The Settelmeyer Attack List: Real Votes, Campaign Shorthand, and a Lot of Spin

Here is my analysis of a list circulating among conservative critics that is designed to harm his chance in the primary for Nevada CD-2 and is likely written by Flippo's campaign staff.

A list is circulating among conservative critics, who are apparently Flippo supporters, with descriptions written in campaign language. They take a complicated legislative record and compress it into short, emotionally charged labels:

“illegal immigrant driver’s licenses,” “red flag laws,” “DEI,” “Obamacare,” “Planned Parenthood,” “driving high,” “jungle primaries,” “solar subsidies,” and “refugees.”

The labels are designed to move voters. They are not designed to explain what the bills did. Settelmeyer’s record contains votes that some conservative primary voters might not like, but the claims go beyond what the bills say and what he voted for.

Here’s an example of such a post on Nextdoor. The same post appears on Facebook. Apparently, Flippo supporters are posting this all over social media.

Here is my take on the Claims in the Attack Post

Gave illegal immigrants driver’s licenses: SB303-2013

The claim that Settelmeyer supported giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants is incomplete. These were driver authorization cards to enable immigrants to obtain auto insurance so they could be held responsible in the event of an accident, not federally compliant driver’s licenses.

Strengthened red flag laws: SB6 - 2021

SB6 did not create Nevada’s red flag law. That framework was enacted by AB291 in 2019. SB6 revised and changed the system. Settelmeyer supported changes that strengthened or expanded Nevada’s red flag process. Settelmeyer’s defenders argue that the bill addressed public safety and the court process.

Enshrined DEI initiatives: SB267 - 2021

The claim that Settelmeyer voted to “enshrine DEI initiatives in the workforce and academia” is overstated. The bill authorized UNLV to conduct a study on workplace diversity and equality. It was not a sweeping DEI mandate, quota system, or permanent bureaucratic command structure. Settelmeyer voted for a bill authorizing a UNLV study on workplace diversity and equality.

Protected Obamacare premiums: SB170 - 2019

The claim is that Settelmeyer “protected Obamacare premiums.” AB170, not SB170, addressed insurance access and required insurers to offer health benefit plans regardless of health status. Settelmeyer supported access to health insurance and guaranteed availability regardless of health status or prior conditions.

Funding Planned Parenthood: SB94 - 2019

The claim is that Settelmeyer supported “government funding of Planned Parenthood.” SB94 funded Nevada’s Family Planning Grant Program at $6 million over the biennium, and Planned Parenthood praised the bill. That is not the same as saying the bill was an appropriation to Planned Parenthood. The state program could benefit any organization that provides family-planning services.

Decriminalizing driving high: AB400 - 2021

The claim says Settelmeyer supported “decriminalizing driving high.” AB400 revised the Nevada law on marijuana-related DUI cases. It removed per se THC limits for misdemeanor DUI cases, meaning prosecutors could no longer rely solely on a specified THC level in the same way for those misdemeanor cases. Instead, prosecutors would need to prove impairment. The law kept per se limits for felony cases. Driving while impaired by marijuana remained illegal.

Sponsored Open primaries: SB103 - 2017

Settelmeyer introduced SB103 to open primaries to all candidates and voters. It was a top-two or nonpartisan blanket primary proposal. Supporters argue that open primaries give independent and nonpartisan voters a voice and reduce extremism. It goes to a philosophical divide: party control versus broader voter participation.

Co-sponsored ranked choice voting: SB499 - 2015

The claim that Settelmeyer co-sponsored ranked-choice voting and a jungle primary system is not confirmed. People often confuse ranked choice with open primaries. This is important because ranked-choice voting and jungle primaries are highly charged issues in Republican politics.

Voted for the Nevada ERA: SJR8 - 2019 and SJR8 - 2021

Settelmeyer voted for Nevada’s ERA. The possible consequences for abortion, gender identity, women’s sports, and other legal disputes are argued by activists, lawyers, and courts. The Nevada ERA added language to the Nevada Constitution so equality of rights could not be denied or abridged by the state on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin.

Hiking energy and electricity costs: SB448 - 2021

The attack says Settelmeyer supported raising electricity costs to advance a clean-energy transformation, including changes to transmission, electric-vehicle, and grid planning. Settelmeyer supported SB448; whether that should be called an electricity cost hike is a political argument.

Clean Energy mandates: SB123 from 2013

The attack claims that Settelmeyer supported subsidies for clean energy mandates. This bill required NV Energy to retire coal generation and invest in replacement and renewable energy. SB123 was part of a major shift in Nevada’s energy policy away from coal and toward alternative energy sources, including renewables.

Raiders stadium funding: SB1 - 2016

The claim that Settelmeyer supported taxpayer funding for the Raiders stadium is accurate. SB1 helped fund the Raiders’ stadium in Las Vegas, not Oakland, with public room tax revenue. Reports described the package as including $750 million in public funding. Supporters saw the stadium deal as economic development and tourism infrastructure.

Re-authorized Solar subsidies: AB405 - 2017

The attack claims that Settelmeyer supported solar subsidies. AB405 restored or revised net metering and solar customer protections, and the Senate passed it unanimously. Calling net metering a “solar subsidy” is a political characterization. Supporters argue that rooftop solar customers deserve fair credit for the power they send back to the grid.

Faraday Future subsidies: AB1 from 2015

The attack claims that Settelmeyer supported subsidies for Faraday Future. AB1 revised the economic development law for the Faraday Future package. This became a symbol of overpromised economic development. The issue is whether Nevada politicians were too willing to offer incentives to flashy companies promising jobs, technology, and investment.

Office for New Americans: SB538 from 2019

The claim that Settelmeyer supported the creation of the Office for New Americans is accurate. Supporters would say the office helps immigrants integrate into the workforce and contribute to it. The claim that “at least 10,000 refugees” have entered Nevada since 2021 through the ONA is not supported. It may be conflating refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, migrants, or the foreign-born population.

Which Candidates Will Get Through the Primary on June 9th?

I speculated that Settelmeyer would get through the primary due to the momentum of his campaign, his name recognition, and his prior service in office, but Flippo is spending heavily and going on the attack, so we shall see what happens.

To learn more about James Settelmeyer, visit these links.

Website: James Settelmeyer for Nevada

Facebook: James Settlemeyer for Nevada

My Conclusion

A fair summary would be that Settlemeyer has a long legislative record that includes some votes some conservative primary voters may find objectionable, but the circulating claims are exaggerated and designed to hurt Settlemeyer’s chances in the primary. This appears to be a negative attack by the Flippo campaign, suggesting they see Settlemeyer as their main opponent and a strong contender.

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