Incumbent Richard Bryan had been re-elected in 1994, winning by a comfortable margin amidst a national Republican wave.
Background
Incumbent Senator Richard Bryan had first been elected in 1988, and re-elected comfortably in 1994 amidst a national Republican wave. When he announced his retirement on February 18, 1999, many saw this decision as creating a competitive race.[1][2] Immediately, both parties sought top recruits, with Democrats favoring former governor Bob Miller, and Republicans seeking former congressman, and 1998 Senate nominee John Ensign.[3]
Miller was interested, but on March 15, 1999 announced he would not run for Senate.[6] He chose not to run, as he liked living in Nevada and he and his family felt that 25 years in politics was enough.[6][7] With Miller out of the running, the next credible challenger was Nevada Attorney GeneralFrankie Sue Del Papa. However, she would withdraw in September of that year, citing a lack of fundraising.[5] In the end, Democrats would nominate wealthy attorney and talk show host Ed Bernstein.[8]
Results
Bernstein was unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Republican primary
Candidates
John Ensign, former U.S. Representative and nominee for the United States Senate in 1998
Richard Hamzik
Fernando Platin, Jr.
Ensign, a former congressman, lost the 1998 Senate election to Harry Reid by a narrow margin of 401 votes. After this loss, Ensign contemplated leaving politics for good. Bryan's retirement shook up these plans and Ensign, a top recruit for the GOP, ran and became a top fundraiser.[7] Ensign faced only token opposition.
John Ensign (R), former U.S. Representative and nominee for the United States Senate in 1998
Bill Grutzmacher (CF)
J.J. Johnson (L)
Kathryn Rusco (G)
Campaign
Ensign was the favorite leading in polls by double digits. and significantly outraising his opponent.[10][11] Bernstein would counter by loaning his campaign nearly $1 million of his own money.[12] The trajectory of the race would change in the late summer when Ensign would face attacks for his anti-abortion stance and for voting to slash Social Security benefits. Ensign also was hurt by his comments claiming tax payer funded abortion to be worse than rape.[13] Bernstein also drew attention for his campaign by taking a group of senior citizens to Mexico to get them prescription drugs and highlight the high prices of prescription drugs.[14] However, even with these developments, Ensign still maintained a comfortable lead in polling in the closing weeks of the race.[15]
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