Bortolin to join Gibson camp

Monday, Aug. 15, 2005 | 11:30 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Greg Bortolin, press secretary for Gov. Kenny Guinn for four years, is resigning to become communications director for Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, who is expected to formally announce next month for governor.

Bortolin, 42, said he will leave his present job shortly after Labor Day Sept. 5 and that Gibson will formally announce next month he will be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Bortolin, a Democrat, said it's been an honor to work for the Republican Guinn and that Gibson "possesses some of the same qualities as Gov. Guinn," including making the tough decisions required in the governor's office.

He said he was sought out by the Gibson camp, which is putting together the campaign staff.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, has already announced and campaigned in the rural counties this weekend for the Democratic nomination. Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, has said he intends to run for governor but has not made a formal announcement.

In late July, Gibson a three-term mayor, told his colleagues on the City Council that he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

Gibson couldn't be reached for comment today. He has repeatedly said he wasn't prepared to comment. Gibson, 57, has only said he was considering a gubernatorial campaign and would make an announcement soon.

Truckee Meadows Community College political scientist Fred Lokken said the entry of Gibson into the race will generate more excitement in the Democratic primary. He said the hiring of Bortolin "sounds like he is putting together a campaign machine."

Eric Herzik, a political science professor at UNR, said Bortolin working for Gibson shows the tension between the Guinn and expected Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev. The two have clashed publicly.

known," Herzik said.

Before joining the staff of Guinn, Bortolin worked five years in the communication department at the University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to that he worked in sports at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.