Andrew Martin (politician)

Andrew Martin (born February 19, 1964) is an American politician, who has served as the Clark County Democratic Party Chair, Member of the Nevada State Economic Forum and Member of the Clark County School District Bond Oversight Committee. Martin was elected to the Nevada Assembly in the 2012 election.^[1] A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to represent the 9th Assembly District, although his eligibility to serve in the legislature was disputed during the election.^[1]

Career

Martin and his partner own two properties in Las Vegas, a condominium in the 9th District and a house outside of it;^[2] during the campaign, Martin's Republican challenger Kelly Hurst hired a private investigator to follow Martin to determine which of the two properties Martin was using as his primary residence.^[3] Martin's position was that the condominium was his primary residence, while the out-of-district home was being used, pending its sale, as an office for his accounting firm.^[4] On the basis of the private investigator's testimony that Martin was seen charging his hybrid vehicle at the out-of-district home, on November 5, 2012, just one day before the election, a judge ruled Martin ineligible to stand for election on the grounds of failing to meet the legislature's residency requirements.^[3]

As the ruling came too late for Clark County election officials to change the ballots, Martin's name remained on the ballot, and the Republican campaign instead stationed volunteers at each polling station to verbally inform voters that Martin was ineligible for election.^[1] Despite the controversy, however, Martin won the election.^[1] On February 4, 2013, the legislature seated Martin, and no formal challenge was filed against him.^[5]

During Martin's time first session in the legislature he sponsored or co sponsored several bills, including SJR-13, Authorizing Same Sex Marriage,^[6] and AB-395, Making it illegal for Common Interest Community Managers, employees, or board members to intimidate, harass or bully residents or guests.^[7]

Martin ran for the Nevada State Controller in the 2014 election and was defeated by Republican Ron Knecht.^[8] Before running, Martin posted an open letter to his constituents on his website, Martin for Nevada, to ask for their thoughts on his candidacy.^[9] Martin was uncontested in the primary election on June 10, 2014. Martin was defeated in the general election on November 4, 2014.

Personal

Martin is openly gay.^[10] His partner is Dana Barooshian.^[1] Martin married Dana Barooshian, his partner since 1986, in Washington, DC on November 10, 2013.^[11]

References