Porter: ‘I’m the right guy for the job’

U.S. Rep. Jon PorterLAS VEGAS -- Flanked by family and staff, Republican Rep. Jon Porter filed for reelection to a fourth term this morning and answered reporters' questions about his coming campaign.

Porter is facing what may be is toughest election to date as former Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus announced a challenge against him earlier in the month. Titus won Porter's district during her 2006 gubernatorial campaign at a time when the district was much more Republican. Today, Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district by almost 23,000 voters.

"Every race is difficult; every race is a challenge," said Porter. "In campaigns, six months is a long time. A lot can happen."

"[Titus] will be a very formidable opponent, like every opponent I've had."

Asked why the voters should reelect him, Porter named a number of the challenges facing Nevada including the slumping economy, the foreclosure crisis, health care problems associated with the hepatitis scare in Clark County and the high price of gasoline.

"I think that now more than ever we need my leadership and proven success of working hard and fighting for families in Nevada," said Porter. "I know I'm the right guy for the job."

Porter cited his successes as mayor of Boulder City, in the state senate and in congress as evidence of his experience finding solutions to challenges.

Democrats have already started outlining a strategy against Porter, largely by associating him with the unpopular Bush administration. Asked about his relationship with the president, Porter was quick to point out their political differences.

"Whether it's Pres. Clinton or Pres. Bush, I certainly respect the position," said Porter. "I don't always agree with the presidents, but I certainly respect that it's a very difficult job. We don't always agree. That's a very healthy part of the American process, so we don't always agree."

Porter listed several disagreements with the president including his vote against the president's veto of a transportation bill, stem-cell research, nuclear waste and the state children's health insurance bill. Porter voted against SCHIP repeatedly until certain modifications were made to the bill.