Sun, Nov 23, 2008

Nation

Term limits keep 21 off ballot

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.26.2008
CARSON CITY, Nev. — In two rulings issued a day before the start of Nevada's early voting, the state Supreme Court held Friday that at least 21 veteran public officials have completed 12 years in office and can't seek re-election this year.
The decisions protect long-term state legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, and Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, even though they have served 12 years or more.
The rulings mean that any votes cast for incumbents such as Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, a 27-year fixture on the powerful commission who already has spent more than $200,000 in his bid for another term, can't be counted.
The high court said the Nevada Constitution "plainly states" that officials can't serve more than 12 years, under terms of the limits on length of office approved by voters in 1996.