Grand Old Party gathers for Labor Day picnic

A stiff wind greeted those attending the Republican Labor Day Picnic at Ross Gold Park, and the tone was easy and congenial as Republicans and residents gathered in small groups. It was a slice of Americana. The buns were lined up on the picnic table next to the macaroni salad. Small decorative American flags, attached to the gazebo's rafters overhead, waved frantically, and someone forgot the lighter fluid.

There may have been a slight edge of anticipation in the air. Tomorrow will bring the truth about these candidates' campaigns.

Mayoral candidate Tom Keeton said he had no feel for how the election will go. He said he was pleased with the reception he received from the people in Carson City, and he thought everyone had a fair chance to be heard.

"It hasn't been ugly. . . Each (mayoral) candidate had a different set of issues, so it should be easy (for voters) to decide," Keeton said, noting all the candidates approached their campaigns differently.

"Tom Tatro had road signs, and I had adds in the paper. It will be very interesting, to see what happens tomorrow night."

Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko called elections the ultimate poll.

"I don't make predictions," Masayko said, noting that he's happy that it's almost over, and whatever the outcome, the primary election will be a step forward.

Supreme Court Justice Candidate Day Williams said he didn't start getting nervous until a few days ago, but this moment of truth will bring the glare of that telling personal assessment. At the same time he feels he stands a good chance against opposing candidates Nancy Becker and Gary Backus.

"We're going to survive the primary, and go on to win the general election," Day said. "We're going to surprise a lot of people."

State School Board of Education incumbent Dave Cook was also confident.

"I'm looking forward to moving into the general election and getting the issues out," Cook said, noting that they have worked hard to create new Nevada standards, and the job now is to implement those.

Fourth Ward Supervisor candidate Vern Horton said he'll be glad the primary is over as long as it leads to the "right" conclusion.

"It's been a long, hard row, and I want to see what happens," he said, noting he feels he has a good chance. "I felt I had an obligation to campaign, and now it's up to the public."

By about 4 p.m. that stiff breeze from the southwest had reached gale force. The coals were hot, but the flags came down as the crowds dwindled, and people packed to go home.