Gibbons to open governor’s run Aug. 31

Benjamin Grove

Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005 | 10:58 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., is expected to launch his candidacy for governor on Aug. 31, with announcements in both Southern and Northern Nevada.

Gibbons has not set exact times and locations for the announcement of his "political intentions," spokesman Robert Uithoven said. Following his Aug. 31 announcement, he plans to stop in several Northern Nevada towns during Labor Day weekend before returning to Washington Sept. 6, when Congress assembles after a traditional August recess.

Gibbons this month is traveling the state and attending fundraisers, Uithoven said. Gibbons expects an "extremely competitive" race, he said.

The race already includes state Sen. Bob Beers of Las Vegas and Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt on the Republican ticket, and is expected to feature Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins of Henderson versus State Minority Leader Dina Titus of Las Vegas for the Democrats. Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, a Democrat, also is considering jumping in as is state university system Chancellor Jim Rogers. In a surprise move, Rogers changed his party affiliation from Republican to nonpartisan on Monday.

Uithoven declined to discuss how Rogers' move would change Gibbons' strategy. The fact that Gibbons seems to be the focus of early attacks indicates he is the front-runner, Uithoven said.

'That's OK with us," Uithoven said.

Uithoven also declined to say how much money Gibbons has raised to date. His campaign announced that he had hit a $1 million mark last month.

Gibbons' wife Dawn, a former Assemblywoman, is expected to run for her husband's seat. Republican Secretary of State Dean Heller and Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, R-Reno, are also raising money for that race.

Dawn Gibbons will make an announcement within a month of her husband's announcement, her consultant Jim Denton said.