IT'S HARD TO believe this is my last column prior to the general election on November 7! I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to address you and engage in some straight talk about what's really at stake in the gubernatorial race this year. We have a tremendous opportunity before us to make many positive changes in our state. Through the course of this campaign I have enjoyed meeting and talking with people throughout Nevada about the issues of greatest importance—like access to health care and quality education, crime prevention and renewable energy. It has been an amazing experience and reinforced my determination to be the Governor who represents all Nevadans—regardless of social, economic or political background.

While I've been fighting on the front lines in Nevada, my opponent has been on the back bench in Washington answering to special interests like big oil, pharmaceutical companies and utilities. Congressman Gibbons may pay lip service to the issues during campaign season, but his record shows that he is out of touch with Nevadans, and he is not on our side. He has also continued to disrespect Nevada's voters by refusing to address them directly—instead letting distorted, pre-packaged advertising do the talking for him. I've lost count of how many good community organizations throughout the state have had to cancel planned candidate forums because Congressman Gibbons refused to participate.

Nevadans are too smart to fall for these duck and run tactics. An examination of our records proves the difference between our priorities. Consider just these few examples:

I have a record of fighting the high cost of health care. I've sponsored legislation ensuring Nevadans access to safe, affordable prescription drugs from Canada. My opponent, who has received many thousands of dollars from pharmaceutical companies, voted against importation of less-expensive prescription drugs from other countries. He also supported both the Medicare prescription drug program backed by pharmaceutical companies who stood to profit, and a "means test" for the program that would tie seniors' drug costs to their incomes.

I have a record of standing up for tax relief for Nevadans. I authored legislation to freeze our property taxes when skyrocketing home prices threatened to send tax bills through the roof. The congressman has pushed loopholes for wealthy corporations at the expense of average Nevadans. He voted to reduce Medicare, Medicaid and student loans in order to fund billions in tax breaks for wealthy corporations.

I have a record of fighting against skyrocketing utility rates. I voted against the deregulation of Nevada utilities in order to protect consumers against uncontrolled rate hikes. As governor I will install a tough, consumer-minded Public Utilities Commission which is responsible to the public rather than the utilities. The congressman has rewarded his campaign contributors in the utility business with billions in tax breaks and has turned his back on consumers, voting against appropriations to help lower-income families with their utility bills.

Nevadans have suffered as Congressman Gibbons has courted favor with special interests. His brand of Washington politics is not what our state needs.

I believe in the people of our great state, which is why I have devoted my career to education and public service. To learn more about my record fighting for Nevadans, and my plan for a better future, please visit my Web site at www.dinatitus.com.

It has been a real pleasure engaging in this Dialogue throughout election season, and I look forward to further discussions as we sprint toward November. I would be humbled and honored to receive your vote and to serve you as Governor of this great state we call home.