Robert Daskas

After the events of last week, one thing that is for certain is that there is never a dull moment when it comes to Nevada politics. Indeed, last week the state was treated to the spectacle of Republicans acting like Democrats, Democrats acting like, well Democrats, and Gov. Jim Gibbons doing a Bush-like late Friday afternoon, avoid the media document dump.

After taking grief for months for their party's inability to effectively organize and efficiently conduct party business, there must have been plenty of smiles among the state's Democratic brain trust as the normally well-managed Nevada GOP saw its state convention descend into a chaotic mess compliments of the Ron Paul-fueled insurgency.

Las Vegas accountant Andrew MartinHENDERSON-Andrew Martin will end his campaign for Congressional District 3 today, according to aides, and will instead challenge Republican Chad Christensen in the 13th Assembly District.

Martin, a Las Vegas-based accountant, announced for CD3 last year, but his campaign was largely overlooked by Democratic heavyweights U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in favor of former Clark County chief deputy district attorney Robert Daskas.

Immediately following Daskas' withdrawal from the race Monday, state and national Democrats began calling for Titus to run in his stead.  Titus' announcement is expected in minutes.

It’s clear that Democrats had a recruitment coup this week with the move to replace ex-prosecutor Robert Daskas as the challenger to Congressman Jon Porter with Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus.  While the GOP incumbents are still favored, Democrats could beat Dean Heller with Democratic State Chairwoman Jill Derby (who almost won two years ago), and Titus is a stronger candidate that Daskas, who will likely be rewarded by his party down the road.

Las Vegas accountant Andrew MartinLAS VEGAS-3rd District Congressional candidate Democrat Andrew Martin may end his campaign if Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus enters the race, his spokesperson said Tuesday.

"If Dina Titus does enter the race, we will definitely have to rethink everything," said Martin spokesperson Vin Gopal. "[Martin] has a lot of respect and deeply admires Dina Titus, so I'm not sure if we will continue the race if she enters."

Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina TitusLAS VEGAS-Although Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus (D-Las Vegas) has not yet declared for the 3rd Congressional District seat now held by Republican Rep. Jon Porter, the National Republican Congressional Committee has already begun attempts to define her candidacy as "out of touch" and potentially "disastrous for Democrats."

"Dina Titus should think long and hard before launching a second long-shot campaign. Two losses in a row would be career-ending for her," said NRCC spokeswoman Julie Shutley in an early morning release.

"Nevada voters rejected Dina Titus in 2006 because of her liberal record for hiking taxes and giving benefits to illegal immigrants. She should think twice before launching another campaign that will surely end in defeat once again."

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."

LAS VEGAS-Robert Daskas' campaign has released a statement announcing the end of his campaign for congress, citing "family considerations."

The short, one-paragraph statement does not give details on the family considerations leading Daskas to drop his bid, instead focusing on the future of the 3rd Congressional District.

"The Daskas campaign has every confidence that another strong, viable candidate will enter the race and unseat incumbent Jon Porter," the statement reads.

Staff for congressional candidate Robert Daskas have confirmed that he will be dropping his bid to challenge Jon Porter for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

An announcement is expected very soon.

Jon Ralston is reporting in his e-mail flash that Robert Daskas is expected to drop out of the race against incumbent Congressman Jon Porter.

Rumors are that the DCCC is courting Sen. Minority Leader Dina Titus for the race.  

DCCC leadership must not have noticed that Andrew Martin, another Democrat, is already in the race.  He's the one yipping and biting at their ankles.

And the countdown begins for a press release from Martin reminding the DCCC of his phone number.