Dear Brian,

Glad to see you back in the political arena. But it seems you are setting your sights too low.

The GOP is desperate for a strong candidate to challenge Sen. Harry Reid. I have watched you since your Assembly days and can honestly say no stronger candidate exists in Nevada than yourself. Reid and even Sen. John Ensign recognized this and undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief when you accepted the judgeship.

Now you throw a shock into the political world with the rumors about a possible a run for governor.

Why governor? After having served in the Assembly, as attorney general and a federal judgeship, any position you select is open. If you are seeking to do the greatest good, the U.S. Senate is desperate for real leadership, and Nevadans are equally anxious to stop our national humiliation at the hands of Harry Reid.

Now, perhaps your family does not want to live back east and deal with all that entails. If that is so, that’s understandable.

But consider: Is it better to serve Nevada – or the citizens of the United States? To help the state or the nation? Do not mistake my intent. You would make a fine governor. But you have a special opportunity to serve not only your state but the entire nation. And the Republican Party will embrace you nationally as a savior.

Yes, Reid has millions of dollars, but a viable candidate will attract equal or even greater amounts nationally. The degree of hostility Reid has generated with his extreme liberal agenda should not be underestimated. “Reid/Pelosi,” for many, now ranks with “Marx/Engels.”

A frustrated, economically worried nation seeks new answers and new leadership. Reid is highly vulnerable and he senses it. Nor is this scenario without precedent. Tom Daschle, in spite of tens of millions spent in his state, was beaten badly — and that was well before the economic depression we are in now.

While Reid likes to capitalize on his Searchlight/Mormon roots, his alienation from rural Nevada and the conservative Mormons is nearly total. His embracement of the entire extreme Democratic agenda and the media focus his high rank generates has exposed his true colors. His base is crumbling and his campaign war chest is his attempt to buy and bluff his way out.

One of his last bastions of support is “minorities,” especially the Hispanic population of Clark County. As a Bishop Manogue Catholic High School graduate and of Hispanic descent yourself, your appeal to the Catholic/Hispanic communities and the trust they seek will be decisive.

What I know about you is positive and I have watched you with high expectations. Frankly, I was disappointed with you taking the judgeship. What I don’t know is your heart. Are you by nature a fighter, a warrior, a man who can handle and even thrive in the battle zone of politics? Or is your temperament such that taking a tenured judge seat was what you saw as the capstone? I am hoping your return answers to my question.

If you announce a run for U.S. Senate, all of America will focus on you and many will see you as Nevada’s Bobby Jindel. Perhaps you feel you may be overreaching. All honorable people question their own qualifications. But as one of my heroes, Stonewall Jackson, said, “Never take counsel of your fears.”

Brian Sandoval, go for the gold. Don’t settle for the silver. Your nation calls.

Ira Hansen is a lifelong resident of Sparks and owner of Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing.