Danny Tarkanian (NV

Transcription

Danny Tarkanian (NV

Danny Tarkanian (NV-03) Research Book
The following report contains research on Danny Tarkanian, the Republican candidate in Nevada’s
3rd district. Research for this research book was conducted by the Democratic Congressional
Campaign Committee’s Research Department between May and June 2016 and includes previous
research gathered during the 2010 and 2012 election cycles.
By accepting this report, you are accepting responsibility for all information and analysis included.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to verify all claims against the original documentation before you
make use of it.
Make sure you understand the facts behind our conclusions before making any specific charges
against anyone.
Table of Contents
Top Hits ..................................................................................................... 4
Methodology............................................................................................ 64
Key Moments on Video ........................................................................... 67
Biography ................................................................................................ 69
Personal Finances .................................................................................... 87
Career Summary ...................................................................................... 96
Basketball Career ..................................................................................... 97
Legal Career .......................................................................................... 116
Business Career ..................................................................................... 124
Political Career – Five Failed Candidacies ............................................ 166
… Support For Trump’s Nomination ..................................................... 204
Extremism and Dirty Politics ................................................................. 206
Abortion and Family Planning Issues .................................................... 213
Arts and Quality of Life Issues .............................................................. 217
Budget Issues ......................................................................................... 219
Campaign Finance and Election Law Issues .......................................... 223
Crime and Public Safety Issues.............................................................. 227
Economic Stimulus and Financial Bailout ............................................. 229
Education Issues .................................................................................... 234
Energy Issues ......................................................................................... 237
Environmental Issues ............................................................................. 238
Federal Land Management Issues .......................................................... 241
Foreign Policy Issues ............................................................................. 242
Gun Issues ............................................................................................. 244
Health Care Issues ................................................................................. 255
Immigration and Border Issues .............................................................. 262
Labor and Working Family Issues ......................................................... 270
LGBT Issues .......................................................................................... 272
Seniors’ Issues ....................................................................................... 274
Tax Issues .............................................................................................. 276
Terrorism and Homeland Security ......................................................... 283
Women’s Issues ..................................................................................... 286
Appendix I – Campaign Finance ........................................................... 287
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Appendix II – Paid Media Summary ..................................................... 289
Appendix III – Notable Headlines ......................................................... 298
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Top Hits
Birth Date
Daniel “Danny” John Tarkanian was born December 18, 1961 in Redlands, CA.
Education


University of San Diego School of Law: J.D., magna cum laude
University of Nevada – Las Vegas: B.A., Business Finance, with honors
(1984)
Transferred To UNLV
Transferred To UNLV. In September 1981, Tarkanian enrolled at UNLV in September
1981. [Sports Illustrated, 2/20/84]
Played Point Guard On His Father’s Team At UNLV
Played Point Guard On His Father’s Team At UNLV. Tarkanian played point guard for
the UNLV’s basketball team, coached by his father Jerry Tarkanian.
According to the article, Jerry Tarkanian originally did not want his son playing for his
team.
However, Lois Tarkanian, Danny's mother and Jerry's wife, said the son's playing for the
father was “a beautiful experience for our family.” [Sports Illustrated, 2/20/84]
Tarkanian As A College Athlete Set Athletic Records
Tarkanian As A College Athlete Set Athletic Records. In 1983, while Tarkanian was a
junior at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, He set a Nevada-Las Vegas career record for
assists. He was No.1 in the country that season with 201 assists, and also has 35 steals.
[United Press International, 3/03/84]
Tarkanian Had A 3.89 GPA At UNLV, Named To Academic All-American Team
Tarkanian Had A 3.89 GPA At UNLV, Named To Academic All-American Team. In
March 1984, Danny Tarkanian had a 3.89 grade point average and was named to the
Academic All-American team by the College Sports Information Directors association.
[United Press International, 3/03/84]
“They're going to nominate him for a Rhodes Scholarship next fall,” Jerry Tarkanian said.
“He's got a 3.89 grade average in a business major and pre-law.” [New York Times, 2/07/83]
First Rhodes Scholar Candidate from UNLV
4
UNLV’s First Rhodes Scholar Candidate. Tarkanian was the first Rhodes Scholar
candidate from UNLV. [Capital Times, 3/14/00]
Magna Cum Laude Graduate From San Diego Law, Second In His Class
Magna Cum Laude Graduate From San Diego Law, Second In His Class. Tarkanian
was a magna cum laude graduate of the University of San Diego law school. [Los Angeles
Times, 2/16/92]
“He was second in his law school class at the University of San Diego,” Jerry Tarkanian
said of his son. “It was because he's such a great competitor.” [Fresno Bee, 5/18/95]
Assistant Coach At Fresno State
Assistant Coach At Fresno State. Instead of running for office, Tarkanian returned to
basketball at Fresno State to be an assistant coach under his father from 1995 until 2002.
In May 1995, Jerry Tarkanian announced he would hire Danny Tarkanian as a full-time
assistant coach for his new team at Fresno State.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Danny Tarkanian said. “It's bad for my dad in one sense
because we're all in-experienced and won't know some things in the beginning. But it's a
positive because my dad will have three guys who will work 18 hours a day.” [Fresno Bee,
5/18/95]
Operated Bars And Real Estate Ventures After Law School
Operated Bars And Real Estate Ventures After Law School. After graduating from
UNLV, Tarkanian went to law school in San Diego and operated businesses in Las Vegas,
including a bar and real estate ventures. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/03/10]
Tarkanian Was Described As A Restaurant Owner In Las Vegas
Tarkanian Was Described As A Restaurant Owner In Las Vegas. In 1995, Danny
Tarkanian was described as “a lawyer and restaurant owner in Las Vegas.” [Fresno Bee,
5/18/95]
Danny Tarkanian Was A Business Manager For His Father
Danny Tarkanian Was A Business Manager For His Father. According to a 1995
article, Danny Tarkanian was “a Las Vegas lawyer who tries to handle most of the business
end of the Tarkanian legend.”
After his father moved to coach the California State University, Fresno basketball team,
Danny Tarkanian was critical of local merchants attempting to profit from his father’s
image by creating products with his name and picture. “You're supposed to get permission
to use a person's name or image,” said Danny Tarkanian. “It's illegal to do it without
permission. But it's hard to monitor. It's virtually unstoppable.”
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Danny Tarkanian said his mother established an education foundation for funds donated
from merchants requesting permission to use his father’s name or image. “But only six or
seven people (when Tarkanian was in Las Vegas) ever asked, and total donations never
reached as much as $ 1,000,” he said. “But those people probably made at least 10 times
that amount.” [Fresno Bee, 4/07/95]
Tarkanian continues to serve as the registered agent for George Tarkanian’s business, Tark,
LLC. [Nevada Secretary of State]
“I have to feel I'm doing a good job or my dad, or rather my employer, has to feel the same
way for me to stay in the field,” Tarkanian said. “If I feel I'm successful, then obviously, I'll
want a head coaching job someday, somewhere, someplace. It could be Fresno State or it
could be anywhere else. But I'm sure (assistants) John Welch and Johnny Brown feel the
same way.” [Fresno Bee, 11/08/95]
Embroiled in Reports of Alleged Point Shaving Scheme among Bookies and Fresno
Players
According to a 1997 Associated Press report, Danny Tarkanian admitted meeting with the
car salesman who reports tied to a bookie points shaving scheme. Under the Tarkanians
coaching leadership, the Fresno State team faced reports of point shaving and bribery.
[Associated Press, 3/27/97]
Published Reports Recounted Bookies Describing Players Agreeing to Miss Shots
According to a Los Angeles Times reported, “A bookmaker said two Fresno State
basketball players received jewelry and $1,000-$2,000 to shave points several times.” The
Fresno Bee reported that an FBI and federal grand jury probe of possible point-shaving was
focusing on two Fresno players, guards Dominick Young and Chris Herren. Both denied
any wrongdoing.
Reportedly, members of a Southern California bookmaking ring “received word that Fresno
State basketball players were fixing games at the behest of friendly gamblers.” A member
of the ring was quoted as saying a reliable source told him in late January “that a Fresno
pawnbroker had persuaded one key player to deliberately miss shots as a way to keep the
games close and beat the Las Vegas point spread.” The bookie said he was told the first
player got a teammate to join in the point-shaving, where players attempt to manipulate the
score so the team wins by does not cover the point spread.
“I got the word from someone very reliable in the ring that Fresno State's games in the
middle of the season against Colorado State, Wyoming and Hawaii were all fixed,” the
bookie said. “'Bet the farm!' I was told. For some reason I didn't, and I regret it because
Fresno failed to cover the spread in the last minutes of each of those games.”
The bookmaker also said his source reported that the pawnbroker bet $25,000 a game that
Fresno State would not cover the spread. The players involved then were paid in jewelry
and cash at Chowchilla, a farm town 40 miles north of Fresno, the bookmaker said.
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Tarkanian Met with the Car Salesman Allegedly Involved in the Scheme
Reportedly, federal authorities suspected illegal bookmaking by a pawnbroker and a Fresno
car salesman whom was identified as a major sports bettor in Fresno.
An unidentified woman quoted by the Los Angeles Times said she saw allegedly involved
players Chris Herren and Dominick Young, and then assistant coach Danny Tarkanian
together with the car salesman at a nightclub.
Tarkanian admitted meeting with the car salesman once, but claimed none of the players
were present. The car salesman was reportedly given four choice seats to most Fresno State
home games that season “by a friend high up in the basketball program.” [Associated Press,
3/27/97]
Tarkanian Testified Before Grand Jury about Points Shaving
In April 2000, Tarkanian testified before a federal grand jury investigating allegations of
point-shaving by members of the 1996-97 basketball team. Tarkanian said he answered
questions for about 30 minutes regarding his relationship with “certain people in the
community.”
“Tarkanian testified that he had loose connections with Krikor 'Kirk' Vartanian, who was
investigated in the scandal, though media accounts quote several witnesses saying
Tarkanian and Vartanian associated with each other,” the Times reported. [Reno GazetteJournal, 9/16/06]
“You know exactly who we are talking about,” Tarkanian told reporters while flanked by
his lawyers, Ernest Kinney and Michael Idiart, outside the federal courthouse. Kinney and
Idiart said that their client was asked questions about several people, including businessman
Krikor “Kirk” Vartanian and pawn shop owner Dan Jelladian.
“It's nothing new,” Tarkanian said. “I've talked to The Fresno Bee, The L.A. Times, the
university and told them my relationship with the people. It's 100% honest like it was today.
Same story, same truth. That's what they're going to get.” [Fresno Bee, 4/21/00]
Report Said Tarkanian Met with Vartanian in 1996 at a Nightclub with Player Herren
Tarkanian said in earlier interviews that he met Vartanian once in 1996 at a Fresno
nightclub. He said former Fresno State point guard Chris Herren was with him that night,
but he was not sure whether Herren and Vartanian ever met.
Tarkanian said he was not accused of any wrongdoing, but was simply a witness in the
case. [Fresno Bee, 4/21/00]
Tarkanian Denied Allegations of His Association with a Point Fixer at Fresno State
Tarkanian said that allegations he associated with a point fixer during his time at Fresno
State were false.
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“There was a gentleman that they alleged was involved in that,” Tarkanian said. “I met the
gentleman one time. I was introduced to him at a bar and never talked to him the rest of my
life. But because I was part of a newspaper's story, it is something that my opponent (state
Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas) used against me two years ago and maybe something
that Ross will use against me this time.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Involved in Ticket Exchange which Put Tickets into Hands of Felon Sports Fixer
In February 1991, the Associated Press reported that Danny Tarkanian had been involved in
a ticket exchange which wound up giving a ticket to a man involved in fixing sporting
events.
UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian donated some tickets to help finance a battle with the NCAA.
Attorney David Chesnoff said he gave one of the four seats he bought to Richard “The
Fixer” Perry, who attended the UNLV-Utah State game with Chesnoff Jan. 9.
Tarkanian's attorney, Alan Jones, said the coach was unaware any of his tickets had been
used by Perry. Perry was convicted in 1974 of federal charges related to fixing harness
races in New York. He pleaded guilty in 1984 to conspiracy to commit sports bribery in the
Boston College basketball point-shaving scandal.
Jones said the coach donated several of the tickets to the Runnin' Rebels Right to Return
Committee. The committee was formed to lobby for UNLV's right to defend its national
title after the NCAA initially said the club would be banned from postseason play.
Chesnoff said he donated $4,000 to the committee in return for the four tickets, which were
given to him by Danny Tarkanian. [Associated Press, 2/22/91]
Timeline of NCAA Infractions at Fresno State

Summer 1995: Ben Quillian, then-interim athletic director, fails to report that a
Fresno restaurant provided free meals to men's basketball players even though the
restaurant owner acknowledged providing the meals, the NCAA later alleged.
Providing such free meals is a violation of NCAA rules.

April 3, 1997: Quillian reports in a memo to then-athletic director Al Bohl that the
restaurant owner acknowledged providing the free meals while Quillian was interim
athletic director. Neither Quillian nor Bohl reported the violation to the NCAA,
according to NCAA documents.

Sept. 14, 1998: NCAA enforcement representative Ed Lupomech sends a letter to
Jon Fagg, then Fresno State's compliance officer, indicating the enforcement staff's
concern regarding the standardized test score of basketball player Travis Robinson.

Feb. 12, 2000: Nate Cebrun, an agent's representative, sends a $300 money order to
Terrance Roberson's grandparents in Saginaw, Mich., to pay their transportation
costs for driving to Tulsa, Okla., to attend the Western Athletic Conference
tournament. Cebrun worked as a middleman between Roberson and the Las Vegasbased sports agency Big Time Sports.
8

March 22, 2000: The Bee reports a Fresno restaurant owner has acknowledged he
provided men's basketball players with “several thousand dollars” in free meals
since 1993 in violation of NCAA rules.

April 27, 2000: Men's basketball assistant John Welch directs five athletes into the
South Gym to participate in a four-on-four, full-court basketball game, a move the
NCAA alleged violated offseason workout rules.

July 1, 2000: The Bee reports NCAA investigators had been on campus on more
than one occasion to explore possible violations. The Fresno restaurant owner,
however, said, “I really haven't talked with anyone about it at all.”

Oct. 2, 2000: The NCAA issues a preliminary letter of inquiry stating it is
investigating the program for possible rules violations. Fresno State cooperates in
the joint investigation.

Summer 2001: Cebrun tells the NCAA about his involvement with Fresno State
players in possible NCAA rules violations.

Aug. 2, 2001: Men's basketball player Tito Maddox tells the NCAA that coach Jerry
Tarkanian never asked Maddox that summer about his involvement with agents,
according to NCAA documents. Tarkanian had said he looked into possible agent
involvement regarding Maddox by asking Maddox and several people close to the
player.

Jan. 2, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA that Robinson played while
ineligible.

Jan. 26, 2002: Two complimentary men's basketball tickets are left for the uncle and
cousin of player Chris Jefferies. Jefferies' father obtained the tickets from an
“unknown source,” according to NCAA documents, and left them at the Selland
Arena will-call window for Jefferies' uncle and cousin. The tickets were from the
ticket allotment of Jerry Tarkanian and were valued at $20 each. The incident
violates rules regarding complimentary-ticket benefits.

February 2002: Former team statistician Stephen Mintz tells assistant Danny
Tarkanian in a meeting that he wrote course work for players. Tarkanian later said
he did not report the possible violations in part because he thought it already was
being investigated.

March 2, 2002: Mintz speaks to athletic director Scott Johnson following a home
game against Hawaii. “I told him that I wanted to clarify what he may have heard I
told [The Bee] regarding me writing papers for players,” Mintz says. “He told me to
put it in writing.”

March 15, 2002: Jerry Tarkanian announces his retirement and calls his program
“one of the cleanest in the country.”
9

May 28, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA that Shamario Richard played
while ineligible.

June 13, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA the complimentary-ticket violation
involving Jefferies.

July 24, 2002: Fresno State receives the NCAA's letter of official inquiry, which is
issued when the enforcement staff alleges major violations. The letter alleges a lack
of institutional control against Fresno State, among other violations.

July 29, 2002: Jerry Tarkanian says, “I'll guarantee everybody there is not a major
violation of any kind. I said it all year, and I'll say it again now.”

Oct. 30, 2002: Fresno State files its formal response to the NCAA. Jerry Tarkanian
files his formal response.

Dec. 5, 2002: The case summary is issued to Fresno State. The case summary,
drafted by the enforcement staff, documents the allegations, the position of the
involved parties for each allegation and other pertinent information.

Dec. 10, 2002: Former assistant Danny Tarkanian files a letter of objection
regarding the case summary.

Dec. 13, 2002: Fresno State president John Welty imposes sanctions following the
university's hearing before the NCAA infractions committee in Indianapolis. The
sanctions include a two-year probation and the reduction of three scholarships in the
men's basketball program between 2004 and 2006.

Dec. 26, 2002: Mintz tells The Bee he wrote and was paid for 17 pieces of course
work for three former players in 2000.

Jan. 10, 2003: Roberson tells The Bee in a telephone interview: “If we did have
term papers done, I'm pretty sure we're not the only Fresno State team that did. Why
aren't you looking into other sports?”

Jan. 29, 2003: Mintz says then-Fresno State compliance officer Jamie Mullin called
him and wanted to speak with him regarding his role in tutoring players. It is the
first time, Mintz said, since his encounter with Johnson nearly a year earlier that
Fresno State officials have tried to contact Mintz.

Feb. 9, 2003: The Bee publishes a report alleging Mintz was paid to complete
course work for players, and that Cebrun paid Katie Felten, the team's former
academic adviser, for term papers to be completed for some players.

Feb. 10, 2003: On a local radio talk show, Felten denies she ever was involved in
academic fraud.

Feb 12, 2003: Mintz recounts the allegations to NCAA investigator Dan Matheson
during an interview in Fresno that lasts several hours.
10

March 3, 2003: After a three-week probe, Welty announces most of the allegations
detailed in The Bee's Feb. 9 story are true and imposes a postseason ban for the
current men's basketball team.

March 4, 2003: The Western Athletic Conference's board of directors adopts a
resolution that bans the Fresno State men's basketball team from participating in the
conference tournament the following week in Tulsa, Okla.

April 3, 2003: NCAA president Myles Brand applauds Welty for taking strong and
swift action after affirming academic fraud allegations. But Brand criticizes Welty's
judgment for hiring a coach such as Tarkanian, who previously had run-ins with the
NCAA.

April 17, 2003: NCAA investigators conduct a follow-up interview with Mintz.

April 28, 2003: Fresno State receives the NCAA's supplemental letter of inquiry,
which details the NCAA's academic fraud allegations.

April 29, 2003: Danny Tarkanian writes a letter to the infractions committee
requesting a 45-day extension to reply to the supplemental letter.

May 1, 2003: The infractions committee grants a seven-day extension for all parties
to respond to the supplemental letter.

May 9, 2003: Danny Tarkanian writes a letter to infractions committee chairman
Thomas Yeager alleging that the enforcement staff had failed to answer questions
about the case. The infractions committee is an independent body composed of
individuals from NCAA member institutions that serves as judge and jury in NCAA
investigations.

May 20, 2003: Danny Tarkanian files a response to the supplemental letter.

May 22, 2003: Welty writes a letter to Mintz stating that Mintz has been
disassociated from the university's athletic program, which means Mintz's money to
support any Fresno State athletic program is not welcome. Welty's letter also says
Mintz should avoid contact with athletes.

May 23, 2003: Fresno State files a response to the supplemental letter.

May 27, 2003: Yeager responds to Tarkanian's May 9 letter of complaint.

June 2, 2003: A supplemental case summary is issued.

June 14, 2003: After the school's 6-hour hearing before the infractions committee in
Kansas City, Mo., Welty says he is optimistic there won't be any significant
penalties.
11

June 20, 2003: Danny Tarkanian holds a news conference in which he argues that
“contradictions and misstatements” weaken the academic fraud allegations.

Sept. 10, 2003: The NCAA adds two years of probation to Fresno State's selfimposed sanctions and requires the school to vacate the record of its performance in
the 2000 NCAA Tournament and return 90% of the money it earned for that
appearance. At the same time, it accepts the disciplinary action the school
previously took. [Fresno Bee, 9/11/03]
Tarkanian Was in Charge of Fresno State Basketball’s Academics During Scandal
In Fresno, Tarkanian's job was to help his dad with virtually every aspect of the basketball
program, a point that seems to have been lost in the Fresno State basketball scandals, some
of which were academic-related.
“I did what assistant coaches do, which was a variety of events from recruiting to
coaching,” Tarkanian said. “I was very involved in working with the academic adviser and
getting the kids taking the classes to get them toward their degree and to making sure they
passed enough of their classes to do that.”
“Danny ... did all our academics,” Jerry Tarkanian is quoted saying in an unpublished
interview with Fresno, Calif., journalist Don Wright in 2003. “I don't take credit for that
aspect. I assigned Danny ... to it.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/03/10]
‘Assistant Coach’ Named in Academic Fraud Probe at Fresno State
A National Collegiate Athletic Association news release stated that a former assistant coach
was involved in academic fraud at Fresno State but did not name Tarkanian.
“Finally, during the 2002 spring semester, the former statistician informed the former
assistant coach that he (the former statistician) had written papers for two men's basketball
student-athletes and one prospective student-athlete. Despite being informed of a possible
major violation of NCAA legislation, the former assistant coach neglected to report this
information to appropriate institutional officials,” according to the NCAA report.
The NCAA concluded that academic fraud occurred at Fresno State, Tarkanian said in his
release to the Gazette-Journal.
“The NCAA also claimed that Danny had violated his responsibilities by not notifying the
school when the accuser first came to him, despite the fact that the accuser acknowledged
he told Danny that he was reporting his story to the NCAA,” Tarkanian wrote in the release.
[Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Tarkanian Reportedly Knew of Players Cheating Academically, but Failed to Report
It
In May 2003, the Fresno Bee reported that “former team statistician Stephen Mintz told the
newspaper that he had written 17 pieces of course work for three former players for more
than $1,000 in 2000.” According to Mintz, Danny Tarkanian was aware of the violation but
failed to report it.
12
From the article:
Mintz told then-assistant coach Danny Tarkanian in spring 2002 that he had
written papers for men's basketball players, but Tarkanian failed to report the
possible violations to university administrators.
Danny Tarkanian told the NCAA that he did not report the possible violation
because Mintz ended the meeting by saying he was going to inform the institution;
because Tarkanian did not believe the information; and because Tarkanian
believed the NCAA already was investigating possible academic fraud. [Fresno Bee,
5/28/03]
Investigation Concluded Tarkanian “Failed to Report” Violation
The investigation of Fresno State concluded that three former players had course work
completed for them by a former team statistician, Stephen Mintz, and an academic adviser,
Katie Felten. The NCAA's committee found that in the summer of 2000, Felten and Mintz
violated the NCAA principles of ethical conduct when they arranged to prepare papers for
seniors Courtney Alexander and Terrance Roberson.
Danny Tarkanian said, “(The NCAA) didn't come up with a thing. Their case was so flimsy.
They had some kind of personal bias. It's an absolute shame. They wanted to nail my dad
on something.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/11/03]
The committee said Danny Tarkanian “failed to report” the potential violation, which was
one of six points that make up the violation of lack of institutional control. [Fresno Bee,
9/11/03]
Tarkanian Disputed Academic Fraud Charges before NCAA Infractions Committee
In June 2003, Danny Tarkanian disputed some of the academic fraud charges filed against
Fresno State at a hearing before the NCAA infractions committee closed-door hearing, even
though the school has affirmed the violations. Tarkanian said he would contend that the
basketball team's former academic adviser, Katie Felten, was not involved in the fraud that
occurred in 2000, when a former team statistician wrote 17 pieces of course work for three
players, even though the school has admitted to the charges.
“It's clear from all the evidence -- the interviews -- that Katie was not involved,” said
Tarkanian, referring primarily to NCAA interview transcripts.
Tarkanian said he will attempt to establish that Mintz, author of the players' 17 pieces of
course work, was not truthful in his accusations regarding Felten. Tarkanian declined to
provide specifics of the case that he would present. School officials have declined comment
on the investigation.
According to the Fresno Bee:
Also at issue is a meeting between Mintz and Danny Tarkanian in early 2002. The
NCAA alleges that Mintz told then-assistant Tarkanian that he had written papers
13
for players, but Tarkanian failed to report the possible violation to university
administrators. The supplemental letter of inquiry stated that Tarkanian told the
NCAA he did not report the possible violation because Mintz ended the meeting by
saying he was going to inform the university; because Tarkanian did not believe
Mintz; and because Tarkanian believed the NCAA already was investigating
possible academic fraud.
Mintz, however, gave Matheson a different account of the meeting, in a May 28
letter Mintz said he wrote to David Price, NCAA vice president for enforcement
services, that was obtained by The Bee.
Mintz wrote: “Danny Tarkanian informed me that the matter had already been
investigated by the NCAA and it was no longer a point, and 'all they had was Nate
Cebrun, a convicted felon, and no one would believe him. As long as Katie or I
didn't tell, the NCAA would have nothing to go on in the future.' “
Cebrun is a former street agent who allegedly paid Felten almost $1,500 for course
work for two Fresno State players whom he was trying to sign for the Las Vegasbased sports agency Big Time Sports.
Tarkanian, who said he took notes from the transcripts of Mintz's NCAA interviews,
said recently that Mintz acknowledged in interviews that during the 2002 meeting,
Tarkanian thought Mintz was wired with a tape recorder.
“If I thought he was wired,” Tarkanian said, “why would I then encourage him to
cover up the story?”
During the meeting, Tarkanian said, Mintz told him he had written papers and that
The Bee was working on a story about Cebrun. Because Tarkanian knew Cebrun
had told investigators about his allegations of academic fraud, Tarkanian said, he
thought Fresno State already was investigating Mintz's involvement. [Fresno Bee,
6/14/03]
Tarkanian Attempted to Lay All the Blame on Mintz for the Academic Fraud
Danny Tarkanian said after the hearing that Mintz, author of 17 pieces of course work for
three former players, “got caught in a lot of lies.” He said he argued against some academic
fraud violations, even though the university already has admitted to them. Tarkanian would
not concede that academic fraud took place. “There is evidence both ways,” he said after
the hearing.
Asked if his argument was more difficult to make because Fresno State already admitted to
violations of academic fraud, Tarkanian responded, “I don't know if the infractions
committee has ever ruled against a university that has admitted to a violation. I think the
university clarified its position today that it does not have a position on whether Katie
Felten was involved in it or not. And they did not feel anyone else in the basketball program
was involved.”
Danny Tarkanian was asked afterward who bears the responsibility if Felten was not
involved. He said the responsibility is Mintz's. [Fresno Bee, 6/15/03]
14
Tarkanian Tried to Discredit Mintz’s Story
Danny Tarkanian alleged during a news conference that Mintz's “contradictions and
misstatements” discredit his claims of academic fraud, using what he said were direct
quotes from the NCAA enforcement staff's interview with former team statistician Stephen
Mintz.
Fresno State president John Welty affirmed most of Mintz's allegations after a three-week
probe. However, Tarkanian rifled through more than a dozen points attempting to discredit
Mintz.
“I don't believe this happened,” said Danny Tarkanian, in charge of players' academics
during his father's seven-year tenure. “Deep down in my heart, I don't believe this
happened. So why would I allow ... my father to take the dive on this?”
Granted access to Mintz's transcript because he acts as his father's lawyer, Tarkanian used
notes from it during an afternoon radio appearance and at the news conference. He said he
could not make copies of the transcript and refused to release the notes to the media.
Tarkanian contrasted Mintz's statements to the NCAA to ones he made in The Bee, on local
television and on the Bark Board fan Web site.
“The NCAA and Fresno State made it clear -- very clear -- that those interviews were to be
kept confidential. I will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and Fresno State,” Mintz
said.
Tarkanian said he never was told to keep the transcript confidential.
That included him raising questions about:





Mintz's version of how and when the academic fraud took place;
Whether Mintz lied about why he informed The Bee of the academic fraud;
How Mintz delivered the papers to former academic adviser Katie Felten;
Whether Mintz actually wrote the paper he said he did for Dennis Nathan;
Whether Mintz created his account of academic fraud because of anger over
losing his job as team statistician;
 And how Mintz's thirst for attention affected his decision to publicize the
story. [Fresno Bee, 6/21/03]
Tarkanian Claimed He Did More Thorough Research than University
Tarkanian said he spent nearly 200 hours over six weeks to draw his conclusions. The
enforcement staff, he said, failed to match his depth of research, which included hiring an
expert to study the similarities and differences among the papers Mintz allegedly wrote.
Thus, Tarkanian said, the university rushed to a snap judgment that levied loads of bad
press on his father.
“They did what was natural,” Danny Tarkanian said. “They saw an individual [Mintz] who
no one knew much about make an incredibly serious allegation; he had these papers that
15
were allegedly on a computer disk that matched with the papers players had in classes; and
he had my father's reputation, which they were always concerned about.”[Fresno Bee, 6/21/03]
Tarkanian Was Aware of Players Getting Free Meals in Violation of NCAA Rules
In 2000, the Fresno Bee reported that Danny Tarkanian and his father were aware of an
arrangement where a Fresno restaurant owner, contrary to NCAA rules, was providing
Fresno State men's basketball players with “several thousand dollars” in free meals during
the previous seven years.
Ted Kunishige, owner of Tomodachi Japanese Restaurant, said, “There's others
[businesses] that are doing it. I know what's going on. It's not just in food, either.” He said,
“I've given out free meals to every player on the basketball team at one time or another,” he
said. “It isn't right. I'm just going to have to stop doing it now that people know.”
After a reporter saw a player accept a dinner special valued at $4.50 without paying.
Kunishige initially denied Bona's meal was a “freebie.” He later admitted that Bona had not
paid for the meal and that he routinely gives Fresno State basketball players and coaches
free food. “I do it because they come in here and it helps my business,” Kunishige said.
“People see [Fresno State basketball coach] Jerry [Tarkanian] come in and they say, 'Hey,
when's he coming back?' because he signs autographs.” [Fresno Bee, 3/22/00]
Meals Were a Possible Violation of NCAA Rules, Prompting Review
In a news release, the Fresno State athletic department announced it was aware of possible
NCAA violations and is “taking a hard look” at the allegations. NCAA rules prohibit
student-athletes from receiving “extra benefits” through any special arrangement not
expressly authorized. “A student athlete may not receive services (e.g., movie tickets,
dinners, use of car) from commercial agencies (e.g. movie theaters, restaurants, car dealers)
without charge or at reduced rates,” according to NCAA bylaw 16.12.2.2.3. “ unless such
services also are available to the student body in general.” NCAA rules do not prohibit
coaches from receiving free meals.
According to the report, “Kunishige said Tarkanian and his son Danny, a Bulldogs
assistant, were aware of the arrangement and have expressed concerns over the ethical and
legal issues raised by giving free meals: ‘Danny gets on me about it.’” [Fresno Bee, 3/22/00]
Fresno State Failed to Perform Oversight Because of Tarkanians Were Intimidating
In March 2003, the Los Angeles Times reported on both Jerry and Danny Tarkanians’
leadership of the Fresno State basketball team after allegations surfaced shortly after their
departure. Sources claimed that the athletic department did not perform proper oversight
because the leadership was intimidated by the Tarkanians.
From the article:
A year after “Tark the Shark” retired from Fresno State, his men's basketball
program has saddled the school with a far-reaching NCAA investigation. It has
already resulted in the school banning the team from postseason play…
16
Over the last several months, even as a new coach has led the team to a 20-7 record
and Western Athletic Conference regular-season championship, the Fresno Bee has
detailed a long run of abuses under Tarkanian's watch, including star players
committing academic fraud and accepting thousands of dollars from wannabe
agents…
Like all university presidents, he entrusted oversight of the basketball program to his
athletic department, specifically then-athletic director Al Bohl and his assistant, Scott
Johnson. Staffers in the athletic department said Bohl seemed intimidated by
Tarkanian and his son, Danny, an assistant coach.
There were plenty of signs that the basketball program was a wayward ship, the
sources said, but Bohl never bothered to intervene.
“Al Bohl became a 'yes' man for Jerry Tarkanian,” said one employee, who still
works inside the department and requested anonymity because of concerns about job
security. Bohl, now the athletic director at the University of Kansas, did not return
phone calls seeking comment. Scott Johnson, who became athletic director after Bohl
left in 2001, denies that he failed to follow through on leads pointing to academic
fraud. [Los Angeles Times, 3/10/03]
Fresno State Placed on Probation, Scholarships Cut after Tarkanians Left
In December 2002, after the Tarkanians left Fresno State, the NCAA laid myriad
allegations of NCAA rule violations against the school’s basketball program.
The NCAA alleged seven major and four secondary infractions against the team, but Jerry
Tarkanian contended he was not involved in the alleged major violations, which mostly
concerned a lack of institutional control over student-athlete certification and eligibility.
Fresno State announced self-imposed penalties against the program December 13th, putting
its men's basketball program on two years' probation and cut the team's scholarships by
three after consulting with the NCAA infractions committee.
Danny Tarkanian said, “Our concern is the public's perception that this was the basketball
program's fault and specifically my dad's.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/23/02]
Tarkanian Testified as a Character Witness in Player’s Assault Trial
In December 1998, Tarkanian and his father were scheduled to testify as character
witnesses for a player they coached, Avondre Jones, who allegedly put a gun to a man’s
cheek, told him he could blow a hole through his head and then attacked him with two
samurai swords.
Jones was charged with five felony counts -- including robbery, extortion, making terrorist
threats -- and two misdemeanor counts of brandishing weapons stemming from the alleged
attack on DeForrest in March 1998. He was also charged with a felony count of threatening
a former girlfriend with a samurai sword in 1996. [Fresno Bee, 12/12/98]
17
Jones Convicted of Felony Charge, Three Misdemeanors; Sentenced to Six Months in
Jail
Jones was convicted of one felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and
three misdemeanor charges.
Jones was acquitted on four of five felony counts -- robbery, extortion, making terrorist
threats and assault with a deadly weapon. [Fresno Bee, 12/16/98]
Jones was sentenced to six months in jail.
Superior Court Judge Stephen Kane sentenced Jones to the jail term but suspended a twoyear state prison sentence that would kick in only if Jones fails to report to county jail.
[Fresno Bee, 2/4/99]
Fresno State Had 12 Suspensions for Drug-Related Incidents and Assaults as of 1998
In July 1998, Tarkanian said his father would likely continue coaching at Fresno State for at
least a few years.
“He'll stay until we get it going and have a traditional base for two or three years,”
Tarkanian said. “The only reason we're in on the players we're in on is because of the
reputation he has. We're not going to get those players if they don't think he's coaching.”
“If there's a great player out there, the chances are that they're not going to stay four years
anyway,” Tarkanian said. “If we're successful next year, it would take the stress off of him
(Jerry Tarkanian), and he'll be able to last longer. We are addressing the question, though.”
Under the Tarkanians’ leadership, Fresno State players had “12 suspensions for drugrelated incidents and assaults.” [Fresno Bee, 7/23/98]
As Of 2012, Secretary of State Reported 41 Entities Registered by Tarkanian; 37 No
Longer Active
As Of 2012, Secretary of State Reported 41 Entities Registered by Tarkanian;
37 No Longer Active
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, there were 41 corporations in Nevada that were
registered by Daniel Tarkanian. Of those, four are “domestic corporations,” 18 are nonprofits corporations, one is a “domestic limited partnership” and one is a “foreign limited
liability company.” Tarkanian had a business interest in 13 of the 41 companies. Of the 41
entities, four are active and 37 are permanently revoked, dissolved, canceled or are
otherwise not active. Public records show two additional entities, Master Fundraising and
American Education Foundation, which are not listed in the Secretary of State’s database at
this time.
Of the 41 companies registered by Daniel Tarkanian and including the additional two not in
the state database, six companies (American First Foundation, Communications Plus,
H.E.L.P. Foundation, The Faith Foundation, Master Fundraising, New Faith Foundation)
were either prosecuted or investigated by authorities or had company officers that were
18
prosecuted or investigated by authorities. Two were operated by persons with tax issues at
the time of registration (New Faith Foundation, Shoot for the Stars Foundation) and five
(America First Foundation, Communications Plus, H.E.L.P. Foundation, The Faith
Foundation, Quail Park Dental, Save the Youth Foundation, The Telephone Company)
were operated by persons who would later have tax issues after their registration.
Entity Name
NV Business ID
Status
Type
J A M D LLC
NV20071485456
Active
Domestic Limited-Liability Company
TARKANIAN BASKETBALL ACADEMY, INC.
NV20031271587
Active
Domestic Non-Profit Corporation
TARKANIAN PROFESSIONAL CENTER
ASSOCIATION, INC.
NV20101077374
Active
TPC - 4, LLC
NV20081110536
Active
BENTAR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NV19901001359
Cancelled
Domestic Limited Partnership
HARRY REID VOTES
NV20101628502
Default
TARK, LLC
NV20031173084
Default
VEGAS DIAMOND PROPERTIES, LLC
NV20071744014
Default
QUAIL PARK DENTAL, INC.
NV19931037402
Dissolved
Domestic Corporation
AMBER COURT, LLC
NV20041074247
Permanently Revoked
Foreign Limited-Liability Company
AMERICA FIRST FOUNDATION
NV19941042773
Permanently Revoked
ANDREWS, JOHNSON & LANE, LLC
NV20041149070
Permanently Revoked
CITIZENS FOR HEALTH EDUCATION, INC.
NV19941083168
Permanently Revoked
COMMUNICATIONS PLUS, INC.
NV19951087765
Permanently Revoked
CRAIG ROAD PLAZA, L.L.C.
NV19941007941
Permanently Revoked
FUTURE OF AMERICA
NV19941117809
Permanently Revoked
GENERATION Y, LLC
NV20021118748
Permanently Revoked
H.E.L.P. FOUNDATION
NV19941066378
Permanently Revoked
I-SYSTEM, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
NV19951006302
Permanently Revoked
LOIS, LLC
NV20051041886
Permanently Revoked
MISSION FOUNDATION
NV19941091748
Permanently Revoked
NEW FAITH FOUNDATION
NV19941066782
Permanently Revoked
PEOPLE AGAINST DRUGS AND DISEASE
NV19951048636
Permanently Revoked
PUB ONE, INC.
NV19941104208
Permanently Revoked
SHOOT FOR THE STARS FOUNDATION
NV19941041159
Permanently Revoked
SOCIALLY AWARE TUTORING, LLC
NV20031122671
Permanently Revoked
SOUTHERN NEVADA SAVE THE YOUTH
FOUNDATION
NV19941089095
Permanently Revoked
TARK, LV BLVD., LLC
NV20061508869
Permanently Revoked
TARKANIAN BASKETBALL ACADEMY, LLC
NV20021070966
Permanently Revoked
THE FAITH FOUNDATION
NV19941101045
Permanently Revoked
THE MIRACLE FOUNDATION
NV19951047177
Permanently Revoked
THE TELEPHONE COMPANY, LAS VEGAS
NV19931066174
Permanently Revoked
TROP T.P., LLC
NV20021118563
Permanently Revoked
TROP T.P., LLC
NV20031209061
Permanently Revoked
UNITED SERVICE ASSOCIATION
NV19941109081
Permanently Revoked
UNIVERSAL YOUTH ORGANIZATION
NV19951077500
Permanently Revoked
WEST LAS VEGAS ATHLETIC LEAGUES, INC.
NV19921080314
Permanently Revoked
WORLDWIDE OUTREACH
NV19941066776
Permanently Revoked
J A M D II LLC
NV20071452665
Revoked
LAS VEGAS HOOPS, LLC
NV20041198697
Revoked
TARKANIAN ENTERPRISES, LLC
NV20021165495
Revoked
AMERICAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION
MASTER FUNDRAISING INC
[Nevada Secretary of State, Entities Registered by Daniel Tarkanian, link, accessed 2012]
Attorney Malpractice
19
2006: Sanctioned And Fined By Nevada Supreme Court For Signing Legal Papers
While His Law License Was Inactive
2006: Sanctioned And Fined By Nevada Supreme Court For Signing Legal Papers
While His Law License Was Inactive. “Danny Tarkanian of Las Vegas, Republican
nominee for secretary of state, was sanctioned and fined in August by the Nevada Supreme
Court for signing legal papers while his law license was inactive, according to documents
obtained Friday by the Gazette-Journal. Tarkanian told the Gazette-Journal of the sanction
late Tuesday night in an e-mail. He said on the Nevada Newsmakers television program
Wednesday that he had forgotten his law license had expired when he signed the
documents. ‘It was just a mistake I made,’ Tarkanian said. ‘I surely regret the mistake. It
gave Ross (Miller, Democratic nominee for secretary of state) some ammunition to come
after me. But would that disqualify me from being your next secretary of state?’ Tarkanian
also failed to respond to numerous Supreme Court notices and was fined $300, according
the documents.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Reno Gazette-Journal Headline: “State Supreme Court Sanctions Tarkanian.” [Reno
Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Nevada Supreme Court Imposed Sanctions For Tarkanian’s “Continuing Failure To
Comply With Orders Of This Court,” Which Resulted In “Valuable Resources Being
Wasted.” “Mr. Tarkanian's continuing failure to comply with orders of this court has
resulted in this court's valuable resources being wasted and warrants the imposition of
monetary sanctions. See Hansen v. Universal Health Servs., 112 Nev. 1245, 924 P.2d 1345
(1996). Mr. Tarkanian shall have 15 days from the date of this order to personally pay the
sum of $300.00 to the Supreme Court Law Library. Within that same time period, Mr.
Tarkanian shall file proof of such payment with the clerk of this court. Failure to comply
timely with these directives may result in the imposition of additional sanctions, including
further monetary sanctions and referral to the State Bar of Nevada for investigation
pursuant to SCR 105.” [G7P&T v. Douglas Johnson, et al., Case No. 45195, 8/16/06]
Nevada Supreme Court Noted Tarkanian Signed A Stipulation To Dismiss An Appeal
While His Law License Was Inactive, Which Violated Nevada Court Rules. “On May
17, 2006, the parties filed a stipulation to dismiss this appeal. The stipulation was signed by
all counsel in this appeal, including Mr. Tarkanian. We have been informed by the State
Bar of Nevada that 2 Mr. Tarkanian was placed on inactive status with the State Bar on
March 6, 2006. It appears that Mr. Tarkanian has not been reinstated to active status with
the State Bar of Nevada. See NRAP 25(1)(e) (all documents submitted to the Supreme
Court for filing by a represented party shall include the original signature of at least 1
attorney of record who is an active member of the State Bar of Nevada); NRAP 46(a) (no
person may practice before the Supreme Court who is not an active member of the State
Bar of Nevada except as provided in SCR 42).” [G7P&T v. Douglas Johnson, et al., Case
No. 45195, 8/16/06]
2010: Tarkanian Denies He Was Sanctioned And Fined By The Nevada Supreme
Court For Filing Legal Papers Without A Law License
2010: Tarkanian Denies He Was Sanctioned And Fined By The Nevada Supreme
Court For Filing Legal Papers Without A Law License. “You’re wrong. You’re
mistaken on that… I was sanctioned by the Supreme Court for failing to respond to two
20
notices they sent to my home… Yes, they did [fine me]… We didn’t get the notices. They
said they sent them to us. I have personal responsibility to be responsible for it, so we paid
the fine, and we moved on. Is that the worst you can find about me, is I didn’t respond to
two notices that my family and I didn’t get? That’s the worst you can say about me in this
race?... You’re mischaracterizing it, saying I practiced law without a license, or these other
type of things you want to say, which is not true. Those were those attack pieces that were
inaccurate and false, which you get in these type of campaigns. The fact is, I didn’t respond
to two notices the Supreme Court said they sent to my home. We didn’t get the notices, but
they said they sent them, so I had to pay the fine and we moved on. [Ray Hagar, Reno
Gazette-Journal: Are you saying you did not sign legal papers when your law license was
inactive?] That has nothing to do with- I don’t know if I did or not. That’s not what’s the…
[Hagar: That’s kind of the whole point to it.] Well, that wasn’t the fine. Again, you’re
mistaken, and I’ll get you the documentation so afterwards you come back on the show and
apologize to the viewers. [Hagar: Danny, did you sign legal papers while your law license
was inactive? That’s my question.] I don’t recall. My law license was inactive for about six
months. If I did, it would have nothing to do with the Supreme Court case. [Hagar: We
agree to disagree on that.] Well there’s a decision. The Supreme Court decision is there, and
I’ll give you a copy of it. Afterwards, come back on the show and apologize. [Hagar: If you
weren’t in failure to this, why did you get fined in the first place?] I just told you, we- I
didn’t respond to two notices that they said they sent to my home. That’s exactly what the
case says. And again, I’ll get you a copy of it. Instead of trying to continue on this, let’s
look at the case. [Hagar: You don’t know if you signed legal papers when your law license
was suspended.] It was an issue about thatthere was a timing of whether it happened or
not. I don’t know for sure now. If it did, it had nothing to do with the fine, which is what
you’re trying to bring up. [Hagar: Well the fine had to do with- they were trying to get
ahold of you about your signing these papers without a law license…] No, it wasn’t. The
fine had to do with- they said they sent me two notices that they wanted us to respond to a
brief for the appeal to the Supreme Court, but we settled the case, so there was no need to
file the appeal. You don’t know the facts here, so let’s get the facts… You don’t know the
facts. There’s a decision, and the decision- I’ll bring a copy of it and you can look at it.”
[Tarkanian Interview, Nevada Newsmakers, 5/20/10]
1998: Sued For Attorney Malpractice And Settled The Lawsuit For $35,000
Sued By A Former Client For Attorney Malpractice, Breach Of Contract, And Breach
of Fiduciary Duty. On March 27, 1998, Tarkanian was sued by a former client for attorney
malpractice, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint alleged that
“Defendants [Tarkanian, et al.] applied to the wrong agencies for permits and licenses and
thereby failed to obtain the proper permits and licenses.” [Complaint, Glanville v.
Tarkanian & Kajioka, 3/27/98]
Settled The Attorney Malpractice Lawsuit For $35,000. On March 26, 2001, an
“Acceptance of Offer of Judgment” was filed, “allowing THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($35,000.00), including costs, to be taken against Defendant [Tarkanian &
Kajioka] in favor of Plaintiff [Glanville].” The Offer of Judgment explicitly stated that it
was not to be construed as an admission of liability by the Defendant. [Acceptance of Offer
of Judgment, Glanville v. Tarkanian & Kajioka, 3/26/01]
Dismissed Criticism Of His Business Practices That Led To Lawsuit. In a March 2016
interview with Kevin Wall, Tarkanian said, “You know, there was a guy 20 years ago who
21
filed a frivolous lawsuit against me for some ridiculous thing, and the insurance company
said, Danny, it’s going to cost more money for us to defend it, so let’s pay him a nominal
fee. I mean, really? Come on? That’s what the best they could bring up in 20 years?”
[Kevin Wall Interview, Part 1, 6:50, 3/30/16]
Helped Set Up Companies That Were Later Prosecuted For Telemarketing Fraud
2012: Helped To Incorporate Entities That Were Later Prosecuted For Telemarketing
Fraud
2012: Horsford Attacked Tarkanian For Being The Registered Agent For Companies
That Acted As Fronts For Fraudulent Charities. “But the campaign of his political
opponent, state Sen. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, is betting Tarkanian's role as a
registered agent for companies that acted as fronts for fraudulent charities will offset good
vibes voters have for the Republican's basketball glory.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
10/15/12]
Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For Telemarketing Companies Later
Prosecuted For Fraud. “It is true Tarkanian performed legal work setting up corporations
for telemarketing companies and serving as their resident agent. And at least one company
was prosecuted on fraud allegations. Tarkanian’s attorney Gus Flangas, in his first
defamation case, argued to the jury that a resident agent has nothing to do with operating a
company, so saying Tarkanian assisted crooks was defamation. Flangas said the testimony
that ‘turned the jury a little’ was straight from Schneider’s mouth when he admitted he
understood that a resident agent has no control over a company and wasn’t involved in dayto-day operations. He knew this because he’d hired resident agents for his own companies
and voted on laws governing limited liability issues, so knew the limitations of a resident
agent. ‘That struck a chord,’ Flangas said.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison
Column, 8/06/09]
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leif Reid Stated Tarkanian “Incorporated At Least Thirteen
Fraudulent Charities”
2006: Former U.S. Attorney to Tarkanian: “You Incorporated at Least Thirteen
Fraudulent Charities for Your Client.” In October 2006, Leif Reid sent a cease and
desist letter to Danny Tarkanian over a campaign ad featuring Reid’s name and stating that
he personally cleared Tarkanian of any involvement in illegal telemarketing fraud. Reid
wrote, “As you should be aware, there is a significant difference between not being indicted
for illegal activity and not being involved at all. It is true you were never indicted for your
involvement in helping to facilitate your client, Cole Cloninger, in his illegal telemarketing
schemes. It is patently false for you to claim that you had no involvement at all in this
illegal activity. A simple search of the Nevada Secretary of State’s website indicates that,
over the eleven month period from February 1994 through January 1995, you incorporated
at least thirteen fraudulent charities for your client. The officers of these entities
constitute a who’s who list of individuals who were convicted of defrauding senior citizens
in Nevada and around the country of millions of dollars. These names include Cole
Cloninger, Mark Meisner, Brad Mitchell Lea, Michael Burns and others. The entities you
created were illegal telemarketing schemes that were the subject matter of numerous
criminal prosecutions. These fraudulent charities included: Shoot for the Stars Foundation,
America First Foundation, H.E.L.P. Foundation, Worldwide Outreach, New Faith
22
Foundation, Save the Youth Foundation, Mission Foundation, The Faith Foundation,
People Against Drugs and Disease and Future of America. The names of these entities were
designed to mislead as to their actual purpose.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/09/09; Leif
Reid Letter to Tarkanian, dated 10/30/2006]
New Faith Foundation Part of Telemarketing Scheme, 400 People Sent in $2 Million
Between April 1994 and January 1995. In 1997, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported
that the New Faith Foundation in connection with Thadow Inc was involved in a
telemarketing scheme that claimed 400 victims across the country who were tricked into
sending a total $2 million in donations between April 1994 and January 1995. The
salespeople told the donors that they would receive a cash award greater than the amount
they donated. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/1/1997]
Federal Trade Commission: Victims of Thadow Inc’s Telemarketing Scheme Were
Primarily the Elderly. According to a Federal Trade Commission press release, the
Federal Trade Commission alleged that Thadow Inc’s “scheme participants induced elderly
consumers, who had previously lost money to fraudulent telemarketers, to make
purportedly tax-deductible donations of $1,000 or more in order to receive valuable prizes.”
[Federal Trade Commission Press Release, 12/6/1996]
1995: Federal Trade Commission Filed Suit Against Thadow Inc for Telemarketing
Scheme that Required Consumers to Make $1,000 Donation to New Faith Foundation.
In January 1995, the Federal Trade Commission filed suit against Thadow, Inc., and its
president Alex Norman, who was at one time also president of New Faith Foundation.
According to the complaint, salesman from Thadow “called consumers and told them that
they were in possession of prizes that other telemarketing firms were supposed to have sent
to consumers, but did not.” The salesman told the consumers that Thadow was in charge of
distributing these prizes and that in order to receive the prize they had to make a $1,000 taxdeductible donation to a charity named “New Faith Foundation.” The consumers then sent a
check or money order addressed to either Thadow or New Faith Foundation in Las Vegas.
After the sending the money, the consumers never received the prizes. Later in December
1996, Norman agreed to settle with the FTC, paying $130,000 in addition to other penalties.
[Order For Preliminary Injunction, “Federal Trade Commission V. Thadow Inc & Alex
Norman,” Nevada District Court, Case No. CV-S-95-00075-HDM, 1/24/1995; Stipulated
Final Order For Permanent Injunction and Judgment For Monetary Relief, “Federal Trade
Commission V. Thadow Inc & Defendants,” Nevada District Court, Case No. CV-S-95-75HDM,12/16/1996]
NOTE: Alex Norman was not reported on the New Faith Foundation incorporation
documents filed by Tarkanian.
Tarkanian Was Registered Agent For Master Fundraising, Which Committed
Telemarketing Fraud
Tarkanian Was Registered Agent For Master Fundraising, Which Committed
Telemarketing Fraud. “The most pointed allegation raised by the Democratic
Congressional Campaign Committee has to do with Jan Wrobel, who in 1999 was
sentenced to several years in federal prison for his role with Master Fundraising. Evans
described the setup as one where telemarketers would solicit donations they said were for
charity with false promises about prizes for donors. Tarkanian was the registered agent for
23
the company; and the attorney who defended Wrobel said Tarkanian and Lee Wrobel, Jan's
father, bore much of the responsibility for wrongdoing even though they weren't charged.
Jan Wrobel was appointed sole director of the company when he was just 18 in an attempt
to protect the adults who created the firm, attorney Booker Evans said. ‘I really felt the kid
Wrobel got screwed by Danny and his father,’ Evans said in an interview. Later, Evans
added, ‘There are things that you don't do as a lawyer, and as a lawyer you don't put an 18year-old in charge of a corporation.’ Jan Wrobel has declined comment. Lee Wrobel is
deceased. Georgina Diane Wrobel, Jan's mother, was also convicted. In a sentencing
memorandum on Jan Wrobel's behalf, Evans argued for lighter-than-recommended
punishment on the grounds that Tarkanian and Lee Wrobel used the younger man as a
pawn. ‘Not only was Mr. Wrobel subject to parental influence, but Danny Tarkanian, the
attorney who 'set up' the businesses, either knew or should have known that Jan lacked the
capacity to carry out most of the actions necessary to establish and operate the businesses,’
Evans wrote. ‘To a great extent, Jan Wrobel was a pawn.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
10/15/12]
The 13 Entities Leif Reid Cited In His Letters Were Non-Profits That Had Tarkanian
As Their Registered Agent
The 13 Entities Leif Reid Cited In His Letters Were Non-Profits That Had Tarkanian
As Their Registered Agent. According to the Nevada Secretary of State, Daniel Tarkanian
was the registered agent of 13 non-profit corporations in Nevada between 1994 and 1995.
None of these organizations are currently active.
Tarkanian Registered Shoot for the Stars Foundation in 1994. According to the
Nevada Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the Shoot for the Stars
Foundation. The non-profit corporation was established on February 11, 1994 and its
current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for
Shoot for the Stars Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered America First Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Danny Tarkanian was the resident agent of America First Foundation
that was incorporated on February 17, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.”
[Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filings for America First Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered H.E.L.P. Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary
of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the H.E.L.P. Foundation. The non-profit
corporation was established on May 24, 1994 and it’s current status is “permanently
revoked.” . [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for H.E.L.P. Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered The Faith Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of The Faith Foundation. The nonprofit was established on September 19, 1994 and its current status is “permanently
revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for The Faith Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered New Faith Foundation in 1994. Danny Tarkanian was the
registered agent for the New Faith Foundation, a non-profit corporation that was
incorporated on May 25, 1994. [New Faith Foundation Articles of Incorporation, link]
24
Tarkanian Registered Southern Nevada Save the Youth Foundation in 1994.
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent for the
Southern Nevada Save the Youth Foundation. The non-profit corporation was established
on August 4, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of
State, Corporation Filing for Save the Youth Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered Worldwide Outreach in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary
of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Worldwide Outreach. The non-profit
corporation was established on May 25, 1994 and its current status is “permanently
revoked.”. [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Worldwide Outreach, link]
Tarkanian Registered Mission Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary
of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the Mission Foundation. The non-profit
corporation was established on August 15, 1994 and its current status is “permanently
revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Mission Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered People Against Drugs and Disease in 1995. According to the
Nevada Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of People Against Drugs and
Disease. The non-profit corporation was established on January 26, 1995 and its current
status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for People
Against Drugs and Disease, link]
Tarkanian Registered Future of America in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Future of America. The non-profit corporation
was established on November 16, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.”
[Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for People Against Drugs and Disease, link]
Tarkanian Registered Citizens for Health Education, Inc. in 1994. According to the
Nevada Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Citizens for Health
Education, Inc. The non-profit corporation was established on July 19, 1994 and its current
status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for
Citizens for Health Education, link]
Tarkanian Registered The Miracle Foundation in 1995. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of The Miracle Foundation. The nonprofit was established on January 24, 1995 and its current status is “permanently revoked.”
[Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for The Miracle Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered United Service Association in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of United Service Association. The
non-profit corporation was established on October 13, 1994 and its current status is
“permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for United Service
Association, link]
2009: But, Received $150,000 In A Defamation Settlement From A State Senator Who
Falsely Accused Him Of Telemarketing Fraud And Turning Over Evidence To Avoid
Prosecution
Received $150,000 In A Settlement From A State Senator He Sued For Defamation.
“State Sen. Mike Schneider today agreed to pay $150,000 in damages to settle a defamation
25
lawsuit brought by his 2004 election challenger, Danny Tarkanian. In a verdict late Friday
night, a Clark County District Court jury awarded Tarkanian, son of former UNLV
basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, $50,000 in damages. Schneider has agreed not to appeal
the verdict.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Sen. Mike Schneider Accused Tarkanian Of Setting Up Telemarketing Companies
That Were Later Found To Be Running Scams And That He Turned Over Evidence
To Avoid Prosecution. “Schneider accused Tarkanian of setting up telemarketing
companies that were later found to be running scams and that he turned ‘state’s evidence’
against the telemarketers to avoid being prosecuted.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Tarkanian Was A Lawyer Who Helped Set Up The Companies, But Was Not Aware
Of Or Involved In The Fraudulent Activities. “Tarkanian practiced civil law until 1995
and admitted he helped set up the companies but had no involvement in the day-to-day
operations of any of them. He said he was not aware that any of the companies were already
engaged in illegal activity at the time that he helped to set up them. Leif Reid, a former
assistant U.S. Attorney, testified that Tarkanian was not part of the investigation into the
companies.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Schneider Was Found To Have Committed Defamation For Exaggerating
Tarkanian’s Involvement With The Telemarketing Firm. “The jury awarded Tarkanian:
$30,000 because Schneider said on "Face to Face with Jon Ralston" that his opponent was
under investigation by a grand jury, set up fraudulent corporations for telemarketers and
"went state's evidence to testify against his fellow telemarketers." (Not true.) $10,000 for
fliers produced by consultant Gary Gray, including one that said, "Assisted by Danny
Tarkanian, these crooks and 'co-schemers' cheated old people out of millions." (A stretch
unless lawyers are liable for the misdeeds of their clients.) $10,000 for Schneider's false
claims that Tarkanian's law license became "inactive" because he was going to be punished
by the state bar. (False again.)” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison Column,
8/06/09]
It Was True Tarkanian Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For
Telemarketing Companies And At Least One Was Prosecuted On Fraud Allegations
It Was True Tarkanian Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For
Telemarketing Companies And At Least One Was Prosecuted On Fraud Allegations.
“It is true Tarkanian performed legal work setting up corporations for telemarketing
companies and serving as their resident agent. And at least one company was prosecuted on
fraud allegations. Tarkanian’s attorney Gus Flangas, in his first defamation case, argued to
the jury that a resident agent has nothing to do with operating a company, so saying
Tarkanian assisted crooks was defamation. Flangas said the testimony that ‘turned the jury
a little’ was straight from Schneider’s mouth when he admitted he understood that a
resident agent has no control over a company and wasn’t involved in day-to-day operations.
He knew this because he’d hired resident agents for his own companies and voted on laws
governing limited liability issues, so knew the limitations of a resident agent. ‘That struck a
chord,’ Flangas said.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison Column, 8/06/09]
2006: Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him – Leif Reid
Called The Ad “False And Misleading”
26
Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him. In 2006, Tarkanian ran
a TV ad during his unsuccessful run for Secretary of State claiming that Leif Reid, who
served as a white-collar crime prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office from 1997 to 1999,
cleared Tarkanian of any involvement in illegal telemarketing activities.
Reid Called Tarkanian’s Ad “False and Misleading.” Reid, a Reno attorney and son of
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, wrote a letter demanding Tarkanian to stop using
his name in the ad. “I was surprised to see my name in an advertisement supporting Danny
Tarkanian,” said Reid. “If asked, I would not have agreed to the statement contained in the
advertisement.” “The purpose of my letter is to not support any one candidate,” Reid said.
“I responded with the letter because I think the ad and Danny Tarkanian's use of my name
is false and misleading. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 11/01/06]
Tarkanian Said His Ad Was “100 Percent Factual.” “My ad is 100 percent factual,”
Tarkanian said. “These are facts that he cannot dispute.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 11/01/06]
2004: Said He Was A Corporate Lawyer For Businessmen Who “Did Some Bad
Things”
2004: Said He Was A Corporate Lawyer For Businessmen Who “Did Some Bad
Things.” “The dirt on Tarkanian mostly included information about former clients that
Tarkanian represented in the early 1990s. He was a civil attorney for a telemarketing
company that was indicted on fraud charges. Tarkanian said he was merely a corporate
lawyer for businessmen who ‘did some bad things.’ He said he was never questioned,
officially investigated or charged in connection to his clients.” [Las Vegas Sun, 9/27/04]
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy After FDIC Held A $17 Million Judgment Against Him For
Defaulted Loans
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013 – Discharged On May 4, 2015
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013. “On December 19, 2013, the
Debtors [Danny and Amy Tarkanian] filed their voluntary petition for relief under chapter 7
of the Bankruptcy Code with the above-captioned court, thereby commencing their
Bankruptcy case.” [Motion to Approve Settlement Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019,
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v. Daniel George John Tarkanian, et al., 2/12/15]
The Tarkanians Were Discharged On May 4, 2015. [Order Granting Ex Parte
Application For Entry Of Discharge Of Debtors, 5/04/15]
Bankruptcy Information - 1 records found
1: NEVADA - LAS VEGAS
Petitioner Information
Petitioner 1
Name: TARKANIAN, DANIEL GEORGE JOHN
Address: 3008 CAMPBELL CIR LAS VEGAS, NV 89107-3214
SSN:
Type: INDIVIDUAL - JOINT
Petitioner 2
Name: TARKANIAN, AMY MICHELLE
27
SSN:
Bankruptcy Information
Case Number: 1320495
Court: NEVADA - LAS VEGAS
Filing Date: 12/19/2013
Filing Type: CHAPTER 7
Meeting Date:
Meeting Time: 0900
Status Information
Status: DISCHARGED
Status Date: 05/04/2015
Trustee Information
Name: LEONARD, WILLIAM A JR
Address: 5030 PARADISE RD STE B216 LAS VEGAS, NV 89119-1225
Attorney Information
Attorney 1
Name:
LARSON AND ZIRZOW
Address: 810 S CASINO CENTER BLVD LAS VEGAS, NV 89101-6719
Attorney 2
Name: ZIRZOW, MATTHEW C
[Nexis Bankruptcy, Judgments, & Liens search, accessed 3/30/16]
Bankruptcy Court Reduced $17 Million Judgment Against Tarkanian To $525,000
Bankruptcy Court Reduced $17 Million Judgment Against Tarkanian To $525,000.
“The principal terms of the proposed Settlement Agreement include, but are not necessarily
limited to the following: Payment of Settlement Sum. The Debtors agree to pay to the
FDIC-R a total sum in the amount of $525,000.00 (the ‘Settlement Sum’), which sum shall
be broken down into various parts…” [Tarkanian, et al. v. Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, et al., Motion to Approve Settlement, 3/25/15]
Owed $17 Million Judgment To The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Because He
Personally Guaranteed A Defaulted Loan For A Bad Land Deal
Owed $17 Million Judgment To The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Because He
Personally Guaranteed A Defaulted Loan For A Bad Land Deal. “In hindsight,
Republican congressional candidate Danny Tarkanian should have ‘put a microscope’ on a
2007 land deal that went bad and has now left him and his family on the hook for a $17
million judgment, his lawyer said Wednesday. A federal judge has ruled that Tarkanian, his
parents and siblings must pay the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. $17 million for a loan
they took from a now-defunct bank that is under federal receivership. The loan was
intended to help develop an ‘equestrian destination resort’ in Anza, Calif. The judgment is
the result of more than two years of legal wrangling over the deal that bankrupted both the
original developer, Robert Dyson, and La Jolla Bank, which financed most of the deal.
Unfortunately for them, the Tarkanian family, and their partners Doug and Debra Johnson,
appear to be the only ones left standing for the FDIC to go after. ‘In 20-20 hindsight, yeah,
he should have put a microscope on the deal,’ Tarkanian’s lawyer, Gus Flangas, said. ‘It’s
28
unfortunate he didn’t. He trusted Dyson, trusted the bank. That’s unfortunately a very, very
expensive lesson learned.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/31/12]
Made A Hard-Money Loan To A Horse Resort Developer, Robert Dyson, Without
Doing His Due Diligence – The Developer Later Defaulted, Causing The FDIC
Lawsuit Against Tarkanian. “Tarkanian wouldn’t be a traditional investor, though. His
family’s company, Vegas Diamond Properties, would become a ‘hard-money’ lender,
borrowing money — using its own property as collateral — to then lend to the developer at
a premium interest rate. The practice, common during the boom, helped fund projects that
couldn’t get conventional financing. … Two years earlier, Doug Johnson, Tarkanian’s
friend and business partner, had extended a hard-money loan to the horse resort developer,
Robert Dyson. Dyson failed to repay the $7.5 million note when it came due, claiming that
it would have meant a ‘massive reshuffling of his various assets and projects,’ according to
the lawsuit. Still, Dyson assured Johnson the horse tourism project was healthy and
arranged for what amounted to a replacement loan from La Jolla Bank. Johnson then
approached Tarkanian about doing another hard-money loan to Dyson. In an interview,
Tarkanian said he had rejected a similar pitch in 2005, but over the course of several
months, warmed to the idea, convinced by Dyson’s presentations, which included detailed
financial statements. ‘It wasn’t an easy decision,’ he said. ‘We went back and forth for
months. We went down to Anza. Dyson showed us the horse stables. It was an impressive
place.’ The size and terms of the loan were significant: $14.5 million, secured by nearly
nine undeveloped acres near M Resort and guaranteed by Tarkanian and his extended
family. And yet, according to his lawsuit, Tarkanian signed the paperwork ‘without ever
meeting, discussing or negotiating with anyone affiliated with La Jolla Bank.’ Instead, he
relied on Dyson and Dyson’s accountant to handle the logistics, including land appraisals.
Financial and real estate experts said that kind of passivity represents a failure to perform
basic research.” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/28/10]
Las Vegas Sun Sub-Headline: “Though He [Tarkanian] Admits He Should Have
Further Scrutinized The Deal, Politician Says He Was ‘Bamboozled.’” [Las Vegas Sun,
5/31/12]
Tarkanian Sued La Jolla Bank To Block Foreclosure Of Family-Owned Property
Once Dyson Defaulted On The Loan Tarkanian Guaranteed. “U.S. Senate candidate
Danny Tarkanian is embroiled in a lawsuit to block foreclosure on family-owned property
he once viewed as a retirement investment. Tarkanian, a Republican seeking to challenge
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is among plaintiffs who filed suit Jan. 8 in Clark County District
Court against La Jolla Bank and Action Foreclosure Services of California. The lawsuit
alleges the bank worked in concert with real estate investor Robert A. Dyson Jr., who it said
defaulted on a $12.5 million loan made through Vegas Diamond Properties, a company
owned jointly by Tarkanian and about a dozen other family members. ‘He defaulted within
one month, took the money and then disappeared,’ Tarkanian said of Dyson. A La Jolla
Bank spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit. Dyson was unavailable for
comment. The lawsuit states that he filed for bankruptcy protection Oct. 31 and therefore
cannot be sued.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/22/10]
Las Vegas Review Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Sues To Block Foreclosure.” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, 1/22/10]
29
Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker – Attempted To Explain The Failed Real
Estate Deal That Caused The $17 Million Judgment
2012: Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker – Attempted To Explain The Failed
Real Estate Deal That Caused The $17 Million Judgment. “It’s unfortunate [that my
opponent] would try to take a very disappointing situation that happened for my family and
I, where we were defrauded by an individual, and want to use that for political gain, but
he’s desperate right now, so that’s what he’s trying to do. I think it’s important, if you want
to mention the real estate transaction- we talked about what happened. I’ve been very open
and transparent about it. My family and I were part of eleven people that owned a piece of
property in South Las Vegas Boulevard. One of our partners worked with a developer in
Southern California and this developer said, ‘Hey, we gotta- I know a bank I’m real close
with. I can get them to lend you the money, and you lend it to me and I’ll develop this
property in Southern California.’ For two years we declined to do so, and that partner of
ours kept saying how great the development was going, and he’d invested in himself, and
finally after two years we agreed to do so, on July 23rd of 2007. On August 1st, seven- eight
days later, the developer defaults on his loan to us, and then he stops all construction on the
property, the development doesn’t use any of our money for the development of the
property – which is what we lent him the money for – and then he files bankruptcy.
Sometime thereafter we find out that part of the money we lent to the developer, he used to
pay back the bank for a loan he was defaulting on, instead of using it to develop the
property. We believe there was a clear case of fraud; in fact, the lower court gave us an
injunction to stop the bank from foreclosing on our property, and then the FDIC comes in
and closes the bank down, making some of the same allegations we’re making, so we think,
‘Hey, there they go. They agree with us.’ But no, the FDIC says they’re going to come after
us personally and, if you can believe this, there’s a federal statute that says you can’t use
fraud as a defense against the FDIC unless it is specifically written in the loan documents,
and anyone who understands how fraud works knows you don’t write the fraud [?] loan
documents, you do those outside. So basically, we believe that that decision that the lower
court held upholding that statute was wrong, and we have it on appeal with the Ninth
Circuit Court. Our attorneys are very confident we’re going to win that case, and we believe
we will also. It’s been going on for almost four years. I’ve lived through it for this long, and
we’ll continue to live through it. It obviously is something that is in the back of our minds,
but we’re not going to let it destroy everything else we’re going with our lives, my whole
family and I.” [Tarkanian Interview, Chuck N. Baker Show, 7:00 12/04/12]
Ralston Report Headline: “Court Orders Garnishment Of Tarkanian’s Wages, Assets
To Pay $17 Million Judgment,” But Later Settled With FDIC For $525,000
Ralston Report Headline: “Court Orders Garnishment Of Tarkanian’s Wages, Assets
To Pay $17 Million Judgment.” “Remember during Danny Tarkanian's congressional run
how that $17 million judgment became an issue. Tarkanian vowed that the judgment
against himself and family members, including the legendary coach, would not be paid
because they would appeal and prove they were the ones defrauded. This week, though, in
several court filings in Nevada, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has moved to
collect the debt, and a court has issued orders demanding payment, garnishing the family's
wages and assets and asking for a full examination of the family's finances.” [Ralston
Report, 5/02/13]
30
Made A $525,000 Settlement With The FDIC. “The Debtors agree to pay to the FDIC-R
a total sum in the amount of $525,000.00 (the “Settlement Sum”)…” [Motion to Approve
Settlement Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, 2/12/15]
Failed To File Paperwork In Time To Stop FDIC From Seizing His Assets To Satisfy
The $17 Million Judgment
Failed To File Paperwork In Time To Stop FDIC From Seizing His Assets To Satisfy
The $17 Million Judgment. “In a court filing first reported by political journalist Jon
Ralston, lawyers for the FDIC stated that the Tarkanian family’s lawyers had missed a
mutually agreed upon Oct. 8 deadline to file documents opposing the FDIC’s claim to his
property in Nevada. Not filing any objection on time counts as a forfeit, the FDIC argued,
clearing the way for them to start seizing Tarkanians’ property after the next scheduled
court hearing on Oct. 22. … But in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun Thursday morning,
Danny Tarkanian said there was a good reason for his lawyer having missed the filing date,
and didn’t expect it would affect the outcome of the case at all. ‘My attorney missed it
because his father passed away,’ Tarkanian said. ‘There’s things that go on behind the
scenes that affect things...things that happen personally. That’s where we’re at and that’s
what we have to deal with.’ ‘This is a procedural matter, it has nothing to do with the merits
of our case and whether we win or lose at the end,’ Tarkanian added. ‘That’s going to be at
the court of appeals...So it’s a non-story.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/10/12]
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “FDIC Sets Out To Seize Tarkanian Family’s Nevada
Assets.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/10/12]
Tarkanian’s Brother Filed Bankruptcy Because Of Failed Real Estate Deal
Tarkanian’s Brother Filed Bankruptcy Because Of Failed Real Estate Deal.
“Republican congressional candidate Danny Tarkanian’s brother, George Tarkanian, filed
bankruptcy this summer after investing with his brother in a failed real estate deal that has
resulted in a $17 million judgment against the family.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/16/12]
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “Danny Tarkanian Says Making Bad Loan For Horse
Resort An Aberration”
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “Danny Tarkanian Says Making Bad Loan For Horse
Resort An Aberration.” “With the development industry booming, a friend and partner in
Tarkanian’s real estate firm approached him about an investment opportunity: Dignitary
Downs, an “equestrian destination resort” in Anza, Calif., complete with a 200-room hotel,
restaurant and jockey school, all on land once owned by Dodgers great Don Drysdale.
Tarkanian wouldn’t be a traditional investor, though. His family’s company, Vegas
Diamond Properties, would become a “hard-money” lender, borrowing money — using its
own property as collateral — to then lend to the developer at a premium interest rate. The
practice, common during the boom, helped fund projects that couldn’t get conventional
financing. Intended to fund his family’s retirement, the plan backfired when the developer
ran out of cash and the project stalled. Now, as Tarkanian enters the final days of the
Republican primary, he’s on the hook for $14.5 million and, in a strange twist, is suing the
federal government to save his Las Vegas land from foreclosure.” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/28/10]
31
2012: Reid Held Press Hitting Tarkanian On His $17 Million Judgment And Failed
Land Deal
2012: Reid Held Press Hitting Tarkanian On His $17 Million Judgment And Failed
Land Deal. “Harry Reid has one of the most important jobs in Washington. If only he
could be as big as the office he holds. … It just so happens that the man, Danny Tarkanian,
had been a candidate to run against Reid in 2010, but the majority leader assured listeners
that ‘there’s nothing personal in this.’ He then proceeded, in highly personal terms, to argue
that Tarkanian is unfit to serve because of a $17 million judgment issued five months ago
against him and others over a failed real estate deal. The judgment, sought by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corp., is being appealed, but Reid wasn’t about to let a legal technicality
such as due process get in his way. ‘The FDIC rarely, rarely loses, especially on a slamdunk like this,’ Judge Reid determined in the conference call Monday afternoon.”
[Washington Post, Dana Milbank Column, 10/15/12]
2010: Sued To Block Foreclosure Of His Vacation Home, Alleged Foreclosing Bank
“Worked In Concert” With A Real Estate Investor Who Defaulted On The Loan
Tarkanian Guaranteed
2010: Alleged Foreclosing Bank “Worked In Concert” With A Scheme With A Real
Estate Investor Who Defaulted On The Loan Tarkanian Guaranteed. “U.S. Senate
candidate Danny Tarkanian is embroiled in a lawsuit to block foreclosure on family-owned
property he once viewed as a retirement investment. Tarkanian, a Republican seeking to
challenge Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is among plaintiffs who filed suit Jan. 8 in Clark
County District Court against La Jolla Bank and Action Foreclosure Services of California.
The lawsuit alleges the bank worked in concert with real estate investor Robert A. Dyson
Jr., who it said defaulted on a $12.5 million loan made through Vegas Diamond Properties,
a company owned jointly by Tarkanian and about a dozen other family members.” [Las
2016: Stated In A Campaign Mailer That He “Paid My Debts In Full” Even Though
He Only Paid $525,000 Of The $17 Million He Owed The FDIC
2016: Stated In A Campaign Mailer That He “Paid My Debts In Full” Even Though
He Only Paid $525,000 Of The $17 Million He Owed The FDIC. “Danny Tarkanian, a
Republican candidate for Congressional District 3, says in a recent mailer that ‘when I
failed [in business] I didn’t walk away — I paid my debts in full and then I bounced right
back.’ That phrase struck me as odd, because Tarkanian actually did walk away and didn’t
pay his debts ‘in full.’ Instead, he filed for bankruptcy protection and paid just 3 percent of
what he owed. The back story is that Tarkanian and his family were forced into bankruptcy
after a California bank from which they’d borrowed money to pay for a land deal failed and
was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Although he owed the FDIC
$17 million, he ended up settling the bankruptcy case last year for just $525,000.” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, Sebelius Column, 5/27/16]
Tarkanian Clarified He Meant He Paid Back The Reduced Amount The Bankruptcy
Court Ordered Him To Pay The FDIC “In Full.” “But then I realized that, perhaps,
Tarkanian was trying to pull a fast one. Perhaps he was trying to say that he had paid the
fraction of his debts he was ordered to repay at the conclusion of the bankruptcy
proceedings ‘in full,’ not the original amount of his debt. It’s not exactly the same thing —
32
in fact, it’s not the same thing at all — but it might be something that a lawyer-turnedwould-be politician could justify putting into a mailer. Turns out, that was it. After some
random person on Twitter enjoined me to ‘quit being an idiot — the final court order is
what is owed, if anything. Did Danny pay off the order in full?’ Tarkanian jumped in to
confirm. ‘Of course that is what I was talking about,’ he tweeted. ‘Yes I paid it off in full.
Sebelius is shill for Roberson #LiberalBFF.’ And by ‘it,’ of course, Tarkanian means ‘the
fraction of his debts that he was ordered to repay at the conclusion of the bankruptcy
proceedings,’ but not ‘my debts in full,’ as the mailer says.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Sebelius Column, 5/27/16]
Back Taxes And Delinquent Payments
Between 1992 To 2001, Tarkanian And His Real Estate Partners Paid More Than
$23,000 In Back Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To
Five Years
Between 1992 To 2001, Tarkanian And His Real Estate Partners Paid More Than
$23,000 In Back Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To
Five Years. “During that decade of go-go real estate speculation, Tarkanian and the
companies he was associated with didn’t always pay property taxes on time, becoming
delinquent for one to five years and forcing Clark County authorities to hold at least a
dozen parcels until the bills were paid. In the end, Tarkanian and his real estate partners
paid more than $23,000 in back taxes, interest, penalties and fees from 1992 through 2001,
according to Clark County records.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Said, “Maybe I Missed Some Property Tax Payments. I Have No Recollection Of That
Since It Was So Long Ago. And I Was A Passive Partner.” “‘Maybe I missed some
property tax payments,’ Tarkanian said. ‘I have no recollection of that since it was so long
ago. And I was a passive partner’ in some of the companies. ‘I would expect the Democrats
to track me extremely closely and try to find whatever dirt they can to use against me.’”
[Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Invested In Real Estate Partnership That Paid $6,216.78 In Delinquent
Property Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Five Of Seven Parcels In Clark
County. “Bentar Limited Partnership is an example of Tarkanian being an investment
partner and resident agent for a real estate company he formed with close friend Amador
‘Chi Chi’ Bengochea. Neither Tarkanian nor Bengochea could recall being late on property
tax payments in the early 1990s, although records show Bentar in 1993 paid $6,216.78 in
delinquent property taxes, interest, penalties and fees on five of seven parcels Clark County
held until the bills were paid. Four of the parcels were two years late, and one parcel was
three years late on property taxes, records show.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Paid $3,242.96 In Late Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Four
Parcels That Were Delinquent From 1999 To 2000. “Tarkanian wholly owned JAMD
Inc., so he was directly responsible for paying taxes on property the company owned.
Records show that in September 2000 he paid $3,242.96 in late taxes, interest, penalties and
fees on four parcels that were delinquent for the year 1999-2000.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 5/20/12]
33
In September 2001, Tarkanian Paid $7,377.20 In Back Bills For One Parcel That Was
Two Years Delinquent. “A year later in September 2001, Tarkanian paid another
$7,377.20 in back bills for one parcel that was two years delinquent, including for taxes,
interest, penalties and fees.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Late Paying 1999-2000 Property Taxes On A Parcel He Owned A 40 Percent Stake In
– The Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership Also Owned A 40 Percent Stake. “The
Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership, which lists his parents as general partners, also was
late paying 1999-2000 property taxes on a parcel that was 40 percent owned by the
partnership and 40 percent by Danny Tarkanian, according to Clark County records.
Tarkanian said he doesn’t recall owning the property, whose overdue taxes were paid in
September 2000 by the First American Title Co. of Nevada with a $673.44 check.” [Las
2016: Nevada’s Third Congressional District
2016: Announced He Would Run In The Third Congressional District In July 2015 –
Mistakenly Stated He Was Running For Congress In CD 4 In March 2016
Announced He Would Run In The Third Congressional District In July 2015. “In a
letter emailed to his supporters Monday, Danny Tarkanian announced that he will run for
Congress in 2016 in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. ‘I am running for Congress to be
a voice for my community and for all of us who want to renew America's greatness,’ he
said in a statement. Tarkanian joins state Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson, RHenderson, as a GOP candidate for the post being vacated by Rep. Joe Heck. Heck, R-Nev.,
is running for Harry Reid's U.S. Senate seat.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/13/15]
Mistakenly Stated He Was Running For Congress In CD 4 In March 2016. During an
interview with Kevin Wall, he stated he mistakenly started talking about issues affecting
CD 4 before correcting himself. “And the problem we’re going to have in CD4 is to educate
the voters who are not in business to understand…CD3.” [Roberson for Congress, 3/25/16]
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid
Loser Title”
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid
Loser Title.” “Danny Tarkanian is a four-time loser when it comes to politics. Sure, he’s
won a couple of Republican primaries, but in the clutch, Tarkanian has always come up
short. As one Review-Journal wag put it, Tarkanian’s last big win came when he was lacing
up his sneakers for the Runnin’ Rebels. But look closely at the numbers and you’ll see
Tarkanian always made his races competitive, never embarrassing himself and never
descending to the level of perennial also-rans. Still, he’ll have to overcome a lot of history
to be successful in his latest bid for office: the Republican primary for the 3rd
Congressional District.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Has Run For Congress Twice, Never In District He Lives In
Has Run For Congress Twice, Never In District He Lives In. “(Historical note:
Tarkanian has run twice for Congress, but never in the district in which he actually lives,
which is overwhelmingly Democratic and ably represented by Dina Titus. But the U.S.
34
Constitution only requires representatives to live in their states, not a particular district.)”
2014: Nevada System Of Higher Education Board Of Regents
2014: Dropped Out Of Board Of Regents Race After Realizing A Family Friend Was
Running
2014: Dropped Out Of Board Of Regents Race After Realizing A Family Friend Was
Running. “That [deciding to leave politics] lasted exactly two years, until he showed up in
the spring of 2014 to file for the Board of Regents in District 2. Tarkanian quickly dropped
out, saying he hadn‘t realized one of the challengers, attorney and former Review-Journal
reporter Trevor Hayes, was a family friend.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius
Column, 7/15/15]
Admitted Not Knowing Whom He Was Running Against When He Filed To Run For
Board Of Regents. “Tarkanian had waited until the last day of candidate filing, March 14,
to put his name in to run for the University Board of Regents in District 2 for a six-year
term. The other candidates are the incumbent, Robert Blakely, and attorney Trevor Hayes, a
former Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter. Tarkanian said when he got home his wife,
Amy, noted she was friends with Hayes and Tarkanian also realized that Hayes’ wife, Erin
Russell Hayes, was one of his supporters when he ran for Congress in 2012, but lost to U.S.
Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev. He said he knew Erin by her maiden name. ‘I didn’t know
who the other people were’ running for the Board of Regent seat when he filed, Tarkanian
said. ‘I felt bad that I was in a race with some people I knew. … Hopefully, there will be a
place for me in the future for a public race.’ Tarkanian also said he met with Hayes and felt
comfortable he would be a good candidate for the job, so he decided to drop out. ‘It just
wasn’t the right time for me and it was the right time for him,’ Tarkanian said of running
for the nonpartisan office.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/25/14]
2012: Lost General Election In 4th Congressional District To Steve Horsford By A
Vote Of 50.11 Percent To 42.11 Percent
2012: Lost General Election In 4th Congressional District To Steve Horsford. “After
that, it was the 4th Congressional District in 2012; Tarkanian won the GOP primary,
defeating then-state Sen. Barbara Cegavske and seven others, only to lose to then-state Sen.
Steven Horsford in the general election, 50 percent to 42 percent.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
2012 U.S. Senate Primary Republican Election Results
Candidate
Floyd Fitzgibbons
Steven Horsford
Joseph Silvestri
Danny Tarkanian
TOTAL
Vote Number
9,389
120,501
9,341
101,261
240,492
35
Percentage
3.90%
50.11%
3.88%
42.11%
[Nevada Secretary of State, accessed 4/11/16]
2012: After Losing To Horsford, Said He Would “Step Out” Of Politics
2012: After Losing To Horsford, Said He Would “Step Out” Of Politics. “Tarkanian
told the Review-Journal after that loss [to Steve Horsford] that he was done with politics:
‘My family and I are going to step out away from it and move on with our lives,’ he said
then.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
2010: U.S. Senate Republican Primary
2010: Lost Republican Primary For U.S. Senate To Sharron Angle By A Vote Of 40.09
Percent To 23.29 Percent
2010: Lost Republican Primary For U.S. Senate To Sharron Angle. “Tarkanian sat out
the 2008 cycle, a wise move given the Democratic wave led by Barack Obama. But he
returned in 2010 to compete in the 12-person Republican primary for incumbent Harry
Reid’s U.S. Senate seat. Tarkanian came in third behind eventual winner Sharron Angle and
hotelier Sue Lowden.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Candidate
Vote Number
Sharron Angle
70,436
Sue Lowden
45,882
Danny Tarkanian
40,929
John Chachas
6,926
TOTAL
164,173
Percentage
40.09%
26.11%
23.29%
3.94%
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman, Lowden Discouraged
It
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman, Lowden Discouraged
It. In July 2007, Tarkanian said he had planned to run for Chairman of the Clark County
Republican Party, but then changed his mind. “I was nominated at the last meeting and I
considered it, but (state Chairwoman) Sue Lowden appointed me to a committee to train
candidates in Assembly and Senate races instead,” Tarkanian said. Lowden endorsed the
current chairman for re-election. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/9/07]
2006: Nevada Secretary Of State
2006: Lost Secretary Of State General Election To Democrat Ross Miller By A Vote
Of 48.73 Percent To 40.57 Percent
2006: Lost Secretary Of State Campaign To Democrat Ross Miller. “He got more
ambitious two years later, running for secretary of state in 2006. Tarkanian won a two-man
36
primary easily, but lost to Democrat Ross Miller in the general election, 48 percent to 41
percent.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
2006 Nevada Secretary of State General Election Results
Candidate
Vote Number
Janine Hansen
38,757
Ross Miller
279,510
Danny Tarkanian
232,705
None Of These Candidates
22,666
TOTAL
573,638
Percentage
6.76%
48.73%
40.57%
3.95%
2004: Nevada State Senate
2004: Lost General Election For State Senate By A Vote Of 53.75 Percent To 46.25
Percent
2004: Lost Election For State Senate. “So far, Mr Tarkanian has not translated this name
recognition into political success--he lost a race for the state Senate in 2004--but he has
access to basketball stars and money.” [The Economist, 10/01/09]
2004 Nevada State Senate, Clark District 11, General Election Results
Candidate
Vote Number
Mike Schneider
13,649
Danny Tarkanian
11,746
TOTAL
25,395
Percentage
53.75%
46.25%
Accusations Of Dirty Politics
Blamed By Roberson Campaign For Story About Roberson’s Alleged Campaign
Finance Improprieties
Blamed By Roberson Campaign For Story About Roberson’s Alleged Campaign
Finance Improprieties.” State Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson pushed back
against suggestions that he or his political action committees engaged in any improper
campaign finance activities. A complaint filed with the Nevada secretary of state’s office by
Michael Brown of Las Vegas asked the state's chief elections official to examine whether
four political action committees tied to the Republican engaged in an illegal practice called
‘conduit contributions.’ … A Roberson adviser laid the blame squarely at the feet of Danny
Tarkanian, a fellow Republican also in the 3rd District race. ‘Danny Tarkanian, who has
been successfully sued for malpractice and sanctioned by the Nevada Supreme Court, had
his buddy send a poorly written letter that didn’t make a single point of law -- or even
identify a violation of any kind,’ said Roberson adviser Mike Slanker. ‘He sent a letter that
any Nevadan can send just so Danny could get free press. While his complaint lacks any
merit and fails to make an actual point, he did manage to get his name in the paper.’” [Las
37
Tarkanian Campaign Called Roberson’s Response To Accusation A “Non-Response.”
“Tarkanian’s campaign fired back. ‘Michael Roberson’s legalistic ‘mumbo jumbo’
response was a non-response that shows he hopes this investigation is swept under the rug,”
the campaign said in a statement. “But the citizen’s complaint shows a clear pattern of
contributions that would give any person reasonable suspicion that Michael Roberson was
trying to skirt campaign finance limits. Why else would a politician create a series of homebased PACs spending hundreds of thousands of special interest dollars on a few favored
candidates?” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/28/16]
Attacked Roberson For Imposing A Tax On Business Revenue
Attacked Roberson For Imposing A Tax On Business Revenue. “Famous son Danny
Tarkanian, now running for Congress in the 3rd District, attacked primary rival state Sen.
Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, over the passage of the commerce tax in the 2015
Legislature. In an interview on ‘PoliticsNOW’ (airing at 5:30 p.m. tonight), Tarkanian
slammed Roberson for signing an anti-tax pledge and campaigning against taxes, only to
play an instrumental role in the passage of the state's first tax on business revenue.” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 3/27/16]
2016: Accused Of Copyright Infringement For Using Unauthorized Footage Of
Michael Roberson In An Ad
2016: Accused Of Copyright Infringement For Using Unauthorized Footage Of
Michael Roberson In An Ad. “A Nevada congressional candidate is demanding a new
political advertisement be taken down over alleged use of unauthorized footage. Dr.
Annette Teijeiro's campaign is sending a cease and desist letter to rival candidate Danny
Tarkanian over a new ad airing in Las Vegas. The two Republicans are running in the
primary for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. Tarkanian's ad, which began airing
Monday, uses footage of state Sen. Michael Roberson at a candidate forum in March filmed
by the Teijeiro campaign. The ad doesn't mention Teijeiro.” [KTNV, 4/19/16]
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed FEC Complaint Against Tarkanian For
“Numerous Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report – FEC Determined
In 2014 That Tarkanian Campaign Likely Accepted A Prohibited $500 Corporate
Contribution, But Dismissed The Allegation Because The Amount Did Not Merit Use
Of Commission Resources To Prosecute
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed FEC Complaint Against Tarkanian For
“Numerous Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report. “The Nevada
Democratic Party filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday
against Danny Tarkanian, alleging ‘numerous irregularities’ in his first campaign finance
report. … In their complaint, Nevada Democrats said Tarkanian accepted corporate
contributions and failed to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal debt from
his failed 2010 Senate campaign. They also suggested Tarkanian might be circumventing
federal rules on donation limits by reporting limited-liability corporate donations without
any indication of the involved partners. The accusations of irregularities are not direct
charges of illegal activity, save for one instance: Tarkanian received $500 from Haig’s
Quality Printing, which is registered as a corporation with the Nevada secretary of state and
thus cannot contribute to his campaign. The charges are also not all borne of his campaign
38
finance report: Nevada Democrats drew certain inferences - as to Tarkanian’s debt, for
instance - by comparing his campaign ledgers with his personal disclosures and statements
to the press. Tarkanian loaned himself $260,000 to fund his Senate campaign and appears to
have forgiven the bulk of that loan; FEC filings show the candidate claims to have just over
$3,000 in debt - a figure that exactly matches the debt he claimed during his 2010 Senate
campaign - but do not itemize to whom it is owed.” [Politico, 5/03/12; Federal Election
Commission, Complaint, 5/01/12]
In Another FEC Complaint, The Nevada Democratic Party Alleged Tarkanian Failed
To Report $250,000 In Campaign Spending. “Democrats say Tarkanian accepted a
$2,500 contribution from a donor who had already hit the legal campaign donation limit.
They also say Tarkanian didn't report about $250,000 in campaign spending during the
proper reporting period, and that he didn't refund certain illegal campaign donations within
the law's 30-day limit.” [Associated Press, 6/27/12]
The Allegations In The Complaint Were Dismissed With Caution – Stated That There
Were Reporting Errors And Had Accepted A $500 Prohibited Contribution.
“Although the [Tarkanian for Congress] Committee made a number of reporting errors in
violation of the Act and appears to have accepted a $500 prohibited contribution, the
Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to dismiss those allegations due to the
modest amounts in violation and the Committee's remedial efforts. See Heckler v. Chaney,
470 U.S. 821 (1985). With respect to the remaining allegations, the Commission finds no
reason to believe that there was a violation of the Act for the reasons provided below.”
[Federal Election Commission, Factual and Legal Analysis, 6/30/14]
The Tarkanian Campaign Accepted A Prohibited $500 Contribution From A
Corporation, But Refunded It, And FEC Determined It Did Not Merit Further Use Of
Commission Resources To Prosecute. “In addition, although it appears that Haig's made,
and the Committee accepted a prohibited corporate contribution of $500 in violation of 2
U.S.C. §§ 441 b(a) and 441 a(f), respectively, due to the amount in violation, pursuit of
these violations does not merit the further use of Commission resources. See 12 Fed. Reg.
at 2 12,545-46. Accordingly, the Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to
dismiss these allegations, and reminds the Committee and Haig's regarding the Act's
prohibition on accepting or receiving and making corporate contributions.” [Federal
Election Commission, Factual and Legal Analysis, 6/30/14]
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed Complaint Against Tarkanian Campaign’s
Online Lottery
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed Complaint Against Tarkanian Campaign’s
Online Lottery. “The Nevada State Democratic Party today sent a letter to the Nevada
Gaming Control Board urging the Board to investigate whether Danny Tarkanian’s
campaign violated Nevada law over an online lottery Tarkanain conducted earlier this
month. Last week, Tarkanian offered campaign contributors a raffle opportunity to win
tickets to a UNLV basketball game, transportation provided, and attend the game with
Tarkanian. This qualifies as a charitable lottery under N.R.S. 462.064 and thus makes it
subject to the Gaming Control Board’s authority. Tarkanian may have evaded the statutory
requirement to register as an entity approved to conduct a charitable lottery in Nevada. The
campaign may have also understated the value of the raffle prizes in question in order to
avoid regulatory oversight. Furthermore, the campaign may be selling the tickets/entries
39
for this charitable lottery outside of the geographical area permitted under N.R.S. 462.180.
The Nevada State Democratic Party is urging the Gaming Control board to investigate the
Tarkanian raffle to determine whether violations of Title 41 of the Nevada revised Statutes,
Gaming, have occurred, and to take appropriate enforcement action if indeed they have.”
[Nevada Democratic Party Press Release, 10/26/12]
2010: Formed An Anti-Reid PAC After Losing The GOP Primary
2010: Formed An Anti-Reid PAC After Losing The GOP Primary. “A vanquished
Republican candidate is making a comeback in Nevada's U.S. Senate race, but not on the
November ballot. Businessman Danny Tarkanian, who finished behind fellow Republican
Sharron Angle in the state's June primary, has formed a political committee to launch a
website and run radio and TV ads dissecting Sen. Harry Reid's voting record. The Las
Vegas-based group, Harry Reid Votes, will remind residents of the ‘poor decisions’ Reid
has made for Nevada, Tarkanian said Monday. ‘The votes that he has been making haven't
been a big focus of the race,’ Tarkanian said. ‘We feel the majority of Nevadans will feel
they were not good votes.’ The group, formed last week, joins several independent political
organizations pouring millions of dollars into the race, which polls show is a dead heat.”
2010: Nevada Democratic Party Filed An FEC Complaint Alleging Coordination
Between Tarkanian’s PAC And Sharron Angle’s Campaign
2010: Nevada Democratic Party Filed An FEC Complaint Alleging Coordination
Between Tarkanian’s PAC And Sharron Angle’s Campaign. “Though he has endorsed
the GOP nominee Angle, a tea party favorite, Tarkanian has not actually campaigned with
her. Last month, he was set to appear at a rally with Angle, but backed out after the Nevada
Democratic Party filed an FEC complaint alleging cooperation between Tarkanian's 527
group and the Angle campaign.” [Yahoo News, 10/18/10]
2010: Accused Reid Campaign Of Setting Up A “False Flag” Armenian GOP
Candidate To Derail The Tarkanian Campaign
2010: Accused Reid Campaign Of Setting Up A “False Flag” Armenian GOP
Candidate To Derail The Tarkanian Campaign. “Ask Republicans in Nevada. Some are
accusing Jon Scott Ashjian, a new Tea Party candidate running for U.S. Senate, of being a
fake. The allegation? He was put in the race by agents of Senate Majority leader Harry Reid
to siphon votes from the GOP. ‘No doubt about it,’ says Danny Tarkanian, one of the many
Republican senate candidates hoping to challenge Reid in November. ‘Nobody in the Tea
Party knows who he is. He didn’t know any of the principles of the Tea Party,’ Tarkanian
tells CNN. He even accuses ‘Harry Reid’s staff, campaign, whatever’ of picking Ashjian
because he’s Armenian, as is Tarkanian. He explains, ‘They know the Armenians are very
close they’ll vote for each other.’” [CNN, 3/10/10]
Racial Rhetoric And Hate Group Associations
Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism”
Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism.” “Our nation’s foreign policy priority
needs to be the protection and support of its own citizens. No more nation-building. No
40
more world’s policeman. We need to be feared by our enemies as a fierce defender of our
own national interests, and respected by the world as a beacon of freedom and strength. I
will vote to support Israel’s self-defense and to oppose Iran’s aggression. And I will call it
‘Islamic terrorism’ – because that’s exactly what it is.” [Tark for Congress, accessed
4/13/16]
2016: Stated, “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong”
2016: Stated, “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong.” In
a forum hosted by the “Active Women of Las Vegas,” Tarkanian said, “We need to
understand the importance of a caring and nurturing family, and the importance one’s faith
and values have on the development of our young children and our society generally. We
need to embrace personal responsibility and respect for authority. We gotta stop blaming
police officers, or blaming our teachers, or blaming our parents when something goes
wrong.” [Tracker Footage, Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 8:44, 1/21/16]
August 2012: Said He Could “Be Like Steven Horsford, Who Is Not Doing Anything
With That [African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black”
August 2012: Said He Could “Be Like Steven Horsford, Who Is Not Doing Anything
With That [African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black.” “In August,
the campaign was infused with racial tension when Tarkanian seemed to suggest that
Horsford was relying on his own ethnicity to win support from African-American voters.
While defending himself in front of a gathering of Republicans, Tarkanian said he could —
quote — ‘be like Steven Horsford, who is not doing anything with that community and
pretend we’re black’ — end quote.” [PBS Newshour, 10/30/12]
Later Apologized And Was Endorsed By Local NAACP President. “Tarkanian
apologized and ended up picking up the support of the local NAACP president.” [PBS
Newshour, 10/30/12]
2010: Endorsed By The Minutemen, A Militia Group That Took Up Arms At The
Southern Border To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States
Southern Border To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States.
“The Minutemen, an anti-illegal immigration group, is endorsing Danny Tarkanian in the
U.S. Senate race as Republicans latch onto the election-year issue in the wake of Arizona
passing a law that gives law enforcement authorities the right to question suspected illegal
immigrants in some cases. … Now Jim Gilchrist, one of the leaders of the Minuteman
Project, is endorsing Tarkanian, saying he’s ‘our kind of guy’ and agrees with his group’s
tough stance against illegal immigrants living in American. The Minutemen gained
headlines several years ago by taking up arms at the border to protest illegal immigrants
sneaking into the country.” [Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/06/10]
The Minutemen Have Ties To Neo-Nazi Groups. “Highly publicized among right-wing
extremists ranging from militia groups to white supremacist organizations, the Minuteman
Project has attracted a variety of extremists and anti-immigration activists of all types. A
number of neo-Nazi National Alliance members showed up for the first weekend of events;
41
Shawn Walker, spokesman for the National Alliance, earlier indicated that members of his
group would take part in the project.” [Anti-Defamation League, 4/25/05]
2004: The Minutemen Ran Advertisement On Aryan Nations Website. “Well, for
example, the original 2004 Minutemen advertisement (‘I invite you to join me in
Tombstone, Arizona, in early spring of 2005 to protect our country from a 40-year-long
invasion across our southern border with Mexico’) ran on the Aryan Nations website,
trumpeted as ‘a call for action on part of ALL ARYAN SOLDIERS.’ Among those
gathered at the original encampment was a faction that called itself ‘Team 14’—a reference
to the neo-Nazi fourteen-word slogan, ‘We must secure the existence of our people and a
future for white children.’ A local news crew, more enterprising than the Most Trusted
Name in News, recorded what these fine patriots said when they thought the cameras were
off: ‘It should be legal to kill illegals. Just shoot ‘em on sight. That’s my immigration
policy recommendation. You break into my country, you die.’” [The Nation, 4/03/13]
Attempted to Rally Armenian Support for His Candidacy
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tarkanian “issued statements in
support of Armenian Genocide affirmation, while also raising concerns with the U.S.
approach towards the ArmeniaTurkey normalization process.”
The article noted, “If successful, Mr. Tarkanian would become the first ArmenianAmerican to be elected to U.S. Senate, and there are indications Armenian-Americans are
beginning to rally for his candidacy, with an early endorsement coming from California's
former Republican Governor George Deukmejian. Fundraising events for Mr. Tarkanian
have been held in Armenian communities in Glendale and Fresno, California, and a
Facebook group ‘Armenians for Tarkanian’ numbered 365 members this week.” [Las Vegas
Review-Journal, 2/07/10]
Opposed Turkey Protocols as Armenian-American
In 2009, the Armenian Reporter noted that Tarkanian opposed Turkey protocols. He
expressed opposition to the U.S.-mediated Armenia-Turkey protocols, the Armenian
National Committee - Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC) reported on November 14.
Tarkanian said there was “unfair pressure being put on Armenia to accept Protocols which
call for a 'historical commission' and put in Danger the very status of the Republic of
Nagorno Karabagh.” His comments came after the incumbent he is challenging, Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.Nev.), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
conveying his constituents' concerns about the protocols.
“It is time to have a direct ancestor of genocide survivors speak up” in the Senate about
Armenian-American concerns, ANC-PAC quoted him as saying. “Instead of tepidly worded
letters to the Secretary of State, I will demand to know why America would pressure the
victim, Armenia, while helping the perpetrators, Turkey and Azerbaijan.” [Armenian Reporter,
11/21/09]
Defended Father’s Teams, “He Takes Poor Black Athletes Because He Can Relate to
Them”
42
In 1983, Tarkanian defended his father’s choice of players despite few of them graduating.
He said his father took ghetto kids because he came from a similar background.
“He takes poor black athletes because he can relate to them,” Tarkanian said. “He grew up
in a poor area in Ohio, and he can relate to them. He takes a lot of head cases. Some pan
out; some don't.”
Even if the students do not graduate, Danny Tarkanian said, they are often popular enough
in the community to improve themselves with good jobs in the Vegas casinos. “What's he
supposed to do?” Danny said. “Let them stay in the ghetto?” [Miami Herald, 3/01/83]
Tarkanian on Obama: “From Everything We Have Seen He Is a Citizen”
In February 2010, Tarkanian said “people peddling the myth that President Barack Obama
isn't an American citizen won't find a friendly ear with his campaign.” However, when
asked by the Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial board if he would correct people who
perpetuated the myth that Obama is not a citizen, Tarkanian replied, “From everything we
have seen he is a citizen and he is entitled to be the president.”
From the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
During a meeting with the Review-Journal editorial board, Tarkanian was asked
about an incident at a forum he attended in which an audience member shouted
“send him back to Kenya,” an apparent reference to Obama.
“From everything that we have seen, Obama is a citizen of the United States,”
Tarkanian said.
He continued: “These statements are a diversion from the real problems we have in
our country and we should focus on those real problems.”
When asked whether he would correct people in the future who perpetuate the
Obama birth myth, Tarkanian said: “From everything we have seen he is a citizen
and he is entitled to be the president.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/08/10]
Accusing People Of Socialist/Communist Sympathies
2010: Accused Former GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden Of Support For Socialism In A
Robocall During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
2010: Accused Former GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden Of Support For Socialism In A
Robocall During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate. “Nevada businessman
Danny Tarkanian’s Senate campaign admits its candidate was wrong when he denied using
the word ‘socialism’ in a robocall against his Republican opponent. In a joint appearance
with former state GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden on KXNT-AM radio, Tarkanian was
challenged by the host on his campaign tactics. Tarkanian claimed he never used the word
‘socialism’ in the robocall. But a recording of the call contradicts Tarkanian.” [The Hill,
3/25/10]
43
2010: Called President Obama’s Visit To Las Vegas With Harry Reid A “Socialism
Summit”
2010: Called President Obama’s Visit To Las Vegas With Harry Reid A “Socialism
Summit.” “Nevada Republican Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian is mocking President
Obama’s Thursday visit to Las Vegas, calling the president’s campaign stop for embattled
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid a socialism summit. Mr. Reid, who spearheaded Mr.
Obama’s unpopular health care reform proposal through the Senate, is banking on the oncepopular president to boost his flagging re-election prospects. But unemployment has
skyrocketed in Las Vegas, severely hurt in the economic downturn, and polls show many
Nevadans blame the Democrat-controlled Congress and the president for their plight.”
[Washington Times, 2/18/10]
2006: Accused Nevada Secretary Of State Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With
Communist Party And ACLU
2006: Tarkanian Accused Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With Communist
Party And ACLU. In August 2006, Tarkanian's website claimed his primary opponent
Brian Scroggins was on the same side as the Communist Party and the American Civil
Liberties Union. All three, according to the website were opposed to Tarkanian's proposal
to require people to prove their citizenship when they go to the polls.
That assertion prompted the chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, John
Hambrick, to intervene on Scroggins' behalf in a private letter to Tarkanian that was
obtained by the Review-Journal. “The suggestion that Brian and the ACLU have similar
goals and ideas relating to voter issues is clearly a mischaracterization,” Hambrick wrote.
“This style of campaigning provides the Democrats with campaign issues that will only hurt
the party's chances to be successful in November.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/14/06]
Tarkanian Defended his Website
Tarkanian said the letter struck him as inappropriate. “John's obviously very close with
Brian and he's trying to help Brian's campaign in the last minute,” he said.
Hambrick was acting on his personal relationship with Scroggins and shouldn't have done
so on party letterhead, Tarkanian said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/14/06]
Tea Party
2016: Tried To Distance Himself From Tea Party By Saying He Did Not Carry The
Constitution In His Back Pocket
2016: Claimed He Was Not Extreme Because He Did Not Carry The Constitution In
His Back Pocket. “Tarkanian couches himself as a Constitution-following, Ronald Reaganloving conservative, but doesn’t consider himself ‘extreme.’ He says he doesn’t, for
instance, carry a copy of the Constitution around in his back pocket. He also thinks there
should be more focus on national security and the economy than on social issues. ‘Some are
far more to the right than I am,’ Tarkanian said. ‘I think my positions are pretty basic and
common sense.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/03/16]
44
2016: Attempted To Distance Himself From The Tea Party By Focusing On National
Security Over Social Issues. “Tarkanian eschews the Tea Party moniker, though he has
said in past campaigns that he supports the values of the Tea Party movement, including
reducing the role of the federal government and limiting government spending. It’s a sore
spot for the candidate, whose 2010 U.S. Senate primary loss to Sharron Angle came after
the Tea Party Express, one of the organized arms of the grassroots movement, pumped
hundreds of thousands of dollars into Angle’s campaign. While the Tea Party has earned a
reputation for obstructionism, Tarkanian said he wanted to negotiate for Nevadans on such
issues as national security, an overhaul of the tax system and limiting government
regulation. ‘I’m not the kind of guy that’s going to say, ‘If we can’t get exactly everything
conservatives want, we’re not going to pass anything,’’ Tarkanian said. ‘We’re going to
fight and get the best deal possible and hopefully it will be favorable.’” [Las Vegas Sun,
5/03/16]
2010: Said He Felt Strongly About The Values That The Tea Party Stood For And
That He Related With Them
Said He Felt Strongly About The Values That The Tea Party Stood For. In a April
2010 interview with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News, Tarkanian said, “The Tea Party
movement is a collective group of people frustrated with what is happening in the state.
They are frustrated with high government spending, the government intervention into the
financial health care and auto industries. There's a movement to get our country back to the
few limited purposes of the federal government should be. These are values I feel strongly
about. I relate very well with those voters. We anticipate getting many of them on Election
Day.” [Fox News, 4/07/10]
2010: Glenn Beck Praised Tarkanian By Calling Him A Tea Party Radical
2010: Glenn Beck Praised Tarkanian By Calling Him A Tea Party Radical. In
‘Compare and Contrast,’ Beck posited sarcastically, ‘Who sounds like the real radical
here?’ He read an anonymous quote that sounded reminiscent of Ronald Reagan. ‘We
simply cannot continue to let our federal government borrow, spend, and bail out entire
industries at the expense of future generations.’ Beck correctly identified the quote as
coming from Nevada conservative Danny Tarkanian, ‘another Tea Party radical,’ Beck
laughed, sarcastically.” [Washington Examiner, 1/29/10]
Tarkanian Thanked Beck For Calling Him A Tea Party Radical. “Beck’s sarcastic
label, as a ‘Tea Party radical,’ made Tarkanian very happy. ‘Thank you, Glenn Beck, for
taking notice and sharing it with the nation!’ his Facebook page announced Friday.”
[Washington Examiner, 1/29/10]
2010: Aired Radio Ad Trumpeting That Glenn Beck Called Him “A Tea Party
Radical”
2010: Aired Radio Ad Trumpeting That Glenn Beck Called Him “A Tea Party
Radical.”
NARRATOR: Listen to why Glenn Beck called Danny Tarkanian a “tea party radical.”
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CHUCK HEATH: This is Chuck Heath. You know, you supported my daughter Sarah
Palin. Now please join me in supporting another strong conservative, Danny Tarkanian.
JIM GILCHRIST: This is Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project. In Nevada,
there is one candidate for U.S. Senate I trust to fight alongside us, Danny Tarkanian.
BARBIE KENNISON: I’m Nevada tea party activist, Barbie Kennison. And I’m voting for
Danny Tarkanian. He is not a politician and he will beat Harry Reid.
DANNY TARKANIAN: I’m Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message.
[2010 Tarkanian for Senate Radio Ad, 6/01/10]
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S.
Senate
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S.
Senate. “Tarkanian, a real estate developer whose father is a well-known former college
basketball coach, also had support from a Tea Party group, Tennessee-based Tea Party
Nation. Tarkanian has scoffed at Angle's Tea Party Express endorsement, saying it did not
represent the anti-establishment and constitutionalist movement.” [Fox News, 6/09/10]
2010: Tarkanian Touts His Tea Party Support
2010: Tarkanian Touts His Tea Party Support. “The Tea Party of Nevada, the national
Tea Party organization, they have come out and repudiated that [Tea Party Express
endorsement of Sharron Angle], and they have stayed neutral in the race. There’s a lot of
Tea Party people, supporters of my campaign, that are out there supporting me and getting
other people to get behind my campaign and vote for me. We feel very strongly that we’re
going to have a very strong presence from the Tea Party of Nevada here, and they’re going
to vote for me.” [Tarkanian Interview, ABC News, 5:30, 6/03/10]
According To Jon Ralston, Tarkanian Stated He “Firmly Supports Trump Regardless
of What Was Said”
According To Jon Ralston, Tarkanian Stated He “Firmly Supports Trump Regardless
of What Was Said.” According to Jon Ralston, after Tarkanian was asked by the Las
Vegas Review-Journal whether he still supported Trump after Trump made racial
comments about the federal judge presiding over the Trump University lawsuit, Ralston
wrote, “Nothing from state Senate Majority Leader and would-be congressman Michael
Roberson, who probably wants to keep the Trumplodytes appeased during his primary
against Danny Tarkanian (who told the Las Vegas Review-Journal ‘he hasn’t heard the
remarks, but he firmly supports Trump regardless of what was said.’)” [Ralston Reports,
6/07/16]
Said He Would Support Trump If He Was The GOP Presidential Nominee
Stated He Would Support The GOP Presidential Nominee Because “There’s Nobody
Worse Than Hillary Clinton.” “Candidates were asked whether they would support
whoever the Republican Party nominates for president. … Tarkanian said ‘of course’ he’d
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support the nominee, adding that the next president would have the power to make one or
more Supreme Court nominations. ‘Any Republican who says they won’t (back the
nominee) is such a disappointment,’ Tarkanian said. ‘There’s nobody worse than Hillary
Clinton except possibly Bernie Sanders.’” [Associated Press, 4/26/16]
Said He Would Support Trump If He Was The GOP Presidential Nominee. In a March
2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna
support Trump, as I would anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie
Sanders.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Said He Would Also Support Cruz Or Kasich If They Are The Nominee. In a March
2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna
support Trump, as I would anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie
Sanders. […] I think we have great candidates that were out there. The three that are out
there now, again, I would be happy to have any one of them as our nominee going up
against Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 31:20,
3/25/16]
Said He Was Supporting Rand Paul Before He Dropped Out And That He Liked
Carly Fiorina. In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked who he likes
for the presidential race. Tarkanian responded, “Well I liked Senator Paul, but he’s not in
the race anymore, so you know, and then I liked Carly Fiorina, my wife was a big supporter
of his, and I listened to her talk and she was really good. I think we have great candidates
that were out there.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Stated That Denying Trump The Nomination If He Deserves It “Will Destroy The
Republican Party For Years To Come”
Stated That Denying Trump The Nomination If He Deserves It “Will Destroy The
Republican Party For Years To Come.” During an interview, Tarkanian said, “…if that
happens, if anything is done that denies Trump the rightful nomination if he deserves it, it
will destroy the Republican party for years to come, and anybody running on the ticket,
including myself, Joe Heck, and anybody else in the general election.” [Nevada Democrats
Tracker Video, YouTube, 3/11/16]
Did Not Think Trump Would Necessarily Hurt His Candidacy
Did Not Think Trump Would Necessarily Hurt His Candidacy. In a March 2016
interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked, “Do you think him [Trump] being in the
race? Does that help, or hurt your candidacy in the third district?” He responded, “It’s a
great question. I don’t have an answer to that. I understand the sentiment from the mass
media and the establishment party is he will hurt Republican candidates down ticket. But I
see that the voter turnout in every state he’s been involved in has gone up something like
60% and the Democrats are going down 35%. I know the guy who was running his office
here in Clark County, and he said every day there was between 40 to 100 people coming in
that were Democrats or Independents that were switching over to be Republicans to vote for
him. Now, I don’t know? Are they going to translate that they’re going to come and vote in
the general election and then vote for Republican candidates? I read a story that they said a
lot of the Trump voters who are switching over won’t vote for a Republican candidate. I
don’t know and quite honestly, I can’t worry about that. I go by the adage just worry about
47
what you can control. And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna support Trump, as I would
anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. I quite honestly think
those are the two worst candidates the Democrats have put up for office in my lifetime, and
I don’t see how anybody can say it would be worse to have a Republican nominee over
those two.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Defended Trump’s Campaign Manager After He Was Charged With Battery,
Ultimately Stating That He “Respect[ed]” Trump’s “Loyalty” To Lewandowski In
Choosing Not To Fire Him
Defended Trump’s Campaign Manager After He Was Charged With Battery,
Ultimately Stating That He “Respect[ed]” Trump’s “Loyalty” To Lewandowski In
Choosing Not To Fire Him. In a March 2016 interview with Kevin Wall, Tarkanian said,
“If you watched it, it was very simple. It was a pull of the arm and get out of the way and
that was it. […] It is a misdemeanor, but there’s always exceptions to it. […] I don’t think
the actions were that strong. He just grabbed her and pulled her to the side. She says in her
complaint he almost threw her to the ground, which isn’t true. Anybody watching the film
sees that’s not accurate. […] I think this says a lot about Donald Trump, and you can either
like it or not like it. Most people would’ve fired that person on the spot […] most campaign
managers probably would’ve offered their resignation […] but Donald is different in every
way in this campaign and he’s a loyal and is standing by his campaign manager and he’s
taking a lot of shots from people. For someone who grew up in a family like my father who
was always criticized for being loyal to his players and defending his players, I respect
loyalty.” [Kevin Wall Interview, Part 4, 3/30/16]
2016: Stated He Opposed Abortion Except In The Case Where The Mother’s Life Is
In Danger
In Danger. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, he state he supported
“legislation to protect the right to life of every person from conception to natural death,” but
inserted a footnote stating, “To save life of mother (must be life threatening).” [2016
Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
In Danger. “The comment came after a primary opponent, Danny Tarkanian, had been
portraying himself for months as the real anti-abortion candidate to a conservative GOP
electorate that will choose a Republican nominee in June. … And what better issue to use
than abortion, where Tarkanian claims he is against it except when the life of the mother is
endangered.” [Las Vegas Sun, John Ralston Column, 12/16/09]
2016: Did Not Support Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood And Said They
Were “Selling Body Parts”
2016: Did Not Support Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood And Said The Were
“Selling Body Parts[.]” In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked, “I
take it you would disagree with funding Planned Parenthood?” Tarkanian responded, “With
taxpayer money? Absolutely. Why should we? […] Why do we have to give $800 million
to an entity that is providing such a divisive service as abortions and then coming out and
48
seeing how they’re selling body parts and all those other things.” [LasVegasNow Interview
with Sebelius, 21:35, 3/25/16]
2016: Supported Defunding Planned Parenthood. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “defunding Planned
Parenthood.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Opposed Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform Abortions
2016: Opposed Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform Abortions.
In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he
opposed “the distribution of federal tax dollars to agencies that counsel for or perform
abortions.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
NOTE: It is not known what types of organizations would be impacted by the “counsel”
aspect of Tarkanian’s position.
2016: Supported “Religious Liberties” Protections For Health Care Workers And
Small Business Owners
2016: Supported “Religious Liberties” Protections For Health Care Workers And
Small Business Owners. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “Religious Liberties/Conscience Protections
for all citizens (health care workers, small business owners, etc) as opposed to protections
only for religious organizations and their employees.” Presumably, this would allow small
business owners to deny contraceptive coverage to employees and to deny services to samesex couples if the owners have a religious objection. [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
Survey]
2012: Endorsed By Nevada Right To Life PAC
2012: Endorsed By Nevada Right To Life PAC. “Jeremy McNeil, executive director of
Nevada Right to Life PAC, announced that the PAC has endorsed Danny Tarkanian in
Nevada's 4th Congressional District. ‘Danny Tarkanian has long been a friend of the prolife movement in Nevada,’ McNeil said. ‘Since the early 1990s he has been on the front
lines in defense of innocent life. Nevada Right to Life PAC looks forward to him
continuing this good work as a representative in Congress. Danny Tarkanian's knowledge
and experience will enable him to be an effective legislator in Washington and a capable
representative of Nevada," McNeil said. ‘Nevada Right to Life PAC is pleased to endorse
Danny Tarkanian for United States Congress.’” [Sparks Tribune, 5/28/12]
2016: Stated He Opposed Global Warming/Cap & Trade Policies
2016: Stated He Opposed Global Warming/Cap & Trade Policies. In the 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed “Global Warming/Cap &
Trade policies,” i.e., policies that would address carbon emissions in order to ameliorate
global climate change. [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
49
2011: Stated He Believed Scientists Used Fraudulent Test Results To Prove Global
Warming Was Man-Made
2011: Stated He Believed Scientists Used Fraudulent Test Results To Prove Global
Warming Was Man-Made. In a July 2011 column Tarkanian wrote for the Tea Party
Nation website, he stated, “Republicans believe that if man-made global warming existed
scientists would not have had to create fraudulent test results to affirm that position. Also,
that to impose cap and trade restrictions on the American economy would result in millions
of more jobs leaving our country and moving to such places as China; who has made it
clear that they will not impose these same ridiculous restrictions.” [Tea Party Nation,
7/24/11]
Opposed Cap and Trade
In the 2010 Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes
“Global Warming/ Cap & Trade legislation.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2012: Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility – Said It Would
“Diversify Our Economy”
Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility. “For decades,
Nevada’s federal and statewide elected officials have had a seemingly uniform mantra on
Yucca Mountain and nuclear waste in the state: Hell no. End of conversation. But
November’s election could change that, both proponents of Yucca Mountain and those
ardently opposed say. On the ballot this year are three Republican congressional candidates
— two of whom are in tight races — open to some form of research or reprocessing at the
site. Republican Danny Tarkanian, running for Congressional District 4, said last week at a
Las Vegas PBS debate that Yucca Mountain could be used for a reprocessing facility. ‘We
need to diversify our economy,’ he said. ‘We’ve spent $12 billion to do the studies and the
infrastructure at Yucca Mountain. ... I’ve suggested we turn it into a reprocessing facility of
nuclear spent fuel. That would bring in $1 billion in revenue.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/21/12;
Danny Tarkanian Debate, PBS, 10/16/12]
Said, “Yucca Mountain’s Location Is Ideal For [Nuclear] Reprocessing.” “While he is
‘fully opposed to making Nevada a dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel for the nation,’
Tarkanian spoke enthusiastically about turning Yucca Mountain into a nuclear reprocessing
facility. ‘Reprocessing plants have been in use all around the world for years,’ he said. ‘The
U.S. is one of the leading nuclear energy producers in the world but there is not a single
reprocessing plant in the country. Yucca Mountain’s location is ideal for reprocessing. It
would be a new industry that Nevada can take a lead in. It would create thousands of jobs
for Nevadans. It would generate $250 million from the government immediately and then
$500 million each year. It would also turn UNLV and UNR into the leading research
institutions in this field in the world.’” [Pahrump Valley Times, 4/14/10]
2010: Advocated Calling Nuclear Waste “Spent Fuel” In Order To “Sell” Nuclear
Waste Reprocessing At Yucca Mountain To The Citizens Of Clark County
2010: Tarkanian Speaks In Douglas County, May 14, 2010.
50
Questioner (0:25): Recently in the paper there was an article talking about Yucca Mountain
(?). One of the comments was on the issue of reprocessing nuclear waste and…
Tarkanian (0:44): Spent fuel. Watch how you say that. We gotta sell it to Clark County,
so…
[Danny Tarkanian Forum, Douglas County, 5/14/10]
2010: Stated He Believed Nuclear Waste Reprocessing In Nevada Should Be
Contracted To Private Companies
2010: Stated He Believed Nuclear Waste Reprocessing In Nevada Should Be
Contracted To Private Companies.
Tarkanian (2:56): You’ve gotta contract with a private company [for nuclear waste
disposal]. If we (?) the federal government, we here in Nevada… we’re going to accept the
nuclear spent fuel on the condition that we get it and can contract it to a private company
and keep the proceeds, you don’t think that they’re going to accept that and agree to it? I
think that’s going to be the easiest thing for me to do when I go back there. There’s a
consensus outside the state to get it done. The problem is, you’ve got to sell it to the people
of Clark County, and I know I can do that. I go and talk about this in Clark County, and for
the first time, people realize it’s right. There are tests done to prove that the transportation
of nuclear spent fuel is safe….
2010: Suggested Considering Reprocessing of Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Tarkanian’s interview with
the editorial board, and commented on his opinion of what should be done with the Nuclear
Waste at Yucca Mountain.
From the article:
…Tarkanian has positioned himself out front on the (not original) idea to use the
slated-for-termination Yucca Mountain Project as a site for reprocessing nuclear
waste. Although he stopped short of endorsing it, Tarkanian said reprocessing could
“create thousands of jobs” and generate millions in taxes. He said critics with safety
issues are “fear-mongers.”
That stance is sure to score well with rural Nevada voters, for whom Yucca isn't
something to dread but a potential boon to small-town economies and employment.
Tarkanian Supported Controversial Reprocessing at Yucca Mountain
In February 2010, Tarkanian “expressed support for studying or experimenting with
reprocessing, a method of extracting useful fuel from radioactive waste” at the Yucca
Mountain Test Site.
51
“If the safety precautions are there, we should do it,” said Tarkanian, who put reprocessing
first on his list of five ideas to diversify Nevada's economy. “That is a controversial
proposal. Harry Reid is against it, and Sue Lowden is against it,” Tarkanian said, even
though Lowden has said, “I think we could explore reprocessing.”
Tarkanian also has said he supports reprocessing “just like they do in France,” although
French-style systems were not considered feasible or desirable for the United States. [Las
Nuclear Expert Said French Reprocessing Method Was a Myth
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko criticized Frenchstyle reprocessing.
“One of the best developed myths out there is that France has solved the waste problem,”
said Jaczko, citing the fact the country still must dispose of waste and that it also has just 58
reactors at 19 sites, compared with the 104 reactors in the United States. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 2/08/10]
Did Not Buy A Firearm Until He Ran For U.S. Senate In 2010, Then Started
Publicizing His Gun Ownership As Evidence Of His Support For The Second
Amendment
Did Not Buy A Firearm Until He Ran For U.S. Senate In 2010, Then Started
Publicizing His Gun Ownership As Evidence Of His Support For The Second
Amendment. “And they say he's been disingenuous about his support for Second
Amendment rights because he didn't buy his first firearm until he started campaigning for
the U.S. Senate. Tarkanian acknowledges he had never owned a gun before the campaign,
during which he's often touted his support for Second Amendment rights. He, with the help
of Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Montandon, bought a handgun for his wife for
her birthday last year. He said the gun was needed because of recent criminal activity in
their neighborhood. He also bought himself a firearm. Tarkanian said the attack is off the
mark. He said he never publicized the fact he and his wife now own two guns or tried to
make it a campaign issue. ‘I haven’t been a phony on any issue I’ve ever run on,’ he said.
‘Our campaign didn’t send anything out, saying ‘Oh, wow, Danny’s got a gun.’
However, he did just that. In January, he wrote a position statement for a local news
website that said: ‘My wife Amy has a gun because I bought it for her. Both Amy and I
hope we never have to use it, but it’s there for our protection, guaranteed by our Founding
Fathers.’” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 5/30/10]
2010: Tarkanian Admitted He Had “Problems With The NRA”
2010: Tarkanian Admitted He Had “Problems With The NRA.” Tarkanian (1:57): Yes, I
would [provide previous races’ NRA questionnaires to voters]. I’m probably the only one in here
that’s had some problems with the NRA and the questionnaire, but I would certainly turn it over.
This has been an issue I was asked in the last hearing, if somebody wants to bring it up again, we
could get into it. But I have nothing to hide from it; I’ve been a lifetime member of the NRA, and
(although?) there’s been a problem with the last questionnaire (in the race?), we could go through it
all again if anybody has a question on it. [Republican Senate Candidates Debate, 1:57, 2/07/10]
52
2006: Brady Gun Control Campaign Endorsed Danny Tarkanian – His Mother Lois
Arranged The Endorsement Without His Knowledge
2006: Brady Anti-Gun Campaign Endorsed Danny Tarkanian. “The Tarkanian
campaign initially dismissed questions about the little-noticed 2006 Brady Campaign
endorsement Mr. Tarkanian received in his unsuccessful race for secretary of state in 2006.
The Brady Campaign also recorded robocalls urging Nevada voters to support him.
Tarkanian Campaign Manager James Fisfis suggested it was a dirty campaign tactic meant
to discredit Mr. Tarkanian’s support for gun rights because, as he told The Washington
Times, ‘a Brady call in Nevada is not a positive call.’” [Washington Times, 12/16/09]
Tarkanian’s Mother Lois Arranged The Endorsement Without His Knowledge.
“Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke also confirmed that Mr. Burdish, then an unpaid
adviser for Mr. Tarkanian, had worked with them, even asking Mrs. Brady’s
mispronunciation of “Nevada” be edited out of the call. But, Mr. Helmke said, ‘We weren’t
doing this on our own — we were asked to do it by somebody who was with the campaign
— and they even went so far to edit the robocall.’ When reached by phone, however, Mr.
Burdish, now Mrs. Lowden’s political director, said Mr. Tarkanian’s mother had asked him
to work with the Brady Campaign on the endorsement. ‘Lois Tarkanian, who is Danny’s
mother, came up with everything,’ he said. ‘Danny, as far as I know, knew nothing about
it… . Lois contacted me asking if I would help her.’” [Washington Times, 12/16/09]
Tarkanian Received an “F” and a “C” from the NRA in Previous Campaigns
In 2009, Tarkanian was criticized for previous negative grades from the National Rifle
Association.
From the article:
After the Tarkanian campaign spoke up, an e-mail circulated stating Tarkanian
received a “question mark” rating from the NRA in one previous campaign and an
“F” in another.
Political Notebook confronted Tarkanian's campaign on the issue and found the
situation wasn't as clear as Tarkanian being anti-gun.
[Tarkanian consultant Jamie] Fisfis said the question mark rating was based on the
assumption that Tarkanian didn't respond to the NRA's questionnaire. Fisfis said
Tarkanian did not receive the questionnaire and therefore did not respond.
Previous “C” and “F” grades from the NRA were based on a misunderstanding,
Fisfis said. He said the “C” came after Tarkanian and the NRA had a
misunderstanding on a response and that Tarkanian later said he agreed with the
NRA. The “F” came after a gun-control support group endorsed Tarkanian in a race.
Fisfis said Tarkanian didn't seek the endorsement nor does he know why he got it,
since by then he had signed up to be a lifetime member of the NRA.
The NRA did not return a call nor an e-mail from the Review-Journal seeking
further clarification. Tarkanian has a more detailed statement about his Second
Amendment beliefs under “issues” on his Web site. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/31/09]
53
Opposes Ban on Assault Weapons
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA
that the assault weapons ban which expired in 2004 should not be reenacted.
From Tarkanian’s NRA Questionnaire:
[Tarkanian NRA Questionnaire]
Opposes Ban on Magazines
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA
that the there should be no ban on ammunition magazines.
2016: Reaffirmed That Pathway To Citizenship Should Be Denied To All
Undocumented Immigrants
2016: Reaffirmed That Pathway To Citizenship Should Be Denied To All
Undocumented Immigrants. In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was
asked, “Do you believe there’s any circumstance in which there would be a pathway to full
citizenship for people who have come here illegally?” Tarkanian responded, “No, I don’t
believe that you can have someone who comes here illegally, give them full citizenship. I
think penalizing the people that are doing it the right way.” [LasVegasNow Interview with
Sebelius, 15:30, 3/25/16]
2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire: Opposed Pathway To Citizenship
For Undocumented Immigrants. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire,
Tarkanian reaffirmed that he opposed “a ‘path to citizenship’ for illegal immigrants (i.e.,
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pass a background check; register; pay a penalty fee; apply for a temporary non-immigrant
visa, etc..)” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire]
2016: Reaffirmed Belief That People Found In U.S. Illegally Should Be Deported
Said People Found In U.S. Illegally Should Be Deported. In a February 2016 interview
with Ralston, Tarkanian was asked, “Should we deport all of those people?” He responded,
“If you find them, if you find people that have stayed here illegally. […] Well look it, if you
find somebody who’s in the country here illegally because they committed some other
crime or something’s happened that they become identified, of course you gotta deport
them. That’s a rule of law, a country of rules of law.” [Ralston Live Interview, 23:30,
2/09/16]
2016: Agreed With Trump That U.S. Should Build A Wall
2016: Agreed With Trump That U.S. Should Build A Wall. In a February 2016
interview with Ralston, Tarkanian was asked, “You also again there, you agree with Trump.
You think we should build a wall, right?” He responded, “Oh absolutely. A wall and
whatever the advanced technologies can be to prevent people from coming to the country.”
[Ralston Live Interview, 23:00, 2/09/16]
Firmly Supported Building A Wall On The Southern Border. “America can be a great,
diverse, welcoming nation, but first America must defend our borders to ensure our national
security and protect our Constitutional rule of law. To do this, I am firmly in support of
building a strong wall on our southern border and instituting vigorous new vetting of all
immigrants. I will vote against amnesty and demand that our immigration laws be enforced
on the border and in the workplace.” [Tark for Congress Website, accessed 4/13/16]
2016: Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Non-English Speaking Students
Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Non-English Speaking Students. At a March
2016 debate, Tarkanian said, “Furthermore, when he talks about the tax increase to help
education, they didn’t put one single penny into pay increases for teachers. Instead he gave
$100 million for Zoom programs to try and teach kids who can’t speak English in the same
classroom as kids who speak English. They spend $25 million for the anti-bullying statute,
to have some kind of committee that supposedly going to stop two-year olds from bullying
and at the same time has [inaudible] rules for shared bathrooms for boys and girls.” [Siena
Debate, 22:30, 3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun, 3/03/16]
2016: Did Not Support Education, Health Care For Undocumented Immigrants
Did Not Support Education, Health Care For Undocumented Immigrants. In a March
2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “How can we continue to have a country that
says if you come in the country illegally, we’re going to give you health care benefits, more
than just life-saving health care, we’re gonna give you full health care benefits, full
education benefits, many times welfare benefits and other type of federal subsidies or tax
subsidies or state subsidies that we’re giving to people that are here illegally. Those things
have to be cut off. They have to be eliminated. We have to have a rule of law that the only
people that should get American’s taxpayer benefits are people that are here in the country
legally.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 16:10, 3/25/16]
55
2016: Has Stated The U.S. Needs To Do More Than Build A Border Fence By Denying
Education And Healthcare Benefits To Undocumented Immigrants
2016: Has Stated The U.S. Needs To Do More Than Build A Border Fence By Denying
Education And Healthcare Benefits To Undocumented Immigrants. Tarkanian (14:02):
All the candidates say we need to build a border- protective fence. That’s only sixty percent
of the people in the country illegally. Forty percent come in and overstay their visas. Our
problem is, as much as (?) we don’t want- we provide all these enticements to come: free
education, free healthcare, low-p—jobs that they’re making a lot higher than somebody else
is (?) Americans would make. And this is by statute, this is by law. I mean, why would we
do that? And then we have cities that say, ‘if you get in our city, we won’t enforce the
laws. Even though you’re here illegally, we have sanctuary cities; we’re going to keep you
here.” We are so upside-down on how we have to handle our immigration system. [Tracker
Footage, Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 1/21/16]
2012: Accused President Obama Of Using Hispanics As A “Political Tool” For ReElection
2012: Accused President Obama Of Using Hispanics As A “Political Tool” For ReElection. “At a July meeting with the Las Vegas civic engagement group Hispanics in
Politics, Tarkanian accused Obama of using Hispanics as a ‘political tool’ for re-election.”
[Las Vegas Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Opposed Obama Administration’s Policy On Deferred Action
2012: Opposed Obama Administration’s Policy On Deferred Action. “Asked
specifically about deferred action, Tarkanian said he did not support it because it ‘was not
passed in Congress.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Opposed DREAM Act Path To Citizenship For College Students – Agreed Path
To Citizenship Should Be Extended To Veterans
2012: Opposed DREAM Act Path To Citizenship For College Students – Agreed Path
To Citizenship Should Be Extended To Veterans. “Tarkanian also elaborated on his
statements on the Dream Act from the Hispanics in Politics meeting, during which he said
he supported it for military service but not education. ‘I believe that anyone who is willing
to put on the uniform in service of our country deserves a path to citizenship,’ Tarkanian
wrote. ‘However, I do not support the idea that simply attending school here entitles
individuals to that same option. Furthermore, I do not support illegal immigrants having
access to taxpayer benefits. Our taxpayers are already burdened enough with having to fund
those services for citizens of this country. They do not need to additionally support those
who are here illegally.’ Tarkanian’s move to support the military portion of the Dream Act
was one reason America’s Voice said in its report on the 2012 house races he had ‘tried to
soften his position slightly on immigration in 2012.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Stated He Supported Pathway To Citizenship For Some, Not All DREAMers.
“This year, he has somewhat backed off his praise of that law. And he said he would
support a pathway to citizenship for some, not all, Dream Act kids. ‘Anybody who comes
in and wants to provide military service should have a path to citizenship,’ Tarkanian said.
56
‘But the college students -- I don’t believe I would extend it that far. But I would be open to
more dialogue of other types of services.’ Tarkanian added that he was "looking forward" to
hearing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's proposal for a scaled-back Dream Act.” [Las Vegas
Sun, 10/18/12]
2010: Praised SB 1070, Arizona Law That Authorized State Officials To Enforce
Federal Immigration Laws
2010: Praised Arizona Law That Authorized State Officials To Enforce Federal
Immigration Laws. “In his 2010 Republican primary campaign for the U.S. Senate,
Tarkanian aired radio ads praising a controversial Arizona immigration enforcement law
partially neutered in a recent Supreme Court decision. This year, he has somewhat backed
off his praise of that law.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
2010: Said “I Love The Arizona Law.” “And some of Tarkanian’s own staunchly
conservative views are ones that Democrats would be prepared to argue are out of the
state’s mainstream. ‘I love the Arizona law,’ he said Sunday, referring to that state’s tough
new law to crack down on illegal immigration that many in this state’s growing Latino
population detest.” [Politico, 6/06/10]
2012: Backpedaled From His “Love” Of SB 1070. “Fox asked Tarkanian about his
previously stated support for Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070, the state’s immigration
enforcement law. ‘I believe the state of Arizona had the duty and obligation to do what they
felt was best protect the safety and welfare of its citizens,’ Tarkanian said. ‘Arizona, from
my understanding, passed this law because there was so much crime being committed by
the people who were coming into the country illegally, and they were worried about the
health and safety of their citizens.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/12/12]
2012: Tried To Spin His Previous “Love” Of SB 1070 As A Misrepresentation Of His
Position On Immigration. “‘This is another example of what you’re going to see the rest
of the night: My opponent will continue to misrepresent my position with absolutely no
basis to fall back on,’ Tarkanian said, a sentiment he repeated often. ‘… What I said very
clearly was Arizona has the right to provide for the health and safety of its citizens, and
Nevada has the right to determine whether they need that or not.’ Tarkanian has said in the
past that immigrants residing in the country illegally should be denied any taxpayer-funded
services, and he supported profiling as a law-enforcement tool. In June 2010, Tarkanian is
quoted in a Politico story saying: ‘I love the Arizona law.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/12/12]
2010: Said “Profiling” Was A Necessary Tool To Prevent Crime
2010: Said “Profiling” Was A Necessary Tool To Prevent Crime. “Tarkanian, a lawyer
and Las Vegas businessman, supports the Arizona law, saying the state has a ‘10th
Amendment right and obligation to protect their citizens however they see necessary.’ He
dismisses concerns of widespread racial profiling, citing the Supreme Court case of Terry v.
Ohio, which held that police officers can stop and search a person if they have ‘reasonable
suspicion’ the person is engaged in criminal behavior. ‘Profiling is a necessary tool in
preventing crime and I believe members of law enforcement are good people doing their
best to protect their communities,’ he says. Tarkanian supports cracking down on
employers who hire illegal immigrants and completing the border fence. He also wants to
57
‘make sure that those here illegally are not entitled to taxpayer-funded education, health
care or welfare.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 4/30/10]
2010: Stated That Undocumented Immigrants Should Be Denied “Taxpayer-Funded
Education, Health Care, Or Welfare” And Would Deport Those Who Are Treated In
ERs
2010: Stated That Undocumented Immigrants Should Be Denied “Taxpayer-Funded
Education, Health Care, Or Welfare” And Would Deport Those Who Are Treated In
ERs. “In April 2010, Tarkanian said he supported Arizona's immigration enforcement law
SB1070, three-fourths of which were struck down by the Supreme Court this year. At the
time he also said that immigrants residing in the country illegally should be denied
‘taxpayer-funded education, health care or welfare’ and would deport those who came to
emergency rooms after they had been treated. ‘Even mere talk of amnesty is irresponsible
because it encourages illegal immigration,’ Tarkanian said in 2010.” [Las Vegas Sun,
10/18/12]
Called Denying Taxpayer-Funded Education, Taxpayer-Funded Healthcare, And
Jobs To Undocumented Immigrants A “Common Sense Solution.” “On illegal
immigration, Tarkanian said people support building a fence and protecting our borders,
and his ‘common sense solution is to take away any incentive for immigrants to come here.
If they are not here legally, they shouldn’t be entitled to taxpayer-funded education,
taxpayer-funded health care and jobs.’” [Elko Daily Free Press, 1/31/10]
2010: Advocated Deporting Undocumented Immigrants Who Received Medical Care
In Emergency Rooms
2010: Advocated Deporting Undocumented Immigrants Who Received Medical Care
In Emergency Rooms. According to a video of “The Daily Rundown,” Tarkanian was
asked, “But, sir, I mean, your position is… illegal immigrants should not have public
education or medical care except for life-saving treatment, right?” Tarkanian laughs and
responded by saying, “I’ve got the crazy position that says, if you come in the country
illegally, you’re not entitled to taxpayer benefits unless it’s emergency health care that
should be provided, and then you need to find out if they’re here illegally, and then you
deport them if they’re not.” [MSNBC, “The Daily Rundown,” 6/3/10]
Southern Border To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States
Southern Border To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States.
“The Minutemen, an anti-illegal immigration group, is endorsing Danny Tarkanian in the
U.S. Senate race as Republicans latch onto the election-year issue in the wake of Arizona
passing a law that gives law enforcement authorities the right to question suspected illegal
immigrants in some cases. … Now Jim Gilchrist, one of the leaders of the Minuteman
Project, is endorsing Tarkanian, saying he’s ‘our kind of guy’ and agrees with his group’s
tough stance against illegal immigrants living in American. The Minutemen gained
headlines several years ago by taking up arms at the border to protest illegal immigrants
sneaking into the country.” [Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/06/10]
58
The Minutemen Have Ties To Neo-Nazi Groups. “Highly publicized among right-wing
extremists ranging from militia groups to white supremacist organizations, the Minuteman
Project has attracted a variety of extremists and anti-immigration activists of all types. A
number of neo-Nazi National Alliance members showed up for the first weekend of events;
Shawn Walker, spokesman for the National Alliance, earlier indicated that members of his
group would take part in the project.” [Anti-Defamation League, 4/25/05]
2004: The Minutemen Ran Advertisement On Aryan Nations Website. “Well, for
example, the original 2004 Minutemen advertisement (‘I invite you to join me in
Tombstone, Arizona, in early spring of 2005 to protect our country from a 40-year-long
invasion across our southern border with Mexico’) ran on the Aryan Nations website,
trumpeted as ‘a call for action on part of ALL ARYAN SOLDIERS.’ Among those
gathered at the original encampment was a faction that called itself ‘Team 14’—a reference
to the neo-Nazi fourteen-word slogan, ‘We must secure the existence of our people and a
future for white children.’ A local news crew, more enterprising than the Most Trusted
Name in News, recorded what these fine patriots said when they thought the cameras were
off: ‘It should be legal to kill illegals. Just shoot ‘em on sight. That’s my immigration
policy recommendation. You break into my country, you die.’” [The Nation, 4/03/13]
2010: Opposed “Amnesty” For Undocumented Immigrants
2010: Opposed “Amnesty” For Undocumented Immigrants. In a 2010 Nevada
Concerned Citizens survey, Tarkanian responded that he opposed “amnesty for illegal
aliens.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2006: Wanted Voters To Show Proof Of Citizenship At The Polls
2006: Wanted Voters To Show Proof Of Citizenship At The Polls. “Danny Tarkanian,
the Republican, wants picture identification cards for voters to prevent non-citizens from
casting ballots. Ross Miller, the Democrat, opposes that, supporting tougher penalties
instead. Janine Hansen, the independent, wants ballots printed in English only. ‘I want
people to show proof of citizenship when they go to the polls,’ said Tarkanian, a Las Vegas
businessman and attorney. "He’s (Miller) against that.’” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/30/06]
2005: Supported Voter ID Laws. “If elected, Tarkanian said he would push for a photo
identification card that voters would have to present at the polls. ‘I think that would clamp
down on a lot of voter fraud going on now,’ he said.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 12/09/05]
2016: Advocated Raising The Social Security Retirement Age
2016: Advocated Raising The Social Security Retirement Age. In a March 2016
interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “Look, there’s a lot of cuts that have to come into
play too, and I’ll give you one that, you know, a lot of people, Republicans won’t say, and
won’t stand up for. But I believe again it’s a common sense approach. We have the
problems with Social Security, and everybody’s saying you know, you can’t cut Social
Security, you’re going to lose votes with the seniors. But common sense will tell you.
Social Security was passed I believe it was 1934. The life expectancy was 61.7 years.
Today the life expectancy is 78.7 years. Why can’t we raise the age of eligibility for Social
Security recipients? I know you have to do it at a gradual period of time, so all the seniors
that are getting it now don’t get freaked out, but you do it in a gradual period of time, and
59
then you’re going to save tens of billions of dollars in that. This is something that’s a
common sense approach that I believe everyone should be behind. It doesn’t make sense
that we live 17 years longer, but we haven’t raised the minimum age to start collecting
Social Security. There are ways we can cut spending that also reduces the deficit, and even
some of these sacred what they call entitlement programs, even though I don’t think Social
Security is an entitlement if we paid into it. [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 13:15,
3/25/16]
Did Not Support Raising The Cap On Social Security Taxes. In a March 2016 interview
with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “Again, I’m not back there analyzing all the numbers and
seeing how much will affect each thing. That one you are now taxing people more, and I
believe we’re already paying so much in taxes. […] When you raise the limit on Social
Security for everybody, you’re hurting the people that are paying in, I think it’s $105,000,
$115,000 right now, you’re hurting anybody who makes more than that. You’re taking
money out of the pocket.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 14:25, 3/25/16]
2012: Admitted He Believed People Should Divert Social Security Money Into Private
Accounts
2012: Admitted He Believed People Should Divert Social Security Money Into Private
Accounts. “What I said, first of all, about Social Security is this: I believe that individuals –
that are younger age – should have the opportunity whether- if they want to invest
themselves in a private account, they can do so, and people who want to stay in Social
Security can stay in Social Security, but you should have the option to do so. I, for one,
would like to be able to invest my money myself. I believe I can do a better job than the
federal government can do. And over the years, if you look at the history of how much the
federal government has earned off their Social Security money, it’s a lot less than what you
could earn, even with low-risk bonds.” [Tarkanian Interview, Chuck N. Baker Show,
10:00, 12/04/12]
2012 Las Vegas Sun Factchecker: Graded House Majority PAC Ad Stating Tarkanian
Supported Bush Tax Cuts, Privatizing Social Security, And Denying Access To Birth
Control As “Legit”
Las Vegas Sun Factchecker: Graded House Majority PAC Ad Stating Tarkanian
Supported Bush Tax Cuts, Privatizing Social Security, And Denying Access To Birth
Control As “Legit.” “Attack: Republican Danny Tarkanian wants to cut taxes, privatize
Social Security, charge women more for health care and block access to birth control. …
While the ad stretches the implication of some of Tarkanian’s stand on the issues, it has his
general stances correct. The ad is Legit.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/22/12; House Majority PAC
Ad, YouTube, 10/11/12]
Tarkanian: Social Security “Should be Privatized”
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian was asked how he would propose to
reform the Social Security program.
Tarkanian answered simply, saying “It should be privatized into individual, private
accounts.”
60
From Reid-b-Gone.com:
[http://www.reid-b-gone.com/?p=1466]
2016: Called For Eliminating Prevailing Wage For On All Public Projects
2016: Called For Eliminating Prevailing Wage For On All Public Projects. In a May
2015 Letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian wrote, “The Legislature passed a
bill eliminating prevailing wage, which cuts costs by 20 percent or more on school
construction projects. But the bill requires prevailing wage on all other public projects. If it
is fiscally responsible to eliminate prevailing wage for school construction, then why not
eliminate it for all public works projects?” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian Letter to
the Editor, 5/03/15]
2016: Supported Eliminating The U.S. Department Of Education
2016: Supported Eliminating The U.S. Department Of Education. In his answers to a
2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “the
elimination of the Federal Department of Education, fully returning education decisions and
tax dollars to the states.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Opposed Allowing “‘Transgendered’ Male Who Identifies As Female” To Have
Access To Women’s Restrooms
2016: Opposed Allowing “‘Transgendered’ Male Who Identifies As Female” To Have
Access To Women’s Restrooms. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens survey, Tarkanian
stated he opposed “allowing a ‘transgendered’ male who identifies as a female to have
access to women’s sports teams, locker rooms and restrooms.” [2016 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
2016: Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Anti-Bullying Programs And
Bathrooms For Transgender Students
Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Anti-Bullying Programs And Bathrooms
For Transgender Students. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian said, “Furthermore, when
he talks about the tax increase to help education, they didn’t put one single penny into pay
increases for teachers. Instead he gave $100 million for Zoom programs to try and teach
kids who can’t speak English in the same classroom as kids who speak English. They spend
$25 million for the anti-bullying statute, to have some kind of committee that supposedly
going to stop two-year olds from bullying and at the same time has [inaudible] rules for
shared bathrooms for boys and girls.” [Siena Debate, 22:30, 3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun,
3/03/16]
61
2016: Opposed Federal Constitutional Marriage Amendment That Would Reverse
Marriage Equality Because He Thought Marriage Was A State Issue
2016: Opposed Federal Constitutional Marriage Amendment That Would Reverse
Marriage Equality Because He Thought Marriage Was A State Issue. In a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens survey, he stated he opposed “a Federal Constitutional Marriage
Amendment defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, reinsuting
Nevada’s marriage laws,” and footnoted he believed marriage equality was a “state issue.”
[2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2010: Supported ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Law
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he supports the
current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” armed forces policy that prevents homosexuals from
serving openly in the military. [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2010: Opposed Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
In the 2010 Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes
repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that only recognizes heterosexual
marriage. [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Said He Would Eliminate The IRS And Supported A Flat Tax
2016: Said He Would Eliminate The IRS. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian was asked,
“Would you consider getting rid of the IRS and putting in a flat tax?” He responded, “Yeah,
I absolutely would.” [Siena Debate, 30:10, 3/03/16]
… And Advocated For Flat Tax. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian said, “In fact in
2010, I ran for the Senate and one of the things I felt very strongly was let’s get the fair
tax, which would be a tax on the purchase of goods or a flat tax, and the reason why
both of them are so much better than what we have right now is we eliminate all the
special tax breaks, the special credits that we give to the powerful, the influential, the
privileged, at the detriment of all the hardworking Americans.” [Siena Debate, 30:15,
3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun, 3/03/16]
Supported the Fair Tax
In his economic recovery ‘plan,’ Tarkanian highlights “the fair tax system that is currently
being proposed in both the House and the Senate.”
“A repeal of all income taxes and an institution of a straight fair tax would relieve the tax
burden on businesses and help open the door for growth and job creation, while also
allowing the taxpayer to spend their money how they see fit.”
From Tarkanian’s web site:
62
[http://tark2010.org/news/economic-growth-plan-for-nevada]
Proposes Eliminating IRS as Part of Overhaul and Fair Tax Proposal
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supports the
elimination of the IRS because he supports “a complete overhaul of the tax code to a
fair tax system which would base the entire tax system on a set national sales tax.”
WhoRunsGov.Com: Tarkanian Supports Fair Tax
According to WhoRunsGov.Com, “Tarkanian also wants to repeal the inheritance
tax through the use of a "fair tax," which refers to the idea of repealing individual
and corporate income taxes and replacing them with a higher, single-rate sales tax.”
[http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/Danny_Tarkanian]
NOTE: While a very reasonable inference can be made that Tarkanian supports
THE Fair Tax, it should be pointed out that he has not specifically endorsed a
particular piece of legislation or a particular sales tax amount to date. It is
recommended that tracking of Tarkanian include efforts to get him on-the-record
more fully on this issue.
63
Methodology
DATABASE OR SEARCH
AREA
Personal
OFFICES, DATABASES
TERMS, & DATES
SEARCHED
OUTSTANDING
All English Language News: “danny
w/2 tarkanian” (12/31/11 – Present)
News Coverage – Nexis
News Coverage – Newsbank
News Coverage – Other
Real Property History (Ownership,
Assessment, and Tax Payments)
Personal Property (e.g., boat)
Voter Registration & History
Legal – Bankruptcy, Judgments,
Liens (Federal & State)
Legal – Civil Cases (Federal,
State, & Local)
Legal – Criminal Cases (Federal,
State, & Local)
Legal – Law Enforcement
Interactions (State & Local)
Marriage & Divorce Records
Spousal & Notable Family
Records
All English Language News: “Daniel
w/2 tarkanian”
Clark County, Nevada
 Treasurer’s Office
 Recorder
Social Media Presence (Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
Published Materials
Political (Federal, State, &
Local)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Las Vegas Township Justice Court
Nevada 8th District Court
Fresno, CA Courts (Walsworth)
Fresno, CA Courts (Walsworth)
June 2016: FOIAs re-sent due to
missing sources in prior research
“Danny Tarkanian”
“Daniel Tarkanian”
“Amy Tarkanian”
“Lois Tarkanian”
[see key moments on video]
Twitter: @DannyTarkanian
Facebook: dannytarkanian
LinkedIn: Danny Tarkanian
Website: Tarkforcongress.com
List names of published works reviewed
for book.
FEC
Campaign Finance
Personal Contributions
FOIA to Clark County Treasurer for
past property taxes outstanding
VAN
All terms searched. Example:
Google Search
Media – YouTube
Media – Internet TV Archives
NOTHING
NOTHING
FEC
Follow the Money
64
Tarkforcongress.com
Current & Archived Campaign
Websites
Professional – Legislative Office
(Federal, State, & Local)
Legislative Journals
Vote History (Full Chamber &
Committees)
Vote History (Committee)
Committee Hearing Attendance
Minutes (City Council)
Current Official Website
Archived Official Website
Office Budget
Office Salaries
Office Expenditures
Privately-Funded Travel
Official (Including Foreign) Travel
Per Diems and Reimbursements
Sponsorships & Cosponsorships
Schedules
Correspondence
2016 Candidate PFD
Personal Financial Disclosures
Floor Statements
Franked Mail
Ethics Commission
Gifts
Per Diems
Earmarks (State and Old Federal)
Nevada Concerned Citizens 2010
Survey
Interest Group Ratings,
Scorecards, & Surveys
Vote Studies & Rankings
Lobbying Disclosures (Federal,
State, & Foreign Agents)
Staff Revolving Door Records
Current & Archived Campaign
Websites
Nevada Concerned Citizens 2016
Survey
Tarkforcongress.com
Professional – Business
Professional Licenses
Property History
State & Federal Court Records
Corporate Filings – Secretary of
State
Business News Search
Nevada Bar [nvbar.org]
 Treasurer’s Office
 Recorder
Nevada Secretary of State
65
Building Code Violations
Business Taxes
Farm Subsidies
Government Contracts or Grants
(Federal, State, & Local)
Government Subsidies (Federal,
State, & Local)
SEC Filings
Better Business Bureau
Enviro Enforcement Records
Workplace Safety Violations
(OSHA on federal level)
Trade Adjustment Assistance
Current Website
Archived Website
Immigration (ICE)
Trade Assistance
Consumer Complaints
Building Code Violations
Health Code Violations
990 Filings (non-profit)
Official Military Personnel File
66
Key Moments on Video
Hits
2012: Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility
Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility. “For decades, Nevada’s federal and
statewide elected officials have had a seemingly uniform mantra on Yucca Mountain and nuclear waste in
the state: Hell no. End of conversation. But November’s election could change that, both proponents of
Yucca Mountain and those ardently opposed say. On the ballot this year are three Republican
congressional candidates — two of whom are in tight races — open to some form of research or
reprocessing at the site. Republican Danny Tarkanian, running for Congressional District 4, said last week
at a Las Vegas PBS debate that Yucca Mountain could be used for a reprocessing facility. ‘We need to
diversify our economy,’ he said. ‘We’ve spent $12 billion to do the studies and the infrastructure at Yucca
Mountain. ... I’ve suggested we turn it into a reprocessing facility of nuclear spent fuel. That would bring
in $1 billion in revenue.’” [Danny Tarkanian Debate, PBS, 10/16/12]
2010: Tarkanian Touts His Tea Party Support. [Tarkanian Interview, ABC News, 5:30, 6/03/10]
2010: Tarkanian Denies He Was Sanctioned And Fined By The Nevada Supreme Court For Filing
Legal Papers Without A Law License
Legal Papers Without A Law License. [Tarkanian Interview, Nevada Newsmakers, 5/20/10]
2010: Tarkanian Admitted He Had “Problems With The NRA.” [Republican Senate Candidates
Debate, 2/07/10]
Other Videos
2016: Interview With Danny And Lois Tarkanian, Ed Bernstein Show, January 20, 2016
2016: Interview With Danny And Lois Tarkanian, Ed Bernstein Show, January 20, 2016. [Danny
and Lois Tarkanian Interview, Ed Bernstein Show, 1/20/16]
2016: Tarkanian Addresses “Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas” Forum, January 21, 2016
2016: Tarkanian Addresses “Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas” Forum, January 21, 2016.
[Tracker Footage, Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 1/21/16]
2016: AAG Endorsement Interview With Joe Heck And Danny Tarkanian
2016: AAG Endorsement Interview With Joe Heck And Danny Tarkanian. [Joe Heck And Danny
Tarkanian AAG Endorsement Interview, Chinese American Group, 4/09/16]
67
2012: Danny Tarkanian And Steven Horsford PBS Debate, October 11, 2012
2012: Danny Tarkanian And Steven Horsford PBS Debate, October 11, 2012. [Danny Tarkanian And
Steven Horsford Debate, PBS 10/11/12]
2012: Tarkanian, Horsford Debate On Ralston Reports, October 4, 2012
2012: Tarkanian, Horsford Debate On Ralston Reports, October 4, 2012. [Tarkanian and Horsford
Debate, Ralston Reports, 10/04/12]
2012: Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker, December 4, 2012
2012: Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker, December 4, 2012. [Tarkanian Interview, Chuck N.
Baker Show, 12/04/12]
2010: Tarkanian Speaks In Douglas County, May 14, 2010
2010: Tarkanian Speaks In Douglas County, May 14, 2010. [Danny Tarkanian Forum, Douglas
County, 5/14/10]
68
Biography
This section provides background information on Danny Tarkanian’s personal life, including
education, personal finances, criminal and civil record, and other areas. Searches were
conducted at various local agencies in Clark County, media outlets including the Las Vegas
Sun, Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Ralston Reports, as well as a number of other online
resources, including Lexis-Nexis.
Birth Date
Daniel “Danny” John Tarkanian was born December 18, 1961 in Redlands, CA.
Education


University of San Diego School of Law: J.D., magna cum laude
University of Nevada – Las Vegas: B.A., Business Finance, with honors (1984)
Moved To Vegas When He Was 11
Moved To Vegas When He Was 11. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian “moved to
the valley at the age of 11 when his father, Jerry Tarkanian, became coach of the University of Nevada,
Las Vegas basketball team.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/20/05]
Tarkanian played little league baseball in Huntington Beach before he moved to Las Vegas in 1973 when
his father took the UNLV coaching job. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/21/05]
Recruited By Many Colleges
Recruited By Many Colleges. Prestigious schools tried to recruit the young Tarkanian, including the
University of Southern California and Princeton. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Committed To Attend Nevada-Reno
Committed to Attend Nevada-Reno. While Tarkanian was being recruited by schools across the
country, Tarkanian’s father wanted him to stay in Nevada where they had lived since 1973. He advised
him to go to the University of Nevada, Reno, and play for the new coach, Sonny Allen, because UNLV
already had a couple good starting point guards and UNR was looking for fresh talent.
Tarkanian originally decided to attend Nevada – Reno for a number of reasons, including assurances from
Wolf Pack coach Sonny Allen that Reno needed a point guard. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Chose Dixie College In Utah Instead Of Nevada-Reno
Chose Dixie College In Utah Instead Of Nevada-Reno. But when Allen's son Billy, himself a gifted
playmaker, decided to play for his dad, Danny enrolled instead at Dixie College, a two-year school in St.
George, Utah.
There he averaged 14.4 points and 6.7 assists during the 1980-81 season, and, with a 3.85 GPA, was
named freshman student of the year. [Sports Illustrated, 2/20/84]
69
Transferred To UNLV
Transferred To UNLV. In September 1981, Tarkanian enrolled at UNLV in September 1981. [Sports
Illustrated, 2/20/84]
Played Point Guard On His Father’s Team At UNLV
Played Point Guard On His Father’s Team At UNLV. Tarkanian played point guard for the UNLV’s
basketball team, coached by his father Jerry Tarkanian.
According to the article, Jerry Tarkanian originally did not want his son playing for his team.
However, Lois Tarkanian, Danny's mother and Jerry's wife, said the son's playing for the father was “a
beautiful experience for our family.” [Sports Illustrated, 2/20/84]
Tarkanian As A College Athlete Set Athletic Records
Tarkanian As A College Athlete Set Athletic Records. In 1983, while Tarkanian was a junior at the
University of Nevada Las Vegas, He set a Nevada-Las Vegas career record for assists. He was No.1 in the
country that season with 201 assists, and also has 35 steals. [United Press International, 3/03/84]
Tarkanian Posed Shirtless as Mr. January in UNLV Student Calendar
Tarkanian Posed Shirtless as Mr. January in UNLV Student Calendar. According to the article, “It's
ironic that Danny -- high school hero, college honor student in finance, Rhodes scholarship candidate,
bare-chested Mr. January in a UNLV student calendar and weekly churchgoer who helps the hearingimpaired -- is the son of the man the NCAA, self-styled keeper of the student-athlete ideal, has spent
countless hours trying to nail.” [Sports Illustrated, 2/20/84]
Tarkanian Had A 3.89 GPA At UNLV, Named To Academic All-American Team
Tarkanian Had A 3.89 GPA At UNLV, Named To Academic All-American Team. In March 1984,
Danny Tarkanian had a 3.89 grade point average and was named to the Academic All-American team by
the College Sports Information Directors association. [United Press International, 3/03/84]
“They're going to nominate him for a Rhodes Scholarship next fall,” Jerry Tarkanian said. “He's got a
3.89 grade average in a business major and pre-law.” [New York Times, 2/07/83]
First Rhodes Scholar Candidate from UNLV
UNLV’s First Rhodes Scholar Candidate. Tarkanian was the first Rhodes Scholar candidate from
UNLV. [Capital Times, 3/14/00]
Magna Cum Laude Graduate From San Diego Law, Second In His Class
Magna Cum Laude Graduate From San Diego Law, Second In His Class. Tarkanian was a magna
cum laude graduate of the University of San Diego law school. [Los Angeles Times, 2/16/92]
70
“He was second in his law school class at the University of San Diego,” Jerry Tarkanian said of his son.
“It was because he's such a great competitor.” [Fresno Bee, 5/18/95]
Tarkanian Was Hospitalized For Bronchitis During 1983 Season
Tarkanian Was Hospitalized For Bronchitis During 1983 Season. During the 1983 season, Tarkanian
was hospitalized for treatment of bronchitis, an ailment which plagued him for several weeks.
Lois Tarkanian, mother of the 6-foot-2 junior, said her son had a temperature of 102 and a severe cough
when he was hospitalized. He lost 12 pounds in one week.
Shortly after his release from the hospital, he played 24 minutes in a game against Fullerton and failed to
score. [United Press International, 2/23/83; Miami Herald, 3/01/83]
Family
Wife: Amy Tarkanian – Former Nevada Republican Party Chair
2011 – 2012: Wife Was Chairwoman Of The Nevada Republican Party For Eight Months. “Nevada
Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Tarkanian said Thursday that she will resign Feb. 5, the day after the
GOP presidential caucus, to avoid a conflict of interest as husband Danny Tarkanian runs for Congress.
… Tarkanian was elected chairwoman last June after GOP Chairman Mark Amodei resigned to campaign
for a U.S. House seat, which he won. She won a full two-year term in October.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 1/05/12]
Father: Jerry Tarkanian – Former UNLV Basketball Coach
Tarkanian’s Father – Basketball Coaching Legend Jerry Tarkanian
Tarkanian’s father was Jerry Tarkanian, a retired college and professional basketball coach known for
colorful behavior, including habitually chewing on a towel during games, and for his public criticisms of
and clashes with the NCAA.
He was head coach at three different Division I, each of which was subsequently penalized by the NCAA.
[Various]
2012: Father Endorsed Democrat Shelley Berkley For U.S. Senate
“Rep. Shelley Berkley rolled out a U.S. Senate endorsement today from Las Vegas institution Jerry
Tarkanian and his wife Lois, a city councilwoman. ‘We have known Shelley Berkley for years and have
witnessed firsthand her fierce advocacy on behalf of Nevada’s seniors, veterans, and middle-class
families,’ the Tarkanians said in a statement put out by the Berkley campaign.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 4/04/16]
February 2015: Jerry Tarkanian Passed Away
“Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian, who built a basketball dynasty at UNLV but was defined more by
his decades-long battle with the NCAA, died Wednesday after several years of health issues. He was 84.
Danny Tarkanian announced his father's death on Twitter. Tarkanian had been hospitalized since Monday
at Valley Hospital Medical Center for a respiratory ailment and infection. He had been rushed to the
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hospital by ambulance after his blood oxygen fell to dangerous levels. ‘He fought and fought and fought,’
Danny Tarkanian told The Associated Press.” [ESPN, 2/12/15]
Headline: “Calipari A ‘Wonderful’ Friend To Tarkanians”
“No one in Nevada wants to see a perfect season for John Calipari and top-ranked Kentucky more than
Jerry Tarkanian’s family. Calipari was a special friend to the end. ‘Loyalty was very important to my dad
and no one has been more loyal (than Calipari),’ said Tarkanian’s son, Danny. A year ago at the Final
Four in Dallas, Calipari invited Jerry and Danny to Kentucky’s private practice. In November 2010 during
a practice session for the Maui Classic, Calipari asked the UNLV coaching legend to sit on the bench with
him. ‘When practice was over, he had the players come over and shake my dad’s hand,’ Danny said. ‘He
said nice things about him and kissed him on the forehead. Then he gave us a ride back to our condo on
the team bus,’ Tarkanian said. ‘He’s a wonderful guy. We are big Big Blue fans,’ he said.” [Las Vegas
Tarkanian Blamed the Press for the Negative Coverage of his Father
In 1992, the Los Angeles Times did a profile on Jerry Tarkanian and his impending retirement from
UNLV. The profile included a section on Danny Tarkanian. The article read, “Danny Tarkanian grew up
watching the media portray his father as a scoundrel, a cheat, an exploiter of ghetto blacks. He remembers
his mother's anguish and his father's anger. But now he's joined the fray, and has all but taken charge.”
[Los Angeles Times, 2/16/92]
When asked why he seemed standoffish with reporters, Tarkanian said, “Because we're not going to win,”
he replies crisply. “Whatever we do, the impression is always bad. You go out of the way to embarrass
my father or hurt his image.”
When asked about Sam Perry, “That's not what we're talking about!” Danny snapped at a reporter. “Why
don't you two just go! Take a walk so we can finish!” Jerry and Lois hesitated, but “Leave!” Danny
ordered. [Los Angeles Times, 2/16/92]
UNLV Report Claimed Tarkanian Attempted to Slander University Employee Who Trashed Dad
In October 1992, the University of Nevada Las Vegas released a report on the resignation of Jerry
Tarkanian, which revealed numerous allegations of rules violations not previously documented by the
NCAA by the coach and included one by his son, Danny Tarkanian.
One of the most serious instances cited in the report was that an employee of a Las Vegas car dealership
told the university in 1991 that the dealership had been allowing UNLV players to use its cars “for years.”
UNLV and the NCAA are attempting to resolve a five-year-old infractions case in which the NCAA has
charged the school's basketball program with rules violations in nearly 40 areas.
In addition, the university's report disclosed attempts by Tarkanian and his supporters to intimidate or
discredit individuals considered disloyal to the coach, including the hiring of a private investigator to
examine the personal life of a university employee who had supplied information critical to the NCAA's
pending case against UNLV. [Los Angeles Times, 10/11/92]
Danny Tarkanian Personally Used a Private Investigators Report to Trash University
Employee
72
According to the report, UNLV boosters hired a private investigator to examine the personal life
of a university employee who had provided damaging testimony about the basketball program to
university administrators and the NCAA.
Danny Tarkanian used the private investigator's report to compile a report of his own in which he
attacked the employee as being psychologically and sociologically incapable of telling the truth.
A source familiar with UNLV's dealings with the NCAA identified the university employee as
Ann Mayo, former academic adviser for the Rebel basketball program. She was an assistant dean
in UNLV's College of Business and Economics. [Los Angeles Times, 10/11/92]
Attempted to Get Salary for Unnamed Part-time Assistant Coach
Another previously undisclosed matter involves the salary of a part-time assistant basketball coach
for the 1990-91 season.
According to the report, Tarkanian requested that Dennis Finfrock, then UNLV's interim athletic
director, process the paperwork necessary for the part-time assistant coach to receive supplemental
pay from the university's alumni organization. Finfrock denied the request, the report says,
because, without actual work being performed by the assistant coach, such a salary supplement
would be in violation of NCAA rules.
After Tarkanian's request was turned down, the report says, a UNLV booster informed the
university that he had been asked by Tarkanian to donate the part-time assistant coach's
supplemental pay for that season.
The report states that the university learned, in dealing with the matter, that providing
supplemental pay to part-time assistant coaches without appropriate work being performed had
been standard procedure in Tarkanian's program for several years. [Los Angeles Times, 10/11/92]
Represented Father when NCAA Attempted to Ban UNLV from 1991 Post-Season Tournament
In July 1990, Peter Jennings reported for ABC News, “The champions of college basketball will not be
able to defend their title because of recruiting violations. The National Collegiate Athletic Association,
the NCAA has barred the University of Nevada-Las Vegas from taking part in the 1991 postseason
tournament.” [ABC News, “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” 7/20/90]
Danny: There’s a Vendetta Against My Father
According to reporter Dick Schaap, because of the NCAA’s 1977 determination “that Tarkanian
was guilty of recruiting infractions. Thirteen years ago, the NCAA placed UNLV on probation for
two years, banned the team from television for two years and directed the school to suspend
Tarkanian. But Tarkanian got an injunction that blocked the suspension. Now the NCAA says it is
banning UNLV from postseason play next season because Tarkanian has never been suspended.”
Tarkanian's son, who is also his lawyer, is furious. [ABC News, “World News Tonight with Peter
Jennings,” 7/20/90]
“I don't think there's a doubt that there's a vendetta both against UNLV and against my father,”
Danny Tarkanian said. [ABC News, “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” 7/20/90]
73
Tarkanian Was Father’s Lawyer, Promised to Appeal Ruling
By July 1990, a press report described Danny Tarkanian as his father’s lawyer.
According to the article, “Danny Tarkanian, the coach's son and his lawyer, said the ruling will be
appealed to the NCAA Council, which next meets in October.”
“This is a complete outrage,'' said Tarkanian. “It shows a complete disregard about people's
individual rights and liberties.'' He said team officials had met with the NCAA in June and were
given no indication that sanctions were upcoming. “Something happened from the time of the
meeting to now or they just put on the greatest act you've seen in the meeting,'' Tarkanian said.
“This will be appealed,'' Tarkanian added. “If my dad doesn't have any fight left, there is enough
people that do.'' [Oregonian, 7/21/90]
Tarkanian Joined Father’s Team to Ask for the Ruling to be Rescinded
In October 1990, Danny Tarkanian joined his father, UNLV President Robert Maxson, interim
Athletic Director Dennis Finfrock, and university counsel Brad Brooke to ask for the ruling by the
NCAA to be rescinded.
The closed-door hearing was held at UNLV's request to permit the school to present new evidence
to overturn the committee's July 20 decision preventing the Runnin' Rebels from appearing in
1990-91 post-season competition.
UNLV officials offered the NCAA committee several alternatives, rather than banning the team
from next season's tournament. Those alternatives included: a promise from Tarkanian to end
further litigation against the NCAA; a proposal that Tarkanian sit out next year's tournament or the
next two NCAA tournaments; a proposal that Tarkanian suspend his recruiting activities; or a
reduction in UNLV basketball scholarships. [United Press International, 10/28/90]
Danny Tarkanian Blamed the Ruling on David Berst, Claiming He Had a Vendetta
In 1990, Danny Tarkanian blamed the NCAA’s ruling on David Berst. “It is well-known that
David Berst has a vendetta against my father and UNLV,” said Danny Tarkanian
Berst’s name has been linked to the 13-year battle between UNLV and the NCAA. But Berst, who
rose to the No. 2 position in the ever-expanding NCAA enforcement division, deliberately stayed
out of all the current proceedings, NCAA officials said.
“David had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with it,” said Steve Morgan, the NCAA's associate
executive director for enforcement. “We talked about it beforehand, and how this case has tended
to be viewed in terms of the personalities of the people involved. We didn't want that to continue.”
When the Infractions Committee met with Tarkanian and other UNLV officials last month to
discuss the resolution of the long-simmering dispute, it was the first such meeting in almost 10
years Berst did not attend. “I was the only staff member in that room, and Danny Tarkanian knows
that because he was there, too,” Morgan said. “David had nothing whatsoever to do with any of it.
All the conversations and correspondence has been handled by me. [Associated Press, 7/21/90]
74
Danny Tarkanian: “This is a Complete Outrage”
“This is a complete outrage,” said Danny Tarkanian. “It shows a complete disregard for people's
individual rights and liberties.”
“It's absolutely incredible,” Tarkanian told the Associated Press. “It just makes you wonder if I'll
ever be treated fairly by that organization.”
“If my dad doesn't have any fight left,” said Danny Tarkanian, “there's enough people who do.”
[Chicago Tribune, 7/21/90]
NCAA Agreed to Allow Them to Defend Championship as Part of Settlement
The ban was appealed by the school, and the NCAA Infractions Committee agreed to let the
Rebels defend their title, with the provision they could not compete in postseason play or on TV in
the 1991-92 basketball season. [Associated Press, 2/22/91]
Tarkanian's legal fees in the case reportedly total more than $300,000. A Nevada court had
ordered the NCAA to pick up Tarkanian's legal bill, but following the Supreme Court decision,
Nevada's supreme court sided with the NCAA and canceled the award.
Danny Tarkanian said that his father's lawyers agreed to a settlement with the NCAA that
provided for Jerry Tarkanian to pay his own legal fees and some of those run up by the NCAA.
Danny Tarkanian said the agreement calls for Tarkanian to pay his own legal fees from the
protracted fight and pay $21,000 in legal fees incurred by the NCAA. Under the agreement, a
Nevada court injunction against the NCAA would be lifted, while an injunction barring UNLV
from suspending Tarkanian would remain in effect. [Associated Press, 2/24/90]
Mother: Lois Tarkanian – Democratic Las Vegas City Councilwoman
Lois Tarkanian Is A Democratic Las Vegas Councilwoman
Lois Tarkanian is the current Las Vegas Councilwoman representing Ward 1 since February 2, 2005.
[Lasvegasnevada.gov, accessed 5/24/16]
“Lois Tarkanian has served 10 years on the council after winning a special election to the post in 2005
and winning two subsequent elections to full terms in 2007 and 2011.” [Las Vegas Sun, 1/26/15]
March 2015: Endorsed By The Las Vegas Review-Journal For Las Vegas City Council
Tarkanian was endorsed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for City Council in March 2015. “In Ward 1,
Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian is seeking a final four-year term. … But no one is more committed to the
ward than Mrs. Tarkanian, who voted against the soccer stadium and criticized the city’s lack of
transparency in developing and approving the plan. Among her priorities for the next four years: seeing a
UNLV medical school open in Ward 1 and revisiting City Hall’s four-day workweek, which saves money
but doesn’t serve the public as well as a five-day workweek. The Review-Journal endorses Lois Tarkanian
for Las Vegas City Council, Ward 1.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Editorial, 3/13/15]
2012: Father Endorsed Democrat Shelley Berkley For U.S. Senate
75
“Rep. Shelley Berkley rolled out a U.S. Senate endorsement today from Las Vegas institution Jerry
Tarkanian and his wife Lois, a city councilwoman. ‘We have known Shelley Berkley for years and have
witnessed firsthand her fierce advocacy on behalf of Nevada’s seniors, veterans, and middle-class
families,’ the Tarkanians said in a statement put out by the Berkley campaign.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 4/04/16]
2010: Lois Tarkanian Is A “Lifelong Democrat” Who “Pledged Her Support” To Harry Reid
“Las Vegas Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, mother of defeated Republican U.S. Senate candidate Danny
Tarkanian, pledged her support last week to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Tarkanian, a lifelong
Democrat, said she would have voted for her Republican son if he were the candidate chosen to go head
to head with Reid, but because he lost the GOP primary, Reid will get her vote. Tarkanian spoke to her
son about her decision, and while it led to ‘interesting conversations,’ she said, it caused no family
friction.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/09/10]
2005: Tarkanian’s Mother First Ran as a Democrat for City Council in Las Vegas
In 2005, Tarkanian’s mother, Lois Tarkanian ran for Las Vegas City Councilwoman Janet Moncrief’s
seat.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Although City Council seats are nonpartisan, Tarkanian is a
true-blue Democrat. She unsuccessfully ran as the party's nominee for a County Commission seat in
2000.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Erin Neff Column, 1/17/05]
Tarkanian’s mother won the seat. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Erin Neff Column, 2/14/05]
Previously, she was a former Clark County school board trustee. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/20/05]
Lois Tarkanian Served Three Terms As A Democrat On The Clark County School Board
Tarkanian’s mother, Lois Tarkanian, served three terms as a Democrat on the Clark County school board
but was defeated by a freshman Republican, Chip Maxfield, in a 2000 run for county commissioner.
His mother, Lois, was a career therapist and consultant working with handicapped children, received a
doctorate in human behavior from United States International University in 1980, and currently is
president of the Clark County School District Board of Trustees. She goes to Mass daily and attends home
and road games, often fingering her rosary beads in the stands. [Los Angeles Times, 2/16/92]
Criminal Record
1995: Was Searched By Police Officers At Gunpoint While An Assistant Coach At Fresno State
1995: Was Searched By Police Officers At Gunpoint While An Assistant Coach At Fresno State.
“Off-the-court problems have begun for Jerry Tarkanian's Fresno State basketball team. Assistant coach
Danny Tarkanian, the coach’s son, and three players were searched by officers at gunpoint outside a
Fresno restaurant last week. Police said they received a report of a man with a handgun creating a
disturbance. The coach’s son, Chris Herren, Terrance Roberson and James Gray were searched for
76
weapons, but none were found. No arrests were made and no charges were filed. Interim Athletic Director
Ben Quillian says the school has no plans to discipline anyone involved.” [Chicago Tribune, 10/12/95]
After Being Searched, He Told Police He Had Two Beers And A Shot Of Liquor And Was Driven
Home By Them. “Danny Tarkanian, who told police he had two beers and a shot of liquor, was driven
home by officers.” [Spokesman-Review, 10/12/95]
Tarkanian Said He Was at the Bar with other Coaches. Tarkanian said he was at the bar with other
Fresno State coaches, including fellow men's basketball assistant Johnny Brown. “There were other
student-athletes there,” Tarkanian said. “There were other students there. I didn't come in with Chris. I
didn't leave with Chris.” Police denied they gave Tarkanian special treatment by driving him home.
Tarkanian was found by police at the scene “not to be fit” to drive, according to the report. [Fresno Bee,
10/11/95]
Modesto Bee Column: “Danny Tarkanian’s Actions Were Irresponsible.” A 1995 column in the
Modesto Bee criticized Fresno State’s decision to hire the Tarkanians as setting itself up for a fall. It read,
“The flashing lights and sirens from the police cars must be distracting. The glare from the nation's media
must be blinding. With all that commotion, Fresno State cannot see that in the rush to climb the ladder of
national attention, it has set itself up for a fall. A very big fall.” The column read, “The slap on the wrist
Herren might get for drinking will never be as strong of a message as the fact that two of his assistant
coaches saw the minor drinking in the bar and did nothing. Danny Tarkanian's actions were irresponsible.
Not reprimanding Herren for his drinking was damaging not only to Herren but to the entire Fresno State
program. Lending him the cellular phone was stupid, even if it is a dumb NCAA rule.” [Modesto Bee, Kristie
Ackert’s Column, 10/13/95]
Driving Record
As of May 2016, Tarkanian is associated with the following traffic violations.
[Las Vegas Township Justice Court, accessed 5/26/16]
Judgments or Liens
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013 – Discharged On May 4, 2015
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013. “On December 19, 2013, the Debtors [Danny
and Amy Tarkanian] filed their voluntary petition for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code with
the above-captioned court, thereby commencing their Bankruptcy case.” [Motion to Approve Settlement
Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v. Daniel George John
Tarkanian, et al., 2/12/15]
The Tarkanians Were Discharged On May 4, 2015. [Order Granting Ex Parte Application For Entry Of
Discharge Of Debtors, 5/04/15]
77
Petitioner 1
SSN:
Petitioner 2
SSN:
Meeting Date:
Meeting Time: 0900
Status Information
Status: DISCHARGED
Trustee Information
Attorney 1
Name:
LARSON AND ZIRZOW
Attorney 2
Owed $17 Million Judgment To The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Because He Personally
Guaranteed A Defaulted Loan For A Bad Land Deal
Owed $17 Million Judgment To The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Because He Personally
Guaranteed A Defaulted Loan For A Bad Land Deal. “In hindsight, Republican congressional
candidate Danny Tarkanian should have ‘put a microscope’ on a 2007 land deal that went bad and has
now left him and his family on the hook for a $17 million judgment, his lawyer said Wednesday. A
federal judge has ruled that Tarkanian, his parents and siblings must pay the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corp. $17 million for a loan they took from a now-defunct bank that is under federal receivership. The
loan was intended to help develop an ‘equestrian destination resort’ in Anza, Calif. The judgment is the
result of more than two years of legal wrangling over the deal that bankrupted both the original developer,
Robert Dyson, and La Jolla Bank, which financed most of the deal. Unfortunately for them, the Tarkanian
78
family, and their partners Doug and Debra Johnson, appear to be the only ones left standing for the FDIC
to go after. ‘In 20-20 hindsight, yeah, he should have put a microscope on the deal,’ Tarkanian’s lawyer,
Gus Flangas, said. ‘It’s unfortunate he didn’t. He trusted Dyson, trusted the bank. That’s unfortunately a
very, very expensive lesson learned.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/31/12]
Made A Hard-Money Loan To A Horse Resort Developer, Robert Dyson, Without Doing His Due
Diligence – The Developer Later Defaulted, Causing The FDIC Lawsuit Against Tarkanian.
“Tarkanian wouldn’t be a traditional investor, though. His family’s company, Vegas Diamond Properties,
would become a ‘hard-money’ lender, borrowing money — using its own property as collateral — to then
lend to the developer at a premium interest rate. The practice, common during the boom, helped fund
projects that couldn’t get conventional financing. … Two years earlier, Doug Johnson, Tarkanian’s friend
and business partner, had extended a hard-money loan to the horse resort developer, Robert Dyson. Dyson
failed to repay the $7.5 million note when it came due, claiming that it would have meant a ‘massive
reshuffling of his various assets and projects,’ according to the lawsuit. Still, Dyson assured Johnson the
horse tourism project was healthy and arranged for what amounted to a replacement loan from La Jolla
Bank. Johnson then approached Tarkanian about doing another hard-money loan to Dyson. In an
interview, Tarkanian said he had rejected a similar pitch in 2005, but over the course of several months,
warmed to the idea, convinced by Dyson’s presentations, which included detailed financial statements. ‘It
wasn’t an easy decision,’ he said. ‘We went back and forth for months. We went down to Anza. Dyson
showed us the horse stables. It was an impressive place.’ The size and terms of the loan were significant:
$14.5 million, secured by nearly nine undeveloped acres near M Resort and guaranteed by Tarkanian and
his extended family. And yet, according to his lawsuit, Tarkanian signed the paperwork ‘without ever
meeting, discussing or negotiating with anyone affiliated with La Jolla Bank.’ Instead, he relied on Dyson
and Dyson’s accountant to handle the logistics, including land appraisals. Financial and real estate experts
said that kind of passivity represents a failure to perform basic research.” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/28/10]
Las Vegas Sun Sub-Headline: “Though He [Tarkanian] Admits He Should Have Further
Scrutinized The Deal, Politician Says He Was ‘Bamboozled.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/31/12]
Tarkanian Sued La Jolla Bank To Block Foreclosure Of Family-Owned Property Once Dyson
Defaulted On The Loan Tarkanian Guaranteed. “U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian is embroiled
in a lawsuit to block foreclosure on family-owned property he once viewed as a retirement investment.
Tarkanian, a Republican seeking to challenge Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is among plaintiffs who filed suit
Jan. 8 in Clark County District Court against La Jolla Bank and Action Foreclosure Services of
California. The lawsuit alleges the bank worked in concert with real estate investor Robert A. Dyson Jr.,
who it said defaulted on a $12.5 million loan made through Vegas Diamond Properties, a company owned
jointly by Tarkanian and about a dozen other family members. ‘He defaulted within one month, took the
money and then disappeared,’ Tarkanian said of Dyson. A La Jolla Bank spokeswoman declined to
comment on the lawsuit. Dyson was unavailable for comment. The lawsuit states that he filed for
bankruptcy protection Oct. 31 and therefore cannot be sued.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/22/10]
Las Vegas Review Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Sues To Block Foreclosure.” [Las Vegas
Bankruptcy Court Reduced $17 Million Judgment Against Tarkanian To $525,000. “The principal
terms of the proposed Settlement Agreement include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Payment of Settlement Sum. The Debtors agree to pay to the FDIC-R a total sum in the amount of
$525,000.00 (the ‘Settlement Sum’), which sum shall be broken down into various parts…” [Tarkanian,
79
et al. v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, et al., Motion to Approve Settlement, 3/25/15]
Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker – Attempted To Explain The Failed Real Estate Deal
That Caused The $17 Million Judgment
2012: Tarkanian Interview With Chuck N. Baker – Attempted To Explain The Failed Real Estate
Deal That Caused The $17 Million Judgment. “It’s unfortunate [that my opponent] would try to take a
very disappointing situation that happened for my family and I, where we were defrauded by an
individual, and want to use that for political gain, but he’s desperate right now, so that’s what he’s trying
to do. I think it’s important, if you want to mention the real estate transaction- we talked about what
happened. I’ve been very open and transparent about it. My family and I were part of eleven people that
owned a piece of property in South Las Vegas Boulevard. One of our partners worked with a developer in
Southern California and this developer said, ‘Hey, we gotta- I know a bank I’m real close with. I can get
them to lend you the money, and you lend it to me and I’ll develop this property in Southern California.’
For two years we declined to do so, and that partner of ours kept saying how great the development was
going, and he’d invested in himself, and finally after two years we agreed to do so, on July 23rd of 2007.
On August 1st, seven- eight days later, the developer defaults on his loan to us, and then he stops all
construction on the property, the development doesn’t use any of our money for the development of the
property – which is what we lent him the money for – and then he files bankruptcy. Sometime thereafter
we find out that part of the money we lent to the developer, he used to pay back the bank for a loan he
was defaulting on, instead of using it to develop the property. We believe there was a clear case of fraud;
in fact, the lower court gave us an injunction to stop the bank from foreclosing on our property, and then
the FDIC comes in and closes the bank down, making some of the same allegations we’re making, so we
think, ‘Hey, there they go. They agree with us.’ But no, the FDIC says they’re going to come after us
personally and, if you can believe this, there’s a federal statute that says you can’t use fraud as a defense
against the FDIC unless it is specifically written in the loan documents, and anyone who understands how
fraud works knows you don’t write the fraud [?] loan documents, you do those outside. So basically, we
believe that that decision that the lower court held upholding that statute was wrong, and we have it on
appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court. Our attorneys are very confident we’re going to win that case, and we
believe we will also. It’s been going on for almost four years. I’ve lived through it for this long, and we’ll
continue to live through it. It obviously is something that is in the back of our minds, but we’re not going
to let it destroy everything else we’re going with our lives, my whole family and I.” [Tarkanian Interview,
Chuck N. Baker Show, 7:00 12/04/12]
Ralston Report Headline: “Court Orders Garnishment Of Tarkanian’s Wages, Assets To Pay $17
Million Judgment,” But Later Settled With FDIC For $525,000
Ralston Report Headline: “Court Orders Garnishment Of Tarkanian’s Wages, Assets To Pay $17
Million Judgment.” “Remember during Danny Tarkanian's congressional run how that $17 million
judgment became an issue. Tarkanian vowed that the judgment against himself and family members,
including the legendary coach, would not be paid because they would appeal and prove they were the
ones defrauded. This week, though, in several court filings in Nevada, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation has moved to collect the debt, and a court has issued orders demanding payment, garnishing
the family's wages and assets and asking for a full examination of the family's finances.” [Ralston Report,
5/02/13]
Made A $525,000 Settlement With The FDIC. “The Debtors agree to pay to the FDIC-R a total sum in
the amount of $525,000.00 (the “Settlement Sum”)…” [Motion to Approve Settlement Pursuant to
Bankruptcy Rule 9019, 2/12/15]
80
Failed To File Paperwork In Time To Stop FDIC From Seizing His Assets To Satisfy The $17
Million Judgment
Failed To File Paperwork In Time To Stop FDIC From Seizing His Assets To Satisfy The $17
Million Judgment. “In a court filing first reported by political journalist Jon Ralston, lawyers for the
FDIC stated that the Tarkanian family’s lawyers had missed a mutually agreed upon Oct. 8 deadline to
file documents opposing the FDIC’s claim to his property in Nevada. Not filing any objection on time
counts as a forfeit, the FDIC argued, clearing the way for them to start seizing Tarkanians’ property after
the next scheduled court hearing on Oct. 22. … But in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun Thursday
morning, Danny Tarkanian said there was a good reason for his lawyer having missed the filing date, and
didn’t expect it would affect the outcome of the case at all. ‘My attorney missed it because his father
passed away,’ Tarkanian said. ‘There’s things that go on behind the scenes that affect things...things that
happen personally. That’s where we’re at and that’s what we have to deal with.’ ‘This is a procedural
matter, it has nothing to do with the merits of our case and whether we win or lose at the end,’ Tarkanian
added. ‘That’s going to be at the court of appeals...So it’s a non-story.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/10/12]
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “FDIC Sets Out To Seize Tarkanian Family’s Nevada Assets.” [Las Vegas
Sun, 10/10/12]
Tarkanian’s Brother Filed Bankruptcy Because Of Failed Real Estate Deal
Tarkanian’s Brother Filed Bankruptcy Because Of Failed Real Estate Deal. “Republican
congressional candidate Danny Tarkanian’s brother, George Tarkanian, filed bankruptcy this summer
after investing with his brother in a failed real estate deal that has resulted in a $17 million judgment
against the family.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/16/12]
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “Danny Tarkanian Says Making Bad Loan For Horse Resort An
Aberration”
Aberration.” “With the development industry booming, a friend and partner in Tarkanian’s real estate
firm approached him about an investment opportunity: Dignitary Downs, an “equestrian destination
resort” in Anza, Calif., complete with a 200-room hotel, restaurant and jockey school, all on land once
owned by Dodgers great Don Drysdale. Tarkanian wouldn’t be a traditional investor, though. His family’s
company, Vegas Diamond Properties, would become a “hard-money” lender, borrowing money — using
its own property as collateral — to then lend to the developer at a premium interest rate. The practice,
common during the boom, helped fund projects that couldn’t get conventional financing. Intended to fund
his family’s retirement, the plan backfired when the developer ran out of cash and the project stalled.
Now, as Tarkanian enters the final days of the Republican primary, he’s on the hook for $14.5 million
and, in a strange twist, is suing the federal government to save his Las Vegas land from foreclosure.” [Las
Vegas Sun, 5/28/10]
2012: Reid Held Press Hitting Tarkanian On His $17 Million Judgment And Failed Land Deal
2012: Reid Held Press Hitting Tarkanian On His $17 Million Judgment And Failed Land Deal.
“Harry Reid has one of the most important jobs in Washington. If only he could be as big as the office he
holds. … It just so happens that the man, Danny Tarkanian, had been a candidate to run against Reid in
2010, but the majority leader assured listeners that ‘there’s nothing personal in this.’ He then proceeded,
in highly personal terms, to argue that Tarkanian is unfit to serve because of a $17 million judgment
issued five months ago against him and others over a failed real estate deal. The judgment, sought by the
81
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., is being appealed, but Reid wasn’t about to let a legal technicality such
as due process get in his way. ‘The FDIC rarely, rarely loses, especially on a slam-dunk like this,’ Judge
Reid determined in the conference call Monday afternoon.” [Washington Post, Dana Milbank Column,
10/15/12]
2010: Sued To Block Foreclosure Of His Vacation Home, Alleged Foreclosing Bank “Worked In
Concert” With A Real Estate Investor Who Defaulted On The Loan Tarkanian Guaranteed
2010: Alleged Foreclosing Bank “Worked In Concert” With A Scheme With A Real Estate Investor
Who Defaulted On The Loan Tarkanian Guaranteed. “U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian is
embroiled in a lawsuit to block foreclosure on family-owned property he once viewed as a retirement
investment. Tarkanian, a Republican seeking to challenge Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is among plaintiffs
who filed suit Jan. 8 in Clark County District Court against La Jolla Bank and Action Foreclosure
Services of California. The lawsuit alleges the bank worked in concert with real estate investor Robert A.
Dyson Jr., who it said defaulted on a $12.5 million loan made through Vegas Diamond Properties, a
company owned jointly by Tarkanian and about a dozen other family members.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 1/22/10]
2016: Stated In A Campaign Mailer That He “Paid My Debts In Full” Even Though He Only Paid
$525,000 Of The $17 Million He Owed The FDIC
2016: Stated In A Campaign Mailer That He “Paid My Debts In Full” Even Though He Only Paid
$525,000 Of The $17 Million He Owed The FDIC. “Danny Tarkanian, a Republican candidate for
Congressional District 3, says in a recent mailer that ‘when I failed [in business] I didn’t walk away — I
paid my debts in full and then I bounced right back.’ That phrase struck me as odd, because Tarkanian
actually did walk away and didn’t pay his debts ‘in full.’ Instead, he filed for bankruptcy protection and
paid just 3 percent of what he owed. The back story is that Tarkanian and his family were forced into
bankruptcy after a California bank from which they’d borrowed money to pay for a land deal failed and
was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Although he owed the FDIC $17 million,
he ended up settling the bankruptcy case last year for just $525,000.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Tarkanian Clarified He Meant He Paid Back The Reduced Amount The Bankruptcy Court
Ordered Him To Pay The FDIC “In Full.” “But then I realized that, perhaps, Tarkanian was trying to
pull a fast one. Perhaps he was trying to say that he had paid the fraction of his debts he was ordered to
repay at the conclusion of the bankruptcy proceedings ‘in full,’ not the original amount of his debt. It’s
not exactly the same thing — in fact, it’s not the same thing at all — but it might be something that a
lawyer-turned-would-be politician could justify putting into a mailer. Turns out, that was it. After some
random person on Twitter enjoined me to ‘quit being an idiot — the final court order is what is owed, if
anything. Did Danny pay off the order in full?’ Tarkanian jumped in to confirm. ‘Of course that is what I
was talking about,’ he tweeted. ‘Yes I paid it off in full. Sebelius is shill for Roberson #LiberalBFF.’ And
by ‘it,’ of course, Tarkanian means ‘the fraction of his debts that he was ordered to repay at the
conclusion of the bankruptcy proceedings,’ but not ‘my debts in full,’ as the mailer says.” [Las Vegas
Review-Journal, Sebelius Column, 5/27/16]
Had A Lien Against His Home For Court-Ordered Legal Fees After Recall Effort
Tarkanian Had A Lien Against His Home For Court-Ordered Legal Fees After Recall Effort.
According to a 1995 Las Vegas Review-Journal report, Tarkanian’s involvement in an effort to recall a
UNLV regent resulted in a lien being placed on his house, along with his sister Pam.
82
Tarkanian was involved in an effort to recall UNLV Regent Carolyn Sparks in the wake of Jerry
Tarkanian’s forced departure from coaching for the school.
The recall group, Citizens Recall Effort, gathered thousands of signatures, but a District Court judge ruled
they failed in 1992 to secure enough valid names to force a special election. That decision was upheld by
the state Supreme Court, and the recall organizers were ordered to pay court costs incurred by Sparks and
another Regent, Joseph Foley during the attempted ousters.
Foley's case was settled with the Clark County Election Department, when his attorney agreed to accept
just under $10,000 for court costs and to drop any appeal for legal fees. Foley was not seeking re-election.
Sparks faced $60,000 in legal fees.
Her attorney, Dan Polsenberg, had the court's judgment recorded, a routine that results in liens being
placed on homes until costs are paid. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/19/96]
Lien Satisfied. The lien was removed when Fred and Hazel Case, who were also active in the recall
effort, paid off the lien on their house, which according to Las Vegas Review-Journal, also resulted in the
removal of “the lien from the homes of all organizers.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/26/96]
Reno Gazette-Journal: Tarkanian “Failed To Pay His Property Taxes In Visalia, Calif.”
According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Tarkanian “failed to pay his property taxes in Visalia, Calif.”
NOTE: Further information on Tarkanian’s property and property taxes has not been received to date.
Minor $97 Tax Lien Filed Against Tarkanian in California
According to Lexis Nexis’ Judgment and Lien search, Tarkanian had a tax lien of $97 filed against him by
Tulare County in October 2002. [Nexis Bankruptcy, Judgments, & Liens search, accessed 3/30/16]
1: CA Judgments and Liens Filings
Debtor Information
Name: TARKANIAN, DANIEL J
SSN: 530-88-XXXX
Address: 2905 JUSTICE LN
LAS VEGAS, NV 89107-3228
CLARK COUNTY
Creditor Information
Name: COUNTY OF TULARE
Filing Information
Jurisdiction: CA
Amount: $97
Filing 1
Number: 2002076626
Type: COUNTY TAX LIEN
Agency: TULARE COUNTY COURT (RD)
Agency State: CA
Agency County: TULARE
83
Successfully Won $490,000 Judgment in Lawsuit
In 2009, Tarkanian and Edward Ruggeroli, a Las Vegas dentist, were successful in winning a default
$490,000 judgment from a Brett Depue in Clark County District Court.
Depue, the defendant, failed to contest the lawsuit. [Tarkanian, Ruggeroli v. Depue;
https://www.clarkcountycourts.us/Anonymous/Search.aspx]
Depue Indicted in 2010
In March 2010, Depue was indicted with two of his former employees: Brian Barney, and Maria
Ornelas, 32.
According to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Las Vegas, Depue operated a number
of Nevada businesses that are now defunct. They include ABS Investments Group and Liberty
Group Investments.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Depue, who now lives in Gilbert, Ariz., and Barney. A
summons was issued for Ornelas, who is scheduled to appear before a judge on March 26.
The indictment accuses the defendants of participating in a mortgage fraud conspiracy from
February 2005 to May 2007. The document specifically discusses 17 homes in Las Vegas and
Henderson that were purchased fraudulently. [http://lasvegas.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/lv031010.htm]
NOTE: It is unclear at the present time what Tarkanian’s relationship with Depue was prior to the filing
of the lawsuit. Further records have been requested.
Involved in a Number of Lawsuits
Tarkanian was the plaintiff and defendant in a number of lawsuits during the 1990s and 2000s.
Cases filed as “Daniel Tarkanian”
[Nevada 8th District Court, accessed 5/26/16]
Cases Filed as “Danny Tarkanian”
84
[Nevada 8th District Court, accessed 5/26/16]
Bankruptcy Filings
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013
Filed For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy On December 19, 2013. “On December 19, 2013, the Debtors [Danny
and Amy Tarkanian] filed their voluntary petition for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code with
the above-captioned court, thereby commencing their Bankruptcy case.” [Motion to Approve Settlement
Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v. Daniel George John
Tarkanian, et al., 2/12/15]
The Tarkanians Were Discharged On May 4, 2015. [Order Granting Ex Parte Application For Entry Of
Discharge Of Debtors, 5/04/15]
Petitioner 1
SSN:
Petitioner 2
SSN:
Meeting Date:
Meeting Time: 0900
Status Information
Status: DISCHARGED
Trustee Information
85
Attorney 1
Name:
LARSON AND ZIRZOW
Attorney 2
Voting History
Tarkanian’s Nevada Voting History
2015
General
Primary
Municipal
Municipal Primary
Recall
Runoff
Special
2014
P
P
2013
E-R
2012
E
P
2011
2010
P
P
2009
P
P
2008
P
P
2007
P
2006
P
P
2005
2004
E
P
2003
P
P
P
[Votebuilder, accessed 6/03/16]
86
2002
P
Personal Finances
Tarkanian has an estimated net worth of between $2,063,011 and $7,245,000. According to
Tarkanian’s federal financial disclosures, his 2015 annual earned income was $724,500 while
his unearned income was between $54,504 and $110,000. Tarkanian’s assets totaled between
$2,063,011 and $7,245,000. However, Tarkanian’s net worth was undercut by $525,000 in
liabilities from his FDIC judgment (though his bankruptcy is now discharged)
2016 – FEDERAL CANDIDATE PFD – Assets And Unearned Income
Reported Between $2,063,011 And $7,245,000 In Assets And Between $54,504 And $110,000 In
Unearned Income. Between January 1, 2015 and August 24, 2015, Tarkanian reported assets valued
between $2,063,011 and $7,245,000 and unearned income between $54,504 and $110,000. [2016 Federal
Candidate PFD, filed 08/26/15]
Asset
Amount of
Income
(previous
year)
Owner
Value of Asset
None
None
None
Ordinary Income
None
$2,501 $5,000
None
None
DC
$1,001 $15,000
$50,001 $100,000
$1 - $1,000
DC
$1 - $1,000
None
None
None
DC
$1 - $1,000
None
None
None
SP
$50,001 $100,000
$250,001 –
$500,000
$50,001 $100,000
$1,001 $15,000
$1,001 $15,000
None
None
None
None
None
None
Dividends/Capital
Gains
None
None
$5,001 $15,000
None
Ordinary Income
$1,001 $2,500
None
Single Touch, Inc.
Mann Kind Stock
Scottrade Roth
IRA – Lois
Scottrade Roth
IRA – Ava
Scottrade Roth
IRA - Ashley
Roth IRA
American Funds
Roth IRA
American Funds
John Hancock
Freedom 529
Wells Fargo
Checking Account
Scottrade
Tarkanian
Consulting
Scottrade Roth
IRA
Scottrade Children
Act – Lois
Scottrade Children
Act – Ashley
Scottrade Children
Act – Ava
Type of Income
Amount of
Income (date
range)
DC
None
None
SP
None
None
None
None
DC
$15,001 $50,000
$15,001 $50,000
$15,001 $50,000
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
DC
DC
87
Scottrade Children
Act – Jerry
Scottrade DT Irrev.
Trust Act
JAMD Ownership
TPC 286
Ownership
Tark, LLC
Ownership Promissory
TPC, LLC
Odyssey Van
DC Scottrade
Daniel Tarkanian
IRR Trust
Total
DC
$1,001 $15,000
$15,001 $50,000
$500,001 $1,000,000
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$250,001 $500,000
None
None
None
Ordinary Income
None
Rent
$1,001 $2,500
None
Rent
None
Capital Gains
$50,001 $100,000
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
$250,001 $500,000
$1,001 $15,000
$1,001 $15,000
$2,063,011 $7,245,000
$5,001 $15,000
None
$54,504 $10,002 $110,000
$30,000
[Personal Financial Disclosure Form, 2016]
2016 – FEDERAL CANDIDATE PFD – Earned Income
Reported Between $54,504 And $110,000 In Earned Income. Between January 1, 2015 and August 24,
2015, Tarkanian reported earned income between $724,500 and $298,210. [2016 Federal Candidate PFD,
filed 08/26/15]
Source
Type of Income
JAMD, LLC Paid to
Management &
Tarkanian Consulting
Development
Tarkanian Basketball
President of
Academy
Organization
Tark, LLC Paid to Tarkanian
Management
Consulting
NBC (Channel 3 Las Vegas)
TV Analyst (Spouse)
Tarkanian Consulting
Management/Consulting
Tarkanian & Knight Law
Attorney
Group
JAMD, LLC
Developer Fee
Tark, LLC
Developer Fee
Total
Amount of
Income (date
range)
Amount of Income
(previous year)
-
-
$150,000
$127,000
-
-
$44,500
-
$57,210
$57,000
$57,000
$475,000
$55,000
$724,500
$298,210
[Personal Financial Disclosure Form, 2016]
Bankruptcy Court Reduced $17 Million Judgment Against Tarkanian To $525,000. “The principal
88
terms of the proposed Settlement Agreement include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Payment of Settlement Sum. The Debtors agree to pay to the FDIC-R a total sum in the amount of
$525,000.00 (the ‘Settlement Sum’), which sum shall be broken down into various parts…” [Tarkanian,
'et al. v. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, et al., Motion to Approve Settlement, 3/25/15]
Property Information
Reno Gazette-Journal: Tarkanian “Failed To Pay His Property Taxes In Visalia, Calif.”
According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Tarkanian “failed to pay his property taxes in Visalia, Calif.”
NOTE: Further information on Tarkanian’s property and property taxes has not been received to date.
Minor Tax Lien Filed Against Tarkanian in California
According to Lexis Nexis’ Judgment and Lien search, Tarkanian had a tax lien of $97 filed against him by
Tulare County in October 2002.
Properties Owned By His Businesses
Co-Owned Property Transferred to Tarkanian Company Vegas Diamond
In 2007, Vegas Diamond purchased a parcel of land located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and
Barbara Lane in southern Las Vegas.
The property was transferred to the company from the following individuals and entities, which include
Tarkanian himself and a number of family business ventures:
[Grant Deed, 6/4/07; APN 191-05-601-020]
The following is an aerial view of the property:
89
[Clark County Assessor]
Purchased Half-Ownership of Property in Spring Valley; Other Half Purchased by Trop TP
In 2002, JAMD and another Tarkanian entity, Trop TP, each purchased a 50 percent share in a vacant
parcel of land located on Tropicana and Bell Drive, between Grand Canyon Drive and Tee Pee Lane in
Spring Valley
The companies purchased the land from American Land Holdings LLC for $1,493,725. [Clark County
Assessor]
The following is a current aerial view of the parcel:
[http://www.bing.com/maps/]
NOTE: It is unclear how recent that this aerial photo is, but property tax records do indicate that the
company purchased the land undeveloped and then conducted at least some construction on the site,
increasing its land value.
Trop TP Transferred Its Share to Tarkanian, Bengochea Family Partnership
90
In 2005, Trop TP transferred its 50 percent share of the property.
Fifteen percent of the property was transferred to Tarkanian and 35 percent was transferred to the
Bengochea Family Limited Partnership. [Clark County Assessor]
Property Flipped for Large Profit
Upon completion of the transfer, JAMB, Tarkanian and the Bengochea Family Partnership sold
the property to Sunridge 26 LLC and Apple Valley Real Estate Holdings for $2,960,000. [Clark
County Assessor]
Late Property Taxes Apparently Came After Transfer
A pair of late property tax payments was discovered during research into this property and
JAMD’s involvement with it.
However, it appears based on records obtained from the Clark County Treasurer’s Office that
these payments came after the property was no longer affiliated with Tarkanian or his companies.
Owned Cimarron Road Property
In 1999, a number of vacant parcels on Cimarron Road in Spring Valley were purchased by JAMD.
The parcels were apparently combined to create one parcel, with a current assessed value of $714,746.
Assessment Information
Estimated Lot Size and Appraisal Information
Estimated Size
1.46 Acres
Original Const. Year
0
Last Sale Price
Month/Year
0
Land Use
0-00 VACANT
Dwelling Units
0
Property Taxes Occasionally Late
JAMD has occasionally been late in paying property taxes on the current parcel or its previously
separate portions:

2000 – JAMD paid $80.54 in penalties and interest.

2000 – JAMD paid $80.54 in penalties and interest.

2001 – JAMD paid a $40.64 penalty.
91



2006 – JAMD paid a $133.68 penalty. [Clark County Treasurer]
Property Tax Payment History – Summary
Between 1992 To 2001, Tarkanian And His Real Estate Partners Paid More Than $23,000 In Back
Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To Five Years
Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To Five Years. “During that decade
of go-go real estate speculation, Tarkanian and the companies he was associated with didn’t always pay
property taxes on time, becoming delinquent for one to five years and forcing Clark County authorities to
hold at least a dozen parcels until the bills were paid. In the end, Tarkanian and his real estate partners
paid more than $23,000 in back taxes, interest, penalties and fees from 1992 through 2001, according to
Clark County records.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Said, “Maybe I Missed Some Property Tax Payments. I Have No Recollection Of That Since It Was
So Long Ago. And I Was A Passive Partner.” “‘Maybe I missed some property tax payments,’
Tarkanian said. ‘I have no recollection of that since it was so long ago. And I was a passive partner’ in
some of the companies. ‘I would expect the Democrats to track me extremely closely and try to find
whatever dirt they can to use against me.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Invested In Real Estate Partnership That Paid $6,216.78 In Delinquent Property Taxes,
Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Five Of Seven Parcels In Clark County. “Bentar Limited Partnership
is an example of Tarkanian being an investment partner and resident agent for a real estate company he
formed with close friend Amador ‘Chi Chi’ Bengochea. Neither Tarkanian nor Bengochea could recall
being late on property tax payments in the early 1990s, although records show Bentar in 1993 paid
$6,216.78 in delinquent property taxes, interest, penalties and fees on five of seven parcels Clark County
held until the bills were paid. Four of the parcels were two years late, and one parcel was three years late
on property taxes, records show.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Paid $3,242.96 In Late Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Four Parcels That Were
Delinquent From 1999 To 2000. “Tarkanian wholly owned JAMD Inc., so he was directly responsible
for paying taxes on property the company owned. Records show that in September 2000 he paid
$3,242.96 in late taxes, interest, penalties and fees on four parcels that were delinquent for the year 19992000.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
In September 2001, Tarkanian Paid $7,377.20 In Back Bills For One Parcel That Was Two Years
Delinquent. “A year later in September 2001, Tarkanian paid another $7,377.20 in back bills for one
parcel that was two years delinquent, including for taxes, interest, penalties and fees.” [Las Vegas
Late Paying 1999-2000 Property Taxes On A Parcel He Owned A 40 Percent Stake In – The
Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership Also Owned A 40 Percent Stake. “The Tarkanian Family
Limited Partnership, which lists his parents as general partners, also was late paying 1999-2000 property
92
taxes on a parcel that was 40 percent owned by the partnership and 40 percent by Danny Tarkanian,
according to Clark County records. Tarkanian said he doesn’t recall owning the property, whose overdue
taxes were paid in September 2000 by the First American Title Co. of Nevada with a $673.44 check.”
Property Tax History - Bentar LP
1992: Seven Lots Owned By Tarkanian Investment Partnership Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County Over $6,800 In Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes
Danny Tarkanian Was A General Partner In Bentar Limited Partnership (LP). According to the
Nevada Secretary of State’s Web site, Danny Tarkanian was a general partner in Bentar Limited
Partnership (LP). [Nevada Secretary of State Web Site, Accessed 3/15/10]
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Seven Delinquent Bentar LP
Parcels In Trust For Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes. According to a Clark County treasurer’s
office tax certificate recorded on May 4, 1992 the Clark County treasurer was authorized to hold in trust
seven Bentar LP parcels on Danyelle Ct. for delinquent 1991-1992 property taxes totaling $312.44 on
each lot. The parcels listed were: 440-592-001, 440-592-002, 440-592-004, 440-592-006, 440-592-008,
440-592-009 and 440-592-010. [Clark County Recorder Document #199205040000887]
Two Parcels Redeemed After Bentar LP Pays Two Years Of Delinquent Taxes Totaling $1,815.46.
According to a certificate of redemption recorded February 8, 1993 Bentar LP paid $1,815.46 in
delinquent 1991-1992 thru 1992-1993 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees on parcels 440-592-006 and 440-592-008. [Clark County Recorder Document #199302080000756]
Parcel Redeemed After Bentar LP Pays Two Years Of Delinquent Taxes Totaling $1,115.17.
According to a certificate of redemption recorded March 5, 1993 Bentar LP paid $1,115.17 in delinquent
1991-1992 thru 1992-1993 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees - on parcel
440-592-009. [Clark County Recorder Document #199303050000816]
According to a certificate of redemption recorded July 2, 1993 Bentar LP paid $1,173.28 in delinquent
Parcel Redeemed After Bentar LP Pays Three Years Of Delinquent Taxes Totaling $2,112.87.
1991-1992, 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees
- on parcel 440-592-001. [Clark County Recorder Document #199403280001051]
Property Tax History – Levtar Partnership
1993: Property Owned By Tarkanian Investment Partnership Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $1,000 In Delinquent 1992-1993 Property Taxes
Danny Tarkanian Was A General Partner In Levtar Partnership, A Nevada General Partnership.
According to a deed recorded on July 7, 1994, Danny Tarkanian was listed as a general partner in Levtar
Partnership, a Nevada general partnership. [Clark County Recorder Document #199407190000308]
93
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Levtar Partnership Parcel In
Trust For Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes. According to a Clark County treasurer’s office tax
certificate list recorded on May 3, 1993 the Clark County treasurer was authorized to hold in trust a parcel
owned by Levtar Partnership for being delinquent in paying $1,046.13 in 1992-1993 property taxes on
parcel 270-680-006. [Clark County Recorder Document #199305030001045]
Parcel Redeemed After Levtar Partnership Pays $1,051.13 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a
certificate of redemption recorded July 2, 1993Levtar Partnership paid $1,051.13 in delinquent 1992-1993
property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees - on parcel 270-680-006. [Clark County
Recorder Document #199307020000598]
Property Tax History – JAMD, Inc.
2000: Four Parcels Owned By Tarkanian Company, JAMD, Inc., Authorized To Be Held In Trust
By Clark County For Over $3,200 In Delinquent 1999- 2000 Property Taxes.
Danny Tarkanian Listed As President And Treasurer Of JAMD, Inc. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State’s Web site, Danny Tarkanian is listed as president and treasurer of JAMD, Inc. [Nevada
Secretary Of State Web Site, Accessed, 3/15/10]
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Four JAMD, Inc. Parcels In
Trust For Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate
recorded on June 8, 2000, JAMD Inc. was delinquent paying $3,200.88 in property taxes for the year
1999-2000 on four parcels: 176-04-401-009, 176-04-401-020, 176-04-801-001 and 176-04-801-007.
[Clark County Recorder Document #200006080001702]
Parcels Redeemed After JAMD, Inc. Pays $3,242.96 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a certificate
of redemption recorded on September, 5 2000, JAMD, Inc. eventually paid a total of $3,242.96 in
delinquent 1999-2000 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees – on the four
parcels. [Clark County Recorder Document #200009050000307]
2000: Parcel Owned By Tarkanian Company, JAMD, Inc., Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $7,300 In Delinquent 1999- 2000 Property Taxes.
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding JAMD, Inc. Parcel In Trust
For Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate recorded on
June 8, 2000, JAMD Inc. was delinquent paying $800.22 in property taxes for the year 1999-2000 on the
parcel 176-10-201-001. [Clark County Recorder Document #200006080001704]
Parcel Redeemed After JAMD, Inc. Pays $7,377.20 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a certificate of
redemption recorded on September, 17 2001, JAMD, Inc. paid a total of $7,377.20 in delinquent 19992000 and 2000-2001 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees – on the parcel.
Property Tax History – Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership
94
2000: Parcel Danny Tarkanian Had 40 Percent Ownership In Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $650 In Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes.
Danny Tarkanian Had 40% Ownership In Parcel. According to a deed recorded on July 31, 1998,
Danny Tarkanian had a 40% ownership in the parcel listed as APN# 176-09-201-004. [Clark Recorder
Document #199807310002678]
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Parcel In Trust For
Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate recorded on June
8, 2000 The Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership, which also had a 40% interest in the parcel, was
delinquent in paying $673.44 in property taxes for the year 1999-2000. [Clark County Recorder
Document #200006080001704]
Parcel Redeemed After The Tarkanian Limited Partnership Pays $673.44 In Delinquent Taxes.
According to a certificate of redemption recorded on September 5, 2000, The Tarkanian Limited
Partnership paid a total of $673.44 in delinquent 1999-2000 property taxes - including accumulated
interest, penalties and fees – on the parcel. [Clark County Recorder Document #200009050000308]
Property Tax History – Danyelle Court Property
1994: Tarkanian Property Seized By Clark County For Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes;
Later Owed Five Years Of Taxes Totaling Over $4,500
Danny Tarkanian Listed As Owner Of Property Located On Danyelle Ct. A deed recorded March 4,
1994 lists Danny Tarkanian as the owner of the property located on Danyelle Ct. [Clark County Recorder
Document #199403040001444]
Clark County Seized Property After Years Of Not Paying Property Taxes. According to a tax trustee
deed recorded on May 11, 1994, the Clark County treasurer seized Tarkanian’s property on Danyelle Ct.
for failure to pay 1991-1992 and intervening year’s property taxes. [Clark County Recorder Document
#199405110001248]
Property Reconveyed Back To Tarkanian After Payment Of Five Years Of Delinquent Property
Taxes Totaling $4,510.20. A deed of reconveyance recorded on December 8, 1995 shows Tarkanian
having to pay $4,510.20 in delinquent 1991-1992 thru 1995-1996 property taxes - including accumulated
interest, penalties and fees – on the property located on Danyelle Ct. [Clark County Recorder Document
#199512080000799]
95
Career Summary
The following provides a brief overview of Danny Tarkanian’s professional career.
Political
 Failed Candidate For the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents (2014)
 Failed Candidate For Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District (2012)
 Failed Candidate For U.S. Senate (2010)
 Failed Candidate For Nevada Secretary of State (2006)
 Failed Candidate For Nevada Senate (2004)
Professional
 American Council on Tourism and Trade (defunct) – President
 Bentar Development, Inc. (active) – Former Co-Founder
 Bentar Limited Partnership (defunct) – General Partner
 College Prep Review (defunct) – Secretary
 Generation Y (defunct) – Manager
 JAMD, Inc. (defunct) – President
 JAMD LLC (active) – Manager
 JAMD II LLC (defunct) – Manager
 Las Vegas Hoops, LLC – Manager
 LOIS, LLC (defunct) – Manager
 Pub One, Inc. (defunct) – President
 Socially Aware Tutoring (defunct) – Manager
 Tark, LLC (defunct) – Registered Agent
 Tarkanian Enterprises (defunct) – Manager
 TROP T.P. (defunct) – Managing Manger
 Vegas Diamond Properties, LLC (defunct) – Manager
 Vegas Diamond Johnson, LLC (defunct) – Manager
 Tarkanian & Knight Law Group, PLLC – Partner
 Fresno State Men’s Basketball Team – Assistant Coach
 American Council on Tourism and Trade – Co-Founder
Organization
 Tarkanian Basketball Academy – President
Licenses
 Nevada Bar (admitted 1988)
96
Basketball Career
Significant Findings
 Was an assistant coach at Fresno State under his father
 Closely tied to Fresno State NCAA infractions, probation
 NCAA concluded that Tarkanian failed to report violations
 Tarkanian was aware of free meals being given to players
 Embroiled in reports of alleged point shaving at Fresno State
 Testified before grand jury about point shaving
 Involved in ticket exchange which put tickets into hands of felon sports fixer
 Operates a basketball academy
Danny Tarkanian An Eighth Round Draft Choice For The San Antonio Spurs
Danny Tarkanian An Eighth Round Draft Choice For The San Antonio Spurs. Danny Tarkanian was
an eighth-round draft choice in 1984 of the San Antonio Spurs, who his father later coached briefly.
Rejected Coaching Offer From Purdue
Rejected Coaching Offer From Purdue. Danny rejected an offer from Purdue's Gene Keady after he
concluded his basketball career at UNLV in 1984. [Fresno Bee, 11/08/95]
Tarkanian Was An Assistant For Father’s UNLV Team In 1989
Tarkanian Was An Assistant For Father’s UNLV Team In 1989. In 1989, Tarkanian was an assistant
for his father’s UNLV basketball team. [Miami Herald, 1/29/89]
Assistant Coach At Fresno State
Assistant Coach At Fresno State. Instead of running for office, Tarkanian returned to basketball at
Fresno State to be an assistant coach under his father from 1995 until 2002.
In May 1995, Jerry Tarkanian announced he would hire Danny Tarkanian as a full-time assistant coach
for his new team at Fresno State.
97
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Danny Tarkanian said. “It's bad for my dad in one sense because we're
all in-experienced and won't know some things in the beginning. But it's a positive because my dad will
have three guys who will work 18 hours a day.” [Fresno Bee, 5/18/95]
Tarkanian Chose Coaching For His Father As A “Last Option”
Tarkanian Chose Coaching For His Father As A “Last Option.” In 1995, the Fresno Bee did a profile
on Jerry Tarkanian’s two sons, Danny and George. According to the article, Danny was the elder son, and
the younger son, George was about to become a political science professor. [Fresno Bee, 11/08/95]
Considered Working For Portland State University
Considered Working For Portland State University. In April 2002, Tarkanian was a candidate for
Portland State University’s basketball coach. [Oregonian, 4/19/02]
Tarkanian’s Dad Tried To Get Him Assistant Coaching Job At USC
Tarkanian’s Dad Tried To Get Him Assistant Coaching Job At USC. In April 2002, the Orange
County Register reported that University of Southern California basketball coach Henry Bibby said Jerry
Tarkanian asked Bibby to hire his son, Danny Tarkanian, for Bibby's USC staff.
''Yes, Tark asked me to hire his son,'' Bibby said. ''I told him that I didn't have anything open right now
but that I'd get back to him if I did. I'm very happy with my staff and I'm not trying to get rid of anybody.''
[Orange County Register, 4/03/02]
Danny Interviewed For DePaul Coaching Job
Danny Interviewed For DePaul Coaching Job. In April 2002, the Fresno Bee reported that Danny
Tarkanian was a candidate in the DePaul coaching search and interviewed with Blue Demons athletic
director Bill Bradshaw in Atlanta.
“It went well,” Danny Tarkanian said. [Fresno Bee, 4/02/02]
Dave Leitao, the associate head coach at University of Connecticut, was announced as the new head
coach for DePaul University. [Hartford Courant, 4/17/02]
Tarkanian’s Dad Attempted To Get Him A Coaching Job At Long Beach State, To No Avail
Tarkanian’s Dad Attempted To Get Him A Coaching Job At Long Beach State, To No Avail. In
March 2002, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported that Jerry Tarkanian was lobbying for his son,
Danny Tarkanian, to become the next Long Beach State basketball coach.
“Danny would be perfect for the job,” said Jerry Tarkanian. “He's young, he's bright, he's energetic, he's
been my top assistant and top recruiting coordinator for the past seven years. If he gets that jobs, we have
three top recruits lined up who would follow him there. And I'd come down to watch every game.”
However, according to columnist Doug Krikorian, Tarkanian had “no chance for the job because the Long
Beach State athletic director, Bill Shumard, is determined to hire someone with head coaching
experience.”
98
Krikorian wrote, “It turns out Jerry Tarkanian has been going to extraordinary lengths in trying to get his
son the position at Long Beach State, including even placing three telephone calls to the school's
president, Dr. Robert Maxson.” [Long Beach Press-Telegram, Doug Krikorian Column, 3/22/02]
Took Over Many Of The Coaching Duties In A Stealthy “Shift Of Command”
Took Over Many Of The Coaching Duties In A Stealthy “Shift Of Command.” In December 2001,
the Fresno Bee reported “The long surrender is under way, signaled not with a white flag but with
shuffling duties,” as Tarkanian began taking over his fathers coaching duties in stealthy “shift of
command.” Reportedly, “An act that has reduced Fresno State's Jerry Tarkanian to a figurehead and
made his son the man in charge.”
“Since the time my father has been here, he's always delegated a lot of responsibility to [his assistants],”
said Danny Tarkanian. “Right now my dad may have less energy than he had seven years ago, he may be
doing less, but that would be natural.”
According to the article, “Danny Tarkanian runs all the defensive drills during practice. He paces the
bench, points and shouts instructions during games. Danny does 75% of the hands-on recruiting. If this
doesn't describe a head basketball coach, then Tom Izzo and Roy Williams are just a couple of eager
assistants, too.”
“I'll tell you one thing, if my father is not welcome at Fresno State, I probably wouldn't be welcome here,
either,” Danny said. “If he stepped aside, though, then, I'd be interested in being the head coach.” [Fresno
Bee, 12/30/01]
Some Opposed Tarkanian Taking Over For Due To “Frosty” Image And “Outbursts”
Some Opposed Tarkanian Taking Over For Due To “Frosty” Image And “Outbursts.” In October
2001, the Fresno Bee reported on mixed reactions to the possibility of Danny Tarkanian taking over as
coach of Fresno State after his father retires.
The Time Out Club is a men's basketball booster organization established in 1978 to raise money for a
variety of items, including computer equipment and shooting machines. In a random sampling of 19 Time
Out Club board members, nine said they were opposed to Danny taking over as coach. Six were in favor,
three were torn and one declined comment. In all, there are 30 board members (no athletic department
members were interviewed). [Fresno Bee, 10/21/01]
Danny Faced Concern Over His “Frosty Public Relations Image,” “He Is Not To Pleasant To Work
With”
Danny Faced Concern Over His “Frosty Public Relations Image,” “He Is Not To Pleasant To Work
With.” Several board members said their biggest objection is Danny's frosty public relations image.
“We hear a lot of stories about Danny all the time,” one said. “That he is not too pleasant to work with. In
his dealings with campus employees, he has treated them poorly. Almost like he was really important and
they weren't.”
“I'd say no, given [Danny's] unpopularity with the players and apparent outbursts in the department,” one
said. “He is not the most tactful person in the world. I don't know if he has formed a close relationship
with any player.” [Fresno Bee, 10/21/01]
99
One Supported Him Because “He Has Gotten Married And Settled Down”
One Supported Him Because “He Has Gotten Married And Settled Down.” “I'd support him for two
reasons,” one said. “He has gotten married and settled down. And he is a little tougher than his dad, I
think. I wouldn't waste money trying to find someone else. Keep the name a little longer.” [Fresno Bee,
10/21/01]
In 2000, the New York Post reported, “Danny is in his fifth season as an assistant to his father at Fresno
State. He also played for his father and was an assistant under him at UNLV. In between stints as a coach,
Danny worked as an attorney for seven years in Las Vegas.” [New York Post, 3/17/00]
“The Danny Tarkanian Show” Featured Tarkanian Talking About the Fresno State Basketball Team
In 1995, Danny Tarkanian appeared on his weekly call-in radio show “The Danny Tarkanian Show” (7:05
a.m. Mondays, KYNO, AM 1300).
According to an article, “Maybe it's because the first-year assistant coach hasn't mastered the intricacies
of the language. Or maybe his training as a lawyer taught the value of clear communication.” [Fresno Bee,
11/28/95]
Despite Father’s Impending Retirement, Tarkanian Unlikely To Be Named Successor
Despite Father’s Impending Retirement, Tarkanian Unlikely To Be Named Successor. By March
2002, shortly before Jerry Tarkanian was expected to announce his retirement, a Fresno Bee article noted,
“Danny Tarkanian, a Bulldogs assistant, has virtually no chance to be named his father's successor.”
As his father was ushered into retirement, Danny Tarkanian and his father refused to comment on the
administration's stance. “We will take the high road to the end,” Danny Tarkanian said. [Fresno Bee, 3/15/02]
Once considered a natural successor to his father, Danny Tarkanian, 40, said he was not a candidate for
the Bulldogs opening and would seek other coaching opportunities. [Fresno Bee, 3/16/02]
Timeline of NCAA Infractions at Fresno State

Summer 1995: Ben Quillian, then-interim athletic director, fails to report that a Fresno restaurant
provided free meals to men's basketball players even though the restaurant owner acknowledged
providing the meals, the NCAA later alleged. Providing such free meals is a violation of NCAA
rules.

April 3, 1997: Quillian reports in a memo to then-athletic director Al Bohl that the restaurant
owner acknowledged providing the free meals while Quillian was interim athletic director. Neither
Quillian nor Bohl reported the violation to the NCAA, according to NCAA documents.

Sept. 14, 1998: NCAA enforcement representative Ed Lupomech sends a letter to Jon Fagg, then
Fresno State's compliance officer, indicating the enforcement staff's concern regarding the
standardized test score of basketball player Travis Robinson.
100

Feb. 12, 2000: Nate Cebrun, an agent's representative, sends a $300 money order to Terrance
Roberson's grandparents in Saginaw, Mich., to pay their transportation costs for driving to Tulsa,
Okla., to attend the Western Athletic Conference tournament. Cebrun worked as a middleman
between Roberson and the Las Vegas-based sports agency Big Time Sports.

March 22, 2000: The Bee reports a Fresno restaurant owner has acknowledged he provided men's
basketball players with “several thousand dollars” in free meals since 1993 in violation of NCAA
rules.

April 27, 2000: Men's basketball assistant John Welch directs five athletes into the South Gym to
participate in a four-on-four, full-court basketball game, a move the NCAA alleged violated
offseason workout rules.

July 1, 2000: The Bee reports NCAA investigators had been on campus on more than one
occasion to explore possible violations. The Fresno restaurant owner, however, said, “I really
haven't talked with anyone about it at all.”

Oct. 2, 2000: The NCAA issues a preliminary letter of inquiry stating it is investigating the
program for possible rules violations. Fresno State cooperates in the joint investigation.
Summer 2001: Cebrun tells the NCAA about his involvement with Fresno State players in
possible NCAA rules violations.


Aug. 2, 2001: Men's basketball player Tito Maddox tells the NCAA that coach Jerry Tarkanian
never asked Maddox that summer about his involvement with agents, according to NCAA
documents. Tarkanian had said he looked into possible agent involvement regarding Maddox by
asking Maddox and several people close to the player.

Jan. 2, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA that Robinson played while ineligible.

Jan. 26, 2002: Two complimentary men's basketball tickets are left for the uncle and cousin of
player Chris Jefferies. Jefferies' father obtained the tickets from an “unknown source,” according
to NCAA documents, and left them at the Selland Arena will-call window for Jefferies' uncle and
cousin. The tickets were from the ticket allotment of Jerry Tarkanian and were valued at $20 each.
The incident violates rules regarding complimentary-ticket benefits.

February 2002: Former team statistician Stephen Mintz tells assistant Danny Tarkanian in a
meeting that he wrote course work for players. Tarkanian later said he did not report the possible
violations in part because he thought it already was being investigated.

March 2, 2002: Mintz speaks to athletic director Scott Johnson following a home game against
Hawaii. “I told him that I wanted to clarify what he may have heard I told [The Bee] regarding me
writing papers for players,” Mintz says. “He told me to put it in writing.”

March 15, 2002: Jerry Tarkanian announces his retirement and calls his program “one of the
cleanest in the country.”

May 28, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA that Shamario Richard played while ineligible.
101

June 13, 2002: Fresno State reports to the NCAA the complimentary-ticket violation involving
Jefferies.

July 24, 2002: Fresno State receives the NCAA's letter of official inquiry, which is issued when
the enforcement staff alleges major violations. The letter alleges a lack of institutional control
against Fresno State, among other violations.

July 29, 2002: Jerry Tarkanian says, “I'll guarantee everybody there is not a major violation of any
kind. I said it all year, and I'll say it again now.”

Oct. 30, 2002: Fresno State files its formal response to the NCAA. Jerry Tarkanian files his formal
response.

Dec. 5, 2002: The case summary is issued to Fresno State. The case summary, drafted by the
enforcement staff, documents the allegations, the position of the involved parties for each
allegation and other pertinent information.

Dec. 10, 2002: Former assistant Danny Tarkanian files a letter of objection regarding the case
summary.

Dec. 13, 2002: Fresno State president John Welty imposes sanctions following the university's
hearing before the NCAA infractions committee in Indianapolis. The sanctions include a two-year
probation and the reduction of three scholarships in the men's basketball program between 2004
and 2006.

Dec. 26, 2002: Mintz tells The Bee he wrote and was paid for 17 pieces of course work for three
former players in 2000.

Jan. 10, 2003: Roberson tells The Bee in a telephone interview: “If we did have term papers done,
I'm pretty sure we're not the only Fresno State team that did. Why aren't you looking into other
sports?”

Jan. 29, 2003: Mintz says then-Fresno State compliance officer Jamie Mullin called him and
wanted to speak with him regarding his role in tutoring players. It is the first time, Mintz said,
since his encounter with Johnson nearly a year earlier that Fresno State officials have tried to
contact Mintz.

Feb. 9, 2003: The Bee publishes a report alleging Mintz was paid to complete course work for
players, and that Cebrun paid Katie Felten, the team's former academic adviser, for term papers to
be completed for some players.

Feb. 10, 2003: On a local radio talk show, Felten denies she ever was involved in academic fraud.

Feb 12, 2003: Mintz recounts the allegations to NCAA investigator Dan Matheson during an
interview in Fresno that lasts several hours.

March 3, 2003: After a three-week probe, Welty announces most of the allegations detailed in The
Bee's Feb. 9 story are true and imposes a postseason ban for the current men's basketball team.
102

March 4, 2003: The Western Athletic Conference's board of directors adopts a resolution that bans
the Fresno State men's basketball team from participating in the conference tournament the
following week in Tulsa, Okla.

April 3, 2003: NCAA president Myles Brand applauds Welty for taking strong and swift action
after affirming academic fraud allegations. But Brand criticizes Welty's judgment for hiring a
coach such as Tarkanian, who previously had run-ins with the NCAA.

April 17, 2003: NCAA investigators conduct a follow-up interview with Mintz.

April 28, 2003: Fresno State receives the NCAA's supplemental letter of inquiry, which details the
NCAA's academic fraud allegations.

April 29, 2003: Danny Tarkanian writes a letter to the infractions committee requesting a 45-day
extension to reply to the supplemental letter.

May 1, 2003: The infractions committee grants a seven-day extension for all parties to respond to
the supplemental letter.

May 9, 2003: Danny Tarkanian writes a letter to infractions committee chairman Thomas Yeager
alleging that the enforcement staff had failed to answer questions about the case. The infractions
committee is an independent body composed of individuals from NCAA member institutions that
serves as judge and jury in NCAA investigations.

May 20, 2003: Danny Tarkanian files a response to the supplemental letter.

May 22, 2003: Welty writes a letter to Mintz stating that Mintz has been disassociated from the
university's athletic program, which means Mintz's money to support any Fresno State athletic
program is not welcome. Welty's letter also says Mintz should avoid contact with athletes.

May 23, 2003: Fresno State files a response to the supplemental letter.

May 27, 2003: Yeager responds to Tarkanian's May 9 letter of complaint.

June 2, 2003: A supplemental case summary is issued.

June 14, 2003: After the school's 6-hour hearing before the infractions committee in Kansas City,
Mo., Welty says he is optimistic there won't be any significant penalties.

June 20, 2003: Danny Tarkanian holds a news conference in which he argues that “contradictions
and misstatements” weaken the academic fraud allegations.

Sept. 10, 2003: The NCAA adds two years of probation to Fresno State's self-imposed sanctions
and requires the school to vacate the record of its performance in the 2000 NCAA Tournament and
return 90% of the money it earned for that appearance. At the same time, it accepts the
disciplinary action the school previously took. [Fresno Bee, 9/11/03]
Tarkanian Was in Charge of Fresno State Basketball’s Academics During Scandal
103
In Fresno, Tarkanian's job was to help his dad with virtually every aspect of the basketball program, a
point that seems to have been lost in the Fresno State basketball scandals, some of which were academicrelated.
“I did what assistant coaches do, which was a variety of events from recruiting to coaching,” Tarkanian
said. “I was very involved in working with the academic adviser and getting the kids taking the classes to
get them toward their degree and to making sure they passed enough of their classes to do that.”
“Danny ... did all our academics,” Jerry Tarkanian is quoted saying in an unpublished interview with
Fresno, Calif., journalist Don Wright in 2003. “I don't take credit for that aspect. I assigned Danny ... to
it.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/03/10]
‘Assistant Coach’ Named in Academic Fraud Probe at Fresno State
A National Collegiate Athletic Association news release stated that a former assistant coach was involved
in academic fraud at Fresno State but did not name Tarkanian.
“Finally, during the 2002 spring semester, the former statistician informed the former assistant coach that
he (the former statistician) had written papers for two men's basketball student-athletes and one
prospective student-athlete. Despite being informed of a possible major violation of NCAA legislation,
the former assistant coach neglected to report this information to appropriate institutional officials,”
according to the NCAA report.
The NCAA concluded that academic fraud occurred at Fresno State, Tarkanian said in his release to the
Gazette-Journal.
“The NCAA also claimed that Danny had violated his responsibilities by not notifying the school when
the accuser first came to him, despite the fact that the accuser acknowledged he told Danny that he was
reporting his story to the NCAA,” Tarkanian wrote in the release. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Tarkanian Reportedly Knew of Players Cheating Academically, but Failed to Report It
In May 2003, the Fresno Bee reported that “former team statistician Stephen Mintz told the newspaper
that he had written 17 pieces of course work for three former players for more than $1,000 in 2000.”
According to Mintz, Danny Tarkanian was aware of the violation but failed to report it.
From the article:
Mintz told then-assistant coach Danny Tarkanian in spring 2002 that he had
written papers for men's basketball players, but Tarkanian failed to report the
possible violations to university administrators.
Danny Tarkanian told the NCAA that he did not report the possible violation
because Mintz ended the meeting by saying he was going to inform the
institution; because Tarkanian did not believe the information; and because
Tarkanian believed the NCAA already was investigating possible academic fraud.
Investigation Concluded Tarkanian “Failed to Report” Violation
104
The investigation of Fresno State concluded that three former players had course work completed for
them by a former team statistician, Stephen Mintz, and an academic adviser, Katie Felten. The NCAA's
committee found that in the summer of 2000, Felten and Mintz violated the NCAA principles of ethical
conduct when they arranged to prepare papers for seniors Courtney Alexander and Terrance Roberson.
Danny Tarkanian said, “(The NCAA) didn't come up with a thing. Their case was so flimsy. They had
some kind of personal bias. It's an absolute shame. They wanted to nail my dad on something.” [Las Vegas
The committee said Danny Tarkanian “failed to report” the potential violation, which was one of six
points that make up the violation of lack of institutional control. [Fresno Bee, 9/11/03]
Tarkanian Disputed Academic Fraud Charges before NCAA Infractions Committee
In June 2003, Danny Tarkanian disputed some of the academic fraud charges filed against Fresno State at
a hearing before the NCAA infractions committee closed-door hearing, even though the school has
affirmed the violations. Tarkanian said he would contend that the basketball team's former academic
adviser, Katie Felten, was not involved in the fraud that occurred in 2000, when a former team statistician
wrote 17 pieces of course work for three players, even though the school has admitted to the charges.
“It's clear from all the evidence -- the interviews -- that Katie was not involved,” said Tarkanian, referring
primarily to NCAA interview transcripts.
Tarkanian said he will attempt to establish that Mintz, author of the players' 17 pieces of course work, was
not truthful in his accusations regarding Felten. Tarkanian declined to provide specifics of the case that he
would present. School officials have declined comment on the investigation.
According to the Fresno Bee:
Also at issue is a meeting between Mintz and Danny Tarkanian in early 2002. The NCAA alleges
that Mintz told then-assistant Tarkanian that he had written papers for players, but Tarkanian
failed to report the possible violation to university administrators. The supplemental letter of
inquiry stated that Tarkanian told the NCAA he did not report the possible violation because
Mintz ended the meeting by saying he was going to inform the university; because Tarkanian did
not believe Mintz; and because Tarkanian believed the NCAA already was investigating possible
academic fraud.
Mintz, however, gave Matheson a different account of the meeting, in a May 28 letter Mintz said
he wrote to David Price, NCAA vice president for enforcement services, that was obtained by The
Bee.
Mintz wrote: “Danny Tarkanian informed me that the matter had already been investigated by the
NCAA and it was no longer a point, and 'all they had was Nate Cebrun, a convicted felon, and no
one would believe him. As long as Katie or I didn't tell, the NCAA would have nothing to go on in
the future.' “
Cebrun is a former street agent who allegedly paid Felten almost $1,500 for course work for two
Fresno State players whom he was trying to sign for the Las Vegas-based sports agency Big Time
Sports.
105
Tarkanian, who said he took notes from the transcripts of Mintz's NCAA interviews, said recently
that Mintz acknowledged in interviews that during the 2002 meeting, Tarkanian thought Mintz
was wired with a tape recorder.
“If I thought he was wired,” Tarkanian said, “why would I then encourage him to cover up the
story?”
During the meeting, Tarkanian said, Mintz told him he had written papers and that The Bee was
working on a story about Cebrun. Because Tarkanian knew Cebrun had told investigators about
his allegations of academic fraud, Tarkanian said, he thought Fresno State already was
investigating Mintz's involvement. [Fresno Bee, 6/14/03]
Tarkanian Attempted to Lay All the Blame on Mintz for the Academic Fraud
Danny Tarkanian said after the hearing that Mintz, author of 17 pieces of course work for three former
players, “got caught in a lot of lies.” He said he argued against some academic fraud violations, even
though the university already has admitted to them. Tarkanian would not concede that academic fraud
took place. “There is evidence both ways,” he said after the hearing.
Asked if his argument was more difficult to make because Fresno State already admitted to violations of
academic fraud, Tarkanian responded, “I don't know if the infractions committee has ever ruled against a
university that has admitted to a violation. I think the university clarified its position today that it does not
have a position on whether Katie Felten was involved in it or not. And they did not feel anyone else in the
basketball program was involved.”
Danny Tarkanian was asked afterward who bears the responsibility if Felten was not involved. He said the
responsibility is Mintz's. [Fresno Bee, 6/15/03]
Tarkanian Tried to Discredit Mintz’s Story
Danny Tarkanian alleged during a news conference that Mintz's “contradictions and misstatements”
discredit his claims of academic fraud, using what he said were direct quotes from the NCAA
enforcement staff's interview with former team statistician Stephen Mintz.
Fresno State president John Welty affirmed most of Mintz's allegations after a three-week probe.
However, Tarkanian rifled through more than a dozen points attempting to discredit Mintz.
“I don't believe this happened,” said Danny Tarkanian, in charge of players' academics during his father's
seven-year tenure. “Deep down in my heart, I don't believe this happened. So why would I allow ... my
father to take the dive on this?”
Granted access to Mintz's transcript because he acts as his father's lawyer, Tarkanian used notes from it
during an afternoon radio appearance and at the news conference. He said he could not make copies of the
transcript and refused to release the notes to the media. Tarkanian contrasted Mintz's statements to the
NCAA to ones he made in The Bee, on local television and on the Bark Board fan Web site.
“The NCAA and Fresno State made it clear -- very clear -- that those interviews were to be kept
confidential. I will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and Fresno State,” Mintz said.
Tarkanian said he never was told to keep the transcript confidential.
106
That included him raising questions about:





Mintz's version of how and when the academic fraud took place;
Whether Mintz lied about why he informed The Bee of the academic fraud;
How Mintz delivered the papers to former academic adviser Katie Felten;
Whether Mintz actually wrote the paper he said he did for Dennis Nathan;
Whether Mintz created his account of academic fraud because of anger over losing his job
as team statistician;
 And how Mintz's thirst for attention affected his decision to publicize the story. [Fresno Bee,
6/21/03]
Tarkanian Claimed He Did More Thorough Research than University
Tarkanian said he spent nearly 200 hours over six weeks to draw his conclusions. The enforcement staff,
he said, failed to match his depth of research, which included hiring an expert to study the similarities and
differences among the papers Mintz allegedly wrote. Thus, Tarkanian said, the university rushed to a snap
judgment that levied loads of bad press on his father.
“They did what was natural,” Danny Tarkanian said. “They saw an individual [Mintz] who no one knew
much about make an incredibly serious allegation; he had these papers that were allegedly on a computer
disk that matched with the papers players had in classes; and he had my father's reputation, which they
were always concerned about.”[Fresno Bee, 6/21/03]
Tarkanian Was Aware of Players Getting Free Meals in Violation of NCAA Rules
In 2000, the Fresno Bee reported that Danny Tarkanian and his father were aware of an arrangement
where a Fresno restaurant owner, contrary to NCAA rules, was providing Fresno State men's basketball
players with “several thousand dollars” in free meals during the previous seven years.
Ted Kunishige, owner of Tomodachi Japanese Restaurant, said, “There's others [businesses] that are
doing it. I know what's going on. It's not just in food, either.” He said, “I've given out free meals to every
player on the basketball team at one time or another,” he said. “It isn't right. I'm just going to have to stop
doing it now that people know.”
After a reporter saw a player accept a dinner special valued at $4.50 without paying. Kunishige initially
denied Bona's meal was a “freebie.” He later admitted that Bona had not paid for the meal and that he
routinely gives Fresno State basketball players and coaches free food. “I do it because they come in here
and it helps my business,” Kunishige said. “People see [Fresno State basketball coach] Jerry [Tarkanian]
come in and they say, 'Hey, when's he coming back?' because he signs autographs.” [Fresno Bee, 3/22/00]
Meals Were a Possible Violation of NCAA Rules, Prompting Review
In a news release, the Fresno State athletic department announced it was aware of possible NCAA
violations and is “taking a hard look” at the allegations. NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from
receiving “extra benefits” through any special arrangement not expressly authorized. “A student athlete
may not receive services (e.g., movie tickets, dinners, use of car) from commercial agencies (e.g. movie
theaters, restaurants, car dealers) without charge or at reduced rates,” according to NCAA bylaw
16.12.2.2.3. “ unless such services also are available to the student body in general.” NCAA rules do not
prohibit coaches from receiving free meals.
107
According to the report, “Kunishige said Tarkanian and his son Danny, a Bulldogs assistant, were aware
of the arrangement and have expressed concerns over the ethical and legal issues raised by giving free
meals: ‘Danny gets on me about it.’” [Fresno Bee, 3/22/00]
Fresno State Failed to Perform Oversight Because of Tarkanians Were Intimidating
In March 2003, the Los Angeles Times reported on both Jerry and Danny Tarkanians’ leadership of the
Fresno State basketball team after allegations surfaced shortly after their departure. Sources claimed that
the athletic department did not perform proper oversight because the leadership was intimidated by the
Tarkanians.
From the article:
A year after “Tark the Shark” retired from Fresno State, his men's basketball program has
saddled the school with a far-reaching NCAA investigation. It has already resulted in the
school banning the team from postseason play…
Over the last several months, even as a new coach has led the team to a 20-7 record and
Western Athletic Conference regular-season championship, the Fresno Bee has detailed a
long run of abuses under Tarkanian's watch, including star players committing academic
fraud and accepting thousands of dollars from wannabe agents…
Like all university presidents, he entrusted oversight of the basketball program to his
athletic department, specifically then-athletic director Al Bohl and his assistant, Scott
Johnson. Staffers in the athletic department said Bohl seemed intimidated by Tarkanian and
his son, Danny, an assistant coach.
There were plenty of signs that the basketball program was a wayward ship, the sources
said, but Bohl never bothered to intervene.
“Al Bohl became a 'yes' man for Jerry Tarkanian,” said one employee, who still works
inside the department and requested anonymity because of concerns about job security.
Bohl, now the athletic director at the University of Kansas, did not return phone calls
seeking comment. Scott Johnson, who became athletic director after Bohl left in 2001,
denies that he failed to follow through on leads pointing to academic fraud. [Los Angeles
Times, 3/10/03]
Fresno State Placed on Probation, Scholarships Cut after Tarkanians Left
In December 2002, after the Tarkanians left Fresno State, the NCAA laid myriad allegations of NCAA
rule violations against the school’s basketball program.
The NCAA alleged seven major and four secondary infractions against the team, but Jerry Tarkanian
contended he was not involved in the alleged major violations, which mostly concerned a lack of
institutional control over student-athlete certification and eligibility.
Fresno State announced self-imposed penalties against the program December 13th, putting its men's
basketball program on two years' probation and cut the team's scholarships by three after consulting with
the NCAA infractions committee.
108
Danny Tarkanian said, “Our concern is the public's perception that this was the basketball program's fault
and specifically my dad's.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/23/02]
Tarkanian Testified as a Character Witness in Player’s Assault Trial
In December 1998, Tarkanian and his father were scheduled to testify as character witnesses for a player
they coached, Avondre Jones, who allegedly put a gun to a man’s cheek, told him he could blow a hole
through his head and then attacked him with two samurai swords.
Jones was charged with five felony counts -- including robbery, extortion, making terrorist threats -- and
two misdemeanor counts of brandishing weapons stemming from the alleged attack on DeForrest in
March 1998. He was also charged with a felony count of threatening a former girlfriend with a samurai
sword in 1996. [Fresno Bee, 12/12/98]
Jones Convicted of Felony Charge, Three Misdemeanors; Sentenced to Six Months in Jail
Jones was convicted of one felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and three
misdemeanor charges.
Jones was acquitted on four of five felony counts -- robbery, extortion, making terrorist threats and
assault with a deadly weapon. [Fresno Bee, 12/16/98]
Jones was sentenced to six months in jail.
Superior Court Judge Stephen Kane sentenced Jones to the jail term but suspended a two-year
state prison sentence that would kick in only if Jones fails to report to county jail. [Fresno Bee,
2/4/99]
Fresno State Had 12 Suspensions for Drug-Related Incidents and Assaults as of 1998
In July 1998, Tarkanian said his father would likely continue coaching at Fresno State for at least a few
years.
“He'll stay until we get it going and have a traditional base for two or three years,” Tarkanian said. “The
only reason we're in on the players we're in on is because of the reputation he has. We're not going to get
those players if they don't think he's coaching.”
“If there's a great player out there, the chances are that they're not going to stay four years anyway,”
Tarkanian said. “If we're successful next year, it would take the stress off of him (Jerry Tarkanian), and
he'll be able to last longer. We are addressing the question, though.”
Under the Tarkanians’ leadership, Fresno State players had “12 suspensions for drug-related incidents and
assaults.” [Fresno Bee, 7/23/98]
Embroiled in Reports of Alleged Point Shaving Scheme among Bookies and Fresno Players
According to a 1997 Associated Press report, Danny Tarkanian admitted meeting with the car salesman
who reports tied to a bookie points shaving scheme. Under the Tarkanians coaching leadership, the Fresno
State team faced reports of point shaving and bribery. [Associated Press, 3/27/97]
109
Published Reports Recounted Bookies Describing Players Agreeing to Miss Shots
According to a Los Angeles Times reported, “A bookmaker said two Fresno State basketball
players received jewelry and $1,000-$2,000 to shave points several times.” The Fresno Bee
reported that an FBI and federal grand jury probe of possible point-shaving was focusing on two
Fresno players, guards Dominick Young and Chris Herren. Both denied any wrongdoing.
Reportedly, members of a Southern California bookmaking ring “received word that Fresno State
basketball players were fixing games at the behest of friendly gamblers.” A member of the ring
was quoted as saying a reliable source told him in late January “that a Fresno pawnbroker had
persuaded one key player to deliberately miss shots as a way to keep the games close and beat the
Las Vegas point spread.” The bookie said he was told the first player got a teammate to join in the
point-shaving, where players attempt to manipulate the score so the team wins by does not cover
the point spread.
“I got the word from someone very reliable in the ring that Fresno State's games in the middle of
the season against Colorado State, Wyoming and Hawaii were all fixed,” the bookie said. “'Bet the
farm!' I was told. For some reason I didn't, and I regret it because Fresno failed to cover the spread
in the last minutes of each of those games.”
The bookmaker also said his source reported that the pawnbroker bet $25,000 a game that Fresno
State would not cover the spread. The players involved then were paid in jewelry and cash at
Chowchilla, a farm town 40 miles north of Fresno, the bookmaker said. [Associated Press, 3/27/97]
Tarkanian Met with the Car Salesman Allegedly Involved in the Scheme
Reportedly, federal authorities suspected illegal bookmaking by a pawnbroker and a Fresno car
salesman whom was identified as a major sports bettor in Fresno.
An unidentified woman quoted by the Los Angeles Times said she saw allegedly involved players
Chris Herren and Dominick Young, and then assistant coach Danny Tarkanian together with the
car salesman at a nightclub.
Tarkanian admitted meeting with the car salesman once, but claimed none of the players were
present. The car salesman was reportedly given four choice seats to most Fresno State home
games that season “by a friend high up in the basketball program.” [Associated Press, 3/27/97]
Tarkanian Testified Before Grand Jury about Points Shaving
In April 2000, Tarkanian testified before a federal grand jury investigating allegations of point-shaving by
members of the 1996-97 basketball team. Tarkanian said he answered questions for about 30 minutes
regarding his relationship with “certain people in the community.”
“Tarkanian testified that he had loose connections with Krikor 'Kirk' Vartanian, who was investigated in
the scandal, though media accounts quote several witnesses saying Tarkanian and Vartanian associated
with each other,” the Times reported. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
“You know exactly who we are talking about,” Tarkanian told reporters while flanked by his lawyers,
Ernest Kinney and Michael Idiart, outside the federal courthouse. Kinney and Idiart said that their client
110
was asked questions about several people, including businessman Krikor “Kirk” Vartanian and pawn shop
owner Dan Jelladian.
“It's nothing new,” Tarkanian said. “I've talked to The Fresno Bee, The L.A. Times, the university and
told them my relationship with the people. It's 100% honest like it was today. Same story, same truth.
That's what they're going to get.” [Fresno Bee, 4/21/00]
Report Said Tarkanian Met with Vartanian in 1996 at a Nightclub with Player Herren
Tarkanian said in earlier interviews that he met Vartanian once in 1996 at a Fresno nightclub. He
said former Fresno State point guard Chris Herren was with him that night, but he was not sure
whether Herren and Vartanian ever met.
Tarkanian said he was not accused of any wrongdoing, but was simply a witness in the case.
Tarkanian Denied Allegations of His Association with a Point Fixer at Fresno State
Tarkanian said that allegations he associated with a point fixer during his time at Fresno State
were false.
“There was a gentleman that they alleged was involved in that,” Tarkanian said. “I met the
gentleman one time. I was introduced to him at a bar and never talked to him the rest of my life.
But because I was part of a newspaper's story, it is something that my opponent (state Sen. Mike
Schneider, D-Las Vegas) used against me two years ago and maybe something that Ross will use
against me this time.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Involved in Ticket Exchange which Put Tickets into Hands of Felon Sports Fixer
In February 1991, the Associated Press reported that Danny Tarkanian had been involved in a ticket
exchange which wound up giving a ticket to a man involved in fixing sporting events.
UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian donated some tickets to help finance a battle with the NCAA. Attorney
David Chesnoff said he gave one of the four seats he bought to Richard “The Fixer” Perry, who attended
the UNLV-Utah State game with Chesnoff Jan. 9.
Tarkanian's attorney, Alan Jones, said the coach was unaware any of his tickets had been used by Perry.
Perry was convicted in 1974 of federal charges related to fixing harness races in New York. He pleaded
guilty in 1984 to conspiracy to commit sports bribery in the Boston College basketball point-shaving
scandal.
Jones said the coach donated several of the tickets to the Runnin' Rebels Right to Return Committee. The
committee was formed to lobby for UNLV's right to defend its national title after the NCAA initially said
the club would be banned from postseason play.
Chesnoff said he donated $4,000 to the committee in return for the four tickets, which were given to him
by Danny Tarkanian. [Associated Press, 2/22/91]
Tarkanian Basketball Academy
111
Tarkanian Returned To Las Vegas, Opened Basketball Academy With His Father
Tarkanian Returned To Las Vegas, Opened Basketball Academy With His Father. Tarkanian
returned to Las Vegas in 2002 and founded the nonprofit Tarkanian Basketball Academy. [Associated Press,
12/01/05]
Tarkanian Hosted Groundbreaking Of Tarkanian Basketball Academy’s New Facility
Tarkanian Hosted Groundbreaking Of Tarkanian Basketball Academy’s New Facility. In August
2004, Tarkanian took time away from his state senate race to host the groundbreaking of the Tarkanian
Basketball Academy's 32,000-square-foot facility to be built behind Palace Station on the southwest
corner of Rancho Drive and Teddy Lane.
Tarkanian was the director of the academy and, with brother George, would coordinate events to be held
in the new building. The facility, part of a Station Casinos sports complex, would feature four regulation
courts, a viewing mezzanine, party room, snack bar, arcade and offices. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Joe Hawk
Column, 8/17/04]
Tarkanian Basketball Academy Was Danny Tarkanian’s Idea
Tarkanian Basketball Academy Was Danny Tarkanian’s Idea. A 2006 Las Vegas Review-Journal
article on the non-profit Tarkanian Basketball Academy (TBA) noted that the academy was Danny
Tarkanian’s idea. The organization started as a basketball summer camp in 2001 with nearly 30 players.
Working with his brother, George, and director Brian Sitter, the academy quickly expanded into a training
program working with athletes in small groups for an hour once or twice a week, usually at a church
gymnasium. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/31/06]
Tarkanian Returned to Las Vegas, Opened Basketball Academy with His Father
In 2002, Tarkanian returned to Las Vegas and founded the nonprofit Tarkanian Basketball Academy.
Corporation Currently Listed as Active by Secretary of State
The Nevada Secretary of State’s office currently lists the Tarkanian Basketball Academy as an active
corporation.
Unlike many of Tarkanian’s other business ventures, the Basketball Academy has remained active
without defaults.
From the Nevada Secretary of State:
Tarkanian Basketball Academy, Inc.
Business Entity Information
Status:
Active
File Date:
02/25/2003
Type:
Entity Number:
C4402-2003
112
Qualifying State:
List of Officers Due:
NV
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
NV Business ID:
02/28/2017
No
Business License Exp:
NV20031271587
Additional Information
Central Index Key
Registered Agent Information
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Noncommercial Registered Agent
View all business entities under this registered agent
Officers
Include Inactive Officers
Director - MICHAEL BROWN
Address 1:
2730 S. RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89102
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Secretary - JUDITH FLYNN
Address 1:
2730 S RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89102
Country:
USA
113
Status:
Active
Email:
Director - JOSEPH K RAFTERY
Address 1:
2730 S RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89102
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Director - EDWARD RUGGEROLI
Address 1:
2730 S. RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89102
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
President - DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIRCLE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Treasurer - PETER ZOPOLOS
Address 1:
2730 S RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89102
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Corporation’s Previous Incarnation Had Status Revoked
Tarkanian originally filed to create the basketball academy in 2002.
The company re-filed in 2003 and allowed the original corporation to lapse without filing dissolution
paperwork.
114
As a result, the corporation’s status was revoked.
No Judgments or Liens Evident
No judgments or liens have been filed against the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. [Clark County Recorder;
Lexis Nexis Judgments and Liens]
115
Legal Career
 Performed legal work and was the registered agent for non-profits that were
later prosecuted for telemarketing fraud … he later received a $150,000
defamation judgment against a political opponent who falsely claimed he
turned over evidence to the prosecutor to avoid prosecution
 2006: Sanctioned and fined by the Nevada Supreme Court for filing legal
papers while his law license was inactive
 1998: Was sued for attorney malpractice and settled the case for $35,000
Clerked For U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt
Clerked For U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt. Tarkanian clerked for U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt in the 1980s.
“Public service was something to aspire to get into. My dream growing up was to be a U.S. senator
because of the example of Senator Laxalt,” Tarkanian says. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Opened Two-Person Law Practice
Opened Two-Person Law Practice. The article noted, “his parents steered him toward a career in law.
Danny went to University of San Diego's law school, passed Nevada's bar exam and opened a two-person
practice in Las Vegas. He handled civil cases, his partner criminal. Danny never found complete
satisfaction.”
“I was feeling the pressures of being a lawyer for several years,” Tarkanian said. “I thought about being a
coach before, but my parents were against it. I wanted a change in environment from Las Vegas.”
Deactivated Law License In 1995
Deactivated Law License In 1995. In 1995, Tarkanian said had put his law license on inactive status
when he took an assistant coaching job to help his father at Fresno State. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Reactivated Law License In 2002
Reactivated Law License In 2002. Tarkanian reactivated his law license in 2005.
While his license was active, Tarkanian said he assisted the Tarkanian Family Ltd. in a summary
judgment case. In February, the parties verbally agreed to settle the case, Tarkanian said. [Reno GazetteJournal, 9/16/06]
He is no longer actively practicing law. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
116
2006: Sanctioned And Fined By Nevada Supreme Court For Signing Legal Papers While His Law
License Was Inactive
2006: Sanctioned And Fined By Nevada Supreme Court For Signing Legal Papers While His Law
License Was Inactive. “Danny Tarkanian of Las Vegas, Republican nominee for secretary of state, was
sanctioned and fined in August by the Nevada Supreme Court for signing legal papers while his law
license was inactive, according to documents obtained Friday by the Gazette-Journal. Tarkanian told the
Gazette-Journal of the sanction late Tuesday night in an e-mail. He said on the Nevada Newsmakers
television program Wednesday that he had forgotten his law license had expired when he signed the
documents. ‘It was just a mistake I made,’ Tarkanian said. ‘I surely regret the mistake. It gave Ross
(Miller, Democratic nominee for secretary of state) some ammunition to come after me. But would that
disqualify me from being your next secretary of state?’ Tarkanian also failed to respond to numerous
Supreme Court notices and was fined $300, according the documents.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Reno Gazette-Journal Headline: “State Supreme Court Sanctions Tarkanian.” [Reno GazetteJournal, 9/16/06]
Nevada Supreme Court Imposed Sanctions For Tarkanian’s “Continuing Failure To Comply With
Orders Of This Court,” Which Resulted In “Valuable Resources Being Wasted.” “Mr. Tarkanian's
continuing failure to comply with orders of this court has resulted in this court's valuable resources being
wasted and warrants the imposition of monetary sanctions. See Hansen v. Universal Health Servs., 112
Nev. 1245, 924 P.2d 1345 (1996). Mr. Tarkanian shall have 15 days from the date of this order to
personally pay the sum of $300.00 to the Supreme Court Law Library. Within that same time period, Mr.
Tarkanian shall file proof of such payment with the clerk of this court. Failure to comply timely with
these directives may result in the imposition of additional sanctions, including further monetary sanctions
and referral to the State Bar of Nevada for investigation pursuant to SCR 105.” [G7P&T v. Douglas
Johnson, et al., Case No. 45195, 8/16/06]
Nevada Supreme Court Noted Tarkanian Signed A Stipulation To Dismiss An Appeal While His
Law License Was Inactive, Which Violated Nevada Court Rules. “On May 17, 2006, the parties filed
a stipulation to dismiss this appeal. The stipulation was signed by all counsel in this appeal, including Mr.
Tarkanian. We have been informed by the State Bar of Nevada that 2 Mr. Tarkanian was placed on
inactive status with the State Bar on March 6, 2006. It appears that Mr. Tarkanian has not been reinstated
to active status with the State Bar of Nevada. See NRAP 25(1)(e) (all documents submitted to the
Supreme Court for filing by a represented party shall include the original signature of at least 1 attorney of
record who is an active member of the State Bar of Nevada); NRAP 46(a) (no person may practice before
the Supreme Court who is not an active member of the State Bar of Nevada except as provided in SCR
42).” [G7P&T v. Douglas Johnson, et al., Case No. 45195, 8/16/06]
Legal Papers Without A Law License
Legal Papers Without A Law License. “You’re wrong. You’re mistaken on that… I was sanctioned by
the Supreme Court for failing to respond to two notices they sent to my home… Yes, they did [fine me]…
We didn’t get the notices. They said they sent them to us. I have personal responsibility to be responsible
for it, so we paid the fine, and we moved on. Is that the worst you can find about me, is I didn’t respond to
two notices that my family and I didn’t get? That’s the worst you can say about me in this race?... You’re
mischaracterizing it, saying I practiced law without a license, or these other type of things you want to
117
say, which is not true. Those were those attack pieces that were inaccurate and false, which you get in
these type of campaigns. The fact is, I didn’t respond to two notices the Supreme Court said they sent to
my home. We didn’t get the notices, but they said they sent them, so I had to pay the fine and we moved
on. [Ray Hagar, Reno Gazette-Journal: Are you saying you did not sign legal papers when your law
license was inactive?] That has nothing to do with- I don’t know if I did or not. That’s not what’s the…
[Hagar: That’s kind of the whole point to it.] Well, that wasn’t the fine. Again, you’re mistaken, and I’ll
get you the documentation so afterwards you come back on the show and apologize to the viewers.
[Hagar: Danny, did you sign legal papers while your law license was inactive? That’s my question.] I
don’t recall. My law license was inactive for about six months. If I did, it would have nothing to do with
the Supreme Court case. [Hagar: We agree to disagree on that.] Well there’s a decision. The Supreme
Court decision is there, and I’ll give you a copy of it. Afterwards, come back on the show and apologize.
[Hagar: If you weren’t in failure to this, why did you get fined in the first place?] I just told you, we- I
didn’t respond to two notices that they said they sent to my home. That’s exactly what the case says. And
again, I’ll get you a copy of it. Instead of trying to continue on this, let’s look at the case. [Hagar: You
don’t know if you signed legal papers when your law license was suspended.] It was an issue about thatthere was a timing of whether it happened or not. I don’t know for sure now. If it did, it had nothing to do
with the fine, which is what you’re trying to bring up. [Hagar: Well the fine had to do with- they were
trying to get ahold of you about your signing these papers without a law license…] No, it wasn’t. The fine
had to do with- they said they sent me two notices that they wanted us to respond to a brief for the appeal
to the Supreme Court, but we settled the case, so there was no need to file the appeal. You don’t know the
facts here, so let’s get the facts… You don’t know the facts. There’s a decision, and the decision- I’ll
bring a copy of it and you can look at it.” [Tarkanian Interview, Nevada Newsmakers, 5/20/10]
1998: Sued For Attorney Malpractice And Settled The Lawsuit For $35,000
Sued By A Former Client For Attorney Malpractice, Breach Of Contract, And Breach of Fiduciary
Duty. On March 27, 1998, Tarkanian was sued by a former client for attorney malpractice, breach of
contract, and breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint alleged that “Defendants [Tarkanian, et al.] applied
to the wrong agencies for permits and licenses and thereby failed to obtain the proper permits and
licenses.” [Complaint, Glanville v. Tarkanian & Kajioka, 3/27/98]
Settled The Attorney Malpractice Lawsuit For $35,000. On March 26, 2001, an “Acceptance of Offer
of Judgment” was filed, “allowing THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($35,000.00), including
costs, to be taken against Defendant [Tarkanian & Kajioka] in favor of Plaintiff [Glanville].” The Offer of
Judgment explicitly stated that it was not to be construed as an admission of liability by the Defendant.
[Acceptance of Offer of Judgment, Glanville v. Tarkanian & Kajioka, 3/26/01]
Dismissed Criticism Of His Business Practices That Led To Lawsuit. In a March 2016 interview with
Kevin Wall, Tarkanian said, “You know, there was a guy 20 years ago who filed a frivolous lawsuit
against me for some ridiculous thing, and the insurance company said, Danny, it’s going to cost more
money for us to defend it, so let’s pay him a nominal fee. I mean, really? Come on? That’s what the best
they could bring up in 20 years?” [Kevin Wall Interview, Part 1, 6:50, 3/30/16]
2012: Top-Testing Message Was Tarkanian Helping To Incorporate Entities That Were Later
Prosecuted For Telemarketing Fraud
2012: Horsford Attacked Tarkanian For Being The Registered Agent For Companies That Acted
As Fronts For Fraudulent Charities. “But the campaign of his political opponent, state Sen. Steven
Horsford, D-Las Vegas, is betting Tarkanian's role as a registered agent for companies that acted as fronts
for fraudulent charities will offset good vibes voters have for the Republican's basketball glory.” [Las
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Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For Telemarketing Companies Later Prosecuted
For Fraud. “It is true Tarkanian performed legal work setting up corporations for telemarketing
companies and serving as their resident agent. And at least one company was prosecuted on fraud
allegations. Tarkanian’s attorney Gus Flangas, in his first defamation case, argued to the jury that a
resident agent has nothing to do with operating a company, so saying Tarkanian assisted crooks was
defamation. Flangas said the testimony that ‘turned the jury a little’ was straight from Schneider’s mouth
when he admitted he understood that a resident agent has no control over a company and wasn’t involved
in day-to-day operations. He knew this because he’d hired resident agents for his own companies and
voted on laws governing limited liability issues, so knew the limitations of a resident agent. ‘That struck a
chord,’ Flangas said.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison Column, 8/06/09]
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leif Reid Stated Tarkanian “Incorporated At Least Thirteen Fraudulent
Charities”
2006: Former U.S. Attorney to Tarkanian: “You Incorporated at Least Thirteen
Fraudulent Charities for Your Client.” In October 2006, Leif Reid sent a cease and desist letter to
Danny Tarkanian over a campaign ad featuring Reid’s name and stating that he personally cleared
Tarkanian of any involvement in illegal telemarketing fraud. Reid wrote, “As you should be aware, there
is a significant difference between not being indicted for illegal activity and not being involved at all. It is
true you were never indicted for your involvement in helping to facilitate your client, Cole Cloninger, in
his illegal telemarketing schemes. It is patently false for you to claim that you had no involvement at all in
this illegal activity. A simple search of the Nevada Secretary of State’s website indicates that, over the
eleven month period from February 1994 through January 1995, you incorporated at least thirteen
fraudulent charities for your client. The officers of these entities constitute a who’s who list of
individuals who were convicted of defrauding senior citizens in Nevada and around the country of
millions of dollars. These names include Cole Cloninger, Mark Meisner, Brad Mitchell Lea, Michael
Burns and others. The entities you created were illegal telemarketing schemes that were the subject matter
of numerous criminal prosecutions. These fraudulent charities included: Shoot for the Stars Foundation,
America First Foundation, H.E.L.P. Foundation, Worldwide Outreach, New Faith Foundation, Save the
Youth Foundation, Mission Foundation, The Faith Foundation, People Against Drugs and Disease and
Future of America. The names of these entities were designed to mislead as to their actual purpose.” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, 8/09/09; Leif Reid Letter to Tarkanian, dated 10/30/2006]
New Faith Foundation Part of Telemarketing Scheme, 400 People Sent in $2 Million Between April
1994 and January 1995. In 1997, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the New Faith Foundation
in connection with Thadow Inc was involved in a telemarketing scheme that claimed 400 victims across
the country who were tricked into sending a total $2 million in donations between April 1994 and January
1995. The salespeople told the donors that they would receive a cash award greater than the amount they
donated. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/1/1997]
Federal Trade Commission: Victims of Thadow Inc’s Telemarketing Scheme Were Primarily the
Elderly. According to a Federal Trade Commission press release, the Federal Trade Commission alleged
that Thadow Inc’s “scheme participants induced elderly consumers, who had previously lost money to
fraudulent telemarketers, to make purportedly tax-deductible donations of $1,000 or more in order to
receive valuable prizes.” [Federal Trade Commission Press Release, 12/6/1996]
1995: Federal Trade Commission Filed Suit Against Thadow Inc for Telemarketing Scheme that
Required Consumers to Make $1,000 Donation to New Faith Foundation. In January 1995, the
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Federal Trade Commission filed suit against Thadow, Inc., and its president Alex Norman, who was at
one time also president of New Faith Foundation. According to the complaint, salesman from Thadow
“called consumers and told them that they were in possession of prizes that other telemarketing firms
were supposed to have sent to consumers, but did not.” The salesman told the consumers that Thadow
was in charge of distributing these prizes and that in order to receive the prize they had to make a $1,000
tax-deductible donation to a charity named “New Faith Foundation.” The consumers then sent a check or
money order addressed to either Thadow or New Faith Foundation in Las Vegas. After the sending the
money, the consumers never received the prizes. Later in December 1996, Norman agreed to settle with
the FTC, paying $130,000 in addition to other penalties. [Order For Preliminary Injunction, “Federal
Trade Commission V. Thadow Inc & Alex Norman,” Nevada District Court, Case No. CV-S-95-00075HDM, 1/24/1995; Stipulated Final Order For Permanent Injunction and Judgment For Monetary Relief,
“Federal Trade Commission V. Thadow Inc & Defendants,” Nevada District Court, Case No. CV-S-9575-HDM,12/16/1996]
NOTE: Alex Norman was not reported on the New Faith Foundation incorporation documents filed by
Tarkanian.
Tarkanian Was Registered Agent For Master Fundraising, Which Committed Telemarketing
Fraud
Tarkanian Was Registered Agent For Master Fundraising, Which Committed Telemarketing
Fraud. “The most pointed allegation raised by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has
to do with Jan Wrobel, who in 1999 was sentenced to several years in federal prison for his role with
Master Fundraising. Evans described the setup as one where telemarketers would solicit donations they
said were for charity with false promises about prizes for donors. Tarkanian was the registered agent for
the company; and the attorney who defended Wrobel said Tarkanian and Lee Wrobel, Jan's father, bore
much of the responsibility for wrongdoing even though they weren't charged. Jan Wrobel was appointed
sole director of the company when he was just 18 in an attempt to protect the adults who created the firm,
attorney Booker Evans said. ‘I really felt the kid Wrobel got screwed by Danny and his father,’ Evans said
in an interview. Later, Evans added, ‘There are things that you don't do as a lawyer, and as a lawyer you
don't put an 18-year-old in charge of a corporation.’ Jan Wrobel has declined comment. Lee Wrobel is
deceased. Georgina Diane Wrobel, Jan's mother, was also convicted. In a sentencing memorandum on Jan
Wrobel's behalf, Evans argued for lighter-than-recommended punishment on the grounds that Tarkanian
and Lee Wrobel used the younger man as a pawn. ‘Not only was Mr. Wrobel subject to parental
influence, but Danny Tarkanian, the attorney who 'set up' the businesses, either knew or should have
known that Jan lacked the capacity to carry out most of the actions necessary to establish and operate the
businesses,’ Evans wrote. ‘To a great extent, Jan Wrobel was a pawn.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
10/15/12]
The 13 Entities Leif Reid Cited In His Letters Were Non-Profits That Had Tarkanian As Their
Registered Agent
The 13 Entities Leif Reid Cited In His Letters Were Non-Profits That Had Tarkanian As Their
Registered Agent. According to the Nevada Secretary of State, Daniel Tarkanian was the registered agent
of 13 non-profit corporations in Nevada between 1994 and 1995. None of these organizations are
currently active.
Tarkanian Registered Shoot for the Stars Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the Shoot for the Stars Foundation.
The non-profit corporation was established on February 11, 1994 and its current status is
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“permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Shoot for the Stars
Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered America First Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Danny Tarkanian was the resident agent of America First Foundation that
was incorporated on February 17, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.”
[Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filings for America First Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered H.E.L.P. Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the H.E.L.P. Foundation. The non-profit
corporation was established on May 24, 1994 and it’s current status is “permanently revoked.” .
[Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for H.E.L.P. Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered The Faith Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of The Faith Foundation. The non-profit was
established on September 19, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada
Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for The Faith Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered New Faith Foundation in 1994. Danny Tarkanian was the registered
agent for the New Faith Foundation, a non-profit corporation that was incorporated on May 25,
1994. [New Faith Foundation Articles of Incorporation, link]
Tarkanian Registered Southern Nevada Save the Youth Foundation in 1994. According to
the Nevada Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent for the Southern Nevada Save
the Youth Foundation. The non-profit corporation was established on August 4, 1994 and its
current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for
Save the Youth Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered Worldwide Outreach in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Worldwide Outreach. The non-profit corporation
was established on May 25, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.”. [Nevada
Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Worldwide Outreach, link]
Tarkanian Registered Mission Foundation in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of the Mission Foundation. The non-profit corporation
was established on August 15, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada
Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Mission Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered People Against Drugs and Disease in 1995. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of People Against Drugs and Disease.
The non-profit corporation was established on January 26, 1995 and its current status is
“permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for People Against
Drugs and Disease, link]
Tarkanian Registered Future of America in 1994. According to the Nevada Secretary of
State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Future of America. The non-profit corporation was
established on November 16, 1994 and its current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada
Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for People Against Drugs and Disease, link]
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Tarkanian Registered Citizens for Health Education, Inc. in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of Citizens for Health Education, Inc.
The non-profit corporation was established on July 19, 1994 and its current status is
“permanently revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for Citizens for Health
Education, link]
Tarkanian Registered The Miracle Foundation in 1995. According to the Nevada Secretary
of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of The Miracle Foundation. The non-profit was
established on January 24, 1995 and its current status is “permanently revoked.” [Nevada
Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for The Miracle Foundation, link]
Tarkanian Registered United Service Association in 1994. According to the Nevada
Secretary of State, Tarkanian was the registered agent of United Service Association. The nonprofit corporation was established on October 13, 1994 and its current status is “permanently
revoked.” [Nevada Secretary of State, Corporation Filing for United Service Association, link]
2009: But, Received $150,000 In A Defamation Settlement From A State Senator Who Falsely
Accused Him Of Telemarketing Fraud And Turning Over Evidence To Avoid Prosecution
Received $150,000 In A Settlement From A State Senator He Sued For Defamation. “State Sen.
Mike Schneider today agreed to pay $150,000 in damages to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by his
2004 election challenger, Danny Tarkanian. In a verdict late Friday night, a Clark County District Court
jury awarded Tarkanian, son of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, $50,000 in damages.
Schneider has agreed not to appeal the verdict.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Sen. Mike Schneider Accused Tarkanian Of Setting Up Telemarketing Companies That Were
Later Found To Be Running Scams And That He Turned Over Evidence To Avoid Prosecution.
“Schneider accused Tarkanian of setting up telemarketing companies that were later found to be running
scams and that he turned ‘state’s evidence’ against the telemarketers to avoid being prosecuted.” [Las
Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Tarkanian Was A Lawyer Who Helped Set Up The Companies, But Was Not Aware Of Or
Involved In The Fraudulent Activities. “Tarkanian practiced civil law until 1995 and admitted he
helped set up the companies but had no involvement in the day-to-day operations of any of them. He said
he was not aware that any of the companies were already engaged in illegal activity at the time that he
helped to set up them. Leif Reid, a former assistant U.S. Attorney, testified that Tarkanian was not part of
the investigation into the companies.” [Las Vegas Sun, 8/03/09]
Schneider Was Found To Have Committed Defamation For Exaggerating Tarkanian’s Involvement
With The Telemarketing Firm. “The jury awarded Tarkanian: $30,000 because Schneider said on "Face
to Face with Jon Ralston" that his opponent was under investigation by a grand jury, set up fraudulent
corporations for telemarketers and "went state's evidence to testify against his fellow telemarketers." (Not
true.) $10,000 for fliers produced by consultant Gary Gray, including one that said, "Assisted by Danny
Tarkanian, these crooks and 'co-schemers' cheated old people out of millions." (A stretch unless lawyers
are liable for the misdeeds of their clients.) $10,000 for Schneider's false claims that Tarkanian's law
license became "inactive" because he was going to be punished by the state bar. (False again.)” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison Column, 8/06/09]
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It Was True Tarkanian Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For Telemarketing
Companies And At Least One Was Prosecuted On Fraud Allegations
It Was True Tarkanian Performed Legal Work Setting Up Corporations For Telemarketing
Companies And At Least One Was Prosecuted On Fraud Allegations. “It is true Tarkanian performed
legal work setting up corporations for telemarketing companies and serving as their resident agent. And at
least one company was prosecuted on fraud allegations. Tarkanian’s attorney Gus Flangas, in his first
defamation case, argued to the jury that a resident agent has nothing to do with operating a company, so
saying Tarkanian assisted crooks was defamation. Flangas said the testimony that ‘turned the jury a little’
was straight from Schneider’s mouth when he admitted he understood that a resident agent has no control
over a company and wasn’t involved in day-to-day operations. He knew this because he’d hired resident
agents for his own companies and voted on laws governing limited liability issues, so knew the limitations
of a resident agent. ‘That struck a chord,’ Flangas said.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison
Column, 8/06/09]
2006: Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him – Leif Reid Called The Ad
“False And Misleading”
Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him. In 2006, Tarkanian ran a TV ad
during his unsuccessful run for Secretary of State claiming that Leif Reid, who served as a white-collar
crime prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office from 1997 to 1999, cleared Tarkanian of any involvement
in illegal telemarketing activities.
Reid Called Tarkanian’s Ad “False and Misleading.” Reid, a Reno attorney and son of U.S. Senate
Minority Leader Harry Reid, wrote a letter demanding Tarkanian to stop using his name in the ad. “I was
surprised to see my name in an advertisement supporting Danny Tarkanian,” said Reid. “If asked, I would
not have agreed to the statement contained in the advertisement.” “The purpose of my letter is to not
support any one candidate,” Reid said. “I responded with the letter because I think the ad and Danny
Tarkanian's use of my name is false and misleading. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 11/01/06]
Tarkanian Said His Ad Was “100 Percent Factual.” “My ad is 100 percent factual,” Tarkanian said.
“These are facts that he cannot dispute.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 11/01/06]
2004: Said He Was A Corporate Lawyer For Businessmen Who “Did Some Bad Things”
2004: Said He Was A Corporate Lawyer For Businessmen Who “Did Some Bad Things.” “The dirt
on Tarkanian mostly included information about former clients that Tarkanian represented in the early
1990s. He was a civil attorney for a telemarketing company that was indicted on fraud charges. Tarkanian
said he was merely a corporate lawyer for businessmen who ‘did some bad things.’ He said he was never
questioned, officially investigated or charged in connection to his clients.” [Las Vegas Sun, 9/27/04]
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Business Career
 Between 1992 to 2001, Tarkanian and his real estate partners paid more than
$23,000 in back taxes, interest, penalties, and fees, being delinquent for one to
five years
 13 of the LLCs and partnerships registered under his name with the Nevada
Secretary of State are now revoked
Operated Bars And Real Estate Ventures After Law School
Operated Bars And Real Estate Ventures After Law School. After graduating from UNLV, Tarkanian
went to law school in San Diego and operated businesses in Las Vegas, including a bar and real estate
ventures. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/03/10]
Tarkanian Was Described As A Restaurant Owner In Las Vegas
Tarkanian Was Described As A Restaurant Owner In Las Vegas. In 1995, Danny Tarkanian was
described as “a lawyer and restaurant owner in Las Vegas.” [Fresno Bee, 5/18/95]
Danny Tarkanian Was A Business Manager For His Father
Danny Tarkanian Was A Business Manager For His Father. According to a 1995 article, Danny
Tarkanian was “a Las Vegas lawyer who tries to handle most of the business end of the Tarkanian
legend.”
After his father moved to coach the California State University, Fresno basketball team, Danny Tarkanian
was critical of local merchants attempting to profit from his father’s image by creating products with his
name and picture. “You're supposed to get permission to use a person's name or image,” said Danny
Tarkanian. “It's illegal to do it without permission. But it's hard to monitor. It's virtually unstoppable.”
Danny Tarkanian said his mother established an education foundation for funds donated from merchants
requesting permission to use his father’s name or image. “But only six or seven people (when Tarkanian
was in Las Vegas) ever asked, and total donations never reached as much as $ 1,000,” he said. “But those
people probably made at least 10 times that amount.” [Fresno Bee, 4/07/95]
Tarkanian continues to serve as the registered agent for George Tarkanian’s business, Tark, LLC. [Nevada
Secretary of State]
“I have to feel I'm doing a good job or my dad, or rather my employer, has to feel the same way for me to
stay in the field,” Tarkanian said. “If I feel I'm successful, then obviously, I'll want a head coaching job
someday, somewhere, someplace. It could be Fresno State or it could be anywhere else. But I'm sure
(assistants) John Welch and Johnny Brown feel the same way.” [Fresno Bee, 11/08/95]
124
Property Tax Payment History – Summary
Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To Five Years
Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees, Being Delinquent For One To Five Years. “During that decade
of go-go real estate speculation, Tarkanian and the companies he was associated with didn’t always pay
property taxes on time, becoming delinquent for one to five years and forcing Clark County authorities to
hold at least a dozen parcels until the bills were paid. In the end, Tarkanian and his real estate partners
paid more than $23,000 in back taxes, interest, penalties and fees from 1992 through 2001, according to
Clark County records.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Said, “Maybe I Missed Some Property Tax Payments. I Have No Recollection Of That Since It Was
So Long Ago. And I Was A Passive Partner.” “‘Maybe I missed some property tax payments,’
Tarkanian said. ‘I have no recollection of that since it was so long ago. And I was a passive partner’ in
some of the companies. ‘I would expect the Democrats to track me extremely closely and try to find
whatever dirt they can to use against me.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Invested In Real Estate Partnership That Paid $6,216.78 In Delinquent Property Taxes,
Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Five Of Seven Parcels In Clark County. “Bentar Limited Partnership
is an example of Tarkanian being an investment partner and resident agent for a real estate company he
formed with close friend Amador ‘Chi Chi’ Bengochea. Neither Tarkanian nor Bengochea could recall
being late on property tax payments in the early 1990s, although records show Bentar in 1993 paid
$6,216.78 in delinquent property taxes, interest, penalties and fees on five of seven parcels Clark County
held until the bills were paid. Four of the parcels were two years late, and one parcel was three years late
on property taxes, records show.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
Tarkanian Paid $3,242.96 In Late Taxes, Interest, Penalties, And Fees On Four Parcels That Were
Delinquent From 1999 To 2000. “Tarkanian wholly owned JAMD Inc., so he was directly responsible
for paying taxes on property the company owned. Records show that in September 2000 he paid
$3,242.96 in late taxes, interest, penalties and fees on four parcels that were delinquent for the year 19992000.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/20/12]
In September 2001, Tarkanian Paid $7,377.20 In Back Bills For One Parcel That Was Two Years
Delinquent. “A year later in September 2001, Tarkanian paid another $7,377.20 in back bills for one
parcel that was two years delinquent, including for taxes, interest, penalties and fees.” [Las Vegas
Late Paying 1999-2000 Property Taxes On A Parcel He Owned A 40 Percent Stake In – The
Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership Also Owned A 40 Percent Stake. “The Tarkanian Family
Limited Partnership, which lists his parents as general partners, also was late paying 1999-2000 property
taxes on a parcel that was 40 percent owned by the partnership and 40 percent by Danny Tarkanian,
according to Clark County records. Tarkanian said he doesn’t recall owning the property, whose overdue
taxes were paid in September 2000 by the First American Title Co. of Nevada with a $673.44 check.”
Property Tax History - Bentar LP
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1992: Seven Lots Owned By Tarkanian Investment Partnership Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County Over $6,800 In Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes
Danny Tarkanian Was A General Partner In Bentar Limited Partnership (LP). According to the
Nevada Secretary of State’s Web site, Danny Tarkanian was a general partner in Bentar Limited
Partnership (LP). [Nevada Secretary of State Web Site, Accessed 3/15/10]
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Seven Delinquent Bentar LP
Parcels In Trust For Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes. According to a Clark County treasurer’s
office tax certificate recorded on May 4, 1992 the Clark County treasurer was authorized to hold in trust
seven Bentar LP parcels on Danyelle Ct. for delinquent 1991-1992 property taxes totaling $312.44 on
each lot. The parcels listed were: 440-592-001, 440-592-002, 440-592-004, 440-592-006, 440-592-008,
440-592-009 and 440-592-010. [Clark County Recorder Document #199205040000887]
Two Parcels Redeemed After Bentar LP Pays Two Years Of Delinquent Taxes Totaling $1,815.46.
According to a certificate of redemption recorded February 8, 1993 Bentar LP paid $1,815.46 in
delinquent 1991-1992 thru 1992-1993 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees on parcels 440-592-006 and 440-592-008. [Clark County Recorder Document #199302080000756]
According to a certificate of redemption recorded July 2, 1993 Bentar LP paid $1,173.28 in delinquent
Parcel Redeemed After Bentar LP Pays Three Years Of Delinquent Taxes Totaling $2,112.87.
1991-1992, 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees
- on parcel 440-592-001. [Clark County Recorder Document #199403280001051]
Property Tax History – Levtar Partnership
1993: Property Owned By Tarkanian Investment Partnership Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $1,000 In Delinquent 1992-1993 Property Taxes
Danny Tarkanian Was A General Partner In Levtar Partnership, A Nevada General Partnership.
According to a deed recorded on July 7, 1994, Danny Tarkanian was listed as a general partner in Levtar
Partnership, a Nevada general partnership. [Clark County Recorder Document #199407190000308]
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Levtar Partnership Parcel In
Trust For Delinquent 1991-1992 Property Taxes. According to a Clark County treasurer’s office tax
certificate list recorded on May 3, 1993 the Clark County treasurer was authorized to hold in trust a parcel
owned by Levtar Partnership for being delinquent in paying $1,046.13 in 1992-1993 property taxes on
parcel 270-680-006. [Clark County Recorder Document #199305030001045]
126
Parcel Redeemed After Levtar Partnership Pays $1,051.13 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a
certificate of redemption recorded July 2, 1993Levtar Partnership paid $1,051.13 in delinquent 1992-1993
property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees - on parcel 270-680-006. [Clark County
Recorder Document #199307020000598]
Property Tax History – JAMD, Inc.
2000: Four Parcels Owned By Tarkanian Company, JAMD, Inc., Authorized To Be Held In Trust
By Clark County For Over $3,200 In Delinquent 1999- 2000 Property Taxes.
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Four JAMD, Inc. Parcels In
Trust For Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate
recorded on June 8, 2000, JAMD Inc. was delinquent paying $3,200.88 in property taxes for the year
1999-2000 on four parcels: 176-04-401-009, 176-04-401-020, 176-04-801-001 and 176-04-801-007.
Parcels Redeemed After JAMD, Inc. Pays $3,242.96 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a certificate
of redemption recorded on September, 5 2000, JAMD, Inc. eventually paid a total of $3,242.96 in
delinquent 1999-2000 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees – on the four
parcels. [Clark County Recorder Document #200009050000307]
2000: Parcel Owned By Tarkanian Company, JAMD, Inc., Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $7,300 In Delinquent 1999- 2000 Property Taxes.
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding JAMD, Inc. Parcel In Trust
For Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate recorded on
June 8, 2000, JAMD Inc. was delinquent paying $800.22 in property taxes for the year 1999-2000 on the
parcel 176-10-201-001. [Clark County Recorder Document #200006080001704]
Parcel Redeemed After JAMD, Inc. Pays $7,377.20 In Delinquent Taxes. According to a certificate of
redemption recorded on September, 17 2001, JAMD, Inc. paid a total of $7,377.20 in delinquent 19992000 and 2000-2001 property taxes - including accumulated interest, penalties and fees – on the parcel.
Property Tax History – Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership
2000: Parcel Danny Tarkanian Had 40 Percent Ownership In Authorized To Be Held In Trust By
Clark County For Over $650 In Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes.
Danny Tarkanian Had 40% Ownership In Parcel. According to a deed recorded on July 31, 1998,
Danny Tarkanian had a 40% ownership in the parcel listed as APN# 176-09-201-004. [Clark Recorder
Document #199807310002678]
127
Clark County Treasurer Issues Tax Certificate Authorizing Holding Parcel In Trust For
Delinquent 1999-2000 Property Taxes. According to a treasurer’s office tax certificate recorded on June
8, 2000 The Tarkanian Family Limited Partnership, which also had a 40% interest in the parcel, was
delinquent in paying $673.44 in property taxes for the year 1999-2000. [Clark County Recorder
Document #200006080001704]
Parcel Redeemed After The Tarkanian Limited Partnership Pays $673.44 In Delinquent Taxes.
According to a certificate of redemption recorded on September 5, 2000, The Tarkanian Limited
Partnership paid a total of $673.44 in delinquent 1999-2000 property taxes - including accumulated
interest, penalties and fees – on the parcel. [Clark County Recorder Document #200009050000308]
Small Businesses, LLCs, And Partnerships
American Council On Tourism And Trade
2003: Founded American Council On Tourism And Trade
In 2003, Tarkanian filed papers to create the American Council on Tourism and Trade.
James Stockdale and Ronald Prince were listed as other officers of the company. [Nevada Secretary of State]
2005: Corporate Status Revoked
In 2005, the American Council on Tourism and Trade’s status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked,
likely as a result of the company’s failure to file an annual report.
No attempt to reinstate the company has been made.
The following is taken from the Nevada Secretary of State:
American Council on Tourism and Trade
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
12/31/2003
Type:
Entity Number:
C33013-2003
Qualifying State:
NV
12/31/2004
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
NV Business ID:
NV20031563460
128
No
Name:
JAMES STOCKDALE
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
1986 JOY VIEW LN
City:
HENDERSON
Zip Code:
89012
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Treasurer - RONALD PRINCE
Address 1:
15555 HUNTINGTON VILLAGE #257
Address 2:
City:
HUNTINGTON BEACH
State:
Zip Code:
92647
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
CA
Secretary - JAMES STOCKDALE
Address 1:
1986 JOY VIEW LANE
Address 2:
City:
HENDERSON
State:
Zip Code:
89012
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
129
NV
Bentar Development
Bentar Created in 1991
Tarkanian founded Bentar Development in 1991. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Co-Founder Of Bentar Development
Co-Founder Of Bentar. Tarkanian was co-founder of Bentar, a Las Vegas development company.
He also ran the nonprofit Tarkanian Basketball Academy with his brother. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/27/06]
His close friend, Peter Zopolos, manages family properties for Tarkanian's real estate business. [Las Vegas
Bentar Development Background
Bentar Development delivers a wide range of commercial, industrial, retail, casino, office and recreational
projects in the Las Vegas market.
According to the Las Vegas Business Press, the company “has built for some very big names.” [Las Vegas
Business Press, 5/9/05]
A sampling of some of the companies high-profile projects include: 70-plus Terrible Herbst service
stations, three Terrible’s hotel/casino properties in Southern Nevada, the Primm Valley Resort Travel
Center, which is the largest automobile service station with 30 fuel nozzles in the west, the new Tangerine
at Treasure Island, the Revolution Bar at the The Mirage, Red Rock Casino Resort Bowling Alley,
Montana Steakhouses, The Lodges, more than a dozen Del Taco outlets, other restaurants, retail, office
and schools. [http://www.bentar.com/about-bentar-development]
Tarkanian No Longer Appears to Be Affiliated with Bentar Development
Tarkanian no longer appears to be affiliated with Bentar Development.
The company does not appear on his Personal Financial Disclosure report, and records available from the
Nevada Secretary of State indicate that he left the company in approximately 2004. [Nevada Secretary of
State]
Company Remains Active
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, Bentar Development remains an active corporation in
Nevada. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Bentar Development, Inc.
130
Status:
Active
File Date:
06/19/1991
Type:
Entity Number:
C5248-1991
Qualifying State:
NV
06/30/2016
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
No
06/30/2016
NV Business ID:
NV19911030344
Central Index Key
DEAN Y KAJIOKA,
ESQ.
Name:
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
8530 W CHARLESTON BLVD
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89117
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address
1:
Mailing Address
2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
NV
Mailing Zip
Code:
Agent Type:
Commercial Registered Agent
Financial Information
No Par Share Count:
Capital Amount:
2,500
Officers
President - AMADOR BENGOCHEA
Address 1:
$ .00
3030 S DURANGO DRIVE
Address 2:
131
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89117
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Director - AMADOR BENGOCHEA
Address 1:
3030 DURANGO DR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89117
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Secretary - DOROTHY BENGOCHEA
Address 1:
3030 DURANGO DR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89117
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
Treasurer - MANUEL BENGOCHEA
Address 1:
3030 DURANGO DR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89117
Country:
USA
Status:
Active
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against Bentar. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and Liens]
Two Lawsuits Filed Against the Company in 2009
A search of Clark County court records indicate that two lawsuits were initiated against Bentar
Development in 2009, after Tarkanian apparently was no longer affiliated with the company.
132
[Las Vegas Township Justice Court]
Bentar Limited Partnership
Bentar Limited Partnership Created in 1990
In 1990, Tarkanian filed papers to create the Benter Limited Partnership. [Las Vegas Secretary of State]
Company Listed as Canceled
Bentar is now listed as having been “cancelled” by the Nevada Secretary of State.
Bentar Limited Partnership
Status:
Cancelled
File Date:
03/28/1990
Type:
Domestic Limited Partnership
Entity Number:
LP134-1990
Qualifying State:
NV
03/31/1994
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
03/28/2990
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
No
NV Business ID:
NV19901001359
Name:
DANIEL J. TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
510 S. 8TH ST
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89101
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
133
Officers
General Partner - AMADOR BENGOCHEA
Address 1:
9012 CRYSTAL GLASS
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89117
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
General Partner - DANIEL J TARKANIAN
Address 1:
4510 SO. ARVILLE
Address 2:
SUITE B
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89103
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
Companies Corporate Status Revoked in 1991, Then Reinstated
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, Bentar’s corporate status was revoked in December 1991,
then reinstated.
134
[Nevada Secretary of State, accessed 2012]
No judgments or liens have been filed against Bentar. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and Liens]
College Prep Review, Inc.
Served as Secretary of College Prep Review
In 2002, Tryfon Castritis founded College Prep Review, Inc., with Tarkanian as the company’s
secretary. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Company Status “Permanently Revoked”
According to the Nevada Secretary of State, College Prep Review’s corporate status has been
“permanently revoked.”
College Prep Review, Inc.
Status:
File Date:
Permanently Revoked
135
03/15/2002
Type:
Entity Number:
C6563-2002
Qualifying State:
NV
03/31/2003
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
NV Business ID:
No
NV20021258892
Registered Agent Resigned
No Par Share Count:
0
Capital Amount:
$ 25,000.00
Par Share Count:
25,000,000.00
Par Share Value:
$ .001
Officers
President - TRYFON CASTRITIS
Address 1:
3076 CHESTNUT AVE
Address 2:
City:
LONG BEACH
State:
Zip Code:
90806
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
CA
Treasurer - TRYFON CASTRITIS
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Secretary - DANIEL TARKANIAN
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
136
NV
Status:
Email:
Active
No judgments or liens have been filed against College Prep Review. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
Judgments and Liens]
Generation Y, LLC
Founded Generation Y in 2002
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Generation Y, LLC. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Corporate Status Revoked
In 2005, Generation Y’s status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the
company’s failure to file an annual report.
Generation Y, LLC
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
09/25/2002
Type:
Domestic Limited-Liability
Company
Entity Number:
LLC11714-2002
Qualifying
State:
NV
09/30/2005
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
09/25/2502
On Admin Hold:
No
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
Business License
Exp:
NV20021118748
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
137
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
NV
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Managing Member - JODIE DIAMANT
Address 1:
3301 RANCHO
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Manager - DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - PAM TARKANIAN
Address 1:
2601 PINTO LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
Previously Owned Property in Nevada
Generation Y purchased a vacant parcel of land in Enterprise, Nevada in 2003.
138
The property, which has since been re-parceled and is difficult to track, was transferred from the
Tarkanian Family Partnership to Generation Y, then subsequently sold to Danny Tarkanian (and
apparently others).
It was later sold to a company called Badura Redwood 16 in 2005. [Clark County Property Records; Lexis Nexis
Real Property Search]
No judgments or liens have been filed against Generation Y. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments
and Liens]
JAMD, Inc.
JAMD, Inc. Formed in 1996
In 1996, JAMD, Inc. was formed by Tarkanian and a number of business partners. [Nevada Secretary of State]
JAMD , Inc.’s Corporate Status Revoked
JAMD, Inc.’s corporate status in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the company’s failure to file an
annual report in 2011. However, another entity, JAMD, LLC, was incorporated in 2007, which appears to
be the successor entity of JAMD, Inc. [Nevada Secretary of State]
JAMD, Inc.
Status:
Revoked
File Date:
04/24/1996
Type:
Entity Number:
C9330-1996
Qualifying State:
NV
04/30/2011
Managed By:
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
On Admin Hold:
No
04/30/2011
NV Business ID:
NV19961117084
Name:
JODIE DIAMANT
Address 2:
139
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
NV
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
89107
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
No Par Share Count:
Capital Amount:
25,000
Officers
$ .00
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Treasurer - DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Secretary - DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
Director - DANNY TARKANIAN
140
NV
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
Company Administratively Terminated in 2005, Then Reinstated
In 2005, JAMD, Inc. was administratively terminated by the Nevada Secretary of State.
The company was later reinstated, but its corporate status is currently revoked.
No judgments or liens have been filed against JAMD, Inc. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
JAMD, LLC
JAMD, LLC Formed in 2007
In 2007, JAMD, LLC was formed by Tarkanian. [Nevada Secretary of State]
JAMD, LLC’s Corporate Status Is Active
As of May 2016, JAMD, LLC’s corporate status is still active. [Nevada Secretary of State]
JAMD, LLC
141
Status:
Active
File Date:
04/09/2007
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
E0248572007-6
Qualifying
State:
NV
04/30/2017
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
NV20071485456
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
04/30/2017
Central Index Key
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
USA
142
Status:
Email:
Active
No judgments or liens have been filed against JAMD. [Lexis Nexis Judgments and Liens]
JAMD II, LLC
Founded JAMD II in 2007
In 2007, Tarkanian filed papers to create JAMD II, LLC. [Nevada Secretary of State]
In 2008, JAMD II’s corporate status in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the company’s failure to
file an annual report.
JAMD II, LLC
Status:
Permanently
Revoked
File Date:
03/30/2007
Type:
Domestic
LimitedLiability
Company
Entity
Number:
E02244520074
Qualifyin
g State:
NV
List of
Officers
Due:
03/31/2008
Managed
By:
Managers
Expiratio
n Date:
On
Admin
Hold:
Foreign
Name:
143
No
NV
Business
ID:
Business
License
Exp:
NV2007145266
5
Name:
DANNY
TARKANIA
N
Addres
s 2:
State:
NV
Addres
s 1:
3008 CAMPBELL
CIR
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip
Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailin
g
Addres
s 1:
Mailin
g
Addres
s 2:
Mailin
g City:
Mailin
g
State:
Mailin
g Zip
Code:
Agent
Type:
Include
Inactive
Officers
Officers
Address
1:
3008
CAMPBELL
CIRCLE
Address
2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
NV
Zip
Code:
89107
Country:
USA
144
Status:
Active
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against JAMD. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and
Liens]
Las Vegas Hoops, LLC
Company Created in 2004
In 2004, Tarkanian filed papers to create Las Vegas Hoops, LLC, with himself and Brian Sitter serving as
managers. [Nevada Secretary of State]
In 2006, Las Vegas Hoops’ status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the
company’s failure to file an annual report. No attempt to reinstate the company has been made.
Las Vegas Hoops, LLC
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
08/30/2004
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
LLC19651-2004
Qualifying
State:
NV
08/31/2006
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
08/30/2504
On Admin Hold:
No
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
Business License
Exp:
NV20041198697
Name:
Address 2:
DANNY
TARKANIAN
Address 1:
3796 LONGS PEAK COURT
City:
LAS VEGAS
145
State:
NV
Zip Code:
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address
1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
89103
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Managing Member - BRIAN SITTER
Address 1:
6923 BASOK HARBOR COURT
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89148
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
Company Continues to Operate
Though there is no evidence that Tarkanian has any current involvement in Las Vegas Hoops, it is
interesting to note that, despite having its status revoked, Las Vegas Hoops continues to operate in
Nevada.
Brian Sitter is listed as the company’s director on the company’s website, http://www.lasvegashoops.com.
146
[http://www.lasvegashoops.com/xtm_contact_us.php]
Similarly Named Company Had Judgments Filed Against It
The similarly-named but apparently unrelated company called North Las Vegas Hoops had a pair of
small claims judgments filed against it in 2006.
No judgments or liens have been filed against Las Vegas Hoops proper. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
LOIS, LLC
Founded LOIS, LLC in 2005
In 2005, Tarkanian filed papers to create LOIS, LLC. [Nevada Secretary of State]
LOIS, LLC IS A College Trust Fund
LOIS, LCC was started by Tarkanian as a college trust fund for his daughter, Lois. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 3/14/07]
Tarkanian’s Mother Was Attacked for Her Stake in Company
In 2007, Tarkanian’s mother, Lois, while running for re-election as the Ward 1 Las Vegas City
Councilwoman was attacked by opponent Laurie Bisch for failing to disclose a stake in a limited liability
company that made a profitable land deal.
Tarkanian said her stake in the company, Lois LLC, was one-fourth of 1 percent. Financial disclosure
required an elected official to report any financial interest in which she has more than 1 percent
ownership, which she did not. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/14/07]
147
In 2005, LOIS LLC’s status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the company’s
failure to file an annual report.
LOIS, LLC
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
03/28/2005
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
E0153362005-5
Qualifying
State:
NV
03/31/2006
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
NV20051041886
Name:
DANNY
TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
3796 LONGS PEAK COURT
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89103
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address
1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
148
Officers
Managing Member - DOUG JOHNSON
Address 1:
3 AVENIDA FIORI
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89011
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Address 1:
3796 LONGS PEAK CT
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89103
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - LOIS TARKANIAN
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - TARKANIAN FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against Lois, LLC. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and
Liens]
Pub One, Inc.
149
Founded Pub One in 1994
In 1994, Tarkanian filed papers to create Pub One. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Corporate Status Permanently Revoked
The Nevada Secretary of State lists Pub One’s status as “permanently revoked” since 1999
Pub One, Inc.
Status:
Permanently
Revoked
File Date:
09/28/1994
Type:
Domestic
Corporation
Entity
Number:
C151301994
Qualifyin
g State:
NV
List of
Officers
Due:
09/30/1999
Managed
By:
Expiratio
n Date:
Foreign
Name:
On Admin
Hold:
NV
Business
ID:
No
Business
License
Exp:
NV1994110420
8
Name:
DANIEL J.
TARKANIAN
Address
2:
State:
NV
Phone:
Address
1:
510 S. 8TH ST
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89101
Fax:
150
Mailing
Address
1:
Mailing
Address
2:
Mailing
City:
Mailing
State:
Mailing
Zip Code:
Agent
Type:
No Par Share Count:
25,000
Capital Amount:
$ .00
Include
Inactive
Officers
Officers
Treasurer - RUDY R MANTHEI
Address
1:
2222
CHATSWORTH
CT
Address
2:
City:
HENDERSON
State:
Zip
Code:
89014
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Secretary - EDWARD RUGGEROLI
Address
1:
3108 SIENA CIR
Address
2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip
Code:
89128
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
President - DANIEL J TARKANIAN
151
NV
Address
1:
703 SOUTH
EIGHTH
STREET
Address
2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip
Code:
89101
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
Small Claims Judgment Entered Against Pub One in 1996
In April 1996, Pub One and Moe Greens were successfully sued in small claims court by Work Clothes
Rental Service.
Work Clothes Rental was successful in obtaining a judgment of $2,105 against Pub One and Greens.
The judgment was released in June 1996.
152
[LexisNexis Judgments and Liens]
Socially Aware Tutoring, LLC
Founded Socially Aware Tutoring in 2003
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Socially Aware Tutoring. [Nevada Secretary of State]
In 2004, Socially Aware Tutoring’s status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the
company’s failure to file an annual report.
Socially Aware Tutoring, LLC
153
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
08/12/2003
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
LLC12087-2003
Qualifying
State:
NV
08/31/2004
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
08/12/2503
On Admin Hold:
No
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
Business License
Exp:
NV20031122671
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Managing Member - LYNN ALLEN DIEVENDORF JR
Address 1:
3525 HUNT LAND DR
Address 2:
City:
WHITES CREEK
State:
Zip Code:
37189
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
154
TN
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - PETE ZOPOLOS
Address 1:
2884 ST PHILLIP DR
Address 2:
City:
MERCED
State:
Zip Code:
95348
Country:
Status:
Active
CA
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against Lois, LLC. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and
Liens]
Tark, LLC
Tark, LLC Founded in 2003
Tark, LLC was founded by Jerry Tarkanian in 2003. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Tarkanian Serves as Registered Agent for Tark, LLC
Danny Tarkanian serves as the registered agent for Tark, LLC. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Company’s Corporate Status Revoked
Tark, LLC’s corporate status was revoked in 2011. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Tark, LLC
Status:
File Date:
Revoked
155
11/06/2003
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
LLC17133-2003
Qualifying
State:
NV
11/30/2011
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
11/06/2503
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
11/30/2011
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
NV20031173084
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Manager - JERRY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
156
NV
No judgments or liens have been filed against Tark, LLC. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and
Liens]
Tarkanian Enterprises
Tarkanian Enterprises Created in 2002
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Tarkanian Enterprises. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Tarkanian Enterprises’ Corporate Status Revoked
Tarkanian Enterprises’ corporate status was revoked in 2010.
TARKANIAN ENTERPRISES, LLC
Status:
Revoked
File Date:
12/30/2002
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
LLC16393-2002
Qualifying
State:
NV
12/31/2010
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
12/30/2502
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
12/31/2010
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
NV20021165495
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
157
Agent Type:
Officers
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against Tarkanian Enterprises. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
TROP T.P.
Founded Trop T.P. in 2003
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Trop T.P. in 2003. [Nevada Secretary of State]
In 2005, Trop T.P.’s status as a corporation in Nevada was revoked, likely as a result of the company’s
failure to file an annual report. No attempt to reinstate the company has been made.
TROP T.P., LLC
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
12/31/2003
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
LLC20733-2003
Qualifying
State:
NV
12/31/2005
158
Managed By:
Managers
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
Expiration Date:
12/31/2503
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
NV20031209061
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LN
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Managing Member - BENGOCHEA FLP
Address 1:
5900 EMERALD AVE #B
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89122
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - TARKANIAN FLP
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
Managing Member - DANNY TARKANIAN
159
NV
Address 1:
2905 JUSTICE LANE
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
Purchased Half-Ownership of Property in Spring Valley; Other Half Purchased by JAMD
In 2002, Trop TP and another Tarkanian entity, JAMD, each purchased a 50 percent share in a vacant
parcel of land located on Tropicana and Bell Drive, between Grand Canyon Drive and Tee Pee Lane in
Spring Valley
The companies purchased the land from American Land Holdings LLC for $1,493,725. [Clark County
Assessor]
The following is a current aerial view of the parcel, which remains undeveloped:
[http://www.bing.com/maps/]
Company Transferred Its Share to Tarkanian, Bengochea Family Partnership
In 2005, Trop TP transferred its 50 percent share of the property.
Fifteen percent of the property was transferred to Tarkanian and 35 percent was transferred to the
Bengochea Family Limited Partnership. [Clark County Assessor]
Property Flipped for Large Profit
160
Upon completion of the transfer, JAMB, Tarkanian and the Bengochea Family Partnership sold
the property to Sunridge 26 LLC and Apple Valley Real Estate Holdings for $2,960,000. [Clark
County Assessor]
No judgments or liens have been filed against TROP TP. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis Judgments and
Liens]
Vegas Diamond Properties, LLC
Vegas Diamond Properties Created in 2007
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Vegas Diamond. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Vegas Diamond Properties’ corporate status is currently listed as revoked with the Nevada Secretary of
State because of the company’s failure to file an annual report by its due date of June 30, 2011.
VEGAS DIAMOND PROPERTIES, LLC
Status:
Revoked
File Date:
06/01/2007
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
E0382362007-4
Qualifying
State:
NV
06/30/2011
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
NV20071744014
On Admin Hold:
No
Business License
Exp:
06/30/2011
Name:
DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 2:
State:
Phone:
NV
Address 1:
3008 CAMPBELL CIR
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89107
Fax:
161
Mailing Address 1:
Mailing Address 2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Officers
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Vegas Diamond Properties Listed In Default In 2010
In 2010, Vegas Diamond Properties was listed as being in default with the Nevada Secretary of State
because of the company’s failure to file an annual report by its due date of December 21, 2009.
162
Currently Owns Property in South Vegas
In 2007, Vegas Diamond purchased a parcel of land located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and
Barbara Lane in southern Las Vegas.
The property had previously changed hands through a number of Tarkanian entities, and property was
transferred to Vegas Diamond from the following individuals and entities, which include Tarkanian
himself and a number of family business ventures:
[Grant Deed, 6/4/07; APN 191-05-601-020]
The following is an aerial view of the property:
Company Took out $14,568,750 Mortgage to Purchase Property
163
Las Vegas Diamond took out a loan of $14,568,750 from La Jolla Bank in order to finance the purchase.
[Clark County Property Records]
Property Taxes Paid In-Full, On-Time
Since purchasing the property, documents obtained from the Clark County Treasurer indicate that Vegas
Diamond has paid its property taxes in-full and on-time. [Clark County Treasurer]
No judgments or liens have been filed against Vegas Diamond. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
Vegas Diamond Johnson, LLC
Vegas Diamond Johnson Created in 2007
In 2002, Tarkanian filed papers to create Vegas Diamond Johnson. [Nevada Secretary of State]
Vegas Diamond Johnson’s Corporate Status Revoked
Vegas Diamond Johnson’s corporate status is currently listed as “permanently revoked” with the Nevada
Secretary of State because of the company’s failure to file an annual report by its due date of July 31,
2009.
VEGAS DIAMOND JOHNSON, LLC
Status:
Permanently Revoked
File Date:
07/11/2007
Type:
Company
Entity Number:
E0487182007-8
Qualifying
State:
NV
07/31/2009
Managed By:
Managers
Expiration Date:
Foreign Name:
NV Business
ID:
On Admin Hold:
Business License
Exp:
NV20071200446
164
No
MARK
MCINTIRE
Name:
Address 2:
State:
NV
Address 1:
410 S RAMPART BLVD STE 350
City:
LAS VEGAS
Zip Code:
89145
Phone:
Fax:
Mailing Address
1:
Mailing Address
2:
Mailing City:
Mailing State:
NV
Mailing Zip Code:
Agent Type:
Commercial Registered Agent
Officers
Managing Member - DOUG JOHNSON
Address 1:
3 AVENIDA FIORI
Address 2:
City:
HENDERSON
State:
Zip Code:
89011
Country:
Status:
Active
Email:
NV
Managing Member - DANNY TARKANIAN
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
LAS VEGAS
State:
Zip Code:
89107
Country:
Status:
Active
NV
Email:
No judgments or liens have been filed against Vegas Diamond Johnson. [Clark County Recorder; Lexis Nexis
165
Political Career – Five Failed Candidacies
 2016: Announced he would run for Nevada’s Third Congressional District in July
2015
 2014: Announced he would run for the Nevada System of Higher Education, but
dropped out days later after finding out a friend was already running
 2012: Lost to Steve Horsford in the general election for Nevada’s Fourth
Congressional District
 2010: Lost to Sharron Angle in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate
 2006: Lost in the general election for Nevada Secretary of State
 2004: Lost in the general election for a Nevada State Senate seat
 Blamed by Roberson campaign for story about Roberson’s alleged campaign
finance improprieties
 Accused of copyright infringement for using unauthorized footage of Michael
Roberson in an ad
 In 2014, the FEC determined Tarkanian most likely accepted an illegal $500
contribution from a corporation and had numerous reporting errors in his
financial disclosures
This section provides an overview of Danny Tarkanian’s political career, from 2004 to
present. Tarkanian has run for public office five times prior to his 2016 run for Congress in
Nevada’s Third Congressional District, and he has either lost or dropped out each time.
2016: Announced He Would Run In The Third Congressional District In July 2015 – Mistakenly
Stated He Was Running For Congress In CD 4 In March 2016
Announced He Would Run In The Third Congressional District In July 2015. “In a letter emailed to
his supporters Monday, Danny Tarkanian announced that he will run for Congress in 2016 in Nevada's
3rd Congressional District. ‘I am running for Congress to be a voice for my community and for all of us
who want to renew America's greatness,’ he said in a statement. Tarkanian joins state Senate Majority
166
Leader Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, as a GOP candidate for the post being vacated by Rep. Joe
Heck. Heck, R-Nev., is running for Harry Reid's U.S. Senate seat.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/13/15]
Mistakenly Stated He Was Running For Congress In CD 4 In March 2016. During an interview with
Kevin Wall, he stated he mistakenly started talking about issues affecting CD 4 before correcting himself.
“And the problem we’re going to have in CD4 is to educate the voters who are not in business to
understand…CD3.” [Roberson for Congress, 3/25/16]
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid Loser Title”
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid Loser Title.”
“Danny Tarkanian is a four-time loser when it comes to politics. Sure, he’s won a couple of Republican
primaries, but in the clutch, Tarkanian has always come up short. As one Review-Journal wag put it,
Tarkanian’s last big win came when he was lacing up his sneakers for the Runnin’ Rebels. But look
closely at the numbers and you’ll see Tarkanian always made his races competitive, never embarrassing
himself and never descending to the level of perennial also-rans. Still, he’ll have to overcome a lot of
history to be successful in his latest bid for office: the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional
District.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Has Run For Congress Twice, Never In District He Lives In
Has Run For Congress Twice, Never In District He Lives In. “(Historical note: Tarkanian has run
twice for Congress, but never in the district in which he actually lives, which is overwhelmingly
Democratic and ably represented by Dina Titus. But the U.S. Constitution only requires representatives to
live in their states, not a particular district.)” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/15/15]
Listed As A “Contender” In NRCC’s Young Guns Program
Listed As A “Contender” In NRCC’s Young Guns Program. “The so-called Contender level is the
second level of the program, which requires candidates to meet certain benchmarks to receive fundraising
and other help from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). … Among the 11 new
Contender candidates are: Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, who’s challenging vulnerable Rep.
Ami Bera (D-Calif.); Rebecca Negron, one of a handful of Republicans vying to replace Rep. Patrick
Murphy (D-Fla.), a Senate candidate; and Michael Roberson and Danny Tarkanian, who are both running
for the seat being vacated by Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.), another Senate hopeful.” [The Hill, 4/28/16;
NRCC, accessed 6/01/16]
Signed A Term Limits Pledge, Promising To Co-Sponsor A Term Limits Amendment Of Three
House Terms
Signed A Term Limits Pledge, Promising To Co-Sponsor A Term Limits Amendment Of Three
House Terms. “U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national movement to limit terms for elected
officials, today praised Nevada U.S. House candidate Danny Tarkanian (District 3) for signing its
congressional term limits pledge. … The U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge is provided to every
announced candidate for federal office. It reads, ‘I pledge that as a member of Congress I will cosponsor
and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no
longer limit.’” [U.S. Term Limits Press Release, 4/26/16]
167
2016: Accused Of Copyright Infringement For Using Unauthorized Footage Of Michael Roberson
In An Ad
In An Ad. “A Nevada congressional candidate is demanding a new political advertisement be taken down
over alleged use of unauthorized footage. Dr. Annette Teijeiro's campaign is sending a cease and desist
letter to rival candidate Danny Tarkanian over a new ad airing in Las Vegas. The two Republicans are
running in the primary for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. Tarkanian's ad, which began airing
Monday, uses footage of state Sen. Michael Roberson at a candidate forum in March filmed by the
Teijeiro campaign. The ad doesn't mention Teijeiro.” [KTNV, 4/19/16]
2014: Nevada System Of Higher Education Board Of Regents
2014: Dropped Out Of Board Of Regents Race After Realizing A Family Friend Was Running
2014: Dropped Out Of Board Of Regents Race After Realizing A Family Friend Was Running.
“That [deciding to leave politics] lasted exactly two years, until he showed up in the spring of 2014 to file
for the Board of Regents in District 2. Tarkanian quickly dropped out, saying he hadn‘t realized one of the
challengers, attorney and former Review-Journal reporter Trevor Hayes, was a family friend.” [Las Vegas
Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Admitted Not Knowing Whom He Was Running Against When He Filed To Run For Board Of
Regents. “Tarkanian had waited until the last day of candidate filing, March 14, to put his name in to run
for the University Board of Regents in District 2 for a six-year term. The other candidates are the
incumbent, Robert Blakely, and attorney Trevor Hayes, a former Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter.
Tarkanian said when he got home his wife, Amy, noted she was friends with Hayes and Tarkanian also
realized that Hayes’ wife, Erin Russell Hayes, was one of his supporters when he ran for Congress in
2012, but lost to U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev. He said he knew Erin by her maiden name. ‘I didn’t
know who the other people were’ running for the Board of Regent seat when he filed, Tarkanian said. ‘I
felt bad that I was in a race with some people I knew. … Hopefully, there will be a place for me in the
future for a public race.’ Tarkanian also said he met with Hayes and felt comfortable he would be a good
candidate for the job, so he decided to drop out. ‘It just wasn’t the right time for me and it was the right
time for him,’ Tarkanian said of running for the nonpartisan office.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/25/14]
2012: Lost General Election In 4th Congressional District To Steve Horsford By A Vote Of 50.11
2012: Lost General Election In 4th Congressional District To Steve Horsford. “After that, it was the
4th Congressional District in 2012; Tarkanian won the GOP primary, defeating then-state Sen. Barbara
Cegavske and seven others, only to lose to then-state Sen. Steven Horsford in the general election, 50
percent to 42 percent.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Candidate
Floyd Fitzgibbons
Steven Horsford
Vote Number
9,389
120,501
Percentage
3.90%
50.11%
168
Joseph Silvestri
9,341
Danny Tarkanian
101,261
TOTAL
240,492
3.88%
42.11%
2012: After Losing To Horsford, Said He Would “Step Out” Of Politics
2012: After Losing To Horsford, Said He Would “Step Out” Of Politics. “Tarkanian told the ReviewJournal after that loss [to Steve Horsford] that he was done with politics: ‘My family and I are going to
step out away from it and move on with our lives,’ he said then.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve
2012 Las Vegas Sun Factchecker: Graded House Majority PAC Ad Stating Tarkanian Supported
Bush Tax Cuts, Privatizing Social Security, And Denying Access To Birth Control As “Legit”
Las Vegas Sun Factchecker: Graded House Majority PAC Ad Stating Tarkanian Supported Bush
Tax Cuts, Privatizing Social Security, And Denying Access To Birth Control As “Legit.” “Attack:
Republican Danny Tarkanian wants to cut taxes, privatize Social Security, charge women more for health
care and block access to birth control. … While the ad stretches the implication of some of Tarkanian’s
stand on the issues, it has his general stances correct. The ad is Legit.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/22/12; House
Majority PAC Ad, YouTube, 10/11/12]
2012: Endorsed By Local NAACP President
2012: Endorsed By Local NAACP President. “This go-round, though, Tarkanian has garnered support
from a surprising quarter: Frank Hawkins, president of the local chapter of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People. A beloved former NFL star, Hawkins once represented the innercity portion of the district on the Las Vegas City Council.” [Politico, 10/17/12]
African-American Community Felt Connection With Tarkanian Because Of His Father. “What's
more, Tarkanian is touting his own family's long connections with the black community, including the
lingering affection for his father's history coaching black basketball players. Progressive groups attacked
Tarkanian as racist for that line of reasoning, prompting Tarkanian to tell a GOP group, ‘We could be like
Steven Horsford, who's not doing anything with that community and, you know, pretend we’re black and
maybe try to get some votes if that’s where it is.’ Tarkanian apologized for that remark, which doesn’t
appear to have hurt him in part because of players coached by his father who went on to NBA prominence
and are now campaigning for him. Cunningham said his family's connections to the community – they’ve
opened a basketball academy in the district -- are real.” [Politico, 10/17/12]
August 2012: Said He Could “Be Like Steven Horsford, Who Is Not Doing Anything With That
[African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black”
[African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black.” “In August, the campaign was infused
with racial tension when Tarkanian seemed to suggest that Horsford was relying on his own ethnicity to
win support from African-American voters. While defending himself in front of a gathering of
Republicans, Tarkanian said he could — quote — ‘be like Steven Horsford, who is not doing anything
with that community and pretend we’re black’ — end quote.” [PBS Newshour, 10/30/12]
169
Later Apologized And Was Endorsed By Local NAACP President. “Tarkanian apologized and ended
up picking up the support of the local NAACP president.” [PBS Newshour, 10/30/12]
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed FEC Complaint Against Tarkanian For “Numerous
Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report – FEC Determined In 2014 That Tarkanian
Campaign Likely Accepted A Prohibited $500 Corporate Contribution, But Dismissed The
Allegation Because The Amount Did Not Merit Use Of Commission Resources To Prosecute
Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report. “The Nevada Democratic Party filed a
complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday against Danny Tarkanian, alleging
‘numerous irregularities’ in his first campaign finance report. … In their complaint, Nevada Democrats
said Tarkanian accepted corporate contributions and failed to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in
personal debt from his failed 2010 Senate campaign. They also suggested Tarkanian might be
circumventing federal rules on donation limits by reporting limited-liability corporate donations without
any indication of the involved partners. The accusations of irregularities are not direct charges of illegal
activity, save for one instance: Tarkanian received $500 from Haig’s Quality Printing, which is registered
as a corporation with the Nevada secretary of state and thus cannot contribute to his campaign. The
charges are also not all borne of his campaign finance report: Nevada Democrats drew certain inferences as to Tarkanian’s debt, for instance - by comparing his campaign ledgers with his personal disclosures and
statements to the press. Tarkanian loaned himself $260,000 to fund his Senate campaign and appears to
have forgiven the bulk of that loan; FEC filings show the candidate claims to have just over $3,000 in
debt - a figure that exactly matches the debt he claimed during his 2010 Senate campaign - but do not
itemize to whom it is owed.” [Politico, 5/03/12; Federal Election Commission, Complaint, 5/01/12]
In Another FEC Complaint, The Nevada Democratic Party Alleged Tarkanian Failed To Report
$250,000 In Campaign Spending. “Democrats say Tarkanian accepted a $2,500 contribution from a
donor who had already hit the legal campaign donation limit. They also say Tarkanian didn't report about
$250,000 in campaign spending during the proper reporting period, and that he didn't refund certain
illegal campaign donations within the law's 30-day limit.” [Associated Press, 6/27/12]
The Allegations In The Complaint Were Dismissed With Caution – Stated That There Were
Reporting Errors And Had Accepted A $500 Prohibited Contribution. “Although the [Tarkanian for
Congress] Committee made a number of reporting errors in violation of the Act and appears to have
accepted a $500 prohibited contribution, the Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to dismiss
those allegations due to the modest amounts in violation and the Committee's remedial efforts. See
Heckler v. Chaney, 470 U.S. 821 (1985). With respect to the remaining allegations, the Commission finds
no reason to believe that there was a violation of the Act for the reasons provided below.” [Federal
The Tarkanian Campaign Accepted A Prohibited $500 Contribution From A Corporation, But
Refunded It, And FEC Determined It Did Not Merit Further Use Of Commission Resources To
Prosecute. “In addition, although it appears that Haig's made, and the Committee accepted a prohibited
corporate contribution of $500 in violation of 2 U.S.C. §§ 441 b(a) and 441 a(f), respectively, due to the
amount in violation, pursuit of these violations does not merit the further use of Commission resources.
See 12 Fed. Reg. at 2 12,545-46. Accordingly, the Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to
dismiss these allegations, and reminds the Committee and Haig's regarding the Act's prohibition on
accepting or receiving and making corporate contributions.” [Federal Election Commission, Factual and
Legal Analysis, 6/30/14]
170
2010: U.S. Senate Republican Primary
2010: Lost Republican Primary For U.S. Senate To Sharron Angle By A Vote Of 40.09 Percent To
23.29 Percent
2010: Lost Republican Primary For U.S. Senate To Sharron Angle. “Tarkanian sat out the 2008 cycle,
a wise move given the Democratic wave led by Barack Obama. But he returned in 2010 to compete in the
12-person Republican primary for incumbent Harry Reid’s U.S. Senate seat. Tarkanian came in third
behind eventual winner Sharron Angle and hotelier Sue Lowden.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve
Candidate
Vote Number
Sharron Angle
70,436
Sue Lowden
45,882
Danny Tarkanian
40,929
John Chachas
6,926
TOTAL
164,173
Percentage
40.09%
26.11%
23.29%
3.94%
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate.
“Tarkanian, a real estate developer whose father is a well-known former college basketball coach, also
had support from a Tea Party group, Tennessee-based Tea Party Nation. Tarkanian has scoffed at Angle's
Tea Party Express endorsement, saying it did not represent the anti-establishment and constitutionalist
movement.” [Fox News, 6/09/10]
2010: Accused Former GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden Of Support For Socialism In A Robocall
During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate. “Nevada businessman Danny Tarkanian’s Senate
campaign admits its candidate was wrong when he denied using the word ‘socialism’ in a robocall against
his Republican opponent. In a joint appearance with former state GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden on
KXNT-AM radio, Tarkanian was challenged by the host on his campaign tactics. Tarkanian claimed he
never used the word ‘socialism’ in the robocall. But a recording of the call contradicts Tarkanian.” [The
Hill, 3/25/10]
2010: Sarah Palin’s Father Endorsed Tarkanian For U.S. Senate
2010: Sarah Palin’s Father Endorsed Tarkanian For U.S. Senate. “Sarah Palin’s father endorsed GOP
U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian in his first radio ad as the primaries kick into high gear. In
Tarkanian’s first radio ad, Chuck Heath reaches out to Nevadans who voted for the 2008 GOP
presidential ticket of John McCain and running mate Palin and urges them to vote for Tarkanian as the
true conservative in the primary. ‘You supported my daughter Sarah Palin, now please join me in
supporting another strong conservative: Danny Tarkanian,’ Heath says in the 60-second spot.” [Las Vegas
171
2010: Endorsed By The Minutemen, A Militia Group That Took Up Arms At The Southern Border
To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States
To Intercept Undocumented Migrants Entering The United States. “The Minutemen, an anti-illegal
immigration group, is endorsing Danny Tarkanian in the U.S. Senate race as Republicans latch onto the
election-year issue in the wake of Arizona passing a law that gives law enforcement authorities the right
to question suspected illegal immigrants in some cases. … Now Jim Gilchrist, one of the leaders of the
Minuteman Project, is endorsing Tarkanian, saying he’s ‘our kind of guy’ and agrees with his group’s
tough stance against illegal immigrants living in American. The Minutemen gained headlines several
years ago by taking up arms at the border to protest illegal immigrants sneaking into the country.” [Las
Vegas Review Journal, 5/06/10]
The Minutemen Have Ties To Neo-Nazi Groups. “Highly publicized among right-wing extremists
ranging from militia groups to white supremacist organizations, the Minuteman Project has attracted a
variety of extremists and anti-immigration activists of all types. A number of neo-Nazi National
Alliance members showed up for the first weekend of events; Shawn Walker, spokesman for the
National Alliance, earlier indicated that members of his group would take part in the project.” [AntiDefamation League, 4/25/05]
2004: The Minutemen Ran Advertisement On Aryan Nations Website. “Well, for example, the
original 2004 Minutemen advertisement (‘I invite you to join me in Tombstone, Arizona, in early
spring of 2005 to protect our country from a 40-year-long invasion across our southern border with
Mexico’) ran on the Aryan Nations website, trumpeted as ‘a call for action on part of ALL ARYAN
SOLDIERS.’ Among those gathered at the original encampment was a faction that called itself ‘Team
14’—a reference to the neo-Nazi fourteen-word slogan, ‘We must secure the existence of our people
and a future for white children.’ A local news crew, more enterprising than the Most Trusted Name in
News, recorded what these fine patriots said when they thought the cameras were off: ‘It should be
legal to kill illegals. Just shoot ‘em on sight. That’s my immigration policy recommendation. You
break into my country, you die.’” [The Nation, 4/03/13]
2010: Formed An Anti-Reid PAC After Losing The GOP Primary. “A vanquished Republican
candidate is making a comeback in Nevada's U.S. Senate race, but not on the November ballot.
Businessman Danny Tarkanian, who finished behind fellow Republican Sharron Angle in the state's June
primary, has formed a political committee to launch a website and run radio and TV ads dissecting Sen.
Harry Reid's voting record. The Las Vegas-based group, Harry Reid Votes, will remind residents of the
‘poor decisions’ Reid has made for Nevada, Tarkanian said Monday. ‘The votes that he has been making
haven't been a big focus of the race,’ Tarkanian said. ‘We feel the majority of Nevadans will feel they
were not good votes.’ The group, formed last week, joins several independent political organizations
pouring millions of dollars into the race, which polls show is a dead heat.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
8/24/10]
Accused Of Manhandling A Talk Radio Host At A GOP Event
Accused Of Manhandling A Talk Radio Host At A GOP Event. “Talk radio host Alan Stock says the
version offered by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian about their altercation at a GOP
event Friday is ‘absolute crap.’ ‘The slant he put on it was an absolute exaggeration and a twisting of
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facts,’ Stock told Vegas Confidential on Saturday. The conservative host at KXNT-AM, 840 said
Tarkanian was ‘manhandling me, grabbing me by the arm,’ during a tense discussion.” [Las Vegas
Tarkanian Admitted Long Odds in Challenging Reid
In 2009, Tarkanian acknowledged he was facing long odds in challenging Sen. Harry Reid.
“I have no illusions about what I'm up against, but I also know I am doing the right thing,” he said in a
statement, adding that he would run on mainstay Republican issues, such as opposition to growth in
government spending and regulation. [Armenian Reporter, 8/22/09]
Review-Journal: Tarkanian “Hardly GOP Rock Stars”
In August 2009, a Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial read, “Mr. Tarkanian and Ms. Lowden are hardly
GOP rock stars. (Is there even one in Nevada these days?) And Sen. Reid knows how to run a campaign.
He'll certainly have plenty of money in the bank to attack whichever candidate emerges from June's
Republican primary.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Editorial, 8/26/09]
Tarkanian Refused to Refer to Senator Harry Reid by his Title in 2009
According to a blog posting, Tarkanian released the a statement after Sen. Harry Reid, according to a
column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, told the paper’s director of advertising, Bob Brown, “I hope
you go out of business” at a Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
In the statement, Tarkanian said, “If you noticed I didnt use the word Senator today in my statement. If
Reid wishes any one of his constituents the pain and life-changing difficulties of losing their job, then he
is not a Senator. He is a disgrace.”
Tarkanian Attended Tea Party Rally
In 2009, Tarkanian attended a rally in the parking lot of the Sports Center of Las Vegas that was part of a
bus tour of the country against big government. The tour was sponsored by the Our Country Deserves
Better political action committee, associated with the Tea Party movement. Its organizers claimed
350,000 members nationwide. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/01/09]
Tarkanian Brought in Sports Stars for Help in Fight Against Reid
In 2009, The Hill reported, “Tarkanian knows that defeating a political icon like Sen. Harry Reid is no
slam-dunk. So he's enlisting his own ‘Dream Team’ to the cause.
Former NBA all-star forward Larry Johnson, who played for Tarkanian's father nearly two decades ago at
UNLV, has offered to raise money. Charles Barkley, one of the NBA's greatest players ever, is a friend
who may be called on for help. Then there is Dad, aka Jerry Tarkanian, aka “Tark the Shark,” the
legendary NCAA and NBA basketball coach whose name may be bigger than Reid's in the state of
Nevada.”
From the article:
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[Jerry] Tarkanian attended a fundraiser for Reid two years ago, and Reid introduced
legislation in the Senate to push back against the NCAA after it sanctioned the coach.
When asked about Danny's challenge in light of the friendly history with the Tarkanian
family, Reid said: “It's a free country.” …But [Danny Tarkanian is] well known, though a
little more because of his dad than his own on-court exploits. … When asked about
Tarkanian's chances as a candidate, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman
John Cornyn (Texas) said: “The coach's son?” Tarkanian will travel to Washington in the
next few days to meet with Cornyn and solicit help from the national party. Tarkanian said
he would make the same argument against Reid that Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) made in
2004 when he shocked the political world by defeating then Democratic leader Tom
Daschle (S.D.). “He's a powerful guy, particularly in Washington, D.C. but that doesn't
translate back in the state, which he's ignored. He's done a tremendous job moving up the
Democratic leadership ladder but he's ignored the concerns of his home state.” [The Hill,
9/10/09]
For Help, Tarkanian Turned to “Some Heavyweight Help”
The article noted, “Tarkanian is counting on support from a few former basketball stars.
Johnson and Stacey Augmon, two of the stars who led UNLV to its national championship
in 1990, are still friendly with the Tarkanians, and both helped Danny raise money in the
past. Tarkanian said that Johnson, who lives about half the year in Las Vegas, has already
promised to help his challenge against Reid… The GOP challenger may even get some
help from Barkley, a well-known high roller who visits Vegas frequently on gambling
trips, but that may be a stretch. The Tarkanians consider Barkley a longtime family friend.
He and basketball great Michael Jordan got to know the Tarkanians at annual Nikesponsored basketball retreats.”
“When I see them in Vegas they always come up and say hello,” said Tarkanian.
However, he reportedly was not “counting on Barkley or Jordan to endorse him because
‘they don't want to do anything controversial’ or that might cause them to lose an
endorsement deal.” [The Hill, 9/10/09]
Reid Defended Jerry Tarkanian Against NCAA
Reid came to Jerry Tarkanian's defense in 1990 when the NCAA came down hard against
UNLV for recruiting violations that took place a decade earlier. Reid battled the athletic
governance body after it banned UNLV from post-season play. Reid charged the sanctions
were imposed without due process and introduced legislation in the Senate to establish a
“Coach and Athlete's Bill of Rights.”
“The NCAA is an entity that has no due process, it's a tyrannical body and I was happy to
help Jerry,” Reid said in a brief interview. [The Hill, 9/10/09]
Tarkanian Visited D.C. to Drum Up Support among Insiders
In September 2009, Tarkanian visited Washington, D.C. to drum up support among Republican party
leadership and other D.C. establishment.
Tarkanian said “he would welcome” John Ensign's support and “believes” the national Republican party
leaders “aren't playing primary favorites.”
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Tarkanian also said he “thinks” Senate Maj. Leader-Harry Reid was too optimistic in his hopes for the
state's economic recovery” in 2010.
Tarkanian was “heartened after meeting with” the NRSC, “that whispers not withstanding,” Nevada
Republican Chairwoman Sue Lowden”is not the national party's overt preference.”
“There's no preference in any way for Sue.” Tarkanian said that NRSC chair John Cornyn told him, “We
will help you any way we can, just as we will with the other primary candidates.”
Tarkanian also met with Senate Min. Leader Mitch McConnell. [Hotline, 9/16/09]
Tarkanian Signed No Taxes Pledge for Americans for Tax Reform
Tarkanian met with Senate Min. Leader Mitch McConnell and “signed the no-taxes pledge from
Americans for Tax Reform.” [Hotline, 9/16/09]
Tarkanian Would Welcome Ensign’s Support
Tarkanian met with and said he would welcome embattled Senator John Ensign's support despite
the Senator’s recent disclosure of an affair with a former campaign staffer.
“I'm not going to shy away from him. Senator Ensign is our senior Republican senator here. I don't
see how he's not going to be part of a Republican trying to unseat the Democrat in the state he
represents. I would wel-come his support,” Tarkanian said. [Hotline, 9/16/09]
Roll Call Said Despite Tarkanian, Republicans Still “Struggling to Find a Top-Tier Challenger”
In 2009, Roll Call reported Republicans “are still struggling to find a top-tier challenger. For now, the
leading GOP candidates appear to be Sue Lowden, the former state party chairwoman, and Danny
Tarkanian.” [Roll Call, 10/13/09]
Tarkanian Attacked Republican Primary Opponent
Tarkanian attacked his primary opponent for not living in the state.
“The fact that Mr. Chachas hasn't lived here, hasn't voted here, that'll make it very tough for him,”
Tarkanian said. [The Hill, 10/14/09]
Tarkanian Argued that his Failure to Win Election Worked in his Favor this Time
“Not being an elected official at this time suits what people want right now,” Tarkanian said. “They're
upset with the party officials that are running the [country]. They want an independent voice that's going
to go back to Washington, D.C., and represent them.” [The Hill, 10/14/09]
Dems Would Rather Face Tarkanian Because of Oppo Files against Him
A Reid adviser: “I expect him to vaporize Lowden or Tarkanian or whoever is the opponent.”
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The adviser said “the campaign's oppo files on Lowden and Tarkanian are 'growing by the day' --- and
that the only question” is “when to start using them: Wait until the GOP has a nominee, or start tearing the
candidates down in advance” of the primary.
Some Dems said “they'd rather Reid face the younger Tarkanian,” who “has never held an elected office
and who has faced allegations that as an attorney, he helped telemarketing firms later found to be engaged
in a scam.” Tarkanian “said he was not aware of their illegal activity and recently won a defamation
lawsuit over the matter.” [Hotline, 10/20/09]
Tarkanian Consultant Said He Would Run as an Outsider
In October 2009, Tarkanian consultant Jamie Fisfis said his candidate's lack of government experience
isn't a negative.
“I know that some people are running on government experience but Danny Tarkanian is running as an
outsider,” Fisfis said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/21/09]
Fellow Republican Criticized Tarkanian’s Conservative Credentials
In October 2009, Tarkanian’s Republican primary opponent Sharron Angle said she was the only one in
the crowded Republican primary with a consistent conservative record.
“I have the most legislative experience, and I also have the most consistently conservative legislative
record,” Angle said. “The rest of the candidates in the field are really asking us to read their lips and trust
them.”
Tarkanian’s consultant James Fisfis disputed the implication that his client did not have conservative
credentials.
“There are some candidates who are running on their government experience in this race,” Fisfis said.
“Danny is running as an outsider. He's run a couple times for office, including in a Republican primary,
and he's certainly carried the conservative flag in those races.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/22/09]
Tarkanian Mentioned as Possible Appointee Should Senator Ensign Resign
In October 2009, Tarkanian was mentioned as a possible appointee candidate should Sen. John Ensign
resign in the wake of ethics allegations and questions about an extramarital affair with a former aide.
Tarkanian’s Opponent, Lowden Given “Strongest Chance of Winning” the Primary
According to the Washington Times in 2009, Tarkanian’s opponent Sue Lowden was given the “strongest
chance of winning” the Republican primary. [Washington Times, 11/10/09]
Tarkanian’s GOP Opponent Said of Him “Danny Has No Record and No Wins.”
In 2009, Tarkanian’s Republican opponent, Sharron Angle said of him, “Danny has no record and no
wins.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/10/09]
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Tarkanian Used Father’s Relationship with Palins to Get her Parents and Brother to Campaign
In 2009, Tarkanian's campaign used “the Palin brand,” by making use of a relationship his father, Jerry
Tarkanian, developed with the Palin family during the presidential campaign. Palin's parents and brother
campaigned for Tarkanian in Nevada and the campaign sent out mailers with Palin's picture on it.
“It's been a big help for our campaign,” said Tarkanian's campaign director Jamie Fisfis. “Particularly in
engaging the primary voter. It attracts a lot of attention and sends a strong signal to the grass-roots who
are following the race. We've received a ton of support from it.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 12/05/09]
Tarkanian Reportedly Raised Nearly 10% of Contributions from Fresno
In December 2009, Tarkanian was reportedly “scoring big in Fresno political circles” despite his running
for Senate in Nevada. Campaign finance records showed Tarkanian raised more money in Fresno than all
but one other city. Tarkanian reported raising $24,000 from Fresno-area residents in the first three
quarters of 2009. Only Tarkanian's hometown of Las Vegas exceeded the Fresno contributions.
The Fresno contributions amounted to nearly 10 percent of the total $271,331 Tarkanian has reported
raising for his 2010 bid.
“What he has going for him is name recognition,” said David Damore, associate professor of political
science at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. “Let's face it; if this guy's name was Danny Smith, he
wouldn't be in this race.” [McClatchy Washington Bureau, 12/16/09]
The younger Tarkanian's contributors include some of the Fresno area's most prominent business leaders,
including developer Ed Kashian, businessman Robert Smittcamp and Granville Homes owner Darius
Assemi.
“His dad was a coach here for many years; he has a great reputation, and a lot of people got to know him,”
Assemi said when asked about his $2,400 contribution to Tarkanian's campaign. [Fresno Bee, 12/18/09]
Fresno Bee of Tarkanian’s Run: “When You’ve Got a Famous Name, Who Needs Qualifications?”
In 2009, the Fresno Bee wrote about Tarkanian’s Senate campaign “When you’ve got a famous name,
who needs qualifications?” and “If Danny wins, we hear the victory party will be at Black Angus.” (The
Black Angus was the site of incident where Tarkanian and some players were searched by police at gun
point after an incident.)
From the article:
Tarkanian had a news conference in town, he insisted the Fresno State men's basketball
team never committed academic fraud under his father's watch. (Never mind that the
university had done an investigation that found otherwise.)
“Deep down in my heart, I don't believe this happened,” Tarkanian said on June 20, 2003.
Spoken like a true politician, even back then.
Now Tarkanian is running for the U.S. Senate, and a few wealthy Fresno developers are
among his largest campaign contributors.
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When you've got a famous name, who needs qualifications?
*If Danny wins, we hear the victory party will be at Black Angus. [Fresno Bee, 12/19/09]
NOTE: For more information on the Black Angus, please refer to the section that begins on page 134.
Political Watcher Said Tarkanian Was Not that “Formidable a Candidate Right Now”
In December 2009, on “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” Ron Brownstein said of leading Republican
primary candidates Tarkanian and Sue Lowden, “neither one of them is that formidable a candidate right
now.” [MSNBC, “Hardball,” 12/22/09]
Cillizza: “There Is a Very Real Chance… Tarkanian or Whoever Eventually Emerges… Implodes”
In January 2010, political expert Chris Cillizza wrote a blog posting for the Washington Post on Sen.
Harry Reid’s Republican challengers.
Cillizza wrote, “Tarkanian's largest strength -- such as it is -- is based heavily on the popularity of his
father who is the former head coach of the UNLV men's basketball team. Reid can plausibly argue to
Democrats equivocating about his electoral future that there is a very real chance that Lowden, Tarkanian
or whoever eventually emerges as the Republican nominee implodes on the campaign trail and all but
hands the contest to him.” [Washingtonpost.com, Chris Cillizza Blog, 1/11/10]
Columnist on Tarkanian: “Celebrity and Packaging… More Important than Knowledge”
In January 2010, a Monterey County Herald columnist wrote, “Among the handful of absolutely serious
candidates to replace him in the strange state of Nevada is young Danny Tarkanian.” The columnist went
on to note “Danny Tarkanian's principal accomplishment is to be the son of Jerry Tarkanian, the
legendary basketball coach.”
The columnist concluded, “No matter where you stand on health care reform, the fact that Tarkanian has a
legitimate chance of succeeding someone with Reid's experience and expertise is another unfortunate
example of how, in politics, celebrity and packaging have become more important than knowledge and
performance.”
From the column:
While many coaches do everything they can to protect their players from bad influences,
[Jerry] Tarkanian introduced his Fresno State players to the bookies who later were the
focus of a long federal investigation into allegations of point-shaving involving those
athletes.
Despite his celebrity status in Las Vegas, and his long association with gamblers, Jerry
Tarkanian says he never bet on college hoops during his coaching days. That may be true,
but how is it that he has a hard time remembering the actual score of his teams' games, but
he is clear on precisely how they did against the point spread?
What does this have to do with Danny Tarkanian, who is now in a neck-and-neck
Republican primary race for the chance to run against the weakened Reid? Quite a bit,
actually, since without the family name he is just another fellow with a nice suit.
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A nonpracticing lawyer, he has made his living as an assistant coach under his father and
in the software and real estate businesses in partnership with the coach. Nothing wrong
with that. But his record in the arena of public policy consists of little more than granting
interviews and losing campaigns for the Nevada legislature and another state office.
Danny Tarkanian's mother is a former school board member who is now a well-regarded
member of the Las Vegas City Council. If he had worked more closely with her than with
his dad, he might have some qualifications to represent the Silver State in Washington.
No matter where you stand on health care reform, the fact that Tarkanian has a legitimate
chance of succeeding someone with Reid's experience and expertise is another unfortunate
example of how, in politics, celebrity and packaging have become more important than
knowledge and performance. [Monterey County Herald, Royal Calkins Column, 1/12/10]
Tark: “Well, You Know, the People of Nevada Are Looking for a Young Face with New Ideas”
In January 2010, Fox News reporter Jane Skinner interviewed Tarkanian and asked him, “What makes
you qualified? What distinguishes you? Why should you be a U.S. Senator?”
“Well, you know, the people of Nevada are looking for a young face with new ideas that is going to go
back to Washington, D.C. and fight for what's best for the people of Nevada as a whole. They're tried of
these establishment candidates that go back there and have a self interest. My past record shows that I
will fight what I believe in and I'll stand up for what's right, and I'll go back to Washington, D.C. and
bring those same principles, but do what's best for the people of Nevada,” Tarkanian said. [Federal News
Service, Fox News Transcrript, 1/12/10]
GOP Opponent Called Tarkanian “Perennial Office Shopper”
In January 2010, Tarkanain’s Republican opponent, Sue Lowden's campaign attacked him “calling
Tarkanian a 'perennial office shopper who ... has yet to win support from general election voters.’”
[Hotline, 1/13/10, Las Vegas Sun, 1/13/10]
Attacked GOP Opponent for “Evolving” Positions, Compared Her to Cirque du Soleil
In January 2010, Tarkanian's campaign attacked his Republican opponent Sue Lowden, they “issued a
memo comparing Lowden's 'evolving' positions on a number of issues to a Cirque du Soleil contortionist.”
Takanian also “criticized the dismal shape of the” state GOP under Lowden's tenure, “an issue he said is
sure to be part of the primary battle.” Tarkanian “said the party suffers from having gone without either
office space or an executive director for the past year” and that the “party is in debt and the campaign will
suffer.”
“It's going to be very difficult for the Republican Party to come together. The one great thing is that we
have the one person who can bring the Republican Party together, and that is Harry Reid. And I am
hoping that people will put aside some of the differences that are happening and come together to beat
Harry Reid,” Tarkanian said.
Lowden's camp “shot back that the party's troubles were not limited” to the state. Lowden consultant
Robert Uithoven said, “Danny's memory is as short as his list of election victories. I think most
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Republicans know that the damage done the last few cycles to our party came from the top down, not
bottom up”[Hotline, 1/13/10, Las Vegas Sun, 1/13/10]
Tarkanian Attended Tea Party Express News Conference
In January 2010, Tarkanian and other Republican opponents attended a news conference by the Tea Party
Express announcing $1 million in anti-Reid television ads to air throughout Nevada. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 1/12/10; Associated Press, 1/13/10]
Tarkanian referenced former President Ronald Reagan, a GOP icon, as a model. “We are at a pivotal time
in our state's history and our nation's history,'' Tarkanian said, praising the tea party organization as key to
helping change Washington. “Like you, I'm fed up with the arrogance of our leadership. The left is hard
at work trying to dismantle our system bit by bit. ... We need to stop this reckless and irresponsible
spending.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/13/10]
Tarkanian Began Opening the Door to Distance Himself from Embattled Sen. John Ensign
Tarkanian was quoted in a September news report saying he would welcome Sen. John Ensign's support.
However, in January 2010 in Washington, Tarkanian indicated that could change.
Tarkanian said his position “obviously changes” if Ensign's case “has gotten to be more serious.”
Referring to the FBI actions, Tarkanian said, “I am assuming this is another step making it more serious.”
Tarkanian Tried to Raise Money on Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown’s Unexpected Election
In January 2010, Tarkian attempted to use Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown’s election in his favor. He
sent out a fundraising appeal arguing that the GOP victory put the party in a good position to defeat Reid
and that he is the right Republican to take down the Majority Leader.
“Just like in Massachusetts, we can send a message that we've had enough of an ever-growing federal
government,” Tarkanian says in the fundraising e-mail. “With your support, we will end Harry Reid's four
decades in politics and kick him out of the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC permanently.” [Roll Call,
1/21/10]
Tarkanian Went to Washington to Meet with Establishment
In January 2010, Tarkanian went to Washington, D.C. “to meet with lawmakers, conservative leaders and
potential donors.” [Hotline, 1/21/10]
Tarkanian Announced Endorsement of Former California Governer
In January 2010, former California Gov. George Deukmejian endorsed Tarkanian in the Nevada
Republican primary. Deukmejian's support should help Tarkanian raise money in California.
“Danny Tarkanian is poised to become the first Armenian-American member of the United States Senate,
and I am confident that he will work tirelessly as an advocate for the issues important to all Americans,”
Deukmeian said in a statement released by the Tarkanian campaign.
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“I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Danny Tarkanian for the United States Senate,” said
Governor Deukmejian. “Danny is both an entrepreneur and a leading voice in non-profit educational work
in his community. Most importantly Danny Tarkanian is a committed to building a better future for his
state and to helping to shape the policies critical to America's future, while remaining true to our core
conservative values and fundamental principles of the Constitution.”
“I am deeply grateful for Governor Deukmejian's support,” said Tarkanian. “I have always said that I
want to be a public servant, rather than a politician, and Governor Deukmejian's strong leadership as
Governor of California is an example I would be proud to follow.” [Fresno Bee Editorial Opinion Blog, 1/21/10]
Tarkanian Was “Name-Calling from Washington, D.C.”
In January 2010, Tarkanian’s Republican opponent Sue Lowden’s campaign manager “Robert Utihoven
fired back by telling The Washington Times in an e-mail, It's unfortunate that Danny has taken his
campaign so negative, so early. .. It is also ironic that while Sue Lowden is touring Nevada, shaking
hands, meeting voters and discussing important issues, Danny is name-calling from Washington, DC.”
The Lowden campaign also questioned his viability. The fact is, Sue Lowden has a record, while all
Danny has is rhetoric, Utihoven said. Sue Lowden previously earned her way into office by running
against and defeating an entrenched state senate majority leader in a three-to-one Democratic district. On
the other hand, Danny Tarkanian has been shopping for a political office in Nevada for three of the last
four election cycles - and he is yet to win a general election. [Washington Times, Amada Carpenter Column,
1/22/10]
Tarkanian Claimed the Environment Was Ripe for a Republican to Win Reid’s Seat
In January 2010, Tarkanian said of Majority Leader Harry Reid, ''You have a candidate who hasn't been
the most popular elected official in the state, who is pushing an agenda that is completely at odds with the
constituents in his state, and you have an economic environment that is the worst the state's ever faced.''
[New York Times, 1/24/10]
Chuck Todd: Tarkanian Not an “A-List Recruit”
In January 2010, Political expert Chuck Todd told Chris Matthews on “Hardball”, “The Republicans
don’t have an A-list recruit and they’re going to have a messy primary. I mean, Jerry Tarkanian’s son, of
all people, Danny Tarkanian -- you remember the guy that used to bite the towel for the UNLV Running
Rebels? Well, his son is one of the, you know, two or three most likely Republican candidates. And in
that scenario, Democrats here think Harry Reid’s got a boxer’s chance -- to borrow a metaphor, since
Harry Reid is a former boxer -- that with all the money, that he’s got a shot.” [MSNBC, “Hardball,” 1/25/10]
Tarkanian Attacked Obama for “Vegas” Comment
In February 2010, President Barrack Obama, at a town hall meeting in NH, “said that in these tough
times, 'you don't blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you're trying to save for college.'“
Tarkanian said, “The President owes the always hospitable people of Las Vegas an immediate apology for
once again treating them as a cheap applause line instead of as fellow American citizens. ... Obviously,
the President doesn't particularly care that Nevada is represented by the Majority Leader of the U.S.
Senate -- because he remembers that Harry Reid doesn't stand up for his constituents.” [Hotline, 2/03/10;
ABC News, “Political Punch,” 2/02/10]
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Tarkanian Called Obama Visit “Socialism Summit”
In February 2010, Tarkanian called President Barrack Obama’s visit to Nevada a “socialism summit.”
“In Las Vegas, President Obama and Sen. Reid are convening a 'socialism summit' to argue for more
government control of our economy. But after a full year of broken stimulus promises, Nevadans aren't
buying what the president and Senator Reid are selling,” said Tarkanian.
“Nevadans are now rejecting the Obama-Reid attempt to base our nation's economy around government,”
said Tarkanian. “In their worldview, Washington dictates your wages, your health care and your benefits.
Their agenda is so invasive, that under their energy-tax proposal, you get taxed for turning on the wrong
light.” [Washington Times, 2/18/10]
Tarkanian Email Claimed Beating Reid Was One of Reagan’s Last Campaign Goals
In February 2010, Tarkanian sent out an email to WorldNetDailys email list with a web video that
remembers Ronald Reagan’s 1986 campaign appearance to stump against Reid, and frames the Tarkanian
bid as Reagans last campaign.
From the email:
Glenn Beck has identified our campaign as the Tea Party campaign that can win in
Nevada…
I want to put the defeat of Harry Reid in proper historical perspective, so Im
releasing a video about a single, critical day: November 3, 1986. It was the last day
of Reagan’s last campaign.
…You see, in 1986, Harry Reid first ran for the U.S. Senate, and on that fateful
November day, President Ronald Reagan came to Las Vegas to stop him.
Ronald Reagan always knew Harry Reid was a Danger to our nation. He told us
Harry Reid was a tax and spend liberal. He told us that he opposed a balanced
budget.
It took 24 years, but now were only months away from achieving one of Ronald
Reagans final campaign goals: defeating Harry Reid.
…Dont let a wealthy Republican bailouts apologist buy the Nevada primary, and
dont let Harry Reids left wing lobbyist money deny us a conservative victory in
Nevada.
Join my conservative campaign to defeat Harry Reid in Nevada and together we
will realize the dream of Ronald Reagans last campaign. [Washington Independent Blog,
2/03/10]
Tarkanian Showed Up Late for Debate, Played Scheduling Games, “Glibly” Answering Questions
In February 2010, Tarkanian was late to a Republican primary debate hosted by John Ralston.
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Ralston “told viewers that Tarkanian was scheduled to be there but was not in the studio and that they did
not know where he was.”
Shortly thereafter, Ralston “said he was getting word that Tarkanian had arrived” and “went straight into
the segment with the other three candidates.” Tarkanian “joined in after the first break.”
According to Ralston, Tarkanian “gave his usual estimable performance, glibly answering most questions
with talking points.” It's “clear he believes Lowden is his chief rival, obliquely criticizing her a couple of
times.”
But, according to Ralston, Tarkanian’s “pre-debate performance cannot be ignored.”
His camp “agreed to participate, then rejected appearing once other candidates besides Lowden were
invited and then agreed again after pressure was applied.”
Then, “inexplicably, he showed up late, blamed me and my crew for misleading him as to the time (?!)
and falsely claimed I said on the air he was scared to participate.” [Hotline, 2/05/10; “Face to Face,” 2/04/10; Las
Vegas Sun, 2/05/10]
Tarkanian Attempted to Rally Armenian Support for His Candidacy
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tarkanian “issued statements in support of
Armenian Genocide affirmation, while also raising concerns with the U.S. approach towards the
ArmeniaTurkey normalization process.”
The article noted, “If successful, Mr. Tarkanian would become the first Armenian-American to be elected
to U.S. Senate, and there are indications Armenian-Americans are beginning to rally for his candidacy,
with an early endorsement coming from California's former Republican Governor George Deukmejian.
Fundraising events for Mr. Tarkanian have been held in Armenian communities in Glendale and Fresno,
California, and a Facebook group ‘Armenians for Tarkanian’ numbered 365 members this week.” [Las
In February 2010, Tarkanian said “people peddling the myth that President Barack Obama isn't an
American citizen won't find a friendly ear with his campaign.” However, when asked by the Las Vegas
Review-Journal editorial board if he would correct people who perpetuated the myth that Obama is not a
citizen, Tarkanian replied, “From everything we have seen he is a citizen and he is entitled to be the
president.”
During a meeting with the Review-Journal editorial board, Tarkanian was asked about an
incident at a forum he attended in which an audience member shouted “send him back to
Kenya,” an apparent reference to Obama.
“From everything that we have seen, Obama is a citizen of the United States,” Tarkanian
said.
183
He continued: “These statements are a diversion from the real problems we have in our
country and we should focus on those real problems.”
When asked whether he would correct people in the future who perpetuate the Obama birth
myth, Tarkanian said: “From everything we have seen he is a citizen and he is entitled to
be the president.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/08/10]
Tarkanian Frequently Attacked his Republican Opponent Sue Lowden
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Tarkanian’s interview with the editorial
board where he continually attacked his Republican opponent, Sue Lowden.
From the article:
Where Tarkanian seemed most aggressive, if not always accurately so, was in his
criticism of Lowden. Here's where the two candidates to date have shown very different
campaign styles.
Lowden has tried to keep her sights on Reid, whom she believes will be her eventual
opponent.
Tarkanian has no shortage of criticism for Reid, but he has stepped up his regular
peppering of Lowden, mostly accusing her of flip-flopping on issues.
…During the editorial board meeting, Tarkanian took a shot at Lowden on the Yucca
subject and reprocessing.
[Lowden’s Campaign Manager Robert] Uithoven responded: “While Danny once again
attacks from his glass house, voters are starting to find out why he's lost every campaign
he's run this decade. Being punished by the Nevada Supreme Court as a lawyer, earning
an F from the NRA and being called out for lying to voters in annoying robo-calls is sure
to once again turn off the voters.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/09/10]
Tarkanian Was “a Little Defensive On the Subjects of his 0-for-2 Political Career”
board comparing him to his time playing for UNLV, Tarkanian “was off and running with an intensity
that gave me a slight sense of déjà vu.”
While he was playing, Tarkanian defied “all the negative stereotypes that go with being a coach's son and
play point guard for highly successful UNLV teams. He didn't achieve success with superior speed or
shooting skill. He was a leader who revealed an unwavering intensity and competitive spirit.”
From the article:
…While Tarkanian seemed a little defensive on the subjects of his 0-for-2 political career
and defamation litigation dust-up with a former opponent, the fact is most candidates at
this stage tend to sound more like talking points tutors than original thinkers. [Las Vegas
184
Tarkanian Praised Krolicki and Endorsed his Re-election
In February 2010, shortly after Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki announced he would not seek the
Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, Tarkanian praised Krolicki and endorsed his re-election effort.
“Brian Krolicki would have been a welcome and worthy candidate for the U.S. Senate,” Tarkanian said.
“I know that he was motivated by the same desire I have to get our country headed in the right direction
again.” [Associated Press, 2/12/10]
Tarkanian Brags Glen Beck Called Him a “Tea Party Radical”
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “On the trail, Tarkanian knows the drill. He plays to
conservatives, invoking Reagan and focusing on constitutional principles, pro-gun and anti-abortion
stances, cutting taxes and spending, and expanding development of traditional energy sources such as oil
and coal while clean alternatives are explored.”
From the profile:
He also brags that Glenn Beck of Fox News, a darling of far-right conservatives, called
him a “tea party radical,” and he mentions that “the Heaths” - former GOP vice
presidential candidate Sarah Palin's parents and brother - campaigned for him last year, and
may do so again in 2010.
Tarkanian met Sally and Chuck Heath and their son, Chuck Jr., in 2008 when they stopped
in Nevada to stump for GOP presidential candidate John McCain and his running mate
Palin.
“I've been a Tarkanian fan for years,” Chuck Heath told a local radio station in October. “It
goes back to his dad chewing on that towel years ago when UNLV was a powerhouse.”
Tarkanian said Palin and his dad hit it off, partly because the former Alaska governor was
a junior college transfer and Jerry Tarkanian made his career out of developing such
students into stars.
“For a guy who has been scrutinized by the media and attacked, he really felt for her. Dad
got on TV to support Palin,” says Tarkanian, who as a civil attorney helped defend his
father against NCAA accusations of recruiting violations over the course of more than two
decades. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Tarkanian Bragged About Not Backing Down from Reid’s Son
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported, “I'm going to win this race. There's no doubt,”
said Tarkanian, sounding like the team captain he once was, delivering a pregame pep talk. “It's going to
be a very vicious race. (Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid's not going to be easy to
beat, but I'm a fighter. I proved it with that lawsuit. I didn't back down from his son, either.” [Las Vegas
Tarkanian’s Mom Thinking About Voting for Him
185
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Asked if she would vote for him if he wins the GOP
primary, Lois Tarkanian pauses at the thought of crossing political lines. The Las Vegas city
councilwoman and former school board mainstay is a leading Democrat in Nevada. Reid has contributed
to her campaigns, and she has supported him.”
“Harry's been good to me,” she says, then tells a story about a fellow Democrat asking her how she could
even consider not supporting Reid. “He said, 'How could you do this?' And I said, 'Would you vote for
your son?' And he said, 'I know what you mean.' So yes, I think I would vote for my son. I believe my son
would be an excellent senator. He hasn't disappointed me.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Tarkanian Filed as a Senate Candidate
On March 2, 2010, Tarkanian officially filed as a Senate Candidate in Las Vegas. [Targeted News Service,
3/02/10]
Tarkanian Claimed Not Bothered by Crowded GOP Primary Field
Asked if he was bothered by the size of the Republican primary field, Tarkanian said, “Of course not…
It's really, 'Who are the people who are going to take a significant amount of votes?'“
Tarkanian said he hoped to distinguish himself to voters by calling for lower taxes and reduced regulation
and by noting his opposition to budget earmarks, the so-called “pork” spending dear to many lawmakers.
He also thinks aspects of the federal bailout didn't hold recipients accountable enough. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 3/03/10]
Tarkanian Claimed Tea Party Candidate and Fellow Armenian Ashjian a Reid Plant
In March 2010, Tarkanian accused Jon Scott Ashjian, a new Tea Party candidate running for U.S. Senate,
of being a fake Tea Party candidate. Some Republicans were alleging Ashjian was put in the race by
agents of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to siphon votes from the GOP.
“No doubt about it,” said Tarkanian. “Nobody in the Tea Party knows who he is. He didn't know any of
the principles of the Tea Party.” Tarkanian even accuses “Harry Reid's staff, campaign, whatever” of
picking Ashjian because he's Armenian, as is Tarkanian. He explains, “They know the Armenians are
very close, they'll vote for each other.”
As for Reid, an aide dismisses the accusations. As does Reid, who says he's never met Ashjian or “anyone
in his family.” Reid tells CNN, “I think there are too many conspiratorialists in the world today. This is a
free country.” [CNN.com, 3/10/10]
Tarkanian Admitted He Had No Proof
When “pressed,” Tarkanian “acknowledged he had no factual evidence of Reid's meddling in”
Ashjian's campaign. Tarkanian spokesperson Jamie Fisfis said, “The evidence is of course
circumstantial, but it's strong enough to make many in the Tea Party movement suspicious.”
After noting the Armenian connection, “Tarkanian suggested it might have been the Mormon
connection that drew Reid to Ashjian, because both are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.” [Hotline, 3/11/10; Las Vegas Sun, 3/11/10]
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Tarkanian Distanced Himself from Ensign, Did Not “Realistically” Expect to Campaign with Him
In March 2010, aides to Tarkanian “said the candidate was sticking by a statement he made in January
after Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) - a possible candidate for [Sen. John] Ensign's seat in 2012 - said Ensign
was “certainly” having a problem performing his job and has ‘put a cloud’ on the state's delegation. In the
statement, Tarkanian said he did not ‘realistically’ expect to campaign with Ensign and that the ‘people of
Nevada need to know that Sen. Ensign can represent them effectively.’” [Politico.com, 3/15/10]
Palin’s Dad Cut Radio Ads for Tarkanian, Three Other Radio Ads to Follow
In March 2010, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Chuck Heath, the father of former Alaska Gov.
Sarah Palin, endorsed Tarkanian's bid for the Senate, and was featured in Tarkanian’s first radio ad.
In Tarkanian's first radio ad, Chuck Heath reached out to Nevadans who voted for the 2008 GOP
presidential ticket of John McCain and running mate Palin and urged them to vote for Tarkanian as the
true conservative in the primary.
“You supported my daughter Sarah Palin, now please join me in supporting another strong conservative:
Danny Tarkanian,” Heath said in the 60-second spot. Palin's father said Tarkanian was against abortion,
for gun rights and, “He will fight to cut taxes, slash spending, and end budget-busting pork barrel
politics.”
“I can tell you firsthand, he is the guy conservatives want fighting for them against the business-as-usual
crowd in D.C.,” Heath said in the ad.
The statewide radio ad is the first of four Tarkanian plans to run in rotation until the primary election on
June 8, according to his campaign manager, Jamie Fisfis. The other three would begin airing the
following week and featured a biographical spot, a spot on issues and one with the mother of a boy
Tarkanian has mentored.
The single mother identified herself as Carmen and talks about how Tarkanian has helped her son.
“Danny coached Johnny at the basketball academy, but he's taught Johnny life skills, too,” she said in the
ad. “And that's made a real difference in Johnny's life.” She said Tarkanian told her son hard work and
education are important and “you must stand for what you believe.” She said her son was getting good
grades and “college is in his future.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/15/10]
In March 2010, Fox News played a clip of Tarkanian’s radio ad featuring Palin’s father.
From the ad:
CHUCK HEATH: Hello, Nevada. This is Chuck Heath Wasilla, Alaska. You supported my
daughter Sarah Palin, and now join me in supporting another strong conservative, Danny
Tarkanian. Danny is strongly prolife. We can count on him to protect our second
amendment rights.
I can tell you firsthand he's a guy conservatives want fighting for them against the business
as usual crowd in Washington, D.C. Thanks a lot, and help Danny out. [International Wire, Fox
News, 3/16/10]
187
Tarkanian Launched TV Ads Emphasizing Conservative Principles and Government Spending
In March 2010, Tarkanian said he launched television ads on cable in mid-March and would start
advertising on network television in late March. He said the spots would describe his views on
conservative principles and government spending.
“I think we started at the right time to get our message out,” said Tarkanian, who was getting on television
months after Reid and weeks after Lowden. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/21/10]
Tarkanian Criticized as Not the Real Tea Party Candidate
In March 2010, Tarkanian’s Republican opponent Sharron Angle said of Tarkanian, “They're calling him
the Tea Party guy - Danny,” noting she attended several Tea Party events where Tarkanian wasn't present
and she followed the Tea Party Express bus through several Nevada stops. “These are the real grass-roots
voters. I listen to them. And when you don't listen to the grass-roots, you're in trouble.”
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “The pastor's wife, Diana, tells Angle she got an automated
phone call she thinks came from the Tarkanian campaign, which has been busy attacking GOP frontrunner Lowden, who has been counterattacking him on issues ranging from taxes to bailouts to business
practices.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/21/10]
Tarkanian Began Airing Two TV Ads Attempting to Claim Conservative Mantel
In late March 2010, Tarkanian began airing his first two TV ads. The full scripts are below.
“Conservatives Are Endorsing Tarkanian”
TARKANIAN: “Conservatives are endorsing my grassroots campaign to retire Harry Reid
because I'll listen to you, the people, not the establishment. I'll slash Washington spending by
eliminating pork and banning big business bailouts. My plan creates private sector jobs by cutting
taxes and starting clean nuclear recycling at Yucca Mountain. I'm not the establishment candidate
but that's OK with me. I'll fight to end business as usual. I'm Danny Tarkanian and I approve this
message.”
“Fiscal Responsibility”
TARKANIAN: “Have you heard that the stimulus bill funded a turtle tunnel in Florida? Just
another example of how billions in bailouts and pork are spending America into oblivion. The
Constitution never intended government bailouts for big business nor tax payer funded turtle
tunnels in Florida. Let's get back to the original roles of government. Let's protect our nation's
borders and let others take care of the turtles. I'm Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message.”
[Hotline, 3/25/10]
Tarkanian Joined Tea Party Rally to Attack Reid in Searchlight
In March 2010, Tarkanian joined thousands of Tea Party and many of his Republican opponents in
Searchlight, NV, the hometown of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Former Alaska Governor Sarah
Palin kicked off the rally.
188
Tarkanian, said Reid has “alienated himself from the people of Nevada, and the economy is getting worse
and worse and worse.” [CNN.com, 3/26/10, 3/27/10]
Tea Party Opponent Called Tarkanian “A Crybaby Who Knows He Can’t Win”
Jon Scott Ashjian said about Tarkanian, “I think Danny Tarkanian is a crybaby who knows he can't win. I
think at the end of the day Danny Tarkanian can make whatever excuses he wants to make, but
Armenians don't make excuses. Armenians battle through adversity.” [Hotline, 3/26/10; Los Angeles Times,
3/26/10]
Tarkanian Forced to Apologize for Lying About Using “Socialism” in Robocall
In March 2010, Tarkanian “admits” he was wrong “when he denied using the word 'socialism' in a
robocall against” his Republican opponent Sue Lowden.
In a joint appearance with Lowden on KXNT-AM radio, Tarkanian “was challenged by the host on his
campaign tactics” and he claimed “he never used the word 'socialism' in the robocall.” But “a recording of
the call contradicts Tarkanian,” making it clear he “tied Lowden to the Wall Street bailout and then
described the bailouts as 'socialism.'“
Tarkanian spokesperson James Fisfis”notes that Tarkanian had been accused by the host of calling
Lowden a 'socialist.'“ At “no point during the robocall, though, does he directly use the word to describe
her.” Fisfis said, “Danny was wrong that the word 'socialism' wasn't in there. He was asked if he had
called her a socialist, and he didn't.” [Hotline, 3/26/10; The Hill, 3/25/10]
Tarkanian Began Running Ads, Expected to Go Negative
In March 2010, Tarkanian was running campaign ads. Tarkanian consultant Jamie Fisfis”said the media
buys will increase until the primary, and he is certain his candidate will be able to raise the millions of
dollars needed to pay for the ads.”
Asked “whether the ads will go negative at some point,” Fisfis said he “expects all the candidates to get
engaged with each other.” [The Hotline, 3/30/10]
Began “Strong Verbal and Email Attacks” Against his Primary Opponent
According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, after Tarkanian’s primary opponent Sue Lowden began
television early he began “strong verbal and e-mail attacks” against her. [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
3/30/10]
First Ad Touted Him as Non-Establishment Candidate, Second Touted Criticized Stimulus
According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian’s first ad was “touting himself as the nonestablishment candidate.” His second ad criticized “a plan to use $3.4 million in federal stimulus
funding to pay for a tunnel in Florida to protect turtles from freeway traffic.” Tarkanian said in
the ad, the project was “just another example of how billions in bailouts and pork are spending
America into oblivion.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/30/10]
Consultant Claimed Media Buys Would Only Increase Through Primary
189
Jamie Fisfis, a Tarkanian campaign consultant, said the media buys would increase until the
primary, and he was certain his candidate would be able to raise the millions of dollars needed to
pay for the ads.
“We'll never have less from here on out in terms of what people are hearing from us. And we'll
make sure our fundraising is going to match what we want to do,” said Fisfis, who explained the
campaign was trying to be efficient by targeting conservative talk show and TV audiences. [Las
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman, Lowden Discouraged It
2008: Considered Running For Clark County GOP Chairman, Lowden Discouraged It. In July
2007, Tarkanian said he had planned to run for Chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, but then
changed his mind. “I was nominated at the last meeting and I considered it, but (state Chairwoman) Sue
Lowden appointed me to a committee to train candidates in Assembly and Senate races instead,”
Tarkanian said. Lowden endorsed the current chairman for re-election. [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
7/9/07]
2008: Was A Nevada Delegate At The Republican National Convention
2008: Was A Nevada Delegate At The Republican National Convention. In 2008, Tarkanian was
announced as a delegate from the Nevada Republican Party for the Republican National Convention.
[States News Service, 8/30/08]
“I think it would behoove our party for us to welcome them in and smooth over any rough feelings we
have,” Tarkanian said of welcoming in the Ron Paul supporters. “I just think we need to bring them back
into the fold. Whether it's too late or not, I don't know. But it's up to us to reach out to them.” [Reno GazetteJournal, 8/31/08]
Tarkanian Said Before Convention His Favorite Drink Was “Wine or Vodka Tonic”
In a who’s who of Nevada Convention Delegates, Tarkaniangave the following answers:
Who did you support in the caucuses: McCain
Who do you support now: McCain
Who is the first presidential candidate you voted for: Ronald Reagan
What does John McCain need to know to win Nevada: He's at odds on a number of
Nevada issues, which is going to make it tough for him, but Nevada is also
independent. There a streak of libertarian in Nevada voters.
What is your favorite drink: Wine or vodka tonic; water, more water. [Reno GazetteJournal, 8/31/08]
Supported McCain Despite Being “On The Wrong Side” Of Nevada Issues
190
Supported McCain Despite Being “On The Wrong Side” Of Nevada Issues. In 2008, Tarkanian said
he supported Sen. John McCain for president, but noted of Nevada issues “he’s on the wrong side of all of
them.”
“There are three or four major Nevada issues - immigration, Yucca Mountain, sports betting - and he's on
the wrong side of all of them,” said Tarkanian, who described himself as a McCain supporter. [Reno
2006: Nevada Secretary Of State
2006: Lost Secretary Of State General Election To Democrat Ross Miller By A Vote Of 48.73
2006: Lost Secretary Of State Campaign To Democrat Ross Miller. “He got more ambitious two
years later, running for secretary of state in 2006. Tarkanian won a two-man primary easily, but lost to
Democrat Ross Miller in the general election, 48 percent to 41 percent.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
2006 Nevada Secretary of State General Election Results
Candidate
Vote Number
Janine Hansen
38,757
Ross Miller
279,510
Danny Tarkanian
232,705
None Of These Candidates
22,666
TOTAL
573,638
Percentage
6.76%
48.73%
40.57%
3.95%
Column Mocked Tark, Miller Because They Were Running On “Daddy’s Name”
Column Mocked Tark, Miller Because They Were Running On “Daddy’s Name.” In 2006, an Erin
Neff Column predicted Tarkanian would lose his race for Secretary of State.
The columnist predicted, “Ross Miller will become secretary of state after both he and his opponent,
Danny Tarkanian, prove how green they are, and how voters wouldn't give them the time of day if not for
daddy's name.”
From the column:
The year of opportunity should be enough to get one Democrat into a statewide office.
But, who?
I'll go to the second-generation race and take the son of Bob Miller over the son of Jerry
Tarkanian in a squeaker. Ross Miller will become secretary of state after both he and his
opponent, Danny Tarkanian, prove how green they are, and how voters wouldn't give
them the time of day if not for daddy's name. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Erin Neff Column,
1/01/06]
Wanted To Use His Background To Make Nevada A Better Place For Business
191
Wanted To Use His Background To Make Nevada A Better Place For Business. In his 2006
campaign for secretary of state, Tarkanian said he wanted to use his expertise in business and law to make
Nevada a better place for business.
Tarkanian proposed the creation of a business court in Reno and Las Vegas to expedite the resolution of
disputes. Other states have initiated such programs, and Nevada needs to remain competitive in its efforts
to attract business, he said.
“These specialized courts could act more quickly, and the rules could be streamlined,” he said.
Tarkanian also proposed a change in how elected officials report campaign contributions. At the time, the
information came out too late to be of much use to voters, he said.
Tarkanian said contributions should be reported online monthly in an election year, and the reports should
be updated daily for the 30 days leading up to an election. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/27/06]
Tarkanian’s Credentials Called “Lightweight” And “Demonstrable Talents” Were Basketball
Tarkanian’s Credentials Called “Lightweight” And “Demonstrable Talents” Were Basketball. In
2006, an Erin Neff column called Tarkanian’s credentials for public office “lightweight.” Neff also noted
that his only “demonstrable talents” were “playing hoops and coaching youth basketball.”
From the column:
Republicans have just one candidate so far this year with public service lineage. Danny
Tarkanian, son of former UNLV basketball coach Jerry and Las Vegas City
Councilwoman Lois, is running for secretary of state. His demonstrable talents? Playing
hoops and coaching youth basketball.
This year's secretary of state race could potentially pit the lightweight credentials of
Tarkanian the Younger against the budding legal career of Miller 2. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, Erin Neff Column, 1/31/06]
Took Advantage Of Basketball Connections In Fundraiser For Campaign
Took Advantage Of Basketball Connections In Fundraiser For Campaign. In 2006, Tarkanian held a
fundraiser with some of the biggest names in UNLV basketball history, including Stacey Augmon, Larry
Johnson and Reggie Theus.
“They all said they would be there, but it's hard to get commitments from these big-name guys,”
Tarkanian said.
Tarkanian said it wouldn't be fair to malign him for using his name and family contacts toward his
political goals.
“Anybody who's seen me or talked to me knows I'm running on specific issues,” he said. “I talk about my
qualifications, but I need to use whatever advantages I have to raise money.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
4/17/06]
192
Misstated Office He Was Running For As “Security Of State”
Misstated Office He Was Running For As “Security Of State.” According to the Las Vegas ReviewJournal, “Candidates are typically asked why they're seeking office. In the case of Danny Tarkanian a
more appropriate question might be what office he's seeking. On a candidate information form he filled
out recently for the Review-Journal, the Republican secretary of state candidate filled in the line next to
‘Office you're seeking’ with the title ‘security of state.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 6/11/06]
Endorsed by Nevada Concerned Citizens – an Ultra Conservative Group
Endorsed By Nevada Concerned Citizens – An Ultra Conservative Group. In 2006, Tarkanian and
his Republican primary opponent for secretary of state, Brian Scroggins, were both endorsed in the race
by Nevada Concerned Citizens, which espouses fiscal restraint and conservative positions on social
issues.
The group was chaired by same-sex marriage opponent Richard Ziser. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/17/06]
Accused Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With Communist Party And ACLU
Accused Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With Communist Party And ACLU. In August 2006,
Tarkanian's website claimed his primary opponent Brian Scroggins was on the same side as the
Communist Party and the American Civil Liberties Union. All three, according to the website were
opposed to Tarkanian's proposal to require people to prove their citizenship when they go to the polls.
That assertion prompted the chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, John Hambrick, to intervene
on Scroggins' behalf in a private letter to Tarkanian that was obtained by the Review-Journal. “The
suggestion that Brian and the ACLU have similar goals and ideas relating to voter issues is clearly a
mischaracterization,” Hambrick wrote. “This style of campaigning provides the Democrats with campaign
issues that will only hurt the party's chances to be successful in November.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
8/14/06]
Tarkanian said the letter struck him as inappropriate. “John's obviously very close with Brian and
he's trying to help Brian's campaign in the last minute,” he said.
Hambrick was acting on his personal relationship with Scroggins and shouldn't have done so on
party letterhead, Tarkanian said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/14/06]
Said Of General Election: “We’re Starting From The Same Position”
Said Of General Election: “We’re Starting From The Same Position.” “I really think it's going to be a
great race because we're starting from the same position,” Tarkanian said after the primary ended pitting
him against Democratic candidate Ross Miller, son of former governor Bob Miller. “We're proud to be
associated with our parents, but we need to get out and present our faces and present our issues. Whatever
name ID I have will be offset by whatever ID he has. We both have older name recognition in that the
majority of Nevadans weren't here when his father was governor and when my father was UNLV coach.
We'll have to make ourselves known to new people.” [Associated Press, 8/16/06]
193
Miller Attacked Tarkanian On Ties To Telemarketers In 2006, Using Affidavit, Court Document
Miller Attacked Tarkanian On Ties To Telemarketers In 2006, Using Affidavit, Court Document.
In 2006, Ross Miller attacked Tarkanian on the telemarketer issue once again, challenging Tarkanian's
claim that he had a minor role in several companies caught up in telemarketing scams. [Associated Press,
10/25/06]
Miller: Tarkanian Set up Companies that Bilked Senior Citizens
Tarkanian helped set up the phony telemarketing firm was the most damning of the allegations,
according to Miller.
“He filed documents with the office he wants to run as a resident agent and attorney for a
fraudulent telemarketing organization that bilked elderly citizens out of quite a bit of money,”
Miller said. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Miller Produced Affidavit from Felon Wrobel
Miller's team produced an affidavit from Jan Wrobel, who spent four years in prison for his part in
a scheme that allegedly bilked elderly victims out of more than $3 million.
Wrobel said in the document that Tarkanian persuaded his father, Lee Wrobel, to name Jan
Wrobel the sole corporate officer so his “youth and inexperience would provide a strong defense”
for his parents if the telemarketing business was charged with breaking any federal or state laws.
Wrobel was 18 at the time. [Associated Press, 10/25/06]
Miller Obtained Sentencing Memo Allegedly Implicating Tarkanian
The Miller campaign also produced a 1999 sentencing memo filed in federal court by
Wrobel's attorney at the time, Booker Evans Jr., stating that Tarkanian knew or should
have known that Wrobel was little more than a “pawn.” [Associated Press, 10/25/06]
NOTE: Attempts to locate a copy of the sentencing memo mentioned above have been
unsuccessful to date.
Tarkanian Denied Charges
Tarkanian said he had nothing to do with the telemarketing fraud, claiming that he had been hired
simply to file papers for the companies.
“All I was was an attorney who did legal work for some clients and a few of those clients got
indicted for telemarketing fraud,” Tarkanian said. “Because I did that, in politics, they take one
fact and try to twist it as far as they can just to make you look bad.”
In an explanation sent to the Gazette-Journal, Tarkanian’s campaign wrote:
A man who had once served as a ball boy while Danny played at UNLV hired
Danny to incorporate a nonprofit company for him. He subsequently hired Danny
to incorporate other companies, and referred several friends to Danny to have
their companies incorporated. This person, along with some, but not all, of the
194
friends he had referred to Danny, was later indicted for telemarketing fraud.
Danny had no involvement with the indicted businesspeople or their businesses
except to act as their attorney for incorporation. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/16/06]
Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him – Leif Reid Called The Ad “False
And Misleading”
Ran Ad Claiming Leif Reid Investigated Him And Cleared Him. In 2006, Tarkanian ran a TV ad
during his unsuccessful run for Secretary of State claiming that Leif Reid, who served as a white-collar
crime prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office from 1997 to 1999, cleared Tarkanian of any involvement
in illegal telemarketing activities.
Reid Called It “False and Misleading”
Reid, a Reno attorney and son of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, wrote a letter
demanding Tarkanian to stop using his name in the ad.
“I was surprised to see my name in an advertisement supporting Danny Tarkanian,” said Reid. “If
asked, I would not have agreed to the statement contained in the advertisement.”
“The purpose of my letter is to not support any one candidate,” Reid said. “I responded with the
letter because I think the ad and Danny Tarkanian's use of my name is false and misleading. [Reno
“My ad is 100 percent factual,” Tarkanian said. “These are facts that he cannot dispute.” [Reno
Opponent Compared Tarkanian To O.J. Simpson
Opponent Compared Tarkanian To O.J. Simpson. In a 2006 forum, Tarkanian said he favored a bill
that would subject unidentified automated phone callers to criminal penalties, Miller told KLVX-TV,
Channel 10, host Mitch Fox, “Danny Tarkanian trying to suggest for an end to automated phone calls is a
little bit like O.J. Simpson asking for an end to domestic violence.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/05/06]
Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorsed Tarkanian’s Opponent For Secretary Of State
Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorsed Tarkanian’s Opponent For Secretary Of State. In 2006, the
Las Vegas Review-Journal endorsed Democrat Ross Miller for secretary of state over Tarkanian.
From the endorsement:
Mr. Miller, a Clark County deputy district attorney, and Mr. Tarkanian, a businessman
and nonpracticing attorney, have lots of ideas for election policy that would require
legislative approval and are, therefore, outside their control. Voters should be more
concerned with picking the best person to run the office.
That's Mr. Miller, who has the integrity to oversee elections and the ideas and work ethic
to improve public access to campaign finance documents and make the office's
transactions with businesses - worth tens of millions of dollars annually to the state more efficient. We urge Mr. Miller to drop his proposals to increase the signature
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requirements for constitutional amendments and have the secretary of state draft the titles
and text of initiative petitions; the initiative process needs less government interference,
not more. Nonetheless, the Review-Journal endorses Ross Miller for secretary of state.
Tarkanian Campaign “Turned Nasty in the Final Weeks” Running Attack Ads
Tarkanian Campaign “Turned Nasty in the Final Weeks” Running Attack Ads. According to the
Associated Press, in 2006, “The race between Tarkanian and Miller for secretary of state turned nasty in
the final weeks, with each running TV attack ads.” [Associated Press, 11/07/06]
Tarkanian Proposed Ban on Anonymous Automated Calls
In 2006, Tarkanian proposed a ban on anonymous automated telephone calls. Tarkanian said that, if
elected, he would submit a bill to the 2007 Legislature to require identification on all automated phone
calls, specifying who is paying for the calls and a phone number associated with the candidate or
organization.
Such a law was already on the books in Nevada, but Tarkanian said his proposal would toughen the
measure by requiring identification of the company performing the calling and imposing fines for
violations.
“People are tired of receiving calls from unidentified candidates and organizations, specifically our senior
citizen population that often falls prey to unscrupulous telemarketers and outlandish claims by candidates
and political organizations,” Tarkanian said. “Requiring identification and a phone number the recipients
can call will alleviate most of the problems associated with these calls.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/30/06]
…However, Democrats Suggested It Was a Case of Guilty Conscience
However, Democrats suggested the proposal was a case of a guilty conscience. Democrats
included a recording in a news release of an anonymous call sent to voters before the August 15
primary that attacked Tarkanian's Republican rival Brian Scroggins.
The anonymous call said that Scroggins lied in political mailers he sent to voters and that he could
not be trusted. Scroggins was a Boy Scout volunteer and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and the message went on to say, “He's an embarrassment to the Boy Scouts and
the church he professes to believe in.”
Tarkanian denied paying for the anonymous call about Scroggins and said the Democratic Party
was the only one to gain from the call. He said such a vile recording would only hurt his own
campaign, not help. Democrats denied paying for the call. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/30/06]
Tarkanian’s Republican Opponent Appeared to Blame Him for the Call
The anonymous call aimed at Republican candidate Brian Scroggins caused his campaign manager
to issue a statement suggesting Tarkanian might be involved.
“These types of desperate tactics less than 24 hours before an election have no place in the
Republican primary and no place in the great state of Nevada,” said the statement issued Aug. 14.
“We are calling on Danny Tarkanian and his campaign to denounce these calls immediately,
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disclose all involvement in this unethical tactic and apologize to all the Republican voters who
were hit with this negative and desperate campaign maneuver.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/30/06]
2004: Nevada State Senate
2004: Lost General Election For State Senate By A Vote Of 53.75 Percent To 46.25 Percent
2004: Lost Election For State Senate. “So far, Mr Tarkanian has not translated this name recognition
into political success--he lost a race for the state Senate in 2004--but he has access to basketball stars and
money.” [The Economist, 10/01/09]
2004 Nevada State Senate, Clark District 11, General Election Results
Candidate
Vote Number
Mike Schneider
13,649
Danny Tarkanian
11,746
TOTAL
25,395
Percentage
53.75%
46.25%
Tarkanian Considered To Challenge Reid In 2004
Tarkanian Considered To Challenge Reid In 2004. In 2004, the Las Vegas Sun reported a rumor that
Danny Tarkanian was being considered to run against Sen. Harry Reid. [Hotline, 2/11/04]
Ralston: “Now, THAT Is The Definition Of Desperation”
Ralston: “Now, THAT Is The Definition Of Desperation.” According to Hotline, “Las Vegas Sun's
Ralston writes ‘How desperate are Washington, D.C. Republicans to find a candidate against Sen. Harry
Reid (D)? The latest missive from a Capitol Hill operative tells me that the new focus’ of some GOPers
is ex-UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian son Danny Tarkanian. ‘Now, THAT is the definition of
desperation.’ Tarkanian probably isn't even ‘the best candidate in the race he had been considering -- state
Sen. Mike Schneider's (D) seat,’ as ex-state Treas. Bob Seale (R) ‘could be more viable’ (1/27).” [Hotline,
1/28/04]
Also according to Hotline, “Las Vegas Sun's Ralston writes some of the ‘GOP geniuses’ in DC ‘think son
of Tark would be able to raise some out-of-state money based on Daddy's name and might give Reid
some trouble. There is a word for this kind of analysis by Washington, DC savants: Idiotic’ (2/10).”
[Hotline, 2/11/04]
Tarkanian Traveled To D.C. Twice In 2004, Once To Meet With The NRSC
Tarkanian Traveled To D.C. Twice In 2004, Once To Meet With The NRSC. According to the Las
Vegas Review-Journal in 2004, “Danny Tarkanian, a local attorney and son of former UNLV basketball
coach Jerry Tarkanian, has traveled to Washington, D.C., twice, most recently to meet with the
Republican National Senatorial Campaign. He also is considering running for the state Senate.” [Las Vegas
“We've talked to him, as well as some of the other candidates being mentioned,” said Dan Allen,
spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
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“Seems some of the GOP geniuses [in Washington] think [the] son of Tark would be able to raise some
out-of-state money based on Daddy's name and might give Reid some trouble,” Las Vegas political
columnist Jon Ralston wrote in his e-mail newsletter this week. “There is a word for this kind of analysis
by Washington, D.C., savants: idiotic. The Republicans are desperate,” Ralston continued. “The idea that
[anyone] would think he is U.S. Senate timber is laughable,” Ralston said. [Roll Call, 2/12/04]
Tarkanian Claimed Politics Was His “Top Priority” Since Leaving Fresno State
Tarkanian Claimed Politics Was His “Top Priority” Since Leaving Fresno State. In 2004, the Fresno
Bee reported on Tarkanian’s potential run for U.S. Senate. The paper described it as “which would be
quite the Cinderella run for a Republican who never has held a political office.”
“I'm not saying it's the thing I'll do,” Tarkanian said. “But it's not every day you have an opportunity like
this. The day I left Fresno State, getting into politics was my top priority. It would be foolish for me to not
look into this.”
“It doesn't hurt to be well known to begin with,” said Michael Der Manouel, a GOP strategist from Fresno
who consulted with Tarkanian on a potential U.S. Senate run. “Being well known cuts both ways. I would
argue that Harry Reid has more baggage than Danny Tarkanian.”
“The more time goes by, the less chance I'll do it,” Tarkanian said. “I guess I'm not as excited as some
people may think. There's a lot to consider.” [Fresno Bee, 3/25/04]
Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorsed Tarkanian in 2004
Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorsed Tarkanian in 2004. In 2004, the Las Vegas Review-Journal
editorial board endorsed Tarkanian in his bid to unseat Sen. Mike Schneider.
From the endorsement:
Mr. Schneider was a proponent last session of the most massive tax increase in state
history and continues to advocate more spending and government programs. “Is Nevada
going to be a Third World country ... ?” he asks. Mr. Tarkanian, a nonpracticing attorney,
would likely be far less profligate with taxpayer money. He emphasizes more
accountability for public education and promises 'to work harder than anyone' in Carson
City. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Editorial, 10/17/04]
Accusations Of Dirty Politics
Blamed By Roberson Campaign For Story About Roberson’s Alleged Campaign Finance
Improprieties
Blamed By Roberson Campaign For Story About Roberson’s Alleged Campaign Finance
Improprieties.” State Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson pushed back against suggestions that he
or his political action committees engaged in any improper campaign finance activities. A complaint filed
with the Nevada secretary of state’s office by Michael Brown of Las Vegas asked the state's chief
elections official to examine whether four political action committees tied to the Republican engaged in
an illegal practice called ‘conduit contributions.’ … A Roberson adviser laid the blame squarely at the
feet of Danny Tarkanian, a fellow Republican also in the 3rd District race. ‘Danny Tarkanian, who has
been successfully sued for malpractice and sanctioned by the Nevada Supreme Court, had his buddy send
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a poorly written letter that didn’t make a single point of law -- or even identify a violation of any kind,’
said Roberson adviser Mike Slanker. ‘He sent a letter that any Nevadan can send just so Danny could get
free press. While his complaint lacks any merit and fails to make an actual point, he did manage to get his
name in the paper.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/28/16]
Tarkanian Campaign Called Roberson’s Response To Accusation A “Non-Response.” “Tarkanian’s
campaign fired back. ‘Michael Roberson’s legalistic ‘mumbo jumbo’ response was a non-response that
shows he hopes this investigation is swept under the rug,” the campaign said in a statement. “But the
citizen’s complaint shows a clear pattern of contributions that would give any person reasonable suspicion
that Michael Roberson was trying to skirt campaign finance limits. Why else would a politician create a
series of home-based PACs spending hundreds of thousands of special interest dollars on a few favored
candidates?” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/28/16]
Attacked Roberson For Imposing A Tax On Business Revenue
Attacked Roberson For Imposing A Tax On Business Revenue. “Famous son Danny Tarkanian, now
running for Congress in the 3rd District, attacked primary rival state Sen. Michael Roberson, RHenderson, over the passage of the commerce tax in the 2015 Legislature. In an interview on
‘PoliticsNOW’ (airing at 5:30 p.m. tonight), Tarkanian slammed Roberson for signing an anti-tax pledge
and campaigning against taxes, only to play an instrumental role in the passage of the state's first tax on
business revenue.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 3/27/16]
In An Ad
In An Ad. “A Nevada congressional candidate is demanding a new political advertisement be taken down
over alleged use of unauthorized footage. Dr. Annette Teijeiro's campaign is sending a cease and desist
letter to rival candidate Danny Tarkanian over a new ad airing in Las Vegas. The two Republicans are
running in the primary for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District. Tarkanian's ad, which began airing
Monday, uses footage of state Sen. Michael Roberson at a candidate forum in March filmed by the
Teijeiro campaign. The ad doesn't mention Teijeiro.” [KTNV, 4/19/16]
Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report – FEC Determined In 2014 That Tarkanian
Campaign Likely Accepted A Prohibited $500 Corporate Contribution, But Dismissed The
Allegation Because The Amount Did Not Merit Use Of Commission Resources To Prosecute
Irregularities” In His First Campaign Finance Report. “The Nevada Democratic Party filed a
complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday against Danny Tarkanian, alleging
‘numerous irregularities’ in his first campaign finance report. … In their complaint, Nevada Democrats
said Tarkanian accepted corporate contributions and failed to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in
personal debt from his failed 2010 Senate campaign. They also suggested Tarkanian might be
circumventing federal rules on donation limits by reporting limited-liability corporate donations without
any indication of the involved partners. The accusations of irregularities are not direct charges of illegal
activity, save for one instance: Tarkanian received $500 from Haig’s Quality Printing, which is registered
as a corporation with the Nevada secretary of state and thus cannot contribute to his campaign. The
charges are also not all borne of his campaign finance report: Nevada Democrats drew certain inferences as to Tarkanian’s debt, for instance - by comparing his campaign ledgers with his personal disclosures and
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statements to the press. Tarkanian loaned himself $260,000 to fund his Senate campaign and appears to
have forgiven the bulk of that loan; FEC filings show the candidate claims to have just over $3,000 in
debt - a figure that exactly matches the debt he claimed during his 2010 Senate campaign - but do not
itemize to whom it is owed.” [Politico, 5/03/12; Federal Election Commission, Complaint, 5/01/12]
In Another FEC Complaint, The Nevada Democratic Party Alleged Tarkanian Failed To Report
$250,000 In Campaign Spending. “Democrats say Tarkanian accepted a $2,500 contribution from a
donor who had already hit the legal campaign donation limit. They also say Tarkanian didn't report about
$250,000 in campaign spending during the proper reporting period, and that he didn't refund certain
illegal campaign donations within the law's 30-day limit.” [Associated Press, 6/27/12]
The Allegations In The Complaint Were Dismissed With Caution – Stated That There Were
Reporting Errors And Had Accepted A $500 Prohibited Contribution. “Although the [Tarkanian for
Congress] Committee made a number of reporting errors in violation of the Act and appears to have
accepted a $500 prohibited contribution, the Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to dismiss
those allegations due to the modest amounts in violation and the Committee's remedial efforts. See
Heckler v. Chaney, 470 U.S. 821 (1985). With respect to the remaining allegations, the Commission finds
no reason to believe that there was a violation of the Act for the reasons provided below.” [Federal
The Tarkanian Campaign Accepted A Prohibited $500 Contribution From A Corporation, But
Refunded It, And FEC Determined It Did Not Merit Further Use Of Commission Resources To
Prosecute. “In addition, although it appears that Haig's made, and the Committee accepted a prohibited
corporate contribution of $500 in violation of 2 U.S.C. §§ 441 b(a) and 441 a(f), respectively, due to the
amount in violation, pursuit of these violations does not merit the further use of Commission resources.
See 12 Fed. Reg. at 2 12,545-46. Accordingly, the Commission exercises its prosecutorial discretion to
dismiss these allegations, and reminds the Committee and Haig's regarding the Act's prohibition on
accepting or receiving and making corporate contributions.” [Federal Election Commission, Factual and
Legal Analysis, 6/30/14]
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed Complaint Against Tarkanian Campaign’s Online Lottery
2012: Nevada Democratic Party Filed Complaint Against Tarkanian Campaign’s Online Lottery.
“The Nevada State Democratic Party today sent a letter to the Nevada Gaming Control Board urging the
Board to investigate whether Danny Tarkanian’s campaign violated Nevada law over an online lottery
Tarkanain conducted earlier this month. Last week, Tarkanian offered campaign contributors a raffle
opportunity to win tickets to a UNLV basketball game, transportation provided, and attend the game with
Tarkanian. This qualifies as a charitable lottery under N.R.S. 462.064 and thus makes it subject to the
Gaming Control Board’s authority. Tarkanian may have evaded the statutory requirement to register as an
entity approved to conduct a charitable lottery in Nevada. The campaign may have also understated the
value of the raffle prizes in question in order to avoid regulatory oversight. Furthermore, the campaign
may be selling the tickets/entries for this charitable lottery outside of the geographical area permitted
under N.R.S. 462.180. The Nevada State Democratic Party is urging the Gaming Control board to
investigate the Tarkanian raffle to determine whether violations of Title 41 of the Nevada revised Statutes,
Gaming, have occurred, and to take appropriate enforcement action if indeed they have.” [Nevada
Democratic Party Press Release, 10/26/12]
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2010: Formed An Anti-Reid PAC After Losing The GOP Primary. “A vanquished Republican
candidate is making a comeback in Nevada's U.S. Senate race, but not on the November ballot.
Businessman Danny Tarkanian, who finished behind fellow Republican Sharron Angle in the state's June
primary, has formed a political committee to launch a website and run radio and TV ads dissecting Sen.
Harry Reid's voting record. The Las Vegas-based group, Harry Reid Votes, will remind residents of the
‘poor decisions’ Reid has made for Nevada, Tarkanian said Monday. ‘The votes that he has been making
haven't been a big focus of the race,’ Tarkanian said. ‘We feel the majority of Nevadans will feel they
were not good votes.’ The group, formed last week, joins several independent political organizations
pouring millions of dollars into the race, which polls show is a dead heat.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
8/24/10]
2010: Nevada Democratic Party Filed An FEC Complaint Alleging Coordination Between
Tarkanian’s PAC And Sharron Angle’s Campaign
2010: Nevada Democratic Party Filed An FEC Complaint Alleging Coordination Between
Tarkanian’s PAC And Sharron Angle’s Campaign. “Though he has endorsed the GOP nominee
Angle, a tea party favorite, Tarkanian has not actually campaigned with her. Last month, he was set to
appear at a rally with Angle, but backed out after the Nevada Democratic Party filed an FEC complaint
alleging cooperation between Tarkanian's 527 group and the Angle campaign.” [Yahoo News, 10/18/10]
2010: Accused Reid Campaign Of Setting Up A “False Flag” Armenian GOP Candidate To Derail
The Tarkanian Campaign
2010: Accused Reid Campaign Of Setting Up A “False Flag” Armenian GOP Candidate To Derail
The Tarkanian Campaign. “Ask Republicans in Nevada. Some are accusing Jon Scott Ashjian, a new
Tea Party candidate running for U.S. Senate, of being a fake. The allegation? He was put in the race by
agents of Senate Majority leader Harry Reid to siphon votes from the GOP. ‘No doubt about it,’ says
Danny Tarkanian, one of the many Republican senate candidates hoping to challenge Reid in November.
‘Nobody in the Tea Party knows who he is. He didn’t know any of the principles of the Tea Party,’
Tarkanian tells CNN. He even accuses ‘Harry Reid’s staff, campaign, whatever’ of picking Ashjian
because he’s Armenian, as is Tarkanian. He explains, ‘They know the Armenians are very close they’ll
vote for each other.’” [CNN, 3/10/10]
Contributions And Endorsements
Political Donations
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics, Tarkanian has given $3,550 to state-level
candidates.
Date
10/01/14
5/28/14
5/02/14
4/06/14
8/28/13
5/08/12
3/27/12
Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee
Rita Topalian (NV Assembly – District 057)
Rita Topalian (NV Assembly – District 057)
Richard Bunce (NV Assembly – District 022)
Victoria Seaman (NV Assembly – District 034)
Richard Bunce (NV Assembly – District 022)
Victoria Delaguerra-Seaman (NV Assembly – District 009)
Annette Teijeiro (NV Senate – District 005)
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Party Amount
R
$250
R
$250
R
$500
R
$300
R
$500
R
$500
R
$500
5/02/08 Joe Locatelli (NV Senate – District 011)
2/11/02 Bill Jones (CA Governor)
R
$500
R
$250
Total
$3,550
[National Institute on Money in State Politics, accessed 4/15/16]
According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics, Tarkanian has self-funded $257,418 to his
state-level campaigns.
Date
10/31/06
10/26/06
8/29/06
4/24/06
10/22/04
Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee
Danny Tarkanian (Secretary of State)
Danny Tarkanian (NV Senate – District 011)
Party Amount
R
$21,000
R
$30,000
R
$200,000
R
$697
R
$5,721
Total $257,418
[National Institute on Money in State Politics, accessed 4/15/16]
According to the Federal Election Commission, Tarkanian has given $1,450 to federal political
candidates.
Date
Candidate/Committee
3/30/14 Annette Teijeiro for Congress
8/11/98 Shelley Berkley (Berkley for Senate)
Party Amount
R
$500
D
$950
Total
$1,450
[Federal Election Commission, accessed 4/15/16]
According to Federal Election Commission, Tarkanian has self-funded $75,098.90 to his federal political
campaigns.
Date
7/08/15 –
12/31/15
5/17/13
4/30/13
4/25/13
4/12/13
3/21/13
5/06/11
8/09/10
7/11/10
6/21/10
Candidate/Committee
Party Amount
Tarkanian for Congress
Tarkanian for Senate
R
16042.42
R
$2,000
R
$520
R
$2,020
R
$1,228
R
$5,000
R
$178.48
R
$3,438
R
$1,884
R
$42,788
Total 75,098.90
[CQ Political Moneyline, accessed 4/15/16]
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1998: Donated $950 To Berkley for U.S. Senate Campaign
1998: Donated $950 To Berkley for U.S. Senate Campaign. According to the Federal Election
Commission, Danny Tarkanian donated $950 to the Shelley for Senate campaign on August 11, 1998.
2011: Endorsed Carolyn Goodman For Las Vegas Mayor
2011: Endorsed Carolyn Goodman For Las Vegas Mayor. “Unsuccessful U.S. Senate candidate
Danny Tarkanian endorsed Carolyn Goodman. Tarkanian is a Republican; Goodman is an independent.
She also comes out with a new television commercial Friday.” [Las Vegas Sun, 3/17/11]
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… Support For Trump’s Nomination
Danny Tarkanian has stated that he would support Donald Trump if he was the GOP
presidential nominee. He even went so far as to say it would “destroy the Republican party”
if they denied Trump the nomination if he rightfully won it. He also defended Donald
Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, when he was charged with assaulting a
female Breitbart reporter who was trying to interview Trump at an event. Nonetheless,
Tarkanian has stated he does not believe Trump will harm his candidacy.
According To Jon Ralston, Tarkanian Stated He “Firmly Supports Trump Regardless of What
Was Said”
According To Jon Ralston, Tarkanian Stated He “Firmly Supports Trump Regardless of What
Was Said.” According to Jon Ralston, after Tarkanian was asked by the Las Vegas Review-Journal
whether he still supported Trump after Trump made racial comments about the federal judge presiding
over the Trump University lawsuit, Ralston wrote, “Nothing from state Senate Majority Leader and
would-be congressman Michael Roberson, who probably wants to keep the Trumplodytes appeased
during his primary against Danny Tarkanian (who told the Las Vegas Review-Journal ‘he hasn’t heard the
remarks, but he firmly supports Trump regardless of what was said.’)” [Ralston Reports, 6/07/16]
Said He Would Support Trump If He Was The GOP Presidential Nominee
Stated He Would Support The GOP Presidential Nominee Because “There’s Nobody Worse Than
Hillary Clinton.” “Candidates were asked whether they would support whoever the Republican Party
nominates for president. … Tarkanian said ‘of course’ he’d support the nominee, adding that the next
president would have the power to make one or more Supreme Court nominations. ‘Any Republican who
says they won’t (back the nominee) is such a disappointment,’ Tarkanian said. ‘There’s nobody worse
than Hillary Clinton except possibly Bernie Sanders.’” [Associated Press, 4/26/16]
Said He Would Support Trump If He Was The GOP Presidential Nominee. In a March 2016
interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna support Trump, as I
would anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.” [LasVegasNow Interview
with Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Said He Would Also Support Cruz Or Kasich If They Are The Nominee. In a March 2016 interview
with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna support Trump, as I would
anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. […] I think we have great candidates
that were out there. The three that are out there now, again, I would be happy to have any one of them as
our nominee going up against Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.” [LasVegasNow Interview with
Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Said He Was Supporting Rand Paul Before He Dropped Out And That He Liked Carly Fiorina. In
a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked who he likes for the presidential race.
Tarkanian responded, “Well I liked Senator Paul, but he’s not in the race anymore, so you know, and then
I liked Carly Fiorina, my wife was a big supporter of his, and I listened to her talk and she was really
good. I think we have great candidates that were out there.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius,
31:20, 3/25/16]
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Stated That Denying Trump The Nomination If He Deserves It “Will Destroy The Republican
Party For Years To Come”
Stated That Denying Trump The Nomination If He Deserves It “Will Destroy The Republican
Party For Years To Come.” During an interview, Tarkanian said, “…if that happens, if anything is done
that denies Trump the rightful nomination if he deserves it, it will destroy the Republican party for years
to come, and anybody running on the ticket, including myself, Joe Heck, and anybody else in the general
election.” [Nevada Democrats Tracker Video, YouTube, 3/11/16]
Did Not Think Trump Would Necessarily Hurt His Candidacy
Did Not Think Trump Would Necessarily Hurt His Candidacy. In a March 2016 interview with
Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked, “Do you think him [Trump] being in the race? Does that help, or hurt your
candidacy in the third district?” He responded, “It’s a great question. I don’t have an answer to that. I
understand the sentiment from the mass media and the establishment party is he will hurt Republican
candidates down ticket. But I see that the voter turnout in every state he’s been involved in has gone up
something like 60% and the Democrats are going down 35%. I know the guy who was running his office
here in Clark County, and he said every day there was between 40 to 100 people coming in that were
Democrats or Independents that were switching over to be Republicans to vote for him. Now, I don’t
know? Are they going to translate that they’re going to come and vote in the general election and then
vote for Republican candidates? I read a story that they said a lot of the Trump voters who are switching
over won’t vote for a Republican candidate. I don’t know and quite honestly, I can’t worry about that. I go
by the adage just worry about what you can control. And if Trump is our nominee, I’m gonna support
Trump, as I would anybody who is the nominee over Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. I quite honestly
think those are the two worst candidates the Democrats have put up for office in my lifetime, and I don’t
see how anybody can say it would be worse to have a Republican nominee over those two.”
[LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 31:20, 3/25/16]
Defended Trump’s Campaign Manager After He Was Charged With Battery, Ultimately Stating
That He “Respect[ed]” Trump’s “Loyalty” To Lewandowski In Choosing Not To Fire Him
Defended Trump’s Campaign Manager After He Was Charged With Battery, Ultimately Stating
That He “Respect[ed]” Trump’s “Loyalty” To Lewandowski In Choosing Not To Fire Him. In a
March 2016 interview with Kevin Wall, Tarkanian said, “If you watched it, it was very simple. It was a
pull of the arm and get out of the way and that was it. […] It is a misdemeanor, but there’s always
exceptions to it. […] I don’t think the actions were that strong. He just grabbed her and pulled her to the
side. She says in her complaint he almost threw her to the ground, which isn’t true. Anybody watching the
film sees that’s not accurate. […] I think this says a lot about Donald Trump, and you can either like it or
not like it. Most people would’ve fired that person on the spot […] most campaign managers probably
would’ve offered their resignation […] but Donald is different in every way in this campaign and he’s a
loyal and is standing by his campaign manager and he’s taking a lot of shots from people. For someone
who grew up in a family like my father who was always criticized for being loyal to his players and
defending his players, I respect loyalty.” [Kevin Wall Interview, Part 4, 3/30/16]
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Extremism and Dirty Politics
 In 2010, endorsed by the Minutemen, a militia group that patrols the southern U.S.
border and has ties to Neo-Nazi groups
 In 2010, aired a radio ad touting the fact Glenn Beck called him a “Tea Party
radical” and was supported by the Tea Party Nation
 Said he felt strongly about the values that the Tea Party stood for
 Accused Sue Lowden, President Obama, Harry Reid, and his 2006 opponent for
Secretary of State with sympathies for socialism or communism
 Promised to use the term “Islamic” terrorism
During the course of Tarkanian’s many failed political campaigns, he has been closely
associated with radical organizations. In 2010, Tarkanian was endorsed by the Minutemen, a
militia group that patrolled the southern U.S. border and had connections with Neo-Nazi
groups. During that year, Glenn Beck touted Tarkanian as a “Tea Party radical,” and
Tarkanian responded by airing radio ads broadcasting this “endorsement.” He was also
endorsed by the Tea Party Nation and has said he felt strongly about “the values that the Tea
Party stood for.”
Tarkanian’s rhetoric has also been extreme. He has, at separate times, accused, his 2010
GOP primary opponent Sue Lowden, President Obama, Senator Harry Reid, and his 2006
opponent for Secretary of State of sympathies for socialism or communism. He also promised
to use the term “Islamic” terrorism. He has also stated that “we gotta stop blaming police
officers … when things go wrong” and said in 2012 he could “be like Steven Horsford, who is
not doing anything with that [African-American] community and pretend we’re black.”
Racial Rhetoric And Hate Group Associations
Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism”
Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism.” “Our nation’s foreign policy priority needs to be the
protection and support of its own citizens. No more nation-building. No more world’s policeman. We
need to be feared by our enemies as a fierce defender of our own national interests, and respected by the
world as a beacon of freedom and strength. I will vote to support Israel’s self-defense and to oppose Iran’s
aggression. And I will call it ‘Islamic terrorism’ – because that’s exactly what it is.” [Tark for Congress,
accessed 4/13/16]
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2016: Stated, “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong”
2016: Stated, “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong.” In a forum
hosted by the “Active Women of Las Vegas,” Tarkanian said, “We need to understand the importance of
a caring and nurturing family, and the importance one’s faith and values have on the development of our
young children and our society generally. We need to embrace personal responsibility and respect for
authority. We gotta stop blaming police officers, or blaming our teachers, or blaming our parents when
something goes wrong.” [Tracker Footage, Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 8:44,
1/21/16]
[African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black”
[African-American] Community And Pretend We’re Black.” “In August, the campaign was infused
with racial tension when Tarkanian seemed to suggest that Horsford was relying on his own ethnicity to
win support from African-American voters. While defending himself in front of a gathering of
Republicans, Tarkanian said he could — quote — ‘be like Steven Horsford, who is not doing anything
with that community and pretend we’re black’ — end quote.” [PBS Newshour, 10/30/12]
Later Apologized And Was Endorsed By Local NAACP President. “Tarkanian apologized and ended
up picking up the support of the local NAACP president.” [PBS Newshour, 10/30/12]
variety of extremists and anti-immigration activists of all types. A number of neo-Nazi National Alliance
members showed up for the first weekend of events; Shawn Walker, spokesman for the National Alliance,
earlier indicated that members of his group would take part in the project.” [Anti-Defamation League,
4/25/05]
original 2004 Minutemen advertisement (‘I invite you to join me in Tombstone, Arizona, in early spring
of 2005 to protect our country from a 40-year-long invasion across our southern border with Mexico’) ran
on the Aryan Nations website, trumpeted as ‘a call for action on part of ALL ARYAN SOLDIERS.’
Among those gathered at the original encampment was a faction that called itself ‘Team 14’—a reference
to the neo-Nazi fourteen-word slogan, ‘We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white
children.’ A local news crew, more enterprising than the Most Trusted Name in News, recorded what
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these fine patriots said when they thought the cameras were off: ‘It should be legal to kill illegals. Just
shoot ‘em on sight. That’s my immigration policy recommendation. You break into my country, you
die.’” [The Nation, 4/03/13]
Attempted to Rally Armenian Support for His Candidacy
In February 2010, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tarkanian “issued statements in support of
Armenian Genocide affirmation, while also raising concerns with the U.S. approach towards the
ArmeniaTurkey normalization process.”
The article noted, “If successful, Mr. Tarkanian would become the first Armenian-American to be elected
to U.S. Senate, and there are indications Armenian-Americans are beginning to rally for his candidacy,
with an early endorsement coming from California's former Republican Governor George Deukmejian.
Fundraising events for Mr. Tarkanian have been held in Armenian communities in Glendale and Fresno,
California, and a Facebook group ‘Armenians for Tarkanian’ numbered 365 members this week.” [Las
Opposed Turkey Protocols as Armenian-American
In 2009, the Armenian Reporter noted that Tarkanian opposed Turkey protocols. He expressed opposition
to the U.S.-mediated Armenia-Turkey protocols, the Armenian National Committee - Political Action
Committee (ANC-PAC) reported on November 14.
Tarkanian said there was “unfair pressure being put on Armenia to accept Protocols which call for a
'historical commission' and put in Danger the very status of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh.” His
comments came after the incumbent he is challenging, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.Nev.), sent
a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conveying his constituents' concerns about the protocols.
“It is time to have a direct ancestor of genocide survivors speak up” in the Senate about ArmenianAmerican concerns, ANC-PAC quoted him as saying. “Instead of tepidly worded letters to the Secretary
of State, I will demand to know why America would pressure the victim, Armenia, while helping the
perpetrators, Turkey and Azerbaijan.” [Armenian Reporter, 11/21/09]
Defended Father’s Teams, “He Takes Poor Black Athletes Because He Can Relate to Them”
In 1983, Tarkanian defended his father’s choice of players despite few of them graduating. He said his
father took ghetto kids because he came from a similar background.
“He takes poor black athletes because he can relate to them,” Tarkanian said. “He grew up in a poor area
in Ohio, and he can relate to them. He takes a lot of head cases. Some pan out; some don't.”
Even if the students do not graduate, Danny Tarkanian said, they are often popular enough in the
community to improve themselves with good jobs in the Vegas casinos. “What's he supposed to do?”
Danny said. “Let them stay in the ghetto?” [Miami Herald, 3/01/83]
In February 2010, Tarkanian said “people peddling the myth that President Barack Obama isn't an
American citizen won't find a friendly ear with his campaign.” However, when asked by the Las Vegas
Review-Journal editorial board if he would correct people who perpetuated the myth that Obama is not a
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citizen, Tarkanian replied, “From everything we have seen he is a citizen and he is entitled to be the
president.”
During a meeting with the Review-Journal editorial board, Tarkanian was asked about an
incident at a forum he attended in which an audience member shouted “send him back to
Kenya,” an apparent reference to Obama.
“From everything that we have seen, Obama is a citizen of the United States,” Tarkanian
said.
He continued: “These statements are a diversion from the real problems we have in our
country and we should focus on those real problems.”
When asked whether he would correct people in the future who perpetuate the Obama birth
myth, Tarkanian said: “From everything we have seen he is a citizen and he is entitled to
be the president.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/08/10]
Accusing People Of Socialist/Communist Sympathies
During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate. “Nevada businessman Danny Tarkanian’s Senate
campaign admits its candidate was wrong when he denied using the word ‘socialism’ in a robocall against
his Republican opponent. In a joint appearance with former state GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden on
KXNT-AM radio, Tarkanian was challenged by the host on his campaign tactics. Tarkanian claimed he
never used the word ‘socialism’ in the robocall. But a recording of the call contradicts Tarkanian.” [The
Hill, 3/25/10]
2010: Called President Obama’s Visit To Las Vegas With Harry Reid A “Socialism Summit”
2010: Called President Obama’s Visit To Las Vegas With Harry Reid A “Socialism Summit.”
“Nevada Republican Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian is mocking President Obama’s Thursday visit to
Las Vegas, calling the president’s campaign stop for embattled Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid a
socialism summit. Mr. Reid, who spearheaded Mr. Obama’s unpopular health care reform proposal
through the Senate, is banking on the once-popular president to boost his flagging re-election prospects.
But unemployment has skyrocketed in Las Vegas, severely hurt in the economic downturn, and polls
show many Nevadans blame the Democrat-controlled Congress and the president for their plight.”
[Washington Times, 2/18/10]
2006: Accused Nevada Secretary Of State Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With Communist
Party And ACLU
2006: Tarkanian Accused Primary Opponent Of Sharing Views With Communist Party And
ACLU. In August 2006, Tarkanian's website claimed his primary opponent Brian Scroggins was on the
same side as the Communist Party and the American Civil Liberties Union. All three, according to the
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website were opposed to Tarkanian's proposal to require people to prove their citizenship when they go to
the polls.
That assertion prompted the chairman of the Clark County Republican Party, John Hambrick, to intervene
on Scroggins' behalf in a private letter to Tarkanian that was obtained by the Review-Journal. “The
suggestion that Brian and the ACLU have similar goals and ideas relating to voter issues is clearly a
mischaracterization,” Hambrick wrote. “This style of campaigning provides the Democrats with campaign
issues that will only hurt the party's chances to be successful in November.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
8/14/06]
Tarkanian said the letter struck him as inappropriate. “John's obviously very close with Brian and
he's trying to help Brian's campaign in the last minute,” he said.
Hambrick was acting on his personal relationship with Scroggins and shouldn't have done so on
party letterhead, Tarkanian said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/14/06]
Tea Party
2016: Tried To Distance Himself From Tea Party By Saying He Did Not Carry The Constitution In
His Back Pocket
2016: Claimed He Was Not Extreme Because He Did Not Carry The Constitution In His Back
Pocket. “Tarkanian couches himself as a Constitution-following, Ronald Reagan-loving conservative, but
doesn’t consider himself ‘extreme.’ He says he doesn’t, for instance, carry a copy of the Constitution
around in his back pocket. He also thinks there should be more focus on national security and the
economy than on social issues. “Some are far more to the right than I am,” Tarkanian said. ‘I think my
positions are pretty basic and common sense.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/03/16]
2016: Attempted To Distance Himself From The Tea Party By Focusing On National Security Over
Social Issues. “Tarkanian eschews the Tea Party moniker, though he has said in past campaigns that he
supports the values of the Tea Party movement, including reducing the role of the federal government and
limiting government spending. It’s a sore spot for the candidate, whose 2010 U.S. Senate primary loss to
Sharron Angle came after the Tea Party Express, one of the organized arms of the grassroots movement,
pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into Angle’s campaign. While the Tea Party has earned a
reputation for obstructionism, Tarkanian said he wanted to negotiate for Nevadans on such issues as
national security, an overhaul of the tax system and limiting government regulation. ‘I’m not the kind of
guy that’s going to say, ‘If we can’t get exactly everything conservatives want, we’re not going to pass
anything,’’ Tarkanian said. ‘We’re going to fight and get the best deal possible and hopefully it will be
favorable.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/03/16]
2010: Said He Felt Strongly About The Values That The Tea Party Stood For And That He Related
With Them
Said He Felt Strongly About The Values That The Tea Party Stood For. In a April 2010 interview
with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News, Tarkanian said, “The Tea Party movement is a collective group of
people frustrated with what is happening in the state. They are frustrated with high government spending,
the government intervention into the financial health care and auto industries. There's a movement to get
our country back to the few limited purposes of the federal government should be. These are values I feel
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strongly about. I relate very well with those voters. We anticipate getting many of them on Election Day.”
[Fox News, 4/07/10]
2010: Glenn Beck Praised Tarkanian By Calling Him A Tea Party Radical
2010: Glenn Beck Praised Tarkanian By Calling Him A Tea Party Radical. In ‘Compare and
Contrast,’ Beck posited sarcastically, ‘Who sounds like the real radical here?’ He read an anonymous
quote that sounded reminiscent of Ronald Reagan. ‘We simply cannot continue to let our federal
government borrow, spend, and bail out entire industries at the expense of future generations.’ Beck
correctly identified the quote as coming from Nevada conservative Danny Tarkanian, ‘another Tea Party
radical,’ Beck laughed, sarcastically.” [Washington Examiner, 1/29/10]
Tarkanian Thanked Beck For Calling Him A Tea Party Radical. “Beck’s sarcastic label, as a ‘Tea
Party radical,’ made Tarkanian very happy. ‘Thank you, Glenn Beck, for taking notice and sharing it with
the nation!’ his Facebook page announced Friday.” [Washington Examiner, 1/29/10]
2010: Aired Radio Ad Trumpeting That Glenn Beck Called Him “A Tea Party Radical”
2010: Aired Radio Ad Trumpeting That Glenn Beck Called Him “A Tea Party Radical.”
NARRATOR: Listen to why Glenn Beck called Danny Tarkanian a “tea party radical.”
CHUCK HEATH: This is Chuck Heath. You know, you supported my daughter Sarah Palin. Now please
join me in supporting another strong conservative, Danny Tarkanian.
JIM GILCHRIST: This is Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project. In Nevada, there is one
candidate for U.S. Senate I trust to fight alongside us, Danny Tarkanian.
BARBIE KENNISON: I’m Nevada tea party activist, Barbie Kennison. And I’m voting for Danny
Tarkanian. He is not a politician and he will beat Harry Reid.
[2010 Tarkanian for Senate Radio Ad, 6/01/10]
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate
2010: Supported By The Tea Party Nation During The Republican Primary For U.S. Senate.
“Tarkanian, a real estate developer whose father is a well-known former college basketball coach, also
had support from a Tea Party group, Tennessee-based Tea Party Nation. Tarkanian has scoffed at Angle's
Tea Party Express endorsement, saying it did not represent the anti-establishment and constitutionalist
movement.” [Fox News, 6/09/10]
2010: Tarkanian Touts His Tea Party Support. “The Tea Party of Nevada, the national Tea Party
organization, they have come out and repudiated that [Tea Party Express endorsement of Sharron Angle],
and they have stayed neutral in the race. There’s a lot of Tea Party people, supporters of my campaign,
that are out there supporting me and getting other people to get behind my campaign and vote for me. We
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feel very strongly that we’re going to have a very strong presence from the Tea Party of Nevada here, and
they’re going to vote for me.” [Tarkanian Interview, ABC News, 5:30, 6/03/10]
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Abortion and Family Planning Issues
 Stated he opposed abortion except in the case where the mother’s life is in danger
 Did not support federal funding for Planned Parenthood and said they were
selling “body parts”
 Supported “religious liberties” protections for businesses, which could allow them
to deny contraceptive coverage for their employees and allow health care workers
to not perform abortions
 In 2012, endorsed by Nevada Right to Life
In a 2016 questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed abortion except in cases where the
mother’s life is in danger. In the same questionnaire, he supported protecting “religious
liberties” for healthcare workers and small businesses, presumably to allow them to deny
contraceptive services and coverage to their patients or employees if they have a religious
objection. He also supports defunding Planned Parenthood and claimed that the
organization was selling “body parts.”
2016: Stated He Opposed Abortion Except In The Case Where The Mother’s Life Is In Danger
2016: Stated He Opposed Abortion Except In The Case Where The Mother’s Life Is In Danger. In a
2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, he state he supported “legislation to protect the right to
life of every person from conception to natural death,” but inserted a footnote stating, “To save life of
mother (must be life threatening).” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2009: Stated He Opposed Abortion Except In The Case Where The Mother’s Life Is In Danger.
“The comment came after a primary opponent, Danny Tarkanian, had been portraying himself for months
as the real anti-abortion candidate to a conservative GOP electorate that will choose a Republican
nominee in June. … And what better issue to use than abortion, where Tarkanian claims he is against it
except when the life of the mother is endangered.” [Las Vegas Sun, John Ralston Column, 12/16/09]
2016: Did Not Support Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood And Said They Were “Selling
Body Parts”
2016: Did Not Support Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood And Said The Were “Selling
Body Parts[.]” In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked, “I take it you would
disagree with funding Planned Parenthood?” Tarkanian responded, “With taxpayer money? Absolutely.
Why should we? […] Why do we have to give $800 million to an entity that is providing such a divisive
service as abortions and then coming out and seeing how they’re selling body parts and all those other
things.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 21:35, 3/25/16]
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2016: Supported Defunding Planned Parenthood. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “defunding Planned Parenthood.” [2016 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
2016: Opposed Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform Abortions
2016: Opposed Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform Abortions. In his
answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed “the
distribution of federal tax dollars to agencies that counsel for or perform abortions.” [2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Supported “Religious Liberties” Protections For Health Care Workers And Small Business
Owners
Owners. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he
supported “Religious Liberties/Conscience Protections for all citizens (health care workers, small business
owners, etc) as opposed to protections only for religious organizations and their employees.” Presumably,
this would allow small business owners to deny contraceptive coverage to employees and to deny services
to same-sex couples if the owners have a religious objection. [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2012: Endorsed By Nevada Right To Life PAC
2012: Endorsed By Nevada Right To Life PAC. “Jeremy McNeil, executive director of Nevada Right
to Life PAC, announced that the PAC has endorsed Danny Tarkanian in Nevada's 4th Congressional
District. ‘Danny Tarkanian has long been a friend of the pro-life movement in Nevada,’ McNeil said.
‘Since the early 1990s he has been on the front lines in defense of innocent life. Nevada Right to Life
PAC looks forward to him continuing this good work as a representative in Congress. Danny Tarkanian's
knowledge and experience will enable him to be an effective legislator in Washington and a capable
representative of Nevada," McNeil said. ‘Nevada Right to Life PAC is pleased to endorse Danny
Tarkanian for United States Congress.’” [Sparks Tribune, 5/28/12]
2010: Opposed The Distribution Of Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform
Abortions
2010: Opposed The Distribution Of Federal Tax Dollars To Agencies That Counsel Or Perform
Abortions. In a 2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens survey, Tarkanian stated he would oppose “the
distribution of federal tax dollars to agencies, which counsel or perform abortions.” [2010 Nevada
stand on the issues, it has his general stances correct. The ad is Legit.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/22/12;
YouTube, 10/11/12]
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Tarkanian “Pro-life,” but Supported Exception for the Life of the Mother
In October 2009, Tarkanian said he was “pro-life”, but supports an exception for protecting the life of the
mother. [Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/23/09]
Would Not Take a Position Personhood Petition
Tarkanian declined to take a position on a petition to give due process rights to “everyone possessing a
human genome.”
Nevada Conservative activist Richard Ziser formed the Nevada Personhood Committee to gather
signatures for a petition that would change the state constitution to give due process rights to “everyone
possessing a human genome.” The petition mirrors others being supported by the national group
Personhood USA.
But the effort was slow to garner support from Nevada's anti-abortion activists or leading political
candidates who describe themselves as “pro-life.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/23/09]
Columnist Said Tarkanian “Should Know Better”
A 2009 Jane Ann Morrison column called Tarkanian and some other candidates refusing to take a
stand against the position under “Republicans who don’t know yet but should know better.” [Las
Vegas Review-Journal, Jane Ann Morrison Column, 10/24/09]
Tarkanian Attacked his GOP Opponent for Changing Her Position on Abortion
In December 2009, a columnist for the Las Vegas Sun wrote, Tarkanian “seems intent on tarnishing”
Republican opponent Sue Lowden “as not being conservative enough.” And “what better issue to use than
abortion, where Tarkanian claims he is against it except when the life of the mother is endangered.”
Lowden had shifted her position on abortion, but she “insisted her evolution is personal and not political,
providing” a lengthy statement and “declining to speak on the record beyond it.”
The columnist noted, Tarkanian “has found a wedge and he's not afraid to use it, especially because he
has the liberty of never having had to vote on the issue as an elected official.” [Hotline, 12/16/09]
2010: Attacked Sue Lowden For Not Authoring A Parental Notification Bill
2010: Attacked Sue Lowden For Not Authoring A Parental Notification Bill. In a radio ad broadcast
during Tarkanian’s 2010 run for U.S. Senate, the ad said, “Why can’t former State Senate Sue Lowden be
honest about her abortion record? She told voters she authored a parental notification bill in the state
legislature. The problem is, she didn’t. State records show clearly that Sue Lowden did not author a
parental notification bill.” [Danny Tarkanian Radio Ad, “Be Honest,” accessed 5/25/16]
Opposes Federal Funding for Abortion
According to his campaign web site, Tarkanian opposes federal funding for abortion.
[http://www.tark2010.org/issuescontent#life]
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Supports So-Called “Conscience Protections” for Health Care Workers
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he supports so-called
“conscience protections” for health care workers. [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
While the questionnaire does not specify with medical practices to which health care workers could refuse
to perform, legislation signed into law in 2009 in Louisiana allows “any person . . . not to” provide
abortions, distribute “abortifacient drugs," work on human embryonic stem-cell research or cloning, or
participate in euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. The drug provision is intended to include the socalled "morning-after pill,” but would not extend to routine birth control. [Times-Picayunne, 7/8/09]
In the absence of such specifics in the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, it is reasonable to
question whether Tarkanian supports such objections for birth control as well.
Opposes a Federal Freedom of Choice Act
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes a federal Freedom
of Choice Act (FOCA), which would repeal all state laws restricting abortion. [2010 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
Appeared in Pro-Life Ads in His Younger Days
A Tarkanian campaign ad boasts that “Young Tarkanian Appears in Pro-Life Ads.”
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llFsXejhEU8&feature=player_embedded]
According to pro-life activist Francis Beckwith, in 1990, Tarkanian “agreed to appear in a commercial
opposing question 7. He eloquently, and convincingly, explained the nature of question 7 and why he was
prolife.” [http://romereturn.blogspot.com/2010/03/courage-of-danny-tarkanian.html]
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Arts and Quality of Life Issues
 Opposed public funding of a soccer stadium
 Proposed eliminating the National Endowment of the Arts

Tarkanian wrote an op-ed opposing the public funding of a soccer stadium in Las Vegas. He
also proposed eliminating the National Endowment of the Arts.
Tarkanian Op-Ed: Opposed Public Funding Of Soccer Stadium
Tarkanian Op-Ed: Opposed Public Funding Of Soccer Stadium. “Obamacare architect Jonathan
Gruber recently made a statement that too many politicians believe and govern by. In discussing the
passage of Obamacare, Gruber stated, ‘Call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but
basically that was really, really critical to get the thing to pass.’ Well, four of the seven members of our
own Las Vegas City Council have just Grubered all of us. In October, the Cordish Cos. and Findlay
Sports &Entertainment requested $60 million in public funding to build a downtown arena. The City
Council denied this request and directed the group to ‘work towards eliminating all public money.’ Last
week, the City Council (in a 4-3 vote) approved the stadium for the Cordish/Findlay group and agreed to
provide the group $25 million in taxpayer bonds, $31.5 million in infrastructure costs, $38 million to $48
million in land value and a $20 million parking garage, which is not needed at this time. Adding insult to
injury, the Cordish/Findlay group will keep all of the parking proceeds for its events, even though the city
is paying for the garage. The total value of public assets provided the Cordish/Findlay group is well north
of $100 million. We all better hope that the City Council is more effective in its other functions than it
was in ‘working towards eliminating all public money.’ But that’s not the topper. Cordish disclosed that it
will spend an additional $250 million to build commercial and retail space adjacent to the stadium. In a
fashion that would delight Gruber, it has been reported that this generous gesture is a benefit to the
general public at a cost to Cordish.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian Op-Ed, 12/26/14]
Proposed Eliminating National Endowment for the Arts
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supported the elimination of the National
Endowment for the Arts.
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Budget Issues
 Supported the Balanced Budget amendment
 In 2010, proposed $1.5 trillion in budget cuts, including eliminating the National
Endowment of the Arts and cutting the budgets of the Department of Agriculture
and Department of Education by billions of dollars
In a 2016 questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported a balanced budget amendment. In
2010, he proposed a $1.5 trillion budget cut, which would eliminate the National Endowment
of the Arts and cut the budgets of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of
Education by billions of dollars.
2016: Stated Support For The Balanced Budget Amendment
2016: Stated Support For The Balanced Budget Amendment. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “a balanced budget amendment with
clearly defined and limited exceptions.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Politifact: Tarkanian Claim That Nevada Republicans “Didn’t Do One Single Thing To Cut
Spending” Rated Mostly False
Received Mostly False Rating For Claiming Nevada Republicans “Didn’t Do One Single Thing To
Cut Spending.” PolitiFact found Tarkanian’s claim to be mostly false. “Taken straightforwardly,
Tarkanian’s claim isn’t true — lawmakers shaved off around $150 million in spending between the last
two budgets, and approved several bills designed to rein in entitlement spending over the long run.
There’s a sliver of truth in Tarkanian’s follow-up, as Republican legislative leadership generally stuck
with less severe changes to major state spending drivers like collective bargaining and public employee
retirement than what was prefered by more conservative groups and legislators. But to say lawmakers
didn’t do anything to address spending isn’t accurate. We rate his statement as Mostly False.” [PolitiFact,
3/22/16]
Ralston: “Tarkanian Is “Appealing To The Lowest Common Denominator.” “I understand their
frustration as Tarkanian and Seaman bleat about them breaking promises not to raise taxes and then
passing the largest revenue package in history. That’s true. But Tarkanian and Seaman are appealing to
the Lowest Common Denominator, a subset of the GOP base teeming with Trumpian ignorance.”
[Ralston Reports, Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/03/16]
Supports Balanced Budget Amendment
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supports a balanced budget amendment to
the Constitution.
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Tarkanian Criticized Government Spending
In the 2009 Boulder City Republican women primary debate, “Tarkanian boasted he is leading Reid in
early polls and criticized the incumbent for supporting too much government spending and encroachment
on personal liberty.”
“For those of you who believe in a limited government, lower taxes, honest regulation and meaningful
accountability, I ask you for your support,” Tarkanian said.
In an apparent reference to Chinese government officials' statements they are worried too much U.S.
government spending in this country could threaten their investment in U.S. treasury notes, Tarkanian
said, “The amount of spending is so enormous that even the communist Chinese are calling for restraint.”
Tarkanian Complained Reid Did Not Bring Home Enough Pork to Nevada…
In December 2009, Tarkanian called Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid “Grinch” claiming that he was
not bringing enough “pork” home to Nevada.
“As usual, Harry plays Santa Claus for other states, but he's the Grinch Who Stole Health Care for his
own constituents in Nevada,” said Tarkanian. “Harry Reid's bill, which is a tax-hiking, big-government
boondoggle, is a perfect example of why we should permanently ban pork.” [Las Vegas Sun, 12/22/09]
Tarkanian Pledged No Earmarks
In January 2010, Tarkanian said he would not seek earmarks for Nevada if he is elected to the U.S.
Senate, and would work to wean Congress from what he called wasteful pork-barrel spending.
“I would not take earmarks and I would fight for all states not to get earmarks. I would not
propose earmarks on our behalf. You have to lead by example,” Tarkanian said in a meeting with
reporters. Tarkanian described the practice of targeting federal spending for specific parochial
purposes as “a power grab by federal legislators and it is hurting our constituents in the long run.”
“It isn't right, it shouldn't be done and it should be eliminated,” he said. “The pork projects that
come to Nevada obviously are a benefit to Nevada, but at the expense of all the other money that
is being spent on all the other states' pork barrel? Not in my opinion. I firmly believe and I will
stake my campaign on it that the people of Nevada do not want this wasteful spending,” Tarkanian
said. “They want the money in their pockets.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/20/10]
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Lowden: There’s Little Distinction Between the Two on Earmarks
According to Tarkanian, Lowden has been critical of Reid for not bringing Nevada enough federal
spending. “I have a different approach,” he said.
Lowden spokesman Robert Uithoven disputed Tarkanian's claims, saying there is little daylight between
the two GOP candidates on earmarks. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/20/10]
Tarkanian Radio Ad: Ban Earmarks and Cut Federal Spending
According to a Tarkanian radio ad, “My plan slashes government spending by banning pork and stopping
big business payouts.” [http://tark2010.org/tarkads; “Danny's message on putting an end to pork and excessive federal
spending”]
2010: Proposed $1.5 Trillion in Federal Spending Cuts
In 2010, Tarkanian outlined his plan to cut federal spending by $1.5 trillion and potentially increase
revenue by nearly $83 billion.
The bulk of Tarkanian’s cuts come from TARP and stimulus funds, which he says should be canceled.
From Tarkanian’s plan:
- Environmental Protection Agency:
 Eliminate the Clean Air and Global Climate Change Goal – SAVINGS: $1.19 billion.
 Chesapeake Bay, Mississippi River Basin, Great Lakes Restoration Projects – SAVINGS: $321
million.
- Department of Interior:
 Eliminate the Rural Development Public Television Program – SAVINGS: $4.8 million.
- Department of Energy:
 Eliminate inefficient technology as identified by the DOE Inspector General – SAVINGS: $13.8
million.
 Eliminate ethanol subsidies – SAVINGS: $7 billion.
- Department of State:
 Reduce U.S. contributions to the United Nations – SAVINGS: $2 billion.
- Department of Agriculture:
 Reduction in discretionary spending – SAVINGS: $2.5 billion.
- Department of Health and Human Services:
 Eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse – SAVINGS: $100 billion.
- General Budget:
 Cancel the expenditure of federal funds held by federal agencies for more than 2 years –
SAVINGS: $100 billion.
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








Cancel the expenditure of TARP funds – SAVINGS: $700 billion.
Cancel the expenditure of remaining stimulus funds – SAVINGS: $500 billion.
Eliminate the National Endowment of the Arts – SAVINGS: $161.3 million.
Eliminate earmark spending – SAVINGS: $7.7 billion.
Disposal of unused or under used federal properties – SAVINGS: $1.6 billion, Potential
Revenue: $83.8 billion.
Cut Political Science Funding from the National Science Foundation Budget – SAVINGS: $10
million.
Cut the congressional budget for itself – SAVINGS: $245 million.
Eliminate the Corporation for National and Community Service – SAVINGS: $1.4 billion.
Consolidation of duplicative programs cuts in wasteful spending, repeal of excessive overhead
within the federal government – SAVINGS: $22 Billion.
- Department of Education:
 Reduction in Discretionary Spending – SAVINGS: $45 billion.
TOTAL POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $1,491,151,000,000
TOTAL POTENTIAL REVENUE: $83,800,000,000
[Tark2010.org, 2/08/10]
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Campaign Finance and Election Law Issues
 Supported a voter identification law and in 2006 wanted voters to show proof
of citizenship at the polls
 In 2014, the FEC determined the Tarkanian campaign likely accepted an
illegal $500 contribution from a corporation
 In 2006, criticized his opponent’s proposal to make it a felony to violate
campaign finance laws
Tarkanian supported voter identification laws and had at one point supported requiring
voters to show proof of citizenship at the polls. In 2006, he criticized his opponent’s proposal
to make it a felony to violate campaign finance laws.
2016: Supported A Voter Identification Law
2016: Supported A Voter Identification Law. In a May 2015 Letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Tarkanian wrote, “Last November, Nevadans elected a Republican legislative majority for the first time in
85 years, providing an extremely rare opportunity to make critical, necessary changes to our state’s
education system, public retirement system, elections, tax policy and fiscal reforms. … The Legislature
failed to pass a bill requiring voters to show a photo identification to vote, even though more than 70
percent of Nevadans support it.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian Letter to the Editor, 5/03/15]
2006: Wanted Voters To Show Proof Of Citizenship At The Polls. “Danny Tarkanian, the Republican,
wants picture identification cards for voters to prevent non-citizens from casting ballots. Ross Miller, the
Democrat, opposes that, supporting tougher penalties instead. Janine Hansen, the independent, wants
ballots printed in English only. ‘I want people to show proof of citizenship when they go to the polls,’
said Tarkanian, a Las Vegas businessman and attorney. "He’s (Miller) against that.’” [Reno GazetteJournal, 9/30/06]
2005: Supported Voter ID Laws. “If elected, Tarkanian said he would push for a photo identification
card that voters would have to present at the polls. ‘I think that would clamp down on a lot of voter fraud
going on now,’ he said.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 12/09/05]
Tarkanian Said Campaign Finance Reform Was Needed
In 2005, Tarkanian said campaign finance laws, which the secretary of state administers, need to be
reformed.
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“Any time you can raise money from people you can regulate, there's going to be problems, and those
campaign finance laws need to be changed,” Tarkanian said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Erin Neff Column,
5/26/05]
“Opposes Campaign Finance Laws that Favor Wealthy Candidates”
In a Tarkanian radio ad, Tarkanian says that he “opposes campaign finance laws that favor wealthy
candidates.”
Such laws, he says, come “at the expense of your constitutional right to free speech.
[http://tark2010.org/tarkads, “Campaign Finance”]
Tarkanian Wanted Voters to Be Required to Show Proof of Citizenship at the Polls
In 2006, Tarkanian wanted picture identification cards for voters to prevent non-citizens from casting
ballots.
“I want people to show proof of citizenship when they go to the polls,” said Tarkanian. “He's (Miller)
against that.” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 9/30/06]
Attacked for Voter ID Plan that Democrats Said Would Cost $25 Million, Add Bureaucracy
In 2006, the Nevada Democratic Party issued a news release attacking Tarkanian for “trying to run
from an expensive voter ID plan he proposed earlier in his campaign that could create an unneeded
$25 million layer of bureaucracy and has been consistently struck down by judges, including one
in Missouri last Thursday and one in Georgia today.”
On the December 4, 2005, Tarkanian said on Nevada Newsmakers, “One of my biggest issues that
I'm going to run on is I think that we should have a voter ID requirement for everyone that votes?
Basically it would require someone to show proof of citizenship when they get their driver's
license, either with a passport, a birth certificate or naturalization papers. And then you would get
a voter ID card with a C on it, C for citizenship. And if you didn't have that, you'd have an L on it,
for Legal Resident. And then when you go to the polls, you'd have to show this card.” [Targeted
News Service, 9/19/06]
Tarkanian Accused Opponent of Lying About His Position on Voter IDs
In 2006, Tarkanian’s Republican primary opponent Brian Scroggins sent a mailer to voters saying
he was “the only candidate with a real solution for voter fraud.” The mail piece stated that
Scroggins would work for legislation requiring Nevadans to show a driver's license before voting.
But Tarkanian said that was his idea. In December 2005, Tarkanian announced a proposal to
require voters to present photo identification at the polls. Tarkanian said “he welcomed his
primary opponent Brian Scroggins' sending of a mailer that Tarkanian said was ‘false and
misleading.’”
“Now, with just days to go before Election Day, he's not only embraced my proposal, but he's
claiming it as his own,” Tarkanian said in a statement. “They say imitation is the sincerest form of
flattery. But this isn't imitation; it's identity theft.”
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Tarkanian said the mailer's transparent attempt to deceive would show voters Scroggins' true
character.
For his part, Scroggins said what he didn't support was separate state-issued voter IDs, which was
Tarkanian's original proposal. “I've always said voters should have photo ID, but he proposed a
separate voter ID card,” Scroggins said. “I estimated that would cost the state $25 million.” [Las
Tarkanian Opposed Letting People Register to Vote through Election Day
In 2006, Tarkanian’s view on voter registration included supporting “a requirement that voters show proof
of citizenship when they register to vote and show a state identification card, such as a driver's license,
when they go to the polls. He's opposed to letting people register to vote through Election Day.”
Criticized Opponent’s Ethics Proposal that Made It a Felony to Violate Campaign Finance Laws
In 2006, Tarkanian criticized his Democratic opponent’s three-tiered ethics proposal, including making it
a felony to violate campaign finance laws, commit voter registration fraud or interfere with voters at the
polls.
Tarkanian agreed that penalties need to be increased, but said the proposal did not go far enough to
protect the system. He disagreed with the plan to set up a permanent mail-in ballot system. Under that
plan, mail-in voters would be sent a ballot every election until they failed to vote twice in a row.
“He wants to do everything he can to open up the process, even if it allows additional possibility for voter
fraud,” Tarkanian said.
Tarkanian said the proposal should have included an identification requirement. [Reno Gazette-Journal,
4/05/06]
Tarkanian Proposed $50 Limit on Gifts to State Officials
In 2006, Tarkanian proposed limiting gifts to candidates and public officials to $50 each and requiring
that all gifts be reported as campaign contributions. Tarkanian's proposal follows revelations that
legislators accepted concert tickets and other perks, in some cases not reporting them.
“The most important thing for an elected official is full and honest disclosure,” Tarkanian said at a
breakfast with the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce. “All gifts should be reported and disclosed for
the public to evaluate.”
Tarkanian touted the proposal as proof that his candidacy was proactive and reform-oriented, but one of
Tarkanian's opponents called the idea half-baked. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/16/06]
Opponent Criticized Proposal as “Ill-Conceived and Poorly Drafted”
The likely Democratic nominee, Ross Miller, called the proposal “ill-conceived and poorly
drafted,” saying it would punish officeholders for trivial actions. Under his proposal, arguably a
$51 birthday gift to my wife would expose me to criminal liability,” Miller said, arguing
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Tarkanian's proposal would construe gifts to family members as gifts to the official. [Las Vegas
226
Crime and Public Safety Issues
 In 2010, said “profiling” was a necessary tool to prevent crime
 Opposed legalization of the recreational use of marijuana
 Criticized idea of letting the Secretary of State oversee the sex offender registry
In 2010, he said “profiling” was a necessary tool to prevent crime. He opposed the
legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. In 2006, he had also criticized the proposal
to let the Nevada Secretary of State oversee the sex offender registry.
2016: Opposed Legalization Of The Recreational Use Of Marijuana
2016: Opposed Legalization Of The Recreational Use Of Marijuana. In a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens questionnaire, he stated he opposed “legalization of the recreational use of
marijuana.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire]
2016: Stated “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong”
2016: Stated “We Gotta Stop Blaming Police Officers … When Things Go Wrong.” In a forum
hosted by the “Active Women of Las Vegas,” Tarkanian said, “We need to understand the importance of
a caring and nurturing family, and the importance one’s faith and values have on the development of our
young children and our society generally. We need to embrace personal responsibility and respect for
authority. We gotta stop blaming police officers, or blaming our teachers, or blaming our parents when
something goes wrong.” [Tracker Footage, Active Republican Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 8:44,
1/21/16]
2010: Said “Profiling” Was A Necessary Tool To Prevent Crime. “Tarkanian, a lawyer and Las Vegas
businessman, supports the Arizona law, saying the state has a ‘10th Amendment right and obligation to
protect their citizens however they see necessary.’ He dismisses concerns of widespread racial profiling,
citing the Supreme Court case of Terry v. Ohio, which held that police officers can stop and search a
person if they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ the person is engaged in criminal behavior. ‘Profiling is a
necessary tool in preventing crime and I believe members of law enforcement are good people doing their
best to protect their communities,’ he says. Tarkanian supports cracking down on employers who hire
illegal immigrants and completing the border fence. He also wants to ‘make sure that those here illegally
are not entitled to taxpayer-funded education, health care or welfare.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 4/30/10]
Tarkanian Criticized Idea of Secretary of State Overseeing Sex Offender Registry
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In 2006, Tarkanian criticized the centerpiece of Democrat Ross Miller's campaign to have the secretary of
state's office ensure that sex offenders register properly in the state. He said the office was particularly
good at tracking criminals through a paper trail.
Tarkanian said that police agencies were better suited to ensuring that sex offenders are registered. He
said he found hard to believe that an office that investigates white-collar fraud could do better than law
enforcement in keeping track of sex offenders.
Tarkanian said that because Miller's experience was as a county prosecutor, Miller was trying to create an
area in the secretary of state's office that the office would not typically oversee to fit his background. [Las
Tarkanian “accused Miller of trying to gin up support by taking up a sensationalistic issue that is far from
the secretary of state's real purview.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/19/06]
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Economic Stimulus and Financial Bailout
 In 2010, stated he would never have voted for the federal bailout
 In 2009, stated he opposed the Economic Recovery Act
 Would have joined in filibuster of Wall Street reforms
 Criticized TARP because he thought it only helped big banks and not small
businesses
Tarkanian has stated he would never have voted for the federal bailout and has criticized the
economic stimulus bill. He said he would have joined the filibuster of Wall Street reforms
and has criticized TARP because he thought I only helped big banks and not small
businesses.
2010: Stated He Would Never Have Voted For The Federal Bailout
2010: Stated He Would Never Have Voted For The Federal Bailout. “Tarkanian said he never would
have voted for a federal bailout, and supports lower taxes to ‘give businesses a chance to get through this
tough time.’ He also wants to see a loosening of ‘ridiculous regulations’ that slow business development
or new mine operations.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 1/31/10]
2009: Stated He Opposed Economic Recovery Act
2009: Stated He Opposed The Economic Recovery Act. During a radio interview on KKOH’s Bill
Manders Show, Danny Tarkanian proceeded to badmouth the economic stimulus legislation passed earlier
in 2009, saying: “Instead of investing, not investing, spending $800 billion in government programs and
government oversight of these of these different jobs that Reid and the rest of the Democrats have passed
and stuck our children and grandchildren with I would have used that to create job, I mean tax cuts and
tax incentives for small businesses.” [KKOH Bill Manders Show, 10/22/2009]
Stimulus Opposed By Tarkanian Saved Thousands Of Jobs
Nearly 4,200 Education Jobs, Including 1,400 In Clark County Schools Alone, Have Been Created
Or Saved Thanks To The Recovery Act. In November 2009, the Review-Journal reported, “The Clark
County School District has saved or created 1,400 teaching and support staff jobs with federal stimulus
funds, officials said Monday. The district is the state’s single largest recipient of American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act funding, It was awarded $165.1 million as of last month and has 35 percent of
Nevada’s 4,000 education jobs that reportedly were saved through the stimulus.” According to the state’s
Recovery Act website, of the 4,190.12 educations jobs created or saved in Nevada 2,094 were in K-12
and 2,064 were in higher education. [Review-Journal, 11/3/09; Nevada Recovery Act Website,
Department of Education Jobs]
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Stimulus Saved 31,000 Jobs at Harrah’s Casino. In October 2009, the Las Vegas Review-Journal
reported that the stimulus bill helped to save 31,000 jobs at Harrah’s Entertainment. The bill also allowed
the casino to reduce its debt by $3 billion through a provision that allowed companies to cancel capital
gains tax payments for up to five years when they swapped or restructured their debt. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 10/23/2009]
Clark County Schools: More Than 1,100 Jobs. In July 2009, the Sun reported, “Clark County is hiring
130 teachers and 155 staff support positions, thanks to $114 million from the recovery act. Dozens more
school personnel are being hired in districts statewide.” In October 2009, the White House released a
report showing that in Las Vegas alone, 1,100 jobs had been saved thanks to funding from the Recovery
Act and that “Uses of ARRA funds to specifically help struggling schools can be seen in places like
Clark County, NV which is focusing on staff development, longer school days, and tutorial and remedial
programs in its neediest schools.” [Las Vegas Sun, 7/24/09; Executive Office of the President, 10/19/09
(emphasis in original)]
Washoe County Schools: At Least 84 Jobs. In May 2009, the Daily Sparks Tribune reported,
“According to Kristen McNeill, director of state and federal programs for the WCSD, under a draft plan a
portion of $6.1 million in stimulus funding specifically dedicated to Title I schools will save about 60
positions for one or two academic years and improve student achievement, especially among groups most
in need of intervention and corrective action, such as low-income students and limited-English learners.”
In October 2009 the Reno Gazette-Journal reported, “Some of the $254 million Nevada is expecting in
education funding from the federal government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has
already made a difference in Washoe County schools … About $6.2 million went toward hiring 24
intervention teachers, professional development, a home-visit pilot program, parent involvement, early
childhood education, homeless student support, a $75 per pupil increase at each Title I school, dropout
prevention and additional dollars for Bennett Elementary School in Sun Valley.” [Daily Sparks Tribune
5/19/09; Reno Gazette-Journal, 10/7/09]
COPS Grants: 18 Jobs. In July 2009 the Daily Sparks Tribune reported, “The Sparks Police Department
will be putting six new officers on Sparks streets with a little help from the federal government. A $1.9
million grant, approved Tuesday and coming from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
stimulus funds, will pay for the officers … Four Nevada law enforcement agencies were awarded grants
on Tuesday, including the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and Reno Police Department. The total of all
grants was about $5 million funding 18 new officers. Larry Cooley, police chief of the Reno-Sparks
Indian Colony, was tickled to learn his small agency will be getting one extra officer … The largest
amount, nearly $2.7 million, was awarded to the Reno Police Department to pay salary and benefits for 10
officers over three years … Elsewhere in Nevada, The Nye County sheriff’s office was awarded about
$216,000 for one officer.” [Daily Sparks Tribune, 7/28/09]
Geothermal Projects: Nearly 1,100 Jobs. In October 2009, the Review-Journal reported, “Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced this morning that
Nevada companies will receive $93 million in stimulus funds to develop 25 geothermal-power projects.
Nevada is reaping nearly a third of the $338 million the federal government said this morning that it
would commit to geothermal energy. Chu said the money will go toward locating and developing new
geothermal fields, supporting research and development, drilling, stimulating existing reservoirs and
converting heat to power.” According to a release from Reid’s office, “The funding is expected to create
nearly 1,100 Nevada jobs while making geothermal power an even more readily available source of clean
energy in our state.” [Review-Journal, 10/29/09; Reid Press Release, 10/29/09]
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Smart Grid Energy Technology: More Than 200 Jobs. In October 2009, the Review-Journal reported
that NV Energy “won $138 million in federal stimulus funds today for a three-year, $298 million project
to replace every electric meter in Nevada with a smart meter that executives say will let ratepayers direct
energy use year-round, all day and all night … The initiative will create 200 meter-installation jobs at NV
Energy, as well as many more jobs bringing in computer equipment, consulting on a new billing system
and marketing the program to consumers, Yackira said. NV Energy expects to launch its pilot program by
late 2010, with plans to install all 1.45 million smart meters in the state by the end of 2012.” [ReviewJournal, 10/27/09]
More Than 1 Million Nevada Families Received A Tax Break As Part Of The Recovery Act.
According to a White House report on the impact of the recovery act on Nevada, “The President’s tax-cut
– which covers more Americans than any in history – is putting more than $500 million back in the
pockets of more than 1 million hard-working Nevada families.” [White House Report, 4/22/08]
Opposed Job-Saving Legislation Praised By Major Employers
SAGE Commissioner Jan Jones, Former Las Vegas Mayor And Harrah’s Senior Vice President:
“State government in Nevada would not be operating if it weren’t for the money that came into the state
budget from the stimulus … The number of jobs that have been protected because the government can
still operate, that is a direct result of the stimulus.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/23/09]
Harrah’s Senior Vice President Jan Jones: Reid’s Debt-Cancellation Provision “Allowed Us To
Protect 31,000 Jobs In Nevada Alone.” In October 2009, the Sun reported, “Harrah’s Entertainment
Senior Vice President Jan Jones said today’s teleconference wasn’t just a response to Wynn and Murren,
but a reaction to those who question the need for the federal stimulus and its role in protecting jobs …
Aside from the money Nevada received from the stimulus, the cancellation of indebtedness provision and
Travel Promotion Act were important additions that helped the gaming industry, Jones said. She credited
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with both. The cancellation of indebtedness provision allows
companies to restructure their debt and delays tax payments tied to capital gains. ‘For Harrah’s
Entertainment, that allowed us to protect 31,000 jobs in Nevada alone. This piece of legislation allowed
Harrah’s to work to restructure to make sure we kept our employees employed,’ said Jones.” [Las Vegas
Sun, 10/23/09]
Station Casinos Chief Development Officer Scott Neilson: “I Think You’ll See A Lot Of Companies
Benefit Greatly.” In October 2009, the Sun reported, “Station Casinos Chief Development Officer Scott
Neilson said his company hasn’t been able to take part in the debt cancellation provision since Station is
currently in bankruptcy proceedings, but said the legislation will allow the company increased flexibility
as it restructures. ‘Even though a lot of the companies in the Nevada economy trying to work through this
[bankruptcy] process right now might not have been able to take advantage of this provision yet, I think
that they will and I think you’ll see a lot of companies benefit greatly,’ he said.” [Las Vegas Sun,
10/23/09]
Hilton Hotels Vice President Of West Coast Operations Chris Najbicz: “We really do endorse the
importance of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in saving a multitude of jobs throughout the
state of Nevada and believe it’s been very helpful to the Las Vegas business community in general.” [Las
Vegas Sun, 10/23/09]
Sun Editor Brian Greenspun: “Far more important, Harry Reid almost single-handedly gave Nevada a
lifeline that will be responsible for saving tens of thousands of jobs throughout the state. At a time when
the casino industry in drowning under the dead weight of too much debt, Reid’s efforts will allow
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businesses to invest in their own debt in ways that will allow employers to save jobs, not end them.” [Las
Vegas Sun, Brian Greenspun Column, 3/1/09]
Tarkanian Criticized TARP for Helping Big Banks, But Not Small Business
“We loan banks money through TARP, but people who need the money to save their small business can't
get it,” Tarkanian said, referring to the Troubled Asset Relief Program. “Something is wrong.” [Las Vegas
Tarkanian Criticized Stimulus and Its Effect on the Economy
In October 2009, after Vice President Joe Biden spoke in Nevada for Sen. Harry Reid touting the positive
effects of the economic stimulus, Tarkanian said, “I know they're touting the world economy, but
anybody living in the state of Nevada knows we are much worse off now than before we mortgaged our
children's future.”
Tarkanian said the money should have used tax cuts to invest in the private sector instead of spending
more money on government programs. Biden said two thirds of the stimulus were tax cuts and
stabilization money to help states afford the social programs those affected by the recession rely upon.
Stimulus Bill Contained One of the Largest Tax Cuts in History
The Obama stimulus plan also contained one of the largest tax cuts in history by providing $288
billion in tax cuts and benefits for millions of working families and businesses. [www.recovery.gov;
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2009/02/12/is-obama-stimulus-plan-also-the-biggest-tax-cutever.html]
Tarkanian Claimed Bailouts “Launched the Culture of the Socialization of America”
In January 2010, Tarkanian attacked his Republican opponent Sue Lowden for her comments about the
bailout.
He said, “Unlike my opponents Sue Lowden and Harry Reid, I know that the bailouts were wrong for
Nevadans. ... It is frightening that Sue Lowden doesn't understand that the bailouts have launched the
culture of socialization of America that includes Harry Reid's health care plans.” [Hotline, 1/19/10]
Tarkanian Does Not Support Taxing Wall Street To Recoup Taxpayer Funds
Tarkanian Does Not Support Taxing Wall Street To Recoup Taxpayer Funds. During a televised
debate, talk show host Jon Ralston asked Danny Tarkanian, “Should the federal government be able to do
anything about AIG paying these bonuses and do you support the bank tax?” Tarkanian responded,
“Absolutely not. You can't support a bank tax with -- because the banks that are penalized are the ones
that are succeeding. The ones that have failed, you can't even get the money back for what they were
loaned to them.” [Interview with 2010 U.S. Senate Candidates, Face to Face with Jon Ralston, Part 1
2/4/2010; Part 2 2/4/2010; Part 3 2/4/2010; Part 4 2/4/2010]
Tarkanian Would Have Joined In Filibuster Of Wall Street Reform
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Tarkanian Would Have Joined In Filibuster Of Wall Street Reform. According to a Las Vegas Sun
article outlining where Senate candidates stand on Wall Street Reform, “Tarkanian, a lawyer and Las
Vegas businessman, said he would have joined Senate Republicans and voted to block the Democrats’ bill
from reaching the floor for debate.” [Las Vegas Sun, 4/28/2010]
233
Education Issues
 Supported ending Common Core standards
 Supported eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, but in 2012 stated he
supported retaining Head Start and financial aid programs
 Supported “school choice” and school vouchers
 Wanted to repeal No Child Left Behind
Tarkanian supported ending Common Core standards and wanted to repeal No Child Left
Behind. He also is a proponent of “school choice” and school vouchers. He has advocated for
eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, but, in 2012, stated he supported retaining
Head Start and financial aid programs.
2016: Supported Ending Common Core Standards
Supported Ending Common Core Standards. “Education should be a local issue, where parents can
hold local school boards accountable – not federal education bureaucrats. In 2015, Nevada’s Legislative
Commission led by Michael Roberson voted 11-1 to implement Common Core math standards in Nevada
schools – giving parents less say and effectively putting the Department of Education in charge of Nevada
classrooms. As your Congressman, I will vote to end Common Core standards and put the entire
Department of Education appropriation under the microscope. Those funds would be better spent at the
local level.” [Tark for Congress, accessed 4/13/16]
2016: Opposed “Common Core.” In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire,
Tarkanian stated he opposed Common Core. [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Supported Eliminating The U.S. Department Of Education
2016: Supported Eliminating The U.S. Department Of Education. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “the elimination of the Federal
Department of Education, fully returning education decisions and tax dollars to the states.” [2016 Nevada
2016: Supported “School Choice”
2016: Supported “School Choice.” In a May 2015 Letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Danny
Tarkanian wrote, “Last November, Nevadans elected a Republican legislative majority for the first time in
85 years, providing an extremely rare opportunity to make critical, necessary changes to our state’s
education system, public retirement system, elections, tax policy and fiscal reforms. Unfortunately, the
2015 Legislature squandered this precious opportunity. Instead of providing school choice for all, they
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passed a bill providing school choice to only a handful of our children. Why not pass a bill providing it
for every child?” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian Letter to the Editor, 5/03/15]
2012: Advocated Cutting Department Of Education, Except For Head Start And Financial Aid
Advocated Cutting Department Of Education, Except For Head Start And Financial Aid. “Take
education, for instance — an issue both said would be a priority for them if sent to Washington. When
asked what they would do to improve Nevada’s lagging education system, Tarkanian laid out a detailed
proposal to significantly pare back the Department of Education. ‘We should preserve certain portions
like Head Start and financial aid ... but with the rest of the money, give it back to the states in proportion
to how they’re paying their taxes,’ Tarkanian said. ‘There’s more money that could be brought to the state
— Nevada gets 70 cents on every dollar (paid in taxes) back. It would be an increase on education
funding for the state, which is what we need.’ Horsford charged Tarkanian’s plan is simply a way to do
away the Department of Education (a charge Tarkanian denies, which in turn, led Horsford to call him “a
liar.”)” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
2010: Supported School Vouchers
2010: Supported Vouchers. Tarkanian believes that every child deserves a quality education that
includes a scholarship to go to a private school if the public school system is failing.
“I agree strongly with John Fund of the Wall Street Journal when he stated ‘Congress’ killing of the
Washington DC scholarship program is one of the worst decisions made this year,’” he says on his
campaign web site. [http://tark2010.org/issuescontent#education]
Tarkanian’s Daughter Attends Private School. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “This
is the first time the children are missing classes to campaign - nursery school for the twins and first
grade for Lois, who attends private school.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
2010: Supported Reducing Federal Role in Education
In the 2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he supports “returning
control of education to the local level by reducing the federal government’s role in educational
policymaking and funding.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Tarkanian: Department of Education is “Un-necessary”
Tarkanian expands on this issue of federal involvement in schools on his campaign web site,
claiming that the Department of Education is “over-funded” and “un-necessary.”
He believes that the Department of Education should be limited to programs with a proven track
record, such as college scholarships and Head Start.
From Tarkanian’s campaign web site:
This is probably one of the most over-funded, un-necessary aspects of the federal
government. The increasing expansion has served to do far more harm than good.
The results have been an alarming migration of policy decisions out of the local
school boards and state education departments into the grasp of the federal
government. We need to begin reducing the role of the federal government in our
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education system and limiting the department of education to the few programs
that have proved successful, like Head Start and college scholarships. By reducing
the department of education the annual savings could be as high as $5 billion.
Wanted to Repeal No Child Left Behind
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supports repealing No Child Left Behind.
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Energy Issues
 Supported expanding development of oil and coal
 Supported drilling in ANWR, offshore, and using Yucca Mountain for nuclear
waste reprocessing
Tarkanian supported expanding development of oil and coal for energy. He also advocated
for drilling in ANWR, offshore drilling, and using Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste
reprocessing.
Tarkanian Supported Expanding Development of Oil and Coal
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “On the trail, Tarkanian knows the drill. He plays to
conservatives, invoking Reagan and focusing on constitutional principles, pro-gun and anti-abortion
stances, cutting taxes and spending, and expanding development of traditional energy sources such as oil
and coal while clean alternatives are explored.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/14/10]
Supports Drilling in ANWR, Offshore, “Re-Opening Yucca Mountain” for Reprocessing
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supports drilling offshore and in ANWR,
as well as “re-opening Yucca Mountain and transitioning it into a nuclear spent fuel advanced
reprocessing facility…”
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Environmental Issues
 In 2012, supported turning Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste facility in order
to “diversify” Nevada’s economy
 In 2010, argued calling nuclear waste “spent fuel” in order to help “sell” nuclear
waste reprocessing to the citizens of Clark County
 Stated he opposed “global warming/cap & trade” policies
 In 2011, stated he believed scientists used fraudulent tests in order to prove
climate change was man-made
Tarkanian is on record supporting turning Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste
reprocessing facility, claiming it would help “diversify” Nevada’s economy. He even went so
far as to characterize nuclear waste as “spent fuel” in order to “sell” turning Yucca
Mountain into a reprocessing facility to the citizens of Clark County. He has also claimed
that fraudulent science was used to demonstrate that climate change was man-made. Finally,
he opposed policies that address climate change, such as cap and trade regulatory regimes.
Climate Change
2016: Stated He Opposed Global Warming/Cap & Trade Policies
2016: Stated He Opposed Global Warming/Cap & Trade Policies. In the 2016 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed “Global Warming/Cap & Trade policies,” i.e.,
policies that would address carbon emissions in order to ameliorate global climate change. [2016 Nevada
2011: Stated He Believed Scientists Used Fraudulent Test Results To Prove Global Warming Was
Man-Made
2011: Stated He Believed Scientists Used Fraudulent Test Results To Prove Global Warming Was
Man-Made. In a July 2011 column Tarkanian wrote for the Tea Party Nation website, he stated,
“Republicans believe that if man-made global warming existed scientists would not have had to create
fraudulent test results to affirm that position. Also, that to impose cap and trade restrictions on the
American economy would result in millions of more jobs leaving our country and moving to such places
as China; who has made it clear that they will not impose these same ridiculous restrictions.” [Tea Party
Nation, 7/24/11]
Opposed Cap and Trade
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In the 2010 Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes “Global
Warming/ Cap & Trade legislation.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Yucca Mountain
2012: Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility – Said It Would “Diversify
Our Economy”
Supported Using Yucca Mountain As A Nuclear Waste Facility. “For decades, Nevada’s federal and
statewide elected officials have had a seemingly uniform mantra on Yucca Mountain and nuclear waste in
the state: Hell no. End of conversation. But November’s election could change that, both proponents of
Yucca Mountain and those ardently opposed say. On the ballot this year are three Republican
congressional candidates — two of whom are in tight races — open to some form of research or
reprocessing at the site. Republican Danny Tarkanian, running for Congressional District 4, said last week
at a Las Vegas PBS debate that Yucca Mountain could be used for a reprocessing facility. ‘We need to
diversify our economy,’ he said. ‘We’ve spent $12 billion to do the studies and the infrastructure at Yucca
Mountain. ... I’ve suggested we turn it into a reprocessing facility of nuclear spent fuel. That would bring
in $1 billion in revenue.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/21/12; Danny Tarkanian Debate, PBS, 10/16/12]
Said, “Yucca Mountain’s Location Is Ideal For [Nuclear] Reprocessing.” “While he is ‘fully opposed
to making Nevada a dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel for the nation,’ Tarkanian spoke
enthusiastically about turning Yucca Mountain into a nuclear reprocessing facility. ‘Reprocessing plants
have been in use all around the world for years,’ he said. ‘The U.S. is one of the leading nuclear energy
producers in the world but there is not a single reprocessing plant in the country. Yucca Mountain’s
location is ideal for reprocessing. It would be a new industry that Nevada can take a lead in. It would
create thousands of jobs for Nevadans. It would generate $250 million from the government immediately
and then $500 million each year. It would also turn UNLV and UNR into the leading research institutions
in this field in the world.’” [Pahrump Valley Times, 4/14/10]
2010: Advocated Calling Nuclear Waste “Spent Fuel” In Order To “Sell” Nuclear Waste
Reprocessing At Yucca Mountain To The Citizens Of Clark County
2010: Tarkanian Speaks In Douglas County, May 14, 2010.
Questioner (0:25): Recently in the paper there was an article talking about Yucca Mountain (?). One of
the comments was on the issue of reprocessing nuclear waste and…
Tarkanian (0:44): Spent fuel. Watch how you say that. We gotta sell it to Clark County, so…
2010: Stated He Believed Nuclear Waste Reprocessing In Nevada Should Be Contracted To Private
Companies
2010: Stated He Believed Nuclear Waste Reprocessing In Nevada Should Be Contracted To Private
Companies.
Tarkanian (2:56): You’ve gotta contract with a private company [for nuclear waste disposal]. If we (?) the
federal government, we here in Nevada… we’re going to accept the nuclear spent fuel on the condition
that we get it and can contract it to a private company and keep the proceeds, you don’t think that they’re
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going to accept that and agree to it? I think that’s going to be the easiest thing for me to do when I go back
there. There’s a consensus outside the state to get it done. The problem is, you’ve got to sell it to the
people of Clark County, and I know I can do that. I go and talk about this in Clark County, and for the
first time, people realize it’s right. There are tests done to prove that the transportation of nuclear spent
fuel is safe….
2010: Suggested Considering Reprocessing of Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain
board, and commented on his opinion of what should be done with the Nuclear Waste at Yucca Mountain.
From the article:
…Tarkanian has positioned himself out front on the (not original) idea to use the slatedfor-termination Yucca Mountain Project as a site for reprocessing nuclear waste. Although
he stopped short of endorsing it, Tarkanian said reprocessing could “create thousands of
jobs” and generate millions in taxes. He said critics with safety issues are “fear-mongers.”
That stance is sure to score well with rural Nevada voters, for whom Yucca isn't something
to dread but a potential boon to small-town economies and employment. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 2/09/10]
Tarkanian Supported Controversial Reprocessing at Yucca Mountain
In February 2010, Tarkanian “expressed support for studying or experimenting with reprocessing,
a method of extracting useful fuel from radioactive waste” at the Yucca Mountain Test Site.
“If the safety precautions are there, we should do it,” said Tarkanian, who put reprocessing first on
his list of five ideas to diversify Nevada's economy. “That is a controversial proposal. Harry Reid
is against it, and Sue Lowden is against it,” Tarkanian said, even though Lowden has said, “I think
we could explore reprocessing.”
Tarkanian also has said he supports reprocessing “just like they do in France,” although Frenchstyle systems were not considered feasible or desirable for the United States. [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 2/08/10]
Nuclear Expert Said French Reprocessing Method Was a Myth
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko criticized French-style
reprocessing.
“One of the best developed myths out there is that France has solved the waste problem,” said
Jaczko, citing the fact the country still must dispose of waste and that it also has just 58 reactors at
19 sites, compared with the 104 reactors in the United States. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/08/10]
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Federal Land Management Issues
 Wanted to sell federal lands to boost economy, including Las Vegas property
In 2010, Tarkanian wanted to sell federal lands to boost the local economy. This included
property located near Las Vegas Boulevard.
Tarkanian Wants to Sell Federal Lands to Boost Economy, Including Vegas Property
board where Tarkanian “focused on what he called the need to release large tracts of federal land, some of
which is located near Las Vegas Boulevard, to ‘generate economic activity’ and entice ‘other businesses
to into the state.’” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/09/10]
Nevada is 85% federally owned land. A portion of that land exists in locations unsuitable
for any other use other than commercial development, like a piece of BLM land in
Douglas County that lies between a Costco and a church. There are hundreds of acres of
land owned by the BLM on the Las Vegas Strip, the most valuable piece of commercial
real estate in Nevada. We need to transfer ownership of federal land that’s only
applicable use is for commercial development back to the State. Nevada can use this
resource to attract new and diverse businesses. Making use of this land will have no cost
to the taxpayer and will serve as a revenue generator. [http://tark2010.org/news/economicgrowth-plan-for-nevada]
Tarkanian Points to $84 Billion in Potential Revenue
According to Tarkanian’s proposed cuts to federal spending, there is a potential for $83.8 billion if federal
lands were sold off.
Fails to Mention that Federal Lands Would be Purchased by Developers Like Himself
It’s interesting to note that Tarkanian’s plan to sell federal lands would be extremely beneficial to
property developers… like himself.
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Foreign Policy Issues
 Promised to use the term “Islamic terrorism”
 Opposed Iran nuclear deal
 Supported moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem
 On Twitter, stated President Obama celebrated baseball with dictators while
Islamic terrorists attack the free world
Tarkanian has promised to use the term “Islamic terrorism” when discussing foreign
policies. For example, on Twitter, he claimed that President Obama celebrated baseball with
dictators while “Islamic terrorists” attack the free world.
With regard to substantive foreign policy, Tarkanian has said he opposed the Iran nuclear
deal and that he supported moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem.
2016: Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism”
Promised To Use The Term “Islamic Terrorism.” “Our nation’s foreign policy priority needs to be the
protection and support of its own citizens. No more nation-building. No more world’s policeman. We
need to be feared by our enemies as a fierce defender of our own national interests, and respected by the
world as a beacon of freedom and strength. I will vote to support Israel’s self-defense and to oppose Iran’s
aggression. And I will call it ‘Islamic terrorism’ – because that’s exactly what it is.” [Tark for Congress,
accessed 4/13/16]
2016: Opposed Iran Nuclear Deal
2016: Opposed Iran Nuclear Deal. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire,
Tarkanian stated he supported “overturning the Iranian Nuclear Deal.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
Survey]
2016: Supported Moving The American Embassy To Jerusalem
2016: Supported Moving The American Embassy To Jerusalem. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada
Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported “moving our embassy in Israel to its
capital city, Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2012: Opposed Use Of American Troops To Intervene In Iran
2012: Opposed Use Of American Troops To Intervene In Iran. “Horsford and Tarkanian -- like pretty
much everybody in Washington -- say that Iran needs to be kept from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Both
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support the idea of exhausting diplomatic efforts and sanctions before having any discussions about a
military response and say that down the line, they would support Israel. But when it came down to that
military threat, it's Horsford who's the apparent hawk and Tarkanian the dove. ‘The military option is
never off the table,’ Horsford said about whether he would support a full-fledged intervention in Iran
involving U.S. forces. ‘Not more soldiers, absolutely not,’ Tarkanian said, explaining that he was opposed
to involving either ground troops or forces in an air war. ‘Israel is our closest ally, we need to support
them with resources -- but absolutely no troops.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
Twitter: Stated Obama Celebrated Baseball With Dictators While Islamic Terrorists Attack The
Free World
Twitter: Stated Obama Celebrated Baseball With Dictators While Islamic Terrorists Attack The
Free World. [Campaign Twitter, 3/24/16]
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Gun Issues
 Did not buy a firearm until he ran for U.S. Senate in 2010
 In 2006, the Brady Gun Control Campaign endorsed Danny Tarkanian, and his
mother Lois arranged the endorsement without his knowledge
 Received an “F” and a “C” from the NRA
 In a 2010 NRA questionnaire, he wrote he opposed re-enacting the assault
weapons ban and high-capacity ammunition magazine ban
Tarkanian has an ambiguous record on gun issues. In 2006, the Brady Gun Control
Campaign endorsed Danny Tarkanian, presumably because his mother arranged the
endorsement without his knowledge. Nonetheless, this endorsement has hung over him, and
he has received an “F” and a “C” from the NRA. In 2010, Tarkanian attempted to righten
his gun record by opposing the assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazine
bans.
Did Not Buy A Firearm Until He Ran For U.S. Senate In 2010, Then Started Publicizing His Gun
Ownership As Evidence Of His Support For The Second Amendment
Did Not Buy A Firearm Until He Ran For U.S. Senate In 2010, Then Started Publicizing His Gun
Ownership As Evidence Of His Support For The Second Amendment. “And they say he's been
disingenuous about his support for Second Amendment rights because he didn't buy his first firearm until
he started campaigning for the U.S. Senate. Tarkanian acknowledges he had never owned a gun before the
campaign, during which he's often touted his support for Second Amendment rights. He, with the help of
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Montandon, bought a handgun for his wife for her birthday last
year. He said the gun was needed because of recent criminal activity in their neighborhood. He also
bought himself a firearm. Tarkanian said the attack is off the mark. He said he never publicized the fact he
and his wife now own two guns or tried to make it a campaign issue. ‘I haven’t been a phony on any issue
I’ve ever run on,’ he said. ‘Our campaign didn’t send anything out, saying ‘Oh, wow, Danny’s got a gun.’
However, he did just that. In January, he wrote a position statement for a local news website that said:
‘My wife Amy has a gun because I bought it for her. Both Amy and I hope we never have to use it, but
it’s there for our protection, guaranteed by our Founding Fathers.’” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 5/30/10]
2010: Tarkanian Admitted He Had “Problems With The NRA.” Tarkanian (1:57): Yes, I would [provide
previous races’ NRA questionnaires to voters]. I’m probably the only one in here that’s had some problems with the
NRA and the questionnaire, but I would certainly turn it over. This has been an issue I was asked in the last hearing,
if somebody wants to bring it up again, we could get into it. But I have nothing to hide from it; I’ve been a lifetime
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member of the NRA, and (although?) there’s been a problem with the last questionnaire (in the race?), we could go
through it all again if anybody has a question on it. [Republican Senate Candidates Debate, 1:57, 2/07/10]
2006: Brady Gun Control Campaign Endorsed Danny Tarkanian – His Mother Lois Arranged The
Endorsement Without His Knowledge
2006: Brady Anti-Gun Campaign Endorsed Danny Tarkanian. “The Tarkanian campaign initially
dismissed questions about the little-noticed 2006 Brady Campaign endorsement Mr. Tarkanian received
in his unsuccessful race for secretary of state in 2006. The Brady Campaign also recorded robocalls
urging Nevada voters to support him. Tarkanian Campaign Manager James Fisfis suggested it was a dirty
campaign tactic meant to discredit Mr. Tarkanian’s support for gun rights because, as he told The
Washington Times, ‘a Brady call in Nevada is not a positive call.’” [Washington Times, 12/16/09]
Tarkanian’s Mother Lois Arranged The Endorsement Without His Knowledge. “Brady Campaign
President Paul Helmke also confirmed that Mr. Burdish, then an unpaid adviser for Mr. Tarkanian, had
worked with them, even asking Mrs. Brady’s mispronunciation of “Nevada” be edited out of the call. But,
Mr. Helmke said, ‘We weren’t doing this on our own — we were asked to do it by somebody who was
with the campaign — and they even went so far to edit the robocall.’ When reached by phone, however,
Mr. Burdish, now Mrs. Lowden’s political director, said Mr. Tarkanian’s mother had asked him to work
with the Brady Campaign on the endorsement. ‘Lois Tarkanian, who is Danny’s mother, came up with
everything,’ he said. ‘Danny, as far as I know, knew nothing about it… . Lois contacted me asking if I
would help her.’” [Washington Times, 12/16/09]
Tarkanian’s Consultant Claimed He Is Pro-Gun
Tarkanian consultant Jamie Fisfis said Tarkanian is as pro-gun as Reid and doesn't have the political
baggage of unpopular government spending and an expensive health care reform proposal weighing him
down.
“I don't want to minimize the fact that most of the people who are strong Second Amendment supporters
object to just about everything else (Reid) does,” Fisfis said. “It is not going to be enough.” [Las Vegas
Opposes Gun Bans
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he “agrees with the NRA. The federal
government should not ban firearms.” [Tarkanian NRA Questionnaire]
Supports Allowing Individuals on Terrorist Watch Lists to Purchase Guns
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he “agrees with the NRA” that individuals
who have been placed on the “terrorist watchlist” should not be restricted from purchasing guns.
The NRA argues that the list is secret with “undefined parameters” and “no opportunity or process to
appeal or remove a listing.”
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Opposes Ban on Assault Weapons
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA that the assault
weapons ban which expired in 2004 should not be reenacted.
Opposes Ban on Magazines
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA that the there
should be no ban on ammunition magazines.
Opposes Local Laws Restricting Gun Rights
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA that the Second
Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms regardless of where they live.
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Similarly, Tarkanian says that he supports legislation to restore gun rights in the District of Columbia.
Believes Position on Gun Rights is Fair Game for Deciding on Judicial Nominees
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA a nominee for a
judicial post’s previous rulings on gun issues should be considered in deciding whether that nominee
should be supported or opposed.
Opposes UN Regulations on Guns
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA and opposes
international agreements that would regulate small arms and light weapons.”
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Opposes Restrictions on Gun Show Purchases
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he supports current laws and opposes
further restrictions on the sale of guns at gun shows.
Supports Right-to-Carry Reciprocity
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA and supports
national Right-to-Carry reciprocity legislation.
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Opposes Mandatory Ballistic Fingerprinting
mandatory ballistic fingerprinting and microstamping.
Opposes Retention of Gun Purchase Records
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA and believes that
no records should be maintained on any lawful gun buyer.
Opposes Federal Firearm Licensing
According to his 2010 NRA Questionnaire, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA and opposes a
federal firearm registration system.
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Along similar lines, Tarkanian says that he agrees with the NRA and opposes firearms registration in
general.
From Tarkanian’s NRA questionnaire:
Opposes Restrictions on Frequency of Gun Purchases
restrictions on how often an individual can purchase firearms.
Opposes Mandatory “Smart Gun” Legislation
legislation mandating that only so-called “smart-guns,” which fire only for specific users, will be sold
when the technology exists.
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Opposes Restrictions on Certain .50 Caliber Cartridges
restrictions on .50 caliber cartridges.
Tarkanian Received an “F” and a “C” from the NRA in Previous Campaigns
In 2009, Tarkanian was criticized for previous negative grades from the National Rifle Association.
From the article:
After the Tarkanian campaign spoke up, an e-mail circulated stating Tarkanian received a
“question mark” rating from the NRA in one previous campaign and an “F” in another.
Political Notebook confronted Tarkanian's campaign on the issue and found the situation wasn't as
clear as Tarkanian being anti-gun.
[Tarkanian consultant Jamie] Fisfis said the question mark rating was based on the assumption
that Tarkanian didn't respond to the NRA's questionnaire. Fisfis said Tarkanian did not receive the
questionnaire and therefore did not respond.
Previous “C” and “F” grades from the NRA were based on a misunderstanding, Fisfis said. He
said the “C” came after Tarkanian and the NRA had a misunderstanding on a response and that
Tarkanian later said he agreed with the NRA. The “F” came after a gun-control support group
endorsed Tarkanian in a race. Fisfis said Tarkanian didn't seek the endorsement nor does he know
why he got it, since by then he had signed up to be a lifetime member of the NRA.
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The NRA did not return a call nor an e-mail from the Review-Journal seeking further clarification.
Tarkanian has a more detailed statement about his Second Amendment beliefs under “issues” on
his Web site. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/31/09]
Tarkanian Attacked for Receiving “F” from the NRA
board they noted Tarkanian’s Republican opponent’s campaign attacked him for receiving an “F” by the
National Rifle Association.
From the article:
Where Tarkanian seemed most aggressive, if not always accurately so, was in his criticism of
Lowden. Here's where the two candidates to date have shown very different campaign styles.
Lowden has tried to keep her sights on Reid, whom she believes will be her eventual opponent.
Tarkanian has no shortage of criticism for Reid, but he has stepped up his regular peppering of
Lowden, mostly accusing her of flip-flopping on issues.
…During the editorial board meeting, Tarkanian took a shot at Lowden on the Yucca subject and
reprocessing.
[Lowden’s Campaign Manager Robert] Uithoven responded: “While Danny once again attacks
from his glass house, voters are starting to find out why he's lost every campaign he's run this
decade. Being punished by the Nevada Supreme Court as a lawyer, earning an F from the NRA
and being called out for lying to voters in annoying robo-calls is sure to once again turn off the
voters.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2/09/10]
Tarkanian Was Endorsed in 2006 by Anti-Gun Group, the Brady Campaign
According to a Washington Times blog, in 2006 Tarkanian received an endorsement and robocall from
the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. In 2009, Tarkanian’s camp “initially dismissed questions
about the little-noticed” endorsement Tarkanian received in his bid for secretary of state. [Hotline, 12/17/09;
Washington Times, 12/18/09]
Tarkanian Campaign Claimed Brady Endorsement Was a Dirty Campaign Tactic
Tarkanian Consultant James Fisfis” suggested it was a dirty campaign tactic meant to discredit
Tarkanian's support for gun rights,” saying “a Brady call in Nevada is not a positive call.” Fisfis said,
“(Tarkanian) is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and has never reached out to the
Brady Campaign.” Fisfis said now-Lowden consultant Dan Burdish”had 'freelanced' by making
arrangements for the call without Tarkanian's knowledge.”
Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke “confirmed that Burdish, then an unpaid adviser for Tarkanian,
had worked with them, even asking” the caller's “mispronunciation of Nevada be edited out of the call.”
Helmke said, “We weren't doing this on our own -- we were asked to do it by somebody who was with the
campaign -- and they even went so far to edit the robocall.”
252
Burdish “said Tarkanian's mother had asked him to work with the Brady Campaign on the endorsement.”
Burdish said, “Lois Tarkanian, who is Danny's mother, came up with everything. Danny, as far as I know,
knew nothing about it. ... Lois contacted me asking if I would help her.” [Hotline, 12/17/09; Washington Times,
12/18/09]
Tarkanian Said He Did Not Solicit Support from the Brady Campaign
In 2009, Tarkanian participated in a forum of Republican candidates sponsored by the Sun City
Conservatives. Several attendees asked Tarkanian about his position on gun rights.
They were particularly concerned about Tarkanian's 2006 campaign for secretary of state in which the
Brady Campaign, a special interest group that favors gun control, made calls urging voters to support him.
Tarkanian said he didn't solicit the support and didn't know about the calls until they had been made. He
said he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He also told one woman who said she was
shopping for a gun to use for protection: “I hope you get a big gun and scare everyone off.” [Las Vegas
GOP Opponent’s Camp: I Think Voters Have Every Right to Pin Tarkanian Down on This
The Lowden camp, “which is eager to draw attention to this issue, said voters need more information
about the endorsement.” Lowden’s Campaign Manager Robert Utihoven said, “Nevada is a very pro-gun,
pro-Second Amendment state, and I think voters have every right to pin Danny Tarkanian down on his
past campaign coordination with the Brady Campaign and what it means today.” [Hotline, 12/17/09;
Washington Times, 12/18/09]
Tarkanian Kept Stressing Support for Guns, Possible Moose Hunt
Tarkanian's camp “intends to keep stressing their support for guns, which may include a moose hunt down
the road.”
Fisfis said ex-AK Gov. Sarah Palin's father Charles Heath had been campaigning on behalf of Tarkanian
“and agreed to take him moose hunting as a way of burnishing Tarkanian's commitment to gun rights.”
Heath in a statement: “One of the reasons our family campaigned for Danny Tarkanian is his strong
commitment to protecting the Constitutional rights of gun owners. If we can drag Danny off the campaign
trail we're going to go hunting together.” [Hotline, 12/17/09; Washington Times, 12/18/09]
Danny Tarkanian Did Not Respond To The National Rifle Association’s Questionnaire In 2004
The National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund maintains lists of ratings on political candidates
to measure their support for gun issues. In 2004, Tarkanian was listed with a question mark, which
indicated a failure to answer the NRA’s questionnaire. According to the NRA, failure to respond to the
questionnaire is “often an indication of indifference, if not outright hostility to gun owners’ and
sportsmen’s rights. [NRA Political Victory Fund, 2004 Scorecard]
Tarkanian Spokesman Jamie Fisfis Claimed Tarkanian Did Not Receive 2004 NRA Questionnaire
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According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, when asked about previous ratings from the NRA, “Fisfis
said the question mark rating was based on the assumption that Tarkanian didn't respond to the NRA's
questionnaire. Fisfis said Tarkanian did not receive the questionnaire and therefore did not respond.” [Las
Danny Tarkanian Received An “F” Rating From The NRA in 2006
National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund maintains lists of ratings on political candidates to
measure their support for gun issues. In 2004, Tarkanian was listed with an “F” rating. According to the
NRA, a candidate with an “F” rating is a “true enemy of gun owners’ rights. A vehement anti-gun
candidate who always opposes gun owners’ rights and/or actively leads anti-gun legislative efforts, or
sponsors anti-gun legislation.” [NRA Political Victory Fund, 2006 Scorecard]
Tarkanian Was Endorsed And Supported By The Anti-Gun Brady Campaign
During his 2006 campaign for Secretary of State, Danny Tarkanian was endorsed by the anti-gun Brady
Campaign, which also ran robo-calls on his behalf. [The Washington Times, 12/16/2009; Brady
Campaign Press Release, link]
Tarkanian Spokesman Jamie Fisfis Says “F” Rating Was The Result Of Endorsement He Didn’t
Seek
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, when asked about previous ratings from the NRA,
Tarkanian’s spokesman Jamie FisFis claimed that they were the results of misunderstandings. “Previous
"C" and "F" grades from the NRA were based on a misunderstanding, Fisfis said. He said the "C" came
after Tarkanian and the NRA had a misunderstanding on a response and that Tarkanian later said he
agreed with the NRA. The "F" came after a gun-control support group endorsed Tarkanian in a race.
Fisfis said Tarkanian didn't seek the endorsement nor does he know why he got it, since by then he had
signed up to be a lifetime member of the NRA.” [Las Vegas Review Journal, 8/31/2009]
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Health Care Issues
 Promised to vote for a repeal of Obamacare
 In 2010, wanted Medicare to be the payer of last resort for people who have
private insurance
 In 2010, supported eliminating minimum healthcare coverage standards, including
coverage for mammograms and prostate screenings
Tarkanian has promised to vote for a repeal of Obamacare. In 2010, he stated he wanted
Medicare to be the payer of last resort for people who have private insurance. He also stated
that year that he supported eliminating minimum healthcare coverage standards, including
coverage for mammograms and prostate screenings.
2016: Promised To Vote For A Repeal Of Obamacare
2016: Promised To Vote For A Repeal Of Obamacare. “After this election, the future of Obamacare
will be put to the Congress once more with an opportunity to give control over health care decisions back
to all Americans. As your Congressman, I will vote to end Obamacare, and to replace it with a marketbased health care system that offers Americans choice and savings in health care. We can accomplish this
by making health care insurance portable and available across state lines, so that we have a real
marketplace that offers Americans health insurance choices at low costs. We should promote health
savings accounts and pursue the idea of offering Americans a refundable tax credit to purchase the
insurance of their choice. I support preserving the ability of youths to remain on family insurance and the
ability of those with pre-existing conditions to access affordable health insurance. We must do whatever is
necessary to protect our medical doctors who are being driven out of the profession. This includes real tort
reform that protects against frivolous lawsuits. We need to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory
Board that gets in the way of doctors’ medical decisions.” [Tark for Congress, accessed 4/13/16]
2016: Supported “Constitutional Challenges, Defunding And Eventual Repeal” Of Obamacare. In
his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he supported
“constitutional challenges, defunding and eventual repeal of Obamacare.” [2016 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
2012: Promised To Vote For A Repeal Of Obamacare
2012: Promised To Vote For A Repeal Of Obamacare. “Horsford and Tarkanian are at opposite sides
of the spectrum when it comes to health care, with the Democrat supporting the new law often referred to
as ‘Obamacare’ and Tarkanian promising to be a vote for repeal.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
2012: Called Obamacare A Job Destroyer. “‘This act is a job destroyer,’ Tarkanian said of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act. ‘I have a friend, he is a business owner and democrat,’ he said. ‘He
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called me upset about the new regulations, telling me that if he follows through with getting the employee
insurance he will have to close all his businesses. And if he doesn't get it, he will be fined $2,000 an
employee, and have to close down.’ Tarkanian said the reform needs to be repealed and aggressive action
taken to lower health care costs first. ‘There are things the act has that are positive,’ he said. ‘Previously
existing conditions, children on until 26, and others are great. But Obamacare has so many problems that
it has caused in comparison to the ways it is helping that it is no way a close balance.’” [The Spectrum,
8/21/12]
2010: Wanted Medicare To Be The Payer Of Last Resort For People Who Have Private Insurance
2010: Wanted Medicare To Be The Payer Of Last Resort For People Who Have Private Insurance.
“On health care reform, Tarkanian said he wants to allow people to buy health insurance across state lines
to create more competition and allow employers to contribute to employees’ individual policies so
workers could move the policies from job to job. He also wants tort reform to reduce malpractice
insurance costs and ‘eliminate defensive medicine,’ and making Medicare the payer of last resort when
people have other policies, as well as eliminating state insurance mandates that raise costs. ‘If we do these
four things, we can reduce the cost over 50 percent,’ Tarkanian said.” [Elko Daily Free Press, 1/31/10]
Tarkanian: If You Want Your Doctor to Be More Thorough, “You Should Pay More”
In 2010, Tarkanian was asked about tort reform, and specifically the threat of malpractice forcing
doctors to be more comprehensive in the tests used.
The commentator said she wanted her doctor to be more thorough, and Tarkanian responded,
“Well if you want him to do it you should pay more for it then.”
From the interview:
[Rebecca] DIAMOND: We've talked about tort reform a lot on this show. And you know I
see both sides of the equation. I mean if this would drive down health care I'm all for it, but
as other people bring up, it is more government regulation, limiting how much -- what a
judge and a jury should decide. But I want to get your fresh perspective on this. And I'm
going at it at a different angle. I don't want my doctor not to do every test. They're saying
the reason the doctors do every single test is to cover their behind in case they get sued. I
want the doctor to do every test on me whether he's covering his behind or not. So I don't
think that's going to drive down cost because I want him to do it.
TARKANIAN: Well if you want him to do it you should pay more for it then. You know
the point is -DIAMOND: I do.
TARKANIAN: -- if somebody wants to have -- well then that's fine. You can do that and
you can just pay more individually. But the doctors shouldn't be forced to do more as -- or
get sued for million dollar judgments where they could be personally liable for it. You
know we spend $300 billion a year, doctors do, in what they call defensive medicine.
Three hundred billion dollars of medical services they're providing not because they feel it
is necessary but to prevent lawsuits. If you want to drop health insurance costs, take those
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300 billion a year out of the program and look how far health insurance costs will drop.
[Fox News, “Fox Business Happy Hour,” 3/18/10]
Supports Eliminating Minimum Healthcare Standards
In January 2010, Fox News reporter Jane Skinner interviewed Tarkanian and asked him, “Danny, I know
you've expressed a lot of concerns about the health care reform plan. What would you health care reform
plan look like if, indeed, you think we need one?”
“Well, there's four points that we could reduce our health-care costs substantially, upwards to 50 percent.
Allow people to purchase insurance across state lines, have tort reform where we cap down economic
damages and eliminate the $210 billion a year doctors are performing in preventive medicine. Make sure
Medicare is a payee of last resort, which is required by federal law, when currently 13 percent of
Medicare recipients have private insurance and the government doesn't make them go after -- that the
government doesn't go after those insurance companies. And, fourth, eliminate those state mandates that
require each insurance policy. Twenty (percent) to 50 percent of our insurance premiums are at the cause
of state mandates,” Tarkanian replied.
“Our country is based upon one key factor. You have hard-earned dollars that you can buy a product
based upon what it provides and the cost, and these state mandates eliminate that. And I think we've got
to go back to the individual portable plans where we give individuals the opportunity to buy their own
plans and have the same tax deductions employers have when they buy for their employees,” he
continued. [Federal News Service, Fox News Transcrript, 1/12/10]
Stood by Call to Cut Minimum Coverage Standards for Mammograms, Prostate Screenings
In December 2009, after Tarkanian was attacked by the Reid campaign for opposing minimum coverage
standards for insurance plans, even for items such as mammograms and prostate screenings, Tarkanian
consultant Jamie Fisfis said he was convinced voters would favor Tarkanian's vision for insurance reform.
“Danny Tarkanian's plan allows individuals to buy their own tax deductible health insurance and decide
what coverages they want to have,” Fisfis said. “Harry Reid wants 52 new government boards to dictate
coverage. They could actually ban preventative mammograms.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/17/09]
Supports So-Called “Conscience Protections” for Health Care Workers
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he supports so-called
“conscience protections” for health care workers.
[http://www.nevadaconcernedcitizens.org/pages/2010%20NCC%20Values%20Voter%20Guide.pdf]
While the questionnaire does not specify with medical practices to which health care workers could refuse
to perform, legislation signed into law in 2009 in Louisiana allows “any person . . . not to” provide
abortions, distribute “abortifacient drugs," work on human embryonic stem-cell research or cloning, or
participate in euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. The drug provision is intended to include the socalled "morning-after pill,” but would not extend to routine birth control. [Times-Picayunne, 7/8/09]
In the absence of such specifics in the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, it is reasonable to
question whether Tarkanian supports such objections for birth control as well.
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Tarkanian Condemned Healthcare Bill, Began Petition Drive for “Healthcare Freedom”
In March 2010, Tarkanian condemned the healthcare reform bill. He announced the formation of a
petition drive for a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing what he said would be health care
freedom. [Associated Press, 3/24/10]
Tarkanian announced he was forming a committee to spearhead the ballot initiative for a state
constitutional amendment. He said he would launch the effort in Las Vegas, and hoped to collect more
than 100,000 signatures by a June deadline to qualify for the November ballot. [Associated Press, 3/24/10]
Tarkanian Signed Club for Growth Pledge to Repeal Healthcare Reform
In January 2010, Tarkanian signed the Club for Growth Repeal It! Pledge “to fight ObamaCare,
even if congressional Democrats pass it over public opposition.” [Targeted News Service, 1/15/10]
Tarkanian Believed Solution to Healthcare was Capitalism
In 2010, Tarkanian said healthcare reform has been an important campaign theme. He advocated
traditional Republican prescriptions like allowing consumers to buy insurance across state lines,
medical malpractice reform and the elimination of state mandates.
“Reid believes the solution to our health care problems is more government involvement and
more spending, and I believe the solution is found in the private sector and through our capitalistic
society,” Tarkanian said. [Politico.com, 1/12/10]
Tarkanian Claimed “The Left Is Hard at Work Trying to Dismantle Our System Bit By Bit”
In 2009, Tarkanian participated in a forum of Republican candidates sponsored by the Sun City
Conservatives.
“The left is hard at work trying to dismantle our system bit by bit,” Tarkanian said. “And right
now there are just not enough conservatives to stop them.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/31/09]
Proposed Allowing Nevada to Vote for State to Opt Out of Federal Health Insurance
In November 2009, Tarkanian launched “an initiative to ensure Nevadans get a vote if the state
ever faces a choice of opting in or out of a proposed federal health insurance program.” Tarkanian
signed off on paperwork to submit the initiative to the Nevada secretary of state. The move, he
said, allowed the Nevada Health Care Choice Committee to raise money and gather signatures for
the effort.
“If you feel this is the best approach for the state, let's have an open debate on it, which is what the
initiative process will do,” Tarkanian said.
Tarkanian said if that compromise makes it through Congress and becomes law that was where his
initiative would come in. “Part of running for office is to show what you would do. I want it to be
known that if I am in office the public should have input,” he said. [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
11/06/09]
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Tarkanian Claimed His Healthcare Plan Would Cut Premiums by Up to 50%
In March 2010, “Fox Business Happy Hour” interviewed Tarkanian and asked him about his stance on
healthcare. Tarkanian spoke about his healthcare plan, which he claimed “would reduce the cost upwards
of 50 percent of your premiums.”
From the interview:
TARKANIAN: I've come out already with a four-point health care reform plan that would
substantially reduce the cost upwards of 50 percent of your premiums without costing the
taxpayer one additional dollar or starting one more government agency.[Fox News, “Fox
Business Happy Hour,” 3/18/10]
Opposed Public Option
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes the “inclusion of a
public option in any federal government health care overhaul legislation.” [2010 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
Supported Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Opposed Employer Based Plans
Tarkanian was asked about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and he said it was a solution.
He urged getting “away from employer-based plans.”
From the interview:
[Eric] BOLLING: Hey Danny, so where do you stand on individual savings accounts for
health? Do you agree with that? Is that a way -- is that a solution?
TARKANIAN: Yes, absolutely. I mean I think we should get away from the employerbased plans and let individuals own the plans so that he or she can pick and choose what
they want to buy and take with them from job to job. That would help eliminate a lot of
these people that can't get covered because of preexisting conditions. What happens is the
employer would put money into a health savings account and then the individual employee
can pick or choose what he or she wants to buy, own that plan, take it with them from job
to job. It's a no-brainer idea and it should be passed immediately -[Cody] WILLARD: Danny, if I understand what you're saying there though you're still
providing some incentives to the employer. Why do we allow the employers, the
corporations to dictate health care policy at all? Really it ought to be individual. Why do
we even go through the employer in any way, shape or form?
TARKANIAN: Yes. Well it's not allowing the employer to dictate the policies. The health
insurance accounts would allow the individual employee to pick and choose -WILLARD: But you're still providing incentive to that corporation or employer.
TARKANIAN: The -- well no, not the health savings accounts aren't. The incentive is you
get a tax deduction, the employer does is if he provides health -- this money for the
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individual employee to buy the plan. Part of my plan, which is on my Web site also says
every individual who buys insurance for themselves, whether self-employed or
unemployed should have the same tax deduction an employer has. Level the playing field
on the tax code and you'll get more individual ownership plans. [Fox News, “Fox Business
Happy Hour,” 3/18/10]
Supported Children’s Health Insurance
In 2009, Tarkanian said he was opposed to much of the reforms the Democratic majority in Congress
crafted, but that he does support access to health insurance coverage for all children even if it costs the
government money. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/09/09]
Supported Ban on Insurance Companies Dropping Patients Because of Pre-Existing Conditions
In 2009, Tarkanian said that insurance companies should not be allowed to drop people because they have
pre-existing medical conditions and that no children should go without health insurance even “if that is an
additional cost to the government.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/06/09]
Tarkanian Used Healthcare Reform for a Fundraising Email
In March 2010, after the House of Representatives passed healthcare reform, Tarkanian made an email
pitch to supporters headlining his Internet outreach, “A call to arms.”
“There's a lot of passion out there from people who don't like this bill,” said Tarkanian. “There's a
movement around the country that's excited people who have never been involved in politics before. And
these people are demanding better representation.”
In his fundraising request, Tarkanian told donors: “If at all possible, please consider doubling your
support to my campaign right now so I can hold Harry Reid accountable.” Tarkanian said he has 11,000
contributors now, including some who have given the maximum amount allowed under federal law:
$2,400 per person in both the primary and general campaigns. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/23/10]
Conservative Radio Host Launched “10 for Tark” to Raise Money from Opponents of Obamacare
In 2009, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Obama inspired Tarkanian, “Tarkanian of Las
Vegas, was among those Obama inspired. To be perfectly clear, Tarkanian is critical of government
spending under the Obama administration that he says on his Web site will create ‘runaway inflation and
un¬sustainable deficits.’
But he admired Obama's fundraising prowess, especially his ability to raise vast amounts of money
through small, online donations. Tarkanian's campaign workers hope to replicate the strategy as part of
their effort to challenge Reid, who may well raise tens of millions of dollars in an effort to hold the seat.”
The campaign was helped in this effort when conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt launched “10 for
Tark.”
“We're very early, but we do use the Obama campaign as a model of where we'd like to be, tomorrow if
we can, but in a few months,” said Tarkanian’s pollster and consultant Jamie Fisfis.
According to the article, “In the 72 hours after it launched, Fisfis said nearly $100,000 poured in from
about 5,000 individual donors.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 8/31/09]
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Tarkanian Used his Opposition to “Obamacare” to Raise $10 Donations
In 2009, according to a Hugh Hewitt column, “This week, more than 5,000 new donors sent $10
or more to [Tarkanian] as a way of sending a message to Reid to shelve Obamacare.”
According to the column, “Tarkanian has made opposition to Obamacare one of the key elements
of his nascent campaign, and a Mason-Dixon poll last week showed Tark leading the veteran Reid
by 11 points. All Tarkanian needs is money, and Obamacare has sparked thousands to start
sending the Republican the cash he needs to compete.” [Washington Examiner, Hugh Hewitt Column,
8/31/09]
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Immigration and Border Issues
 Said that a pathway to citizenship should be denied to all undocumented
immigrants
 Said people found in the U.S. illegally should be deported
 Agreed with Trump that the U.S. should build a border wall
 Criticized spending taxpayer dollars on non-English speaking students
 Did not support offering education or healthcare to undocumented immigrants
 In 2012, opposed DACA and DREAM Act
 In 2010, praised Arizona’s SB 1070 and said he “loved” it
 In 2010, said that “profiling” is a necessary tool to prevent crime
 In 2010, stated that undocumented immigrants should be denied “taxpayer-funded
education, health care, or welfare” and would deport those who are treated in
emergency rooms
 In 2010, endorsed by the Minutemen, a militia group that took up arms at the
southern border to intercept undocumented migrants entering the United States
 In 2006, called for voters to show proof of citizenship at the polls
Tarkanian has been stridently anti-immigration, agreeing with Trump that a border wall
should be built and opposing a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants.
This included opposition to DACA and the DREAM Act. He also strongly supported
deporting undocumented immigrants at every opportunity. For example, he has stated that
he supported Arizona’s SB 1070, which allowed police officers to investigate the immigration
status of a stopped or arrested individual if they have a reasonable suspicion they are
undocumented. He also wanted to deny undocumented immigrants access to “taxpayerfunded education, health care, or welfare,” with the exception of emergency room access,
and, even then, would immediately deport the undocumented immigrant and he or she
receives treatment. His opposition to immigration has also taken a racialized tone. He has
stated that “profiling” is a necessary tool to prevent crime and, in 2010, he was endorsed by
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the Minutemen, an armed militia with ties to Neo-Nazi groups that patrols the southern
border to intercept undocumented immigrants.
2016: Reaffirmed That Pathway To Citizenship Should Be Denied To All Undocumented
Immigrants
2016: Reaffirmed That Pathway To Citizenship Should Be Denied To All Undocumented
Immigrants. In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius, Tarkanian was asked, “Do you believe there’s any
circumstance in which there would be a pathway to full citizenship for people who have come here
illegally?” Tarkanian responded, “No, I don’t believe that you can have someone who comes here
illegally, give them full citizenship. I think penalizing the people that are doing it the right way.”
[LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 15:30, 3/25/16]
2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire: Opposed Pathway To Citizenship For
Undocumented Immigrants. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian reaffirmed
that he opposed “a ‘path to citizenship’ for illegal immigrants (i.e., pass a background check; register; pay
a penalty fee; apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa, etc..)” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
Questionnaire]
2016: Reaffirmed Belief That People Found In U.S. Illegally Should Be Deported
Said People Found In U.S. Illegally Should Be Deported. In a February 2016 interview with Ralston,
Tarkanian was asked, “Should we deport all of those people?” He responded, “If you find them, if you
find people that have stayed here illegally. […] Well look it, if you find somebody who’s in the country
here illegally because they committed some other crime or something’s happened that they become
identified, of course you gotta deport them. That’s a rule of law, a country of rules of law.” [Ralston Live
Interview, 23:30, 2/09/16]
2016: Agreed With Trump That U.S. Should Build A Wall
2016: Agreed With Trump That U.S. Should Build A Wall. In a February 2016 interview with
Ralston, Tarkanian was asked, “You also again there, you agree with Trump. You think we should build a
wall, right?” He responded, “Oh absolutely. A wall and whatever the advanced technologies can be to
prevent people from coming to the country.“ [Ralston Live Interview, 23:00, 2/09/16]
Firmly Supported Building A Wall On The Southern Border. “America can be a great, diverse,
welcoming nation, but first America must defend our borders to ensure our national security and protect
our Constitutional rule of law. To do this, I am firmly in support of building a strong wall on our southern
border and instituting vigorous new vetting of all immigrants. I will vote against amnesty and demand that
our immigration laws be enforced on the border and in the workplace.” [Tark for Congress Website,
accessed 4/13/16]
2016: Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Non-English Speaking Students
Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Non-English Speaking Students. At a March 2016 debate,
Tarkanian said, “Furthermore, when he talks about the tax increase to help education, they didn’t put one
single penny into pay increases for teachers. Instead he gave $100 million for Zoom programs to try and
teach kids who can’t speak English in the same classroom as kids who speak English. They spend $25
million for the anti-bullying statute, to have some kind of committee that supposedly going to stop two263
year olds from bullying and at the same time has [inaudible] rules for shared bathrooms for boys and
girls.” [Siena Debate, 22:30, 3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun, 3/03/16]
2016: Did Not Support Education, Health Care For Undocumented Immigrants
Did Not Support Education, Health Care For Undocumented Immigrants. In a March 2016 interview
with Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “How can we continue to have a country that says if you come in the
country illegally, we’re going to give you health care benefits, more than just life-saving health care,
we’re gonna give you full health care benefits, full education benefits, many times welfare benefits and
other type of federal subsidies or tax subsidies or state subsidies that we’re giving to people that are here
illegally. Those things have to be cut off. They have to be eliminated. We have to have a rule of law that
the only people that should get American’s taxpayer benefits are people that are here in the country
legally.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 16:10, 3/25/16]
2016: Has Stated The U.S. Needs To Do More Than Build A Border Fence By Denying Education
And Healthcare Benefits To Undocumented Immigrants
2016: Has Stated The U.S. Needs To Do More Than Build A Border Fence By Denying Education
And Healthcare Benefits To Undocumented Immigrants. Tarkanian (14:02): All the candidates say we
need to build a border- protective fence. That’s only sixty percent of the people in the country illegally.
Forty percent come in and overstay their visas. Our problem is, as much as (?) we don’t want- we provide
all these enticements to come: free education, free healthcare, low-p—jobs that they’re making a lot
higher than somebody else is (?) Americans would make. And this is by statute, this is by law. I mean,
why would we do that? And then we have cities that say, ‘if you get in our city, we won’t enforce the
laws. Even though you’re here illegally, we have sanctuary cities; we’re going to keep you here.” We are
so upside-down on how we have to handle our immigration system. [Tracker Footage, Active Republican
Women Of Las Vegas Forum, 1/21/16]
2012: Accused President Obama Of Using Hispanics As A “Political Tool” For Re-Election
2012: Accused President Obama Of Using Hispanics As A “Political Tool” For Re-Election. “At a
July meeting with the Las Vegas civic engagement group Hispanics in Politics, Tarkanian accused Obama
of using Hispanics as a “political tool” for re-election.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Opposed Obama Administration’s Policy On Deferred Action
2012: Opposed Obama Administration’s Policy On Deferred Action. “Asked specifically about
deferred action, Tarkanian said he did not support it because it ‘was not passed in Congress.’” [Las Vegas
Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Opposed DREAM Act Path To Citizenship For College Students – Agreed Path To
Citizenship Should Be Extended To Veterans
2012: Opposed DREAM Act Path To Citizenship For College Students – Agreed Path To
Citizenship Should Be Extended To Veterans. “Tarkanian also elaborated on his statements on the
Dream Act from the Hispanics in Politics meeting, during which he said he supported it for military
service but not education. ‘I believe that anyone who is willing to put on the uniform in service of our
country deserves a path to citizenship,’ Tarkanian wrote. ‘However, I do not support the idea that simply
attending school here entitles individuals to that same option. Furthermore, I do not support illegal
immigrants having access to taxpayer benefits. Our taxpayers are already burdened enough with having to
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fund those services for citizens of this country. They do not need to additionally support those who are
here illegally.’ Tarkanian’s move to support the military portion of the Dream Act was one reason
America’s Voice said in its report on the 2012 house races he had ‘tried to soften his position slightly on
immigration in 2012.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/11/12]
2012: Stated He Supported Pathway To Citizenship For Some, Not All DREAMers. “This year, he
has somewhat backed off his praise of that law. And he said he would support a pathway to citizenship for
some, not all, Dream Act kids. ‘Anybody who comes in and wants to provide military service should have
a path to citizenship,’ Tarkanian said. ‘But the college students -- I don’t believe I would extend it that far.
But I would be open to more dialogue of other types of services.’ Tarkanian added that he was "looking
forward" to hearing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's proposal for a scaled-back Dream Act.” [Las Vegas Sun,
10/18/12]
2010: Praised SB 1070, Arizona Law That Authorized State Officials To Enforce Federal
Immigration Laws
2010: Praised Arizona Law That Authorized State Officials To Enforce Federal Immigration Laws.
“In his 2010 Republican primary campaign for the U.S. Senate, Tarkanian aired radio ads praising a
controversial Arizona immigration enforcement law partially neutered in a recent Supreme Court
decision. This year, he has somewhat backed off his praise of that law.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
2010: Said “I Love The Arizona Law.” “And some of Tarkanian’s own staunchly conservative views
are ones that Democrats would be prepared to argue are out of the state’s mainstream. ‘I love the Arizona
law,’ he said Sunday, referring to that state’s tough new law to crack down on illegal immigration that
many in this state’s growing Latino population detest.” [Politico, 6/06/10]
2012: Backpedaled From His “Love” Of SB 1070. “Fox asked Tarkanian about his previously stated
support for Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070, the state’s immigration enforcement law. ‘I believe the state of
Arizona had the duty and obligation to do what they felt was best protect the safety and welfare of its
citizens,’ Tarkanian said. ‘Arizona, from my understanding, passed this law because there was so much
crime being committed by the people who were coming into the country illegally, and they were worried
about the health and safety of their citizens.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/12/12]
2012: Tried To Spin His Previous “Love” Of SB 1070 As A Misrepresentation Of His Position On
Immigration. “‘This is another example of what you’re going to see the rest of the night: My opponent
will continue to misrepresent my position with absolutely no basis to fall back on,’ Tarkanian said, a
sentiment he repeated often. ‘… What I said very clearly was Arizona has the right to provide for the
health and safety of its citizens, and Nevada has the right to determine whether they need that or not.’
Tarkanian has said in the past that immigrants residing in the country illegally should be denied any
taxpayer-funded services, and he supported profiling as a law-enforcement tool. In June 2010, Tarkanian
is quoted in a Politico story saying: ‘I love the Arizona law.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/12/12]
2010: Said “Profiling” Was A Necessary Tool To Prevent Crime. “Tarkanian, a lawyer and Las Vegas
businessman, supports the Arizona law, saying the state has a ‘10th Amendment right and obligation to
protect their citizens however they see necessary.’ He dismisses concerns of widespread racial profiling,
citing the Supreme Court case of Terry v. Ohio, which held that police officers can stop and search a
person if they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ the person is engaged in criminal behavior. ‘Profiling is a
necessary tool in preventing crime and I believe members of law enforcement are good people doing their
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best to protect their communities,’ he says. Tarkanian supports cracking down on employers who hire
illegal immigrants and completing the border fence. He also wants to ‘make sure that those here illegally
are not entitled to taxpayer-funded education, health care or welfare.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 4/30/10]
2010: Stated That Undocumented Immigrants Should Be Denied “Taxpayer-Funded Education,
Health Care, Or Welfare” And Would Deport Those Who Are Treated In ERs
2010: Stated That Undocumented Immigrants Should Be Denied “Taxpayer-Funded Education,
Health Care, Or Welfare” And Would Deport Those Who Are Treated In ERs. “In April 2010,
Tarkanian said he supported Arizona's immigration enforcement law SB1070, three-fourths of which were
struck down by the Supreme Court this year. At the time he also said that immigrants residing in the
country illegally should be denied ‘taxpayer-funded education, health care or welfare’ and would deport
those who came to emergency rooms after they had been treated. ‘Even mere talk of amnesty is
irresponsible because it encourages illegal immigration,’ Tarkanian said in 2010.” [Las Vegas Sun,
10/18/12]
Called Denying Taxpayer-Funded Education, Taxpayer-Funded Healthcare, And Jobs To
Undocumented Immigrants A “Common Sense Solution.” “On illegal immigration, Tarkanian said
people support building a fence and protecting our borders, and his ‘common sense solution is to take
away any incentive for immigrants to come here. If they are not here legally, they shouldn’t be entitled to
taxpayer-funded education, taxpayer-funded health care and jobs.’” [Elko Daily Free Press, 1/31/10]
2010: Advocated Deporting Undocumented Immigrants Who Received Medical Care In Emergency
Rooms
2010: Advocated Deporting Undocumented Immigrants Who Received Medical Care In Emergency
Rooms. According to a video of “The Daily Rundown,” Tarkanian was asked, “But, sir, I mean, your
position is… illegal immigrants should not have public education or medical care except for life-saving
treatment, right?” Tarkanian laughs and responded by saying, “I’ve got the crazy position that says, if you
come in the country illegally, you’re not entitled to taxpayer benefits unless it’s emergency health care
that should be provided, and then you need to find out if they’re here illegally, and then you deport them
if they’re not.” [MSNBC, “The Daily Rundown,” 6/3/10]
variety of extremists and anti-immigration activists of all types. A number of neo-Nazi National Alliance
members showed up for the first weekend of events; Shawn Walker, spokesman for the National Alliance,
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earlier indicated that members of his group would take part in the project.” [Anti-Defamation League,
4/25/05]
original 2004 Minutemen advertisement (‘I invite you to join me in Tombstone, Arizona, in early spring
of 2005 to protect our country from a 40-year-long invasion across our southern border with Mexico’) ran
on the Aryan Nations website, trumpeted as ‘a call for action on part of ALL ARYAN SOLDIERS.’
Among those gathered at the original encampment was a faction that called itself ‘Team 14’—a reference
to the neo-Nazi fourteen-word slogan, ‘We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white
children.’ A local news crew, more enterprising than the Most Trusted Name in News, recorded what
these fine patriots said when they thought the cameras were off: ‘It should be legal to kill illegals. Just
shoot ‘em on sight. That’s my immigration policy recommendation. You break into my country, you
die.’” [The Nation, 4/03/13]
2010: Opposed “Amnesty” For Undocumented Immigrants
2010: Opposed “Amnesty” For Undocumented Immigrants. In a 2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens
survey, Tarkanian responded that he opposed “amnesty for illegal aliens.” [2010 Nevada Concerned
Citizens Survey]
2006: Wanted Voters To Show Proof Of Citizenship At The Polls. “Danny Tarkanian, the Republican,
wants picture identification cards for voters to prevent non-citizens from casting ballots. Ross Miller, the
Democrat, opposes that, supporting tougher penalties instead. Janine Hansen, the independent, wants
ballots printed in English only. ‘I want people to show proof of citizenship when they go to the polls,’
said Tarkanian, a Las Vegas businessman and attorney. "He’s (Miller) against that.’” [Reno GazetteJournal, 9/30/06]
2005: Supported Voter ID Laws. “If elected, Tarkanian said he would push for a photo identification
card that voters would have to present at the polls. ‘I think that would clamp down on a lot of voter fraud
going on now,’ he said.” [Pahrump Valley Times, 12/09/05]
Wants to “Remove All Incentives for Illegal Immigrants”
Tarkanian has run TV ads during his primary campaign in which he calls for the elimination of “all
incentives for illegal immigrants – no more jobs and certainly no more taxpayer-funded benefits.”
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[http://tark2010.org/tarkads]
In a radio ad, Tarkanian specifies that those incentives include education, health care and welfare.
[http://tark2010.org/tarkads; “Arizona”]
Supports Arizona Immigration Law
During his primary for the Senate, Tarkanian has run a radio ad defending Arizona’s immigration law.
In the ad, Tarkanian says that “the Washington establishment’s got it backwards when they defend
illegals and treat police like they’re criminals.”
“Washington is so far out of touch,” Tarkanian says, “Arizona had to pass a law just so they could
enforce the law.” [http://tark2010.org/tarkads; “Arizona”]
Attacks Reid Immigration Plan as Another Bailout for Those Who Break the Rules
Tarkanian opposes what he called “Harry Reid’s amnesty plan” and “nothing more than another bailout
for those who break the rules.” [http://tark2010.org/tarkads; “Remove Incentives”]
On his campaign web site, Tarkanian says “Those who enter the country illegally are breaking the law
and should not be granted amnesty or a pardon.” [http://tark2010.org/issuescontent#immigration]
Calls for Actively Pursuing Those Who Employ Illegal Immigrants
On his campaign web page, Tarkanian calls for a crackdown on employers who hire illegal immigrants.
“We must also actively pursue and punish those who employ illegal immigrants.”
[http://tark2010.org/issuescontent#immigration]
Tarkanian Spoke before Anti-Immigration Groups
In 2006, Tarkanian spoke to a town hall meeting for Wake Up America, a group focused on opposition to
illegal immigration and a call for a border clampdown. Tarkanian also spoke to Secured Borders USA, a
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Nevada-based group that circulates a petition demanding enforcement of America's immigration laws and
claims to have nearly 10 million notarized signatures. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/12/06]
Endorsed by Co-Founder of Minuteman Project
In 2010, Tarkanian was endorsed by Jim Gilchrist, the co-founder of the Minuteman Project.
Gilchrist told a group of Tarkanian supporters, the candidate's views including securing the border and
removing incentives for illegal immigration parallel his own. [KOLO TV, 5/10/10]
Co-Founder Endorsed Angle
Gilchrist and Chris Simcox founded the Minuteman movement in 2004 to stem the flow of
undocumented immigrants on the Mexican border. But they disagree on the Nevada Senate race as
Simcox has endorsed Sharron Angle. [KOLO TV, 5/10/10]
Tarkanian Using Minuteman Endorsement in Ad
Tarkanian highlights his endorsement from the Minuteman Project in one of his Republican
primary TV ads.
[http://tark2010.org/tarkads]
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Labor and Working Family Issues
 Opposed “defined benefits” as a basis for public employee retirement plans
 Called for eliminating prevailing wage for all public projects
 Opposed card check
Tarkanian opposed “defined benefits” as a basis for public employee retirement plans. He
also called for eliminating prevailing wage for all public projects and opposed card check.
2016: Opposed “Defined Benefits” As A Basis For Public Employee Retirement Plans
2016: Opposed “Defined Benefits” As A Basis For Public Employee Retirement Plans. In his answers
to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed “the concept of
‘defined benefits’ as a basis for public employee retirement plans, in contrast to investment returns as a
basis for benefits.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Sought “Reform” Of The Public Employees Retirement System. In a May 2015 Letter to the
Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian wrote, “Last November, Nevadans elected a Republican legislative
majority for the first time in 85 years, providing an extremely rare opportunity to make critical, necessary
changes to our state’s education system, public retirement system, elections, tax policy and fiscal reforms.
… The Senate failed to reform the Public Employees Retirement System, which is bankrupting our state,
and instead chose to pass the largest tax increase in state history. Ironically, this $1.2 billion tax increase
is nearly identical to the one voters rejected in the last election by a 4-to-1 margin, except that it’s more
complicated and easier to manipulate.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian Letter to the Editor,
5/03/15]
2016: Called For Eliminating Prevailing Wage For On All Public Projects
2016: Called For Eliminating Prevailing Wage For On All Public Projects. In a May 2015 Letter to
the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian wrote, “The Legislature passed a bill eliminating prevailing
wage, which cuts costs by 20 percent or more on school construction projects. But the bill requires
prevailing wage on all other public projects. If it is fiscally responsible to eliminate prevailing wage for
school construction, then why not eliminate it for all public works projects?” [Las Vegas Review-Journal,
Tarkanian Letter to the Editor, 5/03/15]
Opposed Card Check
Tarkanian said that he strongly opposed the Employee Free Choice Act, otherwise known as ‘card check.’
From his 2010 campaign website:
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I firmly oppose card check. An employee’s decision to support or oppose unionization
should be made with a private-ballot. Private ballots are a basic American right and if
card check were to become law, employees lack of ability to vote by a concealed ballot
would open the door to bullying and other forceful tactics. Furthermore, the binding
arbitration provision which requires a government board to come in and set wages and
benefits and what normally would be contract terms if an employer and newly recognized
union do not reach a first contract within 120 days serves as a disincentive for unions to
bargain in good faith. Have we gotten so far left that we are going to force companies to
allow the federal government to dictate terms of employment for small businesses?
[http://www.tark2010.org/issuescontent#cardcheck]
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LGBT Issues
 Opposed allowing a “transgendered male who identifies as female” to have
access to women’s restrooms
 Criticized spending taxpayer money on anti-bullying programs and bathrooms for
transgender students
 In 2010, supported military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy
 In 2010, opposed repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Tarkanian has been on the wrong side of LGBT issues. In a 2016 questionnaire, he opposed
allowing a “transgendered male who identifies as female” to have access to women’s
restrooms. He has also criticized spending taxpayer money on anti-bully programs and
bathrooms for transgender students. In 2010, he supported the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” policy and he opposed the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
2016: Opposed Allowing “‘Transgendered’ Male Who Identifies As Female” To Have Access To
Women’s Restrooms
2016: Opposed Allowing “‘Transgendered’ Male Who Identifies As Female” To Have Access To
Women’s Restrooms. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens survey, Tarkanian stated he opposed
“allowing a ‘transgendered’ male who identifies as a female to have access to women’s sports teams,
locker rooms and restrooms.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2016: Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Anti-Bullying Programs And Bathrooms For
Transgender Students
Criticized Spending Taxpayer Money On Anti-Bullying Programs And Bathrooms For
Transgender Students. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian said, “Furthermore, when he talks about the
tax increase to help education, they didn’t put one single penny into pay increases for teachers. Instead he
gave $100 million for Zoom programs to try and teach kids who can’t speak English in the same
classroom as kids who speak English. They spend $25 million for the anti-bullying statute, to have some
kind of committee that supposedly going to stop two-year olds from bullying and at the same time has
[inaudible] rules for shared bathrooms for boys and girls.” [Siena Debate, 22:30, 3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun,
3/03/16]
2016: Opposed Federal Constitutional Marriage Amendment That Would Reverse Marriage
Equality Because He Thought Marriage Was A State Issue
2016: Opposed Federal Constitutional Marriage Amendment That Would Reverse Marriage
Equality Because He Thought Marriage Was A State Issue. In a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens
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survey, he stated he opposed “a Federal Constitutional Marriage Amendment defining marriage as being
between one man and one woman, reinsuting Nevada’s marriage laws,” and footnoted he believed
marriage equality was a “state issue.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Owners
2010: Supported ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Law
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he supports the current “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” armed forces policy that prevents homosexuals from serving openly in the military.
2010: Opposed Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes a federal law, such
as the proposed Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA), which the organization says “would override the
religious freedom protections in Nevada.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
2010: Opposed Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
In the 2010 Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes repeal of the
federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that only recognizes heterosexual marriage. [2010 Nevada
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Seniors’ Issues
 Advocated raising the Social Security retirement age
 In 2012, admitted he believed people should be able to divert their Social
Security money into private accounts
 In 2010, said Social Security should be privatized
Tarkanian has advocated raising the retirement age for Social Security. In 2010, he said
Social Security should be privatized.
2016: Advocated Raising The Social Security Retirement Age
2016: Advocated Raising The Social Security Retirement Age. In a March 2016 interview with
Sebelius, Tarkanian said, “Look, there’s a lot of cuts that have to come into play too, and I’ll give you one
that, you know, a lot of people, Republicans won’t say, and won’t stand up for. But I believe again it’s a
common sense approach. We have the problems with Social Security, and everybody’s saying you know,
you can’t cut Social Security, you’re going to lose votes with the seniors. But common sense will tell you.
Social Security was passed I believe it was 1934. The life expectancy was 61.7 years. Today the life
expectancy is 78.7 years. Why can’t we raise the age of eligibility for Social Security recipients? I know
you have to do it at a gradual period of time, so all the seniors that are getting it now don’t get freaked
out, but you do it in a gradual period of time, and then you’re going to save tens of billions of dollars in
that. This is something that’s a common sense approach that I believe everyone should be behind. It
doesn’t make sense that we live 17 years longer, but we haven’t raised the minimum age to start
collecting Social Security. There are ways we can cut spending that also reduces the deficit, and even
some of these sacred what they call entitlement programs, even though I don’t think Social Security is an
entitlement if we paid into it. [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 13:15, 3/25/16]
Did Not Support Raising The Cap On Social Security Taxes. In a March 2016 interview with Sebelius,
Tarkanian said, “Again, I’m not back there analyzing all the numbers and seeing how much will affect
each thing. That one you are now taxing people more, and I believe we’re already paying so much in
taxes. […] When you raise the limit on Social Security for everybody, you’re hurting the people that are
paying in, I think it’s $105,000, $115,000 right now, you’re hurting anybody who makes more than that.
You’re taking money out of the pocket.” [LasVegasNow Interview with Sebelius, 14:25, 3/25/16]
2012: Admitted He Believed People Should Divert Social Security Money Into Private Accounts
2012: Admitted He Believed People Should Divert Social Security Money Into Private Accounts.
“What I said, first of all, about Social Security is this: I believe that individuals – that are younger age –
should have the opportunity whether- if they want to invest themselves in a private account, they can do
so, and people who want to stay in Social Security can stay in Social Security, but you should have the
option to do so. I, for one, would like to be able to invest my money myself. I believe I can do a better job
274
than the federal government can do. And over the years, if you look at the history of how much the federal
government has earned off their Social Security money, it’s a lot less than what you could earn, even with
low-risk bonds.” [Tarkanian Interview, Chuck N. Baker Show, 10:00, 12/04/12]
Tarkanian: Social Security “Should be Privatized”
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian was asked how he would propose to reform the Social
Security program.
Tarkanian answered simply, saying “It should be privatized into individual, private accounts.”
275
Tax Issues
 Said he would eliminate the IRS and supported a flat tax
 Opposed state legislature’s 2015 tax increase that Michael Roberson helped enact
 Endorsed by Grover Norquist and signed his Taxpayer Protection Pledge multiple
times
 In 2010, supported the “fair tax,” which would eliminate federal income taxes and
exchange it with a national sales tax
 In 2010, supported repealing the federal estate tax
 Proposed eliminating the IRS
Tarkanian supports eliminating the IRS and supported a flat tax. He also opposed the 2015
tax increase the state legislature passed. He recently was endorsed by Grover Norquist and
has signed his Taxpayer Protection Pledge multiple times. In 2010, h supported eliminating
the federal income tax with a “fair tax,” (i.e., national sales tax) and supported repealing the
federal estate tax.
2016: Said He Would Eliminate The IRS And Supported A Flat Tax
2016: Said He Would Eliminate The IRS. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian was asked, “Would you
consider getting rid of the IRS and putting in a flat tax?” He responded, “Yeah, I absolutely would.”
[Siena Debate, 30:10, 3/03/16]
… And Advocated For Flat Tax. At a March 2016 debate, Tarkanian said, “In fact in 2010, I ran for
the Senate and one of the things I felt very strongly was let’s get the fair tax, which would be a tax on
the purchase of goods or a flat tax, and the reason why both of them are so much better than what we
have right now is we eliminate all the special tax breaks, the special credits that we give to the
powerful, the influential, the privileged, at the detriment of all the hardworking Americans.” [Siena
Debate, 30:15, 3/03/16; Las Vegas Sun, 3/03/16]
Stated Support For “Substantial Changes/Reductions” To The Federal Tax Code In Order To
Eliminate The IRS. In his answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated
he supported “substantial changes/reductions to the Federal Tax Code, with the intent of eliminating the
need for a powerful IRS.” [2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Proposed Eliminating The IRS. In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he
supported the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts.
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2016: Opposed State Legislature’s 2015 Tax Increase And Wanted To Eliminate Tax Breaks For
Special Interest Groups And Overhaul Tax Code to Provide Across-The-Board Tax Cuts
2016: Wanted To Eliminate Tax Breaks For Special Interest Groups And Overhaul Tax Code to
Provide Across-The-Board Tax Cuts. “He [Tarkanian] criticizes the Legislature and Roberson in
particular for passing the tax increase in 2015, despite Republicans having control of both chambers of the
statehouse. Tarkanian said he wants to eliminate tax breaks for special interest groups and overhaul the
tax code to provide across-the-board tax cuts. He also wants to scale back government regulations in a
way that balances environmental needs with the needs of businesses to succeed. This, he said, will “help
bring back the economy.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/27/16]
2016: Attacked Michael Roberson For Supporting The 2015 Tax Increase. “Famous son Danny
Tarkanian, now running for Congress in the 3rd District, attacked primary rival state Sen. Michael
Roberson, R-Henderson, over the passage of the commerce tax in the 2015 Legislature. In an interview on
‘PoliticsNOW’ (airing at 5:30 p.m. tonight), Tarkanian slammed Roberson for signing an anti-tax pledge
and campaigning against taxes, only to play an instrumental role in the passage of the state's first tax on
business revenue.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 3/26/16]
2016: Called For “Reform” Of Public Employees Retirement System Instead Of The $1.2 Billion
Tax Increase. In a May 2015 Letter to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tarkanian wrote, “Last November,
Nevadans elected a Republican legislative majority for the first time in 85 years, providing an extremely
rare opportunity to make critical, necessary changes to our state’s education system, public retirement
system, elections, tax policy and fiscal reforms. … The Senate failed to reform the Public Employees
Retirement System, which is bankrupting our state, and instead chose to pass the largest tax increase in
state history. Ironically, this $1.2 billion tax increase is nearly identical to the one voters rejected in the
last election by a 4-to-1 margin, except that it’s more complicated and easier to manipulate.” [Las Vegas
Review-Journal, Tarkanian Letter to the Editor, 5/03/15]
2016: Endorsed By Grover Norquist
2016: Endorsed By Grover Norquist. Grover Norquist formally endorsed Danny Tarkanian over
Michael Roberson in the NV-03 Republican Primary, saying, “I’m personally reminding Nevada voters
that State Senator Michael Roberson broke his promise to you to oppose any and all tax hikes … Pledge277
taker Danny Tarkanian supports cutting taxes and simplifying the tax code. He is the tax fighter Nevadans
need in Congress.” [Grover Norquist Endorsement, Tarkanian for Congress, 5/28/16]
2012: Signed Grover Norquist’s No-New-Tax Pledge And Extending Bush Tax Cuts
2012: Signed Grover Norquist’s No-New-Tax Pledge. “They’re divided on tax cuts, with Horsford
favoring the president's plan to extend low rates only for those at income levels defined as ‘middle class’
and below; Tarkanian, who signed Grover Norquist’s no-new-tax pledge over the summer, favors
extending them for everybody.” [Las Vegas Sun, 10/18/12]
Americans For Tax Reform Press Release: “Danny Tarkanian … Sign The Taxpayer Protection
Pledge.” “Businessman Danny Tarkanian and conservative activist Kenneth Wegner have signed the
Taxpayer Protection Pledge in their race for the Republican nomination in Nevada's 4th Congressional
District. The winner of the Republican primary will likely face Democrat and State Senate Majority
Leader Steven Horsford in the general election.” [Americans for Tax Reform, Press Release, 6/08/12]
2009: Signed The Norquist No-New-Tax Pledge. In 2009, Tarkanian signed the Americans for Tax
Reform’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge, stating that he oppose any net reduction or elimination of
deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates. [Hotline, 9/16/09]
2010: Supported Repeal Of The Federal Estate Tax
2010: Supported Repeal Of The Federal Estate Tax. In a 2010 questionnaire to Nevada Concerned
Citizens, Tarkanian stated he would support a “repeal of the federal estate tax (the so-called ‘death tax’).”
Tarkanian: Reid “Crippling” the Economy with “Bailouts, High Taxes, and Spending”
In March 2010, “The establishment of this country is crippling Nevada's economy with bailouts, high
taxes and spending,” Tarkanian said in a written statement, portraying Reid and Lowden, a wealthy
businesswoman, as representing “business as usual.” [Associated Press, 3/03/10]
Supported the Fair Tax
In his economic recovery ‘plan,’ Tarkanian highlights “the fair tax system that is currently being proposed
in both the House and the Senate.”
“A repeal of all income taxes and an institution of a straight fair tax would relieve the tax burden on
businesses and help open the door for growth and job creation, while also allowing the taxpayer to spend
their money how they see fit.”
278
Proposes Eliminating IRS as Part of Overhaul and Fair Tax Proposal
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that he supports the elimination of the IRS
because he supports “a complete overhaul of the tax code to a fair tax system which would base
the entire tax system on a set national sales tax.”
WhoRunsGov.Com: Tarkanian Supports Fair Tax
According to WhoRunsGov.Com, “Tarkanian also wants to repeal the inheritance tax through the
use of a "fair tax," which refers to the idea of repealing individual and corporate income taxes and
replacing them with a higher, single-rate sales tax.”
[http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/Danny_Tarkanian]
NOTE: While a very reasonable inference can be made that Tarkanian supports THE Fair Tax, it
should be pointed out that he has not specifically endorsed a particular piece of legislation or a
particular sales tax amount to date. It is recommended that tracking of Tarkanian include efforts
to get him on-the-record more fully on this issue.
279
Wanted to Cut – or even Eliminate – Taxes for Big Businesses
On his campaign website, Tarkanian complained that “our corporate income tax rates are some of the
highest of any country in the world” and advocates for cutting – or even eliminating – corporate taxes.
“We need to reduce these rates or eliminate them entirely to allow more flexibility for businesses to
generate revenue and increase employment,” Tarkanian says. [http://tark2010.org/news/economic-growth-planfor-nevada]
Supported Repealing the ‘Death Tax’
Tarkanian supports the repeal of the so-called ‘death tax.’
From Tarkanian’s campaign site:
The so-called inheritance or estate tax is inefficient, unfair and unconstitutional and that
is why I signed the American Family Business Institute’s pledge to repeal the death tax. It
is a poison to family business and placed a wasteful burden on small businesses. The
Death Tax was repealed in 2001 but will go back into full effect next year at staggering
levels if no action is taken. The Death Tax repeal must be extended or made permanent
so that American families can avoid being taxed twice for the same income.
Supported Bush Income Tax Cuts, Wants Taxes Rolled Back to Reagan Era Levels
Tarkanian supports making the Bush income tax cuts permanent.
Yet another of the 2001/2003 Bush tax cuts set to sunset at the end of this year, the
income tax rates will explode if action is not taken to make the cuts permanent. Even at
the current rates our income taxes are far too high and I am committed keeping them
from getting any higher and in the long term lowering them. We need to pass reforms that
will rollback tax rates to Reagan era levels. [http://tark2010.org/news/economic-growth-plan-fornevada]
Supported Bush Capital Gains Tax Cuts
Tarkanian supports making the Bush capital gains tax cuts permanent.
Set to revert back to its 2003 levels at the end of 2010, we need to work to ensure that
capital gains taxes are kept at a reduced level or repealed. If neither of these options is
achievable, then at a minimum we must ensure that the Capital Gains tax is indexed for
inflation to help taxpayers avoid getting taxed on money they didn’t actually receive.
Criticized Stimulus and Its Effect on the Economy
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In October 2009, after Vice President Joe Biden spoke in Nevada for Sen. Harry Reid touting the positive
effects of the economic stimulus, Tarkanian said, “I know they're touting the world economy, but
anybody living in the state of Nevada knows we are much worse off now than before we mortgaged our
children's future.”
Tarkanian said the money should have used tax cuts to invest in the private sector instead of spending
more money on government programs. Biden said two thirds of the stimulus were tax cuts and
stabilization money to help states afford the social programs those affected by the recession rely upon.
Stimulus Bill Contained One of the Largest Tax Cuts in History
The Obama stimulus plan also contained one of the largest tax cuts in history by providing $288
billion in tax cuts and benefits for millions of working families and businesses. [www.recovery.gov;
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2009/02/12/is-obama-stimulus-plan-also-the-biggest-tax-cutever.html]
NDP: Tarkanian Plan “Cribbed from Eight Years of Failed Bush-Cheney Economic Policies”
In February 2010, the Nevada Democratic Party accused Tarkanian of releasing an economic plan “ripped
from the GOP playbook, cribbed from eight years of failed Bush-Cheney economic policies that got us
where we are today and tailor made to sink Nevada’s economy.”
Tarkanian’s plan according to the NDP:
 “Tax giveaways to the very rich including Wall Street banks that received bailout funds, oil
companies that are making record profits and corporations that continue to ship our jobs overseas
while placing a crushing tax burden on working families.”
 “Eliminate the capital gains and estate taxes, which effect only top wage earners and a few
Nevada estates each year.”
 Tarkanian “wants to go even farther bringing back Reagan-era tax rates that would cut taxes for
people in the highest income brackets while actually increasing taxes for lower and middleincome families.”
 “Build a job-killing nuclear waste facility at Yucca Mountain.”
 “Swear off earmarked funding for Nevada, which would hamstring our state's ability to compete
on a level playing field for federal funding.” [States News Service, 2/04/10]
Questioned Realism of Opposing All Taxes
In January 2010, Tarkanian “asked whether it was realistic to be against all taxes.”
“Tax increases, sure,” he said. “We are taxing the citizens of our country way too much right now.”
[Hotline, 1/25/10; Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/23/10]
Attacked Reid’s Record Including Federal Bailouts and Healthcare Reform
281
In 2009, in a Fox News report by Shannon Bream on Sen. Harry Reid’s impending re-election fight
against Tarkanian, among others, Tarkanian attacked Reid’s record.
“The last nine months with the federal bailouts, the increase in our deficit, and the government takeover
health care plan, those are all issues that are contrary to what people in Nevada want and it's taking effect
in the polling numbers,” Tarkanian said. [Finance Wire, Fox News transcript, 9/15/09]
282
Terrorism and Homeland Security
 In 2010, criticized attempts to close Guantanamo Bay
 In 2010, supported waterboarding
 Opposed terrorism trials in federal court instead of military tribunal
In 2010, Tarkanian criticized attempts to close Guantanamo Bay and supported
waterboarding. He also opposed holding terrorism trials in federal court instead of military
tribunals.
Supported the Start of Withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan…
According to his campaign website, Tarkanian believes that “we must begin withdrawing our forces in
Iraq and Afghanistan where they are serving primarily as a policing and restructuring coalition.”
“Withdrawing troops from Iraq and Afghanistan will save the country over $2 trillion in spending over
the next 7 years and more importantly, it will bring our service men and women home to their families,
out of harms way,” Tarkanian says. “Finding a way of reducing the United States military presence
overseas, while still aggressively pursuing our enemies, must be a priority for our government.”
[http://tark2010.org/issuescontent#foreignpolicy]
… After Rooting Out and Destroying All Terrorist Assets and Contributors
In an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, Tarkanian said that “our primary effort and our sole effort
in Afghanistan” should be “to root out and destroy all terrorist assets and contributors.
Criticized Closing of Guantanamo Bay
283
In February 2010, the Reno Gazette-Journal noted, “Tarkanian's pitch hits several of the traditional issues
important to conservative voters. He claims to be a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association,
rails on the Obama administration for its efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay prison and says he wants to
turn Yucca Mountain into a nuclear waste reprocessing site. He ends by patterning himself after former
President Ronald Reagan, claiming he'll finish Reagan's last campaign and defeat the ‘tax-and-spend
liberal Harry Reid.’” [Reno Gazette-Journal, 2/22/10]
Supported Waterboarding and Other “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques”
In January 2010, Tarkanian took a tough stance on terrorism. Tarkanian was asked by the Washington
Times if he supported enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding.
“I would be in favor of that. In the case of an imminent threat, we should do what we can to get that
information,” he said. [Washington Times, Amanda Carpenter Column, 1/21/10]
Opposed Troops Under Command of UN or Other International Groups
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he would support legislation
that will guarantee that U.S. military forces will serve only under the command and / or direction of the
United States and not “supra-national bodies such as the United Nations.”
[http://www.nevadaconcernedcitizens.org/pages/2010%20NCC%20Values%20Voter%20Guide.pdf]
Favored Continued Support for Israel
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he would support “America’s
continued support for the Nation of Israel.” [2010 Nevada Concerned Citizens Survey]
Tarkanian expanded his views on the subject in an interview with Reid-b-Gone.com, noting that “Israel is
this country’s strongest ally in the Middle East and we should support whatever steps Israel feels are
necessary to protect themselves.
Opposed Terrorist Trials in Federal Court System Instead of Military Tribunals
In the Concerned Nevada Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian indicates that he opposes “trying enemy
combatants and terrorists in our Federal Court System rather that Military Tribunals.” [2010 Nevada
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285
Women’s Issues
 Supported “religious liberties” protections for health care workers and small
businesses
 Stated he opposed legislation to ban prostitution in Nevada
Tarkanian supported “religious liberties” protections that will allow health care workers and
small businesses to withhold services if they have a religious objection. Presumably, this will
allow businesses to deny contraceptive coverage to their employees and to deny services to
same-sex couples.
2016: Stated He Opposed Legislation To Ban Prostitution In Nevada (Including Localities)
2016: Stated He Opposed Legislation To Ban Prostitution In Nevada (Including Localities). In his
answers to a 2016 Nevada Concerned Citizens questionnaire, Tarkanian stated he opposed “legislation to
ban prostitution in Nevada (including localities)” because he thought it was a state issue. [2016 Nevada
Owners
286
Appendix I – Campaign Finance
Items of Interest
 As of Q1 2016, Tarkanian has $554,630 cash on hand
 As of Q1 2016, Tarkanian received $684,518 in total contributions
 As of Q1 2016, Tarkanian expended $129,924 in total disbursements
As of Q1 2016, Danny Tarkanian has $554,630 cash on hand. He has received $684,518 in
total contributions and $129,924 in total disbursements.
2016 Cycle Receipts (As Of Q1 2016)
2016 Cycle Contributions
Itemized Individual Contributions
Unitemized Individual Contributions
Total Individual Contributions
Party Committees Contributions
Other Committees Contributions
Candidate Contributions
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
$634,999
$15,146
$650,145
$0
$5,500
$28,872
$684,518
2016 Cycle Loans
Transfers from Authorized Committees
Candidate Loans
Other Loans
TOTAL LOANS
$0
$0
$0
$0
2016 Other Receipts
Offsets to Operating Expenditures
Other Receipts
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$37
$0
$684,555
2016 Cycle Disbursements (As Of Q1 2016)
Operating Expenditures
Transfers to Authorized Committees
Candidate Loan Repayments
Other Loan Repayments
Individual Refunds
Other Disbursements
$125,140
$0
$0
$0
$4,750
$34
287
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
$129,924
2016 Cycle Cash Summary
Beginning Cash on Hand
Net Contributions
Net Operating Expenditures
Debts/Loans Owed By
Debts/Loans Owed To
Ending Cash on Hand
$0
$679,768
$125,102
$29,135
$0
$554,630
288
Appendix II – Paid Media Summary
Below are Tarkanian’s paid media pieces for his 2016 and 2012 congressional campaigns.
There are also negative ads against Tarkanian from opposing candidates and IEs.
2016: Danny Tarkanian for Congress Paid Media
May 2016: “Double Dealing” (TV)
Danny Tarkanian for Congress (NV-03)
“Double Dealing”
http://mycmag.kantarmediana.com/KMIcmagvidbin2/HOUSE_NV03_TARKANIAN_DOUBLE_DEALI
NG.html
:29
5/31/16
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Double dealing politician Michael Roberson couldn’t tell the truth if it hit him in the head.
Roberson promises not to raise taxes, gets elected, sells out, votes for Nevada’s largest tax increase. Now
he’s lying about Danny Tarkanian to hide his own disgraceful record for supporting amnesty, citizenship
for illegal immigrants, and giving them driver’s licenses. Michael Roberson – another two-faced
politician we can’t trust.
DANNY TARKANIAN: I’m Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message and I’ll keep fighting for you.
[Tarkanian for Congress, 5/31/16]
May 2016: “Fight” (TV)
Tarkanian for Congress (NV-03)
“Fight”
https://youtu.be/XTTGaZJGzYQ
5/21/16
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
DANNY TARKANIAN: My father taught me always take care of those who take care of you. Today’s
politicians have forgotten that. They’ve sold us out. Our borders aren’t safe, taxes are going up, they’re
giving driver’s licenses and amnesty to illegal immigrants. Establishment politicians like Michael
289
Roberson voted for all of this. You can’t trust these politicians; they got us into this mess. I’ll fight to get
us out.
I’m Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message. And I’ll keep fighting for you.
April 2016: “Michael Roberson Doesn’t Understand” (TV)
“Michael Roberson doesn't understand: Amnesty, Tax Hikes and Common Core are wrong.
https://youtu.be/5AVmKfldqMA
4/18/16
:30
TRANSCRIPT
NARRATOR: Michael Roberson says,
MICHAEL ROBERSON: “Look at my accomplishments”
NARRATOR: But what are they? He voted for amnesty, full pathway to citizenship,
NARRATOR: The largest tax hike in state history,
NARRATOR: Forced common core for Nevada schools. Michael Roberson sure likes his
accomplishments.
MICHAEL ROBERSON: “They’re profound”
NARRATOR: Amnesty, tax hikes and Common Core aren’t profound, they're wrong. Michael Roberson:
the establishment's candidate, not ours.
June 2016: UNTITLED (Audio)
Tarkanian Radio Spot
https://youtu.be/wAMbyMZyavM
290
06/06/16
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
DANNY TARKANIAN: Hi, this is Danny Tarkanian, a Constitutional conservative running for Congress.
The NRA has rated me AQ, the highest possible rating. I’m the conservative supported by Nevada Right
to Life. And conservative taxpayer groups say I’m the tax fighter Nevadans need in Congress.
Conservatives are rallying around my Constitutional conservative campaign because we must defeat
Michael Roberson. Early voting is this week and Election Day is June fourteenth. This is Danny
Tarkanian, I approve this message. Conservatives, let’s vote!
May 2016: “Ava Tarkanian” (Audio)
Ava Tarkanian Spot
https://youtu.be/6u7J-3EByfM
5/31/16
:29
TRANSCRIPT:
AVA TARKANIAN: Hi. This is Ava Tarkanian. My dad, Danny Tarkanian, is running for Congress. We
need new people in Congress to pass good laws. Should our country spend so much money that we go
further in debt? Right now America is so far in debt that our country will soon be in poverty. Think of my
generation. Think about what you are doing to us! Come join me and help my father get elected. Please go
to TarkforCongress.com and sign up to volunteer or donate to his campaign.
May 2016: “Ira Hanson” (Audio)
Ira Hansen Endorsement
https://youtu.be/Gep3qdOVnss
:38
5/28/16
TRANSCRIPT
291
IRA HANSEN: Attention pro-life voters: this is Assemblyman Ira Hansen with an important message.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson killed my parental notification bill that passed the assembly.
He wouldn’t even allow a vote. Now that he’s running for Congress, he’s trying to fool you, the pro-life
voter, with mailers saying he supported parental notification all along. Please don’t be fooled by his
misleading mailers. I sponsored the legislation and I know Michael Roberson is responsible for killing my
bill in the state Senate. Pro-life voters can trust Danny Tarkanian to protect the sanctity of life in
Congress.
May 2016: “Grover Norquist” (Audio)
Grover Norquist Endorsement
https://youtu.be/xpo3TFseUPs
5/28/16
:35
GROVER NORQUIST: Hello. This is Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. I’m
personally reminding Nevada voters that State Senator Michael Roberson broke his promise to you to
oppose any and all tax hikes. He voted for last year’s one and a half billion dollar tax hike, the largest tax
increase in Nevada’s history. Too many of today’s politicians say one thing and do another. Pledge-taker
Danny Tarkanian supports cutting taxes and simplifying the tax code. He is the tax fighter Nevadans need
in Congress.
2016: Roberson for Congress
June 2016: “Think”
Roberson for Congress (NV-03)
“Think”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOCiRYRhkqQ&feature=youtu.be
6/06/16
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: I’m Michael Roberson and I approve this message. Think you know Danny Tarkanian?
He’s run for political office six times, and lost over and over again. Why? Maybe because of the
292
seventeen million dollar judgment for his fraudulent development scheme, the thirty-five million dollar
bankruptcy, where he defrauded creditors and lied under oath, or the telemarketing scheme that stole
millions from seniors. Corruption, fraud, telemarketing schemes. Danny Tarkanian. Now you know.
[Roberson for Congress, 6/06/16]
May 2016: “Judgment”
Roberson For Congress
“Judgment”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi9g_K8eV0A
5/11/16
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
MICHAEL ROBERSON: I'm Michael Roberson and I approve this message.
NARRATOR: 17 million: A federal judge ordered Danny Tarkanian to pay 17 million for a fraudulent
development scheme. Federal investigators found that he defrauded creditors and lied under oath.
Tarkanian even orchestrated a scheme to take cash for himself. Now Tarkanian’s declared bankruptcy and
walked away, leaving us holding the bag for his failed scheme. Danny Tarkanian: It’s time we walked
away from him.
[Roberson for Congress, 5/11/16]
2016: Ending Spending PAC
June 2016: “Dirty Danny Tarkanian”
Ending Spending PAC
“Dirty Danny Tarkanian”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFSS_isc3ek&feature=youtu.be
6/8/16
:30s
Narrartor: Everywhere Danny Tarkanian goes, scandal follows. Tarkanian was caught up in a fraudulent
development scheme. After a judge ordered Tarkanian and his family to pay 17 million dollars, he filed
for bankruptcy, sticking his creditors with the bills. And Dirty Danny and his partners failed to pay taxes,
racking up 23,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties. Dirty Danny Tarkanian, the last thing we need in
DC. Ending Spending is responsible for the contents of this message.
293
[Ending Spending PAC, 6/08/16]
2012: Tarkanian for Congress
May 2012: “Game Plan”
“Game Plan”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhlAQbyCIW0
5/17/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
TARKANIAN: My father taught me when things aren’t working, you change your game plan. Well,
Washington is not working. So let’s stop sending self-serving politicians to Washington expecting
different results. Let’s cut wasteful programs that don’t create jobs. Let’s eliminate crippling regulations
and create a fairer tax system that will put Nevadans back to work. I’m Danny Tarkanian, a conservative
outsider, and I approve this message.
September 2012: “Medicare and Steven Horsford”
“Medicare and Steven Horsford”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLXn17FwDJw
9/13/12
1:08
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Seniors have paid into Medicare for decades. With raising healthcare costs, higher
prescription drugs, and less access to medical services. These are serious problems affecting all seniors.
Steven Horsford’s solution is to cut $714 billion from Medicare. Even the government’s own studies say
that the benefits of Horsford’s plan do not overweigh the risks. Having option is important. Horsford’s
plan will put seniors at an increased risk. Side effects may include, but are not limited to, forcing seniors
to pay $3,700 more for their healthcare. Putting a board of unelected bureaucrats in charge of your
medical decisions. And one third of the bill’s funding comes from cuts to Medicare. Just one dose
provides zero relief, but only you and your government-appointed doctor can make that decision. For
many seniors, not getting treated is not an option. So understand the risk, and find out what is right for
you.
294
October 2012: “Who We Are”
“Who We Are”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHePYc5Dz9E
10/09/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: As a small businessman, Danny Tarkanian knows how to create jobs. For working people,
who need work, not empty promises. And for parents, who want to provide for their children. Danny
Tarkanian will fight to keep taxes low, end the red tape and reckless spending that is crushing our
economy. Danny Tarkanian knows what we need, jobs. He’ll fight every day to make it happen.
TARKANIAN: I’m Danny Tarkanian, and I approve this message.
October 2012: “Jobs”
“Jobs”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs_7KCjpImQ
10/22/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
TARKANIAN: We’ve all heard the empty promises and hot air coming from Washington. That doesn’t
cut it. We need results. I’m a small businessman who knows how to create jobs for Nevadans. I’ll go to
Washington and I’ll fight to end the reckless spending and endless red tape that is crushing small
businesses and crippling our economy. I’m Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message, because we
need jobs and I’ll fight every day to make that happen.
October 2012: “Rules”
295
“Rules”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkRMiYdecS0
10/26/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Rules don’t apply to Steve Horsford. He sells his office for political access. Takes lobbyist
junkets in the Caribbean. Even parks in handicap spaces. Steve Horsford only thinks for himself. Danny
Tarkanian will put us first.
TARKANIAN: Our family has been part of this community for years. For us, public service means
helping others. Washington is full of self-serving politicians. Send me to Washington, and I will change
that. I’m Danny Tarkanian and I approve this message.
2012: House Majority PAC/AFSCME Independent Expenditure
October 2012: “How Far”
House Majority PAC/AFSCME Independent Expenditure
“How Far”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsisNlCUAEU – House Majority PAC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF8Q-irL5u0 – AFSCME IE
10/11/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: How far out of touch is Danny Tarkanian? Danny Tarkanian wants to extend the Bush tax
cuts for the wealthy, adding $800 billion to the deficit. Tarkanian said Social Security should be
“privatized,” ending guaranteed benefits. And, Tarkanian would let the insurance industry go back to
charging women more than men and even deny access to birth control. Danny Tarkanian. Way out of
touch with the middle class.
[House Majority PAC, 10/11/12; AFSCME IE, 10/11/12]
2012: Horsford For Congress
296
October 2012: “Fits”
Horsford for Congress
“Fits”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MctcInfJ91o
10/03/12
:30
TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Danny Tarkanian thinks he will fit right in with Tea Party Republicans in Washington.
TARKANIAN: I’m one of those crazy radicals […]
NARRATOR: They would end Medicare and privatize Social Security. Criminalize a woman’s right to
choose even in cases of rape or incest. Abolish the Department of Education. Cut taxes on billionaires and
raise them for the middle class.
TARKANIAN: I’m one of those crazy radicals […]
NARRATOR: Danny Tarkanian and Tea Party Republicans … they are not looking out for Nevada’s
middle class.
HORSFORD: I’m Steven Horsford and I approve this message.
[Horsford for Congress, 10/03/12]
297
Appendix III – Notable Headlines
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid Loser Title”
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Must Overcome History To Avoid Loser Title.”
“Danny Tarkanian is a four-time loser when it comes to politics. Sure, he’s won a couple of Republican
primaries, but in the clutch, Tarkanian has always come up short. As one Review-Journal wag put it,
Tarkanian’s last big win came when he was lacing up his sneakers for the Runnin’ Rebels. But look
closely at the numbers and you’ll see Tarkanian always made his races competitive, never embarrassing
himself and never descending to the level of perennial also-rans. Still, he’ll have to overcome a lot of
history to be successful in his latest bid for office: the Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional
District.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, Steve Sebelius Column, 7/15/15]
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “$17 Million Judgment Ordered Against Candidate Danny
Tarkanian”
Las Vegas Review-Journal Headline: “$17 Million Judgment Ordered Against Candidate Danny
Tarkanian.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/30/12]
Ralston Reports Headline: “Tarkanian Loses Another Round In Court, May Have To Pay
Judgment Or Declare Bankruptcy”
Ralston Reports Headline: “Tarkanian Loses Another Round In Court, May Have To
Pay Judgment Or Declare Bankruptcy.” [Ralston Reports, 11/28/12]
Las Vegas Review Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Sues To Block Foreclosure”
Las Vegas Review Journal Headline: “Tarkanian Sues To Block Foreclosure.” [Las Vegas ReviewJournal, 1/22/10]
Scrutinized The Deal, Politician Says He Was ‘Bamboozled’”
Scrutinized The Deal, Politician Says He Was ‘Bamboozled.’” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/31/12]
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “On Order For Danny Tarkanian’s Congressional Term: A ‘Stacked
Failure Sandwich,’ Complete With FDIC Suit”
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “On Order For Danny Tarkanian’s Congressional Term: A ‘Stacked
Failure Sandwich,’ Complete With FDIC Suit.” [Las Vegas Sun, Column, 10/04/12]
Aberration”
Aberration.” [Las Vegas Sun, 5/28/10]
298
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “FDIC Sets Out To Seize Tarkanian Family’s Nevada Assets”
Las Vegas Sun Headline: “FDIC Sets Out To Seize Tarkanian Family’s Nevada Assets.” [Las Vegas
Sun, 10/10/12]
299

Danny Tarkanian (NV

Transcription

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