Nevada Derby Update

Major developments in the race to replace Harry Reid in the United States Senate over the past week. Updated odds on various candidates based on both getting into the race and nabbing the GOP nomination:

Sharron Angle (2-1): Only candidate to announce an exploratory committee for the race who isn’t presently under indictment. That fact alone puts her at the head of the pack. Solid consevative bona fides with GOP rank-and-file who vote in primaries. Strong organizational skills.

John Chachas (3-1): Meeting with and impressing GOP brass in Nevada and DC. Deep family roots/name ID in Ely. Has seed money to buy credibility which begets more money. But would have to overcome the “carpet-bagger” label as he and family now reside in New York.

Dean Heller (4-1): The conservative congressman would be the strongest challenger the GOP could put on the track. But is he willing to make the run? Word on the street is that the answer has moved in recent weeks from “no” to “maybe.” A grassroots draft push could push him to enter the field – which likely would clear the field.

Sue Lowden (7-1): GOP chief would likely only enter the race if no credible alternatives came forward. Now that a number have, she can stop sweating. At least for now.

Brian Krolicki (10-1): Still has interest, fire in the belly and maybe the ability to tap into McCain/Romney money circles – but not as long as indictment hangs over his head. The longer the case remains unresolved, the less likely the likable lieutenant governor makes the race, let alone wins the roses.

Greg Brower (15-1): Failure to post at any of the rural Lincoln Day dinners, even as just a guest, indicates a less-than-enthusiastic interest in the race.

Mark Amodei (20-1): Has expressed some interest but not a fire in the belly or financial resources. A constitutional office bid, maybe attorney general, is more likely for the well-liked but term-limited state senator.

Dema Guinn (1,000-1): I’m just putting the former First Lady’s name in here to see if she’s still reading my newsletters from her winter vacation casa on the beach in California. Dema, call me. I need some interior decorating help!