Vol. 3, No. 18
.jpg)
July 15, 2006
Nevada's Online State News Journal
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . | |||||||
 |
Find Out
More About Our Wonderful State. |
COPYWRITING
|
|
State Controller Augustine Suffers Massive Heart Attack: Dead At 50
In The Middle Of Her Run For State Treasurer Augustine Felled While Asleep
Long time Nevada politician Kathy Augustine, finishing her last term as State Controller was felled by a massive heart attack late Friday night or early Saturday morning, July 7 or 8. She died on Tuesday, July 11. She leaves her husband Chaz Higgs and two daughters. Governor Kenny Guinn, a fellow Republican expressed extreme sorrow at the news of the tragic death of Augustine. "We are all deeply saddened by the distressing news of someone so young and vibrant as Kathy Augustine passing away so unexpectedly."
The governor continued, "On behalf of so many people in our state who knew Kathy and appreciated her dedication and hard work as Controller, I offer her family our heartfelt sympathy." Augustine was a long time Nevada political figure serving in the Assembly from 1993-1995, in the Nevada Senate from 1995-1999, and as State Controller from 1999. Term limits kept her from filing for reelection and she opted to run for State Treasurer. The governor is expected to name a successor quickly.
Nevada Congressman Jim Gibbons (R) issued this statement: "Dawn and I want to extend our sincere sympathy to Kathy Augustine's husband and two daughters on their tragic loss. We are deeply saddened by her sudden death at such a young age, and our thoughts are with the family and friends she left behind."
State Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, a Republican from Washoe County said, "We are all saddened by Kathy's unexpected death."
The governor quickly appointed fellow republican and candidate for the office Steve Martin. Some in the other parties seemed surprised the governor would appoint a republican. Martin is the lone republican in the August primary and it does give him a slight edge come November.
As Controller, Augustine was charged with ethics violations dealing with using office staff and state property in her bid for reelection, and instead of taking the matter to criminal court, then Attorney General Brian Sandoval opted to file charges with the State Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission found her guilty and fined her $15,000, which she paid. The guilty charge brought automatic impeachment proceedings in the legislature making Kathy Augustine the first state officer to be impeached in Nevada history.
Augustine was impeached on three charges in a unanimous vote of the state assembly and found guilty of one of those charges by the state senate. She was censured for her actions but not removed from office, but the impeachment forced the republican leadership to deny her backing of any kind during the current campaign.
Just 50 years old, Augustine's family had no history of heart problems according to family sources, but she reportedly had been suffering from stomachaches and heartburn during the campaign. Services were to take place in Las Vegas.
•••