Do endorsements matter? Voters divided on that, too

When it comes to gauging the impact of candidate endorsements, does a thumbs-up from the president matter more than, say, the opinion of your spouse? Or your county sheriff? Or a Kardashian?

For that matter, does any endorsement count for much anymore?

In today’s hyperpartisan political environment, the clout of endorsements might be on the wane. When so much in politics is painted red or blue but rarely purple, any single testimonial seems unlikely to add much to the conversation.

“I think a lot of endorsements are party-line, and so being an independent, it doesn’t sway me as much,” said Rebecca Garcia, a member of a voters panel assembled by the Review-journal for this year’s elections.

As with most subjects in politics, though, the matter is open to debate. Heading into the homestretch in this year’s races, the topic is getting attention in Nevada both for endorsements bestowed and those withheld.

Outgoing Gov. Brian Sandoval this week gave Sen.

ENDORSEMENTS

goals, let go of unnecessary burdens, or something else altogether.

And although organizers said the festival isn’t meant to be pegged to just one event or tragedy, the fifth annual event comes four days after the one-year anniversary of the massacre at the Route 91 concert on the Strip.

“It’s cool that RISE has become something cathartic for the community of Las Vegas and those that were part of the tragedy that took place on Oct. 1,” festival co-founder Jeff Gehring said. “This will continue to be one of the moments of healing for Oct. 1 victims because we’re always going to fall after that every year.”

Across the desert, people filled out their lanterns with multicolored drawings, Bible verses and messages for those close to them.

One woman, Camila Vicencio of Los Angeles, carefully penned “self care,” and “self love” on hers. She said her lanterns were about prayers and letting go.

“I’m getting married next year, so I’m praying for love, family, friends and health,” Vicencio, 32, said.

Next to her, friend Paola Neri wrote a prayer for her mom, who suffers from health issues.

“I’m praying just for healing,” she said. “I just want her to be happy, and she loves lights.”

Nearby, a young couple danced to the alternative music of Australian singer and songwriter Dean Lewis. On their lanterns, the Orange County residents wrote, “Love never fails.”

“It’s like hitting the refresh button,” Marc Hughes, 24, said.

His girlfriend, Rachel Zack, said the festival occurring just days after the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 1 massacre, was symbolic to letting the universe carry some of our burdens.

“It shows just how vulnerable life is,” she said. “How sometimes we don’t have control over what happens.”

Hughes added, “To see all the people here letting go of their sorrows at the same time. We’re all in this together, just as in life.”