Longtime Minden lawyer George Abbott on Thursday filed a petition seeking to put Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval's name on the list of candidates for U.S. Senate.
"We're trying to encourage him," said Abbott, a longtime Republican activist and former state party chairman.
He cited Nevada law which states that 10 or more registered voters can file a certificate of candidacy designating any registered voter as a candidate for a major party nomination to elective office. The petition filed Thursday bears a dozen names.
Sandoval has 25 days to decide whether to accept the nomination - which he can do simply by paying the $500 filing fee.
"We've talked to him," he said. "We're still encouraging him to run."
Abbott said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has served the state well for 12 years.
"I would like to see the people let him come home to be the happiest he can be," said Abbott, one-time aide and supporter of former governor and senator Paul Laxalt.
Sandoval, who is in Washington D.C. this week, said he was flattered but has no interest in running for the seat.
"I have a contract with the citizens of Nevada and I enjoy immensely the duties and responsibilities of my present office."
He said he will continue as attorney general "and I also fully intend to defeat the Yucca Mountain proposal."
If he doesn't accept the candidacy, the petition dies.
