Columnist Jon Ralston: The Fearful Five are trying, but it’s unlikely to faze Titus

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005 | 8:54 a.m.

For Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson, it was the political equivalent of receiving that special notification from Ed McMahon. For state Sen. Dina Titus, it was tantamount to finding a foreclosure notice in the mailbox.

But whether Gibson is a primary sweepstakes winner or whether Titus might as well shutter her campaign, Democratic Party leaders have delivered an unforgettable missive that will resonate throughout the campaign for governor.

The purpose of the letter is undeniable: to boost Gibson's chances to win the Democratic primary and to undercut the raison d'etre of the Titus campaign.

This is no accident. There are few of those in politics. This is a backhanded anointment of Gibson and a frontal assault on Titus. Or, more accurately, this is that rare poison pen letter, not sent anonymously but signed by prominent officials.

Why would Sen. Harry Reid and four former elected leaders -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, Sen. Richard Bryan, Assembly Speaker Joe Dini and Gov. Bob Miller -- sign onto such a scheme? Simple: The Fearful Five are afraid that Titus can't win a general election.

So what does this letter actually say and, more importantly, imply? Here are the salient parts of the "Open Letter to Nevada Democrats" that suddenly appeared on the party's Web site last week -- with a few annotations:

"Nevada Democrats, and all Nevadans, should be proud and excited that the Democratic Party has two strong, committed and qualified candidates for Governor to lead our state and help us meet these challenges.

"Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson and State Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus have been powerful voices on the issues Nevadans most deeply care about.

"Both are good Democrats. But they are also great leaders whose accomplishments, dedication and values would serve us well in the Governor's mansion." Down comes the hammer. And right on Titus' head.

The good senator (and good Democrat) has been portraying Gibson as a closet GOP sympathizer, a way-too-conservative representative of the party who has done nothing for Democrats and will not govern as a Democrat. That is the linchpin of her campaign.

And now The Fearful Five have provided Gibson with prophylactic rhetoric to parry the Titus attack. He is strong, committed and qualified. He is a good Democrat and a great leader. Just ask Harry Reid et. al.

"This stands in stark contrast to the likely Republican nominee, Congressman Jim Gibbons, and the other Republican gubernatorial contenders, whose records suggest that their agenda if elected governor would set Nevada back and be dangerous for Nevada's seniors and families." Here comes the feint. Democrats are supposed to believe the intended targets here are the Republicans. Clever. Canny. And beautifully disingenuous.

"Nevada Democrats are a broad and inclusive party. While our two Democratic candidates may rightfully differentiate themselves from each other on issues, we believe that both share the same core values." So The Fearful Five are saying, despite what Titus may allege, Gibson is part of our big tent. Don't believe her. She is a liar.

Yes, that is what her party's leaders are saying, no matter how it is couched. So are they doing their partisan duty by damaging her campaign, or are they sacrificing whatever principles they have to present a Kerryesque (He's viable!) rationale?

This letter appeared, ironically enough, shortly after Titus was once again shown to be the frontrunner in the primary. But The Fearful Five believe that is evanescent, and they clearly think that the earlier they undermine her, the better for Gibson.

They hope this love letter for Gibson will be the kiss of death for Titus.

But hell hath no fury like Dina Titus scorned, so being jilted by the Democratic Party powers that be is unlikely to slow down her campaign to destroy Gibson.

The question is how much The Fearful Five have diminished her effectiveness by this anointment disguised as a call for unity.