Robert Daskas kicked off his campaign for Congress this afternoon at his alma mater, Basic High School in Henderson. The crowd was sparse but enthusiastic.

Daskas was introduced by Rep. Shelley Berkley, state Sen. Dina Titus and a colleague in the Clark County District Attorney’s office. Most effective, though, was David Mowen, whose son was murdered in 1998. Daskas successfully prosecuted the case, and the two are now close friends. That’s a surrogate you want speaking on your behalf.

Daskas told a little of his life story, and then pulled no punches on incumbent Republican Rep. Jon Porter. He questioned Porter’s decision to support President Bush’s Iraq War policy while not sufficiently supporting domestic programs such as college aid.

Daskas never mentioned that he’s a Democrat. Given the district dynamics — 50/50 Republican/Democrat and a lot of nonpartisans — that’s probably not a bad idea.

Porter’s spokesman said the congressman looks forward to a debate on issues important to Nevadans, once the Democrats have a nominee. Given that the primary is August 15, it seems dubious that Rep. Porter, an accomplished campaigner and politician, will just sit back and take attacks from Daskas for the next nine months.

More than anything, the event made clear this race will be one of the most fascinating Congressional races in the country next year.