Las Vegas Assembly Candidate Dropping Out Of Race

LAS VEGAS, NV - James Healey won't be returning to Carson City in 2019. The 2013 representative of Assembly District 35 was running to win back his seat this year, but announced Monday he's no longer a candidate, saying the state's constitution doesn't allow working citizens to serve in the state government.

"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, a Democrat, 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