Mining for Support

Taking on mining co.'s last session comes back to haunt Horsford.

Monday, April 9, 2012 | 1:31 p.m.

NV Senate Maj. Leader Steven Horsford (D) "quickly put the mining industry in his sights last legislative session" in a bid to find "more money for education. ... So for four months, he worked to close tax loopholes exploited by the mining industry, argued for regulators to change the way they allow tax deductions for the industry, eliminated some deductions from state law and started the ball rolling on an initiative to eliminate the industry's tax protections enshrined in the state constitution. The effort netted more money for the state budget, but won him few friends in the industry."

"In Las Vegas, Horsford is a hero among progressives who have long thought the mining industry doesn't pay its fair share." But as he begins campaigning in NV-04, "Horsford is having to work to convince rural voters and the big mining companies that help fund" cong. campaigns "that he would be an advocate for the industry" in DC. "In Lyon, Nye and White Pine counties -- where the economy is heavily dependent on mining -- Horsford's crusade last session seemed aimed at the heart of their livelihood."

Lyon Co. Commis. Virgil Arellano (R): "I would say there is a lot of concern for Sen. Horsford's positions."

Nye Co. Commis. Lorinda Wichman (R): "Compare mining to any other business and they pay their fair share and then some. This is our golden goose. When you have problems with the budget, you don't whip the golden goose."

"Horsford is challenging that premise." Horsford: "I am a proponent of the mining industry who believes in fairness, equitability and transparency on that industry just like any other industry, like big banks or big oil. ... A lot of federal agencies have interaction with the mining industry. I will be a strong advocate to make sure the mining industry and their interests are protected and that we have a fair and equitable regulatory system in place" (Damon, Las Vegas Sun, 4/9).