2004 ELECTION: Gibbons rejects Senate bid

Las Vegas Review-Journal ^

[JohnnyZ]

My thinking is that Dean Heller was gunning for the governorship in '98 and wasn't happy when Kenny Guinn was annointed as the candidate. He's probably been gunning again for the governorship in 2006 but now Jim Gibbons appears to have his sights set on that.

His might as well go for Senate now, as Congress is his only other option, although I'm not sure how running would affect his sec state duties.

[randog]

I'm assuming neither Kenny Guinn nor Jon Porter would run.

I don't think Guinn could run for dog catcher and win at this point in his political career. Washington and perhaps Raggio would be OK candidates, but they don't have the state-wide political juice that Reid has. I really don't see anyone besides Gibbons (or Ensign) that could beat Reid at this point in time. I guess the only consolation we have is that, at least, he's not Hillary (although he has been known to schmooze with her...yuck!).

[JohnnyZ]

Washington and perhaps Raggio would be OK candidates,

Is there a younger Raggio? Isn't he like 70?

[randog]

Is there a younger Raggio? Isn't he like 70?

Yeah, I went to school with him, but he's not in politics (that I know of). I didn't think Bill R. was that old; besides, I doubt he'd leave his cherished seat in the assembly.

[votelife]

this is certainly dissapointing. I still think the GOP could make this a good campaign, but now it becomes a question of do they put the resources in, or just write Nevada off?

[Pubbie]

It can still be won if on of the statewide officers like Heller or Sandoval runs, Reid isn't out of the woods yet.

[votelife]

given how many conservatives have likely fled CA in the last year, I sure hope someone goes all out against Reid, we need some sanity out west!

[Atlas Sneezed]

Screw Sandoval. He carried RINO Guinn's water in the recent repeal of the state Constitution. He argued on behalf of the governor, not on behalf of the citizens he represents and the constitution he was sworn to uphold.

He is as tainted as ny of the state justices.

[Pubbie]

Then I guess it's all up to Heller.

[Clintonfatigued]

This is bad news, but not hopeless news. I am a former resident of Nevada. At this time, I think that Secretary of State Dean Heller is the second choice of the establishment. And Heller has strengths: a base in Carson City, which usually leans Democratic, and statewide name recognition. In 1994, he won by 20% his current post against a state Senate floor leader in a race rated a tossup.

[Clintonfatigued]

I wouldn't give up just yet. Secretary of State Dean Heller is a possible candidate. He's well-known and term-limited from his current office. And if he backs down, there's also state Treasurer Brian Krolicki and state Controller Kathy Augustine. Still, I think we owe Congressman Gibbons a standing Bronx Cheer.

[Xthe17th]

"and leaves Republicans scrambling to find a candidate"

Well this guy lives in Vegas. Can't be worse than anyone else the 'Pubbies'll find:

[JohnnyZ]

And if he backs down, there's also state Treasurer Brian Krolicki

Now HE was REALLY on board with the Guinn tax machine.

Sandoval's backing off a bit now, saying that it's a moot point since the legislature passed it with a supermajority anway.

[larlaw]

I agree. Sandoval showed himself both to be a RINO, and wishy-washy tool of the establishment. He could have really shown leadership by opposing the Governor and the Court's power grab, but instead laid low and carried Gov. RINO's water. (Further, his comment during the A.G. campaign about how he would enforce the law even if it required Jews to wear yellow stars like the Nazis did says to me he is not now, nor will he ever be ready for prime time.

Unfortunately, I also agree with everyone else that Gibbons was far and away the best candidate we had. I think Dean Heller is probably the second best, but I don't know he has the toughness to beat a dirty pol like Reid. Nor do I think he will be willing to even try since throughout his career he has seemed quite risk-averse.

Reid CAN be beaten, but only with a strong, well-funded challenger which we do not have at the moment. Very frustrating for us Nevada conservatives right now.