Why Did Lombardo and Anthony Endorse Andriola But Not Berkbigler?
Photo from Commissioner Clara Andriola’s Facebook campaign page 2024.
Opinion submitted from Marsha Berkbigler, November 9, 2024
The aftermath of the 2024 election has left many Republicans in Washoe County questioning the future of their party. With little to no support from party leaders and a lack of resources, Republican candidates faced an uphill battle against their Democratic opponents. The absence of backing from key figures and the onslaught of false accusations from the opposition have raised concerns about the viability of the Republican presence in the region.
Commissioner Clara Andriola X post june 27, 2024 with Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony. Picon enjoys Commissioner Andriola’s Coors hat - could she be promoting drinking and driving while at the Reno Rodeo?
Where were the governor and lieutenant governor during the crucial election season? Why were the party leaders and financial backers seemingly absent when Republican candidates needed them the most? These questions linger in my mind and many of the other Republican candidates who found themselves running for various offices in Washoe County, only to be met with minimal assistance.
While Republican candidates were actively engaging with the community, attending events and addressing media outlets about critical issues, their Democratic counterparts seemed focused on tearing down campaign signs, spreading misinformation and disregarding genuine connection with voters. The failure of Republican leaders to counter false accusations of election denial and conspiracy theories further weakened the party's standing in the eyes of the public.
The repercussions of this lack of support were felt across various levels of governance in Washoe County. Incumbent Republicans lost their seats, and new candidates faced formidable challenges without the necessary backing. The Secretary of State's endorsement of Democratic candidates as the saviors of election integrity added another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.
The disconnect between past Republican ideologies and the current political climate raises concerns about the commitment of today's party leaders to uphold conservative principles. Despite years of dedicated service and loyalty to the party, many individuals find themselves marginalized in a political landscape that prioritizes monetary support over grassroots efforts.
I grew up in a political world and have been involved with Republican politics for my entire adult life. I worked on Barbara Vucanovich and Jim Santini congressional campaigns. I worked on campaigns for governors List, Guinn, Gibbons and Sandoval. I worked on lieutenant governor races for Bob Cashell (as well as his mayor’s race) and Lonnie Hammargren. I worked on many state senator and assemblymen races. I’ve proven my Republican creds and my willingness to support fellow Republicans. But in today’s political arena, none of that matters because it seems the Republican leaders of today simply don’t understand the necessity of assuring our municipal offices are held by good, strong conservative representatives. Or maybe they just don’t care enough to be bothered.
As the dust settles on the 2024 election, a sense of disillusionment pervades among Republicans in Northern Nevada. The lack of equal party representation and the indifference of leadership towards supporting conservative candidates have left many wondering about the future of the Republican Party in the region. Some may consider switching their affiliation to independents, while others may opt to disengage from the political process altogether.
This Is Reno’s photo of Bruce Parks the Chair of the Washoe County Central Committee and Republican Party of Washoe County. Where was Park’s support for Berkbigler?
The 2024 election in Washoe County exposed the vulnerabilities within the Republican Party, highlighting the impact of insufficient support from key figures and the onslaught of false accusations from opponents. The failure to defend candidates and promote conservative values has raised doubts about the party's future in Northern Nevada, pushing many loyal Republicans to reconsider their political allegiances.
Thank goodness the national Republican Party didn’t feel that way, or we would have lost our country in this election just like we lost our county. And I’m proud to say we not only won the presidency but now will control both houses of Congress.