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Oct. 14, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Lawsuit targets teachers

Ex-state senator says union defamed her

By SEAN WHALEY
REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- A former state lawmaker has filed a lawsuit in Clark County District Court alleging she was defamed by the state teachers union in campaign mailers sent out in her failed 2006 re-election bid.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this month by former state Sen. Sandra Tiffany, a Republican from Henderson.

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    • She said in the lawsuit against the Nevada State Education Association that campaign mailers suggesting wrongly that she could go to prison for an ethics violation cost her the election.

    Tiffany lost to political newcomer and Democrat Joyce Woodhouse, a retired long-time Clark County teacher and administrator, in the Senate 5 race.

    At the time of the election, Tiffany was facing an inquiry by the state Ethics Commission into whether she used her position as a lawmaker to gain information about online government auctions in other states to benefit her own business.

    She admitted to two willful violations in December 2006, and after her election loss she paid a $10,000 fine.

    In her complaint, Tiffany said the teachers union defamed her by falsely claiming in mailers she engaged in acts that could result in felony criminal charges and that she "would be incarcerated in state prison" for the alleged ethics violations.

    Tiffany said Monday she wants compensation in excess of $10,000 and attorneys fees.

    "I've been in a lot of tough races and slung some mud myself, but these mailers had me going to state prison," she said. "With an ethics complaint the most you can get is a fine. So they willingly knew what they were doing."

    Tiffany, who said she has no plans to return to public office, said she is serious about the lawsuit.

    "This is defamation," she said. "We're not kidding around here. Yes we want compensation and we want the teachers union to know they can't do that to people. They can't go that far over the line."

    Tiffany said she thought about the idea of filing a lawsuit for a long time before going forward. There was no political reason for filing the complaint in the midst of the 2008 election season, she said.

    Teachers association officials had not seen the lawsuit and had no comment Monday.

    Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900.

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    CAS127 wrote on October 14, 2008 04:15 PM: Don't cross the overlords in the public sector unions.


    ron k wrote on October 14, 2008 09:32 AM: I see that NRS 11.190 section 4 (c), "periods of limitation" requires action to commence on libel issues within 2 years. So when did the fliers go out in 2006? It had to have been BEFORE October 6, 2006.


    Wayne wrote on October 14, 2008 08:09 AM: Tiffany subscribes to the political philosophy of "Where's Mine?" and as such she wants to reclaim the $10K she spent in fines for her corrupt behavior. She's a typical corrupt politician. Perhaps she should read Warren's novel _All the King's Men_. She would then see a picture of herself in the guise of the main character. Best of luck Sandy....


    2zero wrote on October 14, 2008 08:03 AM: Tiffany was dead on right in her efforts to decentralize the failing Clark County School District monopoly!

    The CCSD Board and administration is as inept as it gets! Our children are losing and we all suffer the consequences!

    The teachers union is a cartel that promotes less work for more pay...no merit just tenure. I am not sure which is worse the Board, Administration or the Union.

    Tiffany had it right, unfortunately she let her mental disorder "narcissism" greed and corruption bring her down.

    Ever session she showed up with a new face lift. Got to the point she had to cross her legs to keep her mouth shut.

    Nevada we need new leaders: THBO!


    rb wrote on October 14, 2008 07:26 AM: If the fourth estate (the Press) was really doing it job it should and would evaluate EVERY campaign claim as to its HONESTY. The public deserves a reasonable chance to known the truth which is very lacking in most campaigns. Given the truth, most voters will make the best decision for themselves. Existing campaign practice rewards lies and dishonesty - what a great lesson to teach our children. Come on RJ lead the way with a daily column the honesty factor in campaign materials. Start a national trend to revive the integrity of the press. The broadcast media is too biased to ever regain creditability, you can do it.


    wildbill wrote on October 14, 2008 07:10 AM: Hard to claim defamation when you have defamed YOURSELF. What a scumbag...glad she lost, nolet's hope she just dissapears....


    q wrote on October 14, 2008 07:03 AM: Go Girl, get rid of the teachers unions, all of them.


    Mama Bear wrote on October 14, 2008 07:03 AM: Just another member of the self-centered and corrupt GOP (Graft On Parade) complaining because they got caught.

    With the GOP it's always another person's fault for their bad behavior. That is so ghetto!!


    DJ wrote on October 14, 2008 06:34 AM: At the time of the election, Tiffany was facing an inquiry by the state Ethics Commission into whether she used her position as a lawmaker to gain information about online government auctions in other states to benefit her own business.

    She admitted to two willful violations in December 2006, and after her election loss she paid a $10,000 fine.

    Jail time would have been more appropriate.

    Get lost Tiffany. Maybe, the public should seek criminal charges against you for abusing your office.


    huh? wrote on October 14, 2008 05:45 AM: Build a bridge and get over it!


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