LAS VEGAS — Retiree Madonna Raffini, 74, recently embarked on a grocery shopping trip for herself and her 96-year-old mother. “I went into Walmart, of all places, and looked at the meat — these tiny stakes, just two of them, both less than a quarter-inch thick, priced at $18.99. That’s outrageous,” lamented Raffini, a former Wells Fargo employee. “We simply can’t afford to have beef anymore, or even chicken for that matter. So that’s my No. 1 issue” heading into the 2024 election.
Audrey Dempsey, a 72-year-old semiretired small-business owner who helped establish a photography and travel company with her husband over 30 years ago, is now the sole workforce remaining from a once-thriving team of nine who faced devastation from the pandemic. “It went in the toilet, without a doubt. We didn’t know how we were going to pay the bills,” Dempsey said, leaning on a cane that symbolizes the physical strain from her relentless work the previous night. Despite signs of recovery in the national economy, she noted that many former clients have failed to return. “Social Security contributes to covering our expenses, but we still find it necessary to work,” she added.
The proud Democrat supports Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Jacky Rosen, claiming that Democrats will defend Social Security and Medicare from Republican cuts while providing essential relief for struggling working-class families. In stark contrast, Raffini has criticized Democrats for their perceived inaction over the past four years, suggesting that both former President Trump and GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown are ready to tackle the pressing issues facing the nation.
Although these two Las Vegas residents represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, the core issues impacting their lives, at a time when they should be enjoying their retirement years, reflect a shared anxiety among Nevada voters as the 2024 election approaches — primarily focused on the economy. Concerns about the high cost of living, including inflation and skyrocketing food prices, particularly for essentials, weigh heavily on the minds of many.
The pandemic had a devastating impact on Nevada’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism. With casinos shuttered during lockdowns, the state recorded the nation’s highest unemployment rate at 28.2% in April 2020, resulting in hundreds of thousands losing their jobs.
The Nevada economy has since shown signs of recovery, with a resurgence in tourism as visitors flock back to the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, reviving casinos and entertainment venues alike. Large-scale events have become a norm once more, with the Super Bowl held in February and a Formula 1 race scheduled for later this month.
Despite recent positive economic indicators, such as a report revealing a 2.8% increase in consumer spending driving growth, many residents still feel the economy is in dire straits. David Fott, chair of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, pointed out that Nevadans’ perceptions of their economic situation are largely shaped by their traumatic experiences during COVID-19 and its aftermath. “It’s a hangover effect, a manifestation of the pandemic that lingers on,” he remarked.
In a stark contrast to the overall dropping inflation rate, housing costs in Nevada continue to soar. Fott emphasized the lack of affordable housing options, quoting a recent statistic: “To afford a one-bedroom apartment at minimum wage, an individual would need to work two full-time jobs.” This affordability crisis has been exacerbated by an influx of Californians relocating to Nevada, enhancing competition in the housing market.
In response to rising fuel and food costs, Nevada’s leadership has expressed concern over potential repercussions following new legislation signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom that allows regulators to require fuel refiners to hold more stock, fearing it could drive prices higher in neighboring states.
Many Nevada residents are worried about a proposed merger between two major grocery chains that could lead to fewer grocery stores in rural areas, resulting in job losses and higher prices. “Every trip to the grocery store feels like a budget-breaking experience, with prices at least double what they used to be,” lamented Marshi Smith, a 40-year-old Republican, emphasizing her concern for fellow Nevadans struggling to make ends meet.
Smith, who grew up in Reno and now resides in Henderson, believes that the economic issues facing the country disproportionately affect Nevada, where tourism is a vital lifeline. “If people don’t have discretionary income, they aren’t indulging in extra vacations. And since our economy thrives on tourism, that directly impacts local businesses,” she explained.
According to a recent poll, around 25% of Nevada voters ranked the economy as their top priority for the upcoming election — a figure that is notably higher than any other concern. As the political climate intensifies, former President Trump holds a slim lead of 1.5 percentage points over Vice President Kamala Harris, a considerable shift compared to President Biden’s 4-point lead at the same time four years ago.
Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen is currently ahead of her GOP rival, Sam Brown, by 4.3 points, although both parties are keeping a close eye, believing the race to be extremely competitive. “Nevada is known as a battleground state, and tight races are the norm here,” Rosen noted, emphasizing her awareness of the state’s political volatility.
Recently, a prominent GOP political action committee announced a sizeable investment of over $6 million in ads supporting Brown, underscoring the critical nature of this race for Senate control. During a campaign appearance in Las Vegas, Sen. Steve Daines of Montana highlighted Trump’s frequent visits to the state as an indicator of its importance in the upcoming election cycle.
Both Trump and Harris have been actively courting voters with specific policy proposals aimed at service industry workers, such as not taxing tips — a move that both sides have sought to claim as their own for the electorate’s favor.
As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, messaging is heavily saturating Nevada through advertisements and candidate appearances, while longstanding residents like Raffini and Dempsey grapple with the pressing issues facing their state and nation, albeit from vastly different political perspectives.
**Interview with Madonna Raffini and Audrey Dempsey on Nevada’s Economic Concerns Ahead of the 2024 Election**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining me today, Madonna and Audrey. You both represent different viewpoints in Nevada, yet you share concerns about the economy as we head towards the 2024 election. Madonna, let’s start with you. You mentioned that the rising prices at the grocery store have significantly impacted your life. Can you elaborate on that?
*Madonna Raffini:* Absolutely. I recently went grocery shopping for myself and my elderly mother, and the prices are just outrageous. For example, I found two tiny steaks priced at almost $19! That’s a luxury we simply can’t afford anymore. It’s not just about groceries; it’s the whole cost of living that’s become unbearable. This issue is at the forefront of my mind as I think about who to vote for in the upcoming election.
*Interviewer:* That’s certainly alarming. Audrey, you have a different perspective on the political choices ahead but also share a concern about the economy. How has your experience as a small-business owner shaped your views during this time?
*Audrey Dempsey:* Well, it’s been a tough journey for many of us. After the pandemic, my business was devastated. I was part of a team of nine, and now I’m doing this alone. While I support Vice President Harris and Senator Rosen because I believe they’ll protect vital programs like Social Security, I also see how hard it is for families like mine. We need economic support to keep our businesses afloat and ensure we can meet our expenses.
*Interviewer:* Both of you have mentioned the economy’s negative impact on your daily lives. David Fott, a political science chair, mentioned it’s like a “hangover effect” from the pandemic. How do you think this experience shapes voters’ perceptions in Nevada?
*Madonna Raffini:* For many of us, the trauma of losing jobs or facing skyrocketing food prices is still fresh. We see some recovery, but it feels surface-level compared to the struggles we face every day. It’s concerning that what we had hoped would be progress takes so long to impact our lives directly.
*Audrey Dempsey:* Yes, I agree. Many voters are wary. Even as tourism is picking up and the economy shows signs of life, the reality is that housing costs skyrocketing and inflation still pinches our pockets. The worry about how we’ll maintain our quality of life overshadows any positive news about economic growth.
*Interviewer:* With your contrasting political views, how do you see the candidates addressing the economic issues you both care about?
*Madonna Raffini:* I see a real opportunity with Republicans who are promising to tackle these issues directly. They’ve recognized that families are struggling and that relief is necessary now.
*Audrey Dempsey:* I believe Democrats will focus on safeguarding programs that many retirees like me depend on. Their support for working-class individuals is crucial in my view, even if the economic recovery feels slow. I think voters have to consider the long-term impacts of their choices, especially for the most vulnerable in our state.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Madonna and Audrey, for sharing your thoughts. It’s clear that while your viewpoints differ, the shared anxiety over the economy and its impact on daily life is resonating among many Nevada voters. As we approach the election, understanding these concerns will be crucial for policymakers.