The $504,000, two-year lobbying contract with Cassidy & Associates is up for approval at the Tuesday meeting of the state’s Board of Examiners, which is composed of the governor and other top-ranking elected state officials.

It’s no secret that Nevada energy companies — especially the state’s largest utility, NV Energy — are ready and willing to spend their money on state elections. The 2018 midterms were no different, as 36 companies and individuals combined to spend more than $497,000 on 59 state lawmakers.

They came for the petition but stayed for the burgers and fries. It was Wednesday afternoon in the Coyote’s Den, a Pahrump bar known for its bingo and karaoke. More recently, it has served as one of five locations where frustrated ratepayers could add their names to a growing list of Valley Electric Association members who want to oust the energy cooperative’s board of directors for what many see as financial mismanagement.