(Annie Black) – OK, that headline about my decision not to join the Republican Assembly Caucus this week isn’t quite accurate. I did NOT defect to the other team.
I’m still a conservative Republican and have simply decided to represent my constituents as an independent member of the Nevada Legislature rather than have my hands tied as a caucus member.
But the article itself accurately reported on my decision…
“Both parties will return to the Nevada Legislature with unchanged leadership in 2021, after Republicans and Democrats reelected lawmakers to top positions in the state Senate and Assembly. …
“After the caucuses announced the leadership decision, incoming Assemblywoman Annie Black, a Republican from Mesquite, said she would not join the Republican caucus in the upcoming legislative session.
“Black, who unseated Republican Assemblyman Chris Edwards in the June primary, said she planned to vote according to her conservative principles, but will navigate Carson City as an independent member.
“Black also took issue with caucus rules she was asked to agree to, which include guidelines for speaking to the press. The guidelines, Black said, demanded caucus members not criticize each other or talk to media about caucus discussions.
“I can’t agree to that. If a fellow GOP caucus member, say, votes to raise your taxes, they’ll need to be called out for it. By name,” Black said in a press release on Wednesday.
“With Black’s defection, the Assembly will be made up of 26 Democrats, 15 Republicans and one caucus-less lawmaker. Democrats will enjoy a 12-9 majority in the state Senate. To approve tax increase proposals, two-thirds of both chambers must vote in favor of them.”
To read the full article, click here
BTW: I’m not “caucus-less.” I’m just, at least for now, a caucus of one. As such, we won’t need a very big room for caucus meetings! And while we won’t have a bunch of rules, we will have a secret handshake and password to get in the door.
Seriously though, rest assured I will proudly continue to be the same independent, conservative Republican I ran as.
And while I appreciate the outpouring of support I’ve received since making my decision, one person was decidedly not a happy camper. I received the following email from someone named Anna Delgado on Thursday…
“Annie, you probably feel like a real (expletive deleted)hole now. But, it gets worse, most everybody in the next assembly has been told about you – thanks to Chris (Edwards) – and they are going to make sure everything you do turns to (expletive deleted). So be prepared, it’s going to be a miserable session for you and your reputation.”
But Ms. Delgado’s less-than-warm email was the lone exception to the otherwise supportive messages I received. Here’s a sampling…
- “It’s refreshing to see a politician who stands up for her principles, respects our Constitution, has a solid knowledge of history, and is a true patriot who is loyal to her constituents. Go, Annie, Go!” – Francine Huffman
- “We support you now and have ever since we first met you. Because you are a woman of your word, you will always have our support. We appreciate your tenacity, honesty, and your ‘watch me do the right thing attitude’.” – Janice Cook Browne
- “Annie, congratulations on your decision regarding the Republican caucus; it remains a tool to reduce personal responsibility, quiet needed conversation and promote the party rather than take action. Now more than ever we need facts, not spin.” – Steven Reynolds
- “Admittedly, I don’t understand all the politics behind the politics (and I’m continually baffled when I catch a glimpse), but it sounds like you made a decision you’re proud of and are walking to the beat of your own drum. I appreciate your honesty and tenacity. Glad to have you in our legislature.” – Brittany Sheehan
- “You’re doing the right thing. Any chance you could start a Conservative Caucus, similar to what Jim Jordan and Mark Meadows helped create in Congress, with the newly-elected conservatives and other conservative incumbent GOP Assembly members? Who knows might be worth a try. #StayStrong.” – Eric Collngs
THANK YOU!
As long as I know you all have my back, I’m not worried about having a “miserable session” that’s going to ruin my “reputation.” I am who I am. And that’s who I’m going to be.
If it costs me re-election, so be it. At least I’ll be able to sleep at night knowing the promises I made are the promises I kept. The rest will be up to you. And THAT I can live with.
One final note: Brian McDaniels wrote…
“I applaud your principals, but have a practical question. How seriously will they take any proposed legislation you might put forward?”
That is an EXCELLENT question.
Threatening to “kill your bills” is a tool the Carson City establishment uses to twist arms and force compliance. And I already declared my independence from such bullying tactics last July.
For those who may have missed it, click here.
And stay tuned. Next week I plan to announce the five “Bill Draft Requests” (BDR) I hope to introduce. Could be some surprises!
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve obviously never been in bed with a mosquito.” – Michelle Walker
Annie Black is the Nevada State Assemblywoman representing District 19. You can get more information by visiting www.electannieblack.com
