When Political Optics Go Up in Smoke

Grant Denton in the backwards ballcap, Pat Cashell on Grant’s left, he is blocked by the table ladies, and finally Ed Alexander with the grey beard.

We keep scratching our heads over the newest little political friend group making the rounds in Reno.

At Wednesday’s Red Move debate featuring Mike Clark and Jon Killoran, a rather interesting trio showed up together: Grant Denton, his occasional sidekick Pat Cashell, and their apparent new buddy Ed Alexander.

Clark addressing the issues, Killoran accusing Clark of being a Democrat.

Yes, that Ed Alexander. The same Ed Alexander reportedly still furious that he didn’t get his cannabis lounge dream in Washoe Valley.

And let’s not forget: Jon Killoran has accepted campaign donations from Alexander. So naturally people are going to ask questions when this little alliance starts popping up together at political events.

But here’s the bigger issue.

With nine women having publicly made allegations of abuse involving Denton, we find it fascinating — and politically tone deaf — that established political figures, wasn’t Cashell thinking of running for Reno Mayor, and business owners continue publicly associating themselves with him like none of it matters.

Maybe in their circle they think voters won’t notice.

But women notice.

Customers notice.

And businesses especially should notice.

Cannabis companies spend millions branding themselves as progressive, community-focused, safe, inclusive spaces. That image gets a little harder to maintain when ownership is casually hanging around events with someone carrying Denton’s level of public controversy.

Reno politics once again looks like the same old club where everybody shrugs, laughs it off, and keeps networking as long as campaign checks are still clearing.

The “Three Amigos” may want to rethink the photo opportunities.