Crowded field of candidates eyeing Rosen’s House seat

Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen’s bid for Senate is opening up her seat to a growing field of candidates.

Former Nevada Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman launched her campaign Wednesday night, joining State Sen. Scott Hammond of Las Vegas and GOP activist David O. McKeon in seeking the Republican nod to pursue the seat. The Federal Election Commission has a dozen candidates listed to replace Rosen.

Seaman, a business broker, said Wednesday that she has opposed new taxes on businesses. After voting against the largest tax increase in state history in 2015 in the Assembly, she lost her bid for a Senate seat amid a blue wave of Democratic victories in Nevada.

Hammond, a teacher, pushed for the Education Savings Accounts in Nevada and proposed failed legislation this year that would have funded the program. His campaign says he wants an economy that empowers workers and job creators.

McKeon was the Clark County Republican Party chairman and has touted GOP election successes during his tenure in 2014. He has said he will advocate for limited government spending.

Democrats have a slight edge in the 3rd Congressional District, with about 154,000 registered voters in August compared with about 144,000 for Republicans. Insurance agency owner Jack Love and education activist Susie Lee are running as Democrats.

Lee has received endorsements from current and past members of Nevada’s congressional delegation. In a Sept. 14 statement, she said “protecting the families of hardworking immigrants from being ripped apart” was among the problems facing the community.

Love has said his experience in the insurance industry gives him a unique perspective on the Affordable Care Act debate and that “health care is a right of the people.”