Gibbons shifts his priorities to state’s business

Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 | 7:02 a.m.

WASHINGTON - Capitol Hill bustled as lawmakers returned to begin the lame-duck session of Congress last week, with one noticeable absence: Nevada Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons.

The outgoing Republican congressman missed work in the House to concentrate on his transition to the state capital.

When Congress resumes again next month for the final days under Republican control, Gibbons has no intention of returning "unless they really need him to do so," a spokeswoman, Melissa Subbotin, said. "At this point, nothing has been close enough to the point where it would have made an impact on either side."

It's not uncommon for members to skip final days of Congress, especially if they are moving on to other digs. But the two other congressmen who are moving into governor's mansions are finding time for the Capitol.

Idaho's Republican Gov.-elect C.L. "Butch" Otter returned to Washington for the three-day House session last week and helped secure passage of an Idaho land bill that went to President Bush's desk for a signature.

Otter's spokesman said the governor-elect made a commitment to finish his term and is hoping to stand by it - even though he might have to leave early next month as he crams for a State of the State speech the first week of January. "He's planning to stay as long that week as he can," spokesman Mark Warbis said.

The House is scheduled to return Dec. 5 for its final work of the year.

Ohio's Gov.-elect Ted Strickland, a Democrat, missed last week but hopes to return to Washington in December if duties allow, a spokesman said.

The lame-duck session that began last week focused more on the incoming Democratic leaders than on the Republican team turned out by voters on Nov. 7.

But Congress still conducted work, passing a temporary spending bill to keep the government running. The House also tried, and failed, to pass a Vietnam trade agreement. Next month lawmakers will be voting to fund government operations.

Political scientist Larry J. Sabato of the University of Virginia gives Gibbons a pass for being a no-show. He said plenty of representatives ditch the final days for new priorities.

"I wouldn't call it bad form," Sabato said. "He's obviously got new duties - and that scandal," he said referring to allegations the governor-elect assaulted a woman after a night of socializing in a bar just before the election. "He's got his plate full."

Gibbons' spokeswoman said Gibbons' congressional offices remain open as he transitions to the state capital. He joined other newly elected governors in West Virginia last weekend for a retreat sponsored by the National Governors Association.

"He's certainly not on vacation," Subbotin said. "For 10 years, Jim has traveled back and forth, every Tuesday, every Thursday He always made it a high priority. But it is difficult at this time because he is setting up a whole new office, whole new position, making all kinds of decisions."

"It's not an easy thing when you're holding down two posts at the same time."