For Immediate Release
September 16, 2016
Las Vegas, NV – Congressman Heck’s campaign recycled debunked attacks against Catherine Cortez Masto today in an ad. The truth: As Nevada’s Attorney General, Catherine Cortez Masto went to policy conferences to help combat human trafficking, drug trafficking, and transnational crime. In contrast, Congressman Heck has consistently voted to protect taxpayer perks for politicians like himself. Congressman Heck even voted to allow members of Congress to fly private jets on the taxpayers’ dime.
“For a politician who has spent his time in Washington voting to protect perks for politicians like himself, Congressman Heck’s latest ad is the height of hypocrisy,” said Zach Hudson, spokesperson for Catherine Cortez Masto for Senate. “As Attorney General, Catherine Cortez Masto went to policy conferences to help combat human trafficking and work with other countries to protect Nevadans from transnational crime. Meanwhile, in Washington, Congressman Heck voted for perks for politicians and to allow members of Congress to fly private jets while asking taxpayers to foot the bill.”
View the facts below:
HECK AD “OATH” NV – AD PUSHBACK 9/16/16
HECK: I’m Joe Heck, and I approve this message.
REALITY: CONGRESSMAN HECK HAS BEEN CALLED OUT RUNNING ADS THAT GO A BRIDGE TOO FAR AND DISTORTING FACTS
Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Steve Sebelius: “These 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]
ANNOUNCER: 460 days. Joe Heck spent 460 days on duty protecting us, including a tour of duty in Iraq saving the lives of American heroes.
FACT: CONGRESSMAN HECK VOTED SIXTEEN TIMES TO SHUTDOWN THE GOVERNMENT…
Politico: House Republicans Passed The Government Shutdown Bill. “Monday, Sept. 30: […] 8:41 p.m.: The House approves a new shutdown bill 228-201 with different demands on Obamacare. It would delay for a year the requirement that individuals purchase health insurance, and require members of Congress and their staff to pay the full cost of health insurance, without the government paying part of the costs. The measure bounces to the Senate.” [Politico, 10/1/13]
· Heck Voted For The Shutdown Bill. [CQ, 9/30/13; H J RES 59, Vote 504, 9/30/13]
Las Vegas Sun Blog: During Government Shutdown Heck “Touted The Republican Party Line Until The Last Minute.” In a blog for the Las Vegas Sun, Karoun Demirjian wrote, “On the other side are Gov. Brian Sandoval, who came out against the standoff early and forcefully, and Rep. Joe Heck, who touted the Republican Party line until the last minute, when he voted for the compromise. His prepared comments after suggested his heart had never been fully in the dragged-out fight. ‘As I have stated all along, the health care law must be repealed, repaired and replaced because of the burdens it places on individuals, families and businesses, but not at the expense of a prolonged government shutdown,’ Heck said in a statement. Sandoval and Heck are both up for re-election in 2014, meaning they will have the most work to do fending off Democratic attacks on the issue.” [Las Vegas Sun, Karoun Demirjian, 10/20/13]
Karoun Demirjian: “Throughout The Government Shutdown, U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., Held The Party Line.” In a blog for the Las Vegas Sun, Karoun Demirjian wrote, “Throughout the government shutdown, U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., held the party line, insisting that it was up to Democrats to compromise by curtailing some parts of Obamacare in exchange for a continuation of the budget and the government’s borrowing authority.” [Las Vegas Sun, Karoun Demirjian, 10/17/13]
Heck Called Government Shutdown “A Slowdown Of Non-Essential Government Services.” “No, no, you can’t get married in a national park like you’d planned. That’s the federal government’s message to a pair of European tourists who had planned a marriage and accompanying bike tour with a Las Vegas company, Escape Adventures. Congress shut down the U.S. government Oct. 1 because it didn’t pass a budget, and national parks are closed for business. […] Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., called the mess ‘a slowdown of non-essential government services’ in a video update posted on his congressional website, but it’s more than a slowdown for contractors and employees who aren’t drawing a paycheck.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/4/13]
Heck And House Republicans Voted Sixteen Times Against Efforts to Re-Open the Government. Heck and House Republicans voted sixteen times against efforts to vote on a clean government funding resolution by allowing consideration of the Senate-passed continuing resolution. [H Res 370, Vote 509, 10/02/13; HJ Res 70, Vote #512, 10/02/13; HR 3230, Vote #515, 10/03/13; HJ Res 72, Vote #517, 10/03/13; H Res 371, Vote #519, 10/04/13; HJ Res 85, Vote #521, 10/04/13; HJ Res 75, Vote #523, 10/04/13; H J Res 77, Vote #527, 10/7/13; HJ Res 84, Vote #529, 10/08/13; H Res 373, Vote #531, 10/08/13; HR 3273, Vote #533, 10/08/13; HJ Res 90, Vote #536, 10/09/13; HJ Res 79, Vote #539, 10/10/13; HJ Res 76, Vote #541, 10/11/13; HJ Res 80, Vote #547, 10/14/13; HJ Res 80, Vote #549, 10/14/13]
…AND HECK VOTED TO PROTECT HIS OWN PAYCHECK
Heck Voted Against Bill To Suspend Congressional Pay Until A Budget Is Passed. In January 2013, Heck voted against: “Passage of the bill that would suspend the limit on government borrowing through May 18, 2013 and then automatically increase the current $16.4 trillion ceiling to accommodate additional debt accumulated through that date. It also would suspend the salary payments to members in either chamber that does not adopt a fiscal 2014 budget resolution by April 15, 2013. Salaries of members of a chamber that do not adopt a budget by that time would be placed into an escrow account and would not be released until the chamber adopted a budget or until the last day of the 113th Congress, in January 2015.” [CQ, 1/23/13; H.R. 325, Vote 30, 1/23/13]
Washington Post: Nearly 250 Lawmakers Said They Would Not Accept Pay During The 2013 Government Shutdown – Heck Was Not One Of Them. In October 2013, Heck did not appear on the Washington Post list of members of Congress who refused pay during the government shutdown: “A little more than a week after we started asking, nearly 250 lawmakers have said they will not accept their pay for the length of the federal government shutdown. By law members of Congress and the president will continue being paid during the impasse because they are paid with mandatory funds, not discretionary spending dependent on annual appropriations.” [Washington Post, 10/10/13]
2011: Heck Opposed Additional Language To Block Pay Raise For Members of Congress. In 2011, Heck voted against “Van Hollen, D-Md., motion to recommit the bill to the Ways and Means Committee with instructions that it be reported back immediately with an amendment that would reduce the employee payroll tax rate to 3.1 percent in 2012. Beginning in 2012, it also would impose a 3.6 percent surtax on income over $1 million, which would be indexed to inflation. It also would direct the Securities and Exchange Commission within 270 days of the bill’s enactment to issue rules to prohibit the trading of commodities, securities or any related swaps or futures based on ‘material nonpublic information’ gained as a member or employee of Congress. The measure would require the disclosure of ‘political intelligence activities.’” “Section 5421(b)(1) of H.R. 3630, as introduced in the House, would have prohibited any adjustment for Members of Congress prior to December 31, 2013. Section 706 of the motion to recommit also contained language freezing Member pay.28 On December 13, 2011, the motion to recommit failed (183-244, roll call #922), and the bill passed the House (234-193, roll call #923).” The motion was rejected 183-244. [CQ, 12/13/11, HR 3630, Vote 922, 12/13/11; CRS Report, 12/23/15]
ANNOUNCER: At the same time, despite taking an oath to serve Nevadans,
FACT: LAW ENFORCEMENT UNIONS THAT ENCOMPASS ALMOST EVERY PEACE OFFICER IN NEVADA UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO FOR SENATE…
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]
…BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO FOUGHT TO KEEP NEVADANS SAFE AND BRING CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE
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.” [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]
Cortez Masto’s Bill Created New Tools For Law Enforcement To Stop Sex Trafficking And Gave More Recourse For Victims Of Sex Trafficking. According to a press release posted on the Mesquite Citizen website, “The bill was approved by unanimous votes of both houses of the legislature. The bill will now be sent to Governor Brian Sandoval’s for final approval. A public signing with Gov. Sandoval will take place. Background on AB 67: Changes the current pandering statute to the sex trafficking statute. The federal definition of sex trafficking will be used to increase penalties by one sentencing level. Creates law enforcement tools for racketeering, conspiracy, and wiretapping. Those convicted would have to register as a sex offender, and their assets will be seized, liquidated and provided as relief to the victims. Restitution will be mandatory with the ability to bring a civil cause of action. The prosecution will be allowed to preserve the victim’s testimony for trial.” [Mesquite Citizen, 6/3/13]
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]
Cortez Masto Often Visited Schools To Discuss Internet Dangers With Children. “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said she often visits schools to discuss the dangers of technology, especially on the Internet, where children might trust strangers and sometimes hide activity from parents. When Cortez Masto walks into a sixth-grade classroom, she said almost all students raise their hands when asked whether they own a cell phone, belong to a social network, play video games with strangers and share photographs online. ‘This is at the sixth grade,’ she said. ‘The technology these kids use have become an extension of their being.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/2/10]
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 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]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO LED THE CHARGE TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NEVADA
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]
Elko Daily Free Press: “Cortez Masto Has Been A Leading State Figure In The Fight Against Domestic Violence.” “Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto has been a leading state figure in the fight against domestic violence and is a member of Nevada’s domestic violence fatality review team, which releases its latest findings today. ‘Unfortunately for Nevada, we have been the leader, number one in the nation for the number of women who are murdered per capita by men with handguns. A majority of them are intimate relationships,’ Masto said. Washoe and Clark counties each have a domestic violence fatality review team, but domestic violence homicides aren’t limited to the state’s urban areas. ‘In the State of Nevada, domestic violence issues unfortunately exist in every community,’ Masto added.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 4/25/13]
Cortez Masto Focused On Domestic Violence Prevention In Nevada For Years And Fought For More State & Federal Funding For Victims. “‘People should understand that domestic violence crosses socioeconomic backgrounds, it could happen in any family and it could happen to anyone,’ explains Catherine Cortez Masto, former Nevada Attorney General. Cortez Masto focused on domestic violence prevention in Nevada for years and she says it comes down to educating the community in order to gain more support, ‘It is a lack of resources, not only do we have a lack of state funding we have a lack of federal funding. There is only so much that goes around to help individuals who are dealing with a domestic violence situation.’” [KRNV, 10/29/15]
Headline: Sparks Tribune: “Domestic Violence Gets A Closer Look.” [Sparks Tribune, 1/12/12]
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]
Cortez Masto Addressed Domestic Violence With Boy & Girl Scouts, And Her AG’s Office Help Create A Merit Badge Called “Peace Begins At Home.” “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto will address domestic violence when nearly 300 Boy Scouts gather Saturday for a Merit Badge Fair at Clayton Middle School in northwest Reno. Cortez-Masto’s office has worked with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to create a merit badge called ‘Peace Begins at Home,’ which teaches Scouts what to do if they see signs of abuse. ‘When I was running for attorney general, I named domestic violence and sexual assault as two of the top priorities for my office,’ Cortez-Masto said in a recent speech. ‘They still are, and we are actively working to raise awareness of the issues, ensure victim safety and improve offender accountability.’ She said more than 36,000 victims, including 16,000 children, in Nevada contacted agencies for assistance in 2010.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 3/25/11]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO CHAIRED THE STATE COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Cortez Masto Was The Chair Of The Nevada Council For The Prevention Of Domestic Violence. According to an article by Dave Maxwell of the Lincoln County Recorder, “State Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto chaired the quarterly meeting of the Nevada Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (NCPDV) Aug. 1 at the Rapport Executive Leadership Retreat facility in Alamo. The public was invited to attend. Cortez Masto said, ‘Domestic violence exists in every community in the state, and Nevada leads the nation, per capita, in the number of women who are murdered each year as a result of domestic violence.’” [Lincoln County Recorder, 8/12/13]
Headline: Lake Tahoe News: “Meth, Domestic Violence Top List Of Concerns For Nev. AG.” [Lake Tahoe News, 3/28/11]
Cortez Masto Ran For Attorney General To Address Issues, Including Domestic Violence, And Chaired Nevada’s Domestic Violence Prevention Council. “Masto, a native Nevadan, said she ran for Nevada attorney general because she saw so many issues that needed to be addressed at the state level. She took the oath of office in January 2007 for her first term and was sworn in Jan. 3, 2011, for her second term. Another issue facing the state is domestic violence, which impacts women and children as well as animals. Masto chairs the Domestic Violence Prevention Council. ‘Nevada leads the nation in the number of women murdered through domestic violence. My office has put together a Fatality Review Team and we have a prosecutor on staff. There is a need to understand what is means to be a domestic violence victim. It includes a cycle of violence and is a control issue,’ she said.” [Lake Tahoe News, 3/28/11]
Cortez Masto: Survivors Provide An Important Voice On State Committee For Domestic Violence. “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto is inviting former victims of domestic violence to apply for a vacant position on the state Committee on Domestic Violence. Masto says survivors provide an important voice for the nine-member committee. It oversees treatment programs for people who commit domestic violence. Members include a mental health professional, law enforcer, prosecutor, advocate, judge and domestic violence victims and survivors.” [Associated Press, 5/7/14]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO’S OFFICE FOUGHT FOR AND SECURED FUNDING TO COMBAT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Headline: Las Vegas Sun: “Marriage License Fee Hike Would Fund Domestic Violence Programs.” [Las Vegas Sun, 3/9/09]
AG Cortez Masto Testified In Support Of SB 14 That Would Increase Marriage License Fee From $20 To $25 To Fund Programs That Combat Domestic Violence. “Half of all Clark County homicides are related to domestic violence, Attorney General Catherine Masto told a legislative committee Monday. Masto was testifying before the Senate Finance Committee in support of a bill to raise the marriage license fee to fund programs to combat domestic violence. Senate Bill 14 would boost the marriage license fee from $20 to $25. The cost of a license now is $55, of which $20 of that goes to domestic violence programs that provide shelter, hot lines and support groups.” [Las Vegas Sun, 3/9/09]
· Cortez Masto: Safety Is Enhanced When Individuals Have Access To Hotlines, Shelters, Support Groups And The Variety Of Services Available Through Local Programs. “As the State’s leading law enforcement agency, we have been instrumental in development of law enforcement protocols and training curriculum and have worked with prosecutors and courts to identify barriers. There are many barriers to be addressed. They include safety for domestic violence victims and accountability for their offenders. Safety is enhanced when individuals have access to hotlines, shelters, support groups and the variety of services available through local programs.” [Senate Finance Committee Minutes, 3/9/09]
· Nevada Legislature Passed SB 14 And Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons Signed The Bill Into Law In May 2009. [SB 14, Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau, Legislative History]
Nevada Received About $1.25 Million For STOP Officer Training And Nearly $250,000 For Sexual Assault Victim Service Providers. In February 2014, Cortez Masto press release stated, “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announces the awarding of $1,265,124 in Services Training Officers Prosecution (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant funding and $247,954 in Sexual Assault Service Provider Formula Grant funding (SASP) for Calendar Year 2014. ‘We are excited to financially back the agencies that do so much for our community and provide services to victims of sexual and domestic violence,’ said Masto. Forty-seven agencies received grant awards to fund services provided to victims of sexual and domestic violence, as well as law enforcement and prosecution efforts to combat domestic violence and court compliance projects throughout Nev. A list of the STOP and SASP grantees is available on our website, ag.nv.gov.” [Nevada Attorney General press release, 2/14/14]
AG Cortez Masto’s Office Received $167,000 Grant From Sexual Assault Service Providers Program. “The Department of Justice has awarded the Nevada Attorney general’s Office a $167,371 grant from the Sexual Assault Service Providers grant Program (SASP.) This is the second grant the Nevada Attorney general’s Office has received for SASP. SASP directs grant dollars to States and Territories to assist in supporting rape crisis centers and other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide core services, direct intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault. ‘These grant dollars are directed to those organizations and agencies dealing with victims of sexual as-sault,’ said Attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto. ‘These vital services are often underfunded and the Federal dollars will help these organizations in their important work.’ SASP is the first Federal funding stream solely dedicated to the provision of direct intervention and related assistance for victims of sexual assault. Five funding streams are directed toward States and Territories; tribes; state sexual assault coalitions; tribal sexual assault coalitions; and culturally specific organizations.” [Comstock Chronicle, 11/5/10]
Cortez Masto Awarded Funds To Domestic Violence And Abuse Crisis Centers Across The State. “In September the Office of the Attorney general awarded funds from the initial 2009 SASP grant of $239,352 to Nye County’s no to Abuse; Washoe County’s HAWC Community Health Center; Clark County’s Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada and The Shade Tree; Humboldt County’s Winnemucca Domestic Violence Shelter; and the Family Support Council of Douglas County. Other agencies that will also receive funds from this initial grant beginning January 2011 are the Crisis Call Center, the Rape Crisis Center, the Domestic Violence Intervention of Churchill County and AlIVE of Lyon County. Solicitation for next year’s cycle of SASP subgrant applications which will reflect the $167,371 funding will be advertised in late 2011 with awards to be granted for 2012. Nevada’s SASP grant awards will be administered and overseen by the Office of the Attorney general.” [Comstock Chronicle, 11/5/10]
Headline: Associated Press: “NV Gets Nearly $1.5M Violence Against Women Grant.” [Associated Press, 10/27/10]
AG Cortez Masto’s Office Received $1.5 Million STOP Violence Against Women Grant For Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Victim Services And Courts. “The Nevada state attorney general’s office says it has received a nearly $1.5 million federal Justice Department grant for STOP Violence Against Women programs. Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said in a statement that sub-grants will be awarded by the end of the year in categories including law enforcement, prosecution, victim services and courts. Federal pass-through grants to the states were authorized by Congress in the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. Masto says the program aims to identify and support programs to reduce violent crimes against women and to bolster services for victims. Recipients are required to submit financial, administrative and program reports to the government to maintain grant funding.” [Associated Press, 10/27/10]
Headline: Associated Press: “Nev. Agencies Get $1.2M For Anti-Violence Programs.” [Associated Press, 6/30/09]
AG Cortez Masto Allotted $1.2 Million In Recovery Act Funds To STOP Violence Against Women Programs. “More than two dozen agencies across Nevada will receive more than $1.2 million for programs to reduce violence against women. Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said Tuesday the money under the Recovery Act STOP violence Against Women grant program will create or retain the equivalent of 17.5 full-time positions in 28 agencies in the state. Nevada has been allotted economic stimulus funds for programs that meet federal and state objectives of the grant program. The attorney general’s office will administer the grant money to Nevada programs. The STOP Violence Against Women Program encourages the development of ways to combat violent crimes against women.” [Associated Press, 6/30/09]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO S.T.O.P. GRANT FUNDED SPARKS PROSECUTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND DUI’S
AG Cortez Masto Announced $12,000 STOP Grant For Sparks City Attorney Office Victim Advocate Program To Support Prosecution Of Domestic Violence And DUIs. “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto will formally announce the award of $12,000 to the Victim Advocate’s program for the Sparks City Attorney’s Office at 3 p.m. Friday in Sparks City Council chambers at 745 4th St. The award is part of the Attorney General’s S.T.O.P. (Service, Training, Officers, Prosecution) Grant Pro-gram, intended to provide support and recognition to Nevada’s victims of domestic violence, as well as assisting in the prosecution of those who commit crimes of domestic violence. The S.T.O.P. Grant is part of the Sparks city attorney’s efforts to combat recent budget cuts by securing alternate funding sources to support the city’s prosecution of domestic violence crimes and DUIs. ‘Our successful prosecution of domestic violence crimes is three times higher than the national average. I refuse to allow this extremely effective program from being lost because of budget cuts,’ Sparks City Attorney Chet Adams said.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 8/7/08]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO V.A.W.A. GRANT FUNDED PROSECUTOR FOR NYE COUNTY
Headline: Pahrump Valley Times: “New County Prosecutor On Loan From AG’s Office.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 9/7/11]
Cortez Masto Loaned Prosecutor To Nye County To Combat Domestic And Sexual Assault Cases With VAWA Grant. “The Nye County District Attorney’s Office welcomed a new prosecutor into the fold. The addition helps ease the caseload of the office’s already stretched staff. Deputy Attorney General Ross Armstrong will serve as a tri-county prosecutor in Nye, Mineral and Esmeralda counties. Nye County District Attorney Brian Kunzi said Armstrong’s tenure is being funded by a grant. ‘The attorney general actually has a grant called the ‘Violence Against Women Act,’’ he said, referring to the program that was used to bring in Armstrong. […] In a press release, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said prosecuting domestic and sexual assault cases is a huge priority in Nevada. ‘The goal of this project is to deliver the message to potential perpetrators in Esmeralda, Mineral and Nye counties that domestic violence and sexual assault will not be tolerated,’ she said.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 9/7/11]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO SOUGHT TO HELP FIND ELKO LAWYERS TO FIGHT DOMESTIC ABUSE
Headline: Associated Press: “AG Hears Of Elko Pro Bono Divorce Lawyer Shortage.” [Associated Press, 7/16/10]
AG Cortez Masto Said She Would Help Find Family Practice Lawyers To Help Elko Victims Of Abusive Husbands. “Nevada state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto says she’ll help try to find family practice lawyers in northeast Nevada willing to donate time to help domestic violence victims divorce abusive husbands. Masto said Thursday during a Nevada Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence meeting in Elko that the need for lawyers to help victims should be brought up at a family law conference. Elko-based Committee Against Domestic Violence staff member Pam Lansford told the panel there aren’t any pro bono divorce attorneys in Elko County willing to work free or on sliding fee scale. Lansford says stay-at-home mothers are often at a disadvantage in divorces because they don’t have money, while abusive husbands who work can hire lawyers.” [Associated Press, 7/16/10]
Headline: Elko Daily Free Press: “Victims Need Affordable Lawyers: AG Will Look Into Attorney Issue In Elko.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 7/15/10]
AG Cortez Masto Planned To Find Solution To Need For Elko Lawyers To Fight Domestic Abuse. “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said Thursday she plans to look for a solution to Elko’s lack of family practice lawyers willing to help domestic violence victims divorce their abusers. ‘This was the first time I had heard about the lack of family law attorneys. I will reach out to the family section of the state bar,’ she said after chairing a meeting in Elko on domestic violence. She said the Nevada Council for the Prevention of Domestic Violence comes to rural communities once a year to hear about their issues, which usually center on lack of funding and lack of professionals. ‘Once we know about issues, we can find solutions,’ Cortez Masto said.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 7/15/10]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO’S OFFICE FUNDED WEST WENDOVER VICTIM ADVOCATE
Cortez Masto’s AG Office Provided $46,000 Per Year Grant To West Wendover Victim Advocate. “The council also held a town meeting Wednesday in West Wendover, and Cortez Masto said there was a good turnout. Kareen Prentice, domestic violence ombudsman for the attorney general’s office, said West Wendover is receiving a grant for a victim advocate. The grant is $46,900 a year for two years. Along other lines, the council agreed Thursday to seek legislation to change the law creating the council to state that its focus covers sexual assault, as well as domestic violence. ‘We’re just adding what we already do,’ Cortez Masto said.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 7/15/10]
FACT: CORTEZ MASTO’S OFFICE DEVELOPED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
AG Cortez Masto’s Office Developed Training Program To Help Police Officers Investigate Domestic Violence Offenses. “Nevada has developed a training program to help officers investigate domestic violence offenses. Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said the training program, which will be distributed to law enforcement agencies across the state, is one of two new programs Nevada has begun to provide more assistance to victims of domestic violence. One program will assist law enforcement with training, and the other will help Nevada prosecutors in handling domestic violence cases. The key is coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates and treatment providers to help the victims and stop the cycle of violence, said the attorney general. The Attorney General’s Office will distribute 300 training disks to law enforcement agencies in Nevada The attorney general and the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training developed the CD, entitled ‘Domestic Violence & Elder Abuse Investigations.’” [Crime Control Digest, 10/26/07]
Headline: Associated Press: “Nevada Official Unveils Programs To Fight Domestic Abuse.” [Associated Press, 10/5/07]
Cortez Masto’s AG Office Produced Training Programs For Law Enforcement And Prosecutors Handling Domestic Violence Cases. “Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced two new programs aimed at helping domestic violence victims in Nevada, which leads the nation in the number of domestic violence deaths per capita in 2005. Cortez Masto said Thursday that one program will assist law enforcement with training and that the other will help Nevada prosecutors in handling domestic violence cases. ‘We should be doing so much more and so much better for Nevada’s families,’ Cortez Masto said, adding that the key is coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates and treatment providers. Law enforcement will be helped with an interactive training CD called ‘Domestic Violence & Elder Abuse Investigations.’ The CD was put together by the attorney general’s office, the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards Training, or POST, and various agencies and groups within the city of Henderson. The 300 training discs will be used by more than 16,000 law enforcement officials across the state.” [Associated Press, 10/5/07]
ANNOUNCER: Cortez Masto spent 174 days on special interest and taxpayer funded trips. Switzerland, Argentina, Hawaii, all with lobbyists and corporate donors.
THE TRUTH: CORTEZ MASTO RELATIONSHIPS WITH HER FELLOW ATTORNEYS GENERAL HELPED FIGHT ORGANIZED CRIME, SEX TRAFFICKING, AND SERVE JUSTICE TO CRIMINALS WHO FLED THE LAW
CORTEZ MASTO WORKED WITH MEXICAN COUNTERPARTS TO FIGHT TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME
AG Cortez Masto Announced Nevada And Mexican States Signed Agreement To Share Intelligence And Investigative Techniques To Fight Drug Dealing, Money Laundering, And Human Trafficking. “The attorneys general from Nevada and two Mexican states have signed an agreement to share intelligence and investigative techniques. Mexican state attorneys general Rommel Manjarrez from Baja California and Patricia Gonzalez from Chihuahua pledged with Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto on Monday in Las Vegas to target cross-border drug dealing, money laundering and human trafficking. ‘The state I come from is a border state. We have drug cartels, and we’re trying to control that situation,’ Gonzalez said through an interpreter. ‘My state is trying with all its efforts to work with the government and get it under the control.’ Chihuahua and Baja have signed similar agreements with New Mexico and Oregon, the officials said. A plan to sign the information-sharing agreement between Nevada and the two Mexico states was postponed Nov. 7 after a rash of killings in Baja California.” [Associated Press, 12/16/08]
· The Agreement Came From CWAG & NAAG Effort Develop Rule Of Law Internationally And Allowed For Sharing Information About Criminal Fugitives. “Nevada does not border Mexico, but authorities say smuggled methamphetamine and other drugs reach the state. Cortez Masto said money also is laundered in Las Vegas and returned to Mexico. ‘There is a nexus with Nevada,’ she said. The agreement will let Nevada law enforcers teach Mexican police how to conduct forensic investigations, collect evidence and prosecute criminal cases, officials said. The two Mexican states will agree to share information about criminal fugitives who might be in the United States, create a task force to combat human trafficking, and guarantee the presence of Spanish and English interpreters when needed. The alliance grew from an effort by the Conference of Western Attorneys General, the National Association of Attorneys General and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Rule of Law project.” [Associated Press, 12/16/08]
· AG Cortez Masto Also Cited Crime-Fighting Pledge From Mexican President Felipe Calderon After 6-Year-Old Las Vegas Boy Was Abducted. “Cortez Masto on Monday also cited a crime-fighting pledge by Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and said talks with the Mexican states began before a 6-year-old Las Vegas boy was abducted Oct. 15. Las Vegas police identified the boy’ kidnappers as ‘Mexican nationals’ and methamphetamine traffickers trying to collect a drug debt from the boy’s grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer. Tinnemeyer was arrested in California and is being held in federal custody in Las Vegas pending a March 2 hearing in U.S. District Court. Police are still looking for the kidnappers.” [Associated Press, 12/16/08]
Fox Local News: “Nevada’s Attorney General Is Going To Help In The Fight Against International Organized Crime.” In December 2008, Fox News at 10pm reported, “Nevada’s attorney general is going to help in the fight against international organized crime. Catherine Cortez Masto met her counterparts from Baja California and Mexico today at the grant sawyer building. They discussed details of the new agreement.. Which includes updating Mexico’s criminal investigation process.” [KVVU, 12/15/08]
CORTEZ MASTO RELATIONSHIPS HELPED SEEK ASSISTANCE TO CAPTURE ALLEGED NEVADA MURDERER IN MEXICO
Headline: Las Vegas Review-Journal: “Masto Says Trip To Mexico To Help Battle Transnational Organized Crime.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/26/14]
Headline: Elko Daily Free Press: “Alleged Killer Estrada-Puentes Extradited To Nevada.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 10/23/15]
Cortez Masto: These Relationships Have Allowed Nevada To Seek Assistance From Mexico To Find Eduardo Estrada, Who Is Alleged To Have Killed His Estranged Wife, Stephanie Gonzalez Estrada, In Elko In 2011. “Those relationships now extend to federal Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam as well after a positive meeting with him during the trip, Masto said Wednesday after returning to Las Vegas. These relationships have allowed Masto to seek assistance from the attorney general of Jalisco as well as Karam to try to find Eduardo Estrada, who is alleged to have killed his estranged wife, Stephanie Gonzalez Estrada, in Elko in 2011. Estrada has family in Jalisco and is believed to be residing there. The purpose of the yearly trip by the Conference of Western Attorneys General was to enhance efforts to combat crime across the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on drug and human trafficking and cybercrime, as well as money laundering.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/26/14]
Elko Justice Court Charged Eduardo Estrada With Murdering His Wife And He Fled To Mexico To Avoid Prosecution. “Elko Police Chief Ben Reed said Estrada was arrested by local authorities Sunday near the city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was apparently involved in a fight, which led to the arrest, but Elko police do not have more details, Reed said. Local law enforcement received news of Estrada’s arrest at about 9 p.m. Sunday. Federal authorities have him in custody, Reed said. The next step is extradition proceedings, a process that will be slow-moving, Reed said. ‘We’ve been advised already that it will be a months-long process,’ Reed said. ‘… I don’t want to speculate as to how or when. I just want to say he’s in custody.’ Elko Police Lt. Rich Genseal said extradition could take from six months to two years. Gonzalez was killed on June 25, 2011. Four days later, Estrada was charged with murder in Elko Justice Court and a state warrant was issued for his arrest. Then on July 8, 2011, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court in Nevada. Estrada was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 10/27/14]
Mexican Government Granted The Extradition Of Eduardo Estrada-Puentes Back To The United States To Stand Trial For Murder After Spending A Year In Custody In Mexico. “Eduardo Estrada-Puentes, who is accused of murdering Stephanie Gonzalez, has been extradited from Mexico and is in Washoe County Jail, said Police Chief Ben Reed. ‘The Mexican Federal Government granted the extradition back to the United States to stand trial for murder,’ said Reed. Reed explained this case has spanned the local, state, national and international levels. Estrada-Puentes was brought to Reno Thursday by the FBI, before being transported to Washoe County and booked on the Elko County Warrant. Local police anticipate his transfer to Elko sometime next week, said Reed. ‘All the appropriate local authorities have been notified, and now the wheels will start to turn here locally…,’ said Reed. Estrada-Puentes is accused of killing his estranged wife, Stephanie Gonzalez, on June 25, 2011. Soon after Estrada-Puentes fled to Mexico, where, with the help of the FBI and Mexican federal authorities, he was located and spent the past year in custody in Mexico City – where he underwent extradition hearings.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 10/23/15]
Elko Authorities Charged Eduardo Estrada-Puentes With First Degree Murder After He Was Arrested In Mexico And Extradited Back To The United States. “In a case delayed by extradition, law enforcement confirmed that Eduardo Estrada-Puentes was transferred to the Elko County Jail Thursday afternoon. He is charged with open murder. This can include first degree murder and all lesser offenses. Estrada-Puentes, 34, is accused of strangling his estranged wife, Stephanie Gonzalez, on June 25, 2011. Soon after Estrada-Puentes fled to Mexico. With the help of the FBI and Mexican federal authorities, he was located and arrested in the State of Jalisco. Estrada-Puentes spent the past year in custody in Mexico City, where he underwent extradition hearings. Estrada-Puentes is scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday before Justice of the Peace Mason Simons.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 10/31/15]
CORTEZ MASTO SHARED NEVADA’S PROGRESS FIGHTING SEX TRAFFICKING AT THE UNITED NATIONS
Cortez Masto Traveled To Geneva, Switzerland To Update U.N. Committee Of Efforts To Combat Sex Trafficking And Prevent Exploitation Of Children In Nevada. “Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto will travel to Geneva, Switzerland this week to update a United nations committee on efforts to combat sex trafficking and to prevent the exploitation of children in Nevada. ‘I continue with my efforts to combat the sex trafficking of both adults and children in Nevada,’ said Masto. This address comes on the heels of AG Masto’s sex trafficking summit in Las Vegas last week. The topics of discussion at the summit included how to advance enforcement responses, enhance victim services and empower survivors.” [Comstock Chronicle, 1/18/13]
Cortez Masto Persuaded Lawmakers To Pass A New Statute Toughening Punishment For Sex Traffickers. “An attorney general can also take on a wide variety of projects. Masto sued Bank of America in 2010 over mortgage modifications, and last year she persuaded lawmakers to pass a new statute that toughens punishment for sex traffickers.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/2/14]
Cortez Masto Bill Established Crime Of Sex Trafficking, Made Victims Eligible For State Assistance, And Allowed Victims To Sue Their Traffickers. “Nevada AG Catherine Cortez Masto has made it her priority to come down tough on sex and human traffickers. During the 2013 Legislative Session, she introduced and helped pass Assembly Bill 67, which establishes the crime of sex trafficking of children and adults, makes victims eligible for state assistance and allows them to sue their traffickers. The bill, which became effective July 1, 2013, also increases the penalties for those found guilty of human and sex trafficking.” [Laughlin Nevada Times, 2/12/14]
THE TRUTH: CORTEZ MASTO ATTENDED BIPARTISAN POLICY CONFERENCES TO SHARE CRIME FIGHTING PRACTICES AND BUILD WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH ATTORNEYS GENERAL
As Attorney General, Cortez Masto Attended Policy Conferences And Worked With Colleagues To Shed Light On Legal Issues Attorneys General Face. “Nevada Attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto will serve as the 2012-2013 chair for the Conference of Western Attorneys general (CWAG) following a ceremony during the annual meeting held in Anaheim, Calif. ‘It is an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the Conference of Western Attorneys general,’ said Masto. ‘I look forward to continuing my efforts with CWAG in the upcoming year and working with my colleagues to shed light on issues that we face.’ Masto, who will serve as chair through July 2013, was the 2011-2012 CWAG Vice Chair. Her role marks only the third time in the organization’s 44-year history that a Nevada attorney general has held the position. Frankie Sue Del Papa served as the most recent CWAG chair from 1994-1995.” [Nevada Attorney General press release, 7/26/12]
CWAG Is A Bipartisan Group Of Chief Legal Officers Whose Primary Function Is A Forum To Coordinate Action, Share Best Practices, Facilitate Working Relationships, And Enhance Expertise. “The Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) is a bipartisan group comprised of the chief legal officers of 15 western states and three Pacific territories. […] CWAG’s primary function is to provide a forum for chief legal officers of member states and jurisdictions to cultivate knowledge, cooperate on concerns and coordinate actions which improve the quality of legal services available to members. CWAG focuses on common areas of interest to the west: water, fish and wildlife, public lands, minerals, environmental protection and Indian Law. Interest in the organization has been generated from states, countries and individuals from outside the west due to the evolution of the law on these matters and the universality of many of these issues. Since 1982 CWAG has employed its own staff to coordinate litigation, legislative efforts and information to assist western states on both regional and national levels. CWAG provides assistance to members by serving as a central clearinghouse for information and legal strategies, facilitating interstate working relationships and enhancing expertise by providing timely information.” [Conference of Western Attorneys General, Mission, Accessed 12/14/15]
REALITY: CORTEZ MASTO SPENT LESS ON OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL THAN REPUBLICAN ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Cortez Masto’s Fiscal Biennium Out-Of-State Travel Budget Averaged $17,353 During Her Two Terms As Attorney General. According to an analysis of Open Nevada, the state’s transparency website, between FY2008 and FY2015, Cortez Masto’s office spent an average of $17,353 on out-of-state travel. [Open Nevada, Office Of Attorney General Travel Budget, Accessed 12/14/15]
Republican Adam Laxalt’s Office Budgeted $21,682 For His First Biennium Budget As Attorney General For Out-Of-State Travel. According to an analysis of Open Nevada, the state’s transparency website, Adam Laxalt’s first two year fiscal budget, FY2016-FY2017, allocated $21,682 for out-of-state travel. [Open Nevada, Office Of Attorney General Travel Budget, Accessed 12/14/15]
Republican George Chanos Spent $20,524 During His Biennium Budget As Attorney General For Out-Of-State Travel. According to an analysis of Open Nevada, the state’s transparency website, Republican Attorney General George Chanos spent $20,524 on out-of-state travel during his 2 year tenure of FY2006-FY2007. [Open Nevada, Office Of Attorney General Travel Budget, Accessed 12/14/15]
REALITY: REPUBLICAN ATTORNEYS GENERAL HAVE ALSO ATTENDED SIMILAR POLICY CONFERENCES…
June 2009-December 2010: Sullivan Took $15,131 Worth Of Taxpayer-Funded Out-Of-State Travel, Including Trips To NAAG And CWAG Conferences. [Dan Sullivan Compensation and Travel Report, 2009; 2010]
2011-2014: Republican AG Pam Bondi Took $14,000 For NAAG And CWAG Trips. “She has charged Florida taxpayers nearly $14,000 since 2011 to take additional trips to meetings of the National Association of Attorneys General and the Conference of Western Attorneys General, including travel to Hawaii. Those events were also attended by dozens of lobbyists. Ms. Bondi, in a statement, said the support she had received — directly or through the Republican Attorneys General Association — had not had an impact on any of her actions as attorney general.” [New York Times, 10/28/14]
June 2009: Kelly Ayotte Was Appointed To Serve NAAG Executive Committee. In June 2009, NAAG newsletter stated: “The Association elects its officers yearly, through geographical rotation by region. Election of the four officers—president, president-elect, vice president and immediate past president—takes place at the annual NAAG Summer Meeting. The president appoints all standing and special committee chairs. Committees are charged with studying all substantive matters within their jurisdiction and recommending policy positions and other matters to the Attorneys General for action by the full Association. The Executive Committee is charged with the management of Association operations and yearly approval of a program plan of goals, objectives, and activities to guide its work. The Executive Committee comprises the four NAAG officers, four regional delegates and three presidential appointees and the chair of the NAAG Mission Foundation, which supports the work of the Association. The 2009-2010 NAAG Executive Committee consists of the following Attorneys General: […] Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Presidential Appointment.” [NAAGazette, 6/30/09]
…INCLUDING NEVADA’S CURRENT REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY GENERAL
June 21-24, 2014: Adam Laxalt Attended RAGA Summer Meeting In Coronado, CA. [2014 RAGA Summer Meeting Attendance List, Accessed 12/21/15]
RAGA Spent Nearly $2.5 Million To Help Adam Laxalt Defeat Ross Miller. “The Republican Attorneys General Association has pumped another $500,000 into its TV ad buy in Nevada — for a total of nearly $2.5 million — to help Adam Laxalt defeat Democrat Ross Miller in the attorney general’s race as a new internal poll shows the contest in a dead heat, a GOP official said Thursday.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/23/14]
ANNOUNCER: Some people give, others take.
THE TRUTH: CORTEZ MASTO CUT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BUDGET BY 30 PERCENT…
Cortez Masto C