A congressman who represents the area of Nevada that’s home to Cliven Bundy’s ranch says his constituents are demanding he ask state and local law enforcement to get rid of militia members who have come to stand by the rancher’s side in his grazing dispute against the federal government.
Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford told participants of the Clark County Democratic Convention in Las Vegas this past weekend that residents are worried — and government officials need to act.
“I am calling on [Gov.] Brian Sandoval, Sen. Dean Heller, the [Clark County] sheriff and any other elected official in Nevada to do their part to get rid of these armed separatists,” he said, the Associated Press reported.
Mr. Bundy’s dispute over ranching fees ultimately led agents with the Bureau of Land Management to take up arms and encircle his property, cutting off road access to the land. A national uproar ensued, and militia members from outside states arrived on scene to join forces with other local activists and help Mr. Bundy.
Mr. Horsford characterized such armed resistance against the government as unwarranted and said remaining supporters of Mr. Bundy should now go home.
He told the delegates at the Las Vegas convention that a fifth-grade girl referred to Mr. Bundy as having a “sense of entitlement” who was skipping out on grazing fees that other ranchers had to pay. Another person referred to Mr. Bundy as a “welfare rancher,” Mr. Horsford said, AP reported.
Mr. Horsford’s petition may fall on deaf ears, however.
Mr. Heller has previously labeled Mr. Bundy’s supporters as “patriots,” while Mr. Sandoval said it’s not likely that the sheriff would force the activists to leave the area any time soon, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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