Nevada Assembly Candidate Withdraws Candidacy

LAS VEGAS, NV - James Healey, a Democratic candidate for Assembly District 35 in Nevada, has withdrawn his candidacy for the seat he once held during the 2013 legislative session. Healey was running again this year before announcing Monday he is dropping out of the race.

"This decision was not an easy one to make. While I looked forward to representing my community once again, I have come to the conclusion that the commitments, obligations, and personal sacrifices legislators in Nevada must make to fully serve their constituents is not something I can do at this time," Healey said in a statement.

Assembly District 35 covers an area of southwest Las Vegas. Healey, 44, was elected to represent the district in 2012 and served in the 2013 legislative session. He lost his reelection bid in 2014 by Brent Jones. He blasted the structure of Nevada's state government in the statement Monday.

"To do this job well requires year-round engagement, funding for a full-time staff, and a salary that meets the needs of a full-time legislator. Unfortunately, the state constitution prohibits these items which in turn prevents working Nevadans, like me, from serving in the legislature," he said. "It is time for the people of Nevada to demand a state government that is both fully functional and fully serves its constituents - anything less is a disservice to all Nevadans."

Nevada's legislators receive a minimum per diem payment of $130 for 60 days of a given session.

Image via Cathleen Allison/Associated Press