Targeted Races
Porter (R-NV-3)
‘08 Election Status:
Re-election
Incumbent:
Jon Porter-R
Challenger:
‘06 Gov. nominee/state Sen. Alice Costandina "Dina" Titus
Year Elected:
2002
2006 Election %:
48.5%
2008 Cook Rating:
Toss Up (as of 9/11/08)
2008 Rothenberg Rating:
Lean Republican
2004 Presidential Vote:
50% Bush
Latino Population:
16%
Latino Voting Population:
12%
Candidate Websites:
RESULT: Dina Titus (D) 47% - Jon Porter (R) 42%
The Race:
Given the toss-up nature of his district and the constant influx of new residents, Representative Porter (R) cannot afford to rest on his heels. However, Democrats in the district have experienced turmoil in every election cycle since it was created in 2002, and this cycle is no exception. Party leaders had settled on high-profile local prosecutor Robert Daskas (D) as their preferred candidate, but he abruptly dropped out of the race without explanation in late April. The Democratic nominee, state Senator Dina Titus, was the Party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2006 and turned down a shot at Porter’s seat earlier. In the August primary, she “coasted to victory collecting 85 percent of the early returns." [AP, 8/13/08] Titus is well-known and may be able to raise money quickly. But given her late start, Rep. Porter probably has the advantage for now. [Roll Call, accessed 5/15/08] In May 2008, the Las Vegas Review Journal said, "the campaign is no longer about the state budget, it's about the Iraq war, the economy, health care and immigration reform." [Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/4/08]
The Porter Position:
MOVING TARGET. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Porter’s complicated position on immigration represents the tricky political dance many candidates, especially Republicans, are doing as they attempt to appeal to voters." [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06] In 2005, Porter voted for the House bill that would increase border and interior enforcement without addressing the situation of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants who live in the United States, H.R. 4437. The bill included a provision that would make illegal immigration a felony. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06] In 2006, Porter said he favored a plan that “considered” the concept of legal status for undocumented immigrants. He said, "I support looking at options at some point for the 12 million people living in the shadows. But there needs to be penalties for those who break the law." [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06; Las Vegas Sun, 9/17/06] In 2007, Porter said he opposed amnesty but supported a temporary guest worker program. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/18/07]
The Titus Position:
COMPREHENSIVE REFORMER. Although her current campaign website lists no immigration position, Titus was vocal on the issue during the 2006 governor’s race. Titus said then that undocumented immigrants should apply for a program that allows them to become citizens after waiting many years and clearing hurdles such as paying fines and back taxes. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06] During a September 2006 gubernatorial debate, Titus also signaled her support for the DREAM Act, a bill that would allow undocumented children to go on to college. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06] Despite allegations made by her opponent during a September 2006 gubernatorial debate, Titus has never been quoted as saying she favors driver’s licenses for undocumented workers; she has a record of opposing them, and there is no evidence she’s ever changed her position. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/1/06]
Longtime House members fight to hold seats in Pa
11/02/08 | Associated Press State & Local Wire | Facing their toughest re-election contests in years are Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a 12-term Democrat from the anthracite coal region in northeastern Pennsylvania…He's challenged by GOP rising star Lou Barletta, 52, the mayor of Hazleton. Barletta unsuccessfully challenged Kanjorski in 2002, but has since developed a national following for aggressively taking on illegal immigration in his hometown." | Read the story
GOP congressman running in changing Nev. district
10/28/08 | The Washington Times | The district's mood swing spells opportunity for Porter's opponent, Dina Titus, a longtime Democratic state legislator…In his first two terms, Porter supported most major Bush administration efforts, including the Bush tax cuts and the war in Iraq. He sided with hard-liners on immigration reform, and then realigned himself with a more moderate bill. | Read the story
Republican Porter running in shifting district
10/27/08 | Associated Press State & Local Wire | “…Since then, Porter has broken ranks with Republican leadership. In his first two terms, he supported most major Bush administration efforts, including the Bush tax cuts and the war in Iraq. He sided with hard-liners on immigration reform, and then realigned himself with a more moderate bill. Bush campaigned for Porter in 2006” | Read the story
Porter, Titus trade barbs in debate
10/24/08 | Associated Press State & Local Wire | The candidates traded barbs over the economy, social security, immigration and other issues in an occasionally testy exchange that at times put both on the defensive…On immigration, Porter advocated stronger border security, as well as a guest worker program that would allow immigrants already in the country to stay and work. Titus attacked Porter for voting against a bill she claimed would have increased the number of guards at the border. She suggested Porter was to blame for 'doing nothing about' a broken immigration system. | Read the story
Close races where immigration is an issue, or Latino and Immigrant voters could make the difference.
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Celinda Lake Lake Research Partners |
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Simon Rosenberg New Democratic Network |
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Pete Brodnitz Benenson Strategy Group |
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Frank Sharry America's Voice |