Nevada Governor Race Intensifies as Election Day Approaches

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford are in a closely contested race for governorship as Election Day draws near. Lombardo recently appeared on ‘Saturday in America’ to discuss his campaign and criticize Ford’s support for clemency in a convicted killer’s case, highlighting the key issues influencing the contest.

Aaron Ford, serving as Nevada’s Attorney General, has faced criticism for his votes supporting clemency for several convicted murderers. These include cases involving the kidnapping and execution-style killing of a teenager, the ‘thrill killing’ of a Pizza Hut worker, and another victim beaten to death with a cinder block. Ford’s backing of clemency for a convicted murderer, who killed a pregnant woman while on bail for armed robbery, has also attracted backlash.

In Nevada, the governor cannot independently grant pardons or commute sentences. These decisions rest with the state’s Board of Pardons Commissioners, which includes the governor, attorney general, and Nevada Supreme Court justices.

Since taking office, Ford has supported clemency for 30 people convicted of murder, according to a report by Fox News Digital. While Lombardo has occasionally joined Ford in voting for leniency, he has opposed clemency for some of the most serious offenders. For example, Ford supported parole eligibility for Michael Cu, who kidnapped and killed a teenager in an execution-style murder in 1996, despite Lombardo’s opposition. Cu is now eligible for parole in 2035.

Ford emphasizes his experience as the state’s top law enforcement official in his campaign. His campaign website cites his work with federal and local authorities to prosecute criminals and protect communities, including tackling corporate landlord price hikes, drug companies, child predators, fentanyl trafficking, and ghost guns.

Republicans might use Ford’s clemency votes against him to challenge his public safety credentials. However, Ford has often endorsed parole eligibility for young offenders, like Shaquille Hazelwood, who committed murder at age 15. In some instances, Ford encouraged individuals to prove themselves worthy of the state’s trust.

Ford also supported leniency for individuals such as Bobby Thomas, who stabbed a 17-year-old to death, and Anthony Amati, a ‘thrill killer’ responsible for the murder of a Pizza Hut worker. Although Amati became eligible for parole, his release isn’t guaranteed.

There were cases where Ford and Lombardo voted together for leniency, such as the exoneration by DNA evidence of a man involved in a contract killing.

Lombardo recently secured the Republican nomination. Both campaigns have encountered intense scrutiny and political challenges as the election looms.