Familiar Valley name making congressional run

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A familiar name in the Valley continues to try to make a political name for himself in the Las Vegas area. Danny Tarkanian served as an assistant for his late father at Fresno State between 1995 and 2002. The 54-year-old Tarkanian is back in the Valley to raise funds for his congressional run.

"It's hard when my dad passed and I think coming back to Fresno is more difficult than any place that I go back to because of the great memories here," said Tarkanian.

In November the Nevada Republican faces off against Democrat Jacky Rosen in the 3rd congressional district south of Las Vegas.

Tarkanian has run unsuccessful campaigns for the State Senate, US Senate, Congress, and Secretary of State but that hasn't dampened his political aspirations.

"Jim Sweeney, one of my idols, used to say you don't let temporary setbacks hold you back. It's only temporary setbacks until you stop trying," said Tarkanian.

We reached out to Tarkanian's opponent Jacky Rosen for comment. In a statement to Action News Nevada Democratic party spokesman, Stewart Boss, said, "Danny Tarkanian is an ultra-conservative career politician who has been running for office and losing races for over a decade."

The two candidates have yet to debate.

"She won't even put an issue page up. How are we gonna debate? She wouldn't know what to say," said Tarkanian.

Tarkanian said his competitive nature won't allow him to stop running for office.

Tarkanian spoke at a Donald Trump rally in Las Vegas. He said it's hard to tell how Trump will play in the general election.