Editorial: Why should governor boost Bush?
Friday, Sept. 12, 2003 | 6:05 a.m.
WEEKEND EDITION: Sept. 14, 2003
Gov. Kenny Guinn came to a fork in the proverbial political road, and, to our disappointment, he chose the one more traveled. We're talking about his decision to actively support the re-election campaign of President George Bush. Guinn chose the easier path of supporting his party rather than the more difficult path of not helping Bush because of the president's stance on Yucca Mountain.
Guinn, an honorary co-chairman of Bush's re-election campaign in Nevada, told a Reno TV station that his support for Bush transcends Yucca Mountain. He said he could "very easily" be a part of Bush's re-election campaign here. "I'm looking at the holistic body of an individual and so that's the reason," Guinn said. In our view, no matter what other qualities Guinn may see in him, Bush put politics over a promise to Nevada. As a candidate, and later as president, Bush promised that science, not politics, would dictate any decision on Yucca Mountain. There has never been any scientific consensus on Yucca's suitability. Yet in February 2002, Bush approved Yucca Mountain and used his influence to gain the approval of Congress that July.
We wish Guinn and Attorney General Brian Sandoval, who is chairman of the state's re-election team for Bush, had taken their cues from a response by Nevada Democrats in October 1988. The presidential campaign that year pitted Republican Vice President George H.W. Bush against Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. Campaigning in Minnesota, Dukakis threw his support behind the congressional decision to designate Yucca Mountain as the sole site for study. He reversed his earlier position, which had favored reopening the site-selection process to consider other states, including Minnesota. An immediate rift arose between the Dukakis campaign and top Nevada Democrats, including then-Gov. Richard Bryan, who was waging his own race for U.S. Senate. Bryan distanced himself from the Dukakis campaign because he disagreed with Dukakis' position.
We have supported Guinn when he has spoken out against Yucca Mountain and when he committed state resources to a legal fight against it. That's his proper role. But Nevada's governor should not actively campaign for a president who would force the state to endure a future shrouded in nuclear waste.
archive
Spotlight
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Dina Titus to vote ‘yes’ on health care reform
- The Vegas Channel scam netted woman $200,000, officials say
- Report: Men shot by homeowner were looking for items to steal
- Technology is king at the M Resort sports book
- Woman shot to death following dispute at apartment complex
- Harry Reid: ‘No one is stopping’ maglev proposal
- Shelley Berkley says she will support health care bill
- Metro: Have you seen these 2 robbery suspects?
- Driver who ran over man waiting for ambulance accused of DUI
- ShoWest wraps with awards, wardrobe mishap, Hangover 2
Blogs
The Kats Report
Cowboys Stadium poses Texas-sized threat to Vegas (10 Comments)
The Greene Room
Despite MWC missing out on NCAA tourney's second weekend, 2011 will bring similar opportunities
The Kats Report
From Sammy Davis Jr. to Fred Astaire, Rick Faugno has it coverered
Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity
NASCAR drivers have memories like elephants
The Greene Room
Well what do you know ... Northern Iowa's done this before (2 Comments)
Rebel on the Road
Tough loss felt by this loyal fan (5 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Gibbons, lawmakers go to Supreme Court to try to compel water folks to transfer $62 million to state (4 Comments)
Calendar »
- 21 Sun
- 22 Mon
- 23 Tue
- 24 Wed
- 25 Thu
-
Mariachi Brunch at Cabo Wabo
Cabo Wabo Cantina
-
Pre-White Party party at Revolution
Beatles Revolution Lounge | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
March Model Madness at The Bank
The Bank | 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
David Copperfield
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati























