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Henderson doctor pursues state Senate seat
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LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU
Updated: Jan. 27, 2012 | 8:34 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- For the second time in two days, a Hispanic Republican has announced plans to run for a seat in the Nevada Legislature.
Dr. Annette Teijeiro of Henderson said Thursday she is seeking the Senate District 5 seat now held by Democrat Shirley Breeden. Her announcement follows the declaration Wednesday by Republican David Espinosa of Sparks that he is seeking the Assembly District 31 seat in Northern Nevada held by Democrat Richard "Skip" Daly.
"I am first an American," Teijeiro said. "But I look at it (being Hispanic) as an overall benefit. The broader the experiences that we bring into the Legislature, the better we are in making good laws."
What the Republican Party lacked in the Legislature last year was Hispanic faces. More than 25 percent of the Nevada population is Hispanic, but none of the eight Hispanic legislators was a Republican. And of the 63 legislators, only three were Republican women.
Even Pete Goicoechea of Eureka, the Republican leader in the Assembly, said the party needed to do more to attract Hispanic, minority and female candidates. Of the 16 Republican Assembly members, 15 were middle age or older Caucasian men, and the only woman was Melissa Woodbury of Henderson.
Teijeiro, 49, will face a tough Republican primary fight against former Henderson City Councilman Steve Kirk, who has drawn the endorsement of the Senate Republican Caucus.
Breeden announced she would not seek re-election because she must help her ailing mother, and former Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, has declared her candidacy for the seat. Democrats have about a 2,000 registered voter advantage over Republicans in the district.
The Republican Senate Caucus also has endorsed Republican Assemblyman Scott Hammond of Las Vegas in the Senate District 18 race though his primary opponents include another Republican assemblyman with more legislative experience, Richard McArthur. In the past, party caucuses withheld their endorsements until after the primary election.
"The endorsements were done to discourage people like me from running," Teijeiro said. "I believe I am the best candidate."
Sen. Michael Roberson, the leader of the Senate Republican Caucus, said the endorsement of Kirk was "no slight against Annette, and whoever wins the primary we will support 100 percent."
But he said the caucus interviewed both candidates and decided Kirk, a 12-year city councilman, was the better and more electable candidate.
Born in Southern California, Teijeiro moved to Southern Nevada as a child and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School. She received a bachelor's degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, then went to the University of Nevada medical school and later to University of Washington. She works as an anesthesiologist.
Because she came from a low-income family, Teijeiro said, she learned from her parents the value of an education, and she will work to improve education in Nevada.
"I remember what it was like when Nevada had a better education system," she said. "I have since worked as an educator as well and will work to fix education, as it is critical to the growth, development and attraction of new businesses to Nevada."
Teijeiro said she has managed small medical practices and overseen large departments in the private sector and understands the needs of businesses, particularly the need for a low tax base.
"I will fight against uncontrolled government growth, against reactive tax increases, and propose economic initiatives and solutions to diversify the economy, attract new businesses and put Nevadans to work," she said.
Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.
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John.Dube wrote on February 11, 2012 01:09 PM:
I think Dr. Teijeiro is on the right track. Anyone who brings themselves into the 1% from such modest beginnings earns my respect. Her business and professional experience would be a welcome addition to Carson City. Someone with such formative private and public school experiences has the right perspective to help improve our local educational system by incorporating competition effectively on both fronts.
madman wrote on January 29, 2012 08:07 AM: Now that most of America has sent the destructive nature of the "tea party" and republicans, perhaps it is time to return to a balanced form of governance. To arbitrarily exclude raising taxes is ignorant. Joseph.Hall wrote on January 29, 2012 07:52 AM: What a surprise! An Hispanic doctor running for office. The key word there is doctor, she might as well've said "a member of the 1 percent". seasinger wrote on January 27, 2012 12:51 PM: " only Latins and Black, etal can say that about their own kind." One of the funniest things I've read. Are you saying white people never vote based on race? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA flame872 wrote on January 26, 2012 10:26 PM: If she is a TRUE HISPANIC-AMERICAN conservative, like myself, which I think she is, then she has my vote. n7v.blogspot.com wrote on January 26, 2012 06:56 PM: Teijeiro .. graduated from Bishop Gorman High School .. works as an anethesiologist .. and will work to fix education How are the Republicans all of a sudden finding these private sector types, or is she just another UMC-moocher, like Heck? The problem with private school graduates is that so many of them -- especially GOPs -- support PUBLIC education. What other public this-&-thats does this lady support? Does Teijeiro have kids? Public school or private? Another BIG Government conservative. Irma.Frankenlander wrote on January 26, 2012 06:18 PM: Didnt know counting the race and sex of candidates was so important. Guess its ok if one declares they only vote for White candidates because they are sensitive to the needs of White people? Oh no, thats right, that would be racist, only Latins and Black, etal can say that about their own kind. |
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