Security issues dominate GOP governors’ talks here

Erin Neff

Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 10:04 a.m.

When the Republican Governors Association meets each year, the discussion is about three things -- politics, politics, politics.

But as 16 of the nation's GOP state executives convene in Las Vegas this weekend, homeland security, the economy and emergency preparedness have pushed next year's major elections to the back burner.

All but 14 states will elect governors next year, including Nevada, where incumbent Kenny Guinn is vying for re-election. But bipartisanship continues to be the dominating mood, even within a partisan group.

"We spent four minutes earlier today talking about the elections," Guinn said Thursday evening at the MGM Grand Conference Center. "But the rest of the day was all about homeland security and rejuvenating the economy.

"We all have a little bit different worries, but they're all based on the same national crisis," Guinn added.

Several governors huddled with Guinn on Thursday evening to watch President Bush deliver a speech about homeland security. And although the RGA -- which just last year included Bush -- championed their leader, they also recognized a bigger picture.

"We as governors have talked about homeland security, but there's no partisanship during this period," said Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist after viewing Bush's speech. "I think the Republican governors here will, and I think all governors will continue to support this administration."

Guinn said this weekend's conference -- which ends Saturday -- will help him discuss issues with Nevada's neighbors due to the presence of Arizona Gov. Jane Hull, Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt and Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

"This gives us a chance to have all of us in close proximity," Guinn said. "It's also great for them to get away for a few days and that travel is a great message for the country -- to see all of them here."

Gov. George Pataki, R-New York, and Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., are among 13 of the nation's 29 governors not making the trip due to issues in their home states. Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, who took over when Tom Ridge was appointed Director of Homeland Security, and Michigan Gov. John Engler -- who is on the RGA executive committee -- also did not make the trip.

The governors of Connecticut, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin are also attending.