DCCC, state Dems want Titus to run in Daskas’ place

LAS VEGAS-On the heels of Robert Daskas' surprising announcement that he was ending his congressional campaign today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's and the Nevada Democratic Party's chairmen, Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Sam Lieberman, have made it clear who they consider the best candidate to face Republican Congressman Jon Porter in the fall.

"Dina Titus would be an excellent candidate with unparalleled experience and support from people in Nevada's 3rd congressional district," said Van Hollen by e-mail. "Her vision, strength, and ability to get things done for Nevada would make her a powerful voice for change."

"Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus has the track record, the experience and the know-how to serve Nevadans well in Congress, and has proven she can win this District," said Lieberman in a later statement.

Titus had been approached by the DCCC last year to run for Porter's seat but had declined, as had former Nevada Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins and Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid. In a late March Roll Call interview, she said that "in each case I think it was a personal lifestyle political choice [not to run], it wasn't an assessment of Democrats' ability to win in the district."

Despite these signs of support, Titus has "not made the final commitment [to run] at this time," according to her husband, UNLV professor Tom Wright.

ALSO on PolitickerNV.com:

• Daskas ends campaign

• Staff confirms, Daskas 'bowing out'