisanship politics is the key. ‘These are all areas I have a proven record of working on in a bipartisan manner. It is about building partnerships and coalitions. That’s what we need in Washington and I have a proven record to show I can do it,’ Cortez Masto said during a recent interview.” [KTVN, 2/1/16]
Cortez Masto Will Work In A Bipartisan Way To Expand The Middle Class, Increase The Minimum Wage, Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform And Ensure Nevadans Have Quality Access To Education. “Cortez Masto, the granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant, said she plans to work with both major political parties, if elected, and work on expanding the middle class, increase the minimum wage, pass comprehensive immigration reform and ensure Nevadans have quality access to education. ‘In contrast, my opponent, Republican Congressman Heck, votes with his Party 90 [percent] of the time and is part of the problem in Washington. Congressman Heck opposed comprehensive immigration reform, supports devastating cuts to education funding, and voted to tear families apart by defunding deferred action. The choice for Latino voters in Nevada is clear: while I will always stand with them, Congressman Heck stands with his Party in Washington.’” [Latin Post, 2/17/16]
Cortez Masto Will Fight For The Middle Class By Opposing Privatizing Social Security, Supporting A Minimum Wage Increase, And Avoid Free Trade Agreements.“‘Hopefully I can become Nevada’s first female senator,’ where she’s looking forward to taking on the challenge of Washington, D.C., Cortez Masto began saying. […] She spoke about her goals as U.S. senator, including to fight for the middle class, to keep Social Security from privatization, increase the minimum wage, keep jobs in the United States and avoid free trade agreements. ‘The next time you come to Washington, D.C., come to see me as your United States senator,’ she said.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 8/14/15]
Cortez Masto Said She Isn’t Concerned With Polls Or Pundits, She Wants To Talk With Nevadans About The Issues, Find Out What’s Important To Them, And Fight On Behalf Of Nevada. “Cortez Masto is not concerned about polls or pundits that call the race a toss-up. ‘Right now my focus is just on this race, it’s on getting out and talking to people about the issues,’ she said after the forum. ‘I came out early and rolled out my campaign on April 8 just for that reason. I wanted to make sure I was getting around the state, similar to what I did when I was attorney general, and continue to talk about the issues, to learn what’s important to them and the things that I want to fight for on their behalf.’” [Record-Courier, 8/14/15]
Cortez Masto: Nevada Needs A U.S. Senator Who Is Going To Work For The Best Interests Of The State. “Cortez Masto reached her term limit as attorney general last year and set her sights on another goal. ‘I have worked very hard on behalf of the state — on behalf of people, women, children, seniors — fighting on their behalf for businesses so that they can continue to grow. And that’s what we need in this state, somebody who is going to work on behalf of the best interests of this state as a United States senator.’” [Record-Courier,8/14/15]
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