Ben Kieckhefer running for state senate

Ben Kieckhefer of Reno has announced his candidacy for the state senate seat held the past 20 years by Randolph Townsend.

Townsend is retiring from the post because of term limits and has endorsed Kieckhefer, also a Republican, as his replacement.

Kieckhefer is a former journalist who worked as a reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal and Associated Press. He worked two years in public relations and government affairs for an agency in Reno and is currently a public information officer for the Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition to Townsend, Kieckhefer has been endorsed by Senators Bill Raggio and Mark Amodei, Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert, Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Sparks Mayor Gino Martini and Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell.

Kieckhefer said he looks forward to knocking on doors in Washoe District 4 and talking to voters.

"It's their concerns that are paramount," he said.

He said his broad goals are to work on stimulating job growth while improving Nevada's long-term financial stability as well as addressing the accessibility and quality of health care.

"With the exodus of leaders from the senate due to term limits, particularly from Northern Nevada, it's critical that the people we elect to replace them are consensus builders who will stand up for conservative principles while building partnerships that will move out state forward," he said.

In addition to Kieckhefer, Assemblyman Ty Cobb, also a Republican, has expressed interest in running for the post.

Washoe District 4 covers southern Washoe County including Washoe Valley, Incline Village and part of the north end of Carson City east of Carson Street.