Columnist Jeff German: Reid claims Miller still could become part of Clinton team

Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997 | 10:30 a.m.

HE MAY HAVE given up on his dream job as ambassador to Mexico, but Gov. Bob Miller still could land a top spot in the Clinton administration.

At least that's what Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid says.

Reid, more than anyone, kept in touch with the White House as it considered Miller for the Mexico post during the past three months.

Miller dropped out Tuesday after it appeared he no longer was the front-runner.

The governor says he's not looking for another job with Clinton and now plans to focus his attention on finishing his last year in office. His term expires in January 1999.

But Miller adds he would consider a place in the Clinton administration if the president calls upon him again.

And Reid says he believes Miller, one of the president's good friends, could get just about any position he wanted, even a cabinet job, if he expresses an interest.

"The president would help him however he could," Reid says.

Reid adds he believes Miller could have been named ambassador had he been willing to wait a little longer.

"I think he just got tired of the process," Reid says.

The president, he says, is notorious for being slow to make such appointments.

"He grieves over decisions," Reid says. "His picks wind up being excellent choices. But it takes him forever to do it."

One thing Miller acknowledges he'll be able to do in the coming year is pay closer attention to political races, including the one to succeed him, where a Republican and good friend, Kenny Guinn, has emerged as the front-runner.

Miller says he hasn't heard of any other possible Democratic candidates for governor other than Assembly Speaker Joe Dini of Yerington and state Sen. Joe Neal of North Las Vegas.

Democrats, however, are happy that Miller won't be leaving Nevada during a crucial campaign year.

For the time being Miller says: "I've got the best job in the world."

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission may be back to its old tricks.

Chairwoman Kay Cole James, a Christian Coalition member who opposes gambling, has circulated a proposed agenda for its January meeting in Atlantic City that doesn't exactly seek to emphasize the casino industry's best assets.

Some casino executives already are grumbling about the way the two-day visit to Atlantic City, set for January 21 and 22, is shaping up.

The first field trip planned is not to one of Atlantic City's profitable casinos, but rather to a rescue mission behind the city's convention center and a pawn shop near the famous Boardwalk.

A formal tour has been set up at Donald Trump's Taj Mahal, but that's not until 4 p.m. on the last day of the meeting when most commissioners will be looking to head home.

A panel on compulsive gambling also is being scheduled, and the list of speakers scheduled to give testimony appears top heavy to some with those who aren't friendly to the casino industry.

The three commission members tied to gaming are likely to push for some modifications before the agenda is set in stone. Stay tuned.

There's more bad news for the casino industry out of Illinois.

The Illinois Legislature has passed a new law that could raise the 20 percent tax on casino profits to as much as 35 percent.

Gaming analysts already are predicting the tax hike could have a profound economic impact on the riverboat operations there unless the industry lobbies to repeal it.

Circus Circus Enterprises and Harrah's Entertainment Inc. are among Nevada companies operating riverboat casinos in Illinois.

The ramifications of the new tax also may be far-reaching outside Illinois, even in Nevada where casinos pay a mere 6 1/4 percent tax.

Those who believe casinos should be paying more for growth here are going to have a lot more ammunition now.

State Sen. Kathy Augustine says it's too early to predict her retirement from politics.

"I will be running for office next year," Augustine says.

Just what office, however, remains to be seen.

The Las Vegas Republican has told colleagues she's considering not seeking re-election, which has opened the door for the likes of Assemblyman Jack Close, R-Las Vegas, to run in her place.

Augustine says she may disclose her plans by the end of the month.

There has been speculation Augustine might run for state treasurer or controller.

Kenny Guinn has sent out his first statewide mailer promoting his campaign for governor.

The glossy campaign piece, mailed to 470,000 households and businesses throughout the state, stresses Guinn's leadership abilities and commitment to guiding Nevada into the 21st century.

The mailer also unveils Guinn's wife of 41 years, Dema, who's likely to be a tremendous campaign asset in the coming months.